Week 30: Joy Beyond Measure

Hello everyone!! Kumusta kayong lahat! This week has been a good one for me. I was able to have some cool experiences that have changed my perspective on a lot of things. I went on an exchange with Elder Durbin, one of my zone leaders. I shared with him some of the problems I've been experiencing in my time on my mission, and he shared some advice. Basically this week I've been pondering/studying about the concept of "doing".

He told me that in the mission (or in life really) there's a common misconception that there is only followers and leaders. But, really despite if we are in a position to follow to to lead, we can choose to simply just DO.

The words of this hymn came to my mind over and over again this week:

1. Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone's burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

(Chorus)

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

2. There are chances for work all around just now,

Opportunities right in our way.

Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"

But go and do something today.

'Tis noble of man to work and to give;

Love's labor has merit alone.

Only he who does something helps others to live.

To God each good work will be known.

I love that hymn so much. At random times during this week, lines from this hymn have popped into my head as a reminder to go and talk to the one who is alone, to stop watching the NBA game on and actually talk to the members, or to spend more time with the people and teach them about Jesus Christ.

We all have a great opportunity this Christmas to spread the love of Jesus Christ to all the world. Let's light the world by doing good! Maybe put the cellphone down for an hour, go spend time with people, spread the LIGHT and LOVE of Jesus Christ.

The promise is that when we sacrifice to help others and to do good, we experience "joy beyond measure". And I certainly know that is true. I love you all, make it a great week! Do some good!! :) Light this world up!!

AGYAMAN

Elder Childers

Pictures:

It was a members birthday so we made some pancakes for her :) Masarap, she was very happy!

For the national day of service we went to an elementary school and did some clean up. I mainly shoveled in the back which was not bad! The lupa was good. The principal and the teachers were also really funny because they started talking to me in English and then were very surprised when I was able to reply in Tagalog.. ;) My Tagalog is improving. Right now I'm pretty confident that I could have a conversation with pretty much anyone. Elder Durbin told me, "It's already all there, you just need to act a little confident and then you'll sound fluent"

Also I tried Balut for the first time... AGH

GO COUGS!!