Week 73: Growth Means Change

Woah it's been a week. Me and Elder Hall have been working really hard and teaching a lot of people. The baptisms are going to flood in here in Batac! I've loved the people I've met here and so grateful for the opportunity to serve them and share my testimony with them.

I have some bittersweet news but we'll start with some pictures of course :-)

I did better on the pictures this week hahah

9/24/2019

This is one of my favorite families here in Batac. Love them. We had a really fun FHE here with some of the people we're teaching. Good people, good memories.

9/26/2019

Nature appreciation part 710

9/27/2019

We got home from the gym today and checked out in the back to take the trash out.. it was covered in white maggots.. agh so freaking gross. So we took some time and cleaned out the whole house. Here's a picture of the finished product. Just looks homely, right? The mini Christmas tree we found is a nice touch.

This is one of my favorite Tatays here in Batac. Whenever we see him we always say: "Tay!!!! GWAPO KA!!" Then he points at us and fumbles out "mas gwapo ka!!" hahahaha everytime. Translation: "Dad, you're handsome!!" - "You're more handsome!!" hahahaha it's a nice exchange that always leaves me with a smile.

Me and Elder Almeida went on an exchange which was a lot of fun. I love this guy. I've really appreciated having housemates and the stress relief it brings to have friends. He's from Colorado which is cool too. (Add that to the list of cool people I know from Colorado hahaha) We made plans to go see the x games after the mission hehe

9/28/2019

Here's the gym we found in our area. I've loved waking up early to get a great workout in. Such a good time.

On Saturday I think it was the hottest I've ever been. I honestly had to take of my tie because of how hot and itchy my neck/chest were getting. Luckily it started pouring rain later that day. Gotta love the Philippines weather. hahah

This is one of my favorite people we're teaching right now. We totally feel like we were led to him. We met him a couple times randomly and then a week later we stumbled upon his house while exploring down a new road. This Saturday he explained how sad he was when he first met him but he just feels so much peace and joy from the book of Mormon and from coming to church. He's accepted a baptismal date along with his children :)

Here are the pictures of the baptism we had on Saturday!! Really, really special and I felt really happy. I love this guy and his family. Teaching them has been really fun.

9/30/2019

Basketball with the boys. love them.

Well there's my week. I've loved and been so grateful for everything that I've learned and experienced here in Batac. I'm especially grateful for the many people that we've been blessed to teach and I'm excited to see their baptismal pictures.

I received a call from President Peterson last night. He explained to me that I'm getting transferred, and I've been called to be an assistant to the president.

I tried to tell him about all this work we have going on here and how I love my companion and this area but he said if I wanted to tell him no he could get me a plane ticket home. hahahaha.

I'm excited for the new change. I'm humbled and grateful for every opportunity to serve others. I've learned a lot so far in my mission and I'm excited to learn even more.

I've been told they're coming to pick me up later tonight and then I'll start as an AP. I'm sad to leave Batac and everything that I love here. I've never been more comfortable/content in my mission. But sometimes to grow means having a change :-)

Love you all! Have a great week!!

Elder Childers