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On a tricycle going out to one of our areas, Casili.
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Hello Everyone!
This has been a crazy and hectic past couple weeks, I don't even remember the last time I made one of these. But here goes this one, I have to make it a bit short.
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| Beautiful Sunset! |
My first area is Camalaniugan 2, in the Calagayan area over on the east coast. My companion is Elder Larona, a native Filipino from near Manila. He is a wonderful trainer, and speaks both English and Tagalog very well. We live in a little apartment off the highway, no running water or anything. Also, we apparently usually have electricity but there is none of that yet as of the storm, which has been pretty rough. We are very busy every day, even though we don't get to get out until later with everything that is going on. That has been a struggle for me, as I feel the need to go out and teach these people who are so receptive, but we always have so much else to do to take care of. Other than that, the language has really been tough, I am understanding people a little more every day but I still feel like I can't speak it at all. I'm trying to open my mouth, but that has been quite ineffective as no one knows what I am saying.
There are some great experiences though. We have a baptism coming up this Saturday, the 6th, and that is very exciting. On that same note, I extended the baptismal invitation to two of our investigators a few days ago for October 27, and they accepted! That was an incredible experience for us, we were not planning on it but the Spirit was so strong there. Today is my two month mark, that is another fun fact I guess I just realized. Elder Larona's one year was on Saturday. Also, Elder Jenkins is like a legend here, haha, he was like the perfect missionary apparently so I hope I can keep Auburn 2nd in good standings.
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| The beautiful countryside! |
Some final words, I have had some great foods here. We had balut in the MTC, that was pretty gross. I also had dog on Saturday, that was actually pretty good. And some cubes of blood. The food is really interesting here. Finally, I heard a quote this week that has really kept me going, especially missing you all so much more than I ever thought was possible. "Don't be afraid to give up the good to receive the great". This is applicable to all areas of this gospel, whether as a new member or a missionary. We need to constantly be moving forward, changing, becoming more like Christ through His Gospel. I know this is how we will become the happiest in this life and the life to come. I love you all so much!
Love,
Elder Griffitts
There are some great experiences though. We have a baptism coming up this Saturday, the 6th, and that is very exciting. On that same note, I extended the baptismal invitation to two of our investigators a few days ago for October 27, and they accepted! That was an incredible experience for us, we were not planning on it but the Spirit was so strong there. Today is my two month mark, that is another fun fact I guess I just realized. Elder Larona's one year was on Saturday. Also, Elder Jenkins is like a legend here, haha, he was like the perfect missionary apparently so I hope I can keep Auburn 2nd in good standings.
