The Philippines are calling and I must go... : Week 14 - November 5, 2018 (Camalaniugan, Philippines)

A sunset in Casili

Hello everyone! I hope your week has been wonderful. It has been great over here, so much growth and learning this week! The beginning was rough, thanks to the bagyo that swept through here Monday and Tuesday. We didn't end up evacuating, but we had to stay in our apartment all of Tuesday, that was quite painful and boring, but I guess necessary. But after that, the week flew by. We had transfers on Wednesday, so we were with Elder Reamon, one of the Zone Leaders, because his companion, Elder Rees, was transferred to be an AP. So it was pretty fun, being a threesome for a day, and we went to their area, Santa Ana, which is super pretty and there are some great people there. In similar news, I learned so much this week about the power and influence of members on missionary work, and missionary work on members.

So we've been working with members a lot this week, they are so amazing here in the branch. We have a few that love to go out and work, and have been such powerful fellowshippers for us, and friends to those who are coming to church. Yesterday, actually, we did splits so I was leading in the lessons with some members, so it was Tagalog lang (only). That was a really wonderful experience, and I am so grateful that the language is coming more and more as I rely on the Spirit. And not only have I been seeing the blessings which come to those we are teaching, I have been seeing the strength and unity it brings to the branch and everyone in it. Yesterday in Elders Quorum the branch president had everyone give us a referral, so we are going to have a wonderfully busy week next week. And when we are all joined together in one effort, in inviting all to come unto Christ, our testimonies and love can grow together, and we in turn become more converted. Missionary work is so powerful, so wonderful for us all.

At the beach in Aparri

Today, Monday, has been one of the most fun days so far as well. We had a zone activity in Aparri, which borders the ocean so we all went to the beach and played European Handball. Yeah, I know, an American in Asia playing a European game. It's like Ultimate frisbee but with a volleyball. And it was so much fun, how I have missed just being able to sprint. The ocean was so beautiful, this area is so incredible and I am so blessed to be here. The sunsets are absolutely stunning, and the stars at night are incomparable to anywhere except the Sierra Nevada's. So clear. So I guess I am just very happy that I'm becoming more comfortable and at home here, it is such a beautiful mission with such good people. I pray that I will be close enough to the Spirit to just become an instrument in the Lord's hands and love them enough to bring them to a knowledge of this divine truth I have been called to preach. I love you all, have a wonderful week!

Love,
Elder Griffitts