Week 18 - December 3, 2018 (Camalaniugan, Philippines)

At some ruins of an old church by the river

Before going out caroling with the youth (at the church)

Dearest family and friends, it's a Merry Christmas season over here in the Philippines. I'm so lucky to have been blessed with a place that so fervently celebrates Christmas, even if it remains a steady 90 degrees throughout the holiday season. It's been a good week over here, we've got some good work done, and we had an awesome time on Saturday going caroling with some of the youth in the branch. One thing I've learned pretty heavily this week is the importance of balancing high expectations with stress- in that I'm striving to set high goals over here, and have hope and faith in their coming to pass, but at the same time avoiding discouragement if they don't. One really powerful experience I have had this week is in my study of the Book of Mormon, I was in Alma 37, those chapters are some of my absolute favorite, and read verses 6-7, about small and simple things, the topic of my farewell talk. And I was feeling really stressed out about all the things we had to to, and then I just thought- the small and simple things that Heavenly Father works through, that is us. Heavenly Father is not a God of complexity or confusion, but a God of truth and simplicity. His Gospel is simple. His Way is simple. And we must come unto Him simply and meekly in order to do His will- it's not us doing the work, it's Him. So it renewed in my mind the importance of humility and patience with myself, others, and the work- even when I feel discouraged with the way it is going, or feel we aren't making much progress.

Out caroling (Jhoe Mar is the kid in the front)

My training is over next week, which is something somewhat scary, but also exciting, to me. The time has flown by, but I really look forward to seeing what this next cycle brings. I'm trying to remain humble and cheerful, just do the simple things, work as much as I can, testify, study the language, and find peace and inspiration in the Book of Mormon. We've got the mission Christmas Con next week, I'm really excited for that. We also have another baptism this Saturday, a great kid named Jhoe Mar, who we've been teaching for several months. I seek to love these people more every day, and the best way to do it is going out among them, and testifying of the things that have brought me joy. As long as we keep our lives simple, and live the gospel, the blessings will flow- I know this is true. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season, and always remember to light the world with the infinite light of our Savior, whose life we celebrate. Love you all!

Love,
Elder Griffitts

Some of our awesome investigators- Anghelita, Lillian, and Joseline-
Lillian has come to church the past two weeks despite the fact that she can't walk!