Week 20 - December 17, 2018 (Camalaniugan, Philippines)

Dearest Family and Friends,

Three of our wonderful investigators-
Jocelyn, Lilian, and Anghelita

Hello and Merry Christmas to you all! (yeah I know, one week to go) I've got a ton to say in this entry, because I've got about two weeks I've gotta cover- so I'll try to summarize it all. First off, a week ago we had the baptism of Jhoe Mar, a great kid who lives just across the street from the church. He is a wonderful spirit, and I'm so happy we had the opportunity to teach him. We also had a super fun fellowshipping night the week before, where a bunch of nonmembers and the branch got together and had some fun activities and of course at some great food. Then of course we had the Christmas Con over in Laoag, which I described last week, that was super fun and we learned a ton of new stuff. Elder Larona got transferred, and my new companion, Elder Nielsen, is from Sandy, Utah (don't remember if I mentioned that in my last post). He's been out 18 months now, so he's on the back half of the mission. He's an awesome missionary, and the best part is he just wants to be out working, so that is what we have been doing.

Baptism of Jhoe Mar Calanoga- He's a cool kid

It has been a wonderful challenge to lead the area- it has pushed me to new lengths in the language and planning. Especially now that we are out working so much- I've had to rely on the Spirit to know where to go like never before. It is a definite work in progress, and quite frustrating sometimes, but I am so grateful for the miracles we see and the people we get to teach anywhere and everywhere. I have seen miracles in the language- now that I am responsible for talking to everyone, the Lord is definitely helping me to have the ability to say what I need to say when I need to say it, and help these people feel the Spirit. It's such a powerful and rewarding feeling, to come home after a full day of work and just know that I was out doing the work of my Savior. 

Oh boy guess who's baking cookies

As for the work, it is good. We wake up at 6:30, exercise, breakfast, and companion study, and are out working every morning by 9, try to get in a couple good hours of teaching, then come home around 12:30 for lunch and language study. Then we are out again at 2, out teaching until 7:30, when we come home, eat dinner, and do personal study, write in journals, and wind down for the night. The days are busy, but oh so rewarding. I'm excited for this upcoming week though, we have a branch Christmas party on Wednesday- that will be a great opportunity to grow closer to the members and fellowship those we are teaching. The work is great. I'm so grateful to be here, especially now during the Christmas season, and wear the name of Jesus Christ on my chest. I hope you all have a wonderful week, and a very merry time preparing for Christmas. Love you all, see ya soon!

Love,
Elder Griffitts

The branch president in Aparri on exchanges
(He said he knew Elder Jenkins, that was cool)