Week 25 - January 21, 2019 (Camalaniugan, Philippines)

We lost the key to our house,
so we made a miracle of Filipino engineering

Transfer Day! Yesterday I found out I'm out of Camalaniugan, off to a new area. I'll find out what it is later on today. I'm so grateful to have had this as my first area- I've found so much joy in working with the members, teaching the people, and embracing the culture. Now comes the fun part- trying to fit all my stuff back into my suitcases, haha. 

A later note from Mark: (I'm going to Dingras B with Elder Baran- leaving early Wednesday morning it's near Laoag.)

Nachos at Juvals

This past week has been one of great work days and much progress, both personally and in the lives and spirits of our investigators. We've focused a lot on finding this past week, striving to seek those seekers of truth that Heavenly Father is preparing to receive His message of truth and hope. I've loved every minute- I never feel the Spirit stronger than when I have the opportunity to teach the Restoration of the Gospel in our day, and there have been many times this past week where that has been my blessing. It is perhaps the most wonderful feeling to see the Spirit click with someone, and have them understand that this is different- this is the truth, this is our purpose here on Earth.

Post-district council Pancit lunch

Great memories with some great members

On a related note, I've come to appreciate in greater extents the amazing power that serving others and developing charity has on our own faith, our own joy. There is no better way to live than one where you focus on others- just forget your problems, your worries, and help them with theirs. There really is no other way, and this is truly the way of Christ. In a study of His life, you will find no instance in which He did not turn His heart to others in every struggle He faced, and it is in our greatest challenges that this principle brings the most peace. "Forget yourself and go to work". The true meaning of this phrase is just to put all your heart and soul into the work of salvation, the exact work of our Heavenly Father. Whether this is sharing His Gospel, serving your fellow man, or simply being a good example to others, we all have a work to do here on earth- I testify that it is the plan of a Supreme Being for all of us to find joy in this life and the life to come through following the example of His divine Son. I know that God is real, that He is our literal Father in Heaven, and He has a plan for each and every one of us. How can any of us look up at the stars every night and not wonder Who it is that did all of this? The greatest peace we can find is in His love for all of us individually, and the way He demonstrated this through the gift of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This is the message I have the blessing to share every day- and the message that will ultimately bring peace and joy to all of His Children. I hope we can all seek our Father in Heaven, and see what blessings He will pour out into our lives- this is the hope, this is the faith, this is how we were meant to live here on earth. I love you all so much, I hope that your weeks are amazing, and all you do brings you closer to Him. 

Tatay Barillios- he worked with us almost every day,
 such a wonderful example of Christ in word and deed

Love,
Elder Griffitts

Oh boy- trying to pack my life back into
two suitcases is gonna take some time.