We were able to follow up with someone the Sisters had given a pamphlet, Hermina, and I seriously love her! She is so sweet, and so open to listening, and always has great things to say. She said she would come to church next week with us, so I hope she is able to make it!
Ahh one really interesting experience was being yelled at in Riconada (the language here) by a old Nanay while we were teaching her grandchildren. We couldn't tell anything that was really being said, but we understood by the tone, and hand motions we were to leave. We didn't realize that their Grandpa was the Father, or Priest of the HUGE Catholic church under construction by the house. I mean we could have guessed with all the Santos, and images everywhere, but a lot of people have that here. The granddaughter is really interested to know more about us though, so we might try and find another place to teach if her parents are okay with it.
Wednesday we had exchanges in Buhi with Sisters Alipoon, and Gregorio. That is probably the most beautiful area I have been to. I know I have seen little of the Philippines, but it was gorgeous. We could see the top of Great Mayon, there is a lake there, rice fields, and many little mountains. Speaking of which, when I was with Sister Alipoon, we went to go contact a referral which turned out being in this little village on a mountain. We may have hiked up a bit to get there haha. It was so beautiful, and almost hidden out there. It amazes me how many people are here, and off in places you never would have known there were. We found the family, which it turns out the whole village is one family haha. So they plan on returning there again another day (:
We have been tracting so much, and talking to everyone we meet. Sister Bersola is so good at talking to people and getting right to our message. She is a wonderful example to me, and I am grateful to be her companion here in Nabua. They area is tough at times, and we face many rejections, but people are also accepting, and I know there are people the Lord has prepared to receive the Gospel. We had no investigators at church yesterday, but that just means we have more work to do (: One day at a time, one scripture at a time. There are things to learn, and little things we must do to have big results.
On Saturday, the Couple Missionaries worked with us, and we were punted at the first 2 places we tried, but then went to Roseanne, an investigator Sister Bersola said they haven't been able to teach a ton. She has a 3 month old baby and her brother died a few weeks ago at age 20. There had been a fight, and I don't know the whole story, but he ended up passing away and I know we came to her at the time she needed. We taught her the Plan of Salvation. The Gardner Couple (Elder and Sister) are so sweet and they testified of families being together forever. The Spirit was there so strongly! When we left she and her cousin told us "masirap ang pakiramdam", which means they felt really good while they were there (: ahh I love being a missionary and being able to be an instrument to help people feel the Holy Ghost, and feel comfort in their life.
A miracle for me yesterday was I was asked to teach Sunday school, and my companion has had a cough, and she told me I could do it, so I taught the whole Sunday School lesson. Funny thing is I was the Sunday School teacher in my ward before I left, and I felt I was able to teach a way better lesson here than I ever did there, and it was in Tagalog. I have really grown in my knowledge of the gospel, and I know that I have become more fully converted. I love this church, and know that it is the stone that will roll worth, that cannot be stopped.
The Spirit is real, Christ lives, and He is there for us every step of the way. I love this church with my whole heart, and I love my Savior. He is the reason I am here, and I know that He wants each one of to be able to return to Him one day. Missionary work is there to help His desire, and we all must be fully engaged in this good cause. Don't be afraid to share, they will thank you for your effort (: I love you all and hope this finds you well. xoxox
Sister Vanessa Webster
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