July 28th, 2014 - Last Letter Home, still in denial that I am going home. I love this Gospel and I am grateful for all it has helped me become.

Well I am still in denial that I am going home. Even though all my bags are packed (and I'm sure overweight... oops! ) I still cannot get myself to think it’s almost all over. I think most of you know I am not good with goodbyes, but strangely I have been okay. I think it’s slowly building up, and the water works will start on the plane, but I just feel so gull of love and comfort. This has been an amazing week for me and the Lord has blessed me so much in the last week I have had in the mission field. I have learned so much, changed a lot, and have felt the power of the Atonement help me become more of the person God wants me to be. I have really been reflecting on my mission and realized the amount of growth I have had is unbelievable. I feel so grateful for all the experiences I have had and for the love I have felt from our Father in Heaven. Even if it hasn't fully hit me that my mission is almost over and I know it is going to be hard to go back home, and leave here, I know God will help me through it.

This week has been the best! Wednesday I had exchanges with Sister Birk, and we had a great day teaching. Even with our curfew we were able to teach 7 lessons. She is an amazing missionary and she and I had some good talks when we were studying at night.

Sa Thursday, Sister Adkins and I taught the lesson on the Plan of Salvation for District Meeting and we both felt prompted to assign the different parts of the plan to companionship's and have them find the simple doctrines and testify of how the doctrines have changed their life. Each section, and each topic was so inspired and it was a great time with our District. We were locked out of the church, so we asked our landlord to let us use the empty apartment next to ours for our meeting... haha it was fun. It reminded me of bearing our testimonies at girls camp by the campfire, but this was missionaries, in a dim apt with no electricity sharing testimony of the plan of salvation. It was great! Then something great happened that night... we got power!!!! I thought we would not have until I left the Philippines! Not every area has it, but the places closer to centro do! I actually liked it better studying by candlelight but it was great to be able to listen to MoTab and EFY again (:

Sa Friday, we had an awesome lesson with the best family here, Cynthia and Reynan. They seriously know it’s true. We taught them about the Plan of Salvation. Brother and Sister have been reading, and they taught us what they have been learning and they were so excited they learned that there are three kingdoms of glory, not just heaven and hell. Their kids are so cute and play with my hair, fall asleep with their head on my lap, and always rummage through my bag looking for candy haha. They were a referral from a member, and I have been so blessed to been able to teach them at the start of their conversion. That night we celebrated Sister Lomas birthday. Their house is half gone from the bagyo, but they are still smiling! She said she'd come to church on Sunday and DID!!!! She hasn't been able to come since March so we were leaping for joy!

Saturday, we headed to our farthest area, Bagacay, where there are a lot of recent converts. No big deal we walked like a football field plus through rice fields, through the woods, over some rivers, and banana trees to get there (: I loved it! We were able to teach 3 of the recent converts out there and get back in time for a surprise lunch Sister Salamat and Sister Salima at Graceland. They bought me a cake roll and we all loved our "sisters" lunch. I love those Sisters so much! I'm really going to miss them! We then went to the baptism for a less active member’s daughter. She just turned out, but her grandparents, and aunt and uncle are active and she is at church with them every Sunday, so she was able to be baptized with some of the Elders investigators. The girl’s mother, who is not a member, came, and we were so excited! I have gotten super close to her these past few weeks, and we are always laughing! She reminds me of my mom (: always doing so much for her children, while laughing and smiling. After the baptism, we worked with two sisters in the ward, and were able to go teach some of our investigators. I felt the Spirit so strong when we were teaching one of them, Hannah. I was teaching her about Joseph Smith, and the words were all just flowing out of mouth so fast and when I recited the first vision and testified of it, I was tearing up, and she was too. The Spirit was so unbelievably strong. I know with my whole heart that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and through him, God restored His true church. We then were able to teach again one of our investigators, Doris, which we haven't been able to teach in forever. She read Alma 5 and literally gave the most amazing explanation for what she understands, and then even applied it to herself. I wish we got to teach her more while I was here!

Sunday, BEST ONE !!!! We got to church and so many less actives came, then Elvie, one of our investigators with polio came! She brought her 3 boys, one being 4 months old, and it was so great! Then, Cynthia and Reynan and their 3 little ones all came! A family at church!!!! I love teaching families! Then surprise we had 2 investigators come we haven't been able to teach in a while either, then Jl's family (Jl was the one baptized last week), mom and dad (who is a member) came! It has been a while since he has! Pretty much we were so happy! All the sacrifices, hard work, and efforts finally showed forth some fruit! I bore my testimony during sacrament meeting, and said some good byes, then as we were walking home we saw Joven, Camella (a less actives), husband in his tricee and he told us Sister Camella had her baby, so he drove us to the infirmary and we got to see her and the baby! It is a little baby boy (: He was so cut, wish I could have held him... when I come back (: afterwards we ate lunch... Sister Salamat made us spicy noodles that she makes in Pakistan.. soo good! Then back to the church for a meeting, and I got to see the Baer family (the family in my first area, Liezel)! They bought me sugared pili-nuts! They are so sweet! I got to go to their house to say goodbye today! Pretty much I am so filled with joy! It was the best day, even when it started POURING rain, and we were soaked, we were able to teach Elvie, and she said she wants to go to church the rest of her life, she felt so happy there, then Cynthia and Reynan and we reviewed the Restoration with them. Brother said that they are looking for eternal life, and I started crying! I feel no one says that these days. As a father who is searching for the important things, with an eternal perspective... ahhh I love them. They accepted a baptismal date also, and I am so excited to keep hearing about their progression.

This has been the best week! I am going to miss Sister Adkins. We have gotten so close, and she has helped me so much in this last part of my mission. We really have noticed the growth in each other from the MTC to now. I have learned so much here on my mission, but I know God is not finished with me yet. I still have much refinement, which is the beauty of the Gospel. Elder Gong said, "We can gratefully accept, as God’s sons and daughters, that we are His greatest handiwork, even though we are still a work in progress.". I love this Gospel and I am grateful for all it has helped me become. I hope you all are ready for some tears of joy when I come home! Can’t wait to see all of you, (and for those on missions, can’t wait to keep emailing (: ) Love you all so much! The Church is true (:  xoxox

July 21st, 2014 Typhoon Glenda - Life throws us challenges, storms and we need to make sure we are spiritually ready of our shallow roots and thin branches wont last.

Well this has been quite a week for the books! We were hit with a signal number 3 typhoon named Glenda last Tuesday and have been helping people recover from it. We were on lock down all of Tuesday and the bagyo (storm) started in the afternoon. We sang hymns by candlelight to get our minds off of the loudness of the storm around us. Part of the roof in our back porch flew off, and it rained a lot, but the worst was the wind. There are so many HUGE trees all over the place. Kids are playing all over the trees and some houses have been completely destroyed. We went to several less actives house and investigators and their house are either gone, or falling apart. It has been so sad to see, but when they are all wearing smiles, we don't really focus on the bad. Seriously I love Filipinos and their positively. They seriously just pick up the branches and start to build their homes again. We also had the highest church attendance in a while.. Which we thought it would be low! And our baptism on Saturday still happened. 

After Tuesday, (the typhoon), we were able to go out after about 4 pm and go help people clean up some of the debris. We had no cell phone signal from Tuesday night until Saturday night so we didn't know if we were allowed to leave or what not, but we had our landlord ask the Zone Leaders who live in one of her other apartments in another area if we could go and they cleared us to go. We came back before dark (there is no electricity and won't be for about a month of more) and have been doing everything at night by candlelight.

Thursday, we were supposed to have district meeting but it was canceled and we were able to go out and work instead. We had our practice interview with JL for his baptism and he did great, then we were able to go and check the damage in our other areas. It is quite weird to be stepping over power lines and trees. All the banana trees are down, I have yet to see one that survived since they are so light. We have been all getting really close at night since we have to come in and study. I have learned how to thread hair from Sister Salamat, I guess everyone does that in Pakistan, and we have found some big spiders in our bathroom, washed laundry.. Yeah pretty much it has been soooo hard to have to come in so early, but we have been getting letters written and all of our studies extend to longer. We are being as productive as we can be! 

Friday morning, Sister Adkins and I had walked by a house the day before that looked like it needed some real help, even though it was on the other side of the street it was in the area of the other Sisters, we offered to help them, so we did with the other Sisters. We helped clean up the outside, and inside of their house. Their roof had partially been removed so there was a ton of debris everywhere, but it looked so much better after we had all left. They said they would love to take the lessons and would try to come to church. That night JL passed his interview, but the District leader wanted him to watch the Restoration movie to better understand Joseph Smith so we went to Biggs' a restaurant with a generator and watched the Restoration haha. Never thought I would teach a lesson there.

The next day was his baptism and the font took some time to fill but it was a beautiful service and the Spirit was so strong. I am so happy for him and his mom, who is not a member came to church and we were able to teach her for the first time! The gospel really opens hearts of people! She used to be taught by the missionaries, but had stopped and was not wanting to be taught for some time, but now she does again (: That night we were also able to teach Grace. Her husband is an inactive member and they are not married yet. The missionaries had stopped teaching her but we decided to start again and she came to church on Sunday (: She knows the Book of Mormon is true and really wants to be baptized, but they have no money to pay for the papers to get married, but we are going to help them save for it and hopefully by the end of this year it can happen. 

Sunday was a good one, even though it was hot with no aircon, or lights we had 169 people at church! It was awesome! JL received the Gift of the Holy Ghost and he was beaming. He is such an awesome kid, and I am grateful his baptism has helped his family all come closer to together. We had a Ward Council meeting and we had a ton of avocados given to us so we made guacamole and brought it. They all loved it. They don't know what it is here, and they use avocados as dessert. It was fun, to see their reactions to it. 

This has week has been crazy and it has made me realize how grateful I am for the little things like cell phone coverage, electricity, fridges, and the little things we often don't realize we depend on. But I am also so very grateful for the lessons I have learned. Life throws us challenges, storms and we need to make sure we are spiritually ready of our shallow roots and thin branches won’t last. I am so blessed and grateful my mission has helped me deepen my roots in the Gospel and build a stronger foundation on the things I do know. I love this Gospel, I love my family, and I am grateful that we are still okay and surviving over here in the Bicol region. I love you all so much and I will see you all before we know it! xoxoxox

      

Mom's Note - Vanessa returns home on July 31st, she has only a few days left to help clean up after the Typhoon. Glad she is safe, please pray for the Philippines. Thanks :)

Downed Typhoon Tree

July 14th, 2014 - In order to become like Him, we have to be willing to change our hearts

Well it has been the week of birthdays! We celebrated Sister Adkins birthday, and Sister Salimas, then our less active members birthday sunod sunod (back to back). It has been a good week and SURPRISE.. We have a baptism on Saturday.. and we found out this week (: I will explain later haha

So for starters, we had an interesting Monday, where we were rejected tons, and all we could do was laugh it off. The family literally hid from us, sent the Tatay out, and had him try to awkwardly shoo us away... It is kind of hard to explain haha, but back to back we were punted and rejected, but I am grateful we keep on keeping on (:

Tuesday, AMAZING day! Exchanges with Sister Salamat. I live with her and her companion on Goa and she is from Pakistan. She has been in the Philippines for about 4 weeks and is learning English and Tagalog. I seriously love this girl so much! She is so positive even though she has been struggling. I cannot imagine having to learn so much all at once, but I have seen the Lord helping her so much. When we taught in the morning we went and found a former investigator. I don't know why the missionaries stopped teaching her, but she had been taught so much. She told us how when her daughter was sick, the Elders came to give her a blessing and she got better right away (: It was a great lesson, and the we went tracting, and met this woman who is great friends with a member and had a stroke a few years ago. She was so nice, and then her friend came into the room. We started testifying of the Restoration, and the one friend started sobbing and saying how she has been so sick, and financially struggling, and everything is piling up.. Sister Salamat bore her testimony of God’s love for all of us, and the Spirit was so strong in the room, we were all crying. Then we invited her friend to kneel and pray, and all of us were crying even more. It was as if there was a blanket of love around all of us, and I did not want to leave. I seriously know that the most important language I must speak on my  mission is the Language of the Spirit, it overcomes any barrier, and is what truly converts. Then that night we found more formers, and had some great success and then we had a dinner appointment/lesson at an investigators house. Taught them how to do family history and we filled out pedigree charts.. I cannot wait to work more on family history (:

Wednesday, was Sister Adkins birthday. In the morning we went and talked with Barnagays offering to help with events, or activities they have, then I felt prompted to go give a pamphlet to this random security guard at a radio station. He was so receptive, and as we were walking away he right away was reading the pamphlet. We plan on going back to him (: Then we went to lunch with the Higleys. Emma is a sister of a ton of members here and they are visiting from West Jordan,UT.. Yeah they live by the McGraths a little i found out. But anyways Emma’s son Tyler just got back from his mission and they want him to baptize his cousin, JL, who is 9 years old. He always comes to church and Primary, and they are here until the 22nd of July, so JL is getting baptized this Saturday and we had it cleared by our Mission President that he could. So we have been visiting him every day to get him ready. He is soo cute! Our first lesson he cried when we sang I am a Child of God. We are excited for their family (: Then later that day we were able to find more former investigators. One family, the father has been to church so many times and was so close to baptism then he moved away for work. I love looking for former investigators, because they already have a base of the church and have heard some of the lessons before.

Thursday, we had one lesson with one of our progressing families and I was teaching how God has given us agency, and the mother said.. I have chosen Born Again.. it about ripped our hearts out, and Sister Adkins and I looked at each other and were silent for some time, then we felt to teach about the process of baptism, with the right authority like in 3 Nephi.. The Spirit was so strong and the investigators told us we can keep coming, and they want to learn more (: I love promptings, and the truth. I have come to realize so much the power of the Priesthood, and without it we couldn't be saved.

Friday we taught a lesson at the door of a less active teenager, who is searching for the truth. He is almost running from it to have something big happen so he will have no doubt it is true. So often people think conversion is a big time event, when an angel will appear to you, but for me, and most people, it’s through small and simple things that we come to know the truth. It was a powerful lesson and he has so many questions. We invited him to kneel and pray to know the truth. We felt the Spirit so strong, and he said he didn't. It was so hard to help him understand it, but we came to understand that he needs to continue and restart his reading, prayers, and going to church.

Saturday, we went to one of our far areas I have never been to, and it was beautiful! I am really going to miss the beauty of the Philippines! The palm trees, coconuts, bananas left and right... rice fields... i am so lucky I am serving here (:

We were searching for a referral later in the day and met this man who is a  teacher at the college.. He was speaking English to us, and said we could come back and teach his family that night. We did, and the Nanay, and all 6 children were ready to listen to us! Then the lightning storm started, and we saw the lightning strike right in front of their house, and the power went out.. we were a little scared just because we were pushing it close to curfew and had to catch the bus home, but Brother has so many questions about the rock on which Christ's church is built... and much more, but it was great and we are excited to go back to them (:

Sunday, church was great, has some meetings where we talked about our church tour coming up on July 26, then we did splits and I worked with Lherna. We taught some of the recent converts, and I got some buko (coconut) out of a tree with a bamboo pole and a knife at the end of it (: Then we found some less actives and they haven't had missionaries visit them since 2012. Glad we found them (:

I seriously have been reflecting so much this week on the growth I have seen in myself, and it is so much! I am still myself, but so much better, refined, and closer to my Savior. I want more than anything to do family history work right when I get back, and share with everyone! I love this Gospel. I always have, it’s just more engrained into me now. I hope all of you let the Lord change you. In order to become like Him, we have to be willing to change our hearts. I still have so much to work on, but I am loving this time I focus on the change in others and in myself. Love you all so much (: xoxox

Sis. Webster and Sis. Adkins, both from Spokane,WA

July 7th, 2014 Remember through small and simple things, great things will come to pass

This has been a busy week, and it is crazy to think that this is the week we went to Manila. It feels like 3 weeks ago. When we were in Manila for fingerprinting and for my visa we all were so excited our hotel room had carpet and aircon, but by the end of the evening we had to turn it down and I was frozen wrapped up in a blanket haha. We were there for less than 24 hours, but it was good, and I got to catch up with Sister Barlow (my follow up companion), Sister Horst, and Sister Taylor (MTC batch). We got to hear each other’s mission stories and all the amazing things we have seen on our missions.

Right when I got back, we had exchanges with the Naga 3A Sisters. I worked with Sister Stettler. She is friend with Bree Ann Fausett. I told her Bree is getting married and she was really excited for her. She said Bree went to her farewell! Small world. I forgot how we connected the dots, but we somehow did (: We had some really neat lessons and at on appointment we were able to teach a whole family outside of their home. They were so interested and I am excited to hear more about the following visits.

Wednesday, we had Missionary Leadership Council. It was a great council and we really discussed what more we can do for the missionaries to be more exactly obedient. We were told, "Exact obedience needs to be a culture". We have so many different cultures of missionaries serving here, but one we all need to adopt is the culture of exact obedience. There is no other way to truly see miracles as a missionary. I have come to realize that in its fullness here on the mission. We must also be obedient to Gods commandments in order to receive any blessing.

Thursday was a funny one. This cute little 3 year old, Leah, got attached to Sister Adkins, and wouldn't let us leave the area. She screamed, cried, and we could hear her all the way past the terminal which is by their house. She is adorable, and loved holding her hand! We both love the children here so much! WE had been able to teach Leah's parents, and they have been reading in the Book of Mormon. They both told us they are looking for the truth, and we just smiled and told them they are close to finding it (: I love meeting people who the Lord has prepared so much to hear the Gospel. We also were able to teach a less actives husband who said he wants to be baptized. They are not married yet, but are going to be in December. The same less active, came to church yesterday and bore her testimony (: She is about to have a baby, and literally such an amazing woman. I look up to her so much. We walked by her house Saturday and she was chopping wood. she is 9 months pregnant, so we stopped her and did the rest for her (:

Friday, we got to teach one of our favorite families again, and they are slowly progressing. They have been praying to know the truth, and every time the mother talks about it she looks like she is about to cry... she said she felt it’s true. Step by step (:

Overall, on Friday, and Saturday we have been able to teach so many families. It has been our focus and even if the progression is slower paced, I know it will make for more of a lasting conversion, and will lead to families being sealed in the temple (:

I am grateful the time really is not passing by so fast, and I'm still able to keep serving and make a contribution to the Goa 1st Ward. We have had challenges with Investigators Attending Sacrament, and we have been slightly bummed these past few weeks, but we keep on trying out best, and knowing that in the end it is their agency to come or not to come to church. We are going to continue being bold in our invitations and help them understand the commandment.

I have really come to realize this is not my time, this is the Lords time. I read an awesome article this week in the newest Liahona about the Book of Mormon and how it is the instrument in the Gathering of Israel, and the preparation for the Second Coming. I am so blessed to be an instrument in the gathering, and help lead God's children back to His fold. Of course I am excited to go home, and start a new phase of missionary work there, but I will not let that in any way effect the work I still have to do here. I love my mission and I am gonna end it right (:

I love all of you, and I am so blessed to be a part of the hastening of the work here in Goa. Keep sharing your testimony and remember through small and simple things, great things will come to pass (: xoxoxx

June 30th, 2014 - I am beaming right now with happiness

This week has been an eventful one. I feel it has been so fast, but also so long.
Monday was fiesta, and we faced the challenge of being in Centro with all the people, but we made it, and enjoyed seeing all the parades and dance competitions they had going on. We taught one of our new families we have been teaching, and the mother said she felt President Monson is a true prophet and we have living prophets today. It just makes sense! Then we taught a mother the night she was about to go into labor. Not gonna lie if I was about to give birth, and I was waiting for my husband to come home, I don't know if I would want the missionaries teaching me, but she wanted us to and we shared with her about prayers and encouraged her to pray before they left for the hospital. (We saw her baby this week, a baby boy, sooo cute (:.. I swear half the people we teach are pregnant or have new born babies).

Tuesday, We had exchanges with the Tigaon Sisters, I worked with Sister Moulton, and I was so grateful to work with her. She is from Maryland and reminds me so much of Sister Emily Culp it is crazy! I thoroughly enjoyed myself that day and we saw so many awesome miracles and the Spirit was very strong. I feel all the people we taught had done their commitments, and had noticed the difference in their lives.  

Wednesday, We had exchanges with the Lagonoy 2B Sisters. I worked with Sister Alitini in my second area (:  I was able to go back and see so many people! I feel like it was just yesterday that I was there! One of the nanays squealed, and jumped, and cried when she saw me! I was so happy to see her too (picture attached is with her)! Even though I was only there for 6 weeks, I seriously loved that area! I got to visit with our recent converts there. ahhh so happy to see them (: They have been having some trials and haven't been able to go to church for a few weeks, but we helped them realize all the growth they have had and how the Lord has given them so much more now. They went to church yesterday! I know the Lord called me to Goa 1st not just for the people here in the ward, but the sisters we work with, and the other area/members I worked with previously. I was so blessed to be able to go back there (:

Thursday we were locked out of the church for District Meeting, so we had out meeting at Biggs restaurant hahah. They have a conference room upstairs, but it was just funny having it there, then we had to all eat there. I order Filipino food now at restaurants haha I'd rather have laing (a dish here) and rice, than a burger.

We taught Lisa that day, and she reminds me so much of Hermina from Nabua. She said she feels we fell from heaven and she hasn't gone to church in 8 years and hasn't felt the desire to, but now she does (: I really like teaching her!

Friday, we decide to fast, and let me tell you, so many blessings! Found a less active, taught powerfully about the Book of Mormon, finally got to contact this amazing family Sister Adkins met in a tricee, and we just felt the Spirit so much!
Sunday, I was able to see two of the young men we started to teach in Goa 2nd and they were baptized in December. Attached is a photo them and some of the youth from Goa 2nd ward. I seriously was so happy to see them!

I have noticed how hard Satan works on the missionaries closer to going home, and how exhausted my body is, but I know I must keep giving my all up until the moment they tell me to take off my name tag, and that starts a whole new type of missionary work for me. I have been making plans to reactivate family members, give Book of Mormon to friends, and neighbors, and to continue rising my warning voice to all who will listen. I really feel I have let my mission change me and I am excited to apply it when I do go home.

I just love missions! They seriously are the best. It’s so hard to explain the happiness we feel, but just so you know I feel like I am beaming right now with happiness. We have had a hard time getting investigators to church and we are going to work so hard, but I have just come to realize so much I have to find happiness in the little things. The fact that someone read a verse is one step towards conversion. They prayed to know, another step.. The Gospel is something they have to take in, accept, and live. It’s not easy, nor is it easy for me, or any member of the church, but we must do it. I always have said, the hardest things in life are the most worth it. It’s hard to walk to straight and narrow path, but if we do, and we endure it well, and, if we keep His commandments and endure to the end we shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God (D&C14:7). I love this Gospel. Endure Brothers and Sisters and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we shall all be able to qualify for eternal life! Have a good week!
xoxoxox
Sister Webster

June 23rd, 2014 Back to where I started...... GOA

DRUM ROLLLLLLLLLLL

My new area is.......       GOA!!!!!!!!
Back to my first area! with.... SISTER ADKINS! (from Spokane and same district in the MTC)

My first area was Goa 2nd Ward, and now I am in Goa 1st Ward, but I had met many of the members last year when I was here. I have also seen so many of the members from my first area! We were running this morning and I saw Sister Mayeen, she jumped and squealed when she saw me! I was so happy! I seriously have seen about 6 people just today from the Goa 2nd Ward! I got to see Liezel Baer yesterday... ahhh made my day (:

Being in my first area again has helped me reflect so much on my life as a missionary. I always felt, or wondered if I had made a difference in my first area, with the language barrier, and such, but the Lord qualified me last year for the calling of a missionary, and He is qualifying me to be a Sister Training Leader here in Goa. I am excited to be able to work with many of the same Sisters again. I just feel so much right now this is where I am supposed to be. I know this was so inspired! I also am so grateful that Sister Adkins is my companion! Her and I are from the same stake, and were in the same district in the MTC. I am learning a lot about myself, and I am seeing how much I have changed since I was here last year.

We did a 5 K race on Saturday that the Pulis officers and Firefighters put on. It started at 5:30, and went until about 7:30! We found a potential investigator, a less active, and offered to volunteer clean up with the Pulis and Fire station. I am so glad we did, and it was fun too! We jogged, talked, OYMed, and enjoyed the run. It was majority uphill and now my legs are killing, but Sister Adkins and I have been running every morning, so I am getting more in shape (:
We have been tracting a ton this week, and I am so grateful for my experiences in Nabua, because it more fully prepared me to come back here and get the work hastening one step at a time. I think coming from a group too I have such a positive perspective here, because the church is much more established here and members work with us all the time. In fact we did splits yesterday and I worked with a Sister preparing to go on a mission and so did Sister Adkins. We have been focusing a lot on families and that is our vision for this transfer and for Goa, to complete families, get people married, and sealed in the temple. We have a lot of less active, part member families we are working with, but we are finding the right balance for focusing on less actives and finding new investigators.
We have one new investigator whose brother was baptized last year, who we met this week and she wants to be baptized! We set a date for July 26, and she came to church on Sunday. She is so ready and the Lord placed her right in our path. I feel we keep having situations like that where we keep meeting people the Lord has prepared for this time, right now. One Sister we met had already been taught by the missionaries, but Sister Adkins found her two weeks ago. She has a Book of Mormon, and really is so curious. We taught her from Alma 11 about the Resurrections and she said, "Ganoon ba?", meaning "like that really?" (poor translation, but around those lines hahaha ). She is awesome!
Pretty much I am so happy here. The new Sister missionary in the mission is Sister Salamat, from Pakistan, and we are living with here. I love her so much. She is just learning English, and Tagalog, so we sign a lot of stuff, but she inspires me so much! She has been through so much in her life, and even to just to be able to come on a mission. I love the cultural diversity I have been able to have on my mission!
But, all in all, I am so happy. I have been reading Jesus the Christ the past few weeks and I am loving it! I am learning so much about the birth of Christ, and the role Mary, John the Baptist, and many other people had in Christ's life. I know this is Christ's church here on the earth. I know He loves us so much, and wants nothing more than for us to return to Him, and our Fathers kingdom. Make each day a better day, and know I love you all (:
Love Sister Webster

June 16th, 2014 The worth of souls is great in the sight of God; Sad to leave Nabua

Well Brothers, and Sisters, its official, I am being transferred from the best city in the Philippines, Nabua. I have been here since January and I love this place so much! I seriously feel I know so many people here, the area has progressed so much, and I have witnessed so many miracles here. I surprising have not cried too much, except last night at the Antonio family's house. Believe it or not, I don't cry as much as I use to haha (for those of you who know me... I am known for always crying haha). But seriously this place has been made a sacred place for me. I have grown more in this area, than any other area. I have felt so much closer to my Savior, because I was able to serve here. I am not going to lie, it was so hard at first, and it still is a challenge, but the Lord has molded, and shaped me so much here, and I will be forever grateful for this small providence town in the Philippines, and the person the Lord helped me become while I was here.

This week has been a good one, and has been so nice since we didn't have any exchanges, we were able to work in our area everyday!

On Tuesday we were able to contact a mother I had spoken with at one of our service projects. She welcomed us in right away and we had an amazing conversation about families. Her son has some disabilities, and she shared with us how he has made their family so much stronger and really is what holds them together. Many families here have children with disabilities, and I have such a testimony that the Lord places His special children in families to strengthen them.

Wednesday, we went to look for a referral, ended up finding her cousin, but it was where the Lord needed us to go! She is awesome, and the hardest working mother I have met. She works out in the fields, does massage therapy on the side, and sells the food they grow in their yard. People here amaze me! I wish more people in America (myself included), were so self-reliant and hardworking like the Filipino people. Later in the afternoon, we decide to go and tract in a new area we have never been, and ended up going down the wrong road to return to one of our areas, but we were led where we needed to be. We met a woman who lost her husband in February, and with the loss of Sister Alibogha's brother two weeks ago we have been studying the Plan of Salvation so much. We all teared up as we taught her from the beginning all the way to eternal life and the Celestial Kingdom. I felt the Spirit testify to me so strongly that the Plan of Salvation is true. We know where we came from, and where we are going, and what we need to do to gain eternal life. I love the knowledge God has given us through the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. We do not need to be people wandering to and fro wondering where to go. We have so much to help us! She found so much comfort from the message, and I did too (:

Thursday, we tried a new finding method we thought of, showing the Restoration video in the first lesson. We have been trying to be creative and trying different approaches. It was neat. We watched it with some college age students, and they seemed to enjoy. They were able to relate to Joseph Smith and how he searched for the truth. Then, we watched it with one of our investigators, and she cried. She had a baptismal date before, but her family discouraged her from it, and said she shouldn't. She really knows it’s true. I hope we can help them realize this is the truth, and all of them and come to know the truth. I have come to realize so much that we HAVE to teach families. When families are converted, they are more likely to stay in the church.

Friday, we had an FHE with Almazen family! I love them! I attached a photo of it!
Then we were able to teach Alvin and Sheryl, and Sheryl told us God answered her prayer and she knows Joseph Smith is a Prophet. She said while she was praying she asked and right away she felt as if there was cool air around her and it startled her. The Spirit speaks to people in many ways.

Saturday, we went back to the one investigator who read until Alma last week, yeah she is in 3 Nephi 24.. almost done! She is awesome! She highlighted 3 Nephi 11 and said she felt so good while reading that chapter (: I love the power of the Book of Mormon. Then we had District Conference Part 1, and Hermina came! It was in Iriga, which is a distance to go, but she did!

The following day was District Conference in which Elder Quentin L. Cook was broadcasted in with Sister McConkie and Bishop Davies. It was really good, anddddddd Alvin, Sheryl, Twinkle, and their 3 girls, and Hermina came! (: Then 2 of our recent converts! They came to Iriga! It was sooooo good, and we were able to show them the baptismal font there. They are really excited for their baptism and keep working towards it to be ready! I told them, when they are sealed in the temple one day, i will try to make it back! I love this work! Especially working with families!

I am really going to miss this area, but I know the Lord has something in store for me somewhere else. I love the Philippines, and I am so blessed to be serving here. Read your scriptures everyone and know that the Lord is always there for us. I love D&C 18:10-16.. "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God " (:

June 9th, 2014 - Families are Forever, Happy Birthday Dad !

This week has been quite hard, and I have been trying to be the best support I can to my companion. We found out last week her brother passed away. She is doing pretty well. We just try to stay busy and work hard so she isn't thinking about it. I honestly look up to her so much! She has been through so much since she has been here on the mission, but is strong, and continues to share the strongest testimony. We taught a lesson about the Plan of Salvation to an investigator, and she taught it so powerfully from the heart, and talked about the loss of her brother, but the hope of the Gospel. I love her! FAMILIES ARE FOREVER !

This week we had exchanges and were in Naga Monday through Thursday morning. Monday we went to Naga and got out X-rays to make sure we don't have tuberculosis, and we are clear (: No sickness there! Then Tuesday and Wednesday we were on exchanges with the Naga 3A and 3D Sisters (Sister Prestosa/Sister Rosenberg and Sister Mariano/Sister Ramos). The first day I worked with Sister Mariano. We tracted/ used different finding techniques the whole day. The Lord really placed a lot of amazing people in our path that day.

Then I worked with Sister Rosenberg on Wednesday, and we also found some amazing people. We met one boy who knew a member that I knew in Naga, and that night we saw the member, Leo, waiting at the church to go to manila to enter into the MTC. Small world, and so cool we met his friend’s family earlier that day. One woman we taught poured out her life to us how she had found out she had cancer, but put her trust in the Lord and she has been healed. She expressed that the Lord really is the best doctor, and will bless us if we put our trust in Him. I am excited for the Sisters to keep teaching her.

Thursday, we were able to have many good lessons in one of our further areas. I feel overwhelmed sometimes with how big our area is, but we can only take it one house, one door at a time (:
Then Friday, I worked with Sister Roderick on exchanges in Nabua. An amazing day! Reunited with my aki (child-trainee). The Gardner couple worked with us, and it was 4 white, white Americans driving around in a car.. we stood out! haha But I took her to see all the people I have grown to love here so much! I seriously love Sister Roderick.. I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives. She and I are always laughing, and the funniest things always happen to us. We were able to teach so many lessons, and feel the Spirit throughout the day. The Lord is really hastening the work, even since I have been here.

On Saturday I bought Balut-the half embroynated duck egg..from a less active member and I thought hey I have ate this before, I can do this again... it was way more developed than I could handle... beak, feathers, eyes.... yeah I just ended up taking pictures of it instead haha. THEN, I found a teeny, tiny dead snake stuck to my bag.. took some photos of that too... It was a weird day of weird animals. haha

Back to spiritual things, haha we had one investigator we met a few weeks back, read all the way until Alma 9! She lives kind of out of the way, but we have felt we need to keep going there, and she says when she has spare time and her daughter is napping, she reads! She said she knows it’s true and that she feels so good when she is reading (: That was so neat! I was in shock... we have a hard time getting people to read the Introduction sometimes haha.
But, all in all, the Nabua group is doing great! We had 50 in attendance yesterday! We are loving the area, and working with so many families... they take longer, but we are helping them all make the change, especially the Tatays. I love this area.. and if I am to stay here, I would be so happy.. but I will go where the Lord needs me to go (:
I have come to realize so much this week the importance of supporting my companion and forgetting myself. I feel when it is so hot sometimes, and I am soaked in sweat, I play the poor me card, but there is no good time for a bad attitude. I have been really trying to smile through everything.. the rejection, sweat, trials, seeing disobedience in missionaries, and realize that what really matters is losing my heart, might, and mind in the work. The Lord will show us many more miracles if we are giving it our all (: I love you all, and I am so blessed to be here serving the Lord. Have a good week - and happy bday dad (: / Happy Father’s day to all the Tatays (: xoxoxx
Sister Webster

June 2nd, 2014 - A week of Challenges...

This week has been a good one, and full of its own challenges.
We had a service project that was really successful on Tuesday morning, and we were able to help the investigator finish up their roof with the Elders. I really am so grateful for service projects. They soften the hearts of people. We have been teaching this family for quite some time. I feel that we have been searching for the opportunity to serve them, and it came. We helped tie the grass (niba) to their roof.. Well the Elders did that part and we were in charge of cleaning the yard and getting rid of the old roof. It was a good time, and then one of the recent converts, a Tatay rode by on his bike and stopped to help too. He randomly felt to take that road, then he saw us (:
 He was baptized last month and we are teaching all his daughters (:

And speaking of cleaning, last Monday we deep cleaned our apartment. We removed the nasty ant infested linoleum haha and floor waxed the floor and it looks okay, but we might need to wax it again. I am just glad the ants and centipedes are all gone now.. …. if only we wouldn't find cockroaches every once in a while, I'd be even happier. haha

Wednesday, we had exchanges with the Bato Sisters, and I worked Sister Ramen. We worked in our area and we were able to go visit the family she had actually tracted with Sister Pal last exchanges. They are one of our progressing families we have been working with, and it was so neat for her to see that the family she had tracted has been coming to church, reading, and have baptismal dates.   (FYI – Tracting is when Missionaries knock on doors)

Then Thursday we had the Mission tour with Elder Nielson of the Quorum of the Seventy, Turns out their son, Dave, was roommates with Jace McLaws, companions in the MTC and on the mission. Sister Nielson gave a talk about companions and mentioned how Elder McLaws, who served in Japan, who had helped her son so much. I asked her after if it was Jace, and she said yes! haha Small world really. She said Jace got married recently too! Congrats Jace! But the day was filled with the Spirit and I was so uplifted. Then the leaders in the mission had a meeting with Elder Nielson, and were able to share all the things God had revealed to us that day. For me, I received an answer to a long awaited prayer, and I am so grateful the Lord gives us direction, often through other people. We sat with them at lunch and Sister Nielson says she loves Mexican food, and her personality reminded me so much you mom. I really do miss Mexican food haha! I request grandpa tacos on the Sunday I am back haha (:
Friday we weekly planned... the time has been flying by so quickly! We planned for week 5 of our transfer! I want time to slow down! We had to go find one of our investigators at her aunt’s house and we ended up pretty far out in our area, but on the way back we got to cross and long hanging bridge... scariest thing of my life hahah but so cool! I will send some photos (:
Saturday was a busy one, and we were able to teach this amazing girl we met last week she is only 14, and has been reading the Book of Mormon, came to church, and said she is praying to know if the church is really the true church. Uh okay, they Lord is preparing the youth of these days big time. She is so cute, and turns out she met Sister Barlow when she was assigned her, and they gave her a pamphlet. Which she still had. Now we just have to get her family on board!
Sunday was a good day too, the weather has been really humid, hot and then it will rain a ton.. Yeah rainy season has started now. Sister Alibogha has not been feeling super well. She is actually anemic, so we came in early for her to rest. I kept my self-busy updating the area book, and reading the Book of Mormon in Tagalog. I am in Alma 38 now! My goal is to finish before I go home. I love reading it in Tagalog, because the language is much simpler and sometimes the passage stands out better than it does in English for me.
I am so blessed to be serving where the Lord has called me. I keep looking around the Philippines and thinking... man was I lucky to be called to such a beautiful place. The Lord knows where He needs us to go. I have such strong faith that He will lead me in all aspects in my life if I will put my trust in Him. My favorite passage lately is found in Acts 5... To understand the whole story you should read the whole chapter but the part I love is verses 41-41:

41 ¶And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

I feel so ready to suffer, feel persecuted, and be rejected for His name. I know that the sacrifices I make here and for the rest of my life for His name will bring me the greatest joy, no matter how hard the suffering may be. I will not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ. I love this Gospel, and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. Prays always, and put all your trust in Him. I love you all (:

My Comp on the Scary bridge :)

May 26th, 2014 I am blessed to be one of his servants

I LOVE NABUA! I seriously love this area with all my heart. It is tough, has challenged me, but I am so blessed to be laying the foundation here. We had 42 people at church yesterday, and only 15 of them were members. Sister Alibogha and I had 10 of our investigators there! That is the most I have ever had in my entire mission come to church in one Sunday. We were beaming! I know the Lord has been placing people in our path. We really focus on families and 3 of them came yesterday. We are helping them get ready for baptism, and there are always things that come up, but we are making sure that they are ready, and worthy.

But this past week we had exchanges with Iriga zone 1b, zone 2b and Buhi zone  C Sisters. It was quite a busy week, but a good one.

I worked with Sister Deyro here in Nabua on Tuesday, and we also worked with the Gardner missionary couple. We were able to teach someone Sister Alibogha and I had talked to the other day while walking. He is a father of 2 and his wife works in another country, but it was such a good lesson. His oldest daughter who is 18 is super interested too, so I am excited to return to them. And the best lesson followed. We taught Alvin and Sheryl. Elder Gardner gave Alvin a Fathers blessing to help him avoid temptation and to help with his word of wisdom trials. It was so beautiful and it was all in English, but the Spirit was so strong! Afterwards the Elders came and gave their daughter a blessing because she had a really bad infection on her finger. It was such a testimony builder for them and we taught about the Atonement and Faith (: Brother said he feels sick when he starts smoking and has cut back each day. They also really are excited to be baptized, and then stated they feel church is a waste of time when their children are misbehaving and they can't focus, but we bore testimony of the importance of church and they came yesterday (: I love this family so much! They are the one with 3 little girls and I see my family in them at times (:

Then on Wednesday I worked with Sister Cabatuan the happiest missionary ever, and my sister in the mission! Sister Morales was her trainer also, which makes her my sister hahaha. (Missionary terms lol ) She is a joy to be around, and it amazes me with all she has been through with her family how strong she is in the gospel. Her parents are not members, and her sister who is a member is less active. I met a family whose son lives in West Valley, Utah.(Don't worry Grandma, Grandpa and Mom I got their address and plan on visiting them when I get back!) She and I worked in their area, and I am not one to teach a ton of teenagers or pre-teens but we just kept meeting the most amazing ones that day. The one 12 year old girl asked, "Is there really a heaven and hell?, Why did Christ have to suffer for us?".. and many more. I gained such a strong testimony this week that the Savior really is so close to the younger ones. They are so in tune with the Spirit, and much more humble. No wonder Christ tells us to become like a child, or we cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

Thursday District meeting, and we had to weekly plan on that day also... so it was a long day, but we got to get out for bit to teach.

Friday, I worked with Sister Alipoon. Right when I got there she said our first appointment was with Rosarita (: She said she has been waiting for me to come back. Rosarita, is the less active girl I met the last time I had exchanges there. She usually would hide from the missionaries, but I was prompted to try harder and ask her about her Book of Mormon reading. In that lesson last time, we taught the Atonement. I cried, she cried, and the Spirit was there so strongly. I left her a note when I left. They have been able to teach her ever since and she has gotten closer with the missionaries. I was so happy to see her, and there was such a difference in her countenance in just one month. I felt so blessed to have been an instrument to a girl, even not in my area. I have come to realize we have the power as individuals to help people in such small and simple ways.

That same day in Buhi, a less active member family's son passed away from cancer so we went for a little bit to support the family.

Then later that evening it was Sister Mauai's birthday we Sister Aligogha and I surprised her with ice cream and cards.

Saturday,we had a Group Family Home Evening at the church... and it was a huge success. We had 2 of our investigator families come, and some others, the Elders did too, and a lot of the members! It was awesome! We played a ton of games and decided we are going to try to do it every month.
That night.... I may have left our house keys in the house on haha. We stuck a long bamboo pole in through our window and used it to get the keys by twisting the lanyard onto the bamboo and pulling it out as fast as we could. We had called the Elders to come help us, but by the time they ran there... we had retrieved them haha. Good times! That would be the second time I have left the keys in the house on my mission.  

Then Sunday (: ahhh the best day! We went to one of our far areas in the morning to an investigator we just started teaching. Last time I was certain they were not interested.. we came back... yeah I  was wrong. The wife read all the way until 1 Nephi 3, even when she has children to take care of. Then at church... like I mentioned... we were beaming (: Then we decided to have a little primary in the back of the Gospel Principles class. Sister Gardner brought crayons, coloring paper, and building blocks, and I had brought some snacks for them. I was told I would make a good Primary President haha. It was so cute, and the lessons were awesome, and everyone was happy they came.

The Lord is really hastening His work here, and I am blessed to be one of his servants. I love this area, and I will miss the people here so much, but I can't help but think how joyous the reunion will be in heaven with all my Filipinos brothers and sisters (: Love you all so much! Keep sharing the gospel, and you will see miracles in your life, and in the lives of others. xoxoxox

ps.. forgot my camera at our apt... so no pictures this week.... next week (:

May 19th, 2014 My Heart Belongs to Nabua

I seriously feel my heart is in Nabua. I love this city so much! Even when it is so challenging and people don't always want to listen to us, I love it.

We have really been focusing on families. We have a couple we are working with. The one father has a word of wisdom problem, but his wife is so happy because he is trying to quit and has been changing. I am so grateful for the change the Gospel can bring to the lives of people, especially families.

On Monday we had the best experience. We went to follow up a family that Sister Pal had taught on exchanges when she was here, but I had not met them yet. They were always gone, but we tried going to them at night. The Tatay was sitting outside, and we talked to him, and then were able to teach him, his wife, and 3 of their kids about the Restoration. Turns out the Nanay had read a Restoration pamphlet at her friend’s house, so knew all about Priesthood, Joseph Smith, and the Apostasy! She has the best memory! That is something that does not happen often. They are so interested and when we went to go to them again this week... the mother had read all of the witnesses, introduction, and Joseph Smiths testimony! It was awesome! She said she really felt he is a Prophet of God, and cannot stop thinking about his testimony and experiences. I am excited to keep teaching them!

On Wednesday, we had exchanges with the Pili C Sisters. I was with Sister Jaring! I love that girl! We had a good day and taught a lot of less actives in their area. One really cool story! We were walking on the railroad tracks, where a lot of people live, and we waved at this little old lady. Her face lit up, and Sister Jaring looked at me and asked if we should tract, so we did. We went and talked to the Nanay. She welcomed us into her home, and she brings out a letter, and pictures of her granddaughter who is a member and actually served in the Naga Mission! She served 2011-2012, and the Elders had dropped off letters to Nanay from her granddaughter. She also went to her room and brought out a Plan of Salvation pamphlet, that was a little worn, but in well condition. She said she reads it often (: We were so excited we found her. She has a hard time hearing, but Sister Jaring said they'd go back.

Thursday, we taught the daughter of a recent convert, Lolie. They live in the Elders are, but we are going to teach the daughters and mother. She is awesome! Came to a baptism with us on Saturday, to church, and accepted a baptismal date for June 14. She is 14 years old, and her father was baptized last month. They are such a cute family.

We had Zone Training Friday on finding. Hopefully it will help with finding in our zone. Finding is hard at times, but we can make it fun, and be creative. Sister Alibogha and I came up with some ideas that we are going to try this transfer. I will let you know how they work!

Saturday we went to a baptism in Bato, and two of our investigators came. It was really good, and I seriously feel every investigator should see a baptism if possible, before they are baptized!

Sunday we had an investigator show up the last 30 minutes. She was lost and thought it was somewhere else, but I am so happy she came and I am hoping her whole family can come next week. Sister Junabelle, a recent convert works with us on Sundays now. I love her! She is 15, and the only member, but so strong! She wants to serve a mission one day. When we were walking about 10 dogs came up after us, and we had to keep walking... I could have sworn they were going to bite us. I was praying/squealing, and all 3 of us held hands as we tried to be calm and not run from them. Made it out (:

Today, we helped the parents, and teachers clean at the Nabua Elementary school this morning, and we met 3 potential investigators, and the member afterwards said she'd come with us to their houses! So we found potential new investigators, and gained the support from a member. There were 100+ people there for the opening ceremonies, and I really feel it was great for us to get involved, everyone noticed the missionaries there and we were able to talk to a lot of people.

I love this work, this area, and the people here so much. I feel like I am opening an area here almost every day, because the church really is not established here yet, but I feel blessed to helping laying the foundation of a great work here. I hope all of you are praying and reading your scriptures.
 I love you all so much xoxox