Philippines Legazpi Mission: Elder Feraer

DECEMBER 31, 2014:
Beasting - Day 2, We arrived safely at our apartment. I have no more dry and clean proselyting clothes left. The weather these past few days didn't help at all. We still went outside and did missionary work even though the weather was really bad and I have no proper upper missionary clothes. The work of the Lord must continue. Elder Bongolan and I are still locked on our goal this week. We had a curfew today because it is New Year's eve. Even though we didn't have a full day of work, we still achieved 14 lessons with a good plan and schedule.  

Sagrada members invited us all San Vicente missionaries to ate and celebrate New Year's eve. We had 5 dinner appointments and we went to all of them. Haha. We had a feast again. We're really grateful for the kindness of the members. 😃 Unfortunately, the weather became very bad again and it is worst than yesterday so we're trapped again and this time all the four of us!! 😩 We slept over at the Branch Mission Leader's house. What a way to end the year. LOL. 

On the positive side, I had a great and wonderful year this 2014. I hope that it will continue in the year 2015 or even better. 😊

_____________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 30, 2014:
Beasting - Day 1, We had 6 lessons in our morning work. We also had companionship exchanges today and my companion was Elder Abuel. Bro. Steven, Sis. Hermaine, and Sis. Lyn also worked with us. 

On our way to Sagrada we saw the raging river in the spillway which is also the bridge to our destination. One of the members tried to stop me to cross the bridge because it is really dangerous. I insisted because, in my mind, I know that there are families that are expecting us to come. My desire to teach really keeps me pressing forward. Elder Abuel was also cool with it. After explaining it, that member assisted me to the other side. I felt genuine concern and I do appreciate it. 

Because of our perseverance and our hard work we shared the gospel fourteen times. But we are also trapped and can't go back. It's dark and the river became more uncalm and dangerous. We're stuck in Sagrada for the rest of the night. We had no choice but to sleepover. We stayed at Pres. Lopez house. We're thankful for their kindness.

_____________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 29, 2014:
I had a plan that we'll be beasting it out this week. I have a feeling that this will be my last "full" week in this area. I want to give it all this week. I need to be more focused. Need to end some distraction and give my very best to serve as a missionary. I must do this and I won't back out. #D&C 59:23

We did our usual monday/P-Day routine today. My companion also agrees with me and will also help to achieve our goal this week. We're always united in this and I appreciate it.

_____________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 28, 2014:
Last Sunday of the year! Time goes by very quickly. After the Sunday service, we had a photo session outside the meeting house. Maybe some members felt that I'll depart soon. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch with the Molina Family. As always, they invite us to lunch every Sunday. 😀

During our last appointment in the evening, there are a bunch of kids who popped out of nowhere wearing a shiny mask. Haha. I don't know what's the occasion today but it was fun seeing them like that. 😅 All in all, Elder Bongolan and I had a great week this week. We hit the SoE again in Baptism, Confirmation, MP, RCLA, and the total number of lessons. We had 41. Diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirk!

_____________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 27, 2014:
Seek after families... Most of the newly baptized are part-members. My companion and I are really blessed to be part of this wonderful event in their lives. It's been two months since we first taught them and now they've taken a big step and made this important covenant to our loving Heavenly Father. We're all happy for them. 😃 

Personally, I'm also happy to experience this with my companion during his training days. Hopefully, this will be a good start for him. May he diligently invite more people to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel even after we part ways after his training.

Another wonderful and blessed day. I'm really happy for all the newly baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Maybe they are also the last batch that I'll be able to baptize in this area. I have a feeling that I'll be transferred soon. They are all special to me. I love them all and I'll always pray for them.

_____________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 26, 2014:
I woke up early to write and think of what will be our presentation for the Christmas Party later this day. It's a rush! My housemates/district mates also helped me finalized the "improv/nonsense/ugly/cringe" presentation. Hahaha. 😂 We went to work afterwards and Elder Bongolan and I had 12 lessons today and all of us missionaries also invited the members and investigators for the Branch Christmas Party.

The party started around 4pm. Everyone was excited. There are a lot of members and investigators who attend. It's really fun and exciting (except for the moment of our presentation. Haha.) There are some members that also performed. Sis. Daisy sang and the twins danced.

And now, our turn to shame ourselves. Haha. Please note that this was also our PRACTICE time while we are performing. It's really cringing. 😆 But it's alright, as long as the members are having fun and enjoying our different side, it is okay. Elder Vetonio was also extra funny today. 😁

After the musical performance, the games come next. It was led by Elder Abuel and Sister Badeth. I didn't know that Elder Abuel is good at this. He can be a game show host like Elder Moran. 😅 Both of them have nice game ideas and it was entertaining. The children that are participating were all having fun. 😊

Aside from games, there was also a question and answer portion with some special rewards. It was also fun. 😊 Special mention also to the young women / SA(s) that captured a lot of photos using our cameras. They are the ones responsible for capturing these fun memories for the branch. We're grateful to them. 😀

The Relief Society prepared and cooked delicious foods for us. Also to all the Priesthood leaders who planned and lead this event. We're all thankful to them. 😃

There was a lot of picture-taking too. 😅

It was a great day and a fun night overall. Everyone enjoyed the party. We're happy and thankful for this event. It is also helpful for the investigators and all the members to have this kind of bonding. They will become closer to each other. United. 😊

_____________________________________________________________________________