- Monday, October 20, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 187 |
OCTOBER 19, 2014:
We attended the sacrament meeting in Virac. I think this is my second or third time to attend here. Some members of the San Vicente branch who are studying in Virac were also present. This is also the last whole day of my companionship with my friend, Elder Aguilando. The Lopez siblings treated us to lunch at Finn & Grill. They only found out that my companion will be transferred tomorrow. It's my first time eating there and it is also nice. We're thankful for their generosity.
In the afternoon we went to the Relocation site. There's a small group of members there and we helped the branch leader and the Zone Leaders to administer the sacrament. They are a bunch of happy people in attendance and I know they will become a branch or even a ward someday. There's really good potential in there.
We had a great time today. It's awesome that I experience attending two sacrament meetings on the same day. We spent the evening at the Bato Elders apartment. The nice member family that we met before also gave us dinner. They are all thankful to Elder Agbayani. They said that they will miss him.
Before we slept, I traded neckties with my companion and we wrote to each other B.R. I also gave B.R. page to Elder Agbayani because he will be transferred too. It was a long day. I'm thankful for all the experiences I had with Elder Aguilando, we had many fun moments and adventures together as a companionship. I also learned something from him that will help me as a missionary. I know we will see each other again because we're batchmates and I wish him all the best in his next area. 😊
We attended the sacrament meeting in Virac. I think this is my second or third time to attend here. Some members of the San Vicente branch who are studying in Virac were also present. This is also the last whole day of my companionship with my friend, Elder Aguilando. The Lopez siblings treated us to lunch at Finn & Grill. They only found out that my companion will be transferred tomorrow. It's my first time eating there and it is also nice. We're thankful for their generosity.
 |
| (L to R) Sis. Shane, E. Centeno, E. Fifita, and Sis. Matet |
 |
| Left: Sis. Matet & E. Fifita | Right: Sis. Shane & E. Fifita |
 |
| with Elder Centeno |
 |
| E. Aguilando and E. Centeno |
 |
| Left: me and E. Centeno | Right: E. Aguilando and E. Centeno |
 |
| Catanduanes Zone Leaders: E. Fifita and E. Centeno |
In the afternoon we went to the Relocation site. There's a small group of members there and we helped the branch leader and the Zone Leaders to administer the sacrament. They are a bunch of happy people in attendance and I know they will become a branch or even a ward someday. There's really good potential in there.
We had a great time today. It's awesome that I experience attending two sacrament meetings on the same day. We spent the evening at the Bato Elders apartment. The nice member family that we met before also gave us dinner. They are all thankful to Elder Agbayani. They said that they will miss him.
Before we slept, I traded neckties with my companion and we wrote to each other B.R. I also gave B.R. page to Elder Agbayani because he will be transferred too. It was a long day. I'm thankful for all the experiences I had with Elder Aguilando, we had many fun moments and adventures together as a companionship. I also learned something from him that will help me as a missionary. I know we will see each other again because we're batchmates and I wish him all the best in his next area. 😊
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Sunday, October 19, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 185 to 186 |
OCTOBER 17, 2014:
We can't travel through the sea because there's no boat to ride to. The waves are raging hard. The Zone Leaders found another solution and fortunately, the couple missionaries (the Wilcox) are in Catanduanes right now and they pick us up in San Vicente. Their car (Ford Ranger I think) is strong enough to survive the rocky, muddy, and difficult road of Bagamanoc. Like my experiences before, it was a super bumpy ride. My companion had a bad stomach and threw up along the way. We are thankful to Elder and Sister Wilcox for the ride.
We can't travel through the sea because there's no boat to ride to. The waves are raging hard. The Zone Leaders found another solution and fortunately, the couple missionaries (the Wilcox) are in Catanduanes right now and they pick us up in San Vicente. Their car (Ford Ranger I think) is strong enough to survive the rocky, muddy, and difficult road of Bagamanoc. Like my experiences before, it was a super bumpy ride. My companion had a bad stomach and threw up along the way. We are thankful to Elder and Sister Wilcox for the ride.
OCTOBER 18, 2014:
We attended the Branch Home Evening in Virac District Center. The Zone Leaders invited us. It is also a sendoff party for Elder Centeno. He served here in Virac for a long time. He is here in Catanduanes longer than me. The Virac branch loves him and I can tell that they are all thankful for his services here. It was kinda awkward for me at first because I only knew a few members of Virac. As time goes by, I enjoyed the activity and we are all having fun.
After the activity, we went to Food Trip Resto and I became generous for tonight and treat them to dinner. This is my last Food Trip with my companion and Elder Centeno who will be going home and finish his mission very soon. It was a fun night overall. 😀
After the activity, we went to Food Trip Resto and I became generous for tonight and treat them to dinner. This is my last Food Trip with my companion and Elder Centeno who will be going home and finish his mission very soon. It was a fun night overall. 😀
 |
| (L to R) E. Fifita, me, E. Aguilando, and E. Centeno |
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Saturday, October 18, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 183 to 184 |
OCTOBER 15, 2014:
We had companionship exchanges today. I worked with Elder Abuel in our area while my companion and Elder Irabon in their area in Minaili. We had a productive day. Elder Abuel is also good at teaching. He talked clearly and always refer to scripture verses which are nice. We had a fun and productive day. 😁
We had companionship exchanges today. I worked with Elder Abuel in our area while my companion and Elder Irabon in their area in Minaili. We had a productive day. Elder Abuel is also good at teaching. He talked clearly and always refer to scripture verses which are nice. We had a fun and productive day. 😁
OCTOBER 16, 2014:
The transfer announcement came in. They told us early so we can prepare as soon as possible because we're in the farthest area in the mission field. Am I getting transferred? Currently, I am more than six months here in San Vicente. We think that the logical one to be transferred is me. The answer is... No, my companion is going to be transferred. 😮 You can never really predict the announcements. We're all shocked. The other surprising part is when they told me that I'm going to train a new missionary next transfer cycle, so it means that I'm extended in San Vicente for 12 more weeks! Woah! I'll become a trainer. I really never expect that. 😲 No one ever trained in this area before because it is really far. I'll become the first-ever missionary to train here. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. 😅 I'm glad that I'll be staying here but kinda sad to part ways with Elder Aguilando. I know he is needed in his next area and I wish him all the best in his next assignment.
The Zone Leaders said that Elder Aguilando and I must go to Virac tomorrow. We dropped all of our plans today, so my companion will have time to pack his luggage and said goodbye to some families here in the San Vicente branch. The Toltol Family invited us for lunch and they prepared a delicious meal. It was really nice. Elder Irabon and Elder Abuel also came with us. We visited other families afterward and my companion bids his farewell to them. They all thank him for his service in the San Vicente branch and wish him luck in his next area. We also found a potential apartment in Sagrada.
The Zone Leaders said that Elder Aguilando and I must go to Virac tomorrow. We dropped all of our plans today, so my companion will have time to pack his luggage and said goodbye to some families here in the San Vicente branch. The Toltol Family invited us for lunch and they prepared a delicious meal. It was really nice. Elder Irabon and Elder Abuel also came with us. We visited other families afterward and my companion bids his farewell to them. They all thank him for his service in the San Vicente branch and wish him luck in his next area. We also found a potential apartment in Sagrada.
 |
| Thank you Toltol Family! 😀 |
 |
| Delicious octopus dish. 😍 |
 |
| Elder Aguilando with the Toltol Family |
 |
| Elder Aguilando with Daisy & Bro. Ronnie |
 |
| Elder Aguilando with Tejeresas-Candelaria Family |
 |
| Elder Aguilando with Lopez Family |
 |
| Potential Sagrada apartment for me and my next companion. |
 |
| Elder Aguilando and Bro. Albert Villamartin's Family |
 |
| Elder Aguilando and Molina Family |
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Thursday, October 16, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 181 to 182 |
OCTOBER 13, 2014:
It's a busy day! We cleaned our apartment, took turns in washing our Mt. Everest clothes, and did other routines. It's a tiring but productive day.
It's a busy day! We cleaned our apartment, took turns in washing our Mt. Everest clothes, and did other routines. It's a tiring but productive day.
OCTOBER 14, 2014:
We did our District Activity today because we didn't have time yesterday. It's been a while since we did this kind of stuff. We went to Sitio Tondo and we helped Bro. Rene. We ate buko afterward, we bond, then we took some pictures as usual. It's a fun day. 😀
 |
| (L to R) E. Aguilando, me, and E. Irabon |
 |
| with my companion, E. Aguilando |
 |
| San Vicente District | E. Feraer, E. Aguilando, E. Abuel, and E. Irabon |
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Tuesday, October 14, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 179 to 180 |
OCTOBER 11, 2014:
Today is the start of the General Conference. My district mates and I helped Pres. Molina in setting up the projector and the other stuff that we will be all using for tomorrow, so all the members and investigators here in our area will not travel to Virac anymore. More opportunities to watch for tomorrow's Sunday session. After we set it up, we also download and watch the Priesthood Saturday session. These are the memorable ones that I like and learned from our leaders today.
Today is the start of the General Conference. My district mates and I helped Pres. Molina in setting up the projector and the other stuff that we will be all using for tomorrow, so all the members and investigators here in our area will not travel to Virac anymore. More opportunities to watch for tomorrow's Sunday session. After we set it up, we also download and watch the Priesthood Saturday session. These are the memorable ones that I like and learned from our leaders today.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook (Apostle) said that our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness. We must choose wisely.
- Elder Craig C. Christensen (Seventy) said that now is the time and today is the day to learn or reaffirm for ourselves that the gospel is true. Each of us has important work to do. To accomplish that work, and to be protected from worldly influences that seem to be constantly looming, we must have the faith of Alma, Nephi, and young Joseph Smith to obtain and develop our own testimony. When I was in Cavite ward I only have borrowed testimony, and as time goes on, especially at the time when I have a desire to serve as a full-time missionary it grew more. And now, when I became a missionary my testimony became stronger and I develop my own through my life experiences.
After we watched the priesthood session, we invited all the members and investigators again to attend and watch the conference tomorrow. They will learn a lot from our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, the apostles, and all the leaders of the church. They are all inspired by God and through our living prophet, we can receive guidance from our loving Heavenly Father.
OCTOBER 12, 2014:
Today is the General Conference Sunday session. It has morning and afternoon part. Many members attend both sessions. The morning session was a tagalized dub. Personally, I'm not a fan of it because it takes away the emotion but it is more understandable to most people in the Philippines that's why it's a good option too. The afternoon session was not tagalized so I felt it more. These are the memorable ones that I like and learned from our leaders today.
- President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet) said that as we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain. There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives.
- Elder Richard G. Scott (Apostle) said that prayer, scripture study, family home evening, temple attendance are the tools that will help us come unto Christ and exercise faith in His atonement. These four tools are fundamental habits for securing our life in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. Peace in this mortal life comes from His atoning sacrifice. When we are consistently praying morning and night, studying our scriptures daily, having weekly family home evenings, and attending the temple regularly, we are actively responding to His invitation to come unto Him. The more we develop these habits, the more anxious is Satan to harm us but the less is his ability to do so. Through the use of these tools, we exercise our agency to accept the full gifts of His atoning sacrifice.
- Elder David A. Bednar (Apostle) said to non-members of the Church (investigators) that the Church of Jesus Christ always has been and always will be a missionary church. Latter-day Saints take seriously this responsibility to teach all people in all nations about the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We believe the same Church founded by the Savior anciently has been reestablished on the earth by Him in the latter days. The doctrine, principles, priesthood authority, ordinances, and covenants of His gospel are found today in His Church. When we invite you to attend church with us or to learn with the full-time missionaries, we are not trying to sell you a product. As members of the Church, we do not receive prizes or bonus points in a heavenly contest. We are not seeking simply to increase the numerical size of the Church. And most importantly, we are not attempting to coerce you to believe as we do. We are inviting you to hear the restored truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ so you can study, ponder, pray, and come to know for yourself if the things we are sharing with you are true.
 |
| Sons of Bro. Albert and Sis. April Villamartin |
 |
| Elder Aguilando, Elder Feraer, Elder Abuel, and Elder Irabon |
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Sunday, October 12, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 177 to 178 |
OCTOBER 9, 2014:
We had a District Meeting in the morning. I'm getting used to it. Creating a lesson plan for our District every week, conducting, and teaching them the weekly topic. I have good district mates so it made my calling/responsibility easier. We contacted another referral today and I can feel that they are willing to hear and learn the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are the Coral-Interior Family. We had a good day overall in missionary work.
We had a District Meeting in the morning. I'm getting used to it. Creating a lesson plan for our District every week, conducting, and teaching them the weekly topic. I have good district mates so it made my calling/responsibility easier. We contacted another referral today and I can feel that they are willing to hear and learn the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are the Coral-Interior Family. We had a good day overall in missionary work.
OCTOBER 10, 2014:
First day of the house rule that I suggested yesterday during our meeting. We prayed together as a district. We will do it every 6:30 am when we wake up starting today. It will help us to be more united especially in obeying the mission rules of waking up early and do our exercise. All of my housemates agreed. 😊
My companion and I did a meaningful Weekly Planning Session. We also have a productive day in missionary work including an investigator referral. She's a relative of one of our progressing investigators. I hope she'll progress too.
 |
| Our plan for next week. |
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Friday, October 10, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 174 to 176 |
OCTOBER 6, 2014:
Today was the start of our 30 days fitness challenge. My housemates printed a 30-day challenge and we are all pumped up for it. My personal goal is to strengthen my cardio in doing jump ropes and to lessen my fat belly and turned it into a six-pack. Haha. I know it's a long shot but I must try it again for better health. Hopefully, we can make it all and see good changes after 30 days. 😅 We did some usual P-Day stuff today.
OCTOBER 7, 2014:
It's a wonderful day! Elder Aguilando woke up early. He said this is his personal goal and I'm happy about it. We encouraged each other. We also proselyted in the morning and it's a good restart of our goals this week. 😀 We also received and contacted a referral and we have a great day in missionary work overall. 😊
OCTOBER 8, 2014:
Wooo. We had a good plan and it's raining hard today. Not cool. 😑 We still try to go out and taught a few people nearby and we call it a day.
Today was the start of our 30 days fitness challenge. My housemates printed a 30-day challenge and we are all pumped up for it. My personal goal is to strengthen my cardio in doing jump ropes and to lessen my fat belly and turned it into a six-pack. Haha. I know it's a long shot but I must try it again for better health. Hopefully, we can make it all and see good changes after 30 days. 😅 We did some usual P-Day stuff today.
OCTOBER 7, 2014:
It's a wonderful day! Elder Aguilando woke up early. He said this is his personal goal and I'm happy about it. We encouraged each other. We also proselyted in the morning and it's a good restart of our goals this week. 😀 We also received and contacted a referral and we have a great day in missionary work overall. 😊
OCTOBER 8, 2014:
Wooo. We had a good plan and it's raining hard today. Not cool. 😑 We still try to go out and taught a few people nearby and we call it a day.
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Wednesday, October 08, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 172 to 173 |
OCTOBER 4, 2014:
We're back in San Vicente. Learned a lot from yesterday. A memorable moment that happened today was Roelyn's baptism at Sitio Tondo. She's the very first one that I interviewed for baptism. My companion and I also attend her baptism. We supported our fellow missionaries Elder Irabon and Elder Abuel. Her family also witnessed it and Bro. Rene. We're all happy for Roelyn. 😀
OCTOBER 5, 2014:
Sabbath Day. Our investigators, new and returning members sacrament attendance went down this week. Being not in our area a lot really affects it, there's a lot of travel and meetings happened these past few weeks. We're in a faraway area and we must deal with it. I know that was also important and we will try our best to do better next week.
Today I also finished reading the Doctrine and Covenants stories. I really enjoyed reading it. Honestly, D&C was my least favorite to read before but I tried reading this one like a kid and it helped me. It didn't bore me and I learned a lot. Now it's time to read D&C again but this time, word by word and with no images.
We had a good day in missionary work today. We're focusing on our progressing investigators.
We're back in San Vicente. Learned a lot from yesterday. A memorable moment that happened today was Roelyn's baptism at Sitio Tondo. She's the very first one that I interviewed for baptism. My companion and I also attend her baptism. We supported our fellow missionaries Elder Irabon and Elder Abuel. Her family also witnessed it and Bro. Rene. We're all happy for Roelyn. 😀
 |
| Elder Abuel, Elder Irabon, Roelyn, and her family |
OCTOBER 5, 2014:
Sabbath Day. Our investigators, new and returning members sacrament attendance went down this week. Being not in our area a lot really affects it, there's a lot of travel and meetings happened these past few weeks. We're in a faraway area and we must deal with it. I know that was also important and we will try our best to do better next week.
Today I also finished reading the Doctrine and Covenants stories. I really enjoyed reading it. Honestly, D&C was my least favorite to read before but I tried reading this one like a kid and it helped me. It didn't bore me and I learned a lot. Now it's time to read D&C again but this time, word by word and with no images.
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Sunday, October 05, 2014
- 0 Comments
BAGAMANOC | Day 171 |
OCTOBER 3, 2014:
We had a Zone Training and interviews with Pres. Guanzon at the same time. While the ZLs and STLs are discussing the Zone topics, Pres. Guanzon is in a private room and interviewing each of us one by one. Most of Pres. Guanzon questions and topic with me are based on how our district in San Vicente is doing. Resolving concerns was also one of the topics. It will definitely help our district. We also had a good Zone Training and it re-energized me to do better as a leader.
We had a Zone Training and interviews with Pres. Guanzon at the same time. While the ZLs and STLs are discussing the Zone topics, Pres. Guanzon is in a private room and interviewing each of us one by one. Most of Pres. Guanzon questions and topic with me are based on how our district in San Vicente is doing. Resolving concerns was also one of the topics. It will definitely help our district. We also had a good Zone Training and it re-energized me to do better as a leader.
 |
| Back Standing | E. Irabon, E. Abuel, E. Olayao, E. Miller, E. Ardon, E. Benson, E. Centeno, E. Aguilando, E. Feraer, E. Peterson, and E. Agbayani Front Sitting | E. Fifita, S. Ogden, S. Jovillano, S. Abasanta, Pres. Guanzon, S. Jemino, S. Cobales, and S. Aholelei |
_____________________________________________________________________________
- Friday, October 03, 2014
- 0 Comments
