Recognizing the Spirit

Hey everyone. How are you all? Things here in New Washington are going well! First off, I have not gotten your box yet. I am not sure why? Maybe later today it will come in our cargo? I can’t think of anything I want in another one.....haha. Thank you for doing my debit card! Sorry to always be a burden to you. I feel guilty when I ask things from you because I feel like I am always asking so much. Thank you for it all. I did not yet read your letter about Jordan but I will print it and read it later. Thank you. I also got all the pictures haha I love them all. The goat, hat and shed are all rad. I do have some bad news though. I had a tooth filling fall out a while ago but it didn’t hurt or anything so I just told myself I would wait until I get home to fix it, but just this last week it was getting super sensitive and giving me super headaches. So I went to a member/dentist in Kalibo and she looked at it real quick and touched it and it was killing. She told me I have an infection and will have to get a root canal. I am nervous but I have talked to Sister Pagaduan a lot and I will do it tomorrow I guess. She has given me some medicine for it to stop swelling and stuff but it still hurts when I eat and drink. It is tomorrow and the lady is a member...It only costs 3500 pesos...or like 60-70 dollars for everything so I will just pay for it with mission money and then take it out of my debit when my card gets here. Oh well! Part of the job! This week my focus was on recognizing the spirit. What is the spirit? How does it guide us as missionaries? How does it guide us in everyday life? As I studied I learned a lot about how to let it guide me during lessons. I learned the different ways it will speak to us and what happens if we don’t follow it. I actually had a few very interesting experiences too. First, right after I had studied about the spirit, we had a lesson with a less active girl about 18 years old. We had planned to teach something and when we got there as she was praying for us, I really, really felt like I should talk to her about what I learned and ways we can use the spirit in our lives. I read from Helaman about how sometimes it is a still small voice and I told her ways the spirit can help all of us if we are worthy of it. As I was testifying, she began to change her countenance and seemed to be getting emotional. Our bishop was working with us so he began to testify as well and she continued getting emotional. Finally at the end of the lesson we asked her what she was feeling and she said the spirit and that we really touched her. I was grateful for the guidance of the spirit in knowing what I should share to her. We also have an investigator named Myra Nerval. She is 17 and we tracted into her. She is taking care of a grandma at a different house so she does not live at home. We have been teaching her for a while and she has been awesome. She always asks questions and keeps commitments. So yesterday we went to her house to teach her about faith and repentance. We opened and she said she had no questions from her Book of Mormon reading. So we continued to teach her faith and repentance. After we were about to close the lesson, I felt like I should bring up the Book of Mormon again, so I asked her if she had prayed to know about the Book of Mormon, she kind of just went quiet. I followed up with asking what her feelings about it were and she said, without hesitation "totoo siya" or in English "it’s true." It was really awesome to hear that she got an answer from her reading and prayers. The book is so powerful. So much so that if we read it diligently and pray about it, you will receive an answer. It is so easy. Yet so overlooked. I am excited to help Myra in her journey looking for truth. So on another hand, I am super stoked to hear about James and Dallen. My guess is Dallen to Philippines(or Asia somewhere) and James to Spain(or Europe somewhere.) Hopefully I get one of them at least. I hope they both come to my mission haha :) We need some quality missionaries here. There are too many slackers. Anyway I love you all,have a happy and healthy week! Hey dad. That sounds like a fun dedicated project. Is it still 40 hours for the 3 years or is the program different now? That is cool that Mess will be back coaching in Utah! It will be good to see him again. He was an awesome coach. I loved reading your thoughts on Jordan, it was just for my personal benefit, just curious so thanks. How is the summer sun feeling? Is it getting nice and toasty? It sure is still hot here even though it is supposed to be rain season. Oh well. How is Britt? Keeping you busy? haha I bet she is! Anyway love you dad and miss you lots!! Hey may may and Breck! I got the picture of the hat from Boston and I love it! I will fo sho be rockin that a few days after I get home! Things here are going well in my area and with my companion. I am excited for you to get done with your EMT classes. I still haven’t changed my mind about being a doctor. It will be rough going to school but I know it will be worth it. I am glad Boston and Hank are doing well. That is cool about your friends being married. I bet work will be picking up for Breck, too now that it is almost summer......ps...I met a missionary here from Vegas who always goes to the cheese factory in Beaver when they drive to Salt Lake! Haha, it was so funny to hear that. I didn’t know other people were as lame as us! Oh, I got the lyrics to that song like "I Like to look at Rainbows Whenever there is Rain" in Tagalog and it is way cool. A girl sang it during a meeting here. I think I remember that being a song you liked May May. But if not...sorry haha. I will send the lyrics to you in a letter. They are cool :) Anyway love you guys tons and miss ya too! Hey Barb! Wow you did so good at the track meet! I can’t believe how fast you are! I agree. It has gone by very fast. Wow I can’t believe you are starting soccer already. You will be great. Just practice hard! I love you lots Britt and miss you! Be nice to Papa!