We had zone conference yesterday so p-day is today so it's different this week. We just got back from Laoag and here I am. This week has been nuts, I tell you what! I'll start with yesterday. We went to Laoag for 7am (up wayyyy early). Zone conference started at 9 but Elder S is the District Leader so we had to be there early. The conference was GREAT. It's so hard to explain but when President O speaks, I honestly feel like things that will benefit and affect me eternally are being said. Can't explain it. We were all exhausted afterwards just from the spiritual feast.
After the conference, Elder S had leadership training so I went with the office elders (the ones at the mission home that handle finances etc. They only get 3-4 hours a day to work outside.) and did an exchange. We studied and I went out with an Elder A from Utah. He's from the same town as Elder C, my "lolo", who I also exchanged with this past week in Laoag. Elder A has been here for 5 months (only three more than me). We went out and got punted (term used when a person isn't home after you've made an appointment to visit them. We also accept "shafted" if it was a really bad punt) so we tracted. He couldn't believe how well I could speak. It was weird because I always think I'm terrible but I guess I'm only ever with a Filipino companion so I don't know how others are doing. Of course, I still have a lot to learn as I'm not anywhere near satisfactory yet, but it was a really big, and much needed confidence boost. We also taught a lesson to a Californian girl. I did it in English and at first I couldn't speak right because I was thinking in Tagalog. So it's coming slowly but surely (and don't call me Shirley....or Slowly for that matter!). I only know a handful of Ilocano words. We need Sister O's approval to start learning it but you pick some up just talking to people because they speak a mix of the two.
I stayed at the mission home last night. I got absolutely soaked again as I still have no payong. I haven't had time to get one. Weird how I can now deal with being soaked. It's just the way things are here. We woke early today and played basketball ( I know, but at least it was good exercise). Then we ate in the mission home and I had cereal for the first time in a long while. Then we studied and for language study we sang Tagalog hymns together accompanied by the piano, as they have one there! It was so fun and uplifting. And the hymns in Tagalog are sometimes better. Like "There is Sunshine in My Soul Today" and "In Our Lovely Deseret" (or, Doon sa Aming Deseret!).
So the typhoon......it was nuts! My payong got tied in a knot and the little one we had is now gone too so we've been soaked on a regular basis. The river overflowed at one point and flooded Brgy's 1 and 2 and a little of 3 (we were fine). We did have a leak, but of a different kind. Turns out it's not a rat but a huge cat that lives in our ceiling. We figured it out once it had kittens and their meowing drove us nuts. Then one day the ceiling started leaking in one spot and it smelled kinda.....uriney? Yeah, cat pee leaks are no fun.
As I mentioned, last week I exchanged with Elder C and it was great. He's so good at speaking the language and training too. He would say in the lesson, "..and my companion will now explain this." and then I'd know exactly what to talk about and if I started failing, he would jump in. I learned a lot that day.
We taught a guy in this random house a little ways in the forest. They had no electricity so we never saw his face but he was well prepared for us. We also taught an old, old tatay who sat there stroking his machete the whole lesson so we prayed with one eye open and ended it pretty fast (freaky).
We got fed a lot this week -liver and noodles with shrimp and egg cakes. It was good. We got it from a funeral as a funeral is like a huge party here. There's a least one every week and they stop the whole street in front of the house for it. They sometimes even have a marching band come through the streets to start it off.
I realize even better now how sacred tithing is. Everyone sacrifices and does what they can and then everyone is blessed for it. Its such a beautiful law and one of the many reasons the Church will never fall.
I did my laundry that got wet in the typhoon and there were slugs on my clothes. So gross - everything molds. Everything! My other shoes are green right now from mold, all my ties too.
We walked down a street this week and there were about 20 kids there under 10 years old. They all swarmed around us and started yelling and touching us and prodding, pulling on our arms and hands, and they did it for the whole street till we ran away. It was even mildy scary. It was like being the Beatles. (The Mormons- bigger than the Beatles!)
A few more names for you guys. We met twins - Twinkle and Winnie (I kid you not), and Mac and Excel and Apple! I almost asked where PC was at.
We went to the "Awesome Family" this week. When we got there, they were crying. There is a lot of contention in their home. They yelled and cried and fought with each other. We got them to calm down and sang them a hymn (Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide) and had quiet time and talked about family and love and never using harsh words. We then kneeled and prayed as a family. I offered the prayer, and again, I felt words that weren't mine, coming out of my mouth. It was a great night. Amazing too that the day had been so bad - many of our appointments fell through. We went to 24 investigators' homes, walked all over town and got only 4 lessons - all while fasting, but just when things were the worst, the Lord gave us that great experience and we went home brimming with the spirit. This is the single greatest experience ever. If I had decided not to come here I would have regretted it and lived in sorrow for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for all your help in getting me here. I love you and thanks to all the others who helped me. I love them too. I will always have the help of my Saviour no matter how hard this experience gets (we have 8 more typhoons coming, is the word around here!). Take care of yourselves. I ask Heavely Father for blessings for you guys every day and I ask him to help all those back home who don't know of the supreme joy of the gospel to find it somehow. I love you lots and I miss you. Talk to you soon.
-Elder Dustan
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
How to Slay Goliath - Week17. Serving in Vintar
Hey guys, I'll give you the low-down for this week. Let me tell you about M. He's the town crazy. I met him near the municipial building and he speaks fluent English. He seemed a little normal at first and asked about the church but then said he knew about it because there was one beside the prison he was in in Manila... for murder! True or not? - I don't know. He also asked if I could hear the satellites. He's really scrawny so he's not intimidating. Anyways, we went by his house one time and he invited us in. We figured, hey, we'll give him a Word of Wisdom pamphlet. He went to make us drinks even though we told him plainly that he shouldn't as we weren't thirsty. I was worried that the water he would use was "malabo" but he persisted and was really pushy for us to drink. I did the old fake drink with closed lips and said "mmmmmm!" like playing with a child (and he didn't notice that the cup was mysteriously as full as before). Elder Soriano drank a sip and we left after he became a little crazier with us. Then Elder Soriano said he felt weird and started making strange comments and had to sit down. So I'm pretty sure there was something in the drink. He was fine later and told me he tasted it to see if it would be all right for me.
This week the Calaramo's had a party for the anniversary of his father's death. Everyone came. M shows up and tells me he has a plane....a 300 seater and it was almost 1 billion dollars. I wanted to say, "You paid that much? I got mine for only 10 grand!". He was really drunk and we don't like him knowing where we live. Then at night we heard some weird noises. We thought it was him but turns out we have a big rat living in our ceiling. I won't say how big the rats are here for Mum's sake.
We had a Typhoon this week. On Thursday it started to pour. It didn't stop until.....well, this morning (Sunday). Crazy wind and the loudest thunder I've ever heard. I went out to toss some rice from the bottom of the pot and a bolt of lightning hit the field right across the road and all my hair stood up. I thought I was going to die it was so loud.
My payong (umbrella) got destroyed - the wind bent it and tied two of the prongs in a knot! There was also some flooding. Apparently there are Public Signals for a typhoon. We had a signal 2 and it was the craziest storm I've ever been in. (Apparently in the east in Kagayan, it was a signal 4!) The river bed that was mostly rocks and grass before is now up the last foot of the dyke before it floods over but it's okay now as it has stopped. Apparently we have another one coming on Thursday. Last night Sister Odgers told us to go out in our p-day clothes and look for people to help. Typhoons are wild. Once it becomes a signal three you have to stay in.
I've been wet for 4 days! My shoes didn't dry (my water proof ones only got wet because I had to take them off for a lesson at someone's house and left them outside. My other ones got moldy. I'm wearing my Crocs now. I don't like Crocs much but they're really useful.
We've had a problem with ants lately as they come inside when there's a storm. They got into a meal Sister Calaramo made for us (they usually feed us once a week, but they fed us 3 times this past week!). It was such a good meal that we ate it anyways - ants and all, "..and you're gonna love how they tickle!" (quote from The Jungle Book).
There's a part-member family in Laoag 4th ward that has two kids. One of the parents wanted to name one Nephi but then the non-member parent said, "Then I get to name the next one." So there are two little boys at church named Nephi and Ginbeer. I kid you not. We also have a guy named Eric Fancy Pigeon. As you know, the Thatchers and the Smiths are named after the family trade. The Fancy Pigeons raise fancy pigeons. A noble trade I must say.
I got another letter from Tracy B. She said she'd write me every month and I'm very grateful, They're very uplifting letters. I"m sending a reply within the next couple of days.
J, the town drunk, has been sober for a while and came to church on Sunday - and in the Typhoon! He also wants to work with us today. He's awesome! Fifty people came to church and I loved how diligent they are. No matter where you go in the world, no matter what is happening, there will always be a group of Latter Day Saints doing their part to build the Kingdom and worship our Saviour. It was heart warming.
Rozelle also decided to be baptized. She cried because her mum wouldn't let us teach her at first and she cried (for joy) when she heard Demma is getting baptized.
I've learned that everyone has their problem - like Demma, with work. She thought she had to choose between a pension or baptism, but she fasted and prayed and her boss's heart was softened. Everyone's got their issue, their Goliath, but through small and simple means like prayer and fasting, reading the Book of Mormon and pagsisimba (going to church), the Goliath will fall because the gospel won't be stopped. Amazing eh?
Lastly, I have a meal for you guys to make. You take a container of cream and mix it with some sweet-n-sour mix (like Mama Sitas - do they have that at home?) the powdered stuff. You cook some chicken in onions and garlic and add the mixed cream and powder. Then you add a can of pineapples (the tidbits are best) and some of the juice too, and then eat it over a lot of white rice (not seasoned). Its sooooo good. They call it orange or yellow chicken, depending on who you talk to. I call it school bus chicken because I can never remember if a school bus is orange or yellow.
I love all of you and think of you everyday as much as you think of me. Chances are, if you're thinking of me, I am thinking of you - sleep or not. Take care of yourselves please. And put forth your best missionary effort. We need a temple in Ottawa! Say hi to everyone because, chances are, if I was home, I'd give them a hug - everyone at church, work, school and Ryan......good 'ol Ryan. Love you lots guys!
-Elder Dustan
INGAT
This week the Calaramo's had a party for the anniversary of his father's death. Everyone came. M shows up and tells me he has a plane....a 300 seater and it was almost 1 billion dollars. I wanted to say, "You paid that much? I got mine for only 10 grand!". He was really drunk and we don't like him knowing where we live. Then at night we heard some weird noises. We thought it was him but turns out we have a big rat living in our ceiling. I won't say how big the rats are here for Mum's sake.
We had a Typhoon this week. On Thursday it started to pour. It didn't stop until.....well, this morning (Sunday). Crazy wind and the loudest thunder I've ever heard. I went out to toss some rice from the bottom of the pot and a bolt of lightning hit the field right across the road and all my hair stood up. I thought I was going to die it was so loud.
My payong (umbrella) got destroyed - the wind bent it and tied two of the prongs in a knot! There was also some flooding. Apparently there are Public Signals for a typhoon. We had a signal 2 and it was the craziest storm I've ever been in. (Apparently in the east in Kagayan, it was a signal 4!) The river bed that was mostly rocks and grass before is now up the last foot of the dyke before it floods over but it's okay now as it has stopped. Apparently we have another one coming on Thursday. Last night Sister Odgers told us to go out in our p-day clothes and look for people to help. Typhoons are wild. Once it becomes a signal three you have to stay in.
I've been wet for 4 days! My shoes didn't dry (my water proof ones only got wet because I had to take them off for a lesson at someone's house and left them outside. My other ones got moldy. I'm wearing my Crocs now. I don't like Crocs much but they're really useful.
We've had a problem with ants lately as they come inside when there's a storm. They got into a meal Sister Calaramo made for us (they usually feed us once a week, but they fed us 3 times this past week!). It was such a good meal that we ate it anyways - ants and all, "..and you're gonna love how they tickle!" (quote from The Jungle Book).
There's a part-member family in Laoag 4th ward that has two kids. One of the parents wanted to name one Nephi but then the non-member parent said, "Then I get to name the next one." So there are two little boys at church named Nephi and Ginbeer. I kid you not. We also have a guy named Eric Fancy Pigeon. As you know, the Thatchers and the Smiths are named after the family trade. The Fancy Pigeons raise fancy pigeons. A noble trade I must say.
I got another letter from Tracy B. She said she'd write me every month and I'm very grateful, They're very uplifting letters. I"m sending a reply within the next couple of days.
J, the town drunk, has been sober for a while and came to church on Sunday - and in the Typhoon! He also wants to work with us today. He's awesome! Fifty people came to church and I loved how diligent they are. No matter where you go in the world, no matter what is happening, there will always be a group of Latter Day Saints doing their part to build the Kingdom and worship our Saviour. It was heart warming.
Rozelle also decided to be baptized. She cried because her mum wouldn't let us teach her at first and she cried (for joy) when she heard Demma is getting baptized.
I've learned that everyone has their problem - like Demma, with work. She thought she had to choose between a pension or baptism, but she fasted and prayed and her boss's heart was softened. Everyone's got their issue, their Goliath, but through small and simple means like prayer and fasting, reading the Book of Mormon and pagsisimba (going to church), the Goliath will fall because the gospel won't be stopped. Amazing eh?
Lastly, I have a meal for you guys to make. You take a container of cream and mix it with some sweet-n-sour mix (like Mama Sitas - do they have that at home?) the powdered stuff. You cook some chicken in onions and garlic and add the mixed cream and powder. Then you add a can of pineapples (the tidbits are best) and some of the juice too, and then eat it over a lot of white rice (not seasoned). Its sooooo good. They call it orange or yellow chicken, depending on who you talk to. I call it school bus chicken because I can never remember if a school bus is orange or yellow.
I love all of you and think of you everyday as much as you think of me. Chances are, if you're thinking of me, I am thinking of you - sleep or not. Take care of yourselves please. And put forth your best missionary effort. We need a temple in Ottawa! Say hi to everyone because, chances are, if I was home, I'd give them a hug - everyone at church, work, school and Ryan......good 'ol Ryan. Love you lots guys!
-Elder Dustan
INGAT
Sometimes a Stupor of Thought Can Teach You a Lot! - Week 16. Serving in Vintar
Things are going really well here. Elder Soriano is better now. It wasn't Dengue in the end, there was no rash.
It was a good week with lots happening. It started out with me being way worried about M. So I got home and started a fast (I usually hate fasting, I'll admit it). I started my fast after supper. We were going to be walking a lot the next day in Brgy 10 (far) but I was stronger than usual. I felt so dedicated that fasting was no problem and I learned so much about it. I don't know if it will have helped him but it certainly helped me a lot. From that experience I could share my testminoy on fasting with Rozelle. She wants to be baptized. We told her about fasting and she said she couldn't as she's nursing so I told her that she could fast from other things instead of food and she's going to try it. I felt I helped alot. Rozelle is awesome!
Our neighbour Demma waltzed right into her boss's office at her Christian school and told him she was going to be baptized. So in September she's getting baptized and she can keep her job - sweet!
We learned a lot about temples this week. We listened to "House of Glory" all the way through and it was great. I miss the temple a lot! I can't wait to go back. We met with Rozelle another time and she asked about temples. We and the friendshippers we took with us (the A's, who are sealed in the temple and served missions) all talked about it as much as we could and she is so enthralled with it. She was in awe of the temple and near tears. It was great.
I had to give a talk yesterday. I was so nervous. I worked on it all week but I could never concentrate on it when I sat down to write it. I was so frustrated. I woke at 4am Sunday morning just to work on it and sat there until 7 and couldn't write a word (the very definition of a stupor of thought!). So I grabbed some scriptures on the topic I was assigned to speak on (missionary work - fancy that!) and just "wung it " (past tense). I was terrified as all our investigators were in the conngregation. Also I was the final speaker (after the Stake President!). It went alright too. I did my best and the Lord took care of the rest. I was well outside my comfort zone, which is where we learn. If you never leave it, you never learn. I still sounded like a stupid white guy but there's nothing I can ever do about that.
J lives down the street from us. He has a bed, a basket, a knife and a pan. He has no lights and he stole his door from a sheet metal factory. He struggles with alcohol abuse and we're trying to help him but his neighbours laugh and encourage his addictions ("Oh thats just J!" etc.) when really it is killing him. He's such a nice, happy guy when he's sober too. A few other people have sought us out to help them as well.
One night we were sitting on the bench near our house (a quick rest as we had walked all day). All of a sudden a huge group of people filled the street and went into a house nearby. They came out after a couple of minutes, each with a candle and chanting and singing and carrying a weird idol. It was so strange.
Elder Crandall left for home last week. He told me one story before he left how they had taught the restoration to someone and then asked her to pray with them. She asked how so they said, "With the steps we showed you, just like Joseph Smith did to get the answers to his prayers."
So she knelt down and then put her hand in front of her face like she was preparing to block the brightness of a pillar of light! What faith!
Carlo is doing well. He hasn't read the Book of Mormon yet. He said he wants to do it all at once like a novel. "I did it with Harry Potter and the Twilight series." he said. I told him that this book is a little different than those ones. He's very interested though.
I am only now realizing just how layered the Book of Mormon is - it's fantastic. I can find answers in there like I never dreamed would be written!
One investigator's uncle tried to give us wives. It was funny and terribly creepy all at once. We taught a guy named Bernard. I was so impressed with him and he's hilarious too.
Anyways, I have to go. We're going to Laoag again to go to Mang Inasal! I love that place. So cheap and you get all-you-can-eat rice! I love rice.
I hope you guys are doing well. It's so good to hear from you- and so great to hear from my "best buddy" Jared! I keep thinking of the movie we made "Recycled School Sagas" in the youth program and I miss everyone that was in it. What a great movie.....except for the weird fruit guy (me).
I officially like pineapples!!!! Weird, I know, but I can't get enough of them. Anne M. sent me a really great letter my first day here. Thank her for me please - I really appreciated it.
This is the best experience of all time. I now realize how great life is, how great family is, how amazing it is to try to progress every day and take advantage of every minute. The Church is true. I'm not stupid, so if I didn't KNOW it was true why would I be here sweating my skin off? (Dealing with the heat isn't too bad. You just have to accept that you're going to be wet all the time).
Take care of yourselves! I miss you and I'll talk to you next week. Scritch the dog for me.
Elder Dustan
It was a good week with lots happening. It started out with me being way worried about M. So I got home and started a fast (I usually hate fasting, I'll admit it). I started my fast after supper. We were going to be walking a lot the next day in Brgy 10 (far) but I was stronger than usual. I felt so dedicated that fasting was no problem and I learned so much about it. I don't know if it will have helped him but it certainly helped me a lot. From that experience I could share my testminoy on fasting with Rozelle. She wants to be baptized. We told her about fasting and she said she couldn't as she's nursing so I told her that she could fast from other things instead of food and she's going to try it. I felt I helped alot. Rozelle is awesome!
Our neighbour Demma waltzed right into her boss's office at her Christian school and told him she was going to be baptized. So in September she's getting baptized and she can keep her job - sweet!
We learned a lot about temples this week. We listened to "House of Glory" all the way through and it was great. I miss the temple a lot! I can't wait to go back. We met with Rozelle another time and she asked about temples. We and the friendshippers we took with us (the A's, who are sealed in the temple and served missions) all talked about it as much as we could and she is so enthralled with it. She was in awe of the temple and near tears. It was great.
I had to give a talk yesterday. I was so nervous. I worked on it all week but I could never concentrate on it when I sat down to write it. I was so frustrated. I woke at 4am Sunday morning just to work on it and sat there until 7 and couldn't write a word (the very definition of a stupor of thought!). So I grabbed some scriptures on the topic I was assigned to speak on (missionary work - fancy that!) and just "wung it " (past tense). I was terrified as all our investigators were in the conngregation. Also I was the final speaker (after the Stake President!). It went alright too. I did my best and the Lord took care of the rest. I was well outside my comfort zone, which is where we learn. If you never leave it, you never learn. I still sounded like a stupid white guy but there's nothing I can ever do about that.
J lives down the street from us. He has a bed, a basket, a knife and a pan. He has no lights and he stole his door from a sheet metal factory. He struggles with alcohol abuse and we're trying to help him but his neighbours laugh and encourage his addictions ("Oh thats just J!" etc.) when really it is killing him. He's such a nice, happy guy when he's sober too. A few other people have sought us out to help them as well.
One night we were sitting on the bench near our house (a quick rest as we had walked all day). All of a sudden a huge group of people filled the street and went into a house nearby. They came out after a couple of minutes, each with a candle and chanting and singing and carrying a weird idol. It was so strange.
Elder Crandall left for home last week. He told me one story before he left how they had taught the restoration to someone and then asked her to pray with them. She asked how so they said, "With the steps we showed you, just like Joseph Smith did to get the answers to his prayers."
So she knelt down and then put her hand in front of her face like she was preparing to block the brightness of a pillar of light! What faith!
Carlo is doing well. He hasn't read the Book of Mormon yet. He said he wants to do it all at once like a novel. "I did it with Harry Potter and the Twilight series." he said. I told him that this book is a little different than those ones. He's very interested though.
I am only now realizing just how layered the Book of Mormon is - it's fantastic. I can find answers in there like I never dreamed would be written!
One investigator's uncle tried to give us wives. It was funny and terribly creepy all at once. We taught a guy named Bernard. I was so impressed with him and he's hilarious too.
Anyways, I have to go. We're going to Laoag again to go to Mang Inasal! I love that place. So cheap and you get all-you-can-eat rice! I love rice.
I hope you guys are doing well. It's so good to hear from you- and so great to hear from my "best buddy" Jared! I keep thinking of the movie we made "Recycled School Sagas" in the youth program and I miss everyone that was in it. What a great movie.....except for the weird fruit guy (me).
I officially like pineapples!!!! Weird, I know, but I can't get enough of them. Anne M. sent me a really great letter my first day here. Thank her for me please - I really appreciated it.
This is the best experience of all time. I now realize how great life is, how great family is, how amazing it is to try to progress every day and take advantage of every minute. The Church is true. I'm not stupid, so if I didn't KNOW it was true why would I be here sweating my skin off? (Dealing with the heat isn't too bad. You just have to accept that you're going to be wet all the time).
Take care of yourselves! I miss you and I'll talk to you next week. Scritch the dog for me.
Elder Dustan
Friday, August 19, 2011
Flash-backs of 'Nam - Week 15. Serving in Vintar
I'll fill you in on the happenings of our crazy week. We got a bug racket at the palengke in Vintar. It plugs right into the wall and is reallllllly strong. But it's still not strong enough to kill the centipede. Even the permethrine takes like 20 minutes to kill them.
We had another exchange this week. I swapped Elder Soriano for the DL, Elder Atazan. He speaks next to no English so it was fun. The best part was that the only 3 people in the entire area that speak fluent English were the ones we taught! He didn't like that but I loved it.
One was a Vietnam Vet (we're old pals) named Eliezer Racimo. He's really stubborn and likes to talk about what he knows no matter how irrelevant. I had to be a little stern but got my message across and he understood.
We've been teaching a lot about living prophets. It's a really powerful message that is foreign to many. I love talking about it because it's so comforting and awesome to know that we have a REAL LIVING PROPHET. One guy in Brgy 10 asked why the prophet's name wasn't in the Bible. I asked him why his own name wasn't in the Bible and if that meant he was not a real person or unholy.
Elder Soriano got sick. On Satuday morning he slept in a little and that's not really usual so I shoved him a bit and felt bad once I learned he had a huge fever and sore joints. Sister Odgers said it may be Dengue Fever but we won't know until after the fever and see if a rash starts. The fever stopped today (we had to stay at the mission home last night which is why this email is so late). He's fine now though. I spent the entire day Saturday inside at the table. I read a huge chunk of the Book of Mormon and then remembered that we have encyclopedias in our apartment! I read all about Canada and it's government, the US government and it's judiciary branches, hippos, Einstein, koalas, Hitler and all kinds of other stuff. I was able to read from 7am to 9:30pm nonstop whereas back home I could barely read for an hour. Cool. I also ate fishballs. They're gooey but they make me laugh.
My payong (umbrella) fell in the ditch with the sewage! Sick. I soaked it in alcohol and let it dry and I think it's okay now.
The "Awesome Family" is really cool and their son wants to serve a mission (he's 17). The awesome family are the ones we administered to when they were sick. They are realllllly progressing well and we're planning to get them a roof because theirs burned. When it rains she has to stay home and brush the water down the stairs as it comes through the roof in the top floor and down to the main floor. We were there in the biggest rain storm of my mission thus far and it was nuts! I made her take a break and let me sweep. I had brought my family pictures and she looked at them. She's in love with the temple. See how both my sisters deciding to marry in the temple has affected a woman in Vintar to set a goal to go to the temple? Amazing!
We met a guy named Carlo who is from California but Filipino. He moved here to finish med school and he contacted us. He said he's been searching for the truth and what his purpose is and that he's so happy to find it. So cool because when he found us as we were out walking, I was feeling down because it's still a struggle to speak the language. But then it turns out God never lets us down if we are obedient (imagine that!). Right at the worst time he sends the best investigator yet! I love it here and know I'm in the right place - don't worry about me.
Love you guys!!!!!!!!
-Elder Dustan
We had another exchange this week. I swapped Elder Soriano for the DL, Elder Atazan. He speaks next to no English so it was fun. The best part was that the only 3 people in the entire area that speak fluent English were the ones we taught! He didn't like that but I loved it.
One was a Vietnam Vet (we're old pals) named Eliezer Racimo. He's really stubborn and likes to talk about what he knows no matter how irrelevant. I had to be a little stern but got my message across and he understood.
We've been teaching a lot about living prophets. It's a really powerful message that is foreign to many. I love talking about it because it's so comforting and awesome to know that we have a REAL LIVING PROPHET. One guy in Brgy 10 asked why the prophet's name wasn't in the Bible. I asked him why his own name wasn't in the Bible and if that meant he was not a real person or unholy.
Elder Soriano got sick. On Satuday morning he slept in a little and that's not really usual so I shoved him a bit and felt bad once I learned he had a huge fever and sore joints. Sister Odgers said it may be Dengue Fever but we won't know until after the fever and see if a rash starts. The fever stopped today (we had to stay at the mission home last night which is why this email is so late). He's fine now though. I spent the entire day Saturday inside at the table. I read a huge chunk of the Book of Mormon and then remembered that we have encyclopedias in our apartment! I read all about Canada and it's government, the US government and it's judiciary branches, hippos, Einstein, koalas, Hitler and all kinds of other stuff. I was able to read from 7am to 9:30pm nonstop whereas back home I could barely read for an hour. Cool. I also ate fishballs. They're gooey but they make me laugh.
My payong (umbrella) fell in the ditch with the sewage! Sick. I soaked it in alcohol and let it dry and I think it's okay now.
The "Awesome Family" is really cool and their son wants to serve a mission (he's 17). The awesome family are the ones we administered to when they were sick. They are realllllly progressing well and we're planning to get them a roof because theirs burned. When it rains she has to stay home and brush the water down the stairs as it comes through the roof in the top floor and down to the main floor. We were there in the biggest rain storm of my mission thus far and it was nuts! I made her take a break and let me sweep. I had brought my family pictures and she looked at them. She's in love with the temple. See how both my sisters deciding to marry in the temple has affected a woman in Vintar to set a goal to go to the temple? Amazing!
We met a guy named Carlo who is from California but Filipino. He moved here to finish med school and he contacted us. He said he's been searching for the truth and what his purpose is and that he's so happy to find it. So cool because when he found us as we were out walking, I was feeling down because it's still a struggle to speak the language. But then it turns out God never lets us down if we are obedient (imagine that!). Right at the worst time he sends the best investigator yet! I love it here and know I'm in the right place - don't worry about me.
Love you guys!!!!!!!!
-Elder Dustan
Monday, August 8, 2011
Slapstick - The Best Medicine! - Week 14. Serving in Vintar
Hey guys, I only have 15 minutes!!!!!!! We have a district activity and we have to meet people in Laoag so I have to go soon. I wish I had more time.
We met a great family that contacted us and they all wanted to come to church so badly. Two of the kids came and they said their mom was looking after the other three as some of them were sick. But in sacrament meeting, the little boy threw up all over himself and looked so sad and defeated I felt so bad for him. I told him how, when I was younger, I had fallen asleep while sitting on the stand during sacrament meeting back home. My elbow slipped off my knee and I fell to the floor in front of everyone. He liked that.
Demma got up and bore her testimony of how she knows the Church is true. After church we went to the vomit kid's house to check up on them and say hi to the mom. Two of her kids were under a huge mosquito net, sweating with Dengue Fever. I gave my first priesthood blessing to one of the children (Ronbert) and to the mom. Elder Soriano blessed the little guy. I felt directed by the Spirit and the words weren't my own. Certain quotes from General Conference came to my mind that applied to her. She loved having us there and wanted us to help her insomnia. Turns out she's addicted to coffee! Word of Wisdom pamphlet!
Elder Davis and I got hissed at by a crazy guy in a tricey at night and it was wayyyy creepy. We've been invited fishing two weeks from now but that's after transfer day which is next Monday!!!! WOW. So I might be gone or have a new kasama by then.
Time flies - and crawls slowly at the same time.
Did you get my letter yet???? I sent some pictures with it. I also got a memory stick to send you pictures from here but there's no time today. I miss all of you guys and think of you every day. I pray for you and am glad to know that we are an eternal family. That is the best thing ever!!!!. Finally, we showed "The Restoration" video to people this week and they all loved it - some cried. The Restoration is such a powerful event, and everyone needs to know about it! So to anyone that reads this, go out and learn about the Restoration and the First Vision from a church member, from the movie or from a missionary. That event is why I am here.
I love you Guys!
Elder Dustan
We met a great family that contacted us and they all wanted to come to church so badly. Two of the kids came and they said their mom was looking after the other three as some of them were sick. But in sacrament meeting, the little boy threw up all over himself and looked so sad and defeated I felt so bad for him. I told him how, when I was younger, I had fallen asleep while sitting on the stand during sacrament meeting back home. My elbow slipped off my knee and I fell to the floor in front of everyone. He liked that.
Demma got up and bore her testimony of how she knows the Church is true. After church we went to the vomit kid's house to check up on them and say hi to the mom. Two of her kids were under a huge mosquito net, sweating with Dengue Fever. I gave my first priesthood blessing to one of the children (Ronbert) and to the mom. Elder Soriano blessed the little guy. I felt directed by the Spirit and the words weren't my own. Certain quotes from General Conference came to my mind that applied to her. She loved having us there and wanted us to help her insomnia. Turns out she's addicted to coffee! Word of Wisdom pamphlet!
Elder Davis and I got hissed at by a crazy guy in a tricey at night and it was wayyyy creepy. We've been invited fishing two weeks from now but that's after transfer day which is next Monday!!!! WOW. So I might be gone or have a new kasama by then.
Time flies - and crawls slowly at the same time.
Did you get my letter yet???? I sent some pictures with it. I also got a memory stick to send you pictures from here but there's no time today. I miss all of you guys and think of you every day. I pray for you and am glad to know that we are an eternal family. That is the best thing ever!!!!. Finally, we showed "The Restoration" video to people this week and they all loved it - some cried. The Restoration is such a powerful event, and everyone needs to know about it! So to anyone that reads this, go out and learn about the Restoration and the First Vision from a church member, from the movie or from a missionary. That event is why I am here.
I love you Guys!
Elder Dustan
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Teaching Great People AND Feeding Ducks to Monkeys! - Week 13.Serving in Vintar.
So my new nephew, Carter has finally arrived! I've been waiting so long for the news! Sister Odgers was all excited too. But 7lbs, 12ounces! That's as big as you are Whitney! Loved the pictures too - looks like he's looking right at me! On p-days we use one of the FOUR internet cafes in Vintar (for a place with no sewage system, they've really got it made). I love hearing from you guys though - reading your emails is a high point in my week. I also got some regular mail. So here's how the mail works: The mail goes to the mission home in Laoag and waits there until the AP's bring it to us either at church (as we are in the same ward as the them) or at our district meetings - but they only attend the first one of every month. We can also pick it up if we run out of supplies and have to go to the mission home. We aren't supposed to go there much but no one runs out of copies of the Book of Mormon, pamphlets and teaching records as much as we do. So every two weeks or so we have to go there.
It has rained everyday for the past week. Vintar was on the verge of flooding. All the ditches were inches away from the top. It didn't just rain, it RAINED! A real downpour. I never heard thunder like this back home. It shakes the house and everything! My waterproof shoes were a good investment. No false advertising. My feet have been dry all week except the day I wore my other shoes and the one time it rained so hard it bounced off the road onto my pants and soaked me until my socks got wet. I do use an umbrella though. I got a huge one at the palenke in Laoag. Only 4 bucks.
I use my filter bottle everyday and drink only from it. We have filters on the taps in the apartment but they can't be trusted. The other elders make fun of elder Crandel (my "grandpa" in that weird elder family thing) and I because we're the only ones that use them. But that's probably why so many missionaries have been getting sick.
Our investigators are doing well. Sister Demma (our neighbour who is the older lady with lots of jewellry and trinkets and makeup but is really kind), has softened a bit. She would never go to church with us as she's the choir leader at the Aglipay church. But she started coming. She even stood up in Church and said, "We need to not send our kids to church - we need to bring them to church". Well put and true. We were bold with her in our last meeting. ('bold' in Tagalog means 'naked'). My companion reminded me not to say 'pwede ko po magbold sa inyo' (or, "Can I be bold with you?"). Good thing, because I was about to say just that.
We found a less active family too. They are very quiet. We talked to the mum on the phone as she's in Manila and she was screaming with excitement that the Church is back in Vintar. I often wonder what it was like for the branch in Vintar to close. It seems like a lot of people just went to the meeting house one day and realized it was gone. So sad.
The AP's (Assistants to the President) started teaching a guy named JonJon (unusual names here too, like 'Bethlehem Kalsada', which translated is 'Bethlehem Street', and 'Lovely' is a common first name here). He's the leader of a frat in Laoag. He was quite a party animal. He is now down to two smokes a day from two packs plus no drinking or other stuff. Once he learned about the Law of Chastity, he dumped his three girlfriends. He's really awesome and everyone in Laoag knows him. He went out with the AP's one day to find new investigators and would just walk into peoples' yards and say, "We're going to teach you now." and they would teach a lesson! He also brought so many people to the baptism of Sister Jackie (who is a really awesome single mom that's only my age and has a really strong testimony) on Saturday that there were as many people as we have at church on a regular Sunday (102 adults). His ex-girlfriends are coming to church and I went on splits with the APs and taught one of them about chastity. Shes only 16 and when she learned about it, we expected all kinds of questions but all she said was, "Can we still be forgiven?". We knocked that one out of the park and she's going to be baptized on Sept. 10th. Lastly about JonJon - his frat used to use the chapel as a hazing ground and to shower by unscrewing the cap at the bottom of the mini water tower of the chapel. That's all stopped. He said he'd bring 80 people to hear the discussions at the church on Saturday coming. The AP's said they might need our help, but either way I'll let you know how it goes.
Things here are going well. We have around 90 investigators. We also fed balut (a Filipino delicacy of pickled duck eggs with the fetus inside) to a monkey. Tatay Balut is the old guy that bikes around Vintar everyday after lunch until 9pm selling balut. He's so diligent and he must be 80 years old and half blind. We felt so bad for him one day that we bought two eggs from him, but the day before, Sister Odgers had specifically told me not to eat it until I've been here at least a year, so there's a monkey in a cage on one of the street corners and we just gave him the bag. I have some pictures and a video. He loved it.
Thanks Pa for the awesome talk by Hugh B. Brown! I loved it. I read it three times, and to my companion and to an investigator with minor translation.
I'm loving the rice here. I can't eat a meal without it or I don't feel full and I get grumpy. I'm told I'll have rice withdrawals when I get home so you better have some good stuff waiting for me. No Uncle Ben's - he's not even Asian!
We went to the palenke in Vintar this morning and I got a knife. It makes Crocodile Dundee's look puny!
I love you guys and miss you lots. The homesickness is going away a little and, oddly enough, I feel closer to you as it does. Tell me all about your upcoming camping plans too Pa. I wish I could go with you but I'm doing a perma-camp here.
There are lots of cats here but 90% of them have no tails and are realllllly gross but even the dirty dogs here are still cute to me. Dogs are the best. (Hi Duncan!)
Stay safe, and I love you sooooo much. Ignatpo
It has rained everyday for the past week. Vintar was on the verge of flooding. All the ditches were inches away from the top. It didn't just rain, it RAINED! A real downpour. I never heard thunder like this back home. It shakes the house and everything! My waterproof shoes were a good investment. No false advertising. My feet have been dry all week except the day I wore my other shoes and the one time it rained so hard it bounced off the road onto my pants and soaked me until my socks got wet. I do use an umbrella though. I got a huge one at the palenke in Laoag. Only 4 bucks.
I use my filter bottle everyday and drink only from it. We have filters on the taps in the apartment but they can't be trusted. The other elders make fun of elder Crandel (my "grandpa" in that weird elder family thing) and I because we're the only ones that use them. But that's probably why so many missionaries have been getting sick.
Our investigators are doing well. Sister Demma (our neighbour who is the older lady with lots of jewellry and trinkets and makeup but is really kind), has softened a bit. She would never go to church with us as she's the choir leader at the Aglipay church. But she started coming. She even stood up in Church and said, "We need to not send our kids to church - we need to bring them to church". Well put and true. We were bold with her in our last meeting. ('bold' in Tagalog means 'naked'). My companion reminded me not to say 'pwede ko po magbold sa inyo' (or, "Can I be bold with you?"). Good thing, because I was about to say just that.
We found a less active family too. They are very quiet. We talked to the mum on the phone as she's in Manila and she was screaming with excitement that the Church is back in Vintar. I often wonder what it was like for the branch in Vintar to close. It seems like a lot of people just went to the meeting house one day and realized it was gone. So sad.
The AP's (Assistants to the President) started teaching a guy named JonJon (unusual names here too, like 'Bethlehem Kalsada', which translated is 'Bethlehem Street', and 'Lovely' is a common first name here). He's the leader of a frat in Laoag. He was quite a party animal. He is now down to two smokes a day from two packs plus no drinking or other stuff. Once he learned about the Law of Chastity, he dumped his three girlfriends. He's really awesome and everyone in Laoag knows him. He went out with the AP's one day to find new investigators and would just walk into peoples' yards and say, "We're going to teach you now." and they would teach a lesson! He also brought so many people to the baptism of Sister Jackie (who is a really awesome single mom that's only my age and has a really strong testimony) on Saturday that there were as many people as we have at church on a regular Sunday (102 adults). His ex-girlfriends are coming to church and I went on splits with the APs and taught one of them about chastity. Shes only 16 and when she learned about it, we expected all kinds of questions but all she said was, "Can we still be forgiven?". We knocked that one out of the park and she's going to be baptized on Sept. 10th. Lastly about JonJon - his frat used to use the chapel as a hazing ground and to shower by unscrewing the cap at the bottom of the mini water tower of the chapel. That's all stopped. He said he'd bring 80 people to hear the discussions at the church on Saturday coming. The AP's said they might need our help, but either way I'll let you know how it goes.
Things here are going well. We have around 90 investigators. We also fed balut (a Filipino delicacy of pickled duck eggs with the fetus inside) to a monkey. Tatay Balut is the old guy that bikes around Vintar everyday after lunch until 9pm selling balut. He's so diligent and he must be 80 years old and half blind. We felt so bad for him one day that we bought two eggs from him, but the day before, Sister Odgers had specifically told me not to eat it until I've been here at least a year, so there's a monkey in a cage on one of the street corners and we just gave him the bag. I have some pictures and a video. He loved it.
Thanks Pa for the awesome talk by Hugh B. Brown! I loved it. I read it three times, and to my companion and to an investigator with minor translation.
I'm loving the rice here. I can't eat a meal without it or I don't feel full and I get grumpy. I'm told I'll have rice withdrawals when I get home so you better have some good stuff waiting for me. No Uncle Ben's - he's not even Asian!
We went to the palenke in Vintar this morning and I got a knife. It makes Crocodile Dundee's look puny!
I love you guys and miss you lots. The homesickness is going away a little and, oddly enough, I feel closer to you as it does. Tell me all about your upcoming camping plans too Pa. I wish I could go with you but I'm doing a perma-camp here.
There are lots of cats here but 90% of them have no tails and are realllllly gross but even the dirty dogs here are still cute to me. Dogs are the best. (Hi Duncan!)
Stay safe, and I love you sooooo much. Ignatpo
-Elder Dustan
Monday, July 25, 2011
Lizards Make Good Companions Too! - Week 12. Serving in Vintar.
We have around 40 investigators here in Vintar (a mission record!). Just as well we get stood up half the time or we couldn't visit them all! We have some pretty golden ones though. A woman named Rozel read the Restoration pamphlet we gave her twice and wrote down answers to the questions on the back. She had so many great questions and thoughts and she's showing real promise. Then there's Shane. She's 15 years old and we met her while she was playing the guitar on the street. We made an appointment and met with her and her older brother, Christopher who's really awesome. He went to church when there was a branch in Vintar years ago. The cool thing is Shane's drum set. She made it! Its got a wooden frame and a pedal and some old jugs with coins in them. You can tell that it was made from recycled materials. We played a couple of songs together. We gave them a Book of Mormon and it went really well. The next visit we taught them about the Word of Wisdom and her brother really liked it and said it makes a lot of sense. We ended by singing, "Nearer My God to Thee". I played it on the guitar and Shane jumped up and played the drums. It sounded awesome. There were even people who walked by the doorway that stopped to watch.
Emmanuel is our other invesitgator. He is my age and we met him through guitar playing also. He told us he knows the gospel is true, and that he even wanted to share it. Then just to be clear, he said to us in English "I know what you're saying is true, I believe you." Those words are among the sweetest words I've ever heard someone say to me. That's what I'm here for. I felt so happy. He came to Church on Sunday but he's leaving today for some place near Baguio. He lives there and is just staying with family here for a bit. So I got his address and now I have a referal for Elder Dimas (from the Chapel Hill ward in Ottawa)!!! Astig!
Okay, and one more investigator story: On Tuesday my companion & I went on splits with all the ward missionaries - half with him, half with me. I went in the Calaramo's truck with a load of ward missionaries headed out to a family we taught last week in the country. I was really nervous to teach in front of so many people in Tagalog. I prayed a lot in my head - really sincerely and desperately. And guess what happened? The truck broke down - barely outside of Vintar central! I was so excited! Brother Calaramo said that just he and I would go together by Tricey (a really long trip by tricey and cost 50 pesos which is a lot for a one-way ride!). I felt my stomach drop to find out we were still going to the lesson, but then realized, God needs me to go there. We tricey'd to Brgy 10 and met Sonny, Alvin and Marvin and their old Nanay. I taught them about the ministry of Christ, the Apostasy and Restoration and the Book of Mormon all by myself, IN TAGALOG! They understood me and paid attention and I felt the spirit really strongly. It was so great. I looked back afterwards and couldn't remember what words I had said. I know the Spirit was working through me. It was a great day!
We had a bat in our apartment. You should see the bats here. As soon as twilight hits, the sky fills up with bats and they are soooooo cool. One seemed almost eagle size! We had a bat in our bedroom when we got back from proselyting and got really hilarious videos of trying to catch it with towels. You'll see them eventually. Also I had an encounter with a centipede. I was showering and looked down and saw what I thought was a water snake coming at me. It was a huge centipede and they are gross. I thought you could drown them... but nope. It crawled all over. I couldn't kill it and it disappeared into the ceiling. We also have a family of lizards in the house. I really want to catch one sometime. I saw one the size of my leg from my foot to my knee! Ours are just youngn's but they are making more young'ns. That's why the bugs aren't as bad in our place. Also that big spider I saw in my first week gave birth too! All kinds of bug catchers!
As for bug spray I don't use it...I have just accepted that I'll get bitten a few times. It was really bad the first week but I'm used to it now and they don't bite me as much anymore.
Its been reallllllllly hot here. No clouds, no wind, just dead heat. Everyone sleeps on those days and it's really hard to teach people. I have a picture of some people just passed out on a big piece of plywood.
Anyways, I miss you guys a lot. I still get really homesick. I don't know when that will stop. Dad, how long did that last for you on your mission? My personal study keeps me going. I hope I never break the habit of at least 10 minutes of Book of Mormon study every morning. It helps so much. I am also reading "Jesus the Christ" and loving it so much.
Little kids come and stand behind us and watch our screens as we type and try to read what we're writing. Its really funny.
One of my most precious memories is sitting in the Celestial room of the temple with all of my family. The comfort and joy I felt gets more profound everytime I think about it.
That pregnant girl we are teaching had her baby. I told her Whitney was waiting for her to go first! She really warmed up to us more after I talked to her about you, Whitney. You help the work and you're all the way on the other side of the world. I have two great missionaries for sisters.
The clock Brother Roberts gave me runs the missionary work here! Without it I wouldn't wake up and no one would hear the gospel! Haha!
Take care!
Elder Dustan
Emmanuel is our other invesitgator. He is my age and we met him through guitar playing also. He told us he knows the gospel is true, and that he even wanted to share it. Then just to be clear, he said to us in English "I know what you're saying is true, I believe you." Those words are among the sweetest words I've ever heard someone say to me. That's what I'm here for. I felt so happy. He came to Church on Sunday but he's leaving today for some place near Baguio. He lives there and is just staying with family here for a bit. So I got his address and now I have a referal for Elder Dimas (from the Chapel Hill ward in Ottawa)!!! Astig!
Okay, and one more investigator story: On Tuesday my companion & I went on splits with all the ward missionaries - half with him, half with me. I went in the Calaramo's truck with a load of ward missionaries headed out to a family we taught last week in the country. I was really nervous to teach in front of so many people in Tagalog. I prayed a lot in my head - really sincerely and desperately. And guess what happened? The truck broke down - barely outside of Vintar central! I was so excited! Brother Calaramo said that just he and I would go together by Tricey (a really long trip by tricey and cost 50 pesos which is a lot for a one-way ride!). I felt my stomach drop to find out we were still going to the lesson, but then realized, God needs me to go there. We tricey'd to Brgy 10 and met Sonny, Alvin and Marvin and their old Nanay. I taught them about the ministry of Christ, the Apostasy and Restoration and the Book of Mormon all by myself, IN TAGALOG! They understood me and paid attention and I felt the spirit really strongly. It was so great. I looked back afterwards and couldn't remember what words I had said. I know the Spirit was working through me. It was a great day!
We had a bat in our apartment. You should see the bats here. As soon as twilight hits, the sky fills up with bats and they are soooooo cool. One seemed almost eagle size! We had a bat in our bedroom when we got back from proselyting and got really hilarious videos of trying to catch it with towels. You'll see them eventually. Also I had an encounter with a centipede. I was showering and looked down and saw what I thought was a water snake coming at me. It was a huge centipede and they are gross. I thought you could drown them... but nope. It crawled all over. I couldn't kill it and it disappeared into the ceiling. We also have a family of lizards in the house. I really want to catch one sometime. I saw one the size of my leg from my foot to my knee! Ours are just youngn's but they are making more young'ns. That's why the bugs aren't as bad in our place. Also that big spider I saw in my first week gave birth too! All kinds of bug catchers!
As for bug spray I don't use it...I have just accepted that I'll get bitten a few times. It was really bad the first week but I'm used to it now and they don't bite me as much anymore.
Its been reallllllllly hot here. No clouds, no wind, just dead heat. Everyone sleeps on those days and it's really hard to teach people. I have a picture of some people just passed out on a big piece of plywood.
Anyways, I miss you guys a lot. I still get really homesick. I don't know when that will stop. Dad, how long did that last for you on your mission? My personal study keeps me going. I hope I never break the habit of at least 10 minutes of Book of Mormon study every morning. It helps so much. I am also reading "Jesus the Christ" and loving it so much.
Little kids come and stand behind us and watch our screens as we type and try to read what we're writing. Its really funny.
One of my most precious memories is sitting in the Celestial room of the temple with all of my family. The comfort and joy I felt gets more profound everytime I think about it.
That pregnant girl we are teaching had her baby. I told her Whitney was waiting for her to go first! She really warmed up to us more after I talked to her about you, Whitney. You help the work and you're all the way on the other side of the world. I have two great missionaries for sisters.
The clock Brother Roberts gave me runs the missionary work here! Without it I wouldn't wake up and no one would hear the gospel! Haha!
Take care!
Elder Dustan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)