The birthday cake the zone got for all those with birthdays this transfer!
Sister Mau's baptism on September 13th. She was baptized by her own recently baptized father. He was glowing!
Yes, typhoon season is in full
swing... I can't remember a day this week where I didn't wade through
floodwater and was wet the whole day... maybe that explains my cold haha (Mom,
Don't worry, I'm FINE!!) The typhoon season also means that we find surprises
in our apartment, like trails of ants stretching across the kitchen and up the
stairs, frogs in the bathroom, and cockroaches everywhere including in our
desks and clothes cupboards...it's definitely more fun in the Philippines!
We had some great miracles at
church yesterday. Using the Philippines area address unknown project, we have
been looking for "lost" members with unsure addresses. Using the
program, we found a part-member family and inactive sister Adella that hasn't
been to church in years. We didn't even teach her, just invited her to church
and yesterday she showed up with her two kids! We also met an inactive part
member family, the Carinos, and invited them back to church as well and
yesterday Sister C came with the kids. It just goes to show the power of a
simple visit and invitation that lets someone know you care. I can't emphasize
how important home and visiting teaching are. You have the power to change a
family's eternity. Simple visits make a huge difference!
Exchanges with Sister Saniel (Philippines) and Ritati (Kiribati) :)
I had a great exchange in Villasis
A area this week with Sister Aruwitit from Kiribati. Despite a typhoon and
torrential rain and winds, we were able to teach an amazing lesson on the
message of the Restoration to the Abalos family. Bro and Sis A gathered 7 of
their 11 children to listen and it was dead quiet except for the sound of the
rain on the roof as we shared of Joseph Smith's first vision. Nine pairs of
dark brown eyes were locked on ours and the Spirit was so strong. We invited
each one of them to follow the example of Jesus Christ be baptized and 7 of
them looked straight back at us and said "opo". We are so happy for
them and their potential to be an eternal family!
Sis Lydia and Bro Rodolpho have
finally finished paying off a debt that they had and are able to save for their
marriage now. Brother's work is picking up and their goal is in sight. The goal
date is their son's birthday, Oct 25. Pray for them! :)
I don't have much time, but I can
only say that it was a week of stretching and growing. There were a few times
this week where I was at the end of my rope and didn't think I could do
anymore. My dear companion was so sweet and just listened to me and reminded me
to love the ward and the people that reject us and to humbly submit to Heavenly
Father's will. I've repented of my pride and committed to become more humble
and filled with charity. Pres Uchtdorf taught, "It is impossible to be
lifted up in pride." I pray every day for more charity and less pride.
The mission is definitely a
refiner's fire and the rejections and struggles with the ward are teaching me
what Heavenly Father wants me to learn. He is so patient with my weaknesses and
I am so grateful for Him.
Always remember that the
challenges are the blessings...
Love,
Sister Gustafson :)
Urdaneta Temple site
Announced October 2010
Sister Naya and I :) She leaves to go and live in Tarlac with her grandson this week. We will miss this sweet sister!
What happens when you come back from exchanges and realize you have no
keys and have to wait outside your gate for 90 minutes waiting for your
neighbors to come home... oops!
New shoes, sent to me from one of my (favorite) member families,the
Molanos, from Manat. I'm not sure if these kind of shoes would be
fashionable in the States but they are very "in" here :)
Happy one year to me! Sis Fui bought me my favorite bread and tried to reheat it in the toaster oven, burning it... oops!
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