Emily's homecoming is next Sunday, January 19th @ 8:30am. 185 Ridgeview Dr. This week was a bittersweet one. I'm going to miss these beautiful people so much! In my departing testimony on Sunday I shared Mosiah 18:30; " And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon,yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever. " The land of Mormon to Alma and his people is to me the Philippines. I understand the need they had to emphasize over and over again the place were they came to the knowledge of their Redeemer. Bacolod truly is beautiful in my eyes, because here more than anything I more fully came to know my Savior through loving and serving the children of Heavenly Father. I will forever be grateful for the chance I had to serve a mission. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true and was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. For the past 18 months as I've testified, I've felt the Spirit reconfirming that truth over and over again. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and has a perfect plan for us even when we don't fully understand it all. I know that He continues to lead and guide us through living prophets, seers and revelators. I know that President Russell M. Nelson is His prophet here on earth. I know Jesus is the Christ and that through His Atonement and Gospel we can change and become the person our Heavenly Father wants us to become. I know that peace, comfort and strength are readily available as soon as we reach out to Him with a sincere and repentant heart. See you all real soon. Love, Sister Adams Emily also sent this about her week to me before she had to go..... It was a pretty normal week. We had MLC and then we spent the week teaching and saying goodbye. Knowing I will be back here soon made it a little easier. MLC was pretty funny though because after lunch before we started again, they wanted a musical number while we waited to keep the spirit. I don't know why, but people started shouting SISTER ADAMS. Palagpat gid. I kept nodding my head nooooo, but then they said you and Sister Clark can sing together. Sister Clark looked at me and said, "we'll just do what we did at the Baptism". We went up to the front and she started to sing the first verse and as I went to start on the second verse, my voice squeaked pretty badly because of my cough and sore throat that I had this week. I started to laugh and then Sister Clark laughed and no matter how many times we tried to start again I just couldn't do it. So I just went and sat down while everyone else was laughing. I wish there was a video, because it was so much funnier in person. I will have to buy luggage later today when we go shopping. The suitcase I had almost lasted. Last night it broke as I was zipping it up. Em left her cord to download pics in her suitcase. Here are a few more pics from the De Guzman's. They are the sweetest people ever!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! The members were all so sad that we had a curfew for New Years. We were so surprised that night when 3 different times food was brought to our house. We ate so much pizza, adobo, soda, spaghetti, salad, and of course rice. As in SO much food. Abaw. This week we also got right to work, but in the middle we spent 3 days inside because Sister Clark got sick part way through. Not being able to teach or meet with others, made me so anxious, and made me realize how much I will truly miss being a missionary here in the Philippines. Thursday I went on exchanges with Sister Castillo. It was the best getting to be her companion again, even if it was just for a day. We had so much fun as we spent the whole day finding in their area. THE WHOLE DAY. I was so tired, but we found promising people to teach and had some cool experiences. We went to a subdivision, and there were two young girls sweeping outside. They seemed so familiar to me, that I told Sister Castillo that we had to go talk to them. As we started up a conversation, a woman came out of the house and smiled. She said "I knew it was you, as soon as I heard your voice." I was a little shocked and was trying to figure out how I knew them. Come to find out, Sister Garcia and I had taught them a lesson in our area, but every time we went back to teach again, they weren't there. That's because they moved to the 3rd ward area! She said "I couldn't forget about you!" We bore testimony to them of how God led us to them not just once, but twice. We had an amazing lesson! I hope they continue to progress! And of course we had sweet Brother Dodoy's Baptism this week. Last minute we ended up speaking at his Baptism. I got up to speak, and as I talked about repentance and the change we saw in Brother Dodoy, I started to cry. I was struggling to stop especially as I looked at Dodoy and saw that he was crying too. He is so strong and so is his testimony. When you look at him now, you would never be able to guess that he once smoked 10 sticks a day and was rarely ever not drunk. Sunday was fast and testimony meeting and right after being confirmed, he bore his testimony again for the whole ward to hear. I LOVE HIM. These last few weeks are just a lot of mixed emotions.... I'm gonna miss this so much!!! Sister Adams I asked Em if Juvie cried at the baptism.... "Yes, Juvie cried too! I remember going over soon after he quit smoking and she said "you have no Idea how much I have prayed and tried to help him change, but it only happened when you both came to the house." That's the biggest testimony of all to her. That's also why Dodoy was so excited to be baptized, he wants to forget about that life and just continue to move forward. I know Juvie will get baptized. I have no doubt. It's just not her time yet. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Wow it was a great week and a great Christmas! We thought that there would be a typhoon Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but we got a Christmas miracle instead, it just rained. (Thank you for the prayers!) We spent the day walking around in the rain giving out little gift baggies, and sharing a sweet Christmas message about our Savior. We also sang Christmas songs to recent converts and people we are teaching. (Tonight she sang the songs to us that she sang to them in Ilongo, Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Silent Night) I'm so lucky to have gotten to spend two Christmas's in the Philippines when I was only planning on one;) In the mission field, I have truly been able to focus on the Savior at Christmastime. It was a special day knowing we were doing exactly what Jesus Christ himself would be doing if he were here. PICTURES FROM THE BACOLOD 2nd WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY. This week as we were teaching Juvie and Dodoy. Juvie told us she felt like she wasn't ready yet for baptism. Dodoy is as excited as ever and passed his baptismal interview. He is hoping soon after his baptism that he can baptize Juvie. She is excited for that, but just wants a little more time. I'm still amazed at how much Dodoy has changed as he has accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ's Atonement is real! It can change us to the point that our desires and actions are like King Benjamin's people. We lose all desire to do evil, but to do good continually. Byebye. Halong gid kamo pirme! Dodoy and Juvie.
(The De Guzman's sent me this photo Sunday. They fed Sister Adams and Clark. Brother De Guzman also sent this sweet message). "Were so grateful for sister adams, she is doing so well. Were so confident that your family is so much proud of her. She is finishing her mission in a very enthusiastic and anxious on her effort. Were trying so hard to fellowship their recent converts. Esp we just arrived here last july. Again thank u karin and to your family For raising a wonderful daughter and now serving our Lord. My wife and i were so grateful for their efforts and self less acts. Thank you again." (I love these people!) MERRY CHRISTMAS! This week was great! Tuesday we had our Zone Conference and Christmas Devotional. It was so much fun, but made me so sad thinking that my time is so short. Sister Ellis and I gave our departing testimonies. Wednesday everyone was so sweet and thoughtful for my Birthday. They made sure to feed us really well! The next day we had exchanges with Sister Caguntas and Sister Mercado. Everyone continued to celebrate my birthday, telling me that my real birthday was happening in America with the time difference. I sure feel loved. Saturday the De Guzman's told us they wanted us to invite our recent converts and some people that we are teaching to their house for FHE. It was so much fun. The Jara family, The Tuerca family, The Geroche family, Dodoy, Jen and Jona all came. Somehow we fit 12 people all on the same tricycle! I say it so much, but I love these people so much! I'll never stop saying it. I'm so grateful for this Christmas season. It's been different last Christmas and this year, but it's a whole lot more beautiful. I know our Savior lives and loves us, and can give us peace and joy despite our circumstances! Halong Pirme and have an amazing Christmas! Sister Adams Em said they had a lot to do today. I hope she is also preparing for the typhoon, although she did not mention the typhoon to us. We received this E-mail from her mission president soon after Emily sent her E-mail. Prayers for the Philippines......
Typhoon Ursula [email protected]Dec 22, 2019, 11:57 PM (10 minutes ago) to me Dear Parents and Leaders, As you may be aware of, the latest official weather forecast indicates that Typhoon Ursula will hit part of our mission area particularly the northern zones this Tuesday, the 25th. Please know that we have alerted all our missionaries to prepare every needful thing including the checking of their 72-hour kits and emergency fund, replenishing supplies therein, charging their mobile phones and reviewing the Area's and Mission's emergency plan hand-outs. We have also instructed them to stay safe and choose to be indoors and follow the curfew schedule on Christmas Day. If ever our missionaries might miss that Christmas call, please understand that this is may be due to power failure or poor communication in affected places. We have also alerted the concerned priesthood leaders to look after the welfare and safety of our missionaries assigned in their respective areas. If evacuation is necessary, our missionaries will be housed temporarily to the nearest chapel. We are doing our best that we can to prepare for this emergency situation. We encourage you to continue to pray for the safety and protection of our missionaries and all that are in the path of the Typhoon. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas celebration. With all my love and respect, Elmer S. Sumagpao Mission President Philippines Bacolod Mission First of all thank you so much for all the sweet Birthday messages. It made my day! (She already read them, even though her birthday isn't till Wednesday :)) Well this week was a flash back to my days in Hinigaran with Sister Miner. The Man vs Wild series made a comeback. Long story short, a lot of sisters sleep at our house for random reasons, because we live in the hosting house. Because of that, our water and electric bills are a lot of money, and the mission will pay. Instead of paying it ourselves, the office Elders told us they would take care of it. Fast forward to this week, and our water and electricity is shut off. We thought it was a normal brown out at first, but soon enough we found out they forgot to pay the bills haha. We lived for four days without water or electricity, which means no doing dishes, no showers, no flushing toilets, no electric fans at night, no refrigerator, and no doing laundry whoot. It was so funny because for a couple of days we bought gallon jugs of water, carried them all the way to our apartment and then used them to shower. President Sumagpao found out yesterday, and felt so bad. No matter how many times we said we were fine, he insisted on us sleeping in a hotel.... and that's where we are now. In a really nice hotel where we slept with AC and took nice warm hot showers for the first time in a long time. It was so nice. We'll be staying here, but work as normal in our area until our electricity comes back on. On Monday this week we watched the Restoration with Juvie and Dodoy. We love going and always finding Dodoy sitting and reading the Book of Mormon. My heart could literally burst from the joy I feel as I see him read. Like always all the little neighbor kids come running to listen and be with us as we teach. They all loved the movie so much. As we watched, one of the neighbor boys named Johndell was sitting next to me and part way through I looked over to see tears in his eyes. so sweet. After it finished, Dodoy said, "yep I know it's true!" Dodoy also asked this week if he could be baptized already. He kept saying, "I'm ready!" but he ultimately wants to wait for Juvie to feel that same way, and be there with him. Juvie has her mind set for January 4. We also have been teaching a quiet, sweet, and young mom named Jona. It has been hard to track her progress because from day one she has just always joined lessons of other people near her house that we are teaching and because of that she wasn't the main focus. This week we were taken back a little when we asked about their scripture reading and come to find out she had read the testimony of the three and eight witnesses and is loving the testimony of Joseph Smith. Through reading the Book of Mormon it has propelled her progression forward and she finally came to church for the first time. I know there is real power in the Book of Mormon.
Also loved this quote from my study this week. "Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul, upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical nature, or whether he will make as his life's purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities." -President David O. Mckay I know this life is a constant battle between the natural man and doing the things God wants and needs us to do. I know that as we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can overcome our weaknesses and as President Ballard said that Repentance will become our weapon against the battle over ourselves. Have a wonderful week! Love you! Sister Adams Hello, Dodoy and Juvie are still so strong. Dodoy still hasn't smoked since stopping. I've never seen someone so determined. This week they found a love for the Book of Mormon too. Dodoy and Juvie read together every night before going to bed. He loves telling us all about what they have read. This week we also extended baptismal dates to them. They both said yes, and talked about how they just wanted to be together as a family in the Celestial Kingdom. Their baptism date is January 4th! This week was also a little busy, because we said goodbye to all the missionaries leaving and welcomed all the new sister missionaries to the mission field. They all came to stay at our house. It's crazy to think the time is going so fast and that will be me leaving soon. AHH. Sorry for the short email, but I know the church is true, and there is nothing more important than to share about it! Love you all! Sister Adams HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Well to start off it was transfers and I'm officially staying here in Bacolod with Sister Clark as my companion again! We both laughed because she will be my first and only companion that I've had more then one transfer with. We're grateful to be staying together over Christmas time. I'm also grateful to stay here (and die here) in Bacolod 2nd Ward. It's a special place. This week was awesome and we love Dodoy and Juvie. SO MUCH! They have been asking us to come over everyday to teach. We laughed pretty hard in Dodoy's prayer when he prayed that we wouldn't get "takan sa ila" or sick of them haha. Also miracles happened. Last week I asked for prayers for Dodoy and let me tell ya they sure worked. We started the week by bringing a calendar for Dodoy to slowly stop smoking before December 25 as a gift to Jesus Christ. At that point he was smoking 10 sticks a day. On the Calendar we started with 10 sticks and everyday the number of sticks would gradually go down until 0 sticks on December 25. On the calendar he also marks how many sticks he smoked that day. He was so ready and excited to get started. We were ready to do and get everything we knew could help; Go to his house everyday, Read uplifting scripture verses and we bought a bunch of menthol candy. Our plan was in place and the next day we went over. We were shocked when we looked over at the calendar and the number of sticks he had smoked already jumped down from 10 to 6. Then the next day from 6 to 4. Then from 4 to 2. Then from 2 to 0. I was shocked because what was supposed to take a whole month...or longer, took one week for Brother Dodoy. We asked what it was that helped him after his wife verified that he hadn't smoked in 2 days. He explained that his desire to smoke was leaving. He was able to gain strength as he's been reading the Book of Mormon, praying, going to church every week and listening to the messages we bring everyday. I can say enough about how amazing they are. They have some exceedingly great faith. We also have been teaching 2 deathly shy brothers named Joshua and Negro. They just moved to Bacolod to live with their older brother and wife who are recent converts from a few years ago. It was kind of a funny story of how we found them. We went late one night to find a referral a member had given us. As we asked around everyone kept telling us they didn't know the person we were looking for. We walked a little further and asked one more lady. She said the same thing but said she knew some members close by. We said thank you but that we didn't have time to visit members. The woman persisted, even after we said no and so we finally agreed that we would stop by and say hi. We went and that's when we met Joshua and Negro. God's plan is perfect and I know that there are no coincidences. We were definitely meant to find and teach them. Anyways they are some of the most shy people I have ever met! Sometimes they can barely even look at us but they read and want to learn more. This week we were so happy because we taught the Plan of Salvation and they both started asking questions! They were so into the lesson! We were shocked because before that we had only ever heard them laugh. The tricky part is going to get them to overcome that and hopefully come to church!
That's about it. It's so crazy this is the last transfer! It's going to go by so fast! Love you all and thanks for your support pirme! Sister Adams It was a good week. I probably say that every week. We have been teaching the sweetest older couple named Dodoy and Juvie (I sent a video of them a couple of weeks ago). It's been awesome to see their testimonies developing. Dan and Gamay come with us every time, and it's so cute to see all of them become such great friends. They even came to church this week and loved it! This week we taught the Word of Wisdom. Brother Dodoy told us that he smokes and drinks coffee, but with tears in his eyes said that he has wanted to stop and change for the longest time, but knew he could never do it alone. He is so determined right now to stop. Prayers for Dodoy please :) Besides Dodoy and Juvie we had 7 other people we are teaching come to church! We were so happy after working so hard this week! What's even more awesome, is that all of them are neighbors, next to, or close by the house of Dodoy and Juvie. When we go back to teach more and more join to listen. It's awesome. Sunday was so good. Brother Jomarie Morales and Mark Jara both received the Aaronic Priesthood and Mark and Sister Rhoda Jara gave the opening and closing prayers in Sacrament meeting. They were so nervous and excited and did great! Then my boy, Allan gave an amazing taught about developing our talents. He amazes me. It's like he's been a long time member! This week we also had exchanges and gave a training for Zone Conference that we felt went really well. Sister Clark and I are just happy it's over now :) We taught about Honesty and Integrity to God.
Honesty and Integrity is at the Heart of Spirituality, It is the foundation of all other Christlike attributes that we can develop. When your tempted to be dishonest, Always remember to look up! (A man who took his young son to steal corn from his neighbor’s field. His son’s assignment was to watch out for anyone coming along and to warn his father if he saw someone. As the father went to fill his bag, he first looked all directions to make sure no one was around. The son then called out, ‘Father, there is one way you haven’t looked yet! … You forgot to look up.’) Ann M. Dibb Halong ya'll Love, Sister Adams |
Sister Emily Adams
Philippines Bacolod Mission April 18, 2018-October 2019 Mailing Address
Sister Emily Adams
Philippines Bacolod Mission Galo St. between Lacson & Mabini Brgy.22, Bacolod City 6100 Negros Occidental Philippines Archives
January 2020
Companions Provo, Utah MTC
#1 Sister Anna Wilde From Dallas, Texas Taylor, Arizona
#2 Sister Jamie Stuart (trainer) Pleasant Grove, Utah & #3 Sister Kendall Richards Idaho Falls, Idaho Show Low, Arizona
#4 Sister Brooke Casebolt Roy, Utah Manila, Philippine's
#5 Sister Perry Serving in the Iloilo mission from Fiji Sagay, Philippines
#6 Sister Lauren Schenk (Trainer) Syracuse, Utah Sagay, Philippines
#7 Sister Ashley Ellis Highland, Utah Pulupandan, Philippines
#8 Sister Andrea Camille Sales Isabela, Philippines Hinigarin, Philippines
#9 Sister Castillo Sta. Cruz Zambalis, Philippines. Hinigarin, Philippines
#10 Sister Natalie Miner Pleasant Grove, Utah Cadiz, Philippines
#11 Sister Kate Blakeslee Meridian, Idaho Bacolod, Philippines
#12 Sister Kalyx Christensen San Diego, California Bacolod, Philippines
#13 Sister Stephanie Garcia Pangisan, Philippines Bacolod, Philippines
#14 Sister Santa Barbara Marikina, Manila, Philippines Bacolod, Phililppines
#15 Sister Eliza Clark Corvallis, Oregon |