HELLO AHH Tonton. Tonton is somebody we have been teaching for a long time in big groups but had never really given him much attention because we didn't realize how interested he actually was. At first glance Tonton is one of those people that just looks a little rough. He's a dark, big, buff, fisherman guy, who you would think he'd be the last person in the world who would want to hear about the gospel. But he has shocked and surprised us. We started to make him a higher priority and this week we stopped by to teach the Law of Chastity. Always a fun one to teach to someone haha. We were nervous because one of his signature looks is two studded earrings. As in I have never seen him without these earrings. To add to that, he had drawn this cool tattoo looking thing on his arm. It went pretty good. He was just quiet and listened. At the end he said he would try to follow it. The next day we hadn't planned to go by his house but we did. He had no idea we were coming, but I couldn't wipe the smile from my face when I saw him, he had taken out his earrings and scrubbed his arm clean of the tattoo he had drawn on his arm. We are also in the process of helping him quit smoking. So, if any of you have any tips that would be helpful. He is so bakod gid and keeps asking when he can be baptized. We have loved helping him change. One thing I've realized is how much a lot of these people really WANT to change, but they don't know how. Sometimes all they need is a guide and an invitation to act. Funny stories of the week: Story#1: We went to a place called Ubay and there we met a group of 18 and 19 yr olds all hanging out. We got a good conversation going, they invited us in, and we asked if we could share. I said I would pray, and in the middle of this heartfelt prayer one of these boys accidentally let out a big ole fart. I died. I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing and so did everyone else. It took some time to get it all under control. Still not sure how I made it through that prayer. Story#2: We were walking late one night in the middle of some sugar cane fields to a members house to eat. It had just rained and so the whole dirt road was blocked with huge puddles of mud and rain. At one point I was walking through with only the small light of our flash light and totally lost my shoe. Sister Miner was so nice and went to go find it and as she bent down to get it...she lost her footing and went down in this huge puddle. I'm the worst, and laughed, but don't worry the members took real good care of her. I really do just love it here in the Philippines. I don't think I could feel anymore love than I do for these people. Everyday is an adventure, and we wake up excited each day to get out and share the beautiful message we have. Mom I may just not come home...... Halong kamo tanan! Love you! Sister Adams Tempura my favorite. It is some sort of root thing. haha
Alupi, but I'm not exactly sure what it is, but hey it tastes good.
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Emily told me about JJ Garcero from Hinigarin. He used to teach sometimes with her and Sister Castillo, and she said that he would be serving his mission in Indonesia. First, he would be going to the Provo MTC to learn the Arabic language. She said that he is the sweetest person, and hoped we could send a package to the MTC for him. I of course was happy to do this, and was so happy thinking of him opening the package we sent. His letter to me this morning was priceless!
Halo sister karin. This is elder garcero. The first time i knew that i’ve got a package, i was confused and surprised. I was thinking who this came from? Since my family is from the other side of the world and they haven’t mention that they’ll going to send a package. When i saw my nickname written in the claim slip for package, i thought this must come from someone who knows me very well since they knew my nickname but still i’m confused. When I open the bag, the first thing i notice are pictures of people from my home ward. And there’s also this letter from you, sister adams mom. As i read the letter, tears starts running down my face. The message is sweeter than the candy included in the bag. And comforting too. Then i remember that sister adams promised me that she’ll going to tell her mom that i’d be going to provo mtc. I just want to express my deepest gratitude, not only for the package (those sweets) but i also commend you for raising such great missionary as sister adams. My home ward is so grateful for her service and commitment. Sister adams is so enthusiastic. Shes very good in the language. You’re such a great parent. Mtc is so fun, exciting, and amazing.Our pday is every friday. I’ve attach a picture together with my companion. I’m at the center. Edgardo Garcero <[email protected]>7:20 AM (9 hours ago) Maayong hapon! Sister Miner is a great companion, and I've never had a cleaner bathroom or refrigerator. hahahaha It's the best being companions with her, and it's pretty funny that even after we don't have Filipina companions, we're still eating rice almost everyday. We even cooked fish this week! So do you all remember our good friends Judito and Leobert? I forgot to mention this a couple weeks ago, but they are no longer going to Manila. Miracle. Sister Castillo and I both cried when they told us, because we were so happy. God has a plan, and it's greater than what they had for themselves. What stands out the most about these two, is how much they want to change, and how much they have already changed. There is nothing greater than seeing someone we teach the Gospel to, change their lives around. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is so powerful. If we apply it, it helps us to change our very nature. They're not the same boys who we began teaching almost 2 months ago. This lesson I knew I had to bring up baptism again, but I was a little worried, because every other time it was brought up they would get so nervous, quiet and a little awkward haha. The end of the lesson it felt right, and I asked again if they had prayed about baptism. They both got really quiet and after some time Leobert spoke up and said, "yes...and I'm ready" Those 4 words are the best thing I ever did hear. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. Judito then told us he's not ready yet. He's got some complicated family stuff going on, but I have no doubt it will happen. He knows it’s true. June 8 is gonna be a good one. Stay tuned. We also had a great lesson this week with sweet sweet Arnel. He's in his 30's, single, and spends 24/7 babysitting chickens. Honestly, if anything could do justice in describing Arnel it would be Mosiah 3:19, "...becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." That is the epitome of Arnel, just so innocent and ready to learn. He has taken everything we have taught so far, and ran with it. In one lesson after we sang and prayed we were quiet for a minute, & he looked at us and said, "I just feel so good right now.” He wants to be baptized on his birthday to make it special, but the only problem is, his birthday is clear in July haha. This Friday Elder Dale G Renlund came to visit our mission, along with Elder cook, and Elder Schmutz from the 70. It was so special and the spirit was so strong. I'm excited to see the miracles that will come just from an apostle of the Lord visiting the Philippines Bacolod Mission. I love you all and I love this work! Halong kamo! I (Karin) got this sweet Email from Sister Ellis Hi! I just wanted to let you know that i got to see Sister Adams last Friday and it made my whole week! just talking to her put the biggest smile on my face! You really have the cutest daughter and she made for the best companion! I would do anything to get another six weeks with her! here is a picture of us at the mission conference! love, sister Ellis Heloo. Sister Miner and I just got right to work this week. Sister Miner has only been in the Philippines for six week, and because of that, she's made me realize all the weird things that happen to us, that had just become so normal to me. I totally forgot it's weird to have cockroaches all over the house, and rats running around in the ceiling all night that leave poop all over in the shower. Pero It's alright, I love it. My brothers Gian and Gyzher were baptized this week. It was the coolest to get to see Charles their older brother baptize them and their mom also return to the church because of it. The picture we took of them just might be my favorite picture here on the mission. No words needed, those smiles say it all. This week we also had some amazing lessons. We are teaching a man named Alicer. We started out by singing "I know that My Redeemer Lives" in Hiligaynon. Half way through the song, he bowed his head and covered his face with his baseball cap and started to cry. After we sang, we were quiet for a few seconds to let the spirit do it's job. It was so powerful. We started to teach our lesson about the Church Jesus Christ established while He was on the earth. It started raining (when it rains here, it POURS) so we had to get super close, and we sat on the floor in front of him and practically yelled for him to be able to hear us haha. It was pretty funny. However, the spirit was there the whole time and at the end, he looked at us and said, "I know that you two are sent from God. I know it." It was such a sweet moment. After our lesson, he gave us bananas and ran out into the street to find a tricycle for us. When we got home, the driver said Alicer paid for our ride. The people here are the sweetest. Funny story: We were able to teach Sam again and it was nice for both Sister Miner and I to teach in English. He is doing good, and accepted a baptism date. Howevverrrrr.... we were excited, because he came to church, but he ended up leaving early, and crashing into a members car on the way out... so we gotta find him again, and figure out what he's thinking. He's rich, so it'll be fine. Haha We were teaching the Hayahay family about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. It was picture perfect, because right outside was the baybay. The spirit was so strong and they were so attentive. You can always tell when someone is really interested, and sincere because of their eyes. They did not move away from mine, and then one of the daughters immediately asked when we could come back because the spirit was felt. Don't get me wrong it has been great having an American companion again, but also a little frustrating. When we try to find, sometimes those we teach aren't interested in the gospel, but only talk to us cause we're American. It's so sad, and sometimes hard. We know that God's elect are out there, and when we find them, it is the best feeling in the world! love you all! Sister Adams Hey, This week was another great one. I love Hinigaran! I'm so so happy I get to stay here for another transfer. My new companion is Sister Miner from Pleasant Grove, Utah and amo man gihapon (same as always) I get to second half train for a third time whoot. I am excited! Gian and Gyzher passed their baptismal interviews and are so ready and excited for their baptisms this week. It's gonna be extra special because their older brother, Charles is baptizing them, and it just so happens to land on Gyzher's birthday. Rodel is also strong as ever. He came to church again this week, and also brought four of his friends that we've now started to teach too. Sunday was the best. I was almost in tears during sacrament meeting, because we had 11 people we are teaching come to church, including Judito and Leobert. It couldn't have been more perfect. The spirit was so strong. We found out awhile ago Leobert's younger sister is a member, but I had never met or seen her at church, until this Sunday. She went to FSY(EFY) with the other youth of the ward over the week, and while there they were all challenged to bear their testimonies the following Sunday. She got up and bore such a powerful testimony of the Gospel, and how much she wants it for her own family. It made me cry as I glanced over at Leobert as he had tears of his own. In other news we also went back to Pastor Gary and shared the Restoration. He is so kind, and is even willing to continue to hear our message.
You're also probably wondering what happened to Sam. A good friend of his passed away, so he has been in Bacolod for the past two weeks. He gets home this week, and we'll see where things go from there. This is the best work ever! Halong! Love, Sister Adams Fun things Em said today as we emailed back & forth.... She said all 11 of her investigators that came to church today are all young men. Most of them are 16-20 years old. She loved Sister Castillo, and misses her already! she said they were a force to be reckoned with, and they were so funny together. |
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 |