Kamusta?! I can describe this week in the same three words I used last week haha. FINDING gid ahay. The cute lady named Alma I talked about from last week came to church this week. She came so early she was there before the first ward started. She told us how sad she got when we didn't come by again the next day, because she was so excited to listen again, and get more answers to her questions. A lot of the time when we head home at the end of the day, we pass through the patyo(cemetery) as a short cut to our house. This night as we were walking through we heard a guitar playing and voices singing quietly. As we rounded the corner there was a group of young men sitting atop the coffins(They don't place them in the ground so they all stack on top of each other). As we passed I told them Sister Blakeslee was a pro and they all wanted to hear her play. We climbed up and we both sang Come Thou Fount as she played. It brought the spirit that was eventually able to lead to a discussion about the Gospel and about what happens after this life. It was such a cool experience as we were surrounded my concrete coffins to talk about their own ancestors that had been buried there, and how one day they would see them again. Other cool stories: We asked a group of people a question about where we were because half of the time, I have no clue. haha After we got directions, I asked if they had seen missionaries before, or wanted to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ? In that moment a woman walked up to me and said, we're good for now, but she does, pointing to a lady. Come to find out this lady, Marissa, had a best friend that was a member, but had moved to Cebu. As soon as her friend was gone, she didn't know where to start or even where the Church was. It was so sweet to meet someone so interested, and prepared to hear the message of the restored gospel. We're excited to go back and teach the entire family. We shared a message with a group of people one day and after we had shared one of them came up to us and wanted to take us to her neighbor to share. But she didn't stop there. After that, she took us to her aunt, then to a friend all because she loved the message and wanted others to hear it too. I love the Filipino people. It is so fun getting to talk to so many of them everyday all day. Their stories touch my heart, and I've found all the more love for speaking to everyone as we've had to open up this area. My voice is so laway (ugly) scratchy and low right now because we never stop talking to the people, whether it be in a tricycle, walking through sugar cane, or going from house to house. All the time! I actually had someone laugh and tell me I was so babaan (talkative/never stops talking)and if anyone knew me back in junior high days, they would have laughed out loud to think of someone calling me that. We can't be quiet our silent, because we have the greatest message and we need to share, even if it's out of our comfort zone. How many times do we just let people slip by without saying a word or even a simple hi or good morning? How many opportunities to share the Gospel or to help others could we have if we just looked up and talked to those around us?
Halong Kamo Palangga ta Kamo Sister Adams
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CADIZ WEEK 1 Maayong gab-i Early morning on Thursday I finally got my cute, new companion, Sister Blakeslee. She's from Meridian, Idaho and I love how positive and ready she has been to get out, work and get this area up and running. I can describe our week in three words. FINDING, FINDING, and some more FINDING. It's been really fun getting to know so many new people, walking through random sugar cane fields, and at times not knowing at all where we were haha. It's been cool to see tiny miracles here and there as we've been out finding. We are out in the bukid gid, Which means our area is huge, and straight up sugar cane fields. We spend a good amount of our time just walking. Most of the time people in these areas are definitely not used to seeing two Americans walking around. We get quite a bit of attention, and at times when we started to teach, slowly we would get groups of people gathered around to listen. At the end of one, a sweet sister came up to me and said she had just moved from Manila to Cadiz. While she was in Manila, two Elders had found her and started to teach her. She was excited to see us, and for us to start teaching her again. Sugarcane fields EVERYWHERE in this new area! Em talked about the people that work so hard to make a living working in these fields. She said it is hard work in the very hot sun. Em and Sister Blakeslee walk for miles through these fields every day, and when they see a large clump of trees, they know that this is where they will find a little community within these vast field We also found one very promising family. I remember thinking when we first met them, that she was totally a member. The mothers name is Mary Anne. She is one of the most bubbly and talkative people ever, and she insists that I call her mama. They've practically adopted Sister Blakeslee and me as daughters. I love how willing and open they are to searching for truth. They want to do everything we ask them to do, and I have no doubt they will shortly come to know this church is true. At times this week, I would get feelings of being a little overwhelmed with so much dropped onto my shoulders, but it's made me put more trust and faith in God. I know that He will lead us to His elect. Halong kamo!Palangga ta kamo! Love, Sister Adams This week has been so great. I love this area, these people, my companion, and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. First things first! JUDITO GOT BAPTIZED! :) The baptisimal service ended up perfect for him. My favorite part was when he bore his testimony about how the Church of Jesus Christ has changed him. He testified that he knows that this is Christ's church on earth even though there were people who didn't want him to get baptized. It was so powerful. He and Leobert are full on members now and are embracing the change. They hang out with the YSA/Youth now, are inviting their friends to come with them to church, they want to work with us, and have even started to go to mission prep classes! Last sunday we were worried Judito wasn't coming to church because he was late, but we later figured out he was trying to pick up his friend to bring him along. Judito and Leobert have both changed their lives around so much to follow Jesus Christ. I know that Christ changes people! They both now wear white shirts and ties to church and will receive the priesthood next week. :) On Monday, we went home to drop off our groceries before we went out to work. We didn't have any electricity and thought it was just a "brown out" we didn't think much of it because it's normal. We got home around 8:45pm and the power was still out. We were so confused because all the houses around had lights on...That's when I remembered, "WE DIDN'T PAY THE ELECTRICITY BILL!" We laughed so hard while sitting in the dark feeling so dumb haha. Big oops. They had cut the power to our house. The next morning, we paid the bill and the people there said they would come turn our electricity back on. For the next five days we had no electricity. That means we couldn't do laundry (we had nooo clean clothes haha), all the food in our fridge went bad, our cameras, flashlights, cellphone, speakers, and ipods died, and the hardest thing: we had no electric fan. At one point we ran out of water too because we only have running water in the mornings haha. It kinda felt like Man VS. Wild! It was actually really fun because we'd eat dinner in front of our house under a street lamp (our house was pitch black after 6:30pm), take funny pictures in the dark, feed our spoiled food to animals, and things like that. Don't worry it finally came back. It was honestly a really fun adventure haha but I am so glad to get our lights, fridge, and electric fans back! :) Tonton is still trying to quit smoking. Things are getting harder and harder for him but he is so determined. He has his calendar to quit smoking up on his wall surrounded by pictures of Jesus and knows the scripture we wrote on the calendar by heart. "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." We bought him some mint candies because we heard that helps. He always goes to church, reads his Book of Mormon, and prays. So awesome. This week, the Garcero family invited us to dinner. They have two missionaries out right now and another one waiting to receive his call any day now. When we got to their house, we were super suprised to see Charles sitting in a chair right in front of the door as we walked in. Then, Judito and Leobert jumped out of hiding and surprised us even more! We were so happy they were just hanging out at the member's house and with Charles! It was so fun to talk about missionary work with all of them and it was so sweet of them to suprise us. I have had such a great transfer here. The time has gone by SO quickly. I seriously love Hinigaran and I find myself thinking about the people we're teaching basically every minute of every day, but I have some really sad news. I really thought this was the transfer I would stay longer but yet again I'm being thrown out of the comfort zone. When we got the transfer call, we thought the zone leaders were pranking us, so the call started out with us laughing and ended us both crying so hysterically we couldn't actually talk or end the call haha! We were also both wrecks all Sunday and there was a trail of tears left in Hinigaran. I will miss Hinigaran more than ever especially the amazing people I love. Deep down, we know that God's plan is perfect. Our different paths will help us stretch more than we thought possible... I will be opening a new area in Cadiz and training a new missionary.... She will be here Thursday. It is a little overwhelming but hey at least I have my mission mom with me now. Sister Schenk and I will be sharing a house! I honestly couldn't be more excited. This week has been so amazing. This transfer has been even more amazing. Love you all! Sister Adams Goodbyes....... :( The Buga-ay family. They are some of my favorite people here in the Philippines. I love them so much. Monina (the mom) is the rock of her family and is so strong. She became active again after Gian and Gyzhers baptism in May. Charles works with us all the time and the littlest boy is GubGub and he's a little ball of energy haha. Arnel (the one that works with the chickens has been able to come to church a couple of times now). Emily told me that cock fighting is huge in the Arnel has been to church a couple of times now. Emily told me that cock fighting is big in the Philippines, and babysitting chickens is a real thing for a job. heloo everybody This transfer has gone by wayyyy too quick! I can't believe one week pa! I have some good news and even better news for you all. The good news is Leobert got baptized and the even better news is I have LICE. That means Sister Miner has been learning how to pull lice out of hair and kill them. The whole week during lessons, I'd just ask nearby girls to do it, because they are all little professionals at picking out lice. They are always so happy to help hehe. We also have been using a special lice poison shampoo, and wrapping our hair in t-shirts while we study. By this point we are pretty sure most of the lice is gone. Hopefully... The most important thing: Leobert got baptized!! All week we worked hard to make sure the baptism went smoothly and we are very happy to say that it went really well. We even got on our hands and knees and scrubbed the baptismal font for two hours one day because it was so dirty! We have the most sore muscles, and we both sweat so much our dresses changed colors haha, but it was so worth it, because the water was clean for Leobert. The baptismal service was powerful, and exactly perfect for Leobert. A lot of ward members came to support which was awesome. Later that night, Leobert even mentioned to us that he might serve a mission in a year! He has so much potential to become a leader. He's so awesome, and we're so proud of all he is becoming, and how much he has changed. It was also so funny, because while we were at the baptism, everyone and I mean everyone kept passing and saying to Judito, "sa dason, sa dason" (Your next, your next) lol. He would just laugh uncontrollably hehe. It's coming. This week I shared countless times of the joy that comes from LIVING the Gospel of Jesus Christ to help those we are teaching to change. Here I am in the Philippines. It's humid and hot, we stay out all day, we are covered in sweat, we walk all day in wet, muddy shoes, our legs are covered in mosquito bites and to top it all off, I have a whole ton of lice. Regardless of any of that, I'm happy, so happy. I don't think I could feel greater joy, but how can that be? Everything about our circumstances would scream otherwise, but I love the quote from President Russell M. Nelson, "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ, and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening-or not happening-in our lives. Gamhanon gid ina. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is how we receive His Atonement into the center of our hearts, and nothing brings greater joy then feeling the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in our lives and changing us to who he wants us to become. You too can fill that joy! Palangga ko kamo Halong kamo ha! Sister Adams Maayong gab-i So, we have a little problem. Our house is infested with cockroaches. We have no idea why, what happened or where they came from. We came home one night and there was no joke 15 big, fat cockroaches flying around from wall to wall. Just a good reminder I'm still here in the Philippines. I have never been more scared to sleep in my life haha. Even with flying cockroaches, it was an amazing week with a lot of progress. I don't think I could love Hinigaran more. It has my whole heart. Leobert passed his baptismal interview and is so ready for his baptism this week. I am so happy for him. Not only that, but we asked Judito again if he had talked with his brother. His brother straight up told him it depends on what he wants. So we looked at him and said so.. what do you want??? Stay tuned June 16 is the day :) Thursday we had exchanges. I stayed here in Hinigaran with Sister Johnson. As we were walking to our next lesson, we ran into Tonton, so of course I stopped to talk to him. Sometime afterwards, Sister Johnson turned to me and asked if he was a member. I was a little surprised, and so was she, when I said we are teaching him. She said there was just something different about his countenance, as if he was a long time member. Every time Tonton smiles, you really can see the light of Christ flow in his countenance. He's a whole new person. Yesterday as we were walking to our next appointment, a lady named Jasmine ran out of her house towards us. She asked us if we could come inside and pray for her father who has been suffering from severe stomach pain for a long time. We were a little hesitant, but we went inside to find an 89 year old man and his wife. They were practically skin and bone. It was so humbling to see how much faith and confidence they had that two young girls with name tags could help this situation through a simple prayer. We asked if he had gotten medical help, but Jasmine said they barely could afford multivitamin drink and liquefied green barley for her dad (which is apparently all the doctors recommended). All I could do was offer a simple prayer for peace and comfort. We asked if we could return to share a message with them about God's perfect plan. The whole experience felt surreal. I am so grateful for the faithful people here in the Philippines, and their extreme amount of faith in God. They know that He is real and can perform miracles in their lives. That same day, we taught a group of 6 young men. At the beginning, I'm sure they listened and agreed for us to share, because they found two young American girls speaking Ilonggo amusing. At the beginning some were half listening, while two were playing a game of chess. To make things worse, they live right by the highway, so noisy trucks would pass by every few minutes. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but it was seriously the coolest. We started sharing about the Church Jesus Christ established while he was here on earth, and how it eventually became lost. As we taught, more and more of the chess game stopped, and the trucks seemed to not drive by, because it got so quiet. As I looked around the room, there was not a set of eyes that wasn't on ours as we spoke. The spirit was so strong. Something that started out pretty relaxed, and not too serious, turned into something a lot more. We're excited to go back woot. There is always too much I want to say! Sorry for the longggg email! Always look for ways to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and become his ministering angels! We are all called to this work for forever. Love, Sister Adams PS right now in the Philippines, it is mango season. That means two things. 1. At least one person a day (either random people, members, or someone we're teaching) will always give us a big bag of mangos! At our house we have 3 big bags of 3 different types of mangos just from people giving them to us. All the members know mangos are our favorite so they'll even bring bags of them to church to give to us haha! 2. Mangos fall from extreme heights off of the trees at random times. If you hear a crack above your head, you either run or take cover. Mango season is the best. (Mangos are much less scary than coconuts! We witnessed one fall and hit the ground the other day and realized that it could literally kill a person! 0_0 |
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 |