This week was one of the greatest weeks so far in my time here in Pilar. I feel like I may be killing myself physically, but I am so so excited about the progress that I'm seeing here in Pilar that I truly can't wait to go out and work. I'm hoping that my body doesn't fall apart by the time I get home. It seems like every week, I have some sort of other sickness. It's physically exhausting, but so so yummy to be a small part of what's happening here in Pilar. I am filled with an excitement and hope that is beyond myself. I am filled with strength beyond my own. I am so grateful for these many experiences and opportunities to became more acquainted with my God.
I feel like the weeks keep getting better and better and more strange and exciting. Margie and CrisMar were baptized this week. It was an exciting week for the 2 sets of missionaries here in Pilar. :)
Last night, I vomited my dinner. I'm not sure what the problem was, but I was feeling terrible and said a prayer that I would feel better. Within a few seconds I ran to the bathroom and the terrible feeling left in the form of rice, fish and watermelon (it's watermelon season here and I may have overeaten....) I feel alright now. Last week I squeezed my boil and it's healing now. Everyone has told me that my boils are unusually small. THANK GOODNESS.
We had such a weird week. I was able to experience the nastier sides of 'addiction' and what sorts of extreme things people are compelled to do. We have an investigator who is very addicted to playing computer games. Last Thursday, after we had shared with him, he asked his mom for 5 pesos to play computer games and she wouldn't give it to him. He completely lost it and starting shouting and insulting his mom. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing and it felt like maybe he forgot we were still in front of him? It was like he completely disregarded the fact that we were still there and completely lost control. He said that ' the devil was whispering to him," and it was mildly frightening. It the midst of them arguing, he grabbed a knife and said that he was going to kill himself if she didn't give him money. It was as awkward a situation as you probably think it would be. I was very grateful for my companion, who handled the situation very smoothly. I was left to think about a few things, especially regarding the Word of Wisdom. I couldn't believe how ugly the effects of addiction are on people.
We are continuing to explore our area and find members who we haven't met yet. We went to an area called 'Ala-Uli' and we were welcomed into a home of a less active member, named Renelyn. Renelyn was asleep but her brother Joel was extremely nice to us and welcomed us in. Within minutes and without really talking to us he told us to come and eat lunch while we waited for her. We were a little surprised, and have never been offered a meal so quickly and without any questions. I laughed at this and really enjoyed that meal. Joel has the same first name of my father and the same birthday as my mother.
We went to another area in Ala-uli and found a small compound of members. We had to walk through a river to get to there area because the bridge broke a few years ago. The kids pretty much went crazy when they saw me and it's always very obvious to me if I am the first american in a long time to go to a certain area. The staring gets a little out of control but the kids are the best. They are always shocked when I speak tagalog. I'll try to email some photos next week.
I heard a story yesterday about a old woman (an investigator's 100 year old mother) who competed in a contest for senior citizens. She had to thread a needle on one try. Anyways, she succeeded and was supposed to win 1000 pesos, but she didn't take the money. She requested some bread and butter which became her prize. We all couldn't stop laughing at this story and I really want to meet this old woman.
I'm trying to learn the filipino national anthem. Sister Alazo also wanted to learn the american national anthem and so we sang it. I'm missing my country. Would you believe me if I told you that I cried, a little bit?
We had an incredible week, especially with several of the less-active families. It seems like now is the time for them. I've been in Pilar for a long time and it seems like everything is lining up for these families to hopefully be able to return back into activity. It feels like God is literally preparing these people to receive this message. It is so beautiful.
BYE. thank you all for your love and support.
Maybe salvation refers to in part the need to be saved from our own vices, our self-destruction.
What is the power that literally inspires and causes us to become new creatures? __________
Corpse- I met a man who had your eyes. Your eyes! I found them here in the Philippines. I kept feeling slightly uncomfortable as we were speaking with him. It was a 40 year old, Filipino version of you.