Mahal Kita!

Hi! How are you all doing? Is everyone ok? Love you all!

This week was wonderful! Sister Almaquer and I are doing great. We're thinking that one of us might be transferred soon. Sister Jerrene passed her interview for baptism. She will be baptized on Saturday! She is so amazing - Yesterday she bore her testimony in sacrament meeting, and cried as she expressed her faith in the Savior, and related how the first Sunday she walked through the church doors, she felt an overwhelming feeling of love and peace, and she knew she was in the right place. The church really has been quite a refuge for her with all the trials she is going through right now. Her testimony is rock solid and she's so eager to be baptized and endure to the end. I hope we can help her mother to return to full activity in the church. Little by little I think we're helping her to warm up to the idea. Sister Jerrene has already caught the missionary spirit, and even came to work with us one day. She also referred her best friend, Joanna Marie, to us and we've started teaching her. They are both really sweet girls.

One funny thing that happened this week is that we were teaching the Vintigan family, and invited the dad to church. But he made an excuse saying how he had to stay home and take care of his pigs (mga baboy), because he has to help them take a bath and feed them in the afternoon. Well, my ears made a mistake and I thought he was referring to his children (mga bata), and I so I immediately and enthusiastically exclaimed "Bring them along with you! Don't worry, there are classes at church for them too! Everyone is welcome!" and told him how there are teachers there who will watch over them and where they can sing songs about Jesus and learn the gospel. Then Brother Vintigan got the most bewildered look on his face and said, "What?! Bring my pigs to church?" We all got a really big laugh about that when I realized he was talking about his pigs, not about his children. Hehe!

This week we read 1 Nephi 17 with the Agustin family - I love that chapter. It is full of really motivational inspiration stories about obedience and faith, even in the face of difficult circumstances. Instead of finding excuses or focusing on our obstacles, if we have an unyielding resolve to do what God has asked us to do, despite opposition, miracles can occur.

Well, this week was great. We're trying to prepare this area as much as possible for the new temple to be built. It should be in 3 years from now. It's exciting to think that our investigators are going to be that close to a temple in just a few years! You know, I've really come to learn that the biggest indicator for success in missionary work is our attitude. It's all about our attitude - it's not dependent on the area, members, time of year, etc. If we think positive, our work will be positive! Like President Monson pointed out - when feeding the 5000, Jesus Christ didn't complain about the lack of bread/resources. He simply gave thanks for what they had, "and a miracle occurred." That's a great principle to live by.

Today Sister Young is with us for preparation day :) because sister Garma went to Dagupan for a career workshop. So that's all for now! I just received your letter in the mail Lisa - thank you so much! Have a wonderful day!

Love, Rebecca.
*I love You*