Magandang umaga/hapon!!! (Good
morning/evening!!!)
To answer some questions:
The
people here are rich and poor, but mostly and average of lower middle
class. There are small houses and there are big houses. But the people
here are SOOO humble!! It's amazing the difference in attitude and
receptiveness from the province to the city. We can talk to just about
anyone here and they're so nice, they will almost always either let us
in or will give us their information for missionaries to go to them.
Yes, they still call out because I am tall and
white, but it's not quite as much in the city. They stare a lot,
especially because there are two white ones now, and yes, they are very
shocked when I start speaking Tagalog to them. But sometimes it comes in
handy. Just earlier we were doing our shopping, and these two workers
started talking to me as soon as they found out I could speak Tagalog. I
ended up getting their phone numbers and information, and they said we
could come share a message with them. Awesome!!
I had heard that the Tagalog here in Mindoro was
very deep, so I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to understand a lot.
But I've been very surprised to find out that I understand almost
everything, and they understand me! Heavenly Father is really blessing
me with the gift of tongues. Sometimes it is hard in our apartment
because Sister Soliven doesn't speak much English and Sister Milsom
doesn't speak much Tagalog, so sometimes I am having to translate and be
the middle person. But I'm trying to help Sister Milsom with her
Tagalog and Sister Soliven has been practicing her English, so we're
still functioning, and people can mostly understand one another. It
makes things interesting. :) Sister Milsom is also a very strong
personality and likes to talk and be heard. Sister Soliven is a quiet,
reserved sister who loves to listen and have silence. She's having a bit
of a hard time having patience with Sister Milsom. I am praying
for them and for guidance, and I know we are together this transfer for
a reason. I'm so excited to see what Heavenly Father has in mind for us
and what He wants to teach us!
Mom, you asked if there are any deaf? Actually, I
met one sister who is Deaf. She studied sign language, so she knows it,
but no one else in her family does. They treat her almost as
if she's just there and has no purpose. I really feel for her. She
always has a huge grin on her face when we come over, and we'll chat a
little bit. But then she is told to go take the kids outside and
distract them so the others can focus on the lesson. I'm not sure where
the balance is. The first time we went there I tried to interpret, but
then I would lose the interest of the less-active and couldn't focus on
her. And when I would speak, I found it extremely difficult to sign at
the same time because the grammar's so different. I'm praying to know
what to do.
Wow. Time is flying and there is SO much work
to do. We are covering two areas here, and there are so many people to
go find and teach!! We are having a hard time finding enough time to get
to everyone, and we've actually gone on splits a couple of times to
make up some time. We are very blessed here. There are several of the
branch missionaries that are very willing and eager to work with us when
they can. They know the areas and know where the investigators live, so
I could ask them to show me where someone lived if I didn't remember
how to get there. They are awesome.
We are experiencing miracles here in Mindoro.
Krisitine Joy, one of our less-active members is starting to have a
change of heart. She was baptized several years ago and then fell away.
We've gone to her place several times to teach her, and she's receptive,
but very closed in. She's only 18 years old and I love her so much!! We
felt prompted to teach her about missionary work and suggested that she
pray about the decision. The spirit was strong. We shared personal
experiences and she still seemed so closed in. One of her best friends
is one of the branch missionaries that works with us, so we invited
Kristine and her active friend, Remy to work with us missionaries on
Sunday. She actually came to church and then she quickly left before we
could catch her. We ended up going to her house to pick her up, and she
eventually came out in jeans and said she'd work. Time was limited, but
she was able to work with us for two appointments. I
loved watching her testimony grow as we shared. The first appointment,
she just listened and didn't want to say anything. But that was okay. At
our second appointment, we read 1 Nephi 9, and focused on the last two
verses. The spirit was strong, and Kristine bore her testimony!! On the
way back, we were all laughing and having fun, but she was quiet. After a
bit she said she just wanted to say thank you to us sisters. She said
she really didn't want to work with us earlier. But we were persistent.
She said as we shared at the different houses, she started to feel a
change in herself and a desire to change her life. She wants to come
back to church. She has the desire now!! It's so amazing what missionary
work does and what this gospel does!! She is still in my prayers every
night along with many of our investigators/ less actives, and I know she
will turn her life around, and she will be able to experience that
peace and joy that comes from the gospel
again. We see so many miracles every day!! That's just one example of a
million!
I know this gospel is true. I know that this is the
Lord's work, and when we put our trust in Him, miracles happen. We can
accomplish anything with His help. The branch here is very weak and
unorganized, but with the help of the Lord, it will eventually become
stronger and become a ward. I am praying for that day! I love the people
here and I love my companions. I love this gospel and how beautifully
simple it is. I am constantly being reminded that I am not a perfect
teacher, but I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost who guides and teaches.
We're just the instruments. The real teacher is the Holy Ghost. He
testifies of the truthfulness of our message. He has testified to me,
and I know it's true.
I love you all! I love the scriptures. The Book of
Mormon is TRUE. It really does change lives. Keep being amazing and
trust that Heavenly Father will help you! Miracles happen!
Love,
Sister Harston
No comments:
Post a Comment