tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79093884736598536092024-02-07T17:11:16.948-08:00Sister Cassie WinwardCalled to Serve in the Philippines Iloilo Mission--May 2013 to November 2014Cassie Winwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06627761723770171494noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-41348159041576418532014-11-09T20:51:00.003-08:002014-11-09T20:51:59.654-08:00Mission Accomplished<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Well, this is it. All that was running through my mind when we left Chonna and Hernie's house at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027160098" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:00pm</span></span> last night was..."It's Over." And the tears started. I can't even believe it. I had a good little interview with President earlier, and right now I am waiting for our Departure Meeting to start in the mission office. Some of the missionaries' parents are here to pick them up. It's weird. haha. </div>
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On Thursday, Kitkit was baptized...WOOOOOO!!! And she was confirmed yesterday. (I'll have to tell you the story of the traveling baptismal pants.) The highlight for me, other than BAPTISM was the talk that Sister Robelyn gave. She was so prepared and it was amazing. </div>
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Elna is now officially called as the Gospel Principles class teacher, and Robelyn was sustained and set apart as the Assistant Family History consultant. Progress!!!!! Those callings are seriously PERFECT for them. I am so excited for them to continue to grow in the gospel. </div>
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Friday, we had a way sick Halloween party with the Branch. Sister Ribelin and Sister Haun headed up the preparations, everyone pitched in, and it was a huge success. Lots of investigators and Less actives attended, too! </div>
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This Saturday (on Grandma Allred's birthday), the Salde's will be baptized...Rosemarie, Francis, and Geraldine. We've been going crazy getting them ready...but that's just what needs to happen when THEY ARE SO PREPARED!!! Talk about golden... </div>
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It has not been easy to say goodbye. I've been holding it mostly together. Filipinos are the SWEETEST people...they've given me some sweet little gifts that mean so much because of the love behind it. And so many hugs. I love them so much. I will miss this soooooo much. It still doesn't seem real. Sister Domingo's not taking it easy either. I woke up early to finish packing...and when she woke up she was crying. She keeps telling me not to go. :( </div>
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Hmmm...Last words... Pressure. :) My time as a sister missionary in the Philippines Iloilo Mission has been AMAZING. I know without a doubt that this work is the Lord's work. It doesn't always go as expected, but it goes exactly as He wants it. I feel like I had a testimony before, but now it has been anchored and I have a direction. My mission has set me on the Lord's course. I have met and served and been served by so many beautiful people in the last 18 months. I cannot even begin to express the happiness my mission has brought to me. True happiness...because my life is centered in Christ. Happiness that comes because of obedience to the commandments and unconditional love for the Lord and His children. The lessons I have learned here will carry me throughout all eternity. It is not easy. But nothing easy was ever worth it. "Salvation is not a cheap experience." </div>
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I love you all. I will be eternally grateful for this mission experience. I know it is just a springboard for great things to come. Most of all, I know He lives! Halong! </div>
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Love, Sister Cassandra Winward</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>May 2013 to November 2014</i></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-71866465886964740762014-11-02T16:22:00.002-08:002014-11-02T16:22:48.730-08:00Last Full Week<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
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How are all of you? This has been another amazing week. Of course. I am starting to get nervous, and of course excited about seeing you all again. So little time left. It seems sooo surreal. Life is but a dream!<br /></div>
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This week we moved into our new apartment. It feels like a hotel, because it is brand new, and I am living out of my suitcase since there is no point in unpacking. It is so nice, but I miss the other house because it was close to the L. family...and close to most of our investigators. haha.<br /></div>
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I need to brag about Hernie this week. Seriously. He is amazing. Every single thing we have taught him, he has been applying to his life. Like Saturday, we taught him Law of the Fast, and he determined on the spot that he would fast <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2135032837" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> for he and Chonna's marriage. So he did. And he even paid tithing yesterday and he's not even a member yet! Oh man! I am so excited for him to become a member and for his baptism and for everything. Wow!<br /></div>
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The S. family is still golden. We have to kick it up a notch so they can be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2135032838" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Nov. 8</span></span>, because there is no reason at all to delay it, so they will be all ready for their baptismal interviews by the time I leave to go to Arevalo next week.<br /></div>
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Kitkit passed her interview, and I think the only problem left is finding baptismal clothes small enough for her. She is so tiny.<br /></div>
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Elna and Robelyn are doing great. They are addicted to the scriptures. The miracle of the week was that my order of scriptures and hymnbooks finally arrived, so it has been really fun to deliver those to all these people that I love so much.<br /></div>
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We had a great lesson with Andrea the other day where she totally bore her testimony of how the gospel has changed her life. I am so excited for her. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2135032839" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Nov. 15</span></span>!!!<br /></div>
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I'll see you all so soon. I love you all! Thanks for your love, support, letters, packages, emails, and especially prayers over the last 18 months. Have an excellent week!<br /><br />Love, Sister Winward </div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-57552139117738171892014-10-24T08:38:00.002-07:002014-10-24T08:38:47.988-07:00"The Time is Far Spent"<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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How are all of you? I have decided that my theme song for this week is "The Time is Far Spent," next week is "God Be with You til We Meet Again," and the week after that is "America the Beautiful." (There's more where that came from, brace yourselves for corny missionary humor. Awkward.) </div>
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Anyway...HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY. My gorgeous sister has a big birthday. Also clear the roads, she's gonna start learning how to drive. YIKES! (Me relearning how to drive is probably a scarier prospect though. haha) </div>
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This week in the Book of Mormon I really enjoyed studying Alma 26 and 29...where Ammon and Alma are rejoicing in the Lord and full to the brim with gratitude for their missions. I feel like I have that in common with them. As I have been reflecting a bit on my mission, I know that I am still so far from perfect, but somehow the Lord has been able to use me as an instrument in His hands for furthuring His eternal plan and purposes, even if only a little bit. I have learned so much. I have learned so much about how to learn the gospel and live it. I am so grateful for the experiences I've had, the people I've met, and the growth I have personally had as a missionary and servant of my Savior, and for the change I have seen in those around me through the gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't want this to end, but I know there is a time and season to all things. </div>
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This week we continued working on finding the less actives in our area. We contacted Brother Paul last week and taught him twice this week. We held one of our appointments with him at the church, which was perfect for some instant fellowshipping. The only thing that has been holding him back for the last 5 years has been shyness. But he is friends already with so many of the members. Paul and Glen came to church this week. Yay!!! Elder Sessions always reminds us that we need to view the rescue with just as much value as baptisms. A returned or a converted soul are just the same to the Lord, He wants us all to progress forward in faith on the path He has prepared. </div>
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Last Wednesday, Sister Ribelin and I had an awesome day on exchanges. We had a treasure hunt in Madrangca for the less actives on our list, and actually found some solid investigators, like Renz, who has at least 10 piercings, and was so excited to look up <a href="http://mormon.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a>. :) In the evening we taught Kitkit, and found out that her grandma was going to take her to Manila for two weeks. Including the week of her baptism. I felt like I hit a brick wall. Seriously??? My last chance to see one of my investigators reach the waters of baptism is being taken away? What? No no no no no. Sister Ribelin suggested that we fast as a household for Kitkit. So we did. All four of us fasted that Kitkit will be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_156014746" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Oct. 30</span></span> and that she woud somehow not go to Manila. And it happened! Simple as that! Her grandma decided it would cost to much and not be worth it to take Kitkit along for the trip. I am so grateful for the power of fasting. And I am thankful that Heavenly Father knows us so perfectly and individually. I don't think I could've gotten through that one without Sister Ribelin. And we didn't even know, but <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_156014747" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Oct. 30</span></span> is Kitkit's father's birthday. Perfect! I know that everything about my mission has been prepared by the Lord. His hand is in everything. And the closer I am to Him the more I notice it. It is amazing. </div>
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The S family is still doing great. Geraldine read through the whole children's Book of Mormon Stories in one night. And they have been praying for answers. Hernie and Chonna are doing great as well. We taught them about Tithing last night. And Brother Hernie finally made it through all 3 hours of church here in San Jose. :) I am so excited for this area. </div>
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I love you all and I hope you all have a great week. Seek Him and you'll see the miracles that follow. </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Sister Cassie Winward</b></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-85764889921241167632014-10-20T12:15:00.002-07:002014-10-20T12:15:22.077-07:00Castaway to Sira-an, Anini-y, Antique<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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It has been a great, wild week. Two Fridays ago, there was an earthquake here on Panay (we felt it about a 4 or 5). I forgot to mention it. Then last Friday there was a typhoon. But we're all good. San Jose just got soaked. It was a signal 2 here, according to Sister Domingo, my personal weather woman (Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyen was a 4+). I heard Luzon and Japan got it pretty bad though. </div>
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This morning we went on an awesome adventure! We (the STLs, my comp, some members and I) went to this tiny cute little island called Sira-an down at the bottom of Antique. The beach was white and the water was aquamarine blue. It was soooo beautiful. We hired this sketchy little boat to take us out to the island. We were fairly certain it would capsize, but it's all good. This local girl was showing us around the island. I'll show you the pictures in a couple of weeks. There were little starfish and gorgeous flowers and SO much coral all over the place. If anyone wants a way sick vacation adventure...Antique is where it's at. :) </div>
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This week we started a new project. I decided to get together all of the names of the members that supposedly live in our area. The records aren't all up to date. But we are going to try to find as many of the Less Actives as we can. Some of them haven't been contacted in a long time. We are hoping to further the Rescue and also find some sweet part-member families. I am excited to leave Sister Domingo with lots more to do and lots of opportunities on her hands. This work will not stop moving forward, especially not in San Jose A. I know the Lord is guiding us. Even if I personally don't see all the fruits of my mission, which I know I won't, I know I have planted as much as I can so far. We don't do this work alone. We truly need each other and we need unity so the work is a continuous effort. </div>
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I am grateful for the opportunity we had this weekend to watch General Conference. Just because a bunch of people have asked about how things work here in the Philippines: General Conference is sent here from the Area Office on DVDs the week following the live broadcast, then we get to watch it the next Saturday and Sunday together in the Stake/District Center. And this Saturday we get to watch the Womens' Broadcast. Yay! General Conference is like Christmas to missionaries. Every talk is like a gift under the tree. (By the way, there are 72 days until Christmas.) I especially like the theme of loving and sustaining the Prophet and our leaders in the church and trusting the revelation they receive. The living Lord leads His living Church....and why would a living being ever stop speaking? That is the principle of continuous revelation. I am so thankful for the power of prayer and for every opportunity to teach about prayer. Just last night, we were able to teach Francis and Nerisa and the rest of their family that it is okay to be frank with our Heavenly Father. He wants that kind of open, honest communication from us. How else would the young Joseph Smith have received his answer if he hadn't asked the question that burned in his soul? Sometimes our investigators just get stuck in their prayers. So do most of us. It takes more consideration than ordering at the drive thru window. It is not meant to be rushed through. It is good to be grateful, but not to be repetitive. Or to ignore the problems and questions we all have. So talk to Him about it. He'll help you figure it all out and have peace. That is such a key to missionary work. Those who stop progressing are those who haven't tried to ask Him to know the truth. It makes a huge difference. </div>
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I am so proud of Robelyn, too. She stayed for both of the Sunday sessions and took notes and was so excited to see the prophet. She makes me want to be a better member and to help the other members to be so excited about the gospel too. She is an amazing example to me. I am excited for her to be sustained in her calling next week!!! Moving forward! </div>
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I love you all! Remember to read and pray every day! Have and Excellent week! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-73091036891806522092014-10-06T15:51:00.004-07:002014-10-06T15:51:43.318-07:00Sacred Time<table cellpadding="0" class="Bs nH iY" role="presentation" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; position: static !important; width: 753px;"><tbody>
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Dear Family, </div>
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How are all of you? Thanks for all the reminders that I only have one month left. I am very aware...and not gonna waste it. This has been one of the weirdest and one of the best weeks. </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1520652882" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Tuesday</span></span>, I got to talk to my old District Leader, Elder Asuro, again. The one that reminds me of Mr. Bean. The one who whitewashed my area in Jaro when I was switched to Leganes. He is assigned here in Antique Zone now. It was soooo good to hear that Jaro 1B is progressing now! Finally! They even had 2 baptisms in August--they broke the streak! (Jaro 1B hadn't had baptisms since December 2012.) Yay! I was so excited to hear about how Jaro was doing when he left. </div>
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It was weird for me to be flying solo and away from my area for two days. But I realized some things. The next time I get on an airplane for Manila, I won't get to come back and pick things up where I left off and be a full-time missionary again. This time is sacred. And it is limited. I will never pass this way again. No matter how much I'll wish I can. I came to the conclusion that this last month I need to show the Lord how grateful I am for the first 17 I've had to serve Him. I can honestly say I've done my best so far, and now I just need to raise the bar and finish as strong as possible. He is in perfect control of this work. It has been amazing to see how His timing works out perfectly. This is the spring board for the rest of my life. </div>
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Yesterday was a day of miracles. Elna's husband Robert came to church. HE CAME TO CHURCH. For two hours! If you had told me this would happen back in July before Elna's baptism, I would've said "you're joking!" But it happened! And he even smiled about it. Wow. But not just that. Glenn came to church, and brought his girlfriend. And Hernie and Chonna have a marriage goal date set for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1520652886" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">November 24</span></span>. As in gid na gid! (Really!) They are going to get married that day. And then Hernie will be baptized on<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1520652887" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">November 29</span></span>. I am so excited for them. And Sister Condes' referral, the Salde family, came to church too, and Francis and Nerisa accepted baptismal goals for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1520652888" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">November 8</span></span>. The windows of heaven have opened! </div>
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I hope you all have a great week. I love you all sooo much. See you in just a bit. Don't forget about General Conference--Ponder it and study it and APPLY it. Halong kamo! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Sister Cassie Winward</b></span><div>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Philippines Iloilo Mission</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>May 2013 to November 2014</i></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-30946759954269846032014-09-28T17:05:00.000-07:002014-09-28T17:05:20.464-07:00Keystone<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family,<br /></div>
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How are all of you? I had a good week this week. A much better week. Key indicator-wise. Companion-wise. Member-missionary-work-wise. Study-wise. Just everything. It was a good week. By the way everyone, in the Philippines, Christmas music starts playing when the "BER" months start...so MERRY CHRISTMAS. Also, on Sept. 23 will be 100 days until Christmas. Just so you all know. Also, transfer week is this week. Either I'm staying here and it will all be the same, or everything is going to get flipped upside-down for my LAST 6 WEEKS. Stay tuned. haha<br /></div>
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Well, some great things happened this week. I want to tell you about some great people...<br /></div>
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<b>Glenn</b> is awesome. We are now BFFs. jk. We spent some time with him last Monday night, and he even treated us to the fancy-pants Steakhouse right by our house that I hadn't tried yet. He didn't come to church, the stinker, but now we have a friendship with him it can only go up from here. We found out he is a really skilled Civil Engineer and he even designed our way nami apartment (I'll show you all pictures of the San Jose apartment when I'm home). And we were able to build a little trust with another LA Melchizedek Priesthood holder, Allan, we spent an hour talking with him about his Bonsai tree collection, because he doesn't really want us to teach him...YET.<br /></div>
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<b>Nikkie</b> is Kinkin's mom. (By the way, Kiara will have her heart surgery this Wednesday. She just had some checkups and things for the last week. She'll be back by their birthday on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1470229149" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Oct. 9</span></span>.) Nikkie worked with us last Wednesday. She is also our new BFF. We went jogging-jogging and tsika-tsika (chatting) with her at the Binirayan track this morning. Then she treated us to a little tinapay (bread) snack at Bread&Butter. She is really cool, and so faithful through all these trials. Her son just died of cancer and her daughter is going to have heart surgery...I'm pretty sure I'd be freaking out, but she is so happy man gihapon. She is surely anchored in Christ.<br /></div>
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<b>Rene </b>is Brother Kiko's cousin. He will be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1470229150" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Oct 18</span></span>. He is kind of a shy one, but he opened up a little more to us this week. Repentance is going to be a big part of his baptism prep. But I know that as he relies on the Savior, he will become a new person gid. I am excited to see his testimony grow.<br /></div>
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<b>Kitkit</b> is still doing well. I messaged her mom on facebook (Merry Chris), and her mom is planning on staying here for good once her contract in Kuwait ends in 2 years. She has plans to open a store or something. I am excited for that, because I know her family needs her. Who ever thought going abroad to work was a good idea was crazy...but some people here are that desperate. I just hope she'll see that by putting her family and their salvation first, the Lord will really take care of all the rest. Just TRUST Him. Kitkit will also be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1470229151" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Oct. 18</span></span>.<br /></div>
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<b>Andrea</b> is doing well. She is reading the Book of Mormon consistently and excited to share with us what she learned every time we teach her. She was pretty sick over the weekend, so she couldn't come to church. But she is preparing to be baptized and so excited. She read 2 Nephi 31 and learned so much this week. She's only 12, but her testimony is really developing so much. I am excited to see her progress and maybe even serve a mission one day. Who knows.<br /></div>
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<b>Sister Condes</b> is like our mom here in San Jose. She fed us on Saturday night. Beef Pepper-steak--Yum. She is so funny. She is one of those people that never ever stop talkin-talkin-talking... but I have learned so much about life by listening to her tell about her life. (She works in the prosector's office...I'll have to tell you about the joke: "Who stab you?!") She is so generous and selfless. Her son is serving a mission in Quezon City. She has been working with us every week this month, and she gave us the most nami referral this week. Nerisa is the mother of Francis and 6 other kids. We only taught Nerisa and Francis, but they are so prepared. Francis is 26 and told us that he made sure to get Sundays off already so he could go to church. According to Sister Condes, he told his mom he wants to become a Mormon. :) Yay!<br /></div>
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<b>Hernie</b> is doing great. Last-last week we taught him Plan of Salvation. Or he taught us... We left them with the little picture cut-outs so Chonna could explain it to him without us, because he only has a little bit of time that we can teach him. But they talked about it all, and Chonna told us he practiced setting up the pictures in the right order every night. haha. When he showed us, he was nervous and hesitating, but he did great. Like it was a test or something. haha. We were able to teach him about the doctrines, and he is so excited to be baptized. They are consistent with their daily prayer and scripture study as a family. Yay! We are still waiting on paperwork for them to be able to get married, but I'm pretty sure they have all the money saved up they will need.<br /></div>
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My companion is doing a lot better with waking up on time and other things. Exchanges with the STLs and a good Companionship Inventory helped a lot. It always does. :) We are a lot more open and unified than we were. And obedient. It is the best. :) The hymn "Lord, I would follow thee," hymnbook page 220 helped me a lot this week.<br /><br />I had some great study this week that I want to share with all of you. I found a hidden treasure in our apartment...it was a special edition copy of the Liahona from October 2011 all about the Book of Mormon (see link below). Right now as a mission we are studying the Book of Mormon, so I was excited to learn more. I suggest you all read the whole thing, but of course, not everyone has an hour of personal study built into their schedule every day, so at least read/watch the talk by President Ezra Taft Benson (see link below). You will never be the same. I learned so much about the power of testimony and how it is gained. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. It is so much more precious and valuable than we realize most of the time. I know it is the way to gaining a sure and steadfast testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior and this church is His kingdom on the earth today. Ponder just for a moment all the effort put into the book you can hold in your hands and take anywhere you want... So simple, but it makes all the difference for us that are converted to the truth. Be consistent in your study of the Book of Mormon. </div>
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Elder Richard G. Scott said:<i>“What does the Book of Mormon mean to you? Has it been a source of inspiration and power in your life? Will it continue to be?</i><i> If you have not yet drunk deeply from this fountain of pure truth, with all of my soul I encourage you to do so now. Don’t let the consistent study of the Book of Mormon be one of the things that you intend to do but never quite accomplish. Begin today.”</i><b> </b>Immerse yourselves in the Book of Mormon, and the Lord will make your life beautiful.<br /><br /><b>BOM talk by Pres. Benson 1986:</b> <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/1986/10/the-book-<wbr></wbr>of-mormon-keystone-of-our-<wbr></wbr>religion?lang=eng</a> <b><br />Liahona Oct. 2011:</b> <a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2011/10?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/liahona/<wbr></wbr>2011/10?lang=eng</a> </div>
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I love you all so much. Have a great week. Thanks always for the emails and encouragement and support and thoughts and prayers. You are all the best. Share with me what you learn in your study of the Book of Mormon. Replace your fears with faith in Jesus Christ. Halong pirmi.<br /></div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-43579984699383701462014-09-21T14:23:00.000-07:002014-09-21T14:25:19.733-07:00Keyk<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family,</div>
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How are all of you? I am doing great...a little sick, but Sister Ribelin gave me some essential oils and it's working like a charm. If anyone can guess what "Keyk" is I'll give them a prize. Guys, you won't even believe it, a "joe" is sitting next to me in the internet cafe. It is so weird to see other Americans. haha...I'm gonna have the WORST culture shock. Just sayin.'</div>
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So this week has been good. Ups and downs. As usual. haha. Mission life is so unexpected and so routine at the same time. I love it!</div>
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On Monday we had a cool lesson with Kitkit and the Tupas family. It is hard to get little kids to pay attention, right? So we were going to teach them the Plan of Salvation one piece at a time, and without planning this beforehand, Sister Domingo and I had an idea to take them on a little "tour." So we had all the little kids (ages 6 to 14) close their eyes, we pulled out our flashlights and shined it on their faces, and told to them use their imaginations as we toured them through our time in the Premortal Life. It was really cool. Then we did it again on Saturday night when we taught them about the Creation, Adam and Eve, and the Atonement. Elder Ortiz the AP was working with us that day, and it was cool to share that idea with him. We just narrated it all and then the kids thought it was so cool. Narrating the Atonement brought the spirit so strong. I know even thought they're young, they felt it.</div>
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Kinkin's funeral was on Thursday. It was a really nice service. We got to sing "A Child's Prayer" with the primary kids. He is buried in a nice, private cemetery more like the ones we have in America. Kinkin's uncle, Glenn, spoke and gave Kinkin's biography. Glenn has been less-active forever and a half...Sister Viliami and I tried to track him down before, but he is usually AWOL. Because of the funeral and Kinkin's passing, we were finally able to meet Glenn, and we have an appointment with him tonight. Yay! We are going to focus on just gaining his trust and building a friendship with him. And Kinkin's mother, Niki, is planning to come work with us this Wednesday. She is so strong. Also, Kinkin's younger sisters are twins, Kyla and Kiara. Kiara has a heart problem and will be going to get a long-awaited surgery this Tuesday. They are so blessed to have someone sponsoring the surgery. Even out of their heart-breaking loss, this family is already experiencing blessings.</div>
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I've had an interesting time with Sister Domingo this week. The Lord taught me that effectively correcting people will never come in yelling at them, but speaking boldly and lovingly. Giving them time, understanding, and patience. And eternal second chances. I love her a ton. She drives me nuts on a daily basis. Hay nako! I have never had anyone test my patience so much. But I know Heavenly Father has great plans for her. I decided she is like a nice layer cake...not like an onion. (Shrek, balahaw?) There is a lot beneath the surface.</div>
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A FISHY STORY: Once upon a time, Sister Ribelin and Sister Dotillos went out to proselyte in the pouring rain on Saturday morning. (It has been a signal 1 or 2 typhoon here and there is a bad one up in Manila...that just means it is raining really hard here, nothing dangerous. I still have never walked in a flood.) Then these two crazy sisters saw a fish swimming down the road and through the mud. So they tried to catch it with a little plastic bag. They finally got it into Sister Dotillos' umbrella, and asked a man to get it into the bag. Apparently the fish had dangerous spikes on its' head, which the kind man removed. Then they brought it home so excited about their catch and decided to cook it up. But they were too squeamish to kill it. They transferred it into a jar....which it then leaped out of and onto our countertop. YUCK! Luckily for them, we had texted the water guys to deliver our drinking water. So we asked them to kill the fish. He did it and gutted it and was laughing at us. ;) EW! Sister Ribelin and Sister Domingo cut it a little ... and then it started wiggling on the cutting board...AAAAHHHHHH!....They were screaming their heads off. And then, when they put it into hot oil in the frying pan...it was still wiggling! So. Gross. haha. I think they gave it to one of their investigators to eat once it was good and dead and cooked. We are so buang!</div>
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The best part of my week was our Zone Training Meeting on Tuesday and exchanges with Sister Ribelin on Wednesday. She is so awesome. The Zone Training really gave me that boost I needed to kick it up a notch in my missionary work. They talked all about "Raising the Bar." Shoot for the moon. Believe you can fly...and make it happen. That is really what faith is all about. Rely on the Lord, and do your very best and miracles will happen in your life. Live your life with purpose. ACT! We don't make goals for nothing....We make them to achieve them, then to raise the bar higher. Anyone can do it, and everyone should do it. Make your short time here on earth worth every second. Be men and women of purpose.</div>
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I love you all and I am grateful for your support. Have a great week!<br />
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Love, Sister Winward<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">P.S. Keyk is just the Hiligaynon spelling of Cake. haha :)</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-70705380081411034372014-09-14T17:41:00.001-07:002014-09-14T17:41:13.349-07:00Patience pa gid<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Kumusta kamo tanan? How are you all? I am doing great! My companion is feeling much better and I am ready for a rockin' week. Yeah! </div>
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The first half of the week was pretty lame...because my comp was sick. It is hard to not be able to get out and work. But it did teach me some more patience. We were able to go on splits for just a few hours. It is a terrible feeling as a missionary to feel like you are neglecting your investigators. But it was a good opportunity to serve my companion. And I got to watch Ephraim's Rescue. So that's a plus. haha. Sister Domingo is doing much better now. </div>
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Wednesday and Thursday we had our much awaited, top-secret, Sisters' Conference at the GoDucate center in San Miguel, Iloilo. It was really fun. We did a bunch of indoor team-building and unity activities. My favorite parts were probably seeing Sister Marchant and Sister Viliami again (I miss them soooo much) and spending some time in the fish spa!!! In the states they charge big bucks for fish spas. There it was free. You just stick your feet in the pond and the fish eat the dead skin off your feet. It really tickles, but you have to hold still or the fish will swim away. haha. (It's More Fun in the Philippines!) We had a really nice devotional back at the mission office afterward, in which President Aquino told all of us sisters that we have no more than 5 years to find a Man of God and get married in the temple. Families are central to Heavenly Father's plan...and Satan is trying really hard to distract people from that in today's world. </div>
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Sister Ribelin bought a set of Loom bands last P-day and we have all been getting into that this week. haha. I think it takes about a year for things to get popular here that were first popular in the states. Including music. </div>
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When we got home on Thursday evening, we went out to teach, and after being punted from our plan A, the spirit led us to go back and teach Hernie and Chonna again. We haven't seen Hernie in a month because he is so busy with work. It was a cool feeling though, I think that is the strongest I have felt the spirit push me to go somewhere. We just started walking there, even though it was dark and we were far from our apartment, and it felt so right. I said a little prayer in my heart that Hernie would be there this time, even though we didn't have an appointment, and that we would still be able to catch a tricycle home afterward. Both prayers were answered. We had a good lesson with Hernie on the Plan of Salvation, and the best part was that he shared that he has prayed and knows that Joseph Smith is definitely a true prophet and the church has been restored. I am so excited for him. :) </div>
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Our Antique District Conference was yesterday, and the most impressive part was when the leader asked Culasi group to raise their hands and see how many were in attendance.....there were at least 40 of them there, probably more. Culasi group just opened up in April, after being closed for a time after Typhoon Yolanda. There are 4 Elders up there now, and it is really thriving. They had to travel 3 hours just to get to San Jose for the Dist. Conference. FAITH!!! </div>
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I am so grateful for my mission. 18 months sometimes seems long and sometimes seems short, but I know it is not enough to repay what my Savior has done for me. I love this gospel. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and for the wisdom the Lord will impart to us if we just take the time to seek Him. Palangga ta kamo!!! Halong! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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P.S. A great article I read this morning about how to reach out and SHARE the gospel... <a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/03/young-adults/inviting-success?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/liahona/<wbr></wbr>2014/03/young-adults/inviting-<wbr></wbr>success?lang=eng</a> </div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-17268943480046772092014-09-07T15:49:00.001-07:002014-09-07T15:49:37.075-07:00Mission Miracles<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
My dearest Family, </div>
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How are all of you doing? I hope you all survived your first week of school. :) Yay! We've had a very interesting week. Mostly good things, but a few sad ones too. Do you want the sad news or the good news first? </div>
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The sad news.</div>
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There is a little boy in the branch named Axl Kin (or Kinkin is is nickname). He just turned 7 on August 21. He has been battling with Leukemia since January, and he passed away on Saturday morning. The Elders went to the hospital to give him one last blessing, and a few seconds after they removed their hands from Kinkin's head, he took his last breath. Heavenly Father has released him from his calling in this life. The family is doing well. Still smiling through it all. They have strong testimonies of the gospel, and I know Kinkin will be their motivation to make it to the Celestial Kingdom. We spent Saturday evening with the family. They live right next to our apartment, so we see them often. The doctors told them Kinkin wouldn't make it to his birthday, so they are just grateful he was given a little bit longer. I am grateful I got to meet him, and I know he is rejoicing right now to be free from pain. </div>
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The good news. </div>
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We haven't been able to teach Angelica for a few weeks. Which is killing me because she is so golden. Her father does not want her to be baptized. He is extra protective of Angelica because she is the youngest. I got to talk to Angelica's older sister, Jen, yesterday, and she told me that probably we will just have to wait a few months for the father to calm down, then we can teach her again, and they will just keep it on the downlow so the father doesn't get angry again. Angelica wants it so bad. Jen said Angelica treats her Aklat ni Mormon and scripture reading chart like a treasure and has been reading every day. I know it will all work out in the Lord's timing. </div>
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A few weeks ago, Sister Viliami and I OYM'd a lady in a tricycle. Joy. She asked us when we could come visit, so we referred her to the STLs because she lives in their area...and she is doing really well. Joy came to church last week. It is so cool how just a little conversation can start the huge chain of events that lead to one soul's conversion to Jesus Christ. </div>
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We were working with one of the Branch Missionaries, Kiko, the other day, when he oh-so-casually mentioned that one of his nonmember cousins has been coming to church for the last month. What? Sweet! We met Rene yesterday and taught him for the first time. We also taught Celyne. They've both been to church a bunch of times before. Rene is 16 and Celyne is 20. They already have good support because they live with an active family. Yay!!! They will be baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2021362385" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 4</span></span>.</div>
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We were waiting at the barangay (neighborhood) hall the other night, and I asked Sister Domingo to OYM the Tanod (like a neighborhood watchman) while I texted around and tried to find someone to give a blessing to our sick less active. The Tanod, Brother Lozada, agreed to let us visit his family. He is the father of 5 daughters and a son, all now adults. We've met about half of the family, and they are so receptive. And the greatest tender mercy happened...we don't have any BOMs left in our apartment to give out...but Brother Lozada already has a triple combination he cleaned out of an old house! Sweet! His grandson destroys every book he finds, except the triple. He carries it around like his own personal treasure. I am excited to see them progress. </div>
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Sister Domingo had a rough week. I think she is struggling with her desire. I keep trying to remember what it was like when I was only 6 months in the field. I still didn't understand back then what I was doing or why I came out. But somewhere between Jaro and Leganes, I lost myself. President Hinckley's father was absolutely right when he advised the young Elder Hinckley to, "Forget yourself and go to work." I know that is the only way to have true happiness as a missionary, no matter the visible results of the work you do. I know I won't get to see the end of a lot of the things I have done on my mission. This work is so much greater than any of us can imagine. Every little effort counts, and only Heavenly Father can see it all come together for the eternal good of His children. Matthew <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2021362386" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10:39</span></span> says: <span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #777777; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. </span>Now, looking back, I believe that has happened for me. I just want to work! Having a day away from the people we are teaching kills me. Because I know just a little bit of good makes the difference. I want to help Sister Domingo get to that point. She's not quite there yet. But amat-amat she will be. :) </div>
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I love you all so much. Have a great week!</div>
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Love, Sister Winward </div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-3356262012729282014-08-31T16:25:00.003-07:002014-08-31T16:25:36.887-07:00The 40-day fast<br />
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Mayad na aga! Kumusta kamo tanan? I am excited for you all to start school in a bit. Have fun with your last days of summer! That means I have one school quarter left to be a full-time missionary. Don't any of you start counting down the days, I don't want to know! Shhh.<br /></div>
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Some big happenings this last week. We had a great zone training meeting. My favorite part was an activity Elder Asi and Elder Alforque did about the Tree of Life in Lehi's dream. I'll have to explain that one later. We found a new investigator on Tuesday named Laarnie. She was previously taught as a child, and she pulled out an ancient 1980's copy of the Book of Mormon. We'll visit her again this week. I think this time in her life, she is ready. She has 3 kids and separated from her Muslim husband 1 year ago...but her family are all devoted Catholic. This will be interesting. :)<br /></div>
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I think I mentioned about Merry Chris (member) before, she went back to work in Kuwait again. :( I'm not too happy about that. It has been hard to see her kids missing her so much. Her daughter, Kit, has been coming to church the last few weeks. We started teaching her, and she has a date, but the challenge will be making sure she has the support she will need to endure, because she is only 10 and the family is mostly less-active. She has some active neighbor kids she goes with, but no one's parents are active members in their whole compound. So that will be a challenge.<br /></div>
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Elna was asked to speak in sacrament next week. Her topic is kind of deep...I'll be praying for her to learn and be able to be successful in giving her talk. Robelyn paid her tithing for the first time! She asked me how, and I was very happy to show her. That's the first time that has happened to me in the mission. I love our Recent Converts so much!<br /></div>
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I have a new companion!! Sister Viliami was transferred to Leganes, Iloilo (the area I opened for sisters! yay!). My new kaimaw (companion) is Sister Domingo. She is from Nueva Ecija, on Luzon. She is really sweet and likes to giggle. She was baptized when she was 17. She tells everyone she is twins with some famous actress here named Catherine Bernardo. She is funny. She is the total opposite of Sister Viliami. It is kind of like being with my little sister or something. lol. This'll be fun.<br /></div>
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Our 16-year-old investigator, wasn't able to come to church yesterday. Her father does not approve of her being baptized. We are not going to give up that easy. We saw Angelica yesterday, while we were walking near her house. She said maybe she won't be taught anymore. We encouraged her to not lose hope or faith, but that Heavenly Father really will help her to overcome this obstacle. We told her we loved her, and walked away. We stopped in at a member's house, which was all in God's timing, because Angelica came back and said, yes, okay Sisters, keep teaching me. She had tears in her eyes. I gave her a hug. We'll teach her tonight. I read in 1Nephi 4:1-3 last night, right before bedtime, and it hit me really hard. I know the Lord can overcome any obstacle. We just need to keep acting in faith. Don't Stop. Just believe it is possible.<br /></div>
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Oh yeah, I spoke in sacrament yesterday, about Missionary Work. My talk was nothing remarkable, but at the very end, I felt so much the love Heavenly Father has for the people who were in the congregation. It was overwhelming. Robelyn gave the closing prayer, and did so well. :)<br /></div>
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My companion and I started doing something called the 40-day Fast on Saturday. It is based off a talk by Elder Gene R. Cook. It is basically to refine us so the spirit will be with us even more powerfully. Trying to be more obedient and consecrated in the work we are doing. It was Sister Domingo's idea. She's a genius.<br /></div>
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I love you all so much. Have a great week. Be diligent and faithful always.<br /></div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Sister Cassie Winward</b></span><div>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Philippines Iloilo Mission</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>May 2013 to November 2014</i></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-278517852339358752014-08-22T13:01:00.003-07:002014-08-22T13:01:57.096-07:00Robelyn is Baptized!<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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How are all of you? I am doing great! This was a crazy week. So much great stuff happened. :) Yay! </div>
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We are still diligently reading the New Testament as a mission. I finally decided to stop being stubborn, and just read with the mission. As a matter of obedience. I'll just have to catch up the 130 pages I skipped later. haha. </div>
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Sister Viliami was invited to attend MLC. We all think this means she will be called as an STL this week, but President is trying really hard to keep transfers a secret, so they said he was just acting weird about the "invited guests" the whole time. hahaha. I got to work in Oton--at it was a BLAST!!! Sister Nonu and I found Cloie and Christina V. when we were assigned in Oton, and last week I got to help teach Christina her first RC lesson, because they are both recent converts now! Yay! I also got to say "hello" to Gloria, the Pollan family, the Lim family, and ran into a few former investigators, like Melan, in the market as well. It was so cool to be back there and have all my memories of Oton come flooding back. And to see that even though the work was challenging, and I didn't see many fruits at the time, but I was able to help make a difference. Sister Viliami had a great time at MLC, she learned a lot, and has shared most of it with me during our companionship studies and inventory this week, so I kind of feel like I attended too. Two places at once, haha. She said she knows MLC molded me into the missionary I am today, and she said she bragged about me to the other sisters, and told them they should all get a chance to be my companion. WHAT?! That was a great compliment. She is not a warm-and-fuzzy kind of person, unlike my cheesy self, so it felt really good to have her appreciation like that. She is an awesome companion, and I know that wherever she goes this week, she will be able to make a huge positive impact in the work. </div>
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Robelyn had a good baptism. She was so excited, she came way early. Her smile was huge. She was confirmed yesterday, and promised that her family will join her one day, including her husband. Her 8-year-old daughter, "Bonie," is solid and we will start teaching her next. The father says that as long as it is really her choice, it is okay with him. He doesn't want them to change their decision when they are older. </div>
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So, once upon a time, we taught this guy named "Bombe" who had a lung sickness. And then on Aug 1 he died. Oh. We've visited his widow a few times, right now they are still doing the viewing at their house. Robelyn and we want to go sing a song for them, and then when things have settled down for them a bit, we plan on teaching her about the Plan of Salvation. :) By the way, his widow has 9 kids, and Bombe died on one of their birthdays. </div>
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We have not been able to teach Jay for like a month because he is so busy all the time, but Jen also referred us to her sister, Angelica. She is way sweet. She is 16 and asked Jen if we could teach her. Sister Viliami said she is pretty sure it is just because Angelica thinks we are cool, but she is willing to keep commitments, agreed to be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_438861742" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sept. 13</span></span>. We've only taught her once so far, so obviously, her testimony can only grow from here. :) We had Jolina G. (A returned LA) join us for her lesson. Jolina is a miracle herself. Her family was so, just, down, for so long. Whenever we visited them, they just complain and look miserable. But they returned to church, and Jolina is now active in seminary and wants to serve a mission. Just seeing them smile all the time is awesome. We visited her mother, Mary Ann, and she told us that Jolina is the light of their home. She sits out in the yard and reads the BOM all the time. She's only 14, but she is a shining example to her family. Wow! </div>
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Yesterday, we ate SO. MUCH. FOOD. We were all certain we were going to explode. haha. We had another "cottage meeting" at the Sessions' with the Branch and District leadership. We discussed getting callings for the RCs and returning LAs, and many other things. The work is going well. We can never stop improving. :) Before that, we had an FHE at the Villavert's home. We invited Elna and her family. The Villaverts particularly invited her husband, Robert, by visiting him at work last week. Elna told us he wasn't going to come, but then, SURPRISE, he did. He was really shy because there were a lot of people, but I think he had fun. Elna texted us afterward and was so happy. I hope Robert will see her happiness and learn for himself the true joy the gospel will bring into his life. </div>
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One thing I have been learning, is the power of specific prayer. Heavenly Father will grant our righteous desires. We need to trust in His will always. But He definitely trusts us to make wise decisions as we study the gospel. Elder Sessions told us, "The Lord loves a decision maker." Sister Viliami has shared two experiences that illustrate how specific prayers really work. Back in April, when Sister Nonu was her companion, they got way punted one day. So they prayed and told Heavenly Father that they were going to a specific place in 5 minutes, and to please put someone prepared in their path that they could teach. And that is how they found Elna. A funny example is that one night Sister Viliami decided she wanted to wake up a little early so she could do her laundry, but she didn't want to set an alarm, because she didn't want to wake me up. So she prayed and asked Heavenly Father to wake her up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_438861743" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:00 am</span></span>. While she was sleeping, she smacked her head on the wall, looked at the clock, and low-and-behold, it was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_438861744" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:00 am</span></span> sharp. :) haha. Heavenly Father will answer prayers, and He also has a good sense of humor. </div>
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I love the mission. It is the greatest experience in the world! I hope you all have a great week. Pray specifically for the things you need in your lives, and Heavenly Father will make His plan known. I love you all. </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-91965153586243870992014-07-26T20:42:00.003-07:002014-07-26T20:42:24.745-07:00Addicted<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family,<br /></div>
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Kumusta kamo? I hope everyone is having a great week and looking forward to Pioneer Day! Also, it is Alex's birthday on Wednesday, don't any of you forget! ;) This was an interesting week. All kinds of roller-coaster ups and downs resolving concerns, but in the end, it is all going smoothly. I am so thankful for the testimonies our investigators are cultivating with the power of the Holy Ghost.<br /></div>
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Once upon a time, Elder Ortiz told us that Josie's daughter told him that Josie is not married. I dunno if I mentioned that one last week. But we asked her about it <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1123693396" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>, and she said that, yes, they are. So we thought that concern was not a concern at all. Sister Viliami didn't really believe her though, and we wanted to investigate further, without hurting Josie's feelings (we DON'T want to make to mistake of having her baptized if she's not married yet, obviously), and Heavenly Father gave us a tender mercy. We were walking on our way to teach Robilyn, when we saw Josie's husband, Jun. We said "hello" and kept walking, then were like "duh" why don't we just ask him if they are married. He very confidently said nope, they are not. They're too poor. So that's that. We went to Josie's later that day, and before we walked up we made a little game plan and prayed for the Spirit to guide our words so we can help Josie understand. The thing about Josie is she is really childlike. She really is progressing very well, but it isn't really out of a testimony of the gospel yet. Right now she's one of those, what you call, "missionary converts." We need people converted to Christ and His gospel, not to missionaries who became their best friends. We kind of suspect that she bends the truth sometimes so she can have our love and praise. So we had to explain that to her--we'll love her no matter what, but she's gotta work out her marriage. She got right on her homework to get it worked out. She and her husband are going to borrow money from her brother for the papers. We'll keep working on her testimony, then she will be ready for baptism with an enduring conversion. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1123693397" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 30</span></span>!<br /></div>
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Elna is doing great. We finished up all the lessons with her and she passed her Baptismal Interview (of course). Elder Gan, our district leader, said he felt like he was the one being taught. As her baptism is growing closer, she is definitely experiencing some adversity. Her husband was fine with her being baptized up until about a week ago. Now he is all annoyed. Probably because we have been over at their house like every day for daily contact with Elna, and to finish up her lessons. He won't come in the house if we are there. Elna told us he just needs some time to cool off. Satan is getting inside his head. She has such great faith. She knows this too shall pass, and one day, even if it takes years, Brother Robert will be converted to the true gospel of Jesus Christ as well. The branch members are so supportive of her. They are excited. July 26!<br /></div>
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Robilyn is also doing so great. This week has been hard for her because of her reactions to quitting coffee. She wishes we could move her baptismal date sooner. But she came to all 3 hours of church yesterday, and was feeling fine. She opened up to us about her family background the other night. She has a lot of heart ache. But she is being healed by our Heavenly Father's love. I am so proud of her. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1123693398" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 9</span></span>!<br /></div>
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Some good news about all the many marriages: President Villavert and President Gindap should be receiving their Licenses to Marry by mid-August. Woohoo! Free wedding ceremonies!<br /></div>
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We found Margie, Rogie, and Andrea a few weeks ago. They came to church for the third time yesterday. Rogie shared with us that every since he started reading the pamphlets and the Book of Mormon, he is addicted. He can't get enough. Now we just need that to rub off on Margie, because she never ever reads anything. She is a social butterfly...which kind of gets in the way with her progress a little bit. haha. Rogie really likes the priesthood. We've had to explain that it ain't so easy to just get the priesthood. They've got some LOC to work out, so he was really bummed when we explained that Andrea will have to go first for baptism. Margie and he are gonna have a complicated time, but they will hopefully get married at some point in the near future. Or something... Oh boy. haha.<br /></div>
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On Friday, we had interviews with President Aquino. He is always encouraging us to be Excellent, Rock Missionaries. He is a very humble and wise leader. I am glad he is leading this mission to achieve great things. It is great to be a missionary in the Philippines Iloilo Mission! <b>ILO</b>ve<b>ILO</b>ve!<br /></div>
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Fire and Water.......<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1123693399" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Saturday</span></span>, it was so crazy... we were at Gaisano in the morning to buy ingredients for the apple crisp we made for our 4th meeting at the Sessions last night. The store wouldn't open for about 45 minutes, so we had to wait. We were sitting on a planter OYMing a lady, when all of a sudden we heard a series of loud electric noises, and a huge fire started on the electric wires not so far from us. Every one ran out of the building screaming, so terrified. Sister Viliami and I just walked away with the lady. It reminded me a lot of the Mormon Message "Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them." (<a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-11-020-mens-hearts-shall-fail-them?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/media-<wbr></wbr>library/video/2011-11-020-<wbr></wbr>mens-hearts-shall-fail-them?<wbr></wbr>lang=eng</a> ) We knew we'd be fine, but everyone else was so scared. We were safe, and the firefighters came quickly. None of the mall burned, just a tree nearby. (Don't worry, Mom.) The good thing is...we got to OYM a bunch of ladies and testify of the Plan of Salvation afterward. :) Yes! </div>
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As for the Water part, we drink our purified water out of these heavy blue jugs (like 5 gallon size maybe). When we got home from work <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1123693400" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span> night, one of them had broken open, and there was water spilled all over the kitchen. haha. Mission life is full of surprises.<br /></div>
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Like I mentioned, we had another meeting at the Sessions' last night. We invited some of the leaders of San Jose, I was so proud of President Gindap. He shared that in all his years of being a member, the first time he ever visited someone else was when the STLs took him to visit a less active family not too long ago. We are continuing to help the leaders here learn how to minister to the people in their stewardship. Some people get sick of having missionaries come to visit. But the power of a member, or even better the Bishop or another leader themselves visiting, is incomparable. They don't even have to say much...just the fact that a leader took the time to pay a visit can make all the difference. That is what made the difference for Elder Sessions when he was inactive. And that is why so many less actives are coming back now. This is only the beginning! I love working with the leaders here.<br /></div>
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Well, time's up. I love you all and I hope you all have a great day. Never forget to ask Heavenly Father what He would have you do to help another today. Charity is really a powerful tool in opening hearts to the gospel and in healing broken relationships. Have a great week!<br /><br />Love, Sister Winward</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-77642657872569744182014-07-20T17:05:00.003-07:002014-07-20T17:05:54.521-07:00The windows of heaven have been opened<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family,<br /></div>
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Kumusta kamo? I am excited to share with you another fantastic week here in San Jose, Antique! The Lord has definitely opened the windows of heaven, and we are just trying to find enough room to receive it all. Our planners are so puno (full), it is testing our scheduling skills. But we are following Him, and going where He needs us most. I am so excited every day. I am so proud of our investigators and their commitment to follow our Savior, even when it requires endurance and repentance.<br /></div>
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Elna is still doing great. She was excited to announce in Gospel Principles yesterday that her baptism will be <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1259322225" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 26</span></span>. She is so ready and willing to receive a calling. She was reading about pioneers in the July 2013 Liahona we gave her, and she was so impressed by their sacrifices. She came with us to teach WOW to Robilyn on Saturday night, and she loved that missionary moment. Her Baptismal Interview will be this Saturday. We get to visit her every single day just to finish up the lessons. (The First Presidency has instructed that we now have to teach all 5 lessons before the baptismal interview.) She is so excited about the gospel. She is a changed woman. By the way, it is her birthday tomorrow. :)<br /></div>
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On Tuesday, Sister Viliami and I went to the Municipal Hall to inquire about the requirements for marriage, because we really are going to have to take our couples' hands and walk them through the process. I think they all kind of have a fear that it is very costly and very complicated. But in bite-size steps, it is really not so bad. The worst part will probably be waiting for paperwork to process. But we figured out the requirements and have been helping our couples understand it all. And now Hernie, Resfe ann, and Myra all have Baptismal Goal Dates for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1259322226" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 30</span></span>, and they are working on saving their money for the marriage papers, about 20 pisos a day. Plus President Gindap (Branch Pres.) and President Villavert (District Pres.) are on board and getting to work figuring it all out too. Plus we have visited a few members who have friends and relatives in high places, so we have some connections now for lowering the cost of some of the papers. Woohoo! Miracle!<br /></div>
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Once upon a time, this fabulous YSA named Jen gave us a referral. (Yay! a referral!) We have been waiting on her to come contact her friend with us, and we finally got to meet Jay Adrian on Wednesday. He is one of her classmates from high school. And he is so amazing. We just taught him about our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and Prayer. He is kind of shy. He is really good at English. Likes to read. Is a working student. He is 24. He shared with us that he has not prayed in a very long time, and not usually from the heart, but he does want a relationship with God. He asked us when we were coming back, and if he could come to church before we ever mentioned it. At the end of the lesson, we asked him to offer the closing prayer. He said it was the first time he every prayed out loud. It was the most sincere prayer I have heard anyone give. He simply told Heavenly Father that he is sorry that he hasn't talked to him in a long time, he wants to repent, and he wants to become close to Him. It was simple. It was heartfelt. The Spirit was so strong. He felt so happy afterward. Jen was moved to tears. He came to church yesterday and enjoyed it. I am so excited to share with him again today.<br /></div>
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Sister Robilyn has been doing great. Since she went to church a week ago, she has seen the windows of heaven open up to her. She does manicure/pedicures for 100 pisos out of her home, and she had way more customers this week than usual. Her mother's one year death anniversary was on Friday, and we were able to teach her about the last part of the Plan of Salvation ("Where do we go after this life?") and about Temples and Family History on Thursday. We taught her about the Spirit world, shared with her about how she will be able to help her mother receive the gospel by doing her temple work. She asked a question about whether her mother's spirit was able to come be with her, because she was pretty sure she felt her nearby sometimes. I told her that honestly, I don't know everything about how the Spirit world works. But I shared with her what Elder Russell M. Nelson told us when he spoke in the MTC--that the ancestors of those we teach are preparing them and leading us to them. The Spirit was so strong. I told her that I am pretty sure her mother has played a role in us finding and teaching her. It definitely wasn't a coincidence. And you know what, I am pretty sure her mother was there listening to the whole lesson. It was amazing. The work really is hastening--on both sides of the veil. Sister Robilyn is so motivated to prepare herself for baptism. She is excited to help her mother receive the gospel as well. When we taught her about the Word of Wisdom on Saturday night, we told her she had options for quitting her coffee drinking (she has about 1 cup a day). She can quit drinking coffee gradually, and move back her baptismal date (it is a requirement that they have abstained for 4 weeks before their baptism). Or she can quit immediately and still get baptized on<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1259322227" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 9</span></span>. She chose immediately. Man, she has faith. We explained about priesthood blessings, and said she could receive one to help her as she quits. She didn't drink any yesterday. And then during <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1259322228" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> School she got a really bad migraine. She had to go throw up in the CR (comfort room aka bathroom). She got a blessing from the Elders, then went home with her kids before Relief Society. We have been praying for her and dropped by yesterday to give her some Milo (chocolate drink) and see how she was, but she was sleeping it off. I hope she is doing okay. She is so strong. I know she'll make it.<br /></div>
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Teaching Margie and Rogie and Andrea the Law of Chastity was fun. I'll have to just share that one with you all in a few months. haha. I love you all. I know that this gospel changes hearts, lives, and our eternity. Keep the commandments. I dare you. The windows of heaven will open! I hope you all have a great week.<br /><br />Love, Sister Winward</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-51646803435020405692014-07-08T21:11:00.003-07:002014-07-08T21:11:33.882-07:00Go about doing Good<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family,<br /></div>
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Kumusta kamo? Again, I have so much awesomeness to tell you all this week. I hope I remember everything. :)<br /></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874550" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Tuesday</span></span>, we were trying to find some Less-actives in our area, and we unexpectedly found a nami former investigator. His name is Kester. He is a 21 year old fisherman. He is the older brother of a less-active YM and he basically told us right off the bat that he wants to be baptized. His challenge will be that he is gone out at sea most days of the week.<br /></div>
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Resfe ann and Eleazar are doing pretty well. Actually, I'm pretty proud of Eleazar. He is determined to do things the right way, so he is planning on going to visit Resfe ann's father in Bugasong to ask if they can get married. He really wants to make things right with her family. How noble. He really does have godly sorrow. They know they have done wrong, and they are so ready to make it right. We are hoping all will be well, and they can get married in August so Resfe ann will be baptized! Yay!<br /></div>
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Elna is still doing so great. Lidemae is struggling with her testimony a little. Which is due to the fact that she hasn't come to church for the last few weeks. But Elna can't even wait to be baptized. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874551" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 26th</span></span> can't come fast enough. We taught them about the baptismal covenant. Elna was totally a show off in church yesterday. Joke lang. She just was so excited to answer questions in class and she got them spot on. Yeah! Handa na siya! (She's ready!) Her husband's older brother, Nelbert, wants to learn the gospel as well. Yay! So hopefully that will lead to Elna's husband to be interested.<br /></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874552" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Thursday</span></span> we found a bunch of new investigators. Margie (37) and her daugher Andrea (12), and Margie's boyfriend Rojie (24). And some other various friends of theirs. We OYM'd Margie, and right away she was like, I need you to teach my daughter. Margie and Rojie work up in Boracay (a white-sand-beaches-crystal-<wbr></wbr>blue-oceans tourist spot up north of Kalibo), and they leave Andrea to fend for herself in a boarding house down near where we live. So they will be leaving this week to go back to Boracay, but Margie really wants us to teach Andrea so she can have a relationship with God. They all 3 came to church yesterday and were well fellowshipped. Margie kind of acts all tough, but she shared something in RS and started to cry. She knows Heavenly Father sent us to help her and her family. Plus, they fed us dinner the other night. Yes! :) And they have really great questions.<br /></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874553" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Friday</span></span>, we taught Josie and Arlyn about the Word of Wisdom. Josie accepted it so humbly. She smokes occasionally, but is addicted to coffee. We committed her to stop both, and she was so excited to report to us <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874554" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> at church that she had gone one whole day without it. She is doing great. She is reading the BOM every time we walk up to her house, and is now up to Jarom. She amazes me. Arlyn is so funny. She ran and grabbed her mom's sachet of coffee. I asked if we could take it and throw it away so she wouldn't be tempted, and she said yes. My companion is also funny. And crazy. Just like Sister Rappleye has done, Sister Viliami unexpectedly committed to Josie that she would quit ice cream AND chocolate until the baptism if Josie will quit coffee forever. haha. Sister V is doing good so far. She was surprised when those words came out of her mouth. haha.<br /></div>
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We have been teaching all of our Less Active families about Antique District's Vision. It is called "Back to the Basics." We are just encouraging everyone to strengthen their own spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ by doing 7 very basic gospel things consistently: 1. Daily Family/Personal Prayers, 2. Daily Family/Personal Scripture Study, 3. Weekly Family Home Evenings, 4. Attend all 3 hours of church, 5. Pay full and honest Tithes, 6. Accept and magnify callings (including home and visiting teaching), and 7. Seminary and Institute. Those are some simple building blocks for a strong testimony. And we are trying to show people how super-easy it can be. It doesn't have to be a big production. Even little efforts make a big difference.<br /></div>
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As we have been studying the New Testament, Sister Viliami and I have found that we keep having opportunities to live like the Savior. We have been able to be more bold in our teaching over the last transfer, and this week we have gotten many opportunities to give service. Pres. Harold B. Lee said, "Missionary work is but home teaching to those who are not now members of the Church, and home teaching is nothing more or less than missionary work to Church members." That has been in my mind...I've been asking myself, if our investigators were members, what would a good Visiting Teacher do to take care of them? Hmmm? And as we have taken the opportunities to follow the Spirit and serve, the Lord keeps on giving us more opportunities to do so! Yay! Let me explain what I mean...<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874555" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Thursday</span></span>, our investigator Robilyn was not feeling well when we taught her. She had a cold. So then I thought, maybe we should go get her some soup or something. It was not a convenient thing to do. But I remembered this other quote by the wife of Pres. Kimball to: "Never suppress a generous thought." I knew I couldn't ignore it. So we got permission to run to Gaisano real quick and we bought her some soup packets and oranges. We dropped it off real quick and she was thankful. She and her kids came to church! Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874556" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span>, we went to visit our investigator Myra (it's gonna take a whole other email to explain all about her :) ). Her kid was really sick...throwing up and diarrhea. He couldn't even keep water down. And they are way to poor to take him to the doctor. So we called every Melchizedek Priesthood holder in our phone...no answer. Finally the Elders called back and agreed to come later that night. They were able to administer blessings to the little boy, and 3 other people who needed blessings as well. I am grateful we were able to be a part of that. And that Myra was able to witness the power of the priesthood. Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874557" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span>, Myra texted us that she was huya (embarrassed/shy) that she didn't have any church clothes to wear. Well, guess which sister missionaries had a box full of church clothes from a member to give away? Us! So we took her some outfits and a few extra shirts (they seriously have nothing--Their neighborhood is called Purok Pigado for crying out loud...Purok POOR). She and her family came to church! And then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401874558" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>, just like Christ told the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 13, we got to serve again! Our investigator, Christine was busy cleaning their house. So we started mopping and washing dishes. She was so happy to not be doing it alone.<br /></div>
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I don't share any of this as a way to show our "alms before men," but rather as a testimony that when we apply Christ's words and follow the Spirit, we are given even more opportunities to do the same. People will notice. They do notice. And they, too, will want to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Go do some good. I am so grateful for my mission and these priceless experiences He is giving me. I love you all and I hope you all have a great week.<br /></div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-81597687452251149242014-06-29T17:08:00.000-07:002014-06-29T17:08:34.501-07:00We're on the right track<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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How are you all doing today? I hope Nicki has a very Happy 11th Birthday this week! I have been great. It has been a pretty successful week for Sister Viliami and I. </div>
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We were able to contact some referrals this last week who turned out to be some very prepared people. I am excited about them. Josie is the mother of a girl who the Elders are teaching. Fritzee is going to be baptized in July, and we are planning that her mother will shortly follow, maybe a week or two after. Josie is very kind. She paid for our tricycle fare yesterday on the way home from church. We were very excited that she came. </div>
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The other referral was Resfe ann, aka Pingping. She has been investigating for a while in Bugasong, a little north where there are some Elders assigned. She and her boyfriend moved here because her family kicked her out. She needs to get married. She is consistently reading in the Book of Mormon and told us all about Nephi chapter 4 yesterday. She has a really good understanding. We helped her to see that her desire to be baptized needs to be because of the gospel of Jesus Christ and not her boyfriend. She understands, and even though it is a hard conversation to have, they are discussing what they need to do to repent, and planning for marriage. Oh man, if it all works out there should be quite a few weddings in July and August. :) </div>
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Elna and Lidemae are doing so great. They didn't make it to sacrament meeting yesterday, but we texted them and told them not to be shy because they were late, but come to classes anyway. So they did. They really learned a lot. In our lesson yesterday, Lidemae shared to us all about Nephi 1 through 7. She and Elna are consistently reading. They also have a great understanding. They are really good at English. Elna is a school teacher at a Montessori school. She has one little girl, a two year old, named Khriztel Marie. Elna told us that first thing every morning, Khriztel asks for her book (the Book of Mormon) and pretends to read, sing, and pray. Just speaking gibberish. And a few times she has even fallen asleep hugging it. Cute! We shared with them about Word of Wisdom yesterday. Their only concern was coffee, and they are not addicted, so that will be fine. </div>
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Our lesson with Elna on Saturday evening was the best moment of Sister Viliami and my week. We planned to share about the last part of Plan of Salvation, "Where do we go after this life?" She has been sharing the gospel with her husband. He has joined lessons before, but lately has been shy or something. Elna says he is scared he'll have to give up drinking and smoking. So, we went to her house and we all decided to wait for him to come home from work before we started the lesson so he could join, too. We waited for a while, but he never showed up. Elna told us after that he saw the house was crowded and just went to wait until we left. He waited for a while for us to leave. We never even saw him. We are praying he will listen. We did share with Elna. She basically taught us about the degrees of glory. She is amazing! Her smile was huge. She really wants her family to be eternal. Before, she was a sign-seeker. She wanted that kind of answer. But she knows she has her answer now, it is the peace that she feels in her heart as she learns and applies the gospel. She gets frustrated at work (her salary is low) and at her husband sometimes, but she told us that whenever frustration comes, she laughs and she prays, just like we told her to. And it works. She has greater peace than she has ever felt before. We are so excited for them. </div>
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Friday was Sister Rappleye's birthday. We figured out how to use our propane oven (ours is the only apt in the mission that has one), and I made some apple crisp...because Sister Rappleye is at it again--doing a chocolate fast to support her investigator in quitting his WoW problems. We always forget and offer her chocolate anyway. Oops! haha</div>
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Yesterday, I spoke in church on Gratitude. I started in 1 Nephi 1 today, in addition to the OT reading I am still working through. Man, Nephi is so grateful! </div>
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I learned a little more about how the Spirit works on Saturday (like I do every day...it is an amat-amat lifelong process, I think). My companion had been getting pretty easily frustrated at our investigators and less actives. Not during lessons, but afterward I can tell she is upset at them. You do get pretty tired of hearing excuses as a missionary, believe me. I wanted to advise her to work on her patience, but I didn't think she was in the mood to hear that so I just let it go and prayed for her. In her personal study though, she was led to study patience in PMG. I knew that was something she needed, and I'm glad the spirit helped her out. The Spirit really is the best teacher. I love Sister Viliami so much. She is great at being bold. We have made our expectations clear to our investigators and that helps them see the path we want them to take....the gospel path. In working with less-actives we don't beat around the bush. Some of them just don't want visits from missionaries anymore. Which is sad. But I do know it is always better for members to care for the sheep in their fold. </div>
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We had another "cottage meeting" at the Session's last night to discuss the progress and needs of the branch. It was successful. The last two weeks have been really progressing. I am excited about the work here. I wasn't really at first when I arrived. I knew it was going to be an interesting and challenging area. But we are really seeing miracles happen. Even though we are splitting our time 50/50 working with Less-actives more, the investigator work that we are doing is yielding some amazing results. I know it is not us. The Lord is guiding our work. It is just a testimony to me that we are on the right track. As we do what He wants for these people and this branch, with faith and patience, miracles are coming. I am so grateful to be part of this marvelous work and a wonder. What a blessing it is to be a missionary in the Philippines Iloilo Mission, serving my Lord and Savior. I wouldn't trade this for the world. </div>
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I love you all, and I hope you all have a beautiful day! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-27921087170273398342014-06-25T19:37:00.001-07:002014-06-25T19:37:27.571-07:00Miracles in San Jose!<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Kumusta kamo? Thanks for the many emails and for packages. :) I am doing great this week. We started putting our plans into action, and so far so good. The Branch President, President Gindap, and his wife, Sister Cacks, came and worked with us last Monday to visit Wilfredo, the less active that Sister Lyman showed us to. It was great! We had President share a message from the Liahona, and then he and sister told Wilfredo of some job leads, because he is looking for work and very poor right now. On Sunday, we heard that the Elders Quorom President also visited Wilfredo. </div>
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Last Thursday, Sister Sessions came with the four of us to visit the Relief Society President, Sister Henna. The STLs had received a text from her that she was busy or something, but I told them not to reply and we went and visited her anyway. I think it was just what she needed. She opened up to us about some struggles she is going through with her family. We just tried to help her remember that she is not alone, Christ will make her weaknesses into strengths. And she can rely on us too! I know she felt it, because yesterday she was excited to announce our Visiting Teaching day we will have on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_739256700" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 28</span></span>. We also suggested to have a "good news minute" as part of the RS opening exercises, and I really think it broke the ice for the RS Sisters. It was great. The leaders are already "waking up." Also, she owns a bakery and showed us around after we shared with her last week.</div>
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We have really enjoyed having the couple missionaries come along with us this week. Elder and Sister Sessions are the bomb! We had them join us for a few appointments last Tuesday, and what ended up happening is that Elder Sessions was able to administer a few blessings to people who were sick. Sister Sessions joined us a few times this week to visit some RS sisters. Sister Sessions likes to sew, so we took her to visit a less-active sister named Lisa. Lisa is amazing at sewing. She showed us a bunch of gowns for little girls that she has made. They are like princess dresses! So cute and so creative. So Sister Sessions was able to connect with Lisa about that. It was really cool....even though there was a little language barrier, I know Lisa still felt Heavenly Father's love for her as Sister Sessions testified. </div>
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On Wednesday, Sister Dotillos and I went on exchanges in their area...well mostly. The boundaries are kind of weird. So anyway, one of the branch missionaries, Jomar, worked with us and showed us the house of a less-active, which happens to be in our area. Chonna is 22 and has a baby son named...*drumroll please*...Nephi! Her husband is not a member. She was so happy to see us. She told us that she grew up very active up in Bulacan near Manila. She and her husband were being taught by the missionaries last year, but it was difficult because they were living in his sister's house, etc, anyway it didn't work out then. But she told us that she had said a prayer just a few days before that the sisters would find them again. And we did! I like being the answer to people's prayers. Yay!!! Her husband, Hernie, wasn't there on Wednesday, but yesterday, Sister Viliami and I went back and taught him too. We were both floored....he is so prepared! No vices, a solid job with no work on Sundays usually, and he is a family man. A rare find around here. Sister told us how Hernie and Nephi are always the ones to remind her that they need to pray. Wow! We shared about eternal families and discussed what they need to do to get married so Hernie can be baptized and they can work toward the temple. :) I am so excited for them. </div>
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Also while we are on exchanges, Sister Dotillos and I tracted 2 huge houses and made it into both of them! That is rare. Filipinos are really friendly, but if they are rich they act more like Americans usually. 2 for 2. At one of them we taught the two maids, and at the other we taught this sweet old lady named Lorena who remembers the Elders visiting her attorney husband before he passed away. She said she knew we were good, trustworthy people, just from seeing our nametags, so that's why they let us in. :) </div>
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One funny...We took one of our LAs, Rubina, with us for an appointment because we didn't know where the house of the Butt family (LA) was. She's pretty old. and she was sooo funny. She just kept calling the girl we were teaching crazy (she kind of was), taking out and putting in her dentures over and over, and when it started to rain, she was ready to bolt across the muddy rice fields....the only problem was she didn't have an umbrella. So then she was on edge the whole time we were teaching. Sister Viliami was laughing so hard the whole time. Oh man. That was a riot. It's more fun in the Philippines. </div>
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So, the best news of all for the week is about Alna and Lady May. Last Sunday, Alna told Sister Viliami and Sister Rappleye that her husband wouldn't let her be baptized or go to church. So we were really bummed about that. We decided to just keep working with her and hope her husband's heart would soften. We went back on Friday and taught about "Where did we come from?" in the Plan of Salvation. We explained to them about the veil of forgetfulness and how really we are just reminding them of things they already knew before they came to earth. When we taught them about how Satan does everything to keep us from following Heavenly Father's plan, Alna kind of had an epiphany. She shared that last Sunday they gave into temptation to make an excuse and not come to church. She made the connection that they followed what Satan wanted. They came to church yesterday and really enjoyed it, other than being hungry. haha. I'll bring snacks next week. The best pa gid was after church we taught them again and recommitted them to baptism. Alna said Yes. As in definitely. Lady May said she will still decide. Sister Viliami explained that part of the baptism covenant is to keep the commandments, which includes weekly church attendance. Alna said, "That is not hard." Yes! Her husband doesn't want her to switch religions, but Alna said she knows she needs baptism as part of her salvation. She knows he'll come around eventually. I am sooooooo excited about Alna and Lady May. </div>
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We also taught this other amazing investigator named Lovely May. She is 18. She totally felt the Spirit. She told us she feels different when we are sharing with her than any other church she has been to. She wants to be baptized. The only thing is....she moved to Manila today. She'll be there until December. So...we are going to keep in touch with her and get her referred to the missionaries up there. </div>
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I am so grateful to be part of this "marvelous work and a wonder." I know we are following the Lord's will here. I am amazed at the miracles I have seen happen this week. I know it is not because of us, but because of the Spirit and the truth of the message we share. I hope you all have a great week. I love you all! Halong! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-86407550566918454432014-06-15T14:15:00.000-07:002014-06-15T14:15:03.049-07:00Waking Up<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Kumusta kamo? I am doing great! I hope you all had a good week. It was fun to hear about all of your birthday and graduation adventures! I have a lot to share with you all this week. :) </div>
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Last Tuesday, I started off the day by teaching District Meeting. Ahhhh. I was more nervous doing that than I ever was giving a Zone Training. haha. Probably because our DL asked me at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_793011888" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:15pm</span></span> the night before. It went okay. And on Tuesday, there was an RM sister in town. Her name is Sara Lyman and she served her back in 2011. She said she wanted to wait until all the missionaries she knew had gone home already before she came back. She asked if she could come and work with us for a bit to check up on some Less-Actives she used to visit. Sister Viliami and I both don't know the area super well, so it was great to have her show us some more people we didn't know about. We met Wilfredo, he is a very nice older Less-Active whose wife left him a while back. He was so down, but hearing the gospel again gave him hope. He came to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_793011889" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>. He seemed very happy to be there. It was fun to work with Sister Lyman--and cool to see that she still has the language down. I don't ever want to lose Hiligaynon. haha. </div>
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On Wednesday, we taught a lesson that didn't go so great to some hard-hearted people, but then we went with this little half-Belgian girl to her home. We met her father, Jean, and got to know him a little bit. He was very friendly and had a heavy French accent. He works all over the world doing dredging (whatever that is) most of the time. We got to share to him for about 10 minutes and he was very receptive, although he is a devout Roman Catholic. We dropped off a Book of Mormon and some pamphlets for him to read while he is out on the sea. That was fun...it's not every day we get to teach a foreigner. </div>
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We taught our investigator, Jergie, on Thursday. In a previous lesson we challenged her to be baptized, but the next lesson she said she and her husband decided no, and she definitely wasn't too keen on attending church. But then we were able to teach her all about Christ's church and how it was restored. I know she felt the Spirit. Nicki, one of the YSA members, worked with us and bore a strong testimony that touched Jergie's heart. When we invited her to attend church she just said, "Yes, I will, Sisters." I know she felt that she needed to....But then we went to pick her up <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_793011890" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> morning, and Jean had given her a ton of ironing to do (Jergie's really poor, so she does whatever she can to bring in money). "Unexpected work," she said, and didn't come with us. It made me really sad.</div>
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The big breakthrough for the week didn't come from working with investigators at all though...San Jose is kind of weak right now and the District has a ways to go before it will become a stake, so last night (after a delicious American dinner of Tacos and Lemon bars) all of us San Jose missionaries met up to discuss and plan over what we will do to strengthen the church here in Antique. President told me it is kind of like a sleeping giant. In Alma 5:7 it says, "Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God." Elder and Sister Sessions (the super nice couple missionaries here), Sister Rappleye and Sister Dotillos (STLs), Elder Shaffer and Elder Ortiz (ZLs), and Sister Viliami and I all came up with a vision and a plan. Our vision is to strengthen the leadership of San Jose by experiences that will help them to magnify their callings. We hope that in turn, they will be better able to serve like Christ, reaching out to others. We also hope that as we try this out in San Jose, the other missionaries and units here in Antique will "Catch the Wave" as well. We are going back to the basics. We want to ensure that the branch and auxiliary presidencies themselves are living the simplest gospel principles such as scripture study and FHE and Home/Visiting teaching and attending all <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_793011891" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> meetings by teaching them, and by inviting them to come along and serve and reactivate. We want them to walk the talk, and we are going to show them how. Because telling someone something puts it in their brain, but taking them by the hand and showing them puts it into their heart. I am so excited to be assigned here now. There is a bright future ahead. We will strengthen and clean the inner vessel, then Reactivation and Conversion and Retention will come. Yay! We met with the RS Presidency already and planned to hold Visiting Teaching days every 2nd and 4th Saturday, where all the Sisters will go on splits with companionships of Visiting Teachers. We are on the right path. Woohoo. </div>
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How are all of your basics? Build your life on the Rock of our Redeemer every day through earnest prayer and diligent and deep scripture study. Make family your priority. Reach out to others--visit them and share the Savior's love. Rely on the eternal wisdom of our Heavenly Father. I know this is His true church. I know His Spirit abides with us as we do His work. I know He lives. I know that San Jose will be made strong as we get lost in all the work to do here. I am so excited! I love you all.</div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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P.S. Just one funny....in our house we feel like we are on display at the zoo because we keep the door open usually (for the heat), and the little school kids like to stop on their way home during lunch break and stare through the fence when they see Sister Rappleye or I. haha. </div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-67853779886931465252014-06-03T20:25:00.001-07:002014-06-03T20:25:15.107-07:00The "Challenge"<div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dear Family, </span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mayad na aga! How are all of you doing this fine day? This has been the longest week ever it seems, but it went by in the blink of an eye. We had a zone conference last Wednesday in Arevalo. One of the highlights was that one of the APs challenged us to challenge at least one person to baptism every day. Sister Viliami and I have been trying to do that. It really helps to see who is ready and willing to change. One accepted. Her name is Alna. She is way nami and she has good questions and is very accepting and willing to change. She said she will come to church next week and bring her sister. The other highlight of zone conference was that President taught us about the Doctrine of the Family. The Area Presidency instructed all the Mission Presidents to teach about it to the missionaries. Because what is the next important thing to do after serving a mission? Get married. Gani. So that was fun, slightly awkward, mostly good...President showed his and Sister Aquino's wedding pictures and shared mostly from the Family Proclamation. He shared his formula for happiness, which I really loved, I hope you guys like it to0....</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Six steps for a happy life: </span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Faith</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Obedience</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Service</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Serve a Mission</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Education</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Temple Marriage</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Taadaaa! </span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let's see, what else happened? Sorry. I had a fever yesterday and had to stay home :( Sister Rappleye is a good nurse. :) But now I have to jog my memory. lol. Oh yeah! We started teaching these little girls, Riza, Crystal, and Rona Jane. And they all came to church. And they want to come again next week. Yay! One of our HUGE focuses here is reactivating less-active Melchizedek Priesthood holders. We work 50/50. Half investigator/half less-active. Sister Viliami and I don't know the area super well, so we really want to seek out the part-member families and learn where more of the members live so we can get teach people close to them. :) Lots of plans. I am so grateful for the greatest plan of all...Heavenly Father's plan. Being out this long in the mission, I can see more clearly that He truly has a plan for every person, every missionary, every area. He knows how to teach us the things we need to learn. And He does it all because He loves us so much! </span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Love,</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="gmail_default"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sister Winward</span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-5940063136696332512014-05-29T18:46:00.000-07:002014-05-29T18:46:04.568-07:00"Mapauli gid ako sa Antique!"<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Big happenings this week. I can't even wait to tell you all about it! On Wednesday night, we received a transfer text from the Zone Leader, Elder Asi, but it was a joke because he just listed everyone in the district. Real funny. So then Sister Aurelio and I called him to check who was REALLY going to be transferred, and he said I was. He is such a joker, I almost couldn't believe him. But it was the truth. Awwww maaaannnnn! Just when things were on fire in Leganes! Six of our investigators are set to be baptized in June. I kind of felt like a kid eating a delicious piece of chocolate cake, only to have it taken away after the first few bites. But it is okay, because I know Heavenly Father needs me here in SAN JOSE!</div>
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At least I had one night's warning though (unlike Sister Marchant, haha), so I packed up and Sister Aurelio and I took a taxi to Arevalo. I was transferred to San Jose area A, in the beautiful province of Antique! (ant-EE-kay) Yes! I'm out of the city and into the bukid! Going from Iloilo to San Jose kind of feels like going from Salt Lake to Logan. San Jose is still urban, but it has great beaches (our whole area is basically on the beach) and is closer to the mountains. It is a lot more green than the city. And the air is clean, right off the ocean! There aren't jeepneys, unless you need to travel a long distance. We get around on big white tricycles. Elder Ortiz, the new Zone Leader, and I had to take a 2 hour, twisting and turning bus ride through the mountains to arrive here from Arevalo.</div>
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My companion is Sister Viliami. She is a Tongan sister from Hamilton, New Zealand. I am so excited to work with her. She has great insights and she is ready to work hard. I know I will learn a lot from her. She is very different than my last two companions. She told me that I am an answer to her prayers. She knows the Lord sent me here to push and stretch her. She is a great missionary. She really cares. And she has amazing potential. We will be very good for each other, I can already tell. </div>
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San Jose is a branch (in a District, not a Stake), there are 8 missionaries assigned here--the ZLs, the STLs, us, and a set of couple missionaries, Elder and Sister Sessions. (I haven't met them yet because they travel all around Antique to help.) Oh yeah, and I am released as an STL. Hallelujah. :) I am so grateful for all I learned about leadership, and I know it is now time for other sisters to learn those lessons too. And what do we do when we learn something? APPLY IT. </div>
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I know Heavenly Father needs me here...in this area, in this branch, in this zone. The first night I arrived, the sisters all opened up to me that there have been big problems with disobedience in the zone for the last few transfers. As an apartment, we are all committed to obedience. Heavenly Father sent me here for a reason. He needs me to be an instrument of change. Which I know is going to push me a lot. Excellent obedience will lead to the miracles this branch and zone need to see. When He calls, I am ready. Challenge accepted! </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_761583946" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_761583947" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> we got to do some awesome CSPs. We helped build a path in a rice field <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_761583948" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span>, then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_761583949" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span> we cleaned up rubbish on the beach with the barangay (neighboorhood) council. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_761583950" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Saturday</span></span>, Sister Viliami and I read chapter 7 of PMG, about learning the mission language. The language is really a challenge for her. Antique has its own dialect--Kiray-a. It is basically the same as Hiligaynon, just a little different accent, some different words and prounouns, and sometimes the "L" is replaced with an "R." I'm doing fine with it so far, just need to get in the habit of replacing a few words. I had Sister Viliami make a goal to learn 40 new words in the next two weeks. Only 3 a day. She is doing great so far. And I am learning better how to fit teaching to meet the needs of the individual. </div>
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Christine is our investigator with a baptismal goal date for the end of June. She came to church for the first time yesterday. She is 17. Her family are all "Bible Believers" which is just a kind of baptist. She is the youngest of 13 siblings. I am excited about her. I am also excited about the Branch Missionaries here. They are very involved in the work as well. I miss Leganes Ward, but San Jose Branch will be great as well. </div>
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I love you all so much. I read a great chapter about the Atonement this morning, Isaiah 53. Give it a read this week. :) Thank you for your love and prayers. Always trust in the Lord and His plan for you. Andam pirmi! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Sister Cassie Winward</b></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-66182199734850468422014-05-19T17:01:00.003-07:002014-05-19T17:01:29.928-07:00"B'coz I know the plan"<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Kumusta na kamo? How are all of you doing? I hope great. I guess school is almost over on that side of the world, right? School will be back in session here in about 3 weeks. haha. Endure to the end all of you. haha. And I will endure to the end of tag-init (hot season). </div>
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It was great to see you on skype last week! This week has been really great as well. We had seven investigators come to sacrament, plus four other people who aren't investigators yet. And we had a bunch of less active members come too! It was great. In the Leganes banwa (town center) there is a stand called "Mister Siomai" where Sister Aurelio like to buy siomai a few times a week for a snack. The lady who owns it is named Eden and she is really nice, but super busy so we can't teach her, but the good news is, she told us to pick up her son and take him to church with us. So we went to the siomai stand <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_204970581" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>morning and took Ivan to church with us. He is 9. I sat with him during sacrament and he had a lot of questions about the sacrament. And then one of his classmates from school came over and fellowshipped him and took him to Primary. It was great! I am hoping we can figure something out where we can teach Ivan in the banwa or the Elders can at Eden's house. Yay! </div>
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We had MLC (Tues. 6 May) and Mission Conference (Thurs. 8 May) two weeks ago with Elder and Sister Ardern. I want to share some of the things I learned from them, because it was great! (Plus they have New Zealand accents.) Their and President and Sister Aquino's counsel to us kind of kept jumping back and forth between Teaching & Finding & Missionary work and Marriage. Talk about trunky missionaries...oh brother. jk! They talked about finding and marrying a Man or Woman of God. They also talked about how Education is so super important. Elder Ardern had Sister Ardern tell a funny story to us... </div>
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When they were newlyweds, Elder Ardern still hadn't finished his degree, but he had a teaching certificate, so he thought that was good enough. Sister Ardern didn't think so. She kept encouraging him to enroll in school again to finish his degree, until one day, she pushed him out the front door, locked him out, and told him not to come back unless he had his University registration papers in hand. So he went to "Uni," as they call it in New Zealand, and registered. When he came home, Sister Ardern made him show her the papers through the window as his ticket back in. haha. I loved that story. Go Sister Ardern! </div>
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Elder Ardern taught us that it is the greatest crime for a missionary to return from their mission and fail to apply all they learned on their mission. He also shared that no mediocre persons will make it in to the Celestial Kingdom. That is why we must always strive to be the extraordinary children of God that we have the potential to become. Satan would have us settle for average, but Heavenly Father knows we can do more and be better. </div>
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Transfer day is <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_204970583" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Thursday</span></span>. I thought I might be transferred, but maybe not. There has been some drama in Jaro 1 for the last few weeks, so it will be interesting to see what changes happen there. (That's just one of those stories that can wait til after the mission.) Unity is so important in the work of the Lord, and if we are not focused on Him, we cannot be unified. Leganes is the greatest. We received a copy of the ward mission plan this week. The work is going well here. I love it. Brother Lito, the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric, lives by the phrase, "B'coz I know the plan." What will you do differently today because you know the plan of our Heavenly Father? Look inward, Reach outward. I love you all. Halong! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-21996129354781955582014-05-11T13:17:00.003-07:002014-05-11T13:17:58.144-07:00Recent Converts Rock!<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family that I love soooo much,<br /></div>
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How are you all doing? I am doing great! I hope you are all having a festive Cinco de Mayo. No one celebrates that here. haha. I am do looking forward to Skyping next week! Yay! But before that, I am looking forward to MLC tomorrow and Mission Conference on Thursday with Elder Ian S. Ardern, the Area President for the Philippines.<br /></div>
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A few nami announcements: Phils. Iloilo Mission was so close to reaching our April goal. The final total was 98 baptized and confirmed. Yeah! And the Jaro Elders told me that Rose and Mickey are set to get married on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_313166912" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 7</span></span>! Hooray! (Dad, I think that counts as a pretty cool birthday present. :) ) And I made Mango Float for the first time this week. It is delicious. Mangoes are delicious. I just thought you should all know. :)<br /></div>
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Yesterday, we had a very sweet testimony meeting. Many of the members were able to go on the stake's temple trip to Cebu last week. For them to get to the temple affordably they ride the "roll-roll." This means they ride a bus which then "rolls on" a boat, take a 12 hour boat ride, then "roll off" the boat and continue their drive to Cebu temple. Sounds exhausting to me. I am so grateful for how ridiculously easy it is for us to get to the temples so close to us in Utah. No excuse. (I may be slightly trunky when in comes to going to the temple again. :) 6 months na lang. So. Excited. ) Anyway, the Bishop's 12 year old daughter, Heart, was able to attend the temple and she bore the sweetest testimony yesterday. She almost couldn't speak, but I felt the spirit just how it feels doing the work of the Lord in His Holy Temple. Love it!<br /></div>
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I love working with the recent converts in Leganes Ward. I don't mean teaching them. I mean they text us daily and tell us they want to come along and work. Yeah! Kimberly, the ZLs recent convert, gave us a referral a few weeks ago, and the ZLs told us she wanted to come along when we teach them. So Kimberly, 15 y/o, came along with us on Tuesday. Her friends, Jessa Lyn (15) and Mark (17), each have a baptismal goal date now! She did great, bore testimony to the people we taught and everything. Then the next day we met up with the ZLs to give them a copy of the Restoration DVD, and they told us that Kimberly had a great time. They said Tuesday night they were in the middle of a lesson with Kimberly's father, Johnny, and she came home with a huge smile on her face. The Elders asked her why she was so happy, and she said, "I just worked with the Sisters!" True joy comes from sharing the gospel. <br /></div>
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We have had Diana, 13 y/o, come along with us to work, too. She a less active. Her brother Tregie, 11 y/o, really wants to be baptized, but their parents are less active so we are working on getting him some support to endure first. They both came to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_313166913" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>! And a ton of other Less Actives came too. The church was overflowing again. It was a good day.<br /></div>
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Tonight we have an FHE planned with Jerica (inv.) and Junjun (LA). (Who also came to church yesterday! Yay!) We let the members know, and it spread like wildfire. I even got invited to our own FHE by some of the members. haha. It's gonna be a party.<br /></div>
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I hope you all have a great week. I know our Savior lives. I have felt His love for His children fill my soul on several occasions. That happened this week when we were teaching Sister Valencia especially. The Spirit is amazing. I know that as we improve day by day to be obedient to our Savior, Happiness will fill our lives. I love you all.<br /><br />Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-7700989613098944122014-05-04T08:05:00.001-07:002014-05-04T08:05:44.059-07:00Too much Awesome to handle<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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How are you all this fine day? I'm doing great. It has been sooo hot here. Like in the 90s all week. I'm dying. I'm told every day "Nagabalhas ka, Sister!" You're sweating! haha. Also, this week was fiesta week in our neighborhood. What this means for us is that Babylonian music was BLASTING all week long. Literally shook the walls of our apartment. So loud. All week. I'm pretty sure speakers that loud are illegal in America. But, ayos lang, the final day was Saturday, music blasted til 3 in the morning. And now it is over. Hallelujah! Honestly, more ridiculously funny than frustrating. </div>
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For some more funnies:</div>
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That awkward moment when TOO MANY members want to work with you in a day. Like 4 or 5 of them. YES!!! </div>
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That awkward moment when your companion tells you to take off your glasses so she can show everyone how she thinks you look just like "Mama Mary." :P </div>
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That awkward moment when the Filipinas in your apartment weigh themselves and are upset because they lost a few kilos. haha. </div>
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And some tender mercies: </div>
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That awesome moment when you get a free taxi ride from a far part of your area all the way home, just because the driver was on his way to Jaro anyway. Thanks, Bert!</div>
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That awesome moment when you are in the same far part of your area, desperate (again) for a ride home, and the Stake President and his family just happen to roll up in their truck. Answered prayer. </div>
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There is too much awesome and not enough time. I love Leganes (again). We had a great ward council yesterday. The members are working with us everyday. I've never had more member present lessons or more referrals in my whole mission than this week. In Sacrament and then in Ward Council yesterday, Bishop Democrito announced the vision that they have for the ward to become one ward and two branches within the next two years. Then he invited the auxiliary leaders to set goals and do action to make that vision happen. There is so much unity, so much great work to do, and so much excitement for missionary work. I love it. The church was full to the brim yesterday. The Elders had to get up three times to add more chairs. And the deacons had to get their sacrament trays refilled. It was awesome. </div>
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The recent converts here are doing great. Yesterday, Norman and Renren were called to be the YM President and 1st counselor. They are recent converts of just the last few months. I am so excited that they are being trusted with those callings, and I know they will do great! Rafael, Zharra, Norman, Lito, Mareta, Kim, Elijah, Ana, Renren...these are just a few of the awesome members that I love so much already. They are great. </div>
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We found this cool girl named Jerica. Jeferson is still cool, praying hard for an answer. We contacted some LA families and referrals and found some awesome investigators that way. Thursday was cool. We worked with the WML, Rafael, and he was able to administer priesthood blessings to our investigator family that was sick. And later the bishop and stake president blessed a sick LA sister in our area. I am so grateful for the priesthood and for worthy men ready to exercise it. We're still figuring out which investigators we will focus on so we can help them to be baptized. And guess what! Before, the highest number of baptisms our mission had reached was about 65. The last few months it has steadily progressed. There were 71 in March. And I'm 99.9% sure that we reached our mission goal of 100 baptisms in April. I"ll find out for sure tomorrow. Yay! We're like the PIM recovery team. haha. :) </div>
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I learned this week that faith and a positive attitude are really like the same thing. I also learned that faith really can move or build mountains, it just takes time, diligence, patience, and perseverance. I am so thankful for my Savior and for all the things I have learned as I am trying to be like him. I am learning to turn the other cheek. I have learned that when you want others to change, you need to look inward and reach outward. We have a much greater capacity to love and to serve than we think we do. We have to be the change we wish to see in the world. I have seen that happen literally in the last few weeks. I have also seen what happens when Christ is not the focus as we make goals and plans. It is ugly and there is no unity. Blaming others is the opposite of progress.<b>Christlike Service and charity are the keys to progress. </b>That is why Leganes is on fire!!!! Yeah! </div>
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I love you all. I know Christ lives and He will support us and push us forward as we strive to become like Him. Halong pirmi! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-73254656640414701052014-04-27T14:06:00.003-07:002014-04-27T14:06:42.738-07:00I Love Leganes!<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">How are you all? I hope you all had a great Easter! We are so blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father who sent His Son to atone for us. And we are so blessed to know that His Divine Son was resurrected and lives again. He lives! So, I'm sure you're all wondering how people celebrate Easter over here. Honestly, it wasn't a very big deal. There are some weird, sacrilegious traditions. The Ward went on a beach outing in Dumangas on Good Friday, and we were able to attend. It was fun! Some of our investigators also came. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Remember how Jaro was a rather challenging area for me? Well, the Lord definitely rewards our patience and faith... because Leganes Ward is AWESOME! We are working with a couple of member referrals, the Ward Missionaries love to come work with us, we had a great correlation yesterday. I am really excited about this area. Church was really great yesterday. I was really impressed at how organized the ward is. It has the best attendance so far of the units I have worked in. The members are very humble and faithful and they are united by their love for the Savior. I am trying to learn all the faces and names fast enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Some of our investigators are Johnmar, Jeferson, and Elvie. Johnmar is 18 and a referral of a recent convert. We have taught him twice so far, and he is very interested and wants to be baptized. He has the support of his family, though they are not interested at this time. He is really close friends with Renren, the recent convert, who has a really strong testimony. Johnmar is kind of shy, but I know that as we build his faith, the gospel will help him have courage. Jeferson is 18 and Elvie is 23, they are siblings. Elvie has been taught for a while now, Jeferson just started listening, but he attended General Conference with Mareta (one of the YSA). Whenever we try to extend commitments to Elvie, she always says, "Well, I can't promise..." She is afraid to commit because she is afraid of not following through. But she and Jeferson did come to church yesterday, despite her not "promising." Yay! :) They live in the same boarding house with Mareta. They are so cool! They have great questions. Jeferson and Johnmar are definitely future missionaries. For sure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">So, you know the Lost Boys of Neverland, in Peter Pan? They really exist! I'm pretty sure I found them in Leganes. Yesterday, we visited with the RS President to confirm the FHE we have planned for tonight, and we learned that all the ruffian boys that were running around in her front yard/driveway area aren't related to her, they are just random street urchins who heard they would get food and a safe place to sleep there. Her brother uses his own money made from the family junk shop to help out the 8 boys (ranging in age from 7 to 17). She told us how boys just started showing up about 15 years ago when they moved into that house. Her brother built them a little bamboo-and-tin loft where they can sleep, and they just live off of the extra food and kindness of their family. It was so ridiculous and so sad and so heartwarming all at the same time. The boys are not orphans, their families just don't take care of them. She said that her niece didn't want to play with one of the boys, Fritz (7), because he smelled bad, so the RS President took him over to the bomba (water pump well) and tried to bathe him...she said it was like trying to bathe a cat. Fritz was afraid of water. She makes sure they have clean clothes to wear, even if they can only find a set of old pajamas. We invited the Lost Boys to our FHE tonight. Hopefully they won't hide from us, and hopefully we can share the gospel with them so they can have happiness and direction in their lives. </span></div>
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This week in my study of Job and the Psalms, I learned that the Lord wants us to seek wisdom before we seek wealth. Wisdom cannot be bought. Information is different than knowledge. There is a lot of information available in the world today, but only knowledge understood and applied can help us to become like our Savior. Heavenly Father wants His children to learn spiritual and secular things. And like it says in Moroni 10:5, the Spirit is our guide as we seek for truth and wisdom. We do this as we study and ponder His words daily. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and truly is our Heavenly Father's kingdom on the earth. As we "immerse ourselves in His kingdom" we will feel His love surround us, and we will gain eternal wisdom daily. We are so blessed to be members of the true church. I love you all! Halong! </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-27071281882166917712014-04-19T19:12:00.000-07:002014-04-19T19:12:48.313-07:00Switcheroo!<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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Maayong aga!!! Kumusta kamo? Salamat for the emails and Easter wishes. Happy Easter to all of you! Maybe I'll tell you about some of the ... interesting... Katholiko traditions next week. So, let's get down to business, this has been THE Craziest week of my life. And not really at the same time. haha. </div>
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So, on Tuesday, President Aquino joined us for our district meeting. After announcements were read, he stood up and told us that the STLs and the DL were going to trade areas. WHAAAT???!!!! SURPRISE! Because the jeepney fare costs about the same, we still live in the Jaro 1 apartment, but now I am assigned to Leganes B (pronounces Leg-UH-neez). And our District Leader, Elder Asuro, took over our area, but still lives in Leganes. We've had a few days to tour each other around and make sure we each know where the Less Actives and Members and Progressing Investigators live, but other than that we are basically "whitewashing" (or starting from scratch with just the basic knowledge of the area that is contained in the Area Book). </div>
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So then...President interviewed a bunch of people because he was still finalizing transfers. We asked him if one of us would still be transferred, and he only said that we should be ready for anything. I think he likes to put us all on edge for transfers. haha. We were expecting Sister Marchant to transfer, because she has already been in Jaro for 6 months. But then, on Wednesday night her name was not in the transfer text and the ZL, Elder Asi, told us that she wasn't going to transfer. So we were so excited! 6 months together! What a blessing! Yay! So she unpacked.</div>
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At precisely 8:36 am on Thursday morning, in the middle of our Personal Study, Sister Ribelin called us from Arevalo and said that, gali!, Sister Marchant's name was down for transfers after all. Whoa. Then we frantically began to pack her bags. Then the AP South called. Then the AP North called. Then the ZL called. Then the DL texted. All informing her that, yes, she was transferring after all and she needed to be there in one hour. (It takes an hour by jeep to get to Arevalo...). AAAhhhhhh. Just imagine our anxiety. haha. We packed her up in about 25 minutes flat, grabbed a taxi, and rolled into the Arevalo Meetinghouse parking lot at about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535255642" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:39 am</span></span>. Taadaaaa! hahaha. </div>
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So, I have a new area and a new ward and a new companion, and the same old apartment. (Which is actually pretty new, I'm glad I still get to live there.) My companion is Sister Irene Vinus Aurelio. Sister Aurelio is from Los Pinyas, close to Manila. She actually is Sister Marchant's trainer. She is a teeny little Filipina Sister, about 5 feet tall, and she is 26 years old. She is the 5th of 7 girls. Her mother converted to the church after her father died. She is soooo sweet and soooo cute. I love her to death! She sings a lot (just like Sister Marchant), and she is always smiling. She likes to braid my hair and she has a lot of questions about English and about America. I am helping her with English, she is helping me with Tagalog, and we are both helping each other with Hiligaynon. I am glad my area is Hiligaynon again! Yay! (The other dialects in our mission are Kiray-a, Aklanon, and Capiznon. Everyone knows Tagalog/Filipino.)</div>
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Touring the Elders around our area this week has been fun. Elder Asuro and Elder Walmer are assigned to Jaro 1B now. I have already seen miracles happen for them. A bunch of LAs that would not let us in have already let them in. Yay! I had been thinking a few months back that our ward would really do well if it had some Elders for priesthood support. Rumor has it that there has been a lot of drama back home about women and the priesthood. I know that both men and women have important roles in and valuable contributions to the kingdom of our Heavenly Father. Equality is not being the SAME. It is when both men and women are given equal opportunities to exercise their unique God-given gifts and talents. :)</div>
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Anyway, off the soap box, I know that Jaro needs the Elders and Leganes needs the Sisters! A lot of areas got switched around, it was a really crazy transfer. I am very excited to be in Leganes Ward. The old bishop is now the new Stake President, Pres. Suya. The current bishop is Bishop Democrito, who joined the church about 12 years ago. The Ward Missionaries have toured us around more than the Elders did. The Members take responsibility of the investigators and care for them just as much as we do. Probably because a lot of the Recent Converts and Investigators are member referrals. Yay!!!! They are very involved in the work. The funny thing is that I am still basically in Iloilo city. All my areas are within a one-hour jeepney ride of each other. haha. </div>
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General Conference was wonderful, of course! I loved Elder Holland's talk. I could've used that a few weeks ago, eh? But better late than never. I will be a defender of the faith! Also, I am glad people here are too nice to spit or throw food at us. Hallelujah! I actually liked all the talks and could write a novel about everything I learned. But I'll spare you all. I just love it. :) The cool thing is...this is the first time I've ever had questions ready for conference, and all of them (no matter how random) were answered in one way or another. I listed out my questions a few weeks ago and forgot about them, then this morning in personal study I went through and jotted down how each question was answered through conference. So cool! I highly suggest it. :) I also read Esther and am working my way through Job this week. I am really glad I am not him, but I am also really proud of him for defending his faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. </div>
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I hope you all have a great week. I also hope you all know that I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God here upon the earth. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ, lives. I know that all the teachings of the prophet, apostles, and church leaders point us toward salvation and everlasting happiness. Life is not hard. It challenges us so we can grow in faith and love. I love you all! Don't forget that! Happy Easter!</div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909388473659853609.post-1346726921028977192014-04-07T14:47:00.002-07:002014-04-07T14:47:31.739-07:00Lessons Learned<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dear Family, </div>
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How are you all doing? What was the best part of conference for each of you? I am excited to watch it this weekend. I wonder who my companion will be...transfers are on Rachel's birthday. RACHEL'S BIRTHDAY??!?!!!!!! Happy Birthday Rach! I can't believe you are turning 18. Tigulang ka na! (You're old now!) And Happy Birthday to Christy today! Yay! And Happy Birthday to Hannah next week! :) </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_61585762" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Thursday</span></span> (the 3rd) was Sister Marchant's 22nd Birthday. We had an FHE with the Sase family (LA) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_61585763" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Monday</span></span>, and they surprised us with a big, delicious chocolate cake! Sister Marchant was sooo happy. I made her some blueberry crisp instead of a cake....with a 72 hour kit candle in it. haha. "It's more fun in the Philippines!" </div>
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The highlight of this week was teaching Rose and Mickey the Law of Chastity. I have never seen two more determined people in all my mission. They know blessings will come from living the gospel. They have already seen many. Mickey made a 180 in his life just in the last 6 months. And since we've started teaching Rose, she has so much more peace and happiness. She used to be painfully shy. She still talks super quiet...and is mostly Tagalog, but she has expressed her testimony of Christ. She is amazing! They just need to save the money, then they can get married, Rose can be baptized, and they have a goal to go to the temple to be sealed as an eternal family with their baby girl Hannah next year. They've told us they have a month picked out, once they can decide on a date for their wedding, they are going to announce it. </div>
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I also learned a lot of lessons personally this week. I really learned how to apply the steps of the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively in my own life. I learned that apology is greater than pride and can heal relationships. I learned that I love Women's Conference! I learned about forgiveness. I learned again that it still really hurts to be dropped by investigators. But I also learned that finding is the greatest....I know there are prepared people. We meet them every day. It gives me hope. I've been learning, as the adjacent area has been raking in baptisms, that it is a blessing just to be able support them and their recent converts and their investigators. We're all in this together. I'll speak at every baptism if I have to, it is all the same to the Lord. I learned that sometimes the Spirit isn't logical, but it will guide us to fill people's needs. We visited with a member for I think like 2 hours...but she needed it. She has been struggling so bad. Her life is kind of like Job's in the Bible...but right now she is still in the suffering part. Blessings will come to her. I know it. I also learned that when I really feel like I just want to call my Mom...that is a great time to pray to my Heavenly Father. I learned that being a leader really means to serve people like Christ would. </div>
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What did you learn this week? I love you all and I hope you all have a fun and safe week. Remember that Christ lives and He is our hope and our salvation. </div>
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Love, Sister Winward</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10555001864700821333noreply@blogger.com0