Kumusta pamilya nako!
Thanks once again for your emails and all
of your support. I have a great family whom I LOVE!!! Sounds like
things are going great over there in the big old USA. Gosh, that place
is pretty great.
The Philippines. It's an adventure. And I love it :) It was so fun
being able to talk with all of you 2 days ago! It was so fun and I
forgot where I was for a while. But things are going wonderfully over
here.
I remember when I heard the Philippines was switching it's focus to
less-actives from investigators. In a way I thought it would be easier
or something- no tracting!!! But I've learned it is hard after all. Some
people are so gahi (hard-headed) and just when I think they are
progressing and doing better they make a mistake and I remember that
people have their kagawasan sa pagpili (agency). I've learned it's not
easy for people to change and that it's so important for the people who
are supposed to believe in them to never stop believing in them. Working
with less-actives is a trial of your faith! We put all of our prayers,
hope, and energy into families and then we go to visit them only to
observe that mom and dad aren't doing what they should be and then the
spirit in the home is GONE.
I've realized how important families are. We have so many
Less-actives who were baptized when they were 10ish and it just makes me
so sick. I don't know who would baptize children who have absolutely NO
support from their families. I've learned how rare it is to find a
complete, functioning family. When FAMILIES are brought into the church
together, the church is strengthened. We all have a responsibility in
loving and supporting each other in all that we do!
Anyway I'll step off of my soap box. This work is crazy! there is so
much to be done here in the Philippines. People may be members but they
don't understand the doctrine. This is a test of my patience :) For
example: Our branch had an activity on Monday and they started planning
it Sunday right after sacrament meeting with the WHOLE branch in
attendance. Turns out they decided they wanted to cook food and since
the activity started at 8 am on Monday morning they wouldn't have time
to buy the food so guess what they did? The Branch President gave them
all money and they went to the Market together and bought food for the
branch activity on the SABBATH. Goodness. Patience is required in
missionary work.
I feel like this was a venting letter but I am doing well here! I
still love my companion, she is the best. I have learned so much from
her amazing example! She is always talking to the others and that makes
me so motivated to do the same and work harder so that hopefully I will
be a fluent visaya speaker ASAP.
I love you all and think of you often! I know I have the best family! Love you all,
Sister Trayner
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