Monkeys and Chocolate Hills, oh my!

Well dearest family!! How are you all doing back there in the good ol' USA?

Before I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nate and Megan tomorrow.  I hope
that you both have a great birthday tomorrow and that you do something
fun. Love you both.

Also. We got transfer calls this morning. I am transfering to BOHOL!
Supposedly it is the coolest island in our mission...I don't know how
much I believe that because I love it here in Balamban. So yes, I will
be getting a new companion. 4th transfer, 4th companion. Go me! And
from what I've heard Sister Sabio (my new comp) will be going home
next transfer meaning....I think I am cursed? Or that I am only good
enough for 6 weeks and then they all get rid of me? Haha I don't know.

Anyway I am really sad to be leaving Balamban. I love this place! It
is close enough to Cebu City that we can go to the temple every month
but also far away enough that it is a different life style here. I
have learned so much in my first area. I've had 3 great companions who
have all taught me so much. The members here have been so kind and
accepting of me and I just love them. It's hard to imagine the rest of
my mission without them! But of course I am very excited for this next
transfer. It will be a time for me to start again. And at least I
understand Visaya now so it will be a lot easier to adjust...they just
have a different accent. They put j's into the words. Awesome. I am
excited.

Also, I have some other great news. Next month we have a visitor
coming to the mission. DAVID A BEDNAR. Yes, THE David A Bednar. The
Cebu Philippines mission is the best! They've had 3 Apostles here in
the past 10 months. Crazy stuff. I am so excited!!! He will come when
it is the next transfer and he will be with the missionaries for 3
hours. SO EXCITING!!!!

We've had some great sucess here in Balamban including 2 fantastic new
investigators...from Less-Active families. I know they will continue
to learn about the gospel and hopefully I will receive pictures of
them in their baptismal clothes :)

We continue to plug along with those Less Actives. Which you know is
great fun. Haha some are just so hard headed but I do love them. We
had 2 really old ladies just show up at church last week....supposedly
they were baptized way back when (they cant remember which year) in
the ocean but they don't have any records of them being baptized.
Haha, oh the Philippines.

Well I am doing fine here. I have lots of things to do now and to
prepare for...and lots of goodbyes to say...especially to our
investigator Rachel and her kids. I will miss them so much! Please
keep her in your prayers...she is looking for work and we are not sure
what will happen with her "husband".

I love you all so much. Thanks for your emails and letters. I have the
best family and friends HANDS DOWN.

Love
Sister Trayner