We are the Wanderers

Can I just say how much I love the subject line? Yes, it could be the name of a band. And if Sister Sabio and I were to make a band, that would be the name!

I cannot believe that is already August and that the Olympics are going on WITHOUT me...that makes me sad....give me updates....like about the underage and underfed Chinese gymnasts....about Michael Phelps....about all of the drama.....

This week has been a crazy one. Every day we just walked and walked and walked. And in between the walking we asked and asked and asked for directions. I love the Philippines. Can you imagine on your Church Record your address just being: South Jordan. Or actually some of the records the address is Bohol, Philippines. JUST THAT. Haha, so I feel like we are on a man hunt all of the time trying to find those less actives. I am just going to give you some highlights:

1. We were very excited to find a less-active and she seemed pretty friendly and open UNTIL she started to talk about how the members of the Church are good people but that they have friends who have evil spirits so when she came back to church those evil spirits stole her singing voice. Once I think about it, she does resemble Queen Ersula from Little Mermaid. My companion is just so shy and timid that I had to be the one to put an end to it all and of course we left laughing. Don't worry we didn't sing for her so even though she did write down our names she can't accuse us of stealing her singing voice. Interesting.

2. We found yet another less-active. Did I ever mention that there are 600,000 plus members here in the PI but only 100,000 are active? So yes, there are many. Anyway we went to find this less-active family and the dad was very upset with the church and told us that if we ever came back he'd take out his machete. Of course he was mixing in Tagalog so I couldn't understand him but of course I was the one to put an end to it all and we had a good laugh after. Don't be too worried, our mission gave us pepper spray last transfer....

3. There has been a baggiuo or storm here in the PI and I love it!! It has been so cool with drizzling rain. Love it.

Ummm I think that is about all I thought of writing to all of you. Our area here is so huge and I can't believe how far some of the members live. Our branch only has 150 members total so our teaching pool is a lot smaller than my last area but I know there are so many people here waiting and willing to listen and learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This area is definitely more challenging than Balamban but I love it here so much.

I am so grateful I decided to serve a mission. I have learned more in these (almost) 7 months than I think I learned in 5 years back at home. I love being able to read my scriptures and learn the doctrine of the Savior Jesus Christ. I know this Church is true. It is so obvious! Our lives are so different and so much happier than those around us because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm not sure who reads these emails outside of my family, but if you have any kind of desire, YOU SHOULD GO ON A MISSION!!! Best decision I have made and I'm still in the beginning.

Thank you all for your support and love. Thanks for the time you take to write me. I am so happy to hear that things are going well at home for all of you who are at home....haha...Nate, Josh, Rachel! I love my family and feel so blessed to have you in my life. Now, write me an email, dangit :)

Love
Nicole