Bantay Mo sa Wakwak

Hello family dearest. Can you believe that it is the last day of October?! Time is just slipping through my fingers!! Also, just so you know...you can use the sentence in the subject line for Halloween...it means "Watch out, all of you, for ghosts!!!" I chuckled to myself as I made it the subject line. I am just too clever. And isn't Visaya just the most random language ever? Love it.

So this week....umm...yeah. We had Zone Interviews last Friday and it was so wonderful! I love seeing President and Sister Schumtz. We actually see them a lot since we are assigned here in the city but any time there is a Zone gathering of some sort it is great.I learned a lot about teaching with the Spirit and how amazing missionary work is if we allow the Spirit to be with us. I also learned that I need to do lots and lots and lots more of studying the scriptures. I have started to restudy all of the scriptures in Preach My Gospel and it is so great to be learning so much!

This week we also had a great surprise at church when a Recent-Convert who is now Less-Active came to church. We were so surprised, especially since it was Stake Conference (and you know...Stake Conference means we-don't-need-to-go-to-church-because-no-one-will-notice-Sunday) Brother Mark came to church!! We were so happy. We have been really focusing on him and this was the 2nd time he has come to church since we have been assigned here...and he was only baptized in May.In the last lesson we had with him before Monday he told us to stop giving him commitments to read, pray, and go to church because he was tired of feeling guilty. So, yeah...we were worried about him but HE PULLED THROUGH.I hope he continues to choose the right and hopefully, once he has a strong testimony, he will go on a mission.

We have one investigator with a baptismal date, Brother Charles. He is 12 years old and his mom is a returning member. Their situation is so incredibly hard and my heart breaks every time we go over there. Charles hasn't had school this past week and  has been responsible for taking care of his 3 younger siblings (including a 2 month old baby), washing the dishes, washing clothes,cleaning, and cooking. While their father is off either watching TV at a neighbor's house or playing basketball. Charles is an amazing 12 year old. I can't imagine doing what he is doing at such a young age. Because of his circumstances he is learning the gospel so fast and he has shared to us about how important The Word of Wisdom is. We will be washing their clothes this Friday to help out with their situation. Hardest situation I've seen here in the Philippines, so hard.

I'm trying to think of other things to say to you....but nothing much is coming to mind. I am loving my mission. It isn't easy but I am so grateful for the decision I made to serve. Oh, President Schmutz also said that they have set the missionary compliment here to 250...so a possibility of 100 more missionaries could be serving in Cebu!! They are excited...especially for all of the sisters that will be coming. The mission will be almost equal elders and sisters if they receive all of the missionaries. Crazy. Missions are great!

I hope y'all have a great Halloween. What did you all dress up as? And can I request some pictures of the nieces and nephews all dressed up? Eat some ghosts in the graveyard for me!! Also, when is the Presidential Election? Keep me updated. It's good I am on a mission or I think it'd be addicted to reading articles and such about it!

Love you all,
Sister Trayner

(no subject)

Hello mga gwapa ug mga gwapo,

I hope you've all had a great week. First, we have another birthday in the family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYSON AND JAXSON!!! I can't believe it's been one year! I wish I was there to celebrate it with you two cuties but I am sure Rachel will spoil you enough for the two of us :)

This week was another good one. I am trying to think of highlights of this week but nothing is really sticking out. We dropped many investigators this week due to either them becoming uninterested or moving out. So we lost many from our teaching pool but I know the Lord is one our side because we are slowly building it up again. I wish I wouldn't have been assigned in Balamban for my first area. The work there is just miraculous! So many Less-Actives who are willing to listen to the missionaries. Now don't get me wrong, the city is much easier than Bohol but sometimes it's a battle. Those Less-Actives. Those hard hard hard heads!! But the work will continue to go forth. This is the work of the Lord!

My companion and I are still trying out the best way for her to learn the language. I know it is so hard for her. In the MTC we had hours to study the language and to receive instruction but here in the field it is much different. We only have one hour of language study. I know as she applies herself to speaking the language she will learn it. So this past week I have spent a lot of time encouraging her to keep on going. I lost my voice for a few days and I appreciate how much she helped with the lessons. She is trying her best. She'll get it.

Oh yeah, MOM THANK YOU FOR THE PACKAGE. Oh my chocolatey peanut buttery goodness! That is a package full of temptation, haha! I also got a lot of letters from friends back home...so to any of you that check my blog, thank you for sending me mail. It is the best!!

Keep me updated about the election. When does it even happen?? I know it is in November but I forgot which day in November. Also keep me udpated about Rachel's relationship status. She didn't write me this week so I am dying here wondering if she went from "single" to "engaged" on her FB page after her LDS singles cruise. Hahaa. I think I'm so funny.

Well things are pluggin' a long.... I can't believe it is almost November!! Where has the time gone?? Before I know it my mission will be over. I hope everyone is happy and that you are all enjoying your lives. Thanks for the time you take to write me. I love you all and I am so grateful for all that you have done for me. You're the best!

Love
Sister Trayner

James and Bruce.

So I was very sad to hear the news about Pa passing. My mission president called me while we were out and about and I just felt an instant peace in my heart. I know Pa is in a better place and that he will have the opportunity to accept the gospel plan in his life. Being assigned here in the Philippines we are on a "Rescue Mission". We are asked to visit the Less-active members, whether they be open or be the most hard headed of all hard heads. While I've been here I've thought a lot about my two grandpas, who are inactive members of the Church. I don't know their reasons and I don't know what has happened in their lives. But I've often thought about how much is missing in their lives because the gospel is SO true. I know Pa didn't understand completely the gospel plan while he was here and I know he will have the opportunity to understand it and accept it. I know that families are forever and that they are the most important gift we are given from our Heavenly Father. We have been entrusted to love and support one another. I am so grateful to hae known Pa and for all of his funny jokes and all of his stories. I am grateful for the example he set for my father. I am so happy to hear that in his last days, in his pain, he thought of me over here in the Philippines. I miss you Pa but I have total confidence you are in a better place and that you are with the ones you love. I know Bruce is on his shoulder and they are just telling jokes together :)

This week has been another great one. For the first time since leaving we were able to reach Mission Standards of 25 lessons. I was so happy Sunday night knowing that if I have patience the Lord will help us to achieve.We've had several Less-Actives hide from us this week...which we just laugh about. It makes me sad to know of the blessings they are cheating themselves of.

General Conference was AMAZING and I learned so much. Especially about families. I am so grateful for my families and for everything each one of you has done for me. I can't imagine where I would be without all of you. You have all had such a powerful impact on my life. Thank you for your love and for you support. I feel your prayers in my life every day.

I am short on time today (your letters made me cry!!) but know that I love all of you. The gospel is true and stick to it! No matter what happens in life. Read your scriptures and say your prayers.

ALSO A VERY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER!!!! I HOPE YOU  HAVE A GREAT ONE SIS! (and that you find Mr. Right on your LDS singles cruise)

Love you all,
Nicole

(no subject)

Family! Wow I was so happy to receive emails from ALL of you!! What a great P-day this is :)

First, oh my gosh! The age for missionaries. Yes, we haven't even heard or seen General Conference but the elders told us about it at District Meeting Monday Morning. I am so excited to hear the gasps of surprise! First of all, THIS IS SO GREAT. Because more sisters will go on missions!! I can't imagine going on a mission when I was 19 years old but I know it is so possible...and those cute little straight-out-of-highschool elders...haha....I think it is such a great thing. I am so glad I decided to go on a mission so it's exciting to know more sisters will have the opportunity...since most either get married or feel that they need to graduate before going on missions and such. SO GREAT! I hope I get a 19 year-old companion, haha.

I AM SO EXCITED TO WATCH CONFERENCE. We will finally get to watch it this Saturday and Sunday. I am excited to hear the talk Zach talked about...about conversion/testimony and also Elder Holland's talk. We will get to eat breakfast with President and Sister Schmutz Sunday morning at the mission home. I am excited :)

We have had a great week here in the Mabolo South area. Our area is booming! Our ward members are finding people left and right for us to teach and we are finding people on our own. It is the CRAZIEST experience! We just go and talk to people and they ask us to come and share with them. We have so many teaching appointments every day. This is the missionary work I love! Staying busy, busy,busy. We had great success this Sunday when a Recent Convert, Sister Roelin, who has gone inactive came back to church!!! We were so happy. Her husband is a less-active and hasn't wanted to be taught by missionaries but he is willing for us to visit him now. Success. Also, Sister Edna (the RM less-active I wrote about last week) CAME BACK TO CHURCH THIS WEEK!!! I almost cried because I was so happy. The first step is so so so hard to make for these less-actives so it is so exciting to see them take the first step to returning back to the fold.

Also, Filipinos  LOVE American politics....hah they always ask me about Obama and Romney...but of course I don't say anything (missionary white handbook) Most of them HATE Obama...they tell me he's part of a mofia...haha. But I am glad to hear Romney did well in the debate. Come on America! Keep me updated about the election.

I didn't know Kara had her baby?? Haha, I feel SO OUT OF THE LOOP. 2 weeks ago I found out Laci was pregnant? and now Kara has had her baby? People, give me the details! I'll come home and Rachel will have a husband and no one would have told me!!

I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I love my mission!! I know I say that every week but it is SO true. I have learned so much here in the Philippines and I am a much better person for everything I have experienced. I don't want to ever come home :)  I hit 9 months tomorrow. Crazy. I am so grateful to be here. I can't even express how much I have learned, how much love I have felt from Heavenly Father and also love for the people we teach and talk to everyday, and how true the gospel of Jesus Christ is! I know families are forever. I know there is nothing that can pull us apart as a family if we are living our covenants and loving, serving, and helping one another. I am so grateful for my family--all of you! I am thankful for the atoning sacrifice of our Savior and brother, Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we can return to our loving Heavenly Father.

Thank you for all of your support. I feel your love and know that I am well prayed for :) It makes me so happy to know that there are 4 of us in different parts of the world. If this gospel wasn't true we wouldn't be doing this great work! Keep your emails coming! I love all of you.

Love

Sister Trayner

Dugay Dugay na...

PAMILYA NAKO!!

Well another great week has come and gone here in the Philippines. We've definitely had some great experiences this past week so I am excited to write to you all about them. 

Last Wednesday we went to visit an inactive member: Sister Edna, who is a RM, about 40 years old, and is split from her husband. Her family are all members and her parents were actually some of the first people here in the Philippines to become members in the 1960s. Anyway we went to teach her relative (who is a recent convert and now less active) and she happened to be there so, on the spot, without preparing to teach her, we asked if we could share with her. I was so nervous at first! Sister Edna has served a mission, grew up in the church so obviously something had happened to her because she stopped going to church for many many years. Anyway I just had a prayer in my heart that I would be able to speak the right words at the right time, especially since my companion cannot understand the language yet. So we started the lesson and I had NO IDEA what we were going to share or what I was going to say. Anyway it was the most amazing experience here on my mission and I will not forget it. I felt the Spirit guide me as I asked her the questions I needed to ask and find the scripture that we needed to share to her. She ended up crying and telling us she wants to return to the Church but of course she has some obstacles to overcome. The Spirit was so so strong and she opened up to us about her concerns. It was a great experience to have and we all felt the spirit. She didn't go to church this last Sunday but I know she will come back.

I titled the subject line "Dugay Dugay na" which means "a while now". Because we have been searching for those inactives and we met several this past week who were baptized in the 1970s and haven't been to church since then! Isn't that the craziest thing? And we are the first missionaries to go visit them since their baptisms. Some of them are pretty hard-headed and of course have totally forgotten about the gospel and moved on to new things but we've had a couple of lessons now with some of them. One is Sister Ludivina who was baptized in 1975 and was only active for 2 years when she remarried to a devout Catholic and wasn't allowed to have anything to do with the church (oh be wise, what can I say more? in your choice of spouse!!) She has TOTALLY forgotten EVERYTHING. Yesterday we taught her the first part of Lesson 1- God is our Loving Heavenly Father and that the Gospel Blesses Families. It was a great experience. Our only problem now is her husband...who lives in a different part of the island. But I know Heavenly Father will soften hearts and she says we are welcome to teach her as long as he is not there (which shouldn't be a problem because he only visits on special occasions) Anyway we shared about temples and family sealings and with the temple being so close it is always such a powerful lesson. The temple from our area is only one ride- about 5 minutes!

This week we've had storms and it's been CRAZY!! On Saturday my umbrella broke :( And we didn't have time to go get another one...and then....on Sunday while we were out working the rain came POURING( for hours and hours)!! And we had no where to go because we were headed to an appointment. Needless to say I was soaked HEAD to TOE. My hair was dripping and my mascara was smeared! I basically took a shower, haha. But the work goes on...we worked until the evening! Every time something like that happens I think of our pioneer ancestors and what they did. If they can walk miles in snow and cold I can walk in the rain. So it's not so bad. Every one was freaking out though yelling, "asa ang imong payong?!?!" meaning... "where is your umbrella??" Oh, the mission life. Love it.

My companion is doing so great. Her Visaya is getting better and better. Sometimes I feel stressed since so much rests on my shoulders with our work and the people we teach (due to the Language) but I am so grateful to have her as my companion. She helps me out in so many ways. This past week we found an Indian Restaurant in our area and we ate some DELICIOUS food...Sister Prasad was the happiest. Also this is kind of funny. There was one Indian man there too who could only speak a little English but spoke Visayan. He wanted to talk to Sister Prasad so he would talk to me in Visaya and then I would translate for her. Isn't that funny? Here I am, an American, translating a Filipino language for an Indian to speak to another Indian. What is this world coming to?? 

Then also we finished the One Week Mission with our ward...I wouldn't say it was as successful as it could have been. They only had the members work from 1-5...which is not the brightest idea because people have work! So it could have been more efficient. And a lot of the auxiliaries didn't really pull it together. But at least we were able to learn our area better and be introduced to new less actives. It was so fun though because on Sunday President and Sister Schmutz came to our ward and all of the temple missionaries. There were sooo many Americans, haha. But it was so great! The Temple President and his wife also came. I've learned a lot about sacrifice here on the mission. If a ward will sacrifice their time to help build up Zion, miracles happen. I know this was just their first time and the next time they do it more of the ward members will catch the vision.

I am SO happy to hear about Zach being in Chile. After I read his email last week I cried! I am so happy to hear about all of the good things happening in our family. (ehhem... even though y'all aren't the most faithful of writers ;) ) I am so grateful for our new assignment here in Mabolo. I am actually LOVING it. We talk to so many people every day and it is such a blessing to be working in the shadow of a temple. I think I'm being converted to the city?? We'll see....but of course I still do miss Bohol. I am learning so much here on my mission. I've finished Matthew and Mark now in the New Testament and I have learned so much about the Savior. About what a true disciple of Jesus Christ will give up: their whole life. I am so grateful for these 18 months that I can be focused on Him. Missions are Miracles! Even though working with inactive members is what I think to be the hardest work I've ever done, it is also the most rewarding. It's so rewarding to see people come back into the fold. And to be the one helping them to do so. Watching those hard hearts turn softer through the gospel and love of Jesus Christ. I am just so happy right now on my mission and don't think I'll be able to leave next August!! 

I hope you had a great birthday Mom, you didn't mention anything about it! I can't believe how fast time is flying by. The weeks just come and go. I hope that all is well with you all!! General Conference is SO SOON!!! I am so excited!! We'll watch it one week delayed. I hope everything is well for Elder Trayner!! I love you family!

Love

Nicole