There is a video on
the Mormon channel on YouTube, called "The road to Damascus." I
encourage all to watch it. We are all on a road somewhere, and it is completely
up to you what path you are on and how comfortable you are with where you are
going.
One of my favorite
teachers of all times is Paul. He makes an account of the change that he
underwent in the New Testament. I think that when we stand at the threshold of
knowledge and the threshold of understanding and choose not to act – we are
limiting our mortal experience. Many people here in the Philippines will listen
to what we have to say. We get a whole lot of people that we can teach and
invite to action. There is, however, a huge gap between the number of people we
teach and the number of people that choose to be agents unto themselves and ask
God to know the truth. This week the whole mission was ministered unto by an
apostle of God: David A Bednar. He taught us that the only way to know truth of
spiritual things is to learn it through the Holy Ghost. Sometimes it is really
hard to see people let us in and listen, but then not act.
This week, I learned
again the worth we have as humans. We are not objects here on earth; the gift
of free agency is pretty much the most important things that we could ever
have. We all have the ability to be agents unto ourselves, every single person
that you meet, yourself included, has the ability to respond to every situation
and act – instead of being acted upon. I think that many people do not
understand the importance of their choices. We are here on earth to be agents
unto ourselves, to make decisions every day that determine who we will be for
eternity.
We receive strength
to do hard things as we get up and start to do them. One thing I learned this
week is that we receive answers and strength from God based on our willingness
to act when we will receive our answer. As a missionary, this is so important.
I only get words to say to people when I start
talking – never before. I
know now more surely that I get the words to speak when I am talking not when I
am waiting there for words to come.
This all ties
together because it is really, really difficult
for us to find answers when we are not actively seeking them. Because of this,
I am trying to change the way I work as a missionary. Every lesson, I try to
tell people that if they really want to know, they must be prepared to act. I
try every single lesson to give to people the invitation to change their life –
sometimes drastically. Before my mission, I was pretty scared to go and tell
people to change their lives. Now I really appreciate the opportunity I have to
help people see the way to change and see what their lives could be better
because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am really sorry if
that seemed a little preachy, but I am a missionary...
This week we had my
first opportunity to see the whole mission in one place. People rejoiced at
seeing their friends and old companions. It was weird being with all these
people in my mission that I do not know. But I think it will be fun when I know
more people and can see them again.
Culture: Tindahan: Every
5-10 houses or so is a little shop that sells small food items and other things
like laundry soap. People use this as their way of living. They buy in bulk
from the grocery store and sell them for a slightly higher price (normally only
3-5 pesos more). Honestly it is pretty convenient. If I want a snack in the
middle of the day – it is always right there. This allows communities to work a
lot smoother because the people tend to buy food day by day instead of once a
week.
Tagalesson: How to
buy things:
“Magkano?”: "How
much?" use this and point to ask how much something costs.
“May bili”: "There
is a purchase." We use this when the person is not paying attention and
you want to buy something.
“May _____ po ba
kayo?”: "Do you have ____?" This is used to ask if they have the thing
that you are looking for.
Welp now you know
how to buy foods, I am sure that the nanay running the store will be impressed
with you.
Also I am very much
out of time. I love you all and I hope that you all have a wonderful week. Next
week should be a normal week in terms of emailing. :D
Love
Elder Faulkner
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