Satan's Pizza Oven

Hi everyone! This was a tougher week. Still good but definitely harder. It was harder for a few reasons. It was literally so freaking hot. It was 38 C for several days in a row which not only is uncomfortable to work in but people also are not outside so it's hard to find people. It feels like Satan's pizza oven overhere. It was exam week for the highschoolers around here and most of our progressing interested people are teens so it was difficult to find a time to meet with them. We did a lot of walking to appointments just to find no one home. It is also election week for local government this week so everyone was busy and attending campaigns and debates. When we don't have appointments it's really hard for me not to get homesick so this week was hard that way too. Also I just know everyone at home is wearing sweaters and eating pumpkin flavored stuff. It's fine, I'm just sweating and eating lots of chicken. But even though this week was hard it was still so so good and our area is really thriving. I just wish I had the strength and energy to work harder and help more people learn.

Sorry for the little rant. Just trying to set the scene for these fabulous sections

RONICA

Ronica had her pre-baptism interview this week and now she will be baptized tomorrow! We've had some challenges coordinating with our ward (we're a ward now!) leadership as far as scheduling goes. But tomorrow is for sure! We visited her yesterday to bring her a white dress and while we were talking to her we noticed a piggy bank labeled mission fund. When we asked her about it she told us she wants to serve a mission. I'm literally crying as I write this. She has so much faith and such a deep love for her savior. She hasn't even been baptized yet and she's already planning for her mission. She is truly one of those precious souls. 

Featuring our District Leader and Financial secretary Elder Alberto and Elder Coates! Ronica lives in our furthest area and they had to walk there with us so bless their souls and soles (get it? It's a shoe joke).

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MEET MY DISTRICT

Here in Iloilo Mission we only get to have district activities once every 6 weeks so I just had my first district activity this week! I'll do a fast introduction for those who may be interested. Elder Alberto- Philippines, Elder Coates- America (Arizona), Elder Abiena- Philippines, Elder Craig- New Zealand, Sister Tierra- Philippines, Sister Aquino- Philippines and then Sister Francisquete and I!

This is also the first time I've left the apartment in not missionary clothes. Idk but that felt significant to note.

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OTON WARD

Oton branch became a ward yesterday! This means that they are progressing and growing. All the members wore red to celebrate! I am no longer the piano player for the choir and instead I sang a duet before the special conference. I was so nervous so it was kinda stinky but it's fine because I can't understand if people told me it sounded bad. We love Tagalog speakers.

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IRISH

Irish came to church for the first time this week!! She was so stinkin cute. The second hour was a kinda wack history lesson of Oton Branch and even I was like what the heck is this but Irish was undeterred. After the meeting she wanted to see the baptisimal font. So we showed her and she was smiling so big. 

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JANEEN NINJA 7/11 JANEEN JAVON

We met this cute lady during exchanges and she told us that that (see above) is her name. The 7/11 is not a typo. Anyway, we helped her refill her water and gave her a picture of Jesus. She taught me a secret handshake that all Americans know apparently. Overall 10/10 interaction.

JARED

This week we tried to visit Jared probably 4 or 5 times and he was never home. Finally yesterday we visited and he was there. His father was very drunk so his mother kinda told us not today. We ended up visiting with some of the other family members in the compound and found out that one of Jared's friends there was a member! Then we had the sweetest lesson with Jared, his friend Sean and Jared's cousin MacFloyd. They are all between 12 and 14 but they were so focused on our lesson. At the end Sean asked if we could sing I am a child of God because it is his favorite. We sang with them and gave them the lyrics. Seeing the three of them gathered around our phone trying to read the lyrics and sing along had me about to cry again. Later we talked to Jared's mom and she said she wants to see Jared baptized in our church. She said she wants to see the difference between our church and his Catholic baptism. Then she told us that Jared really reads the Book of Mormon and that he is always happy when he does. Bruh. Jared will be hopefully baptized within the month. The faith of these sweet little tweens just got me in the feels.

Jared is in the black shirt!

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TRIO

This week we had transfer calls. Sister Francisquete and I are both staying here but we're getting a third companion on Friday! I've heard she can cook so that should be great because frankly I don't think I've cooked something correctly the whole time I've been here. I just don't know if it's cooked unless its burned. 

MORONI 7

Another crazy power chapter on Faith and Hope. Verse 33 " if ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me". All he asks of us is faith. Faith that things will get better. Faith that through Christ we can change. Faith that God has a plan for us and that he loves us. By faith we can overcome any challenge. Have hope that through faith and action your circumstances will improve. Keep acting on your faith. Overtime your actions will lead to results. I'm not doing this chapter justice so please go study it!!

I love you all. I  love my family. I love the Book of Mormon and I love my Savior.

Sorry this is so long!

Sister Larson!