Diligence

Hello everyone! Another week happened. The days are long and hot but so good. This week started out on a high note with Ronica's baptism (boyah!) And then kinda went downhill from there. But even though the work was hard this week, or maybe frustrating is the better word, sister Francisquete and I have been working on "carrying our own weather." So even though it's been a bit stormy (metaphorical only- it's stinkin 'hot still) here in Oton we've still made some fun memories and met some cool people.

Sections.

RONICA!!

Ronica was baptized this past Tuesday!! Her baptism was so sweet and her testimony is super solid. It was my first baptism so I was super excited and nervous and then she was 30 mins late. So I was panicking just a little bit. Luckily it was just a slow jeepney day and she still made it and was able to be baptized and confirmed a member of the church! Also please just ignore the footwear situation. Between the bugs and the mud its hard to find a solution that doesn't look at least a little crazy.

(see pictures)

REJECTIONS

This week we had two of our people who had a baptism date tell us pretty much that they didn't want to any more. Super great right? Christeneth had been interviewed and was supposed to be baptized this coming Sunday but she decided that she wants to wait until she's 18, which is only in 5 years. Jared decided he wasn't ready but wouldn't really tell us why… Obviously we want people to get baptized who are ready and actually you know, want to, so we moved their baptisimal dates. We respect their decision but it still makes us sad to see people who were at one point very excited about the gospel but now aren't sure how they feel about it anymore.

THE TRIO WAS A PRANK

- Turns out we are not becoming a trio LOL. So its Sister Francisquete and I for another tranfer lets go baby!

WORKING WITH YOUTH

The youth and in our ward are sooo excited about missionary work! We had a day where we had FIVE workers. At first we were like uhhhhhh this isn't gonna work but it ended up being super fun getting to know them and watching them connect with people!

We worked in one area that is literally the beach and we met a super cute Nanay (mother- but used for any woman that looks older than like 30ish) who told us that she had been to church 16 years ago and she still remembered the names of the missionaries who first taught her! The youth did a great job talking with her and meeting all her grandchildren!

Earlier this same day Sister and I were visiting a less active member and she told me I looked like a lesbian because of my outfit. See pic for reference. All I could think to say was "astig" which means cool. It was just black pants and a button up which I thought was a business casual slay but apparently that's not what others were thinking.

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FOOD

Trying to eat healthy has been a STRUGGLE. Between members telling us we have to eat all the rice they cooked and people always giving us like little hostess treats, it's a challenge to get a vegetable in there.

Anyway I cooked this SCRUMPTIOUS meal last night. Hmu if you want the recipe.

(see pictures)

DILIGENCE

This week I've really been thinking about diligence. Am I doing everything I can? Am I working hard enough? And I've been trying to find the balance between feeling like I'm not doing enough and still staying motivated to work hard. I've had this scripture in the back of my mind all week. D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed". So as long as I do what is in my power, cheerfully, and leave the rest to Christ, the work will progress. 

This week I invite you to take some time to stand still and recognize the hand of God in our life. Take time to write down the small miracles every day because I promise you that there are many. Take time to stand still and be amazed by the glory of God.

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ZONE CON PICS FINALLY

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Arevalo District

Iloilo Zone!

Me not really knowing what's going on.

Love you all and thank you for the emails! I try my best to respond but sometimes I miss a few! I promise I read and love them still.

Love you lots. I love the Lord. I'm grateful for the Atonement. I love my family and the knowledge that we can be together forever if we keep our covenants. 

Sister Larson