11 Days

 My mission is speedily coming to an end and my heart is so full. If two years ago you had told me that in two years I would be about to finish serving a mission in the Philippines I would have laughed in your face. A mission was nowhere in my 5 year plan but I am eternally grateful I listened to the prompting to serve, even though it wasn't something I originally wanted to do. God knew and knows me better and knew that my time as a full time missionary in Iloilo Mission would make me who I needed to be. I know where I would be if I had not served and I’m grateful that's not what I chose. My mission has been the most joyous experience of my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I had a great week and I'm really just trying to soak in every last moment. 

Please enjoy 

MONDAY

We got to go to SM on Monday and we got some scrumptious DQ ice cream. Feat. My very bestest friends Sister Pecundo kag Sister Ambao. 
(see pictures)

TUESDAY

Insert collage from work on Tuesday.
(see pictures)

WEDNESDAY

It's a good thing Sister Arnold takes pictures because otherwise we would have none 

Ok so ignore me in this pic but look at the Nayo family. Brother received a priesthood blessing and had since been able to stop smoking! We are praying for this family 24/7. They have been taught on and off for 6 years and Brother keeps saying “I’m ready” “I'm ready sisters” but still is having a hard time coming to church consistently enough to be baptized. 
(see pictures)

THURSDAY

Low key the longest day of my life, but we had a really great lesson with Sister Glyzel. She is this cute mom we met because her 10 year old son was super friendly. She told us she has been looking for the true church. We encouraged her to read the Book of Mormon to know for herself. She has this light that has been increasing each time we teach her. Big hopes for her. 

Then she gave us vitamilk. Gas.

Thursday night we headed to the Mission home to stay the night before Christmas con. Salamat gid @Elder Bordeos. Sister Pearson welcomed us and we made eggs with real cheese, and there was a Christmas Tree, and we listened to Cecil and I slept with aircon all night and I took a hot shower. A celestial experience. Legit all my problems melted away when I stepped into that shower with hot water. Also they had a blowdryer and suddenly I wasn't as bald as I thought. 

These are the glasses that turn lights into like gingerbread and stuff. We look cool right?
(see pictures)

FRIDAY

Mirror pick with Sister Pearson before heading out. 

We played Book Of Mormon trivia where you had to run up and hit the bell. I went against 8 ft tall Elder Dickey and I got pummeled. I got an elbow to the head. But we’re besties so it's chill I just lost hearing on the right side and I can only see in black and white now. Luckily photos were taken before and moments after the incident. Please enjoy. 

top left- leganes district 

Top right- “bata ni sister larson” kuno @sister Panuelos unga ka gali

Botton left- central zone

Bottom right- half of Iloilo Mission
(see pictures)

ZUMBA LEADER

I am the new ZL for Central Zone. Zumba Leader. What started out as a grapevine became…. This.
(see pictures)

SATURDAY

One of our recent coverts Ruth got to go to the temple for the first time this week!

Nayo family again! MaY DrUnKAsO akO. I'm sick but like not quite sick enough that I can't work so I rocked the mask for a few days and it is so very sweaty. 
(see pictures)

SUNDAY

Pretty much zero photos. I was still sick. We tried to invite one of our IPs to watch the Christmas Devotional and he said yes but he needed to drop something off first so we set up where to meet him. 10 minutes. 15 minutes. 30 minutes. The devotion has already started and we have walked all around town trying to find our brother but my dude disappeared. RIP. 

I attended the trainers meeting. Being a trainer always makes me reflect on being a trainee and man that feels like a decade ago. It also feels like a different person. Share ko lang
(see pictures)

I watched Elder Palmer's talk from the Christmas Devotional and I loved what he shared about the gift of testimony. I realized even though I'm a missionary I want to give that gift more.

I want to share my testimony that I know Christ lives. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in His restored church today. By obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel we can not only be saved, but also experience true and lasting joy. The Book of Mormon is true and the most complete record of Christ’s doctrine and His love for us. President Nelson is the living prophet today. There is true peace in keeping the commandments. God will guide you and lead you to something better as you use your faith and repent daily. I know this to be true and therefore all other questions are solvable. God loved us and in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

SISTER LARSON

PHILIPPINES, ILIILO MISSION

AUGUST 2023- DECEMBER 2024













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