Another eventful week has come and gone, and the 150 mile an hour "mission train" just keeps on going as well. We spent the week fulfilling our duties in the office, which were quite varied. Yesterday, we returned to Cabanatuan to do some more work on the senior apartment. We also picked up a departing missionary. While there, we experienced one of the highlights of our mission. We attended the baptisms of no less that 13 converts of every age and circumstance. There was the gray headed grandmother, the husband who finally joined his wife in being baptized, young men, young women, mothers, and children. We watched as one after another went down into the water and came up all smiles. and as we looked around at the crowd watching the baptism, we saw an investigator in tears as the Spirit touched her, family members and friends who were elated, and our missionaries who were so pumped to be a part of this great day. As soon as we get the group picture from the zone leader, we will post it.
These are the days which make serving all worthwhile. Missions are hard. It is hard work and long hours, and sometimes discouraging. We miss our families, the food and culture is so strange, there are all kinds of creepy crawly bugs and critters. It is so hot and humid. Driving is a nightmare. The work can be tedious and boring at times, and at other times it puts us way way out of our comfort zone. But then: someone thanks you for what you do. The locals love you and admire you. You find great satisfaction in your service. You are overwhelmed by the Spirit as you see the light of Christ changes lives. The young missionaries love you and see you as surrogate parents. You feel assurance from the Holy Ghost that your offering is acceptable and you are where you are supposed to be. You feel assurance that all will be well at home. You make eternal friends. And you learn for yourself what you have always told your children--you can do hard things. We are blessed beyond measure to be serving. Thank you to all of you for making it possible for us to serve.
We leave you with this Instagram post from the Church:
Mahal Kita,
Elder and Sister Whiting
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| Jeepney of the Week |
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| Hot House Ghetto Bowling in matching shirts no less! |
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| More Bowling Fun |
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| Sheep in Cabanatuan City--looking for a place to park? |
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Lunch with the Cab Elders: Clockwise from left--Elder Cowley, Elder Martel, Elder Whiting,
Sister Whiting, Elder Naylor, Elder Faasavalu |
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| A few of the 13 baptismal candidates |
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| Our view during Sunday School today. |
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