This week was a lot of hard work. But I already love Bauang
with all my heart. (And it has a beach- I love the beach!!) I was welcomed so
warmly by the members and I was so impressed by the spiritual maturity of the
leaders -- all of which are recently returned missionaries, including the
branch president. We have such wonderful and involved young single adults! I
couldn't help but bear my testimony on Sunday that I felt such love for the
people here even though I'm new and excited for the opportunity to serve,
comfort, and help the people here.
I can also see that it's quite a big assignment. There are
so many people here and we have quite a large area. We are finishing the
training of Sister Tobias too. She is such a sweet, loving, positive, and
wonderful companion. She works so hard, teaches clearly, loves her
investigators and cares about their salvation and their lives. She is so kind
and understanding to her companion too. I feel very blessed.
The first week we found some kind new investigators and I
was excited to meet all the investigators here. People are very very humble and
kind here in Bauang. Sister Joann just got baptized this Saturday. She is truly
humbled and prepared for the gospel. Her husband hasn't quite softened his
heart yet but we know they can make it. Sister Joann is always inviting him to
church and telling him this is the way. But she comes to church with her little
kids no matter what and has completely embraced the gospel and felt the Spirit
confirm to her that this is where she needs to be. I feel so blessed for the opportunity
to meet her.
Brother Rafael used to be a minister of Iglesia and is very
smart and very kind and truly seeking for truth. President came to help us in teaching him. I
believe in Divine Design and that there is a reason that he walked into the church
a week ago. I felt the Spirit as we testified of what we know to be true. I
believe in the future of this young man and his potential to be a powerful
leader in this church as he truly searches for the truth.
We met with President Tangalin and asked about the branch
mission plan and are going to do our best to support him.
Rica Padilla and Charlene Calica are going to be baptized
this Friday. Their mother needs a whole more help reading the Book of Mormon.
But they are going to get married soon and want to get baptized. My only
concern is that they are struggling with their reading but after watching the
video about the Book of Mormon and missionary work I feel more committed to
help my investigators read the Book of Mormon.
I see all the work and the people that are here in Bauang
and I just always feel so inadequate and falling short of what is expected of
me. But I'm going to focus on the Book of Mormon with myself and my
investigators and I know that miracles will happen.
Cultural Notes: I'm the cook here! I'm cooking lots of
Filipino dishes. Everyone is so shocked -- they say that if I didn't look
American they would have thought that I'm Filipino -- personality, food, my
Tagalog has improved.
Sister Porter
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