tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79811333968934490762024-02-07T00:31:56.028-08:00Madison on a MissionMaddie Porter was called to the Philippines Baguio mission.Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-67694928682729292632018-07-10T13:08:00.001-07:002018-07-10T13:08:23.125-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Magandang Umaga po! this is my last email!!!!!</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a missionary has taught me so many life lessons that I
want to follow for the rest of my life. I want my life to be so much different
than it was before. I learned the importance of sanctifying and consecrating
myself to the Lord. I learned that losing our lives and using our time to serve
others is what brings the most joy and satisfaction in life. I learned the
importance of being obedient to him. I also have learned the importance of
choosing to be happy and show love and do what is in my power to do to bring
love to others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there is anything I want to happen in my life, it's that
I want to serve the Lord. I want to dedicate my life to serving and working
hard. I desire that more than anything else. I hope that God will help me in
that desire and help guide my life to a higher plane. I want to make my
standards high and not lower them. I want to show love to all those I meet and
have long since been my friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been so blessed on my last week with wonderful people
to teach. We went to the Abat family last night to see how they were doing, and
we were taken away by the spirituality of Radclif! He went to FSY and he loved
it so much. He shared his favorite scriptures of the week -- 3 Nephi 5:13 and 3
Nephi 11:25-26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then he expressed how
much he wanted to serve a mission. The Spirit was so strong in the room and I
was overcome with emotion. To see Radclif desire to serve a mission meant the
world to me. Sister Jensen felt impressed to say that someday there will be
many people that will come to Elder Abat and thank him for saving them! The
Abat family told us they would work to be sealed in the temple. We will work on
it! Keep praying and fasting for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sayra is doing fantastic. We had a super spiritual lesson
last week on Wednesday. We had taught her the Restoration the week before and
had given her an assignment to ask God if this was true, and was the right path
for her. When we came, she told us that she was sad because she was really
trying to get an answer and wanted to be ready for us to come and ask her if
she had received an answer, but she didn't feel like she had gotten one. We all
started telling our own experiences with coming to know the Book of Mormon is
true, that sometimes we expect something crazy to happen like an angel coming
to us and confirming to us that is true. But for us and for Sister Mendoza,
things came as gentle feelings urging us to do good and telling us not with a
loud voice, but a small whisper that pierces to the soul. That's when a
wonderful feeling came in the room. Sister Sayra started getting goosebumps.
She started remembering all the prayers that had been answered in the past
week. How she had pleaded to God to help her finish her reports on time even
though it seemed virtually impossible, and that if he would that she would
believe that she is there. She finished her reports with time to spare. Then
she had remembered how she prayed the missionaries to her house. Then she
started crying and she didn't understand why. But we knew. She felt the Holy
Ghost confirm to her that everything we had taught was true. Her little family
came to church this week and accepted to live the Word of Wisdom without
question last night. I thought of this verse in Doctrine and Covenants 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further
witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart,
that you might know concerning the truth of these things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?
What greater witness can you have than from God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christal came to church again this week. We had tried to
visit her that Saturday afternoon and she was obviously upset about something
but she was afraid to say it out loud. But when she was in the church, she told
us how much she feels peace here and safe and loved here. But starting since
she was young she had been abused and neglected and misused. It disgusted me to
hear about how much damage people caused to such a sensitive, sweet, and loving
daughter of God. It was so hard to see how much pain that she had to suffer. It
has hurt her life so very much. But Sister Flora is trying to arrange a way to
help her get better schooling in a new place. I'm not sure if it will go
through or not. But while she is here we are just going to love her and help
her get to seminary. She loves all the church activities and we sing with her
all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a fantastic lesson with the Gallego family on
Thursday about one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon: Mosiah 3. It
was incredible to listen to Brother Gallego explain how that through the the
Atonement of Christ we can put off the natural man and become more like a child
and be submissive to our Father in Heaven. That turned out to be my talk in
sacrament meeting on Sunday. Our plan is to continue to read the Book of Mormon
with this family -- they are so great at reading the scriptures. They still
have a few things to do before they can get baptized, but I know that the Holy
Ghost through the Book of Mormon will tell them what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are really excited for the Musical Devotional on
Saturday! I really love to hear and sing testimonies expressed through song,
and I have a really intense desire to enhance my music skills when I go home. I
want that to become a big part of me because it helps me feel the Spirit,
develop my talents and share the gospel with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will invite everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We saw a former investigator start progressing, Sister Leni.
She was taught a little before when her child died, but she had some anger
towards God because her sweet and innocent 6 year old child died without
warning 2 years ago. But now that she is meeting with us again, she told us
that her attitude is changing and the Spirit is changing her life little by
little. She loves reading and understands the doctrine that we teach her. She
told us that her prayers are becoming more meaningful and she is feeling the
love from her Heavenly Father and the anger that she felt is being replaced
with humility and love. Such a miracle!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are still going to keep visiting members and helping them
share the Book of Mormon:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lynn and June's little boy Harvey is confined in the
hospital because his lungs are so congested and because of his situation he
can't cough. He could use a lot of prayers right now. Even though his family
has been praying and praying that somehow he will be healed, Heavenly Father
has been answering their prayers in a different way. Their faith is growing
tremendously. Brother June used to not believe in God but now is starting to
pray and read little by little even though he doesn't understand everything.
Sister Lynn is a solid rock in her family -- she never stops praying, never
stops hoping, never gives up. She knows that God is there and knows her
sufferings. She loves the Book of Mormon and told herself that she would read
it from the beginning if at least just a little every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KC and Jarwin came to church this week -- KC loves the Book
of Mormon and understands the importance of the gospel. They still love the
message of the gospel and are still working on growing their faith! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNe9vZeW-RBaDLeDM1jCT30nfanGAT7g4DebIMK7_dkM18vG6XjEd4z1aZntle9j0Zr3KCii6M8ofgR379jfGVY4trKsINvOjiiYoXQP1BW531dYJ0Tz_P6mV_3j06gCRPUwzY91NmU0/s1600/DSCN9872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNe9vZeW-RBaDLeDM1jCT30nfanGAT7g4DebIMK7_dkM18vG6XjEd4z1aZntle9j0Zr3KCii6M8ofgR379jfGVY4trKsINvOjiiYoXQP1BW531dYJ0Tz_P6mV_3j06gCRPUwzY91NmU0/s400/DSCN9872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctAH_1EqcXLcUZsYZPhYw4A29BjgU02Lv6BNtuNN7c2cynvBpzW57mqL-07_E9iNBH4uzVNbVMId9tCkBwtJk_hQJfa8xyhknuxrd2yLfai7acb931LLbT5Z4RnqJkyliZrQfJFVkmiE/s1600/DSCN9870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctAH_1EqcXLcUZsYZPhYw4A29BjgU02Lv6BNtuNN7c2cynvBpzW57mqL-07_E9iNBH4uzVNbVMId9tCkBwtJk_hQJfa8xyhknuxrd2yLfai7acb931LLbT5Z4RnqJkyliZrQfJFVkmiE/s400/DSCN9870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxG6fOupCaDzyRkyDxnMXrJUCCNIIKCCCuW9Fkb6SIVWgyYoB55mXM_plUN2eC9GooZNK1CqLaUlW2rp280PnnOba3ut9hMUTswF3CFFB7Vw-lZUJq3nHDaV19AEXEDccByVrPdmUgT4/s1600/DSCN9868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxG6fOupCaDzyRkyDxnMXrJUCCNIIKCCCuW9Fkb6SIVWgyYoB55mXM_plUN2eC9GooZNK1CqLaUlW2rp280PnnOba3ut9hMUTswF3CFFB7Vw-lZUJq3nHDaV19AEXEDccByVrPdmUgT4/s400/DSCN9868.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQnWJGs6UVbMFz9hjbi-SvJHWNeUfLzq8Thjor6yx1Cd4nE6Aao1L8sALPKkHLEdZNSyIB4PvAuN9seP7z1IKbhOjjgIsmOwYTaBjmOn3nJKD5p4-losYUTqszwcobZIGUK-LDD0f0vw/s1600/DSCN9867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQnWJGs6UVbMFz9hjbi-SvJHWNeUfLzq8Thjor6yx1Cd4nE6Aao1L8sALPKkHLEdZNSyIB4PvAuN9seP7z1IKbhOjjgIsmOwYTaBjmOn3nJKD5p4-losYUTqszwcobZIGUK-LDD0f0vw/s400/DSCN9867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7skuqFtyD6HLZPrANmiFcGWBnYpWoW5I5aLPgb5uYq4pcDY5QAxYPRuHDiWZSGcvldFIeEMvf9FdcdtXf6qwWJ7smPwdgIcjbzVWW0ucM_a81VyWuJisP7mB4lUWDXPruwTFPB44nkE/s1600/847_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7skuqFtyD6HLZPrANmiFcGWBnYpWoW5I5aLPgb5uYq4pcDY5QAxYPRuHDiWZSGcvldFIeEMvf9FdcdtXf6qwWJ7smPwdgIcjbzVWW0ucM_a81VyWuJisP7mB4lUWDXPruwTFPB44nkE/s400/847_1430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX44KXtvdEFVoUcYU8JWNfTbDONGrTDG-W5fwCreRd7P-XSZ2mcyrSVdKqj9zD9kuCrY9POCGTk0DOARNbDFqM3YuSvtDJOaiYdM9PrSRNCA4WS4ps2DZkjlycu4aCcpgCT9UcQzYMWk/s1600/847_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX44KXtvdEFVoUcYU8JWNfTbDONGrTDG-W5fwCreRd7P-XSZ2mcyrSVdKqj9zD9kuCrY9POCGTk0DOARNbDFqM3YuSvtDJOaiYdM9PrSRNCA4WS4ps2DZkjlycu4aCcpgCT9UcQzYMWk/s400/847_1439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-76293087330725224352018-07-02T15:59:00.001-07:002018-07-02T15:59:21.941-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Helloooo!</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been really contemplating charity lately. How much
that has changed my life in just the past couple months. I'm so grateful to God
that he is letting that happen in my life. I've never seen just how much the
pure love of Christ can change lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of those lives is Christal. She has had a really hard
life. She is only 18 and she has had to stop school because of a tangle of
abuse, turning to wrong sources for true friends, and being abandoned by her
dad. She's often at the house of a recent convert that we teach and that's
where we teach her often. We are some of the first people that have shown love
to her in her life. We started teaching her this week at the church right
before seminary so that she can attend seminary. She loves seminary -- the
young women were soooo mature and so loving and accepted her right away! We are
so impressed with the young women in this ward and see future incredible
missionaries in them. Anyway Christal has been much happier there. Before
seminary when we were teaching we were trying to start the lesson we had
planned but as I tried to talk, the Spirit bound my tongue. I couldn't speak--
I tried to force it but I knew the Spirit was literally telling me that we
needed to teach something else. I changed our approach and my tongue was loosed
again because we asked her what she wanted to get out of the lessons and she
told us of her desire to be happy and to change. I was overwhelmed with God's
love for her and we testified of what the gospel would do for her life and the
Plan of Salvation. I knew God had taken over that lesson. She's attending
church and she feels peace there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That same day as we were just leaving our apartment to go to
work, we were walking down the street and there was a girl heading our way
walking quickly in the opposite direction. We greeted and stopped her for just
a few seconds to talk to her, and introduced ourselves. She was in a real hurry
and was surprised that we stopped her, but she said that she was busy going to
work but that she was extremely interested in us and what we had to say and
wanted to meet with us as soon as she wasn't busy. We were shocked but took
down her information. That Saturday we called her and met up with her at the
church. She came! Her name was Geraldine, and she is the sweetest 22 year old
ever! She just graduated and works here in Lingsat, and she is an elect of God.
When we asked her, it turns out that she is a seeker of truth. She had been
visiting all the churches around her and she told us that she just could not
feel the Spirit of God, and feel peace. She is looking for a way to pray to her
Father in Heaven like a conversation and not memorized prayers. She is looking
for a relationship with God. We were overwhelmed and excited to testify to her
how much God loved her, knew her desires, and had a grand plan for her. She
really knew when we stopped her on the street that there was a reason that we
stopped her. She knew this was the answer to her prayers. She had to go home to
Ilocos Sur to visit her family this weekend, but we told her where the church
is there and she went to church there even though she was all alone! We were so
proud of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought of this quote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit
millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the
Babe has given at least equal attention to the placement of each of us in
precise human orbits so that we may if we will, illuminate the landscape of our
individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as
well."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- Neal A. Maxwell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God uses us as His instruments and has a divine design for
us if we just let him and trust Him. I'm so grateful for this area -- It is
blooming!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leni is a former investigator that I taught a year ago, and
we went back to her. She is doing great! She is really receiving the message of
the gospel. She is always ready with her reading assignments in the Book of
Mormon and I know that she feels the Spirit when we come-- we especially felt
it as we testified to her of how much Heavenly Father loves her family and
wants them to be forever again. She lost her child and that's how we found her
a year ago. We know that her daughter is with Heavenly Father and praying that
her mom will accept the gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KC and Jarwin are still doing their best but have had some
trials come into their lives; they both got really sick! When we came and
taught Jarwin, he was so weak but he came and sat in the lesson even though he
looked so sick and looked like a zombie. They are doing a lot better though,
and they having been really asking God what they should do with the whole
marriage situation. We had a great discussion about how Heavenly Father answers
prayers. We felt impressed to say to them how important that the gospel was to
their family being forever and that if they followed the commandments and kept
moving forward like Nephi, that they would receive and answer and be guided.
But they needed to act. They decided to go to Luna to ask KC's parents if they
can be married. We were so excited but we are waiting to get news on how it
went. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been working with Maricel alot. She was baptized
last month and the gospel has transformed her. She still has a ton of trials in
her life -- at school and with her family. But she's happy. She has a light.
She sacrifices her weekends to work with the missionaries and fellowship others
her age and bring them into the light of the gospel. She had a dream a few
weeks ago that after her schooling she would go on a mission. She are so proud
of her. She is learning how to read the Book of Mormon and receive her own
answers to her own questions. When we came to teach her and ask her what her
concern was, she told us that she was fine and that she had received her answer
from God. We were so proud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner at the V's house was a crazy experience-- truly
Divine Design. It was amazing that Brother V was with Sister B; that
they were coworkers. Brother V was soooo happy to see her and was so
surprised that she had just been baptized. I actually had been praying that I
would have the chance to see Sister B because I remember teaching her the
first lesson with Sister Umpad in the middle of district meeting in Bauang a
few months ago and then giving her a Book of Mormon. When we heard the news
that she and her whole family had been baptized we were so excited. But even
crazier was when Sister B brought another one of her coworkers that wasn't
a member and then at the end of the lesson told us that he knew about Joseph
Smith because in Manila his close friends were Mormon and now his friends here
are Mormon. He knew that was a sign from God and at the end of the lesson was
very excited to give us his information and we referred him to the missionaries
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday was a miracle. Rosette came, and Brother V, and
Christal, and Lynn S! We were so excited and so happy that they all came and
had a good experience. The A family stayed for classes too this week!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been sharing the Book of Mormon challenge with the
members in our area, and we saw a difference this week! Our schedule is full of
members willing to work with us- every night this week to fellowship our
investigators. I know that there is power in the Book of Mormon and having the
missionaries over at the member’s houses. It reminded one family of the miracle
of having their missionary in their family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so powerful to give my last testimony this week in
fast and testimony meeting. I know that God helped me say what I needed to say
and then another member got up and testified that the missionaries really have
the gift of tongues to speak and learn the language. It made me so happy. Then
all the classes and testimonies were about missionary work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been fantastic to study about the Book of Mormon and
relate it to my life this week. I especially loved Chapters 11 and 12 of 1st
Nephi because I tried to imagine what it must be like to see the Savior. That
turned into a study of the Gospel accounts of the Atonement. That turned out
pretty emotional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so grateful with the patience of my Savior with me. I'm
so grateful for His love and I love to feel that love for others. I'm so
grateful for what he suffered for us -- beyond comprehension to help us
overcome the trials, pain, guilt, shame, and sorrows of life. He walked the
longest, loneliest road so that we never have to alone. I am so grateful that
he is lifting me to be a better person and to move outside myself. I still have
imperfections, but I love my Savior and desire to be like Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Fun Stuff: </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother V made us the most interesting dinner --- lots of
delicacies -- porks blood (dinuguan), boiled full squids, fried fish, crabs and
shrimp. Seafood is delicious -- but in all honestly I haven't gotten quite into
the taste of blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to one of our investigators house with the Elder's
Quorum to fix her house but the government needed to check it first so we
couldn't do it. But.. one of the members had a great idea to make stairs so
that they could get out of their house to the road because it gets sooo muddy
during the rainy season. I've gotten really muddy trying to get to their house
in the rain:) Sister E loved it and said it made her heart light (nakakagaan
sa loob)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made chocolate French toast with mangoes on top for Sister
Jensen. It was pretty delicious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7uHAHZL5kyJRrfuuN373F26P6bG8n23VX_60kq-ng8lTVlQp-X44F1eoVFqiwEUzZ5MofzonVv5Um8-t9KC1wQEV2ajNIk92uNmBPhC1uqmTCksNe9fzrT-1sdjWFi2ACJlIey8KiPg/s1600/847_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7uHAHZL5kyJRrfuuN373F26P6bG8n23VX_60kq-ng8lTVlQp-X44F1eoVFqiwEUzZ5MofzonVv5Um8-t9KC1wQEV2ajNIk92uNmBPhC1uqmTCksNe9fzrT-1sdjWFi2ACJlIey8KiPg/s400/847_1412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqn6yANWTGGADJrSueofxRnAtNw99BP-ECArcTHLgAklTW1-P-rcEJCDQG0jR9IOnvbym-D6Dry2gpBAKM81IDIWvFm2mu2X99YlQgr7F4jI8eN3-eluRcwlxnN40F3jpjtOgQ0lhD2E/s1600/847_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqn6yANWTGGADJrSueofxRnAtNw99BP-ECArcTHLgAklTW1-P-rcEJCDQG0jR9IOnvbym-D6Dry2gpBAKM81IDIWvFm2mu2X99YlQgr7F4jI8eN3-eluRcwlxnN40F3jpjtOgQ0lhD2E/s400/847_1406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX9nMi-cehCDYBAkMJO4tArU63rlKIpj8zy9VNPW_7v6wN5qKxK_AsAKv9iz63mltDgAaSPJzzAQiz18nLqmOTUuSCtfAVL9OZK_0y4MtmQLLQjQm9ZkyOjY-qGRppW8sMCTr-Wq-Stw/s1600/847_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX9nMi-cehCDYBAkMJO4tArU63rlKIpj8zy9VNPW_7v6wN5qKxK_AsAKv9iz63mltDgAaSPJzzAQiz18nLqmOTUuSCtfAVL9OZK_0y4MtmQLLQjQm9ZkyOjY-qGRppW8sMCTr-Wq-Stw/s400/847_1399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vklarm00xNtlBuaPNQ4DJU3UH1ezzV7rrCinkycGl24P8JBhXKd8SCqmdJbXmACyI2ifcPU-AM25gZ0V_Sj3rc5tDZWFLlK0x7kwIv2ufwi0bCi8JBkfAD7JGCE-8gv0s3sxcmCmRy0/s1600/847_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vklarm00xNtlBuaPNQ4DJU3UH1ezzV7rrCinkycGl24P8JBhXKd8SCqmdJbXmACyI2ifcPU-AM25gZ0V_Sj3rc5tDZWFLlK0x7kwIv2ufwi0bCi8JBkfAD7JGCE-8gv0s3sxcmCmRy0/s400/847_1393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgA6uP9reNGZx8Dg1TGuEGMMbfAm7cbm5zUppo7rkqXi0RsEkbNn5R-NdxphgMlrFcdi7-mmP1pP3Kxm32LRDA8oWRyms_E_4pJcsHKrf8euQqbVkwZpm__E3KvEtq3cxAUmNBUSzjDI/s1600/847_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgA6uP9reNGZx8Dg1TGuEGMMbfAm7cbm5zUppo7rkqXi0RsEkbNn5R-NdxphgMlrFcdi7-mmP1pP3Kxm32LRDA8oWRyms_E_4pJcsHKrf8euQqbVkwZpm__E3KvEtq3cxAUmNBUSzjDI/s400/847_1389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5jOxTqzOAIEAVB2xUaNU2SpJ5BiaABir3hSAmY15ntmuZ9G_PqT8LnStrUjCmFd7chp6Qtvp22FGNm6k9i44XjxS_82PAqDeeWMPJ4hWeYxvAp3DeOFVB-w0Bq4dmHDasgD6pzyWVnk/s1600/847_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5jOxTqzOAIEAVB2xUaNU2SpJ5BiaABir3hSAmY15ntmuZ9G_PqT8LnStrUjCmFd7chp6Qtvp22FGNm6k9i44XjxS_82PAqDeeWMPJ4hWeYxvAp3DeOFVB-w0Bq4dmHDasgD6pzyWVnk/s400/847_1379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-65876221403810762262018-06-25T09:17:00.000-07:002018-06-25T09:17:20.971-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Trials and Faith in Lingsat</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we were so surprised and so happy about the amount
of opportunities that have been given to us to help those in need. I have been
really so happy sharing the gospel every day and loving the people we teach.
I'm learning a lifestyle that I want to continue for the rest of my life, being
happy and serving and loving the people around me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, we were so grateful for the idea to get a
stroller for Harvey. We are so grateful for my mission president’s help and the
help of the Seymours to show an act of pure love to the S family. Seeing
all the members show so much love to this family has been so inspiring to me
because it lifted me up to a higher plane of thinking -- striving more and more
to think less about myself and looking more and more for the needs of those
around me and then filling that need. Harvey's condition has been incredibly
difficult for this family. In February Harvey came home from school with
internal bleeding in his head, that grew bigger and bigger until they took him
to the hospital, but it was too late; he was diagnosed with viral meningitis--
that has quickly affected most of his brain. He was in a coma for a month, and
then when he finally woke up, he couldn't move; he couldn't feel; he couldn't digest
his own food ( he has a tube that runs from his nose to his intestines where he
can only have liquids); he has a seizure about once a week. He can only lay
there on a tiny wooden bed and look around the room and sometimes cry. His
parents are so loving and are so so concerned for him; they've spent everything
they have taking him to the hospital. Brother has to take time off work, and
they really don't have money to eat or anything. What's more they have 5 kids,
one of them being a 5 month -old baby. Despite all these hardships, we were
incredibly humbled by Sister's firm faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When
the missionaries first started teaching her mother, she would always hide in
another room. But it turned out she had been listening to every discussion, and
finally she joined a lesson and expressed that she had felt the Spirit and knew
everything they taught was true. She loves our reading assignments from the
Book of Mormon. She told us this week that no matter what happened to Harvey,
she trusted God and would NEVER ever give up hope and she has felt the
Atonement of Jesus Christ strengthen her to bear all her burdens without
complaining. When the Seymours showed up with the stroller on Thursday, it was
such a sweet and tender experience because Sister Seymour shared her experience
with her children and grandchildren and the two women just wept and comforted
and prayed for each other. What amazing women of faith! What's more, Brother
has started joining in on the lessons and admitted to us that he knew it was
true what we are teaching. We taught them the Restoration together on Saturday.
It was wonderful and we are fasting and praying that despite Harvey's serious
condition, we will get a way to get them altogether at church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister V is truly prepared of God to listen to the
missionaries right now. She has a sweet young family and she knows so many
members. She had been going through a rough time a couple weeks ago and prayed
for missionaries to come to her house and not long after she knows we were
impressed to talk to her at her house. We taught with Sister Mendoza last night
and taught the Restoration and shared our testimonies about seeking for the
truth and gave her a baptismal date. We are hoping and praying for her
progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KC and Jarwin have been out of town for a little while and
we could tell there was something going on. We got to teach them yesterday and
KC started crying and told us that her mom was working abroad in Turkey but
that she is having some major health problems and is going to have to come back
her to be operated on. The operation is going to take a lot of money and KC is
going to have to take her place working abroad in Hong Kong around September.
They want to get married and said they would be baptized by now if they had
been married already. But she has family members that they want to get
permission from and want to come to the marriage and her family is worried
about their financial future. But I know that we were impressed to share about
prayer in Alma 37:37 and then I know the next things I said didn't come from me
-- because I'm not always so clear-headed. But we told them that since they
knew the gospel was true, but that they didn't think about getting married at
this time, then when they have to go to Hong Kong they won't be able to get
baptized and their temple sealing could get delayed for who knows how long. We
told them that as a couple they needed to get on their knees and counsel with
their God for help to know what to do. We left with a peaceful feeling. We are
fasting and praying that the right decision will be made. But we are open to
any suggestions about what to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We taught Sister V last night about family history.
Her mom's birthday is coming up and we told her how she could give her the best
blessing by doing her temple work for her. Sister V is so so converted to
the gospel and wants her whole family to come into the church. She told us this
week she had a dream that she was hugging her mother and she felt it was a
confirmation that we needed to do her work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are so excited to have a family history night with them later tonight
with the Seymours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have another 18-year old that we are teaching. We met her
because she often stays at the home of a recent convert that we teach. She has
been joining in on the lessons. She loves the feeling of going to church and
being with the missionaries. We learned that her whole family are members and
her grandmother was a very active member of the church 5 years ago before she
died. Her dying wish was that her granddaughter would come to church. But we
learned that she lives in a super abusive situation because her mother had a
young pregnancy, was left alone, and turned to drinking, has no job, and since
her daughter was little has been yelling and abusing her. We heard it happen
one day on the way to teach her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have no relatives that want to help, and it's the saddest thing. We aren't
really sure what to do but we plan on telling Bishop right away and letting him
know the situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been doing lots of little acts of service for our
investigators. We are running every day, and we love missionary work. Of course
there have definitely been things that have not gone the way we planned or
hoped -- some investigators getting some cold feet about moving forward and
showing faith in Jesus Christ. It makes us super sad. Sometimes I'm not always
sure what to do and say, but I will keep striving to listen to the Holy Ghost
and make the right decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Book of Mormon I learned that God is mightier than
all the earth and we have been blessed with so many spiritual experiences that
tell us there is a God and that he loves us. My mission president’s interview
with me was such a special blessing to me and I will never forget it. It really
told me that God loves me and knows my heart and my efforts. How can I doubt my
inspired leaders?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying:
Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the
commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then
why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of
thousands?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses;
for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and
thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the
armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know
that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the
Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as
the Egyptians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for my wonderful companion and for
everything I am learning in Lingsat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NqIOwz9AXBc3ZI5kzS-FndynD_lIbVyHssdmxezgeMvzH_Zoa-c_-ohljc0F-F1gC5H0iOAvmvtKL7AwV8yJ8dCt8jAlLVvGSxWHSVGTOpu38TlQk7-QlYID2b6-M9DSJF0J6eYOQ90/s1600/847_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NqIOwz9AXBc3ZI5kzS-FndynD_lIbVyHssdmxezgeMvzH_Zoa-c_-ohljc0F-F1gC5H0iOAvmvtKL7AwV8yJ8dCt8jAlLVvGSxWHSVGTOpu38TlQk7-QlYID2b6-M9DSJF0J6eYOQ90/s400/847_1355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCT6O5IzV8dyEI82pi1eEBtzBJqX6Jply23LWy3BWv2LTqd26tZaorhzj61FUyJ6Q7Z_q_WtEoyistWPrSO7LFewoVvHdnbecnC8kmNIodYHDorMJHRHtaNUouwsMszQC-6RH8UkiCeM/s1600/847_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCT6O5IzV8dyEI82pi1eEBtzBJqX6Jply23LWy3BWv2LTqd26tZaorhzj61FUyJ6Q7Z_q_WtEoyistWPrSO7LFewoVvHdnbecnC8kmNIodYHDorMJHRHtaNUouwsMszQC-6RH8UkiCeM/s400/847_1357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMDpwrfunmrzdMIQGiD7BiDu_nsxUech-mRXrWSBdXnFaeCp1R1FTOLjnI3_RHGXNNYD0xI9zuig0Cj0c-K_uwEHlcJcREBj302XaNaQqPorPNQc3zExG3E7XSUjKLKJhvG7zbyysnAw/s1600/847_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMDpwrfunmrzdMIQGiD7BiDu_nsxUech-mRXrWSBdXnFaeCp1R1FTOLjnI3_RHGXNNYD0xI9zuig0Cj0c-K_uwEHlcJcREBj302XaNaQqPorPNQc3zExG3E7XSUjKLKJhvG7zbyysnAw/s400/847_1351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjkM0BJhBqVf2XATBCry0r__1-8-VCzuhz_4eudUmvfKVpmag18Cc0238oakoRvAXMXX5owRlcLptI2bgTRUkfUlSSyGk-rM7VYqKYPq3nf7CKfbgHbQrA2Bq-otrz3IJ-1PsIFGW8Lk/s1600/847_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjkM0BJhBqVf2XATBCry0r__1-8-VCzuhz_4eudUmvfKVpmag18Cc0238oakoRvAXMXX5owRlcLptI2bgTRUkfUlSSyGk-rM7VYqKYPq3nf7CKfbgHbQrA2Bq-otrz3IJ-1PsIFGW8Lk/s400/847_1341.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02oD1HDU55JUfb3X1reY1QVTbCVz0afLEK4zKvxqMrw669mP0N8TAZRYjfUXI2fEFErpPdky49KVVBiH7olIEkNESVp9uvUM3yjH0YBRg-wiev8oq3XziRFPX0WoGeBwwng_7_BGbSdk/s1600/847_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02oD1HDU55JUfb3X1reY1QVTbCVz0afLEK4zKvxqMrw669mP0N8TAZRYjfUXI2fEFErpPdky49KVVBiH7olIEkNESVp9uvUM3yjH0YBRg-wiev8oq3XziRFPX0WoGeBwwng_7_BGbSdk/s400/847_1335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-12092588536027283422018-06-19T19:23:00.005-07:002018-06-19T19:23:46.013-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">iracles</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week was full of miracles. Little miracles that really
helped me see why life, the gospel, and being a missionary is so fantastic and
is the sweetest way of life I could ever ask for. What a blessing it has been
for me to see how I want my life to be -- service to my fellowmen and sharing
to them the joy of the gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are hard times -- yes. Things don't always go the way
we hope or expect them to go. We are imperfect people. But I am learning that
if we just do what we can and show love to others and trust that Christ can
make up the difference, things go okay. I am so so grateful to have such a
fantastic companion in Sister Jensen. She is the brightest, optimistic, and
loving missionary you could ask for! She treasures every sweet miracle that the
Lord gives us, and she has taught me how to do that too! It makes our area so
much fun to work in -- and we are sure that the Lord gives us people that need
us desperately. These people to love were all gifts from our Heavenly Father to
us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are enjoying thinking beyond what is expected of us and
thinking of extra ways to serve our investigators and show our love for them.
Small and simple things. And oh how I've learned how much people crave and need
love, and how love is not expressed enough in this world. We went to Sister
L's house on Saturday morning, and her 5 year-old son is getting worse -- to
the point that he's throwing up what he eats, is constantly having seizures,
and can't function. Sister L's faith and strength is OUT OF THIS WORLD. She
won't let her son see her cry, she is patient with her husband, and she refuses
to give up hope and gives everything she can for her son, even if she can't
even pay for food for herself. I've never seen such incredible strength that
comes from hope in God. But as we sang How Great Thou Art in Tagalog to her,
she broke down to us and it was heartbreaking but I just felt so much love for
her at that moment. I am so grateful for the chance to be there for her. She
really wants to be baptized and reads and understands the Book of Mormon, but
every time she tries to go to church she has to take her son to the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another time were teaching a new contact, Sister E, and
she is a single mom because her husband got killed (he was a security guard).
She has 4 kids, and her house just collapsed on itself. We brought some
missionaries and ward members to come check out the house to see if we could
help out. As we were talking we could just see Sister E growing quiet and
her eyes turning red. That's when me and Sister Jensen came and gave her a BIG
HUG! She was so happy and she just yelled -- Ang Sarap!" and then broke
down crying, telling us how hard everything has been for her. Just little acts
of love mean the WORLD to people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We fasted with Sister V for her and Brother V this Sunday. We knelt down and Sister Jensen gave the most beautiful prayer to
open the fast. Brother V heard it and knelt down with us, even though the
past few weeks he has been really struggling. Then he came back to church! We
were so happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes we get little acts of love in return. Tatay B is a man that was a complete drunkard before he met the missionaries. He
started reading the Book of Mormon that Sister Tanon and Sister Jensen gave to
him and he read it and changed on his own. It was only when he was in Alma that
the Sisters started teaching him. He has given up all his bad habits and goes
to church in a polo and slacks. Every time we go to him he gives us 2 bottles
of 2 liter soda (which we have tried to refuse so many times haha) but every time
they are ready for us. When he apologized last Saturday that he hadn't prepared
the soda we told him not to worry about it -- but he interrupted us and told us
how much the missionaries have changed his life and that soda was the only way
he could afford to show his love and appreciation for us. That touched our
hearts so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day as we were walking I suddenly decided we
needed to talk to more people about the Book of Mormon. It was raining so
Sister Jensen asked us where to start. I pointed to the nearest store and
marched straight up to it and talked to an older man and his middle-aged
daughter and showed them the Book of Mormon. The daughter immediately
recognized the book, because her best friend in college was Mormon and used to
take her to institute, which just happens to be one of our members in the ward.
She asked for a copy right away and asked us to come back. We were more than
happy to come back yesterday. She opened the door for us, found out they are an
extremely sweet young family, and that she is so interested in what we have to
say. She said she had just finished a prayer asking God to send her messengers
because she is in a spiritual crisis because of all the hard things that have
happened to her family. She cried and thanked us for being an answer to her
prayer because right after her prayer we came to her door. We were so excited
that God had used us as his instruments. Her name is Sister S. We know she
is prepared by God for this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been still teaching Grace and Chrystal, who are 2
teenagers that are in serious need of love. Grace is living with the A family, and Chrystal's family used to be active in church but now they have had
tons of family issues. They love the missionaries coming over. They both came
to the baptism of the elders last Saturday and loved it, and wanted to work
with us because they already want to serve others! Grace came to church and is
really smart and understanding the doctrine. We expect her to be baptized next
month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went back to a contact named Sister J this week. Before
she had been super kind but kind of had a hard time latching onto the gospel.
But when we came back she was so happy to see us, told us that she had been
reading, been feeling a good feeling, and wanted to come to church. We were
pleasantly surprised that something had changed her. Of course the Spirit. We
are excited for her to start progressing now. She came to church yesterday and
it seems like she really enjoyed the feeling there with the other members of
the Relief Society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read A Summer with Great Aunt Rose by Elder Uctdorf this
week. Aunt Rose had a lot of hard things happen in her life, but she was one of
the most joyous and happiest people on earth. When her niece Eva asked her why,
this is what she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“There is enough that doesn’t go right in life, so anyone
can work themselves into a puddle of pessimism and a mess of melancholy. But I
know people who, even when things don’t work out, focus on the wonders and
miracles of life. These folks are the happiest people I know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“But,” Eva said, “you can’t just flip a switch and go from
sad to happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“No, perhaps not,” Aunt Rose smiled gently, “but God didn’t
design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will
help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life. And sure enough,
the world will become brighter. No, it doesn’t happen instantly, but honestly,
how many good things do? Seems to me that the best things, like homemade bread
or orange marmalade, take patience and work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eva thought about it a moment and said, “Maybe it’s not so
simple for people who don’t have everything perfect in their lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Dear Eva, do you really think that my life is perfect?”
Aunt Rose sat with Eva on the overstuffed sofa. “There was a time when I was so
discouraged I didn’t want to go on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You?” Eva asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aunt Rose nodded. “There were so many things I wished for in
my life.” As she spoke, a sadness entered her voice that Eva had never heard
before. “Most of them never happened. It was one heartbreak after another. One
day I realized that it would never be the way I had hoped for. That was a
depressing day. I was ready to give up and be miserable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“So what did you do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Nothing for a time. I was just angry. I was an absolute
monster to be around.” Then she laughed a little, but it was not her usual big,
room-filling laugh. “‘It’s not fair’ was the song I sang over and over in my
head. But eventually I discovered something that turned my whole life around.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What was it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Faith,” Aunt Rose smiled. “I discovered faith. And faith
led to hope. And faith and hope gave me confidence that one day everything
would make sense, that because of the Savior, all the wrongs would be made
right. After that, I saw that the path before me wasn’t as dreary and dusty as
I had thought. I began to notice the bright blues, the verdant greens, and the
fiery reds, and I decided I had a choice—I could hang my head and drag my feet
on the dusty road of self-pity, or I could have a little faith, put on a bright
dress, slip on my dancing shoes, and skip down the path of life, singing as I
went.” Now her voice was skipping along like the girl in the painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aunt Rose reached over to the end table and pulled her
well-worn scriptures onto her lap. “I don’t think I was clinically
depressed—I’m not sure you can talk yourself out of that. But I sure had talked
myself into being miserable! Yes, I had some dark days, but all my brooding and
worrying wasn’t going to change that—it was only making things worse. Faith in
the Savior taught me that no matter what happened in the past, my story could
have a happy ending.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“How do you know that?” Eva asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aunt Rose turned a page in her Bible and said, “It says it
right here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“‘God … will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great-Aunt Rose looked at Eva. Her smile was wide as she
whispered, with a slight quiver in her voice, “Isn’t that the most beautiful
thing you’ve ever heard?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really did sound beautiful, Eva thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aunt Rose turned a few pages and pointed to a verse for Eva
to read: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart
of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“With such a glorious future,” Aunt Rose said, “why get
swallowed up in past or present things that don’t go quite the way we planned?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eva furrowed her brow. “But wait a minute,” she said. “Are
you saying that being happy means just looking forward to happiness in the
future? Is all our happiness in eternity? Can’t some of it happen now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Oh, of course it can!” Aunt Rose exclaimed. “Dear child,
now is part of eternity. It doesn’t only begin after we die! Faith and hope
will open your eyes to the happiness that is placed before you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I know a poem that says, ‘Forever—is composed of Nows.’ I
didn’t want my forever to be composed of dark and fearful ‘Nows.’ And I didn’t
want to live in the gloom of a bunker, gritting my teeth, closing my eyes, and
resentfully enduring to the bitter end. Faith gave me the hope I needed to live
joyfully now!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And most of those busy, unhappy people have forgotten the
one thing that matters most in all the world—the thing Jesus said is the heart
of His gospel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“And what is that?” Eva asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It is love—the pure love of Christ,” Rose said. “You see,
everything else in the gospel—all the shoulds and the musts and the thou shalts
—lead to love. When we love God, we want to serve Him. We want to be like Him.
When we love our neighbors, we stop thinking so much about our own problems and
help others to solve theirs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“And that is what makes us happy?” Eva asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great-Aunt Rose nodded and smiled, her eyes filling with
tears. “Yes, my dear. That is what makes us happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I testify that even though I don't know everything, that
even though everything doesn't always go the way you plan it, that hard times
come into our lives, that sometimes we make mistakes, our Heavenly Father loves
us. He designed everything for us to be HAPPY! He wants to be able to let
things go and give it to the Savior. I testify of the Savior; I don't have a
perfect knowledge of Him, but I got to know him a little better by serving
others and showing the happiness of serving and sharing the gospel. Love is
what people need in this world. Love can change the world, one person at a
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Funny Stories:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We tried to teach Sister V's father but he can't
really hear us but he definitely likes to talk haha. When we left he gave us a
big grandpa hug and shocked me and Sister Jensen because we aren't supposed to
get hugs haha. But Maricel who was working with us just laughed so hard the
whole time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cultural Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It Rains EVERY DAY here but that doesn't stop us from
talking to everyone we can!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKVXjUmatO9gRizXkaCFbrdB16me6OeTxFuV0mzMkTI6iyngQIhfbMlYtyT6In_j-lkoLcvZf7RG324cwHqXYnpgl2UI-vfsNnKvK7QTHrI9RanvGAxarztxCA4XRowd6TC4jr_4yWjk/s1600/847_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKVXjUmatO9gRizXkaCFbrdB16me6OeTxFuV0mzMkTI6iyngQIhfbMlYtyT6In_j-lkoLcvZf7RG324cwHqXYnpgl2UI-vfsNnKvK7QTHrI9RanvGAxarztxCA4XRowd6TC4jr_4yWjk/s400/847_1233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk-rAsdz3KAitW62crmFUQcpjeA0atzQo5RNzP18aIM8V0tQcnJUBh8udaUpQXRyScn_MW8PR8FDzpMco58w7xZh-EZQGkYcMjfyCePs-jvjjRjJNxAF0Puh8jj6Zy5txLFjV8JVvbJU/s1600/847_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk-rAsdz3KAitW62crmFUQcpjeA0atzQo5RNzP18aIM8V0tQcnJUBh8udaUpQXRyScn_MW8PR8FDzpMco58w7xZh-EZQGkYcMjfyCePs-jvjjRjJNxAF0Puh8jj6Zy5txLFjV8JVvbJU/s400/847_1274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeSP6zCuO2tK5nQ9V8CzOIBniAp_jLIt9VcT8owvcaa_nFlkCXMMCXLvjePnIrQDi4Vd4Zh3PyuP85GBYBmbZsDus_f9eGxi1n4QiLTJbATktFNCUc6fFXKUzpEoyKx5_vmCNdChWbZo/s1600/847_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeSP6zCuO2tK5nQ9V8CzOIBniAp_jLIt9VcT8owvcaa_nFlkCXMMCXLvjePnIrQDi4Vd4Zh3PyuP85GBYBmbZsDus_f9eGxi1n4QiLTJbATktFNCUc6fFXKUzpEoyKx5_vmCNdChWbZo/s400/847_1257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SQ-8jBgkKPhhOT1_j1_gW9FVbiqo1kLJk8u0n4OuBnWPMfx2g_bNBFg6iaLEuBvUzAzkzTw7dYS1Xu0VS0xYQA6YO1xgpcACnkyiTKTV6wagR0ttGWgGf9lEKUc0Qd6qPiPjdFzgdJY/s1600/847_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SQ-8jBgkKPhhOT1_j1_gW9FVbiqo1kLJk8u0n4OuBnWPMfx2g_bNBFg6iaLEuBvUzAzkzTw7dYS1Xu0VS0xYQA6YO1xgpcACnkyiTKTV6wagR0ttGWgGf9lEKUc0Qd6qPiPjdFzgdJY/s400/847_1252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkStuCzyullf4b8yJ3jsds0X0uGDxUFGiRYUzT0QsJcjB8EV5RxQ7KxhP2BSfgNt5J8V7AGyTkYEgwQ0Uul1IT2j6v3MKxAb1y0lal9KSu_svc5Y27BCMcBkQhfffE8h2SZpz7X5_a94/s1600/847_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkStuCzyullf4b8yJ3jsds0X0uGDxUFGiRYUzT0QsJcjB8EV5RxQ7KxhP2BSfgNt5J8V7AGyTkYEgwQ0Uul1IT2j6v3MKxAb1y0lal9KSu_svc5Y27BCMcBkQhfffE8h2SZpz7X5_a94/s400/847_1250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXTP3xyHWlXQOH9L9m6XN4aW8KBtsdRuTwZsCCxFXZvZbMIuNwoa7dCzEiIV8DvKe5-qAaVm4HxSB-lRWheS_CQnNskxol2j_xvlJiqFooPQCfYCG6gU5UkFJK89dsKieXzqvrf7dpOU/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXTP3xyHWlXQOH9L9m6XN4aW8KBtsdRuTwZsCCxFXZvZbMIuNwoa7dCzEiIV8DvKe5-qAaVm4HxSB-lRWheS_CQnNskxol2j_xvlJiqFooPQCfYCG6gU5UkFJK89dsKieXzqvrf7dpOU/s400/IMG_1038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKyQLaX_4Z_wy4zaf2h52oKDOfSH6jab9uThSynHekqQoFssJ3cIE3FNX5JUxfzyqPT6H7pTQ-NfbTvwEacJ1IXFBMwA0GTw2BHOUB5JuyOhG60Crtp8QMQj_popWu8juOcHvb5AsjKw/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKyQLaX_4Z_wy4zaf2h52oKDOfSH6jab9uThSynHekqQoFssJ3cIE3FNX5JUxfzyqPT6H7pTQ-NfbTvwEacJ1IXFBMwA0GTw2BHOUB5JuyOhG60Crtp8QMQj_popWu8juOcHvb5AsjKw/s400/IMG_1030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-90913617013996233252018-06-12T09:26:00.001-07:002018-06-12T09:26:23.156-07:00<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="background-color: white; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div id="yiv0489026918">
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>It's RAINY SEASON! </b></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yahoo_quoted" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yahoo_quoted_8860820389">
<div>
<div id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866">
<div class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866gmail_quote">
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoyed this week. I've learned a lot from our investigators-- we are so blessed to have such special investigators here in Lingsat. They are what makes everything worth it. Feeling so much love for them as you teach them and wanting to be there for them in their darkest hours of need. I've noticed that God has sent us to people that desperately need love and hope and comfort. </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continue to read the Book of Mormon every day and apply it to our lives. I believe that it is key to helping us overcome all things. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.” We will place more emphasis on it as we teach and help others come closer to the gospel. </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We taught the plan of salvation to Grace this week -- a teenage girl that has been abandoned by her parents and has been taken in by a member. As we taught her about her divine worth and what Jesus Christ has done for her, it was so sweet to see such a troubled teenager actually smile and say how beautiful it was to hear those words. I'm sure that no one has ever told her that in her life -- that she is important, she is loved, and there is someone who suffered for her and will walk with her every step on the way back to her Heavenly Father. That is such a special knowledge that we have that I know at times I have taken for granted!!!! As we hugged her at the end of the lesson, I just wanted to squeeze the life out of her I love her so much. She needs Christ and His love in her life. </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've seen how that love has changed the life of one of our recent converts, Sister M. It's easy to see that her life has been so hard. They live in very poor circumstances and she doesn't have much support at home. She has turned to her friends in the past but that led to more sadness and misery. She tried many different churches to relieve the feeling but never find her. And that's when she met the missionaries -- who told her her worth and what God wants for her and the laws of God that would make her happy. It wasn't an easy road of change. There were times she felt like giving up. There were times that she was troubled. But she didn't give up. Little by little -- she transformed bit by bit. The Spirit started flowing into her life -- and especially since she has made the decision to be baptized -- she now just glows and radiates with happiness no matter what her circumstances are. She helps her siblings and loves them. She never misses church and always reads the Book of Mormon. She works with us and testifies to all of the change that has taken place in her. She had a dream that in a few years after she graduates from high school that she is going to serve a mission. </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We absolutely love the G family. They are growing in faith little by little. We talked about their marriage the other day and they are making plans, but they said that their goal and their main plans were the temple in a year. We were so proud of them. They are growing stronger and stronger as a family as they hold family time and prayer, counsel as husband and wife. As we shared 1 Nephi 7 with them and told them that with faith they can break the old habits that have held them captive, Brother C committed to completely stop smoking. That made us so happy. </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister V is growing in her faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement. She knows with all her heart that this gospel is true. She had been searching and searching for the truth and has suffered much of her life but has rose over it and has used her whole life to defend and rescue others that suffer. We know she is and will be a strong member of the church. Her husband is struggling though. Of course that breaks our hearts, but we are holding a special fast for him with our family. We are so so grateful for the support that the members are showing in going to visit and fellowship that family. </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since the missionaries have started visiting sister Lynn and her family, they have been hit with some of the sorest of trials. Their 5 year old son got infected with a virus that has spread to his brain, leaving him unable to even digest food for himself. But that hasn't broken Lynn's faith in God. She does all she can for him, never leaves him, does all she can to care for him. She loves her son so much. She is learning and understanding the doctrine and Christ from reading assignments in the Book of Mormon. She believes that the gospel is true. She is a beautiful example of unwavering hope. I know that the source of unwavering hope comes from Jesus Christ -- who because of him we can hope for a better world and help from burdens and sins. He is sure and steadfast and unwavering. As Lynn has had to suffer in her circumstances, she testified to us that the Lord is lifting her burdens to bear them with ease.</span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-verse-number yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-verse" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">41 </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420001" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420002" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">what </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420003" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420004" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">it </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420005" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420006" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ye </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420007" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shall </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420008" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">hope</span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420009" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> for? </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420010" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Behold </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420011" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420012" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">say </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420013" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unto </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420014" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420015" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420016" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ye </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420017" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shall </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420018" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420019" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">hope</span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420020" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> through </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420021" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420022" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">atonement </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420023" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420024" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Christ </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420025" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420026" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420027" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">power </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420028" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420029" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">his </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420030" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">resurrection, </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420031" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">to </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420032" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420033" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">raised </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420034" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unto </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420035" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">life </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420036" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">eternal</span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420037" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420038" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420039" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">this </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420040" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">because </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420041" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420042" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">your </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420043" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">faith </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420044" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420045" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">him </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420046" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">according </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420047" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">to </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420048" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the </span><span class="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-hl-id-75006848" id="yiv0489026918ydpe36449f2yiv0984079866m_-6192349655889177122gmail-chunk420049" style="background-color: initial; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">promise.</span> </span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KC and Jarwin are growing in their faith. KC is very bright and loves to read everything she can. She finds hope in this gospel and wants to learn. They also want to be married. We are hoping that they can get permission from their family so that we can have it sooner rather than later.</span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have noticed that it has been such a blessing to learn how to sacrifice our lives to serve others. That's what I want to do with my life and what I know brings true happiness in our lives no matter what. Somethings don't work out exactly the way we plan, but we will never be disappointed in ourselves, we will see the world as beautiful, and we can face anything as we come to learn our relationship with the Savior and learn of His love and share it with others. That is what I want to continue to develop. I want to be rid of the natural man and become a Saint through the Atonement of Christ. I want to become what God wants me to be.</span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br clear="none" /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cultural Notes:</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had goat intestine soup the other day. It was pretty good actually:)</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div class="">
<div class="qtd-body" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px; padding: 8px;">
<div class="yiv0489026918yqt1147999405" id="yiv0489026918yqtfd55735">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Sister Jensen are having fun baking American treats for missionaries:)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's mango season -- our investigators love to give us MANGOES:)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT8R2PFAt0yLGM8yjwdUJuUjBbSFkMufSmJS5Z-Qd9p8qxMW-crV1wW2sgs0f7c2vr0x60PsLHesJknLIEDqYRLMb3OaL10AXaaopat1tnN2H5UNMB1stnUb7_bymVYBrNMwSpokVhZs/s1600/Sister+Porter+and+Jensen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT8R2PFAt0yLGM8yjwdUJuUjBbSFkMufSmJS5Z-Qd9p8qxMW-crV1wW2sgs0f7c2vr0x60PsLHesJknLIEDqYRLMb3OaL10AXaaopat1tnN2H5UNMB1stnUb7_bymVYBrNMwSpokVhZs/s400/Sister+Porter+and+Jensen.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-57734306487173433842018-06-05T13:24:00.001-07:002018-06-05T13:24:48.172-07:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Learning Lessons</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">If there has been
anything I've learned on my mission, it is that loving people is the most
satisfying and wonderful thing. Serving others and showing them that God loves
them is so wonderful. It is the thing I live for. Often I feel inadequate and
weak, often I pass through much sorrow, but I told myself that it is worth it
to be able to help someone else.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we ended up
visiting some less active members and we were surprised with new investigators
-- teenage girls that had been abused, cast out, and forgotten, but taken in by
members. To both of them we had powerful lessons, just about how they have a
Father in Heaven that loves them inside and out, and would never ever abandon
them. They are unique and special to Him, they are so very important to Him,
and He wants them to come home to Him. Because of the Atonement of Jesus
Christ, there is someone who understands us. There is a way to heal hurt, feel
peace, and overcome our trials, our past sins, and our challenges. The
countenance of those two girls changed when we said that. It was as if that was
the first time that they had ever heard it-- it broke my heart to see what
those two girls must have gone through. There is power in Christlike love and
knowing that you are a daughter of God. By testifying that to them, I was able
to realize that maybe that applies to me too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Maricel A is so
converted to the gospel and so is Nanay V. Even though their families are
really struggling, they stand strong in what they know is true and keep hoping,
praying, and serving those around them. I see future valient missionaries and
Relief society presidents in them in the coming years. Tatay is really
combating his word of wisdom and making HUGE progress. But I think withdrawal
and the large amount of work to change got to him emotionally lately and it
made Nanay worried and sad. But we are going to all are going to keep fasting
and praying for him. We know that miracles come through fasting and prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KC and Jarwin are so
so precious. Yesterday we taught them about the atonement and Brother Jarwin
started crying for the first time. He said he remembered the pain he felt when
he watched his little child pass away -- saying if he could do anything, he
would take the pain away from his child and was willing to die himself for her
to live. That was the most precious thing I have experienced -- seeing that
love this young father had. How much does our Heavenly Father love us to send
His Son; how much must Jesus Christ love us to take on all our sins,
transgressions, weaknesses, pains, and sorrows?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been studying
about the miracles of Jesus Christ. He forgave those who had sinned and healed
all who came to Him in faith. I know of myself that I need the mercy and the
love of Jesus Christ to heal and sanctify me -- whatever hardship we have to
pass through. I am so grateful to see that love work with those we teach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfvLSJGpX6Q-woB8YxQ_3_06CvS61CmZwAmFZDDBxWKdBO8t8Fq_LQTjy4Jv4E9pdQLz1w0RIn_DW4hXqvxklM1FIbOavmTsFUS63dtHv-MVC9HbnD6nfm1AvAX9MUAs4uI2aLtgfZCQ/s1600/Maddie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfvLSJGpX6Q-woB8YxQ_3_06CvS61CmZwAmFZDDBxWKdBO8t8Fq_LQTjy4Jv4E9pdQLz1w0RIn_DW4hXqvxklM1FIbOavmTsFUS63dtHv-MVC9HbnD6nfm1AvAX9MUAs4uI2aLtgfZCQ/s400/Maddie.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAKaPXpK9IHoWOQ4yjiq0yUSjEV104hTB7xECfPUpuEv8LI7oA5soLSSB07jAufahsPafvrfrT94D9Fgxq4z4cmXzz45rLPIEyY3wUocq_isXshfQemwukrCqTT-S4XDHhx5ddR1oS9s/s1600/KC+and+Jarwin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAKaPXpK9IHoWOQ4yjiq0yUSjEV104hTB7xECfPUpuEv8LI7oA5soLSSB07jAufahsPafvrfrT94D9Fgxq4z4cmXzz45rLPIEyY3wUocq_isXshfQemwukrCqTT-S4XDHhx5ddR1oS9s/s400/KC+and+Jarwin.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-90963981377914361422018-06-01T09:22:00.000-07:002018-06-01T09:22:00.646-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Working in Lingsat</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week was a good
week. I learned a lot, and I am happy in Lingsat. I am so grateful for the
wonderful investigators here and for my wonderful companions. I feel like I
have something to contribute here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really appreciate
what we learned in zone conference. When I think about it it makes me feel like
we truly are in the most important adventure story-- we are fighting the battle
of good and evil. As messengers of Jesus Christ, we are the only hope for the
world to prevent it from its own self-destruction. Truly only the gospel can
fix family problems and make them ready to be together for all eternity. Only
the gospel can bring hope in the darkest of times, even in death. Only the
gospel can change the life of people -- even if they are the vilest of sinners.
Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring peace in a world of turmoil, war, and
confusion. Satan is so very real; he will do anything to stop this work. He is
the dirtiest and vilest of all enemies and all villains. But with Christ we can
overcome all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of them, I am
100% certain, are KC and Jarwin. I love them so very much-- they are so very
dear to my heart. They accepted the Restoration this week. We all were
overwhelmed with the Spirit when they accepted that they had received an answer
that this church was true. The room was filled with an indescribable feeling.
Sister Tanon testified to them that they were so special to their Heavenly
Father and that He heard the prayer of their baby who died that they needed to
accept the gospel so that they could be together forever. We want them to
be baptized this month. So... we are trying to organize a marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gallego family is
great too. Brother Gallego is making great progress! They still need to
go to classes and get married, but he is ready to be baptized. So that's
marriage number 2 that we need to organize, hopefully this month too because
Brother Gallego has accepted the gospel and needs to be baptized now to be able
to receive the blessings that Heavenly Father has for him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Vergara and
Sister Maricel were baptized this Friday and it was such a wonderful
faith-building experience. They both have strong testimonies that the
Church is true. They are both so sensitive to the Spirit and felt that
confirming witness. We are sure that someday Sister Maricel will be an
instrument for her family and someday go on a mission. She worked with us on
Sunday and shared the gospel. Sister Vergara is becoming an instrument for her
family to accept the gospel. Her father and her husband especially right now
are going to church and want to be baptized, so we are working with them and
going to help them with the commandments that they need to keep to be
baptized. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are exploring our
new area and it's been a little bit of a rough start trying to find houses of
less-active members, but we have found some less-active members to help. It was
a blessing for me to be able to help my old focus- less active member, Tatay
Lubiano, to come back to church. He has such a humble and strong testimony and
we are excited about the progress he is making; we are hoping to teach his
family that I used to teach last year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been really
studying about faith this week -- in more depth than I ever have had in my
whole life. I am starting to understand that faith in the Savior is a firm
belief that he is our Savior and Redeemer and the Only Begotton of the Father.
Because of that belief we have a desire to obey Him, to trust Him, and to learn
about Him, and to repent and change-- even though we don't have a perfect
knowledge or can see how everything will work out. Because God is perfect we
can put 100% trust in Him -- and that faith leads to miracles. That faith leads
to salvation and can heal us. I have been studying all the stories in the New
Testament and the Book of Mormon where the Savior healed people because of
their faith -- what kind of faith we need to show.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a desire to
share this gospel forever. I know that I'm not perfect, and I know that I get
hungry or tired; sometimes I don't always know what to do or how to do
something. But I desire to learn and grow and there is nothing more rewarding
than being a instrument in the hands of God to bring someone to taste of the
eternal joy that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are fighting for
eternal life. I love to show love to others -- there is no better feeling than
loving someone with all your heart and wanting to help them. I know that's only
a taste of what Jesus Christ feels for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0qNWqEkb2-OXq8MqvqzQkq7FWOryUhybxVYunBPt-cqEwQxgJsUKwZxhyphenhyphens-s3KJb0g-xB4ZdPACPujA23dP0ibpxUEkBANEW6TEWaf4IU6C1qJe8jQodRZUYHSYGsC2J2Nc6yg5MY9g/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0qNWqEkb2-OXq8MqvqzQkq7FWOryUhybxVYunBPt-cqEwQxgJsUKwZxhyphenhyphens-s3KJb0g-xB4ZdPACPujA23dP0ibpxUEkBANEW6TEWaf4IU6C1qJe8jQodRZUYHSYGsC2J2Nc6yg5MY9g/s400/IMG_0880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSxJ7zupoqoagxrzC-HNfbiIPxMSV9JM57u-LmRvYQk090dpu9ZQoeQokW40Rx4QxoCzKoNaC7lHHEoaCxxXcoweaZbTyCRFPUCgf6Cv5sqK-ACvuCMdJwcDtjLjmaE9jnUjp9gmoKlg/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSxJ7zupoqoagxrzC-HNfbiIPxMSV9JM57u-LmRvYQk090dpu9ZQoeQokW40Rx4QxoCzKoNaC7lHHEoaCxxXcoweaZbTyCRFPUCgf6Cv5sqK-ACvuCMdJwcDtjLjmaE9jnUjp9gmoKlg/s400/IMG_0960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-15386418860637976192018-05-21T10:23:00.000-07:002018-05-21T10:23:07.613-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Lingsat!!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week I was transferred back to Lingsat!! I love my two
companions – Sister Tanon and Sister Jenson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They love their work and they love the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss working with Sister Black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was an incredible companion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is so wise and knows how to do this work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What she says is inspired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a wonderful testimony of the
Atonement and the gospel of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now I am grateful to have gotten to participate in the
work here in Lingsat. We have some truly great investigators here. Sister
Vergara is 100% ready to make the covenant of baptism and has truly been
converted and changed. She is a bright light to her family -- inspiring her
father and husband to come to church, and we are now teaching her nephews. She
has a large family and we are really excited to teach them about what has
changed her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest blessing that I received this week though was
that Sister Tobias and I used to teach a young couple, KC and Jarwin, in
Bauang. They were so receptive of the gospel because they had lost their baby
and they never forgot what we told them in Moroni 8 about the celestial
kingdom. That is what they want as a family. They accepted to be baptized the
very day we met them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a few weeks
later one night Sister Tobias and I went to teach them and they were gone. They
had been forced to move because of a family problem and had been very hurt. We
were completely shocked but referred them to the missionaries in Lingsat right
away. Sister Tanon and Sister Jensen went to see her right away but she was so
sad that she just felt like she couldn't listen to the missionaries. But the
very day that I transferred here we decided to go and see them again. It was
divine design. Jarwin happened to be home from work that day early and they let
us in for the first time in months. We taught them and were impressed to re-extend
their baptismal date. They accepted again and came to church together! We were
so overjoyed! Even though Brother Jarwin was sick that day, he still stayed for
all 3 hours of church. They were really shy but we have high hopes for them.
That was a big deal for me because I was so sad when they moved and we couldn't
teach them. But God has a bigger and better plan than we know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8X5csew_w4p0Je-6aCoarHuXP7XxWq0Let9IZVzLtFrhBhtlubDsb1e6wuefY0T0REIccDccB522OGox32inm4S6dOjf7RaOjCME3AXMV9xYwSeQ9uF78CwQq2EhZ-_rvK2i8qz3iJk/s1600/847_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8X5csew_w4p0Je-6aCoarHuXP7XxWq0Let9IZVzLtFrhBhtlubDsb1e6wuefY0T0REIccDccB522OGox32inm4S6dOjf7RaOjCME3AXMV9xYwSeQ9uF78CwQq2EhZ-_rvK2i8qz3iJk/s400/847_1101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GUq-t7aAmYzJ9cZjVlBhpHiRbW5NOBzion44OdcWC3WLHI8W0HEmlpPiIluyw0hglPzFdpDAp3cOaqXYL3qNsLuAYJC_jG3BRryIedxsGLIW5zQVoUNDkHOvXjXxT69ZYJZlNlW1nVU/s1600/847_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GUq-t7aAmYzJ9cZjVlBhpHiRbW5NOBzion44OdcWC3WLHI8W0HEmlpPiIluyw0hglPzFdpDAp3cOaqXYL3qNsLuAYJC_jG3BRryIedxsGLIW5zQVoUNDkHOvXjXxT69ZYJZlNlW1nVU/s400/847_1099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y00ZFpMtwi9aVx8svhYWizmcjuV1KwYxdvh2xUEvxhcUDsRxn-Z-eTK5I7cVtx6giWR5pLFQCWKuMcuUo4LkFUfUOAHkTj4FccHiW0BKTj0Y7SK8Vzh0iSG8x2YrBkyUwQsj1_qH6hY/s1600/847_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y00ZFpMtwi9aVx8svhYWizmcjuV1KwYxdvh2xUEvxhcUDsRxn-Z-eTK5I7cVtx6giWR5pLFQCWKuMcuUo4LkFUfUOAHkTj4FccHiW0BKTj0Y7SK8Vzh0iSG8x2YrBkyUwQsj1_qH6hY/s400/847_1093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFJ1LoPaS2RV0JZmaAtE6dkLcjtPLaKkQp7d7CHnEwKtye3MtK2QKhZgT6TyXd-EZlHJYedYIB0jSLpeFofhl_ECb-zjdhH0Qf8rorp5wNraHBsPlwgcc59Yc4Ppfe9C89FsOAR8HZJU/s1600/847_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFJ1LoPaS2RV0JZmaAtE6dkLcjtPLaKkQp7d7CHnEwKtye3MtK2QKhZgT6TyXd-EZlHJYedYIB0jSLpeFofhl_ECb-zjdhH0Qf8rorp5wNraHBsPlwgcc59Yc4Ppfe9C89FsOAR8HZJU/s400/847_1090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_l8l475SaeWnkSPsTgv1UlVOqM8uIRIgx13gLSCg3InHpHRkogldrJ7zOLEn2-kyc-6SpLB1yvqkcRBoCHQjCNwn7pAvN8mojKyOnOIrBIgtYOG8bHmkQULdHPVd287ycb_E3DbcvBQ/s1600/847_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_l8l475SaeWnkSPsTgv1UlVOqM8uIRIgx13gLSCg3InHpHRkogldrJ7zOLEn2-kyc-6SpLB1yvqkcRBoCHQjCNwn7pAvN8mojKyOnOIrBIgtYOG8bHmkQULdHPVd287ycb_E3DbcvBQ/s400/847_1091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-19598671615614362702018-05-16T16:11:00.002-07:002018-05-16T16:11:39.517-07:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mother's Day!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so fun to talk to Sister Porter on Mother's Day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdMAnzqkTxnmY2xQvcQYOEYOFAzN9kAZSUeqKhk5_tailN2o8ihjKZyiemvMpjhaYdLsrek5ZD8ktoTVZ_qymOTakl81JghXpRpBPOTHnGVmWtXpgoxYNzBYZ8xGCV8M-p6-nDUYuLmQ/s1600/IMG_4093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdMAnzqkTxnmY2xQvcQYOEYOFAzN9kAZSUeqKhk5_tailN2o8ihjKZyiemvMpjhaYdLsrek5ZD8ktoTVZ_qymOTakl81JghXpRpBPOTHnGVmWtXpgoxYNzBYZ8xGCV8M-p6-nDUYuLmQ/s400/IMG_4093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-87609728581149712582018-04-30T13:27:00.000-07:002018-04-30T13:28:32.259-07:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sister Porter and Sister Black</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week was a humbling experience because of the trust given
to me to be companions with Sister Black. She is probably one of the sweetest
missionaries in the entire Philippines and I'm so grateful to learn from her.
She is already giving feedback on how to help our investigators to help them
progress.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is really hot in Bauang right now and the days and
schedule take adjusting to because it really is hard work! Missionary work is
more draining and challenging mentally then physically. Tagalog is definitely is
also hard too -- it is really hard to not be able to express your feelings.
Sister Black really understands the beauty of the gospel and has a sweet
testimony of Christ and she wants to share it. She actually speaks really well
-- probably better than I did when I first came in -- and we are studying
together -- but she's has to resort to English on a few lessons. But when she
spoke -- I believe she spoke by the Spirit and even inspired a man who wasn't
interested in our religion to read the Book of Mormon. She listened so
patiently to the man's testimony of Christ and then bore her own sweet
testimony of Christ to him. We are here to guide people to find the truth
especially when everything is so new to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are both very similar. I can see why we are companions
already. The past few days we've been just trying to stay take one step at a
time, even when everything doesn't go the way we wish it to. We try to sing and
talk and follow our schedule to stay calm and positive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a few people we hope will progress. Brother Von
Guillermo was touched by the Restoration and is praying for the truth and
reading the Book of Mormon. He is 19 years old. He's a very sincere seeker of
the truth and the only reason he didn't go to church was because the member he
was supposed to get a ride with didn't go because of a funeral. We are working
with a recent convert who sells vegetables in our area and is introducing us to
all of her friends in that area. One of them seems really interested -- she
asked us what our message was for her and then we bore our testimony that this
would help her family. They are a couple that haven't been able to have a baby
that that's what she wants. We are going back to her. Cristine Aurelio is a
referral from a member and she's 20+. She's a very busy college student and
doesn't have a lot of time to work with us but she is reading and we feel she
felt the Spirit telling her to listen to our message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are going to try other finding tools this week --
coordinating the Book of Mormon Project, praying with people and starting
lessons kaagad, and asking for referrals. President Tangalin told us their goal
is to find future Melchizedek Priesthood holders to move the work forward here
because there are not enough here. We want to help. I'm reminded of what
happened in Naguilian and that's what we tried to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our studies are good! We start early so we have a good 12
weeks and lesson plans. We do language study and apply it in our work. We do
our studies together and are even starting to read the Book of Mormon together
as a companionship. We hope that if we hold out God will bless us!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkmW1F33pLY-3z2H_6cvra_-fbcRDsRBhbrhw3GKReZqfY_nhPruWWYhFpPpssOAZxuF1tyVM4j4pD-CBDPq1oxutB4Z91WECwLNMMoiH69g0p62TVuRnOfPnhX9DTRMORo9ii_ag-44/s1600/Sister+Porter+and+Sister+Black+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkmW1F33pLY-3z2H_6cvra_-fbcRDsRBhbrhw3GKReZqfY_nhPruWWYhFpPpssOAZxuF1tyVM4j4pD-CBDPq1oxutB4Z91WECwLNMMoiH69g0p62TVuRnOfPnhX9DTRMORo9ii_ag-44/s400/Sister+Porter+and+Sister+Black+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-57969835707068460682018-04-24T20:52:00.002-07:002018-04-24T20:52:36.487-07:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Still Working Hard...</b></span><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a lot of interesting experiences this week. We
definitely had to handle some rejection this week. But we are not giving up and
we are going to focus on finding those who have not heard the gospel and to
have a vision of reaching those who are still unreached. We are going to try
something that people do in Bacolod mission called Power Hour -- 1 hour of pure
finding. We will see if it is effective. I'm also trying to see if a Book of
Mormon project is possible again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was really inspired by Zone Conference and time and time
again it is confirmed to me that my mission president was called of God to
preside over this mission. We are really trying to live by his counsel and be
more obedient. We are trying to live every rule but sometimes we fall
short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to take Elder Robbins
talk to heart -- to proceed from failure to failure without any loss of
enthusiasm. I really want to get more investigators to come to church and to
help them change their lives. My desire, truly, is to bring people to Christ.
Sister Tobias and I are seeking the Spirit -- the feelings that my mission
president describes of feeling at peace and happy, Sister Tobias and I feel.
Not perfect -- sometimes I get stressed or want to get something done that
doesn't get done, sometimes I forget things, or sometimes I feel like I have a
lot of shortcomings -- but I will keep trying my best. I never miss a morning
of reading the Book of Mormon and am going to trust in the promise that the
Book of Mormon will help us in our physical and spiritual capacities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex and Angel Estofalia were baptized this week. It was
such a sweet baptism. Their less-active family came to church and the ward was
supportive. The YSA and primary and Sister Tobias and I gave special musical
numbers. I think the Estofalia family felt special on Saturday. That baptism
was purely given to us be God, not from us. Those two little girls have such a
sweet spirit and take their covenant so seriously and showed they were willing
to follow and trust their Savior Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm praying to Heavenly Father to help me and we have plans
to work as hard as we can and find those we can teach. We are going to visit
members with my new companion and ask for referrals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm humbled to be called as a trainer. I feel inadequate,
but I promise that I will do my very best and we will be obedient. We will follow
the standard of excellence and find the souls that need to be taught. We found
someone yesterday, a YSA-age young man, who is ready to hear. He was humbled by
hearing about the first vision and offered a sweet prayer at the end to answer
him when he prayed on his own later that night. We are excited to follow up
with him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Tobias is a fantastic companion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned so much here from the members
and especially from my companion. Nothing distracts her from her calling and
she works so hard to use time wisely and do as much as she can EVERY SINGLE
DAY. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe13Df5TYexh0emmZrz1Cq_SJnSMU_YvPoMMv2jO86PVy0yrlc7ktDkTrGKJ_ACEsjPdzmju2m-MPWJ9JGb-1IpN_n1vE9hMSiBmcGjpUb7pJ9qRWzziFh23VojJ_bbxPQV1JFQbgS7k/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe13Df5TYexh0emmZrz1Cq_SJnSMU_YvPoMMv2jO86PVy0yrlc7ktDkTrGKJ_ACEsjPdzmju2m-MPWJ9JGb-1IpN_n1vE9hMSiBmcGjpUb7pJ9qRWzziFh23VojJ_bbxPQV1JFQbgS7k/s400/thumbnail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-91126443706895159692018-04-17T13:40:00.002-07:002018-04-17T13:40:26.291-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Another Week In Bauang</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week went by fast -- it was a good week. I had some
struggles the previous week, but I know that Satan really tries to attack
missionaries because he knows the weight of our calling. I realize I have many
weaknesses -- I'm not a perfect teacher for example, but I am learning to just
keep going and trust that Heavenly Father will bless us if we do our best to
follow Him. THANK YOU FOR ALL PRAYERS AND FOR GOING TO THE TEMPLE FOR ME AND MY
INVESTIGATORS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We felt a sense of urgency this week. I can see all the
people that have not heard the Restoration and we feel a tremendous sense to
teach everyone we can. Every time an appointment fell through this week, we
used it as an opportunity to talk to people on the street and teach on the
spot. We taught the Restoration on the spot to all of them and asked them all
to be baptized. Many of them were prepared. One mother, Sister Arlene, listened
to us so intently when we shared the Restoration. She was supposed to go to the
market with her kids but she decided instead to listen to us. She was surprised
by our message and accepted our invitation. We met some young single adults
yesterday when an appointment fell through and asked to teach them a lesson.
When we asked them why they let us teach them, one 19-year old young man (Von)
asked why there were so many religions and what was right. We were so excited
we taught him the whole Restoration right away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Young Single adults are so active in the ward. They are
running the ward and missionary work here in Bauang 2nd branch. They are so
faithful -- even when they have board exams the next day, or tons of work, or
school, they take the time to come work with us, even if they only have time
for a couple appointments. It's actually really funny because we've gotten a
couple referrals for the classmates of some of the returned missionaries in the
ward. It made me laugh because they can see in those classmates potential
people to date and become their eternal companions. We met one of them
yesterday and she was very receptive when we shared the Book of Mormon -- she
felt the Spirit testify that she needed to meet with the missionaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angel and Alex are going to be baptized this week. It has
been such a blessing to teach them because they are such sweet and humble
daughters of our Heavenly Father. They brought such a sweet spirit into the
lesson. They are a part member family. Sister Tobias and I love them so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have some investigators that are very strong in their
faith. Sister Marylou is a strong Baptist but has been listening to us. We just
read the Book of Mormon with her with faith that if she reads it she will feel
the Spirit. She feels it when she reads but when she doesn't she forgets what
she learned and goes back to her original beliefs. But she prays to know when
she is with us so we have faith that if she reads she will know in her
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of her kids are members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Shiela is such a sweet and humble mother. She still
has a lot to learn but she wants to come to church and we are hoping and
praying for her! She has been very receptive to what we have taught her
especially because her son died when he was 11 from malpractice, and she feels
that he is telling her to listen to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Calica and Bacolcol families are still struggling, but
we have been trying to pray to ask what we should do and on Friday we received
an impression to go to the Bacolcol family and teach them to pray. We did and
we only taught Sister Angie ( the mother) about receiving answers to prayer.
Then we prayed and Sister Angie gave a sweet prayer to ask Heavenly Father to
help her husband. Then we paused for a few minutes after the prayer and we know
that we all felt the Spirit. We are excited to follow up with Sister tomorrow.
The Calica family is struggling with money and they haven't built up the faith
yet that God can help them. But Sister Marylou asked us last night that we can
pray with her to overcome temptation so she will read the Book of Mormon and go
to church, because she told us that she wants to know God's plan for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those are the highlights of the week. We also have days
where things don't go the way we plan, we have struggles about our
imperfections and weaknesses, but I'm so grateful for the chance I've been
given to learn how to love. I've been realizing my mission is teaching me how
to think of others and their needs before mine. To truly love them. Sister
Tobias has a strength there and that is something I've learned from her. I'm
praying now for charity. Sister Tobias loves who we teach and sees more in them
than they do of themselves. That has taught me that's a gift I want too.
Sometimes when I'm frustrated when someone is acting a certain way, I realize
that actually those people need love and are looking for the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Tobias has been an incredible companion. She is so
hardworking, and so wants to improve her teaching and every aspect of our work
and to help each family we teach individually. She is such an effective worker
and never wastes a minute of her time. She is a great companion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-48388180106208536132018-04-10T14:15:00.000-07:002018-04-10T14:22:35.731-07:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Listening to General Conference</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I learned so much in General Conference; I truly do believe
that President Nelson is the prophet called for our day. We are truly being
called to live like Jesus Christ and the way he lived, despite the increasingly
wicked world in which we live; I was so inspired by his talk and by the new
program of ministering. We are being called to love as Jesus loved, respond and
live by the Spirit the way He did. What an incredible time that we live in. I
feel like many of the talks felt personalized to my concerns and challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But at the same time, this week has been faced with quite a
few challenges. This week we tried to meet new people and have teaching
appointments immediately. We tried to show them immediately that we are
different -- that our message is the message of the Restoration and of eternal
importance. We extended baptismal dates the same day. And we found people. But
at the same time things went wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sister Sheila, for example, -- we are 100% confident that
she is prepared by God. She lost her 11 year old son to a medical malpractice
and she embraced the plan of salvation immediately. She already felt that this
was the church she is looking for, is already embracing the other doctrines we
are sharing about latter-day prophets, and even dreamed about the missionaries
teaching her the Restoration-- she saw her son playing with animals and saw the
Savior tending his flocks like the front cover of the Restoration pamphlet. She
felt like her son was telling her to listen to our message so that they could
be an eternal family. Her husband wants to listen too. They were planning to go
to church but then her mother-in-law told her she was needed in Santo Tomas for
a long time to look after her. She had to pack and leave Sunday morning. She
isn't sure yet how long it will be until they will be able to come back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sister Marylou is the mother of two returned missionaries
who referred us to her. She has been working in Greece as a caretaker for a
long time, so she wasn't there when her children were converted to the gospel. As
we taught her, we saw that she has such a deep love for the Savior and a very
excellent understanding of the doctrines in the Bible. When we shared 1 Nephi
13 with her she understood that there had indeed been plain and precious truths
that had been lost from the Bible until there was no church that had the
authority or fullness of the gospel on the earth. We promised her that if she
read The Book of Mormon and pondered it and asked God if it was true that she
would know that for herself and she accepted a baptismal date if she knew it by
that time. But then.... it seems like she is going to go back to Greece to
work....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I'm clinging to these words by Elder Nelson:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What
wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand?
Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can
regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly
Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your
fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen!
Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow
through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process
day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the
principle of revelation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability
to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt
[seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon
knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which
bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants
you to know. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “To those who have eyes to see
and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the
secrets of the universe!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of
increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words
of Christ in the Book of Mormon, and regular time committed to temple and
family history work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the
heavens are closed. But I promise that as you continue to be obedient,
expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently
honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding
you seek. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every blessing the Lord has for you—even miracles—will follow. That
is what personal revelation will do for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJePNIVXt_Ab9JAHA3zjmos7JkvmopK7TNMgT4IzI4i7lCT5PyIl9E1-X9p4XYd8x5wpdOLhgeDrlo6dUGQX9lQzUecYNHNtg1Uw9LrZ2Rh4hY-jQjzsTEz1wW7ru2s0h8Ha4-47QFpAw/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJePNIVXt_Ab9JAHA3zjmos7JkvmopK7TNMgT4IzI4i7lCT5PyIl9E1-X9p4XYd8x5wpdOLhgeDrlo6dUGQX9lQzUecYNHNtg1Uw9LrZ2Rh4hY-jQjzsTEz1wW7ru2s0h8Ha4-47QFpAw/s400/IMG_0218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOaWwFGmJF4LtjKMv4ziiqchVAeFKRxTe3Wt-7ViCxhjpc8heEYYT8NJMRlqO4v_8vobW2_8N9zMU1chB2g887WxFKJ5Fbw7sRmLDE-ahQ9qE8AI-LcaOS9HkgBFZJ5qJClXhJGcCz-I/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOaWwFGmJF4LtjKMv4ziiqchVAeFKRxTe3Wt-7ViCxhjpc8heEYYT8NJMRlqO4v_8vobW2_8N9zMU1chB2g887WxFKJ5Fbw7sRmLDE-ahQ9qE8AI-LcaOS9HkgBFZJ5qJClXhJGcCz-I/s400/IMG_0174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d-sLKqSOkbpA4e8MymF3rZfT-FLSp4MB3MQ3u1yET-ViUUONJZ6E2YWIJaEtxTir6tuld_UD5hBBAMr7O_pRh4cKOmu-IRZElM-STI9BZQSFCgVSrsZX74JONJXIsi84a5iSG1eyFow/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d-sLKqSOkbpA4e8MymF3rZfT-FLSp4MB3MQ3u1yET-ViUUONJZ6E2YWIJaEtxTir6tuld_UD5hBBAMr7O_pRh4cKOmu-IRZElM-STI9BZQSFCgVSrsZX74JONJXIsi84a5iSG1eyFow/s400/IMG_0190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-43620081990834006732018-04-02T11:44:00.001-07:002018-04-02T11:44:02.743-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Easter!</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I very very grateful for this week and everything I have
been learning. I'm feeling more converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been immersing myself in the Book of Mormon and feeling
such a spirit come into my life. I love the Book of Mormon and has become the
most precious thing in my life. I've been more able to answer the questions of
my investigators. I have been able to be more motivated to share the Book of
Mormon with everyone I meet. It has become the subject of every TC and every
lesson. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 46.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved follow-up training. I saw a lot of things that I
definitely need to improve on, and I know that maybe I'm not the perfect
missionary and I fall short, but I know that I'm working as hard as I possibly
can to improve. But I decided to teach with a way more tremendous sense of urgency
-- to text all of our investigators every day to read their Book of Mormon
assignments, and to teach everyone based on the Book of Mormon. To be more
exactly obedient, to talk and find always. Sometimes I am still confused on how
to make decisions right even though I'm trying to make the best decisions I
can, but I know and feel in my heart I'm still striving to do my best. But I
also strive to not be hard on myself, recognize the Savior knows how I feel,
and will enable me to improve line upon line, precept upon precept. I love
sharing the restored gospel with all my heart, and have a wish that I could do
this for the rest of my life -- night and day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bacolcol family is progressing -- especially Nanay
because she is reading and understanding the Book of Mormon and she testified
to us this week that even though she hasn't finished it yet she knows it is
true and the Spirit has testified it to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She really wants to be baptized. Brother Alfredo is still struggling a
little -- it's hard to leave old habits and traditions behind, and he has a hard
time understanding why the life of his son was taken at such an early age. He
reads the Book of Mormon but he's having trouble concentrating and
understanding what he reads. We are looking in the scriptures for how to
resolve his concerns. We know that their son is cheering them on from the other
side of the veil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had an interesting experience with the Calica family. We
taught them out of the scriptures in 1 Nephi 2: 11-12 about why people complain
against prophets and commandments and what the Lord asks us to do. It struck
their hearts that they were doing the exact same thing about keeping their commitments.
We were overjoyed and excited that they would change and repent. But when
Sunday came around we waited and waited but they didn't come. So we marched
across the street from the church before sacrament meeting where they live and
asked them with completely devastated tone why they didn't go. They were
cooking peanuts and said they felt too lazy to keep the commandments. I was
completely devastated and we just stood there so sad. But we told them it was
not too late and they could come now to church, but that we loved them so much
and we wouldn't force them. We told them we loved them again and then left.
They didn't come. Now I understand how the Savior feels when we don't keep the
commandments. He is soooooo sad --- He says in 3 Nephi 9:13 -- will ye not now
return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye
shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and
whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ came, suffered, and died for us that we might
change and repent and prepare to become like our Heavenly Father as eternal
families. He is devastated when we choose not to follow Him -- why don't we
just come unto Him that he will heal him. Choosing to be lazy and procrastinate
truly is the thief of eternal life. BUT-- he will always love us just the same.
He suffered for us just the same. And in this life He will always give us the
chance to repent and change. But this life truly is the time to prepare to meet
God. And the Second Coming is malapit na. We have to share the gospel with
EVERYONE because we don't have much more time to prepare. There is truly
URGENCY in the work of the Lord. We cannot do it with lightness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got a chance to meet the Delegado family this week
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had read the whole pamphlet
and took notes and said if we were truly the truth that they would be baptized
kahit tomorrow. But they had a ton of questions and were more sure that they
were right. They believed that Jesus Christ could show himself to man but not Heavenly
Father. They still believe in apostles hanggang ngayon because they are
Pentecostal -- they trace their authority all the way back. We tried to share
scriptures but we had a hard time dominating the conversation. The only thing I
could say was that they must read the Book of Mormon with an honest heart and
they would know. He is searching for the truth. But I think next time we are
going to be bold and assert our authority as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ
and testify more boldly. I have no doubt in my heart that the Delegado family
will someday receive the fullness of the everlasting gospel because it is the
truth. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of the most High God. I KNOW the Book
of Mormon is true. I know that we have living prophets and apostles today with
the proper authority of God. And I know that the Lord is in charge of this work
even though I'm not a perfect servant -- I am still young and don't have a
perfect knowledge of things. But I believe in this work. I can see that I'm
growing in spiritual strength and maturity on my mission and I love being a
missionary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angel and Alex Estofalia are the children of a part member
family and are going to be baptized on April 21. I love the sweet humble spirit
of the kids and the support of their uncle, their aunt, and their father. I
feel such a sweet special spirit unlike any other when I teach children. I love
them with all my heart and can see Heavenly Father has a grand a marvelous plan
for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am absolutely convinced that President Bangal was meant to
be my mission president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that if
it weren't for him I would never have been able to experience my mission. I had
to go through some of the most painful trials at the beginning of my mission --
more pain than I had ever experienced. Pain that went through every fiber of my
being. True anguish. I know Satan is real and he knows who we are and who we
are meant to be. I am meant to be a missionary. I believe that. I know Satan
tried to stop me but I am overcoming that. I haven't felt that pain again. I
know the enabling power of the Atonement did it. Sometimes progression takes
time and we are all on different places on the straight and narrow path. But I
will never stop trying and try to share the gospel. I will never stop believing
that we can experience so much success. I will keep repenting and give
EVERYTHING every single day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2cIgUV2eCUKH9jHd-0GjbKyliuObIMYY_di5N_1ODrOQsr1BvHaYgqQRZNLjV4dASWQ9ZQbAJLQLnpdOZOw0vTfYoPIOcycyzq8DPdyEEVs89cK09s9ovRsaI6L-2fGLoBbOJNBrjI4/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2cIgUV2eCUKH9jHd-0GjbKyliuObIMYY_di5N_1ODrOQsr1BvHaYgqQRZNLjV4dASWQ9ZQbAJLQLnpdOZOw0vTfYoPIOcycyzq8DPdyEEVs89cK09s9ovRsaI6L-2fGLoBbOJNBrjI4/s400/IMG_0127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1Hf9Vzq4TToyvqj7qNt65yxmxZvJ62JMacgl3WG6tfP6CNJMWhR01VUgQq7ARRAfV7rBdI44oQK7S4nsvGelbX7x9VrCeA35DGU-xrtSQCYSNQ0kPE55e8naaDbgXQO5_Sq35zxC6Uw/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1Hf9Vzq4TToyvqj7qNt65yxmxZvJ62JMacgl3WG6tfP6CNJMWhR01VUgQq7ARRAfV7rBdI44oQK7S4nsvGelbX7x9VrCeA35DGU-xrtSQCYSNQ0kPE55e8naaDbgXQO5_Sq35zxC6Uw/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XdoIpbu7p_0lMiaeN2NLNm3I_gMCxL1PluM7sKfx2LvBxV_NjHPzn_7tKg5EI7CwlRZQgzPrDN0gMRT4QJBzYuV5XdtcfBW-UMLUbe03HrOGaU8uWU7Ciu6KZVcWuKgfxKUuGnXvOOw/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XdoIpbu7p_0lMiaeN2NLNm3I_gMCxL1PluM7sKfx2LvBxV_NjHPzn_7tKg5EI7CwlRZQgzPrDN0gMRT4QJBzYuV5XdtcfBW-UMLUbe03HrOGaU8uWU7Ciu6KZVcWuKgfxKUuGnXvOOw/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpyW3Ic8boy9cy1PfVhpGWbZnqi-essR83-4r8MQ71mHmRKnADRAPuUMT4VYFQNRC9PkKioChPPWxxQrhA0cG-BygFgbDVF96pJQ0ZqKOej-KhBnmOGWgz_iFaAKS4zVMq50aDv_xJyY/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpyW3Ic8boy9cy1PfVhpGWbZnqi-essR83-4r8MQ71mHmRKnADRAPuUMT4VYFQNRC9PkKioChPPWxxQrhA0cG-BygFgbDVF96pJQ0ZqKOej-KhBnmOGWgz_iFaAKS4zVMq50aDv_xJyY/s400/IMG_0122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCfyAmnDgaSGtBtGu35iwb1smm5-d9_iOuWsz1pekYS3rsk8VWhfXBTfulaRCjdwSa7MaA5VJs9-9Isuj3jL79D1-gPxIPWKjQHWvtYpitk3FwFRf4Ynnp8Y2SDu73BtrmAr4-0u-LdA/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCfyAmnDgaSGtBtGu35iwb1smm5-d9_iOuWsz1pekYS3rsk8VWhfXBTfulaRCjdwSa7MaA5VJs9-9Isuj3jL79D1-gPxIPWKjQHWvtYpitk3FwFRf4Ynnp8Y2SDu73BtrmAr4-0u-LdA/s400/IMG_0119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-48498909448981951422018-03-27T15:22:00.003-07:002018-03-27T15:22:48.201-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Good Morning po,</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week was good. A lot of things happened -- it taught me
that however imperfect of an instrument I am the Lord still uses me to
introduce the gospel to others. I know that sometimes plans don't go the way
you wish, you can't get to as many people as you wish you could, and sometimes
you aren't sure what to say. But Sister Tobias and I are happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Mayla Lou and Brother Arnold were married this
Wednesday. Sister Tobias and I were running ALL OVER TOWN Wednesday morning to
make sure everything would go smoothly. It was so cute to see them stand
together and pledge to each other. It was a sweet small celebration afterwards,
and even though I stumbled over my words trying to give a quick lesson about
families, it went okay. I believe Brother Arnold is the key for their family,
because he reacts the most to our promising to him that through the gospel his
life can be better and they can be sealed as a family for eternity. That is the
most important thing in this life. We are going to be teaching Brother Arnold
the Restoration for the first time as a family this week. We are praying this
will change their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of the Restoration, we had a great experience with
the Bacolcol family this week. They were taught for a long time by missionaries
because their children Pearl and Harold were converted to the gospel and served
missions. But they didn't understand or have much desire to change. But they
love their children so very much and have seen what good children they have and
their sacrifices for the gospel. But when tragedy struck November 2017 when
their new police officer Harold suddenly died of a health complication, they
were completely distraught. They cry every lesson with the missionaries because
of the overwhelming hurt they feel -- why did this happen to their strong and
wonderful child -- a returned missionary? They started reading the Book of
Mormon especially Nanay and they could feel a lightened feeling when they read,
but their hearts hadn't changed -- they were having trouble making changes and
would not accept a baptismal date. But Thursday night we had them watch the
Restoration and how Joseph Smith was so confused by such conflicting opinions
that he went into a grove of trees and prayed and received the First Vision.
Sister Angie was shocked -- "Why didn't anyone tell us this before? So
this means this is the true church? None of the other churches are true?"
We just smiled and let them ponder for a moment. Then we took the opportunity
to tell them that this is the true church restored on the earth and that this
was the way for them to be reunited with Harold eternally - if they will reach
for the temple. That Harold was their cheerleader right now and had served a
mission -- but what he most wanted and was praying for right now was for his
family to be sealed to him. We asked them to be baptized and Nanay exclaimed
"OF COURSE!" She and her daughter are ready to be baptized. They are
just waiting for Tatay -- he is still struggling letting go of old habits and
old traditions and trusting that this is true. But we will keep praying for
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a sad experience with KC and Jarwin this week. Every
Wednesday night we visit them but when we came last Wednesday their room was
deserted. Their grandparents had fought with them and they had to pack their
things and leave in the course of one day. We were absolutely shocked and
devastated because they were golden investigators -- so prepared to hear the
truth. But we called them and found out that they had moved to Lingsat -- my
old area! So we made sure the sisters know and hopefully they will continue
their teaching. KC and Jarwin are still reading the Book of Mormon even though
a lot of bad things happened this week. We are really sad that we can't teach
them anymore but we trust the sisters in that area, we trust that God has a
plan for them, and someday they will join the church, even if things are
delayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We taught a Catholic minister that was a referral from the
second counselor in our branch. We actually received a ton of referrals this
week from the young single adults too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We weren't able to teach Brother Raf this week. We called
him and called him but he hasn't answered. We aren't sure why, but we know he
is super super busy as a psychology student, and we know that he is truly
searching for the truth. He is so sincerely looking and seeking that we know
that the Lord will testify to him that the Book of Mormon is true. We are
continuing to text him and pray for him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday night we went to try to contact someone we met on the
street my first day in Bauang. We had felt such a sweet spirit come from their
family because they are a sweet young couple with a one year old. Christ is the
center of their lives -- they follow perfectly the Sabbath day, and all of the laws
of the gospel. They are so humble. They put aside everything they were doing to
let us into their home. Brother Billy explained that his faith in Jesus Christ
is everything to him but that he understood that over the history of time
churches argued and changed the gospel of Christ until there are numberless
religions in the world and he wanted to know the truth. We were so excited that
we showed him the Book of Mormon first thing, that Jesus showed himself to the
people of Old America. Brother Billy got out a notebook and started writing
down everything we said, asking clarifying questions and other questions of his
own. We had a little bit of a confusing lesson, with an overview of the
Apostasy, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. But we felt calm the whole time
even though I felt my weakness in explaining everything well. Brother Billy
told us that when he came to know that everything we told him is true, he would
be baptized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are seeing the future of the church and Bauang in these
wonderful elect souls prepared by God. I'm sure that when Brother Billy and
Brother Raf come to know the church is true, they will become the leaders of
the future Bauang Stake. These souls were valiant in their faith before the
world was. Sometimes I worry that my weakness will affect them, but I know in
whom I have trusted. I know that they are prepared of God and I have to trust
that the Holy Ghost will teach them. I'm so grateful I got to introduce the
Book of Mormon for the first time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been doing the Book of Mormon challenge President
gave us, and I am learning more from the Book of Mormon than I have ever
before. I'm finding treasures for my investigators. I'm finding that truly the fullness
of the gospel and all the truths lost in the Bible are IN THIS BOOK. It is
becoming my favorite part of the day is searching the scriptures. It is the
first thing I do EVERY MORNING. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are some of the highlights of our week. It doesn't
show the fact that we both got sick, we aren't perfect, sometimes things didn't
go the way we wanted, and we made mistakes. But I'm so grateful for the gospel
of Jesus Christ and I pray for humility, forgiveness, and diligence and
capability every day. Sister Tobias is such a hardworking missionary. It has
been such a blessing for me to work with her and being positive and happy in
any circumstance. That is a change from the beginning of my mission for sure. I
love working and being a missionary but wish we had more time to work and
proselyte!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWkyFEhXAVixgDo3sCCobI_RqXSKedTHUOm2iyCNJhhTKDphqPEl0dHBGDnykezE9E83EUWjhYD-s1zDx-8d_U6xejw0MdnKjKz8BqniYuX9Hdp6DaK_XQeQY5qY4PwyZmTPMCUjJqTA/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWkyFEhXAVixgDo3sCCobI_RqXSKedTHUOm2iyCNJhhTKDphqPEl0dHBGDnykezE9E83EUWjhYD-s1zDx-8d_U6xejw0MdnKjKz8BqniYuX9Hdp6DaK_XQeQY5qY4PwyZmTPMCUjJqTA/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5hLXkeWBdQrtlR6DK1cz5xtP6mVS9qCo9i_HoC55jLsKL8Tmw8bTDq_ZEJzsLnfj7_DvZUjntCR9_vU_WJtb-OicBrE5H-tn1uhla-jHVlPQmNbqXPribh_wQeWPq1PMadF_U_7KqkI/s1600/IMG_9996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5hLXkeWBdQrtlR6DK1cz5xtP6mVS9qCo9i_HoC55jLsKL8Tmw8bTDq_ZEJzsLnfj7_DvZUjntCR9_vU_WJtb-OicBrE5H-tn1uhla-jHVlPQmNbqXPribh_wQeWPq1PMadF_U_7KqkI/s400/IMG_9996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYK7NSQSQIkGjNY7QVWzjmfMDI3i9iL_Y0Fo4TBvAA-A60kjCOS9hmnHPmOPyMku0H9FP1SCDUA_eTocf7cNmeV3iOadDUXYlN6xHlrA3GhWIBZzD_9-VScALJccUSB1dGiWgOrBqtlU/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYK7NSQSQIkGjNY7QVWzjmfMDI3i9iL_Y0Fo4TBvAA-A60kjCOS9hmnHPmOPyMku0H9FP1SCDUA_eTocf7cNmeV3iOadDUXYlN6xHlrA3GhWIBZzD_9-VScALJccUSB1dGiWgOrBqtlU/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeyhRWehsYa8QP4fT78IRYNbfBgSwlrrhXp_QZceEhfb2b4lerP4J8cv2klJgIbBADUmatyG8V3ON1rTNQ872bdGdswILzL0TBZG6cJRd69NZSSXGRiz0XV8ww6TvpzQiM8goygNXA5Y/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeyhRWehsYa8QP4fT78IRYNbfBgSwlrrhXp_QZceEhfb2b4lerP4J8cv2klJgIbBADUmatyG8V3ON1rTNQ872bdGdswILzL0TBZG6cJRd69NZSSXGRiz0XV8ww6TvpzQiM8goygNXA5Y/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE9y12r0Ete7g_SBpxTlL7NlgCH0QBFwkTxbfem6DWuKlICG53m3lRRjvERGnvgoksQ67ko5wdRDW2AyG2MvuzhWeJ4kihTKev-21Lv6n5m7Umv5Mc1VoS8Cktmgd3NBwfyg0rfQPmr4/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE9y12r0Ete7g_SBpxTlL7NlgCH0QBFwkTxbfem6DWuKlICG53m3lRRjvERGnvgoksQ67ko5wdRDW2AyG2MvuzhWeJ4kihTKev-21Lv6n5m7Umv5Mc1VoS8Cktmgd3NBwfyg0rfQPmr4/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu3PM69UjyUbKCJU2uD6g-JyUtVDcqZZmMk43tFIrcEzHiEdhGO44qxc5m28CAuQsMsfyLrxKIcEQe1-xPfnR0qa1Jr5On74IFhYLkBw_K-bthuJTkfz9hEAzENFJk0pPx-FI_n2XwLQ/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu3PM69UjyUbKCJU2uD6g-JyUtVDcqZZmMk43tFIrcEzHiEdhGO44qxc5m28CAuQsMsfyLrxKIcEQe1-xPfnR0qa1Jr5On74IFhYLkBw_K-bthuJTkfz9hEAzENFJk0pPx-FI_n2XwLQ/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-71162829518268157052018-03-21T15:57:00.002-07:002018-03-27T15:24:53.334-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>More from Bauang</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week was a little crazy. On Monday night we received
the call to transfer to another house in Bauang and when we got there on
Tuesday morning there was a lot to do to fix up the apartment. We ended up
calling the other sisters over and we worked really really hard but now the
apartment is really nice. We spent two days showing our old area to the new
elders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worked so hard in our new
areas and extended lots of IBDs. They are taking care of our area there and it
made us so happy that we completely trust those elders with our old area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Thursday and Friday we had to take care of the paperwork
for the marriage of Sister Mayla Lou and Brother Arnold. It was a long and
arduous process to be honest. I actually got frustrated at Sister Mayla's
attitude because it just felt like we were doing everything to help them with
their marriage and to help them with the gospel but she is just not doing it.
How much time and tears and prayers and work and she just doesn't get it. She's
been taught for months now. But then when I tried to understand her the way the
Savior saw her I saw a young mother overwhelmed with her many children and
trying to find happiness in a world of poverty and despair. I saw someone who
didn't have support from parents starting at an early age and didn't know where
to go and maybe made some mistakes in her life. Her husband has been much more
supportive to us when before he used to hide from the missionaries. But
starting a couple weeks ago he's been listening to the missionary lessons, has
expressed great desire to be with his family eternally, and been reading the
Book of Mormon assignments really early in the morning when he is alone before
he goes to work. I'm sure the Savior gets frustrated and sad when people don't
understand but He loves families and believes in them. His love changes hearts.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We taught Brother Rafael last night. Sometimes I get nervous
because I don't always know all the answers to all his questions and how to
explain it perfectly. When I share something I often stumble over my words. But
it is clear from what he shared that he is searching for the truth so
diligently and his deepest desire is to teach the truth. That's when we shared
1 Nephi 13 and read the whole chapter with him. Brother Rafael was so
intrigued! He loved the chapter because it taught the apostasy so clearly for
him -- his background on the apostasy is fantastic. He said that he believed it
was possible that a restoration was needed, that God could call a prophet in
these days, and that other scriptures could be brought forth. He said he would
continue to read from the Book of Mormon and pray if it was true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KC and Jarwin are the young couple that are so prepared to
hear the gospel. They are truly prepared and reading the Book of Mormon. They
are starting to come to church. I have no doubt about them joining the church.
We are so excited for them. Someday they are going to be sealed with their
child that was lost -- sealed in the temple for time and all eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Juliet is an investigator of the sisters noon. Yesterday she
explained the feelings of the Holy Ghost perfectly every time she reads the
Book of Mormon and the Bible, and how she shares it with her boyfriend and all
of a sudden wants to share the gospel. We explained to her that she was being
changed through the Spirit of God, and that she was exercising faith and
repenting, but that it wasn't enough. That she needed the ordinances of baptism
and confirmation to fully enjoy the blessings that Heavenly Father has for her.
She was scared of what her father would say -- because he is so against
changing religion -- but she accepted a date in April and to pray for strength
to do what she knows is right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just a few highlights of the week. District conference was
fun because I saw all the recent converts from Naguilian be ordained to the
Melchizedek Priesthood. They are all active in the church and have greatly
strengthened the Elders Quorum there. I'm particularly excited about Brother
Nuevo because he is now the ward assistant mission leader and Brother Wally
because his girlfriend is leaving to serve a mission and I'm starting to hope
that he will serve a mission too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for those things. But to be honest I still
have feelings of falling short and not doing enough. I know the first half of
my mission was really rough as far as circumstances go and I feel as if I have
wasted part of my mission. Even though my deepest desire is to serve and bring
others to the gospel-- sometimes I fall short, I don't get things done I wish I
had, I don't say the right thing, I get really tired, I have to be patient with
those around me and patient with time. Honestly I feel like the proselyting
hours go by too fast-- if I could I would spend all day and all night proselyting
because there are so many people that need the gospel. Sometimes I'm still shy
or don't know what to say. But I believe in the power of the Atonement to
change the lives of others so I know I must believe in it for myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN4SXZNhaj2VogPq-givZhgc9ppkuBJr3bnjNHdKa6wyq6APqxvq_0S1kBUaoGrC8Nl2v_KmNmAKHFpqxYbzqDSeraHQ11QdCndoAV7KSuuAdIHUQ7wEGEmtoY6gsSLRwirU_tn-rlFQ/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN4SXZNhaj2VogPq-givZhgc9ppkuBJr3bnjNHdKa6wyq6APqxvq_0S1kBUaoGrC8Nl2v_KmNmAKHFpqxYbzqDSeraHQ11QdCndoAV7KSuuAdIHUQ7wEGEmtoY6gsSLRwirU_tn-rlFQ/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-68946622308570607872018-03-12T08:12:00.001-07:002018-03-12T08:12:32.736-07:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Zone Conference</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We loved zone conference last Friday. I love the focus on the Book of Mormon. I believe in that book so much. It's the first thing I do every morning and the last thing I do every night. I usually read the Book of Mormon in Tagalog. I've been working on it for the 3rd time on my mission. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Brother Rafael was on our minds the whole time that Sister Tobias and I were in zone conference. I really want to do what President Nelson did and make lists of all the truths that the Book of Mormon clarifies and principles. I think that it would really help Brother Rafael. Sister Tobias felt the same impression to do this during zone conference so we feel like it was an impression sent from God. We didn't get to teach him this week because he has been in the hospital with his grandma and he is a very busy psychology student, but we know he started the Book of Mormon from the very beginning. We really feel that this young man is going to be a future leader of the church and an outstanding missionary. His desire is to be a missionary, and I am 100% certain that God has led him to this church. I often feel inadequate to be teaching, but I'm so grateful that this is the Lord's work and the Book of Mormon is the key to conversion and understanding the Savior. I have no doubts about Brother Rafael. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We taught KC and Jarwin this week again, the young couple that lost their baby. they told us they had been talking about their first experience with the missionaries, and they are committed to joining the church. They are SOO prepared of God. They are quickly becoming close to my heart. i just want to talk about them all the time and I jump for joy when I mention their names to others and my companion. There is no doubt in my mind that we were led to them and they are going to be married for all eternity someday in the temple. We told them their baby is so excited that they found the missionaries and that he is waiting for them to go to the temple. They are so special. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">We have other investigators dealing with hard trials and the underlying problem is feeling forgiveness. But I'm learning that the Savior is willing and ready to forgive. He loves us. It is never too late. I love our investigators and see that their hearts are good and forgiveness and change. If I see that, I know that's just a taste of how the Savior loves me and our investigators.Some investigators of ours have lost hope because of the death of their returned missionary from sickness, or their husband has an addiction and wants to be baptized, or is afraid to come back to church because of the mistakes they have made in their lives. One recent convert has just been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. It was such a spiritual experience to sing "Be Still my Soul" to him. My heart is being filled with compassion towards them.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I've been studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon and the Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. I learned this:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that—miraculously—we can feel at home there. If Christ did not require faith and repentance, then there would be no desire to change. Think of your friends and family members who have chosen to live without faith and without repentance. They don’t want to change. They are not trying to abandon sin and become comfortable with God. Rather, they are trying to abandon God and become comfortable with sin. If Jesus did not require covenants and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, then there would be no way to change. We would be left forever with only willpower, with no access to His power. If Jesus did not require endurance to the end, then there would be no internalization of those changes over time. They would forever be surface and cosmetic rather than sinking inside us and becoming part of us—part of who we are. Put simply, if Jesus didn’t require practice, then we would never become pianists.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">-- Brad Wilcox</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3 Nephi 9 is becoming a favorite to share.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This week wasn't easy. Even though we planned very very busy schedules and many investigators every single day, even though most of them were sure times that our investigators would be available, things didn't go the way we planned. We kept wondering why things turned out that way. We aren't perfect, but we are studying and trying to be obedient, even though we have many flaws. But we stayed positive and even though we still aren't sure why things went the way they did, we aren't giving up and we are going to try again. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The gospel is about change and transforming into what Heavenly Father wants to make us. He is here to heal us, to change our nature through the principles of the Gospel into what he wants us to be. Jesus "ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice." Because he did this we can change and he can give us mercy. We can become like our Heavenly Father. But we must choose to use His Atonement and repent and change. If we don't we won't be ready or want to meet our Father in Heaven again. I'm so grateful to find those of His children who want to repent and be changed through the power of the Atonement of our Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon contains these truths and are in no other Book.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sister Porter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9MJpsl213DQlN_efzc-bxmqAkbJW_yF7-EyMygZJOxR8oiWmS1R-rLYvk-UkwgvfmkF3MTiCqUIUiupIu3oAEUX622Fq03hdtOCXqhytj_JZK7pyYFTNQs7Q7Nctx_zfE6pAScD1tjo/s1600/DSCN0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9MJpsl213DQlN_efzc-bxmqAkbJW_yF7-EyMygZJOxR8oiWmS1R-rLYvk-UkwgvfmkF3MTiCqUIUiupIu3oAEUX622Fq03hdtOCXqhytj_JZK7pyYFTNQs7Q7Nctx_zfE6pAScD1tjo/s400/DSCN0140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C-pYe8HAvWV00N5DJAUAwNrBr55HEgl4UnQQU43IKn17fu92pRjDbK9boO_J2RvAGrSIN0afE6lDp-k945msEArTW-TYa2kE7LRM_Q20pK4gflGt3MIXPivFrnUD3VfURunKGLkN1og/s1600/DSCN0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C-pYe8HAvWV00N5DJAUAwNrBr55HEgl4UnQQU43IKn17fu92pRjDbK9boO_J2RvAGrSIN0afE6lDp-k945msEArTW-TYa2kE7LRM_Q20pK4gflGt3MIXPivFrnUD3VfURunKGLkN1og/s400/DSCN0144.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpu3RBjAcwKpWgo2j55TKRt3ptzNvEfSEaVVHPX7Kq6rSy66w2O7zj5rHv7l8yrWv4NcBDJDGCVvJgeiV8_xWd4U57KjSFFqcMze04TaAusG18H8JHiSztUmzBsVEhmyokyERA4EJPgI/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpu3RBjAcwKpWgo2j55TKRt3ptzNvEfSEaVVHPX7Kq6rSy66w2O7zj5rHv7l8yrWv4NcBDJDGCVvJgeiV8_xWd4U57KjSFFqcMze04TaAusG18H8JHiSztUmzBsVEhmyokyERA4EJPgI/s400/DSCN0145.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7s0fEuw9H67KzjPYZD7KFAjHqgiXmID7TZbFP77-Ai0G5Y6u0i_j75lzYzUwG4AvZ5eVZf4nQ0VsTsQiHvhuH4C9VdP9vkdghO6DNmGmtD_D1t7l3Ppe34eyiBRRBOigK1xRLnceTGY/s1600/DSCN0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7s0fEuw9H67KzjPYZD7KFAjHqgiXmID7TZbFP77-Ai0G5Y6u0i_j75lzYzUwG4AvZ5eVZf4nQ0VsTsQiHvhuH4C9VdP9vkdghO6DNmGmtD_D1t7l3Ppe34eyiBRRBOigK1xRLnceTGY/s400/DSCN0147.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfgnFC8iPVcI2Knkxm5sRD7Jbz-vQoN9TSJajYgrsvkv5lAW0wEkjZ7exaw18oNYY8_VPytZMwa104JjKOZeeNnizQSvhcZQkQKQ6_pdPm9ITaKCPFUgrpSaJGlAX3C6nqx2KEZoyA2U/s1600/DSCN0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfgnFC8iPVcI2Knkxm5sRD7Jbz-vQoN9TSJajYgrsvkv5lAW0wEkjZ7exaw18oNYY8_VPytZMwa104JjKOZeeNnizQSvhcZQkQKQ6_pdPm9ITaKCPFUgrpSaJGlAX3C6nqx2KEZoyA2U/s400/DSCN0150.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-69247755270035039162018-03-10T07:54:00.002-08:002018-03-10T07:54:37.790-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>From Bauang to You</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just want to share a few miracles that happened to us this
week. I am gaining more faith that if we truly open our mouths that we will
find the people prepared by God to teach. I felt so blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday we were trying to find people in a new area that
the Sister Training Leaders left when they transferred to Bauang 1st ward. We
ended up finding an older couple that had been baptized a little over a year
ago but none of their family had been baptized with them. As we were talking to
them we saw their granddaughter hanging clothes nearby and we were makulit and
did everything we could to get her involved in the lesson. As we were getting
to know her, her asawa came in and sat down and started listening. They are a
young couple in their early 20s. As we started the lesson, we asked Sister how
her belief in God has helped her in her life. That's when her eyes filled with
tears and she explained that they had just lost their first baby. They were
both distraught. But brother expressed his faith in God and in prayer that he
has been given him to get a job to support his new family. They have great
faith in God. After that we were able to testify of the Plan of Salvation. We
asked them if they wanted to know where their baby was right now and their eyes
lit up and looked at us with such eagerness and attentiveness. We started
reading Moroni 8:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>8</b></span> Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord
and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but
sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick;
wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing
sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no
power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>11</b></span> And their little children need no repentance, neither
baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments
unto the remission of sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">12</span></b> But little children are alive in Christ, even from the
foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable
God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without
baptism!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We told them their baby was with their Heavenly Father.
Brother asked if they are growing up in Heaven and we were able to tell him
that we know that he is learning and growing in knowledge to become like his
Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom. Then we shared verse 10:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>10</b></span> Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye
teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of
committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and
humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with
their little children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's when we testified of the Doctrine of Christ and that
Brother and Sister must be repent and be baptized to be saved in the kingdom of
God with their child and be a forever family. They cried and told us they want
that more than anything. They are already reading the Book of Mormon and
committed to a baptismal date and to go to church. It was the best experience.
Sister Tobias and I were overjoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've been focusing on the Bacolcol family too. They are a
whole family that goes to church. They have two kids that served such honorable
missions. But one of them just died in service to their country and they are
absolutely devastated but became open to the missionaries again. We've been
boldly testifying of the Plan of Salvation in 2 Nephi 9 to them and it was like
the verses were speaking directly to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>1</b></span> And now, my beloved brethren, I have read these things
that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted
with all the house of Israel—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>2</b></span> That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy
prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation, until
the time comes that they shall be restored to the true church and fold of God;
when they shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall
be established in all their lands of promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>3</b></span> Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things
that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings
which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>4 </b></span>For I know that ye have searched much, many of you, to
know of things to come; wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste
away and die; nevertheless, in our bodies we shall see God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>5</b></span> Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show
himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that
it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth
himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all
men might become subject unto him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>6</b></span> For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the
merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of
resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the
fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became
fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>7</b></span> Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it
should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption.
Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to
an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to
crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are really improving in reading all the reading
assignments we give them. Sister Bacolcol is feeling peace reading the Book of
Mormon. Brother is still struggling overcoming an addiction and it is making it
hard to read. They are having trouble deciding to be baptized and I'm reminded
of the Abat family in Lingsat. But we know the time is coming just like the
Abat family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We taught Brother Rafael last night in the church. He is a
minister of Iglesia. When we started teaching he just started bombarding us
with scriptures he memorized in the Bible and even the Book of Mormon about
prophets and the Godhead and we were a little worried at first as we were
holding our ground that things weren't going to go the right direction. But
when we asked him why he wanted to know these things he expressed to us that he
was an honest seeker of truth and that he has questioned many churches and
completely understands the apostasy. He told us that his greatest desire in
life is to teach the word of God and we were able to testify to him that we
were called of a living prophet to testify that these things are true and that
he needed not a worldly witness but a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon
through sincere prayer. He asked us that if he were baptized in this church
that he wanted to be baptized by immersion and that he wanted to be a
missionary like us. He is only 20 years old. We told him that if his desire is
true to seek the truth that he will find the truth and become a missionary and
even a leader of the church and that God has a plan for him. As we were ending
he asked to share a scripture with us. Jeremiah 1:16 and then basically
testified to us that before this world was we were foreordained to the most
important work and calling in the world- to be a missionary of the Lord Jesus
Christ. We were so happy and we testified to him that it was true. I felt so
weak during that lesson -- I just testified. But I am so grateful that I was
able to witness a miracle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thursday all of our appointments fell through so we ended
up looking for old members in Calumbaya. We found an old couple that was
baptized the 1980s. We felt impressed to talk to their neighbors. One man was
shirtless and tattoed but ran to us and asked if he could listen and of course
we told him yes. He ran back to his house, showered, and made himself
presentable, came back, sat down, and then we started the lesson. We felt
impressed to ask if there was anything they could ask God what would they ask.
Brother told us that he has been searching and searching the Bible for the
right religion but that he recognized that there had been an apostacy and that
things were changed in the Bible. He wanted to ask for the true religion. Of
course we testified that that was all true and that there was a boy named
Joseph Smith that had asked that question. We gave him a Book of Mormon and
asked if he would read before we came back and he told us that by the time we
came back he will quote to us from the Book of Mormon. We were so excited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically work was amazing this week. Rica and Charlene got
baptized and Rica testified that she knew these things were true although she
is only 14 years old. We are focusing on helping her family recognize the truth
also. We worked hard. Things weren't perfect -- we make mistakes too. But we
testified of these things and tried to serve and love others. I was able to
testify in sacrament meeting about charity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Tobias is the most hardworking missionary. We are
both so happy and positive working even when things don't always go the way we
hope or plan and we make mistakes too. But we love to work, to study, and we
are really happy as a companionship. Amazing things are happening here.
Miracles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Missionary work is
the most wonderful work in the world -- bringing souls to Christ and His
Restored Gospel. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ywMKIcSU_ZopyFgPwLZHnV8cbiT5MZ1XT7gIIs61UlY0Xd3o4SjvEQrBL0lTjoVIE-CMF2RltxXqU2CYQd1EehvEt9XHgz10xLMsHkzpLPkHEWg-EJ69A_0Chtb34oDTTgtB4_5nmVw/s1600/100_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ywMKIcSU_ZopyFgPwLZHnV8cbiT5MZ1XT7gIIs61UlY0Xd3o4SjvEQrBL0lTjoVIE-CMF2RltxXqU2CYQd1EehvEt9XHgz10xLMsHkzpLPkHEWg-EJ69A_0Chtb34oDTTgtB4_5nmVw/s400/100_2919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_85U-CODNOUXUD0B4llY_hrxEgn30DIuv_YT1I2UxpS7972tBnXNIukz3vTdXqYeVibWcZN0iml970C49rTNrLUbh4nWEjCuorTXGnO2RVExHQEPFRDL4PKgiMMhMsUuo3UOo7bcs0Yg/s1600/100_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_85U-CODNOUXUD0B4llY_hrxEgn30DIuv_YT1I2UxpS7972tBnXNIukz3vTdXqYeVibWcZN0iml970C49rTNrLUbh4nWEjCuorTXGnO2RVExHQEPFRDL4PKgiMMhMsUuo3UOo7bcs0Yg/s400/100_2920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNnGOvLTEePSCLcaSHgBv4Huo8opMwVsQUh4o2g38NynXBlB1WF8L8kN1BJbapyQBBGLzGa_IANx8kew9VxEvcAw6cWkoH7tvLfRzA2lWYLzRY4hL1vJfJD1pEeqn3xvbxHCDG6SK-t8/s1600/100_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNnGOvLTEePSCLcaSHgBv4Huo8opMwVsQUh4o2g38NynXBlB1WF8L8kN1BJbapyQBBGLzGa_IANx8kew9VxEvcAw6cWkoH7tvLfRzA2lWYLzRY4hL1vJfJD1pEeqn3xvbxHCDG6SK-t8/s400/100_2914.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-80429800733773157192018-02-26T14:40:00.001-08:002018-02-26T14:40:08.587-08:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hello from Bauang</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Rafael used to be a minister of Iglesia and is very
smart and very kind and truly seeking for truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We met with President Tangalin and asked about the branch
mission plan and are going to do our best to support him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Cultural Notes:</span></b> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdnYueN7QhJ4DN7NYxF_BHnEI1_s3QBN27tql8A9zQCvG35pl-38i8x6kPsoKt1ej4d-F1gghJVu7BEpw2MTVuEtlkP5GOg-thJQqR2mCYB7RUoIWO4dcPeK1dxgXSKSH_BQ-WTBzttY/s1600/100_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdnYueN7QhJ4DN7NYxF_BHnEI1_s3QBN27tql8A9zQCvG35pl-38i8x6kPsoKt1ej4d-F1gghJVu7BEpw2MTVuEtlkP5GOg-thJQqR2mCYB7RUoIWO4dcPeK1dxgXSKSH_BQ-WTBzttY/s400/100_2903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNssU_e84JjsKyR8sjqwBDAaXfAqa8aVSIE294fAO-jI5hyOLQeQ-PgG0LhpFupdQTrBBmYg9XkCXwl3kIeStXrCzaIH9wxsfHJ15mou1j6nk2wbb1uXG0WPbhzV1L9laQ-JwVTfGVQM0/s1600/100_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNssU_e84JjsKyR8sjqwBDAaXfAqa8aVSIE294fAO-jI5hyOLQeQ-PgG0LhpFupdQTrBBmYg9XkCXwl3kIeStXrCzaIH9wxsfHJ15mou1j6nk2wbb1uXG0WPbhzV1L9laQ-JwVTfGVQM0/s400/100_2902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalxTCk6_8UI2WsfsW-C6M1g4mlUWJEV-iqCIaPK30CoaL8ld6_IY4uGJad4t-0hg-kAcSo273o7v6N3EfwmyXGy9KwKMmhjXTWhEOjZQh-ohhFkhSnWATKa11clxfOEhAdYAFW11FrFE/s1600/100_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalxTCk6_8UI2WsfsW-C6M1g4mlUWJEV-iqCIaPK30CoaL8ld6_IY4uGJad4t-0hg-kAcSo273o7v6N3EfwmyXGy9KwKMmhjXTWhEOjZQh-ohhFkhSnWATKa11clxfOEhAdYAFW11FrFE/s400/100_2908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tG9nBKaT6pBWvPuUU7vpn6VC0IWwv_6ED2gKsxTNUi22T7fXtWtSitlLOqpXxk_AYgOpJ7X3fMu_uap5OO-cq9vIYV5ZC79ycdwJ910RscvOxBQRfCU4ZlsH0kKL1KjF96ie9R060Qk/s1600/100_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tG9nBKaT6pBWvPuUU7vpn6VC0IWwv_6ED2gKsxTNUi22T7fXtWtSitlLOqpXxk_AYgOpJ7X3fMu_uap5OO-cq9vIYV5ZC79ycdwJ910RscvOxBQRfCU4ZlsH0kKL1KjF96ie9R060Qk/s400/100_2911.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY6Dt-oQYH12Nv1-20OPv2XIWXpTGpuupEI0FPXcoxUqfB87MhVJfJ6yDFPz6eJ0iuv8PHDj_Ex2FzzVhHaqgZRw9ID2A8HnjouTew8cATqqgnlxwmcVuLu57BWihBrtisVzDZ_4rGoQ/s1600/100_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY6Dt-oQYH12Nv1-20OPv2XIWXpTGpuupEI0FPXcoxUqfB87MhVJfJ6yDFPz6eJ0iuv8PHDj_Ex2FzzVhHaqgZRw9ID2A8HnjouTew8cATqqgnlxwmcVuLu57BWihBrtisVzDZ_4rGoQ/s400/100_2906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-34757822820210387352018-02-20T08:30:00.002-08:002018-02-26T14:42:23.687-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A Transfer to Bauang, La Union, Philippines</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just want to say that this week changed me. I had been
struggling a little with my emotions but I learned SO much this week which I am
100% certain has changed my life. It was the devotional with Elder Rasband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had been fasting and praying for weeks to be prepared for
this devotional. I had a question in my mind when I came. The talks were so
powerful. I had brought a notebook to write down notes, but when Elder Haynie
spoke and Elder Rasband, I could not write I was so completely taken over. All
I could do was listen to every word that came out of their mouths. I realized
many good things that we do -- how we treat everyone as a child of God that
needs the gospel, our sense of urgency and not wasting time. But what Elder
Rasband and Elder Haynie told us about giving EVERYTHING to the Lord -- all of
our energy until we are absolutely exhausted at the end of each day, sharing
the gospel with everyone, and the miracles that would happen because of it --
completely pierced my soul. I felt shock waves go through my body -- it really
felt like shock waves. Elder Rasband told us that what we do now -- our
obedience, our hard work, our love of the gospel -- will directly be how the
rest of our lives will be like. That hit me so hard. I realized that truly I
was not going to be happy UNLESS I gave it EVERYTHING I HAD. The miracles that
Elder Rasband shared were beautiful -- I truly believe now in the DIVINE
DESIGN. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After Saturday our work changed. Not only did we work hard
but we worked smart. We followed the Spirit. We found an elect lady that cried,
felt the Spirit the first lesson, and told us all of her questions of the soul
about forgiveness and seeing her sister again in the next life. We met a couple
that for years had been waiting for missionaries to teach them about temple
marriage. We talked to everyone and made tons of contacts. We still weren't
perfect -- but we felt the Spirit that day. We went to work early and didn't
waste any time in the apartment. We loved the people. Every time we meet
someone, we tell them that we were messengers sent from God to meet you and
tell you about this gospel of happiness, that it wasn't a coincidence that we
met you. I quickly saw how humble the Filipino people are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We met this really sweet 22 year old Stephanie who has 2
little kids and her husband works in the army. She has been moving from house
to house as her husband is assigned to different places. They have no real home
and no permanent address. When we met her we knew it wasn't a coincidence
because her close friend and neighbor growing up was Mormon. We have had a
shortage of Book of Mormons for weeks now but I felt impressed to give her
mine. She was completely overjoyed she almost cried. She's about to move again
and so I may never see her again, but I am certain God has a plan for her. God
has a "Divine Design.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm so grateful for everything I have learned. It's taken a
lot of trials, and I know there are a lot to come. Sometimes I wish that I had
learned all this earlier in my mission, but then I realized that the Lord knows
us and taught us little by little, line upon line. It's been hard with my
medical trials, but I've been blessed with wonderful companions and wonderful
areas. I see the conversion in my life becoming full. That my missionary work
is for the rest of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arnold was baptized last week. We felt the Spirit teach
Sister Wilma to come back to church and who she was and the divine plan there
was for her. I love her so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm excited to know what the Lord has in store in Bauang
with Sister Tobias. I know there is a FIELD of SOULS ready to harvest. I'm
really going to overcome my worries by looking to Christ. Whenever those
feelings come back again, I will just smile as hard as I can and talk to
everyone I meet -- that's what brings the Spirit to me. I know there are so
many people who need the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love, Sister Porter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHOGbf0r2k88kZXm_6GN-V0ixvtLBWakrYAcje5dptssg33Bg1-GiU9pN4-Gg1eyS8ED3_vCP5jitpdi3tZqgWP17hfjNMKiETkrGG5VJtIFR7N6AapW2AcHq74XZfIPF9ziThJ_8k4I/s1600/100_2900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHOGbf0r2k88kZXm_6GN-V0ixvtLBWakrYAcje5dptssg33Bg1-GiU9pN4-Gg1eyS8ED3_vCP5jitpdi3tZqgWP17hfjNMKiETkrGG5VJtIFR7N6AapW2AcHq74XZfIPF9ziThJ_8k4I/s400/100_2900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-25607182887549284902018-02-05T12:32:00.002-08:002018-02-05T12:32:50.082-08:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>More from Naguilian</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that it was revelation from God for me to stay here in Naguilian for a little bit longer. I am so so grateful. This week I saw incredible miracles. Last week I was hit with trials because things didn't work out right and I felt like I wasn't doing enough -- I felt surrounded by darkness. But so did Joseph Smith before the First Vision. At the very moment when you feel like you feel like you must abandon yourself to destruction or sadness, if you keep praying, the Light comes. And it came! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we worked so hard -- from the time we wake up to the time we go to bed we are still working. We planned, we prayed, we trusted in God that he would give us words to say. And He did!!! We have the best investigators!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are teaching a new family that was a referral from our recent converts. The Flora family is SO prepared for the gospel. The Spirit is working with them so much. The Spirit helped us teach one of the most clear and understandable lessons of the Restoration I have ever had. Their little 9 year old son has a sweet connection to the Spirit that he begs his family to come to church -- he's the first one ready every Sunday! They were touched at testimony meeting this week, started reading the Book of Mormon as a couple, and even though they are still confused about Joseph Smith they prayed to know if this is the right church for them and they said they received an answer that this is the right path for their family. In just two weeks they told us their family is changing little by little. They were thinking about another church to join but that was when they met the missionaries and they realized it was a sign from God. We are so so excited about their progress Sister Umpad and I were overjoyed last night.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their neighbor Sister Gida, was the lady who stopped us on her motorcycle, who has been searching for a real family because she was abandoned when she was a child and now helps abandoned children. She has been working so hard ever since she was young to build a living for herself. And we knew their was a reason we met her. This week when we came to check up on her she has changed. She grabbed her Book of Mormon, explained to us that she had met with her pastor and asked about Joseph Smith. He told her that even Satan can appear and deceive people. So she explained everything to us and told us she was confused but she wasn't quite convinced by his words. She told us she felt she needed to read the Book of Mormon and she started reading the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith at the beginning. After that I believe that Sister Umpad and I were filled with the Spirit and knew what we had to say. A scripture popped into my head - 3 Nephi 14: 16. And we told her that the Book of Mormon invites others to come unto Christ and nothing this good that brings forth such goodness and eternal life could ever come from Satan. Satan tries to counterfeit goodness and confuse us, but everything he does eventually leads us to be miserable like he is if we follow him. The Book of Mormon has the words of Christ and is the evidence that Joseph Smith was inspired by God. We then read 3 Nephi 14: 7-11 and promised her that because she was seeking for truth that God would answer her and bring her goodness. She came to church yesterday.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Arnold is so excited to be baptized that he wanted us to move up his baptismal date. He said he would be active in all activities and even came to branch council. Brother Nuevo is such a great fellowshipper to him and to our investigators. He drops everything to work with the missionaries or come to an activity or meeting. We are going to try to finish he lessons this week. We have some commandments to finish but he is doing so good. He is giving up his old ways and starting new ones. Their baranggay is buzzing with news of how people are changing because of the gospel. That's why almost all our investigators are in that baranggay it's pretty funny.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Erlina came to church too. They are getting married this Thursday. She is 20 years old and we brought the YSA to visit her and they loved her. After the lesson they came back the next day to learn how to make Baguio headbands. Sister Erlina felt so loved at church. They are a very poor family but prepared. We are teaching her more simply but she felt the Spirit when all the youth testified of the blessings of the gospel. She begs the missionaries to come back to her. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Emilia is a long term investigator but when we first met her she wasn't ready to be baptized. She still has things she needs to do but she has started reading the Book of Mormon seriously for weeks and the scriptures are talking directly to her and helping her change. The Book of Mormon is a miracle!!!!!! We feel the Spirit every time we read the verses she highlights with her and liken it unto her. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Rina that President allowed to come and research the missionaries, is 100% prepared by God to hear the gospel. She has been studying us and is so curious. After her survey we did EDPER in district meeting and Sister Umpad and I got to teach Sister Rina about the Book of Mormon and the First Vision. Afterward she got so curious that she testified to our zone that she felt something new -- she doesn't know it is the Spirit yet -- and said she was ready to meet with the missionaries. Hopefully the office got the referral we sent with her information.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We fasted with the leaders of the branch this week for our investigators and miracles happened at church. It was amazing. Brother Zaldy and Brother Arsenio blessed the sacrament today and did an incredible job. Brother Wally's girlfriend is leaving on a mission -- who knows what brother Wally will choose to do? (Hopefully he will serve too) I love the faith of the leaders here and I love Naguilian so much. I am so grateful for the counsel that the leaders have given me here -- they helped me feel peace and happy. I am actually learning that I like to plan and all the branch goals and meetings. I know that I stayed here for a reason. This week saved me because it brought back the peace that I was looking for that maybe I wouldn't have had otherwise because I see the fruit here in Naguilian. Truly the field is ripe and ready to harvest.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that there are still trials to come. I still feel inadequate because I make mistakes everyday. I have a lot of weaknesses. A ton. But everything that has happened here has been a gift from God and never because of our efforts. We can see that this is the Lord's work and not ours. That He knows His children and won't let them perish if they believe in Him. I, despite my innumerable weaknesses, believe in Him and keep praying and reading the Book of Mormon, and so I know He answers my prayers and gives us what we ask if we ask in faith. We have to be patient with the Lord's timing. Something I read from Jeffrey R Holland in (Tomorrow the Lord will Work Wonders Among You) is that the Lord knows the desires of our hearts. I know that I have struggles and I know they will come back. I know my weaknesses and I have a ton of things to improve. But we are being obedient and me and Sister Umpad are very happy. She is one of the best companions I have ever had because of her testimony, she makes me laugh and truly happy because of her conversion of her and her family, she is so humble and so bold and patient with me and our investigators. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my personal study I read John 21, and know that after my mission I can't go back to my old life either. I am not successful without the Savior, just like the disciples caught nothing when they went back to their nets. Christ is the one that gives success. Our work is nothing without Him, but we find strength and miracles beyond our capabilities. But more important is that Christ called us to feed His sheep. He can get fish is he wants -- but He wants us -- ourselves -- He needs disciples forever who will covenant with him to sacrifice our time, talents, to build the kingdom of God. I made that promise when I was called as a missionary and now I must be His disciple forever. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zpaHl0Oz7GuvuQ7gDiSkaGYC7G5Q25dvdB_GTXyOaZ7rOld6-8heHXi_jvXUqJcBWe0d1baFqhrqlG1YixcY9wM2hz7CH3C1ONZNH1I7aXbBuyUd7mmNSwqSFXwZxSPDGeNeX8KnHis/s1600/100_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zpaHl0Oz7GuvuQ7gDiSkaGYC7G5Q25dvdB_GTXyOaZ7rOld6-8heHXi_jvXUqJcBWe0d1baFqhrqlG1YixcY9wM2hz7CH3C1ONZNH1I7aXbBuyUd7mmNSwqSFXwZxSPDGeNeX8KnHis/s400/100_2846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-28296984552243179142018-01-22T10:24:00.003-08:002018-02-26T14:43:33.885-08:00<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bagbag na puso at nagsisising espiritu</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week was so great. We came home every day completely
exhausted. We worked so so hard. Our zone conference was fantastic and I felt
the Spirit so strong -- especially about the sacrament and how we can draw
power from it to change ourselves and become reborn every week. Little by
little every week we take out the natural man in us and replace it with good
and new more perfect spiritual qualities. Every piece of bread we take
represents the unique and individual needs that we need that Christ suffered for
to refine us, cleanse us from our sins, and give us power to overcome our
weaknesses. I felt the Spirit so strong and felt the power of the Atonement
changing me. I've felt so inadequate and unsure what to do or how to improve,
but through the sacrament I'm learning to rely on Christ and his power to
change me. I am feeling like that I'm born of God, that I have no desire to do
evil but to do good, that I love my Savior more and more, and I feel converted
and basically all I want to do with the rest of my life is share the gospel for
the rest of my life. Is there such thing as a lifetime extension?? I truly do
wish with all my heart to spend my days here sharing the gospel. Lives are
changed. I've seen an alcoholic change into a humble man glowing with the light
of Christ. He just had his baptismal interview on Sunday and our district
leader said that his countenance is truly glowing. It's so obvious to me that
the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives, changes souls, changes the world. I
feel enlisted in the most important cause to change the world. I LOVE IT! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Basically I am probably the happiest I've been on my whole
mission. We worked so hard finding part member families and meeting their
families in their compounds. We found a lot of promising investigators that we
are going to back to this week. We taught quite a few referrals of members, one
from Brother Nuevo who is now giving out the Book of Mormon to his friends that
he knows can change too (WOW!), one is the husband of a member who desperately
wants to be married in the temple, and another from our efforts in asking
members to give a Book of Mormon. Basically I just love the members and I love
the people of Naguilian -- I honestly wish I could just be here forever. I feel
that there is SOOOO much work for me to do, and sometimes I feel bad that it
took me so long to figure out how to do missionary work more effectively. It
was really hard when I was training, but I'm trusting that there was a reason
my first year was hard and things didn't go the way I planned. I'm hoping that
I will be able to serve the Lord with what I'm doing for the rest of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My companion and I are doing great. We eat super healthy and
eat all kinds of pure vegetable dishes and rice, like kare-kare or ginataang
gulay. We exercise every day and study the Book of Mormon first thing in the
morning. Our apartment is filled with the Spirit. We are feeling filled with
the Spirit. Yesterday we were confused about where to go and what to do but
everything worked out perfect because we followed the peaceful feeling that we
needed to go to Tuddingan, even though we weren't sure if it was going to work
out. We were able to teach in unity and power. We are excited to work. Even
though it does feel like an overwhelming task before us and we know we can't do
everything and we aren't perfect, we trust that the Lord will guide us to use
our time wisely. Sister Umpad is one of the best companions I've ever had. We
teach repentance and are bold. This has been the happiest transfer I've had,
even though sometimes there have been hard times to. I'm grateful that I've
learned so much. I'm praying so so hard that the Lord will help us bring many
souls to Christ, because I've learned that I absolutely cannot do it on my own
and it has been hard to get over my self-doubt and being hard on myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I talked at a funeral service about the Resurrection and
that Jesus is the Life of the World. I never thought I would do that. I also
got to speak in church and I felt the Spirit as I testified of the importance
of missionary work. I don't know if anyone else felt it but I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love missionary work. I love being obedient. I LOVE
NAGUILIAN. I love my companion. I love working. I know I'm not a perfect
missionary and we have hard times too -- I'm especially hard on myself because
I want to bring souls unto Christ and I feel that because of my imperfections
and capabilities that I have missed opportunities. But I'm trying hard and I
know I have to trust in God that they will come if I follow Alma 26:22 --
repent, exercise faith, do good works, and pray without ceasing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinN6VfTk4swHVpbX3z_5lzoeyiYW2cz9rlk1fC1VQ31tu-610qZwplT0GxPotVJvZXzhn8DcbtsCRlAYUFnXe_MKYaMbNM4YtIlvsl55Y7feE2JWlr3Bjt2MgTv5rCOjGgtg0MoLabRuA/s1600/100_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinN6VfTk4swHVpbX3z_5lzoeyiYW2cz9rlk1fC1VQ31tu-610qZwplT0GxPotVJvZXzhn8DcbtsCRlAYUFnXe_MKYaMbNM4YtIlvsl55Y7feE2JWlr3Bjt2MgTv5rCOjGgtg0MoLabRuA/s400/100_2901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-31279781730955458222018-01-16T16:18:00.001-08:002018-01-16T16:18:11.858-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good morning!</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week was a little bit harder even though we are
continuing to see wonderful things happen in Naguilian. Somethings just didn't
work out the way we wished, but I read this scripture in Alma and it really
helped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth
forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given
to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things
which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring
thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring
these our brethren to repentance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I truly love this gospel and feel converted to missionary
work. I truly do feel that way. There is nothing I love more in my whole life
than seeing souls repent and trust in Christ. That is such a privilege to
witness! It isn't to worry about the membership of the church or to be a
salesperson or to improve their lives, but it is to SAVE SOULS and bring them
to salvation. There is nothing more
serious or more important in the whole wide world and cannot be taken lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I have to have faith and act and DO IT! I have to have
faith that God is preparing souls around us to learn the gospel, especially
here in the Philippines Baguio mission where people are so humble and will
repent if missionaries are bold in their testimonies of the gospel. That is
what saved Nuevo Dumaging. If we hadn't told him he needed to repent and he
needed to do it NOW and not little by little, he wouldn't be getting baptized
in 2 weeks. Nuevo is a soul prepared for baptism. He is active in the church
activities and has the most humble heart. As soon as we tell him a law and tell
him to repent, he repents right away and does it no more. Arnold Aljentera is
getting ready to be baptized too next month. We had a strong lesson about
getting answers through prayer and that he has found the true gospel and
someday through his example his family will follow. The Spirit was so strong in
that room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing that happened this week was while we were
walking through our area we saw two ladies in their rice fields working and of
course we came over to help. They were so so surprised to see two sister
missionaries willing to help them in their rice fields. And while we worked we
told them about the Restoration. I was so so excited to serve and help and
share the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayers would be appreciated to help me have the strength to
talk to as many people as possible even when I feel tired in body and spirit
and wonder if I can keep going in energy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I repent, exercise faith, do good works and pray without
ceasing, I will know the mysteries of God and bring 1000s to repentence. It's
in the scriptures! It's a promise of God! I can't rest from my labors until the
end of my life because souls need to be brought unto him and I'm not truly
happy unless I fulfill this commission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so grateful to be here in Naguilian -- here I've learned
the most and love the people here so much. I've really been learning what it
looks like to TEACH REPENTANCE and BAPTIZE CONVERTS!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-2382866441375412018-01-08T07:41:00.001-08:002018-01-08T07:41:37.136-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hello from Sister Porter</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We worked really hard this week. We came home super super
tired every single night. We've been doing our best to help the ward and map
all the members in the ward. We are making some progress and I think our branch
president is excited about it. But it hasn't been easy asking and asking and
asking people where people live and being makulit when trying to get
information. I've never been the most outgoing person so every day I have to
keep trying to talk to people. Sometimes it is super awkward, and to tell the
truth I'm the only one usually who goes out of my way to talk to people so
that's been hard. But I'm praying to improve and that I can heed the promptings
of the Spirit to who I need to talk to. One member we found has been living in
Manila for over 20 years and almost never comes home to Naguilian. But we
happened to find her on the day that she came home for the holidays for the
first time in years. We shared a quick message with her and she cried and
remembered when she was in Primary and all the hardships she has had since. We
gave her a Book of Mormon and hope that her ward finds her in Manila with the
information we got. It wasn't a statistic but no effort is wasted -- it was a
person to be loved. Lots of little miracles are happening as we ask to find old
members. The branch is little by little getting more united, and I feel like we
are really trying to help the branch. We are still going to members houses and
asking for them to give Book of Mormons to their loved ones. We will keep
following up on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Nuevo is getting ready for his baptism in less than
3 weeks. He has become so humble and anything we ask him to do he does it. He
has had to change and leave behind most of his old life and friends for this
gospel. But what he's found is happiness -- he smiles and ponders the
scriptures and is finding strength to his body that he hasn't had in years.
What a blessing to see the true change. He is learning to make covenants to his
Father in Heaven so I am not worried about him making his baptismal covenant.
He is learning and growing so much. He is even fellowshipping his next door
neighbor, Brother Arnold, who is also progressing very well. He came to church
for the first time and loved the testimonies about the Book of Mormon. He is
reading and praying if it is true and coming to church. He has true intent, and
I know that people like that find the truth because Heavenly Father blesses
those who seek it. The members are excited about him coming to church because
he was a referral years earlier but that wasn't quite ready yet. The time is
ripe now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple weeks ago a lady stopped us on her motorcycle and
felt impressed to talk to us. She is a single mother who adopted and rescues
kids because she was an abandoned and unloved child when she was young. She
wanted to talk to the missionaries. She came to church yesterday and enjoyed
it. We taught her the Restoration last night and she truly listened and then
gave a heartfelt prayer to know the truth and in thanks to her Heavenly Father.
She still has a ways to go but she is doing great and we have high hopes for
her. She is so lonely and we know what she needs is the gospel and belonging in
the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Wally passed the sacrament for the first time this
week. I couldn't even contain my excitement for him; I was grinning from ear to
ear the entire time. We have been having the elders teach him so he can have
more priesthood support. He's a little lonely right now because all the men his
age are returned missionaries, getting ready to be married or are at work or
preparing to serve a mission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Arsenio Mendoza went to the temple right after his
baptism, and he loved it. He is already a home teacher and the branch is so
excited about him because he is opening up the doors for his family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Estebillo family is having a little bit of a hard time
accepting the Restoration right away because they have been in their religion
their whole life. But their 18 year old son is starting to read and pray about
it so I am praying that the Lord will help their family and bring them to the
truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been great to feel a little closer to the members. A
few of them bore their testimonies that the missionaries helped them recommit
to the gospel these past few weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've truly enjoyed this week and love Naguilian with all my
heart and to be honest I really don't want to leave ever because there is SO
much work left to be done. I feel converted to this work even though my
abilities and capabilities are truly not very much comparatively. But I've seen miracles here in Naguilian.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter</span></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981133396893449076.post-64419606912079491722018-01-03T20:38:00.003-08:002018-01-03T20:38:51.673-08:00<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though Christmas was a little crazy and many people
have been out on vacation, we are trying to be more of a strength to our
branch. The little branch is struggling with the amount of members coming to
church, putting a lot of stress on our local leaders. We are going to assist
them in mapping out nonmembers so we've been using our ward directory. It's not
easy but it's what the branch president has asked the ward to do and we hope it
will help us find part member families. We are trying to put into place a way
to work with the home and visiting teachers to help them find the less active
and part member families in their area. And we have been focusing on visiting
members and asking for referrals by giving them Book of Mormons. The great
thing is, every member said they had a friend, kapitbahay or family member that
has been on their mind to give a Book of Mormon too. We plan on following up on
it every week until we get referrals and to ask more members too. Hopefully
that will get us more investigators that have members involved in the work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Nuevo is doing fantastic. His countenance is
changing. He has repented of his sins, and avoids the situations that tempt
him. He reads the Book of Mormon every day and always comes to church. The
gospel is blessing his life and I know that if he continues he will be ready
for baptism in just a few short weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brother Arnold is a new investigator of ours. He felt drawn
to the Book of Mormon and is truly interested in knowing the truth. We taught
the Restoration so powerfully and I am excited to follow up on him. He really
has the desire to read and go to church so we are extremely hopeful. He has a
family too that isn't too interested right now but hopefully by Arnold's
example they will join. He had a dream when he prayed to know about the teachings
of the missionaries-- that he was looking at tons of photos of Jesus Christ all
with different faces and appearance and he ended up choosing one. When we came
and shared the photo of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon that was the one
that Arnold knew he chose in his dream. It was a cool experience. I'm excited
to teach him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rhenier Soriano and Arsenio Mendoza are the best recent
converts. Even though Arsenio got baptized last week, he immediately wanted to
go on the branch temple trip and he went! Rhenier did too -- and although he is
only 15 I feel like he is a very very special young man. Ever since he started
reading the Book of Mormon and was baptized he has devoted almost all of his
free time to the gospel. He even works with us. He went to the temple and is
trying to do family history work for his dad that he feels a special connection
to. He tries to share the gospel to everyone -- he tries to share it to his
whole class at school, all his family, and all his friends even though he has
been rejected and persecuted. He has dreamed that he will receive a mission
call. I know that the Lord has a VERY special calling for this boy who found
the gospel by himself and is converted. I have felt such a privilege to meet
him and know him. I almost cried when I saw all that he studies and does to
share the gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been really really studying the Atonement. I've been so
impressed with the story of Alma the younger in Mosiah 27 and Alma 36. I really
have been wanting to understand what it means to be born again, how to tear out
the natural man and become a Saint through the Atonement of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something else that I've been studying is opposition and
weakness. I came across a paragraph in my language study book that said that
there are 2 types of learners of a language -- those that are successful and
those that are unsuccessful. Those that are unsuccessful are those afraid to
try because they know they will make mistakes if they speak. They will only
speak if they know what they are going to say is perfectly correct. The
successful ones are those who are not afraid to act and speak all the time,
even if what they say is balubaluktot and crooked and simple like Ako and ikaw.
Those are those who eventually succeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that is not just for language but for life too. If
we want to learn anything, especially how to be like Jesus Christ, we can't be
afraid to fall and make mistakes. We have to try and try and get up and forgive
ourselves. I guess that is what I am proud of in myself. I know that to some I
may not look like the most successful -- I fall and make mistakes. Things don't
always work out the way we plan. Often we can't get everything we thought we
could do done. Sometimes we have to be patient with others. But what I've been
telling my investigators and myself is that Heavenly Father has a perfect plan
for all of us even if we don't understand what and he will help us know where
to go. But I know where my heart is -- it's to be a good missionary and to help
others receive the gospel. Sometimes I don't understand how and I feel like I'm
stumbling around in the dark. My desire is to be exactly obedient and I get
stressed about everything I'm not doing and it's hard to handle seeing where I
fall short. But I know who I have to trust and I hope that someday everything
will make sense. I hope that you will be proud of me and Heavenly Father will
be proud of me. I will never stop praying about it -- I've been praying for a
year. All of the baptisms in our area have never been because of my efforts --
it's God's work and not mine. But I haven't given up and as hard as it is
sometimes to not give up, I won't because I love this gospel and I love my
Savior and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I want to talk to as many people as I can. I know
that Heavenly Father places in our path people to teach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Porter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zone Activity! There ya go -- traditional Filipino food and
eating</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp5MRt16ScsJ27d57V0Pi_m0atMrcsBt_5RV6No-gv1OVbeGmFFI8A5NwlLS18QUr-cIOJkdDhNyISprgOGQFD7nFgMVY2TDWhGP_pyfg_JKhrneWHppOv9E90APF07CmS4w4vsdnAeE/s1600/100_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp5MRt16ScsJ27d57V0Pi_m0atMrcsBt_5RV6No-gv1OVbeGmFFI8A5NwlLS18QUr-cIOJkdDhNyISprgOGQFD7nFgMVY2TDWhGP_pyfg_JKhrneWHppOv9E90APF07CmS4w4vsdnAeE/s400/100_2852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_HqmxQlZQUEXqX1lTeym154PfesevPeA4xt9a-x6yvPCHQMhZtCrC1J6G-E3Qt01blnnZaqd66NG9u80UzfF30LCcArVZreUA8CUPHXEeYtCAAcqHnNgdV1bYWmO4sssJsMZ2R32Lw/s1600/102_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_HqmxQlZQUEXqX1lTeym154PfesevPeA4xt9a-x6yvPCHQMhZtCrC1J6G-E3Qt01blnnZaqd66NG9u80UzfF30LCcArVZreUA8CUPHXEeYtCAAcqHnNgdV1bYWmO4sssJsMZ2R32Lw/s400/102_2831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_C9iCc6MI5rrykFrULMwozSZmANGgKswS68Madoh4WWUx5m5f3udcJkKm6Nif-3bDsEsTcL3-eFku6UUz-kEhopsGRIZ-AwYva8kwcwc759HkBPYRChKQfgCYoXOCtSD_vC5n_J-uA4/s1600/100_2858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_C9iCc6MI5rrykFrULMwozSZmANGgKswS68Madoh4WWUx5m5f3udcJkKm6Nif-3bDsEsTcL3-eFku6UUz-kEhopsGRIZ-AwYva8kwcwc759HkBPYRChKQfgCYoXOCtSD_vC5n_J-uA4/s400/100_2858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqnQ7wHM4SByDwoCmdb4G2pPp3oDk4VKixduRjBeEeulw8rnmm-YzvZ1qZX9WScbQQVHjILKcXUNaxQm0Nl-9eUNndEn8jVthGnxMhy0BjtM-T4kzH-TTk7LmT6VlGPcHjg7DK-HOoiU/s1600/100_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqnQ7wHM4SByDwoCmdb4G2pPp3oDk4VKixduRjBeEeulw8rnmm-YzvZ1qZX9WScbQQVHjILKcXUNaxQm0Nl-9eUNndEn8jVthGnxMhy0BjtM-T4kzH-TTk7LmT6VlGPcHjg7DK-HOoiU/s400/100_2866.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvEb2RpL5aeBY6Z2QbV-m7hOIkawVXFMN5i-Fs_lHQsV0DH_Ourr3QMeqw4BV3nX1xlDEmuLU6hL2K5X-Qv5F47BwE5NFFk1sF3PZbi5P5uw0rKVtfECb-Zoy-7ysaTD-THBfPXhyjcs/s1600/100_2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvEb2RpL5aeBY6Z2QbV-m7hOIkawVXFMN5i-Fs_lHQsV0DH_Ourr3QMeqw4BV3nX1xlDEmuLU6hL2K5X-Qv5F47BwE5NFFk1sF3PZbi5P5uw0rKVtfECb-Zoy-7ysaTD-THBfPXhyjcs/s400/100_2862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Nicole Porterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05163431571142278958noreply@blogger.com0