Hello Everyone,
This week was a really good one, and it was a lot of fun. On Monday after we got back from Sagay, most of our zone walked to Tamlang and we played basketball against the police that are stationed there. We won one game and they won the other but it was pretty rad. All I can say is that Filipino basketball is a lot different than american basketball. We had a home evening at a members house after that which was really fun. This week our teaching was pretty much focused on our investigators because we had ten people who were supposed to be baptized on saturday. Unfortunatley, the family that we are teaching isn't ready yet so we moved there date. Our lessons to the mute are really fun, she cannot read or write but she can understand the signs that her sister makes so we have her translate for us. She is scheduled to be baptized on April 6th. We also had one member family that wont come to church anymore because of us. Its not really our fault but the mother always works with us and gives us refferals, but one of the neighbors started gossiping about her and the missionaries. We have had problems with the dad before but nothing big. On tuesday, he told the family that if they ever went to church again, he would kill all of them. I know it sounds kind of funny but if you met this guy, you would know how delicate this situation is. We are avoiding the area for right now. It was also Elder Garcias last week in the mission so we spent a lot of time visiting people. He went home yesterday and I am in a tri-some with the zone leaders until the transfer announcement on Wednesday night. On Saturday morning we had a baptism and when we opened the church in the morning, it was flooded. So we spent an hour or so trying to mop the water out of the church. There was also no power the entire day so there were no fans in the church. It is summer now here,so there is no rain and it is very hot, very hot... We pressed on and the baptism was good. After that we had a ward family home evening and that was really good for the members and a lot of fun. Yesterday at church was a trial for me but I got through it just fine. I walked in to priesthood and there was no teacher so I had to teach it by myself, it went OK and then I tough I was in the clear but right as sacrament started I felt a nudge on my shoulder. It was Bishop, kindly letting me know that I was speaking. I had no preparation time so it wasn't the best but I felt that I needed to talk about missionary work and home teaching because the members and especially preisthood want to help so much but they don't have the confidence or faith to open their mouths. I talked about doctrine & covenants section 100 and then compared it to 2 nephi 32:3 about study and preparation and how if we are prepared and study and seek for the help from the Lord, our mouths would be filled. To be honest, I think that I needed the talk more than they did. I also want you to take note that I did all of this completely in a different language. Other than that highlight we pretty much just ate all week because everyone kept giving us food because Elder Garcia is going home. I probably tried about ten different kinds of fruits in the last to days that I have never heard of or seen in my life. They were all delicious, except for Dorian(it smells like crap). Thank you so much for getting all that
stuff ready to be sent so fast Mom, but before I forget, my patriarchal blessing and my priesthood line were in the bag too. I would be forever grateful is you could make small laminated ones and put them in the package. Dad, I am sorry but your Cowles mounatin story made me laugh and worry about you a little bit. You might be getting soft with out me there. Have you been working out with Jeff or something? Anyways, your story reminded me about something that happened a couple weeks ago.A drunk guy cameup to me and started asking me about why I was there and what the church was all about and stuff, as we talked for a little while, I found out that the guy had been following us. He said that he saw us walk be and it looked like we were glowing. He said that he felt like he needed to follow us and here what we had to say. Even though he was drunk, it was a really meaningful and testimony strengthening experience for me. The gospel really is the light in the darkness and we as members need to hold it up and share it. That is our responsibility and that is were we will become happy. Well,I will get my knew companion on Thursday and I cant wait to see what the Lord has in store for me. I know that this church is true and we all need the blessings of this gospel more than anything else. Plus the Lord is hastening his work which means we should probably start hastening ourselfs to prepare for what is to come. To quote my favorite bumper sticker, "Jesus is coming, look busy". I love you all so much and you are all in my prayers. I can feel all of your support and hope that you can feel my prayers and are feeling the blessings of this service. DUECES
Elder Pulsipher
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
March 17, 2013
Hi guys,
Just wanted to send my love from the Philippines real quick and tell you a little bit about my exciting but hectic week. So as you know my atm was stolen(not lost). I guess president didn't give you a lot of back round on what happened when he called. So, last week, right after we emailed in Bacolod we went straight to SM(the mall) to go shopping for some stuff that we needed and eat lunch. We were eating lunch inside of a place called Mang Inasal, and my back was to the rail(the rail that divides the inside of the resurant from outside) and I put my bag on the ground in between my legs. Pretty soon I felt someone grab my bag and I turned around and some dude was just bookin it. Since we were inside there was just nothing we could do, we told the cops but the police don't do crap here. My companion was sitting right in front of me but he said he didn't get a good look at the guy. The good thing though was that we were on the way to a zone conference so I had everything important in my bag. First of all my wallet(license, temple recommend, library card, atm card, but no money), then my brand new scriptures were in it, my only long sleeve white shirt, my study journal, my camera(sorry no more pictures), my usb card with all my pictures, the keys to our house, and my planner. So I was pretty bummed after that and felt pretty stupid at my zone conference with nothing. Right after that some guy ripped open the backpack of another missionary and took his glasses and some other stuff while we were walking. The thieves here are pretty insane but they target americans. So I am gonna need some new scriptures, an atm card, and a camera but I dont think you should send me them because The box will probably get broken into. I did get the last package you sent and it was broken into but I don't think that anything was taken. My favorite was the dried fruit and nut trail mix from wal-mart. I have been craving that costco fruit and nut medley ha. I think that you should send me an atm card and I will just buy the stuff here.I asked president and he said that the best way to send it is just through fedx, I also tried to get him to throw me some cash so I could buy some new scriptures but he just shut me down. I talked to other missionaries and they said They have had there parents hide the cards in bags of cereal, candy, trail mix or anything, but just make sure that the pin number is not in the same box just in case. Anyways, other than that my week was pretty awesome. The training at the mission home was awesome and I learned a ton. We also had some really good food and ice cream which was bomb. After that, on Wednesday I had exchanges with Elder Sargent again and that was a lot of fun. I am definately improving a lot with my teaching and as a missionary. My testimony is also growing so much. Yesterday we had stake conference in Sagay, it was awesome, It was a broadcast from Salt Lake and Elder Evans of the seventy, Elder Hales, and Elder Holland spoke. Elder Hollands was my favorite. He spoke about D&C 121, Joseph Smiths experience in liberty jail. He talked about how no matter our circumstances, no matter what pains, or hardships or trials that we are facing, if we choose to rely on the Lord, and turn to God, we will be supported and we can turn that trial into a lesson and a spiritual experience. I want to testify of that, even though this trial of learning a language and teaching in a foreign country isn't nearly as great as what Joseph Smith went through during his life, to say nothing of what Jesus Christ went through for us. If you choose to put your trust in God and his commandments, remain faithful and rely on the Lord, you will be strengthened to press forward and you will learn more than you ever thought you could from that trial. It is after we have done everything in our power to continue, after we have run out of resources, and we turn to the Lord, that is when we will receive revelation for our lives. I see myself grow and improve everyday and I know that I could not have done this, and could not be doing this without divine help. And I know that that help, is available to all of us. Anyways, we have been preparing 11 people to be baptized on saturday, but its looking like only three to five will be ready by saturday. We have been really busy. I'm really sorry that I can't send any more pictures because my camera got stolen but hopefully I can get a new one soon. I learned my lesson for sure about the thieves here. All the members said that they always wear there bags no matter what any they tie them to their waists because people will rip them off you. Anyways that was pretty much the highlights of my week and I am really sorry I wasn't more careful with my bag. But, the work will go on either way, I am sure that that guy needed it more than I do and hopefully he decides to open up my scriptures. Well, I love you all so much and I am so grateful for all your support and your prayers. I pray for all of you everyday and Dad, especially for your eye. I know that it will heal in time. I love you all, please let me know what how you decide to send the card so that I can have the couples look out for it. Thank you so much for the package with the nuts, candy, and cherry sours, they definatley made my day and did not last long. I love you all, the church is true and the work is progressing. The Lord really is hastening his work.
Love,
Elder Pulsipher
Just wanted to send my love from the Philippines real quick and tell you a little bit about my exciting but hectic week. So as you know my atm was stolen(not lost). I guess president didn't give you a lot of back round on what happened when he called. So, last week, right after we emailed in Bacolod we went straight to SM(the mall) to go shopping for some stuff that we needed and eat lunch. We were eating lunch inside of a place called Mang Inasal, and my back was to the rail(the rail that divides the inside of the resurant from outside) and I put my bag on the ground in between my legs. Pretty soon I felt someone grab my bag and I turned around and some dude was just bookin it. Since we were inside there was just nothing we could do, we told the cops but the police don't do crap here. My companion was sitting right in front of me but he said he didn't get a good look at the guy. The good thing though was that we were on the way to a zone conference so I had everything important in my bag. First of all my wallet(license, temple recommend, library card, atm card, but no money), then my brand new scriptures were in it, my only long sleeve white shirt, my study journal, my camera(sorry no more pictures), my usb card with all my pictures, the keys to our house, and my planner. So I was pretty bummed after that and felt pretty stupid at my zone conference with nothing. Right after that some guy ripped open the backpack of another missionary and took his glasses and some other stuff while we were walking. The thieves here are pretty insane but they target americans. So I am gonna need some new scriptures, an atm card, and a camera but I dont think you should send me them because The box will probably get broken into. I did get the last package you sent and it was broken into but I don't think that anything was taken. My favorite was the dried fruit and nut trail mix from wal-mart. I have been craving that costco fruit and nut medley ha. I think that you should send me an atm card and I will just buy the stuff here.I asked president and he said that the best way to send it is just through fedx, I also tried to get him to throw me some cash so I could buy some new scriptures but he just shut me down. I talked to other missionaries and they said They have had there parents hide the cards in bags of cereal, candy, trail mix or anything, but just make sure that the pin number is not in the same box just in case. Anyways, other than that my week was pretty awesome. The training at the mission home was awesome and I learned a ton. We also had some really good food and ice cream which was bomb. After that, on Wednesday I had exchanges with Elder Sargent again and that was a lot of fun. I am definately improving a lot with my teaching and as a missionary. My testimony is also growing so much. Yesterday we had stake conference in Sagay, it was awesome, It was a broadcast from Salt Lake and Elder Evans of the seventy, Elder Hales, and Elder Holland spoke. Elder Hollands was my favorite. He spoke about D&C 121, Joseph Smiths experience in liberty jail. He talked about how no matter our circumstances, no matter what pains, or hardships or trials that we are facing, if we choose to rely on the Lord, and turn to God, we will be supported and we can turn that trial into a lesson and a spiritual experience. I want to testify of that, even though this trial of learning a language and teaching in a foreign country isn't nearly as great as what Joseph Smith went through during his life, to say nothing of what Jesus Christ went through for us. If you choose to put your trust in God and his commandments, remain faithful and rely on the Lord, you will be strengthened to press forward and you will learn more than you ever thought you could from that trial. It is after we have done everything in our power to continue, after we have run out of resources, and we turn to the Lord, that is when we will receive revelation for our lives. I see myself grow and improve everyday and I know that I could not have done this, and could not be doing this without divine help. And I know that that help, is available to all of us. Anyways, we have been preparing 11 people to be baptized on saturday, but its looking like only three to five will be ready by saturday. We have been really busy. I'm really sorry that I can't send any more pictures because my camera got stolen but hopefully I can get a new one soon. I learned my lesson for sure about the thieves here. All the members said that they always wear there bags no matter what any they tie them to their waists because people will rip them off you. Anyways that was pretty much the highlights of my week and I am really sorry I wasn't more careful with my bag. But, the work will go on either way, I am sure that that guy needed it more than I do and hopefully he decides to open up my scriptures. Well, I love you all so much and I am so grateful for all your support and your prayers. I pray for all of you everyday and Dad, especially for your eye. I know that it will heal in time. I love you all, please let me know what how you decide to send the card so that I can have the couples look out for it. Thank you so much for the package with the nuts, candy, and cherry sours, they definatley made my day and did not last long. I love you all, the church is true and the work is progressing. The Lord really is hastening his work.
Love,
Elder Pulsipher
March 10, 2013
Hi,
This week was really good and it went super fast. I am in Bacolod right now and will be for a couple days for our zone conference. This week, I learned a lot. I had exchanges with both of my zone leaders and they are both great teachers and helped me a lot. The language struggle is starting to just become a norm and I am just going to let it come in its own time. This week was really hard because we had a lot of problems with members and some of our investigators. On thursday, we ere told by one family of investigators that we have been teaching for weeks that they don't believe and they don't want to take they lessons anymore. It made me feel really bad but hopefully we planted the seed for the gospel to bless their lives later on. Their was also a big problem in our ward when one members carabaw ate another members tubo(corn field), the lady with the corn field blew the situation way out of proportion and said some really bad things(like really bad) and then took the conflict to the barangay captain. That caused some serios tension at church yesterday. Then some ladies started some cotcho cotcho(gossip) that my companion and I were getting a little to close to a member in our ward that likes to work with us. Her husband got super mad and we had to do some serious damage control last night. Other than that the week went really good and I learned a ton. I bought a little usb radio and my companion has a bunch of talks that we have been listening to that are really inspiring. Mom, I am so grateful for you and your experiences and scriptures that you share with me. It means so much to know that I have all of your support and love and I feel it every day. Dad, I know that your eye is struggling but I also know that there is nobody that is as strong and has the will to continue that you do. I am so grateful for the example that you set for me by pressing forward even through your struggles. I pray for you every day and I know that you will make a full recovery. Have you all started making any plans for the move to Carlsbad or have you changed your minds again? I know it would be hard right now if dads not at his best. It is so good to see the blessings that are coming to you and how much your are progressing while I am gone. Kelly and Mom are getting ripped and Mom is recieving endless revalation, Mike is winning races and him and Kristi are getting ripped too, Matt got a job and I am sure he is doing great, Amy is ruling Las Vegas and Sarah is ruling White Hills, and dad is being giving the power and will to continue and provide for the family he loves even through this trial. I want you all to know how much this experience means to me, as I look back at the short 4 months that I have been out, I can see how much I have grown, I can feel the spirit with me so much more abundantly and I am starting to realize what it means to have Christlike love and care for people and their salvation. I love you all so much and I am really sorry that I don't have any pictures for you this week. I miss you all so much. Keep on keepin on....
Elder Pulsipher
This week was really good and it went super fast. I am in Bacolod right now and will be for a couple days for our zone conference. This week, I learned a lot. I had exchanges with both of my zone leaders and they are both great teachers and helped me a lot. The language struggle is starting to just become a norm and I am just going to let it come in its own time. This week was really hard because we had a lot of problems with members and some of our investigators. On thursday, we ere told by one family of investigators that we have been teaching for weeks that they don't believe and they don't want to take they lessons anymore. It made me feel really bad but hopefully we planted the seed for the gospel to bless their lives later on. Their was also a big problem in our ward when one members carabaw ate another members tubo(corn field), the lady with the corn field blew the situation way out of proportion and said some really bad things(like really bad) and then took the conflict to the barangay captain. That caused some serios tension at church yesterday. Then some ladies started some cotcho cotcho(gossip) that my companion and I were getting a little to close to a member in our ward that likes to work with us. Her husband got super mad and we had to do some serious damage control last night. Other than that the week went really good and I learned a ton. I bought a little usb radio and my companion has a bunch of talks that we have been listening to that are really inspiring. Mom, I am so grateful for you and your experiences and scriptures that you share with me. It means so much to know that I have all of your support and love and I feel it every day. Dad, I know that your eye is struggling but I also know that there is nobody that is as strong and has the will to continue that you do. I am so grateful for the example that you set for me by pressing forward even through your struggles. I pray for you every day and I know that you will make a full recovery. Have you all started making any plans for the move to Carlsbad or have you changed your minds again? I know it would be hard right now if dads not at his best. It is so good to see the blessings that are coming to you and how much your are progressing while I am gone. Kelly and Mom are getting ripped and Mom is recieving endless revalation, Mike is winning races and him and Kristi are getting ripped too, Matt got a job and I am sure he is doing great, Amy is ruling Las Vegas and Sarah is ruling White Hills, and dad is being giving the power and will to continue and provide for the family he loves even through this trial. I want you all to know how much this experience means to me, as I look back at the short 4 months that I have been out, I can see how much I have grown, I can feel the spirit with me so much more abundantly and I am starting to realize what it means to have Christlike love and care for people and their salvation. I love you all so much and I am really sorry that I don't have any pictures for you this week. I miss you all so much. Keep on keepin on....
Elder Pulsipher
Sunday, March 10, 2013
March 23, 2013
Hello Everyone,
Just wanna let you all know that I love you and I have been thinking about you. I just found out that I can look at the pictures that you upload to dropbox too(mom). So take more pictures!!! This week was really hard but the last few days have been really good. On Monday is when I took all those pictures on top of the big rock. That was at a kid in our wards birthday. At the birthday I ate some bad lugaw(it's just kind of a mix of a bunch of crap) and I got really really sick for three days and lost ten pounds. I am pretty sure I almost died but the Lord wants me to keep working so I will. I feel really bad for dad's eye. My prayers have been for you dad and I fasted for your eye yesterday. I know that you will recover and be even more bad-A than you were before. As far as language goes I feel like my understanding is improving, slowly but surely. As for my speaking, that will come with time. We had a meeting in bacolod on Wednesday and President told the trainers to have the trainees start doing all the teaching. or as much as possible. He just said"let them struggle". So, hopefully I have a good last couple weeks of training before our next transfer. The last transfer was two weeks ago but when you are trained now, you have to be trained for two transfers. My companion leaves on the 24th and that is like 6 days before the transfer ends so I don't know what president is gonna do with me yet. I feel really bad because people keep writing me letters but it's really hard for me to send letters from here, but I am working on it so don't worry they are coming. Whoever was fasting for me yesterday, I really could feel it and I am so grateful that you did. I was sitting in sacrament meeting yesterday listening to testimonies and all of the sudden, I just felt the spirit super strong, like I almost started crying in the middle of church for no reason. I felt the same way for the rest of the day and I didn't know why. Church was also awesome yesterday because 168 people came and thats the record for all the wards in our stake. I am nervous that after my comp leaves that I will loose all of the people we have brought back. But anyways, just wanted to let you all know that I love you and I feel your prayers. Dad, my prayers are with your and I know that the Lord will provide for you. I just uploaded some more sweet pictures of me posing for you guys so check them out. I love you all,even Amy. DUECES
Elder Pulsipher
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