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
