5 months! Another Crazy fast week!

Hey family! So today I hit my 5 month mark on the mission! Sister Brewer wants to go to the cake shop to celebrate, she's always looking for a chance to eat cake. "it's my cousin's friend's birthday, lets go to the cake shop." I can't say I'm mad. 

Before I get into the good stuff, I have a crazy (literally) story for you all. This week we were going to teach this family that we've been teaching for about a month, let's just call them the Brown family. Anyways we've been teaching them for awhile and they have a lot of potential. But as we went to go visit them a grumpy tatay not wearing a shirt comes out of the house and tells us that we can never come back again. When we asked why he told us that Mr. Brown had gone crazy and his siblings found out we were teaching him and are pretty sure we did it. Of course we didn't believe it so we asked him if we could please talk to Mrs. Brown, he told us no and that we needed to be quiet or he would hear us. all of a sudden we hear banging in the house and someone yelling, "SINO IYAN" or who's there?! We look into to she Mrs. Brown trying to hold back Mr. Brown and then he runs up to us and says, "Sisters! May Problema!" Okay now we believed grumpy tatay, we besides the fact that we did that to him.. that's ridiculous. To be honest me and my companion were a bit scared, but before we left we made sure that Mrs. Brown was okay and she just apologized and ran to follow her husband. 

When we left, my companion and I were so sad, we had lost one of our families and frankly had never seen anything like that. After that I told my companion I had an Idea, "Let's teach the Amecays and Reals on the beach." so yes that is exactly what we did. It was amazing. We taught a lesson about the Holy ghost and then just enjoyed the beach! It was so fun, then to top it off we had some fish balls. which are now my new favorite thing. When I first got here I thought they looked and smelt disgusting, but I finally tried it and I LOVE them haha. 

Funny story of the week: Jessa Amecay is 6 years old and probably one of the cutest kids here. The other day while we were teaching the family she put on my name tag and was walking around shaking everyone's hand and saying "Hellllloooo magsimba po kayo!" haha something I say often. I have attached a picture, it is probably one of the cutest things I've ever seen! 

yesterday we had interviews with President Barrientos. It was so good! He is so motivating. He talked a lot about obedience and how it's for our investigators not ourselves. He so awesome! and to top it all off, I got my packages and mom you'll probably be receiving some thank you cards, because the elders loved the candy haha. It didn't last 20 minutes. You're awesome! 

On a mission, we study 3 hours a day. 2 hours gospel study and 1 hour language study.  While studying I have just learned so much! It's amazing how everything fits together. There is so much proof the church is true in history, the Bible and of course the Book of Mormon. I often think of ways I could share all of this information with my investigators, but I know I can't. It doesn't help to prove anything, because no matter how much proof you show, sometimes they still have doubts. It's crazy how many miracles I see here and my investigators see too, but sometimes they still don't believe. How is that? How is that in the Book of Mormon Lamen and Lemuel saw an angel, but were still disobedient? 

the reason is simple: miracles don't create faith, they strengthen it.

This is the same reason that before Christ performed miracles he asked the person receiving if they had faith. 

So how is that we have faith? By humbling ourselves enough to act on what we believe. Alma 32:16-18

We must act, because we receive no witness until after a trial of our faith. Either 12:6

I Just love this gospel. I promise this church is true. Trust in that! Thank you for all your love and support! 

"Let's doubt our doubt, before we doubt our faith." President Uchtdorf 

have a great week! Love you all!

Sister Abelhouzen

It's Like A Roller Coaster, just keep hanging on!

Pamilya ko! 

How is everyone? I hope you all had an amazing valentines! ah don't you just love, love? haha I can just hear Avery laughing.

This week was a straight up roller coaster, we had so many good times and so many not so good times. 

At the beginning of the week we found out that the Baltar family, who were getting baptized on Saturday, were having so many problems at their home. The lady that owned the home were threatening to kick them out because they were getting baptized in the LDS chruch. On Friday we found out Sandrie, who was also supposed to be getting baptized, was very sick and had the flu. In the midst of all these problems we did the only thing we could do, pray and fast. It's the hardest when problems are out of our control.

Saturday morning I woke up feeling like I hadn't gotten any sleep at all, I was so worried about these people and that the baptisms weren't going to go through. Then at about 8 in the morning we received texts that all three baptisms were going to happen. I immediately started crying. Heavenly Father answered our prayers and these people were going to be able to be baptized! 

Mark and Vincent- Vincent is a tricee driver and one day he drove the Elders to one of their appointments. One of the Elders decided to start talking  to him and found out that his wife is a member and he said we could come visit any time. We went to visit them the next day and found out that his wife has been waiting for someone to come visit them. We brought her to church and she's come everyday since. The first time we brought them to church, Vincent said he would come next time, which we really didn't believe because everyone says that, but he really did and he brought mark his step son. They've come every week since and Vincent has given up smoking and their whole family is now full of active members of the church. 

Sandrie Santiago- Sandrie's husband, Melchor, is a recent convert. However, when I first arrived to Vigan he wasn't attending church. When we taught him we found out that he has had a hard time, because so many people were telling him the church wasn't true and he didn't have any support from anyone around him. We started teaching him more and more frequently and inviting Sandrie each time. At first, she was always busy, but then she started listening more and more. She told us that she saw the changes in her husband and wanted to know why. Melchor received the priesthood and was able to baptize her and they are now preparing the enter the temple. 

Seeing the changes this gospel makes in people is so amazing, it's so worth all the trials and the hard times! On saturday we had 10 baptisms in our district! I just love love this gospel, it is truly the only way we can be completely happy in this life and return to live with our families forever! 

Sunday was pretty crazy! All the missionaries sang at a farewell for one of the members, she was 38 and had breast cancer. She's left 3 young kids behind. the whole time I was just praying that it would sound good for this family and It did, let's consider this a miracle! After the funeral I got to ride in a pick up truck and I felt like I was back home riding in the back of dad's truck, it was the best feeling! 

To end the week we taught an awesome object lesson to the Santiago. We used cotton alcohol and fire. When you immerse cotton in alcohol and light it on fire, it won't burn the cotton at all. We explained that the cotton is our life and the fire is temptation and the alcohol is the gospel and its principles. In life there are always trials and temptation, but as we immerse our lives in the principles of the gospel by reading praying, attending church, and keeping the commandments, we won't be affected. As members of the church satan is constantly trying to bring us down, but as we follow the guidance of the prophet and the gospel, we will be okay. This church is true. I know it with everything that I am. I am grateful everyday to be a representative of Jesus Christ and for the opportunity to build up his kingdom on the earth! 

Love you all! have an amazing week!

Sister Abelhouzen

All da Filipinas up en her

kumusta pamilya!

can I just say that I love filipinas! ahh I love my new companion! Her name is Sister Villareal, she's 23 and has been in the field 10 months. We are going to do some serious work in Vigan. The first day we were together we taught 12 lessons! yeah. 

We now have 2 filipinas in our apartment now this means: Better food, more hair on the ground, Tagalog of champions, and laughing non stop. They cook so much, I'm going to get even more fat. haha They shed like no tomorrow, don't even care so worth it. We speak in Tagalog so yes I'm going to be magaling in no time. We laugh so much now and by we and mean they at us... 

haha It's so great, plus we're having a lot of success in our area!Don't worry it's back to being sweaty and wet all the days... I now enjoy my ice cold showers (: 

 Next week we have three baptisms I'm really excited! 

Vincent and Mark- Vincent was the elder's Tricee driver one day. The elders referred him to us and when we went to visit them we found out that his wife is a member and hasn't been to church because she didn't know anyone and was afraid. Mark is Her son and is 11. They now come to church every sunday and are so prepared! 

Sandrei Santiago- her husband is a recent convert. When we were teaching them before she was really not interested! When we started teaching her husband after baptism she slowly started to open up and then she started to come to church. She now reads with her family every night and wants to be sealed in the temple. Her husband, melchor, has the priesthood and he gets to baptize her! Ah I love the gospel! 

I've been studying the Book of Mormon a lot (obviously) and I've been reading in Either and am so amazed at his strength. His dad stood for right when everyone around was making bad decisions. I know sometimes life feels like this and we feel as if we're standing along, but I know like Either, Everything will turn out okay if we keep an eternal perspective! 

"Wherefore whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God which hope cometh faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast always abounding in good works being led to glorify God." Either 12:4 

Always be steadfast and abound in good works! Never forget this is so much bigger than you and me. 

 

Love always,

Sister Abelhouzen

I'm in a cornfield, Wanna hear the Gospel?

Pamilya!

first and foremost transfers: I'M DONE WITH TRAINING! and I'M STAYING IN VIGAN! ahh so excited! I love it here! AND my new companion is a Filipina! One of the sisters here knows here and says she's so awesome. I'm so excited! next stop: fluent in tagalog!

This week was crazy. It went by so fast and I can't really remember everything that happened, so sorry if this is really short!

We taught 34 lessons this week and everyone wanted to feed us... I've never eaten so much food in my life. I thought I was going to die. I never thought I would complain about having too much food...  seriously one day I ate dinner like 5 times... and they won't let you eat just a little here. So this week alone I've probably gained 10 pounds. awesome.

on the bright side, we taught 34 lessons! My area is so awesome!

Also can somebody please tell me why it's so cold here right now? I've been freezing at night.. haha I just bought some blankets so that will be good, but still not what I expected haha I guess this is the coldest season its been in history. I guess I shouldn't be complaining It's wayyy better than always being sweaty.

last night we had a feast. Mom all the Sisters here LOVE YOU! I took a video of them eating and it's hilarious! Seriously STUFFING?? they were so happy haha they were saying things like ahhh this the best meal I've ever eaten and man I love the Abelhouzens haha. I made turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, salad and french toast. haha they were so happy. I felt it was an appropriate time since Sister Keith and Sister Bettilyon are going to Cagayan... no civilization.

I've been studying a lot about Jesus Christ and his life. I'm amazed every day. The fact that one man changed the course of history as much as he did in his short life... there is no doubt in my mind he is the Son of God. Through him everything is possible. He knows each and everyone of us, he knows everything we feel, and everything we're going through. I love this gospel and I love my savior Jesus Christ, I am so grateful for him.

I love you all so much! Remember, Lean on the Savior!

Sister Abelhouzen

I Can Understand!

Kumusta! 

This week has just flown by and been full really great! Wow my area is really progressing and the feild is white and ready to harvest! Next transfer will be so great here! I really hope I stay! Transfers are next week so by Friday I will know if I'm staying or leaving.   

This week I've been really grateful for the support of my leaders! Sister Bettilyon and I had to make a very difficult decision this week and had to tell someone they couldn't be baptized. It was a very messy situation, but we got everything worked out. The best part was the support the branch and district president gave us. They told us they trust how we feel and instilled a lot of confidence in us. It made me realize the significance of my calling. I am a representative of Jesus Christ, I always have the spirit with me to guide me. How cool is that?

On saturday we had a baptism in our branch: His name is Bernard and he is such a gem. He was so ready to get baptized! Jojo and his wife Sonya actually came to the baptism but they came late and they said they loved the way they felt. Then that night we had an area broadcast and they stayed for that too! Which was actually incredible because it was mostly in english and they stayed for the whole thing. At the area broadcast I learned how fast the work is progressing in the Philippines and what has changed from last year! It went from 2,100 missionaries serving to 4,300 and from 15 missions to 21. There are so many great leaders coming from the Philippines! I just love this work! God's Kingdom on the earth is spreading everywhere. 

On Sunday we had 8 investigators at church again. we also extended a baptismal date to Sandrie Santiago, she is the wife of a recent convert and has already come to church three times she said she wants to prepare to be an eternal family! We are so excited for her! Her date is February 15. We now have 16 baptismal dates!!

Funny Story of the week: On Wednesday President Barrientos came to Vigan and we had a devotional with the man in charge of the health care of all the missionaries in the Philippines! he was really great and in the middle he made us get up and all sing WADDLIATTCHA mom do you remember that song? if you don't know it look it up.  Well everyone was trying to learn it with the hand movements, but I already did! I was so proud of myself. I was rocking WADDLIATTCHA like a boss. haha thanks Grandma Bentley! you made my week! 

Miracle of the week: This week I lead all the lessons and basically did most of the talking and you know what... I know tagalog. I'm not fluent yet, but I can understand! I CAN UNDERSTAND! I can actually talk to people and teach lessons... it's so great. The gift of tongues is real! 

I love this gospel. I learn more of it's truth every single day. If anyone reading this has their doubts about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true. I promise you will receive clarification and know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Kindgom on the earth. alam ko po na totoo and simbahan na ito. Ang Aklat ni Mormon ay salita ng Diyos. at sa pamamagitan ng ebanghelyo ni Jesu Cristo Maaari natin babalik sa ating ama at kay Jesu Crist Kasama and Pamilya natin para sa walang hanggang. Pototoo po ako Sa pangalan ni Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Wait you're white... and you have a referral??

Family, you will not guess what just happened, literally like an hour ago. So we left our house and we were going to a new internet place and then we had to turn around because Sister Bettilyon forgot something at home so when we finally got to the place it was not what we expected we decided to eat there and then go to the place we normally go to. While we were eating, we notice this giant white guy walk in obviously we're trying not to stare, but it was kind of hard. I wanted to walk up to him and say "I'm white, you're white wanna be friends or baptized?" but don't worry Dad I didn't. Half way through our meal this white guy walks up and says "hi sisters, I'm brother richard." UHM WHAT? we come to find out hes from Salt Lake, Mormon and in the Elders Quorum. as if that wasn't cool enough we ask him why he's here and he tells us he's visiting relatives and wants them to get baptized while he's here and they live in Santa Catalina (our area) ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW? oh just wait yes his family has been taught for over a year ALL the lessons and had a baptismal date, but they have been so busy and we haven't been able to teach them in a long time. THERE ARE NO SUCH THING AS ACCIDENTS. There was a reason we were late, there was a reason we didn't stay at the computer shop, and there was a reason I craved pizza (more than normal) It was so we could meet him. We will be stopping by his house tomorrow. I love the gospel.

alright haha so yeah that would be my miracle of the week. This week has been amazing! we taught 33 lessons and had 8 investigators at church! We have found some new investigators that are really progressing! There are some great things happening in the area! The Lord has really been blessing me! oh and Jojo real came to church. I REPEAT JOJO REAL CAME TO CHURCH. This is the investigator that is a born again that has been really hard to help him progress because he thinks he knows everything. but he came. "Miracles can happen once and a while, when you believe." 

I loveee this gospel! wow, It's just so true! The true Church of Jesus Christ has been restored!

Happy are we!

Give Me Mountains to Climb!

First off, we had 11 investigators at church yesterday. Yeah you know I'm rockin it here.

So this week was filled with dinner appointments. Literally we have so much food left over. I'm not mad at all. especially because It was the 5th week and most missionaries are scraping for food because we live off 8,100 pesos a month which is less than $200 for everything.

Our first a dinner appointment this week was at the Alconsels with all the missionaries. As we were walking there we saw this giant anchor in the ground just chillin.  it was pretty sweet.

Another dinner appointment I ate squid... not fried just straight up. there was this stuff in side and I asked what it was and they told me egg. I just looked at them and said why is it brown? "oh it's the squid's eggs." yummy.

Tuesday I had exchanges with Sister Rosell. I learned so much, she is a power house missionary. She's filipina and literally after that day we had 6 new baptismal dates... wow.

We taught a lot of great lessons this week. The best feeling is when you walk out of lesson feeling great, because you just know you're making a difference.

So yesterday was Fast Sunday and I was STARVING. like more than usual. haha so when we got home we ate the Chili you sent me mom and made some corn bread that came from America. SO GOOD. aw I love America.

Funny Story of the Week: We have really been struggling with members coming and working with us. They always bale and so we never have fellow shippers. One day we were going to pick up Rose a 19 year old in the ward that said she would work with us. when we got there her brother told us she was busy and had a project she was working on. So we started walking away when I stopped and said to Sister Bettilyon "no we need a fellow shipper, we going to buy her merienda (a snack) and suggest a study break" "so we're going to bribe her" "I didn't say that" So yes that's exactly what we did. We baught her a fudgee bar and she ended up working with us. chocolate always works.

Miracle of the Week: Jojo Real is a crazy born again that always invites us in his home, but never progresses and thinks he knows everything. On Tuesday for exchanges I find out that before Sister Rosell became a member she was training to be a born again pastor. uhm yes our next stop, Jojo Real. We we got there she shared her conversion story and the spirit was so strong. afterwards he just looks at us and says, "When can I be baptized?" We now have baptismal dates for his whole family and they're preparing. There are no such thing as accidents.

Family, I know this has been a really hard week with everything going on at home, but I know that God has a plan for all of us. There is a reason LDS people are considered to be so happy it's because we know where we came from, why we're here and where we're going. We know there is a reason for everything.

We know that "adversary and afflictions are but a small moment. And then if we endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high." D&C 121: 7-8

"Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

I love you all so much. I am so grateful for this oppertunity to serve the people here. I know that God loves each an every one of us and will help us with whatever we need!

Mahal na Mahal Kita

Sister Abelhouzen