Ok well here is this week's update.
Not too much has happened other than transfers, haha. So Tuesday we just had normal district meeting and then taught a few LA's (less-Active) and investigators in the area. Wednesday we had to wait till 3 PM to find out Sister Sevilla is being transferred. So we threw together a quick goodbye party that night with the ward and then she packed and left early in the morning. It was crazy trying to get everything ready. I had two sisters- ward missionaries in the ward stay the whole day with me. But Sister Sevilla accidentally took the phone with her so we had to chase after her and we pretty much ran around like chickens with our heads cut off the whole day. That night I went to Catarman and stayed with the sister training leaders till my new companion showed up. I got to spend some time in the city and see that area. It's super different- less trees and more people. My new trainer is Sister Cruz. She is the exact opposite of Sister Sevilla. It's kind of crazy- I'm getting personality whip lash here, haha. then we had to stay there another night because her luggage did not come. Then we got to our apartment and killed lots of spiders and it actually was really funny... I just laughed and laughed as I chased this giant spider around our house. I stopped counting the number of cockroaches I have killed, hahah.
Oh man. She is big into organization so we are taking our house apart after this and cleaning. Which is good cause our apt has schisomosis--- whatever that worm is called that goes into your blood and you can never cure it.... Awesome yea? haha. So far we have visited with a few LA's and investigators and we are working on adjusting. She is very motherly and I am excited to learn so much from her! I am sorry I don't have much to report at all this week. We did very few teachings. We're still working on helping our investigators keep commitments. I am constantly "wrestling with the spirit" trying to calm my desire to be better fast and yet still work hard and have faith. Faith faith faith... need I say more? I am so grateful to be here and have these experiences, and struggle and learn, and learn to rely on the spirit. I love the scriptures and am so grateful for the strength they give me every day! I love you all and hope to hear how you all are doing!!
Be Safe Please!! All my Love!!
Sister Sarah Ralph
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
15 July 2013
So this week has been wonderful. People still think that I am Christina Aguilera... not sure how that works, but I guess its an improvement from being a man. On Tuesday we traveled again to Catbalogan for a mission tour with President Teh of the 70. Ok, I wish you could experience what it is like to travel here. I am on the verge of barfing the whole time because it's like a rollercoaster but with no seatbelts and kids and dogs inches away from the vans zooming 100 miles an hour through twisty roads hahah I love it, but we all get sick pretty bad.
Anyway, so the zone conference was great. The focus was on having faith, especially faith to find (much needed). He did a great job in being direct with us. He said "Elder's and Sister's the Lord is embarrassed with our finding"... yeah... ouch! It's true though! So we are trying to refocus and work with members to get referrals and the goal here is to search among the middle class for professionals and their families who want to hear our message. Hopefully things will start changing around here and the work will move forward at a different pace than in the past. I appreciated his words and hope to apply them fully to our efforts. I am still trying to still get a hang of things: the area, the ward, meetings, members, the area book, PMG, the language etc... so line upon line haha.
Ok, I love the bukid area I am in. Bukid means its out in the boonies or mountains. And I just love it! Its the most beautiful place ever! I love my area. I am at the point now where I just shower with the spiders and cockroaches. I killed 3 cockroaches last night haha I swear those things have like 30 lives haha. They never die! We were walking home last night late... oh I should explain something.. so here the sun comes up at 5 and goes down a little after 6 every day. So after about 7 we have to go home because there are no rides back and our area is 4 km from our home. Last night though it was late and we were waiting on the side of the road for a tricycle to take us home and we got chased by dogs and had like a twenty minute conversation with this crazy drunk man... I mostly laughed at Sister Sevilla as she kept trying to get him to go home. Oh good times.
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| Climbing the Coconut trees |
I am still trying so hard to recognize the spirit and teach with the spirit. The language... I don't know. I taught Gospel Essentials on Sunday hahaha. No one was assigned and everyone was just arguing about who would do it, so I just stood up and started teaching. I can understand if they speak hinay hinay (super slow) but normal speech... I still can't. I am still struggling very much, but I am more focused on just having faith still that my efforts will be enough and my progress is at the pace the Lord wants for me. Patience is still not my strong suit for sure.
A few things that have helped me this week are quotes that all of you already know. "It's true isn't it? Then what else matters?"
Thomas S Monson- "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to love"
I am learning the importance of prayer. For me, I just to take a moment before my prayer to think about who I am speaking to and what I really want to say, because the message that I am sharing with these people is really all centered around prayer. Prayer is the key. I go into people's houses and say, "If you pray, God will answer your question" or " you can pray to know the truth" ... do I treat prayer as a sacred act that it is? What a privilege we have to speak with our creator. For me.. this week I think its just been a continuation of last week. I no longer pray to know if He is there. I know now that He is. I have been reminded that if I feel like I am alone and He is not there... its not because he is not there... that is Satan. I am letting Satan into my head. I know that our Father in Heaven is always with us, always reaching out for us. I know that our experiences here in this life are for our good. I am so grateful to be where I am. I love this work. I love my Savior and Our Heavenly Father and am so excited that i get this opportunity to align my will with His. I love you all so very very much. You are such a strength and source of love and comfort for me. Please remember how much you are loved and continue to have Faith in Jesus Christ. Please Be Safe!
With All My Love,
Sister Sarah Ralph
Monday, July 8, 2013
7 July 2013
Samuel... how are those braces coming along?? Weird huh?
How are all the babies in the family doing?
OK these are going to be random so bare with me..
Last P-day we had a ward missionary and full time missionary activity where we made food and watched the "Other Side of Heaven"... oh my goodness can I just tell you. I died! I died of laughter. I can totally relate to that movie now and its suuuuupppper funny. I was crying I laughed so hard. I had mango float again.. which is delicious. I will make it for my family and whoever else when I get back. Super good! I'm trying to learn how to cook but we will see how that works out haha. Nothing like my mom's cooking though for sure.
Ok, so far one of my favorite parts of the Philippines is just how beautiful it always is. Yes... it's dirty and trashy but the these people live in the jungle. The coconut trees stretch for as far as you can see and the sky is blue or covered in clouds. It's so easy to find something to be grateful for here. At night, when the clouds are not crazy, the stars are beautiful and HUGE bats are always flying everywhere. I love the bats!! I love that there are huge spiders and people just treat them like wall decorations. I found out why this week when I tried to kill one in my house- they are lightning quick. It's easier to just let them be haha. Almost everyday there is tremendous thunder. Its sooo exciting! I give a little Sarah squeal every time I hear it cause I love it so much. It means that the rain is coming and its going to dump! And boy does it ever. It just floods everything in like 2 minutes and then stops and everything is dry again in an hour. So weird. I already broke my umbrella- serves me right for getting it at Wally World. I got to teach the Restoration to an investigator this week and man did I bomb it, but the spirit was there and I felt so good! I love Joseph Smith so much!
Ok.. this always confused me. So most of the little kids run around naked or with no pants yea? So no diapers right? Sooo???? you get what I am trying to say? I found out this week during a lesson when the little girl just went right there in the middle of the house, hahaha, when the ground is dirt in peoples homes. That's probably one of the reasons they always wear flipflops... cause the ground of their house is the bathroom as well. Good to know. I love this place!!
I went on my first exchanges this last week and it was fun. I got to see a different approach at teaching and so I learned a lot. She helped me set some goals and I was yet again pushed out of my comfort zone being the one to lead her through the area.
So I found out a lot about my mission this week. Apparently it was terrible before. Missionaries were getting married to Catholics as missionaries, and creating secret combination things where missionaries would get points for disobedience. it was highest in baptisms, but many of them were not good baptisms. So right now we are in the process of cleaning up the mission and the mess made. So baptisms are few, but we are focusing on rescuing.
I gave my camera card to the secretary in my ward cause he asked for it, but he ended up removing all my pix. Soo... alas. I lost all of my pictures. Sorry )= . Lame I know. Sister Sandra is an RM in my ward and she is such a gem. She is helping me with the language and she read my mind or something because I needed another skirt and she randomly showed up and handed me a skirt and was like... I think this will fit you. I was shocked and so surprised to find that it not only fit but was long enough!!! All of you who shop with me know just what kind of a miracle that is. Ridiculous!
This week has been so good, because the ward is really warming up to me. Some of the girls in the ward say things like "I would want you for my companion" or "we want you to stay here forever" things like that... just make me feel so good! I love love love my ward so much!
Elder Baker is one of my ZL's and he is probably going to be transferred next week but I really look up to him. He is a huge help with the language and with just becoming the missionary I want to be. I want to become a PMG missionary. It is not easy and I have a long ways to go, but its a goal that I have. I am excited for everything ahead of me.
The language is still.... not happening haha. But I am trying to stay positive and do what I can with what I have. I'm going to pray harder and fast more and would really appreciate your continued prayers in helping me to learn this language. I have realized that I do not get as frustrated any more... so that is something, right? hahaha It will come, it will (= .
Me and my companion are improving. I think the ward members have helped her see some of my positive qualities and so that has been a huge blessing for me. I am happy and content so no complaints (= .
I love Sundays sooo much! They are just truly blessed days. I just feel edified and uplifted every Sunday! It is a day of emotional rest for me at least.
So just an hour ago, my companion and I were at JolliBee (its like McDonalds for Philip) and I was ordering when someone behind me said, "where are you from?" in an English accent. I was shocked to turn around and see a white guy behind me. He and another guy, Eric and Greg, are interns here, graduated from Princeton. We four ate together and it was really cool to see how I could share principles of the gospel with them in just a more simple way than I have before. I was confident and appreciated the English. Yea, Eric asked if I could get lunch with him... so I had to explain a little, but we are giving his number to Elder Keate, no joke... he might actually really be interested in the church. I am excited to see where that goes. It sounds bad, but you kind of had to be there. Either way, It was nice to share my testimony the way I feel it- in my own language.
Something that I am learning and will continue to learn is Faith. Don't laugh... yes I know this is the first basic requirement in the church. But all my life, I have lacked this greatly. I didn't realize that all my fears and worries and complaints really were just me lacking faith. I want to be like Nephi and with confidence say... "I will go and DO the things the Lord has commanded... for I know that the Lord giveth no commandment.. save he shall prepare a way for them". This scripture is going to be a part of who I am. I want to increase in trust in my Savior and believe that if I am doing my best, I can not fail. I am not here to fail. I am here to preach the gospel. I love my life!
I love my family and dear friends so very very much. I am so grateful for your patience with me and your love. You are such a strength to me. Please be safe and know that I love you so much!
Forever With Love,
Sister Sarah Ralph
How are all the babies in the family doing?
OK these are going to be random so bare with me..
Last P-day we had a ward missionary and full time missionary activity where we made food and watched the "Other Side of Heaven"... oh my goodness can I just tell you. I died! I died of laughter. I can totally relate to that movie now and its suuuuupppper funny. I was crying I laughed so hard. I had mango float again.. which is delicious. I will make it for my family and whoever else when I get back. Super good! I'm trying to learn how to cook but we will see how that works out haha. Nothing like my mom's cooking though for sure.
Ok, so far one of my favorite parts of the Philippines is just how beautiful it always is. Yes... it's dirty and trashy but the these people live in the jungle. The coconut trees stretch for as far as you can see and the sky is blue or covered in clouds. It's so easy to find something to be grateful for here. At night, when the clouds are not crazy, the stars are beautiful and HUGE bats are always flying everywhere. I love the bats!! I love that there are huge spiders and people just treat them like wall decorations. I found out why this week when I tried to kill one in my house- they are lightning quick. It's easier to just let them be haha. Almost everyday there is tremendous thunder. Its sooo exciting! I give a little Sarah squeal every time I hear it cause I love it so much. It means that the rain is coming and its going to dump! And boy does it ever. It just floods everything in like 2 minutes and then stops and everything is dry again in an hour. So weird. I already broke my umbrella- serves me right for getting it at Wally World. I got to teach the Restoration to an investigator this week and man did I bomb it, but the spirit was there and I felt so good! I love Joseph Smith so much!
Ok.. this always confused me. So most of the little kids run around naked or with no pants yea? So no diapers right? Sooo???? you get what I am trying to say? I found out this week during a lesson when the little girl just went right there in the middle of the house, hahaha, when the ground is dirt in peoples homes. That's probably one of the reasons they always wear flipflops... cause the ground of their house is the bathroom as well. Good to know. I love this place!!
I went on my first exchanges this last week and it was fun. I got to see a different approach at teaching and so I learned a lot. She helped me set some goals and I was yet again pushed out of my comfort zone being the one to lead her through the area.
So I found out a lot about my mission this week. Apparently it was terrible before. Missionaries were getting married to Catholics as missionaries, and creating secret combination things where missionaries would get points for disobedience. it was highest in baptisms, but many of them were not good baptisms. So right now we are in the process of cleaning up the mission and the mess made. So baptisms are few, but we are focusing on rescuing.
I gave my camera card to the secretary in my ward cause he asked for it, but he ended up removing all my pix. Soo... alas. I lost all of my pictures. Sorry )= . Lame I know. Sister Sandra is an RM in my ward and she is such a gem. She is helping me with the language and she read my mind or something because I needed another skirt and she randomly showed up and handed me a skirt and was like... I think this will fit you. I was shocked and so surprised to find that it not only fit but was long enough!!! All of you who shop with me know just what kind of a miracle that is. Ridiculous!
This week has been so good, because the ward is really warming up to me. Some of the girls in the ward say things like "I would want you for my companion" or "we want you to stay here forever" things like that... just make me feel so good! I love love love my ward so much!
Elder Baker is one of my ZL's and he is probably going to be transferred next week but I really look up to him. He is a huge help with the language and with just becoming the missionary I want to be. I want to become a PMG missionary. It is not easy and I have a long ways to go, but its a goal that I have. I am excited for everything ahead of me.
The language is still.... not happening haha. But I am trying to stay positive and do what I can with what I have. I'm going to pray harder and fast more and would really appreciate your continued prayers in helping me to learn this language. I have realized that I do not get as frustrated any more... so that is something, right? hahaha It will come, it will (= .
Me and my companion are improving. I think the ward members have helped her see some of my positive qualities and so that has been a huge blessing for me. I am happy and content so no complaints (= .
I love Sundays sooo much! They are just truly blessed days. I just feel edified and uplifted every Sunday! It is a day of emotional rest for me at least.
So just an hour ago, my companion and I were at JolliBee (its like McDonalds for Philip) and I was ordering when someone behind me said, "where are you from?" in an English accent. I was shocked to turn around and see a white guy behind me. He and another guy, Eric and Greg, are interns here, graduated from Princeton. We four ate together and it was really cool to see how I could share principles of the gospel with them in just a more simple way than I have before. I was confident and appreciated the English. Yea, Eric asked if I could get lunch with him... so I had to explain a little, but we are giving his number to Elder Keate, no joke... he might actually really be interested in the church. I am excited to see where that goes. It sounds bad, but you kind of had to be there. Either way, It was nice to share my testimony the way I feel it- in my own language.
Something that I am learning and will continue to learn is Faith. Don't laugh... yes I know this is the first basic requirement in the church. But all my life, I have lacked this greatly. I didn't realize that all my fears and worries and complaints really were just me lacking faith. I want to be like Nephi and with confidence say... "I will go and DO the things the Lord has commanded... for I know that the Lord giveth no commandment.. save he shall prepare a way for them". This scripture is going to be a part of who I am. I want to increase in trust in my Savior and believe that if I am doing my best, I can not fail. I am not here to fail. I am here to preach the gospel. I love my life!
I love my family and dear friends so very very much. I am so grateful for your patience with me and your love. You are such a strength to me. Please be safe and know that I love you so much!
Forever With Love,
Sister Sarah Ralph
Monday, July 1, 2013
30 June 2013
OK,
I should probably get started on this email seeing as I have like 15 minutes left to talk, haha. Well my companion finally told me the reason she has not been talking to me. I offended her in the first week and she has not been able to forgive me. So our companionship has been a huge huge struggle- lots of silence, but I have been fasting and praying and our ZL's actually came and interviewed us and last night she finally was able to start talking to me. I am so grateful my Father in Heaven Answered my prayers and softened her heart and allowed her to forgive me of my many weaknesses.
My ward Is a huge blessing. We have incredible ward missionaries who are all so willing to help. I love and appreciate them very much. We have found a few new investigators and one of the LA's we taught came to church so that was soooo good for us to see!
I am terrible at making goals I realized and so I am working on that.
I have athletes foot-- its pretty gross but I am putting ointment on and just not looking at it as much as possible.
I am finally starting to put faces with names a little bit better but learning where people live is still a struggle. Ok... I watched the broadcast and it was amazing but man do they make it look easy. The neighborhoods here are so hard to keep track.. there are streets and then forests and the houses are randomly throughout the forest area without addresses or anything. So you just kind of have to remember by what you see or ask a ton of people where someone else lives. I knew a bunch of people in that broadcast including one of the sister missionaries from the Tampa mission, the organist and a number of people in the crowd-- I was crying a lot.... so many white people.... it was my home!!! hahah, and the culture here is so different it was just nice to feel the power of everyone coming together. I have taken that for granted my whole life.
I got an opportunity to climb a wall on the ocean and just stare out at the beautiful ocean and the numberless palm trees and sun setting behind the clouds and.... I really do stand all amazed when ever I take a moment to observe God's creations. He truly does live and love us.
We had our first typhoon this week. It was only a level 2 and so we had to stay inside all day- so I just read general conference talks and the scriptures. The people were do karaoke till 3AM in the morning every day and start at 6 AM in the morning... its hilarious being all tone deaf. And they all sing songs that I love from my high school years... but this night when the rain started BEATING like crazy and the wind was insane.. .they decided to stop singing hahah, it didn't matter cause the rain is so loud we would not have been able to hear them any ways.
I should probably get started on this email seeing as I have like 15 minutes left to talk, haha. Well my companion finally told me the reason she has not been talking to me. I offended her in the first week and she has not been able to forgive me. So our companionship has been a huge huge struggle- lots of silence, but I have been fasting and praying and our ZL's actually came and interviewed us and last night she finally was able to start talking to me. I am so grateful my Father in Heaven Answered my prayers and softened her heart and allowed her to forgive me of my many weaknesses.
Halo Halo is probably the weirdest thing I ate this week. Not bad at all just different. Its a slushy drink that they put everything in.. jello, all fruits, rice, corn, weird random anything stuff... its not terrible hahah. I actually really appreicate the bishops wife because she said I should not eat all the things people tell you to. Like chicken intestines and feet-which are everywhere! and dog, balut and rat.... so I will be avoiding those, thank you very much.
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| The pig the ward made me eat that skin right off the pig. |
My ward Is a huge blessing. We have incredible ward missionaries who are all so willing to help. I love and appreciate them very much. We have found a few new investigators and one of the LA's we taught came to church so that was soooo good for us to see!
I am terrible at making goals I realized and so I am working on that.
I have athletes foot-- its pretty gross but I am putting ointment on and just not looking at it as much as possible.
I am finally starting to put faces with names a little bit better but learning where people live is still a struggle. Ok... I watched the broadcast and it was amazing but man do they make it look easy. The neighborhoods here are so hard to keep track.. there are streets and then forests and the houses are randomly throughout the forest area without addresses or anything. So you just kind of have to remember by what you see or ask a ton of people where someone else lives. I knew a bunch of people in that broadcast including one of the sister missionaries from the Tampa mission, the organist and a number of people in the crowd-- I was crying a lot.... so many white people.... it was my home!!! hahah, and the culture here is so different it was just nice to feel the power of everyone coming together. I have taken that for granted my whole life.I got an opportunity to climb a wall on the ocean and just stare out at the beautiful ocean and the numberless palm trees and sun setting behind the clouds and.... I really do stand all amazed when ever I take a moment to observe God's creations. He truly does live and love us.
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| Fathers Day activity.. the boys did this adorable dance |
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Kids that I am in love with.
The little boy next to me has a speech imped. so we are best buds.
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On Friday night I think I was upstairs in a room studying and the ZL's came and said they were asked to interview me and my companion. I was so grateful- we need counseling! They helped me have someone to talk to. I love my companion and I feel so badly for what I have done in the past and what she is going through I just want her to be happy. And so we fasted and set goals and as of last night she started talking to me!!!!! What a beautiful day! Yesterday was incredible- I love the sacrament so much and the broadcast, the stars were gorgeous, the food was good, I got to fast and meet more missionaries and laugh and yesterday was just a wonderful day. I am still working hard on being humble, patient and loving others fully, but my purpose here is to Preach the Gospel. I don't understand anyone still, so my patience is being truly tested, but I believe it will come... please pray for me to learn the language. It is hard to teach with the spirit when I don't know the needs of those I serve. But I know it will come.
I am learning so much. I am sorry I don't have cool stories for you. I don't know what would be exciting for you to hear... but I hope all of you know how much I truly deeply care and love each of you and How I am learning how much I truly most depend and trust my Savior. He is the source of all hope, he gives me a reason to smile at ALL times and find joy in the moment. He is the reason I am here, why I have this feeling of bursting inside me to share what I know with these people. I pray for all of you and love you with all my heart.
Love Forever,
Sister Sarah Ralph
Sunday, June 23, 2013
23 June 2013
Ok... so I feel bad I really don't have a whole ton to say as I am sure you noticed I have been struggling a lot with just being the missionary I want to be. I realized that I have done a lot of missionary things but I am not really a Christ-like missionary. I like to serve people through acts of service and I like to talk to people that want to talk to me but ... man... I just realize how much I do not know my Savior.
So there was a snake next to my bed the other night and so finally President Andaya stepped in and we switched apt.'s with the elders. So we switched a moldy rat invested, no running water etc for a pretty nice place that just has basketball size spiders and people say is haunted, hahahha, woot woot. Super excited!
We did not do a lot of teaching this week because P-day then district meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday we drove yet again to Tacloban (7 hours) for all sisters meeting on Thursday morning and then drove back on Thursday night. It was really nice for me to see my batch again and see that everyone is struggling. When I talk to older missionaries literally everyone hated their first area and they said that it gets better and hold on and ....so that is comforting to know that everyone is struggling.
I really do love my companion...I want to get to know her and talk to her and laugh and smile and be happy. This is what she said... because at first when we were together I was quiet and not joking and not happy and so she "has adjusted to my personality" and this is just how she is now. ..... well I realized also that I am really bad at loving the moment I am in. I am always looking ahead for something that will be better and so constantly I am writing things I am thankful for and pointing out things I love and am grateful for ... I have made progress but still have a long way to go. I love Communication... I want to know what I can improve on and I promise I will work on it... but when I don't know what to change to make our companionship better... I struggle. But I am very grateful she can be a happy person, I am grateful she is here and teaching me so much, I am grateful she loves the Lord and is a pretty good teacher.
I have much to be grateful for.. By the way... both Mom and Dad wear your seatbelts... stay together, BE SAFE! I swear every missionary out here has had a parent die and I am NOT ok with that at all!
My companion has been out for 9 months. I am her second trainee. Her last one was a lot like her though super bubbly and peppy and joking ALL The time... and that just isn't me.... I am learning about charity and accepting people for who they are... not good at it... just trying and I just don't feel the need to be joking and peppy. I smile and can laugh (when I understand) for sure. I love to laugh! I promise!
The ward I have is the best. They are sooo kind to me and so helpful and loving. They are patient and just so giving! I love them... they have been a huge, huge blessing to me.
We have two investigators right now- both agreed to be baptized and even though I don't like teaching right now because I don't understand much... the ward members are supportive and make me feel like I am doing better. I love, love, love, love teaching about Joseph Smith and prophets. It's the most incredible thing! Our investigators had never heard of prophets and when we teach them... I just get soo excited and happy for them and just want to jump and cheer and grab their hands and ahhH! I just love it soo much!! I want soo badly to be more converted to the gospel- to Jesus Christ. But I am also learning patience. Between focusing on patience and charity... I have enough things to overcome to last a life time... but I hope to improve soo much! Thank you everyone for putting up with me these last 22 years.
No scary stories to talk about. I don't know what else to say haha we played b-ball this morning and I am sooo out of shape but it was fun. I forgot how Philippinos work- they said "be there at 6" and so we did and everyone showed up at 7:30... yea... my companion did not want to play so sitting and waiting was super awkward, hahahha, but I was so grateful to play basketball and just let out my normal aggressive side, hahaha.
I love you all so much!!!!! sorry this is not exciting hahah but I am so grateful for all of you!!
Sister Sarah Ralph
So there was a snake next to my bed the other night and so finally President Andaya stepped in and we switched apt.'s with the elders. So we switched a moldy rat invested, no running water etc for a pretty nice place that just has basketball size spiders and people say is haunted, hahahha, woot woot. Super excited!
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| This is our main source of transportation on top of tricycle... on bikes rather than motorcycles... rough job! |
I really do love my companion...I want to get to know her and talk to her and laugh and smile and be happy. This is what she said... because at first when we were together I was quiet and not joking and not happy and so she "has adjusted to my personality" and this is just how she is now. ..... well I realized also that I am really bad at loving the moment I am in. I am always looking ahead for something that will be better and so constantly I am writing things I am thankful for and pointing out things I love and am grateful for ... I have made progress but still have a long way to go. I love Communication... I want to know what I can improve on and I promise I will work on it... but when I don't know what to change to make our companionship better... I struggle. But I am very grateful she can be a happy person, I am grateful she is here and teaching me so much, I am grateful she loves the Lord and is a pretty good teacher.
I have much to be grateful for.. By the way... both Mom and Dad wear your seatbelts... stay together, BE SAFE! I swear every missionary out here has had a parent die and I am NOT ok with that at all!
My companion has been out for 9 months. I am her second trainee. Her last one was a lot like her though super bubbly and peppy and joking ALL The time... and that just isn't me.... I am learning about charity and accepting people for who they are... not good at it... just trying and I just don't feel the need to be joking and peppy. I smile and can laugh (when I understand) for sure. I love to laugh! I promise!
The ward I have is the best. They are sooo kind to me and so helpful and loving. They are patient and just so giving! I love them... they have been a huge, huge blessing to me.
We have two investigators right now- both agreed to be baptized and even though I don't like teaching right now because I don't understand much... the ward members are supportive and make me feel like I am doing better. I love, love, love, love teaching about Joseph Smith and prophets. It's the most incredible thing! Our investigators had never heard of prophets and when we teach them... I just get soo excited and happy for them and just want to jump and cheer and grab their hands and ahhH! I just love it soo much!! I want soo badly to be more converted to the gospel- to Jesus Christ. But I am also learning patience. Between focusing on patience and charity... I have enough things to overcome to last a life time... but I hope to improve soo much! Thank you everyone for putting up with me these last 22 years.
 |
| Basketball on P-day |
I love you all so much!!!!! sorry this is not exciting hahah but I am so grateful for all of you!!
Sister Sarah Ralph
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
16 June 2013 - Father's Day
Oh how I miss those meals, I am so glad you are enjoying yourselves. Thank you for taking time to write me. Please tell Rebekah Happy late Birthday for me. I did not forget, I thought about her alot and hope she had a beautiful day. I love her very much. Gracie is soo beautiful! I wish I could see and hold her, but I will wait haha. What a beautiful family we have. Haha oh Samuel! I want a pix! I am so glad you finally got braces! and I completely understand you wanting ice cream haha me too. YES!! Beka got her house keys! Oh that makes me happy! I am excited to see it and glad Beka has another project. Oh fun!! Camping trips.. hahaha I feel like I am on a camping trip. But without s'mores--- super essential for the real feel.
Oh my goodness.... I am so sorry to hear about Austin's dad. That is ... I really don't have words. I am so sorry. and so so grateful for my family. Please!! All of you know how much I love you.
I did not know grandpa was having internal bleeding. I am so grateful he is doing better. Thank you for letting me know so I can pray for my family.
My email is not quite as full or eventful as yours. I have eaten some crazy foods: this weird grapefruit thing with vinegar, squid, the skin of a full pig... right off the nasty thing with the head and all and I ate fish haha. Not too bad though over all I have been blessed food wise. Fathers day my awesome ward through this activity where the kids sing and dance. The kids and youth are so amazing here- no shame what so ever. They are all tone deaf but stil sing solos and belt it out. I had some good laughs with them. Last P-day were were doing a little shopping in the market and the next day the whole market burnt to the ground- it was so sad. Tons of giant toads everywhere and HUGE moths that for some reason really like my hair.
Well the rats are really enjoying my stay. They chewed through my monkey lunch box with my meds inside and my bags and everything hahaha so I will remain living out of my suitcase. Killed my first giant cockroaches in my apt. And last night a baby snake was right next to my bed. hahaha-- oh my goodness. Mom, my ward mission leader said he tried to find you on FB. His name is Ryan Pestano- he is a huge light and help to me here so if a weird random Philipino messages you... answer him haha.
It was Philippines Independence day this week and they did not really do anything except a giant parade of kids in the morning. We were doing personal study and all a sudden I hear these crazy random noises and the parade was going right by our house. I went out side and EVERY SINGLE person in the parade turned and stared at me... I'm talking thousands of kids... it was pretty ridiculous. But they are super cute.
Ok, now ... I am not really sure where to start with this or even what to say. Missionary work is hard. Hard is not even the right word. I am thousands of miles away from anyone that has loved me in the past and my companion and I are just... I don't know. She speaks Tagalog and I don't. We are alone in our apt and its hard because whenever she talks to other people she is happy and joking and then when it just us... she doesn't talk and I don't know what to says.
Last night I didn't mean to but I offended her ( we all knew I would sooner or later) but I have really been shown so many of my weaknesses. I have so so so many weaknesses and right now I am trying to adjust. Trying to be patient, to love everyone, to love every moment, to love in general and be happy and.... slow work in progress is all I have to say haha. I know that I am here for a reason. I know that Heavenly Father answers my prayers and I know that he is the same God that gives these people who have nothing, the happiness and joy they have everyday. I spent last night speaking with a member and she has had the most.....impossible life I could even imagine.. and she is happy and simple and I ...I want to be like that. I want to be soo much better than I am. Teaching in Waray is humbling. I have to repeat to myself constantly that I am a representative of Jesus Christ and believe what I say. When you feel inferior - its a challenge to believe that. But I can do hard things!!! Another one of the sisters in my district actually went home after being here for a week.... and it breaks my heart. She is so amazing and such a sweetheart. I know that I can do this! I am learning and trying to apply Charity in my life.
We have been visiting with the Less actives in the ward and they all agree to come to church, but keeping commitments is a problem here. My companion told me (clarified) that Philippinos do not like Mormons- they have a wrong perspective of us because of anti-mormon churches here that are popular. The first time I went tracking was this week and I was so excited to get going and I finally felt kind of like a missionary and then we went out of the streets with the BOM in my hand and I felt this weight. This darkness, THe way people were looking at me was not like before... I felt like everyone hated me and wanted me gone. I talked to My companion and she said it always feels like that- missionary work is not easy Sister Ralph.
I am sorry that I just kind of threw that on you all. I just needed to get that off my chest, I know I am supposed to be here and I know my Savior lives and loves me and that faith and works brings about miracles. I am so grateful for all that I have, for my family and friends and for hope in this and the next life. Thank you all so much for your examples and love. You mean the world to me.
Love Forever,
Sister Sarah Ralph
Thank you so much everyone for your prayers and love- I need them so much.
Oh my goodness.... I am so sorry to hear about Austin's dad. That is ... I really don't have words. I am so sorry. and so so grateful for my family. Please!! All of you know how much I love you.
I did not know grandpa was having internal bleeding. I am so grateful he is doing better. Thank you for letting me know so I can pray for my family.
My email is not quite as full or eventful as yours. I have eaten some crazy foods: this weird grapefruit thing with vinegar, squid, the skin of a full pig... right off the nasty thing with the head and all and I ate fish haha. Not too bad though over all I have been blessed food wise. Fathers day my awesome ward through this activity where the kids sing and dance. The kids and youth are so amazing here- no shame what so ever. They are all tone deaf but stil sing solos and belt it out. I had some good laughs with them. Last P-day were were doing a little shopping in the market and the next day the whole market burnt to the ground- it was so sad. Tons of giant toads everywhere and HUGE moths that for some reason really like my hair.
Well the rats are really enjoying my stay. They chewed through my monkey lunch box with my meds inside and my bags and everything hahaha so I will remain living out of my suitcase. Killed my first giant cockroaches in my apt. And last night a baby snake was right next to my bed. hahaha-- oh my goodness. Mom, my ward mission leader said he tried to find you on FB. His name is Ryan Pestano- he is a huge light and help to me here so if a weird random Philipino messages you... answer him haha.
It was Philippines Independence day this week and they did not really do anything except a giant parade of kids in the morning. We were doing personal study and all a sudden I hear these crazy random noises and the parade was going right by our house. I went out side and EVERY SINGLE person in the parade turned and stared at me... I'm talking thousands of kids... it was pretty ridiculous. But they are super cute.
Ok, now ... I am not really sure where to start with this or even what to say. Missionary work is hard. Hard is not even the right word. I am thousands of miles away from anyone that has loved me in the past and my companion and I are just... I don't know. She speaks Tagalog and I don't. We are alone in our apt and its hard because whenever she talks to other people she is happy and joking and then when it just us... she doesn't talk and I don't know what to says.
Last night I didn't mean to but I offended her ( we all knew I would sooner or later) but I have really been shown so many of my weaknesses. I have so so so many weaknesses and right now I am trying to adjust. Trying to be patient, to love everyone, to love every moment, to love in general and be happy and.... slow work in progress is all I have to say haha. I know that I am here for a reason. I know that Heavenly Father answers my prayers and I know that he is the same God that gives these people who have nothing, the happiness and joy they have everyday. I spent last night speaking with a member and she has had the most.....impossible life I could even imagine.. and she is happy and simple and I ...I want to be like that. I want to be soo much better than I am. Teaching in Waray is humbling. I have to repeat to myself constantly that I am a representative of Jesus Christ and believe what I say. When you feel inferior - its a challenge to believe that. But I can do hard things!!! Another one of the sisters in my district actually went home after being here for a week.... and it breaks my heart. She is so amazing and such a sweetheart. I know that I can do this! I am learning and trying to apply Charity in my life.
We have been visiting with the Less actives in the ward and they all agree to come to church, but keeping commitments is a problem here. My companion told me (clarified) that Philippinos do not like Mormons- they have a wrong perspective of us because of anti-mormon churches here that are popular. The first time I went tracking was this week and I was so excited to get going and I finally felt kind of like a missionary and then we went out of the streets with the BOM in my hand and I felt this weight. This darkness, THe way people were looking at me was not like before... I felt like everyone hated me and wanted me gone. I talked to My companion and she said it always feels like that- missionary work is not easy Sister Ralph.
I am sorry that I just kind of threw that on you all. I just needed to get that off my chest, I know I am supposed to be here and I know my Savior lives and loves me and that faith and works brings about miracles. I am so grateful for all that I have, for my family and friends and for hope in this and the next life. Thank you all so much for your examples and love. You mean the world to me.
Love Forever,
Sister Sarah Ralph
Thank you so much everyone for your prayers and love- I need them so much.
9 Jun 2013 - First email from the Philippines
Phils.Tacloban Mission
511 Maharlika Hwy.Fatima Vlg.
Tacloban city-6500
Leyte,Philippines
That is the address. I was told letters take 2 weeks and packages 2months hahah joy!!
Anyyyyy wayy... are you ready for this?
Hahah ok so ooo The fights were very very very very long and that about sums up that part.
We arrived in Tacloban oh my goodness .. the coolest thing of my life. We were in a smaller plane and it flew over the islands and when it landed it looked like we were going into the water. The airport is just one strip and we stopped and the airplane turned around and I got out from the back of the plane onto the strip and the airport was this garage looking building. Just this tiny room hahaha and we got out luggage and met President Andaya and the missionary couples and AP's. Umm... then we h.. oh in the airport we saw a huge group of Philippino elders and we were soooo soo happy to see them. We just waved and jumped up and down and smiled... super happy! There are 9 of us Americas and 18 or so Philippino Elders. They are very much.... 18 year old boys but still cute and they have a good spirit about them.
Any way I need to hurry up or I will never have time to get this all written. We had our interviews and they were all the exact same so nothing cool there. THey fed us and we all waited around in this tiny room. THe american girls -all of us were passed out on the couches and the Philip Elders took pictures of us as we slept.
Meetings. Meetings. We slept on these pad things on the floor in a room where the sisters stay in that area. More meetings. And then the next day our trainers showed up. We went to this sweet park and took pic and we learned who our trainers were there. OK... my companio.. ok wait. So this is the order they called it in.. Sister Sarah Ralph ( I walk up) You will be serving in Catarman, speaking Waray Wray-S and your companion is Sister Servilla (philippino).
Everyone was like "OHHHHH MANN" and my companion kept moaning and making this "Oh shoot oh crap" comments and I was so confused. I had no idea if she was disgusted with me or what. But turns out my area is just ... psycho. So currently I am 7 hours away from the mission home. It is the farther away. The most northern area. Its known for lots of witchcraft and rude angry philippinos. Its dirty and old, among other things. Regardless, my companion was not happy about it. And all the older missionaries just kept saying "goodluck with that". Oh joy!
SOoo yes.. I am learning a bran new language (even from what I learned in the MTC) and its hard haha. I have no idea what they are saying. I am really impatient with myself when it comes to languages. My companion and a few elders were put into a van and drove here to Catarman... oh my goodnes can I just tell you.. 7 hours of a tour through the Philippines. It is gorgeous. I swear it looks just like Jurassic park but with out the big dinos. THe only big animals were are water buffalo everywhere. THey are super cute. But no joke... its all jurassic park and the houses are right on the street. I am going to stop trying to explain it because there is way too much. But its incredible how these people live.
Ok... this part is way more extreme than I was prepared for. EVERYONE STARES! Not just almost everyone. EVERYONE. And they dont stop staring... I walk away and turn and they are all still staring. Its soo awkward.. not awk... just... I dont know what to do. OK I say Maupay na aga. WHich means good morning and smile hahaha. Sometimes they respond but that is rare. They just stare.
My place.... hahah oh my place. All of you who wanted me to have an extra dose of humility.... lets see ... yes we have rats. Cockroaches. Lots and lots and lots of lizards and all bugs and bajillions of spiders... all in my house. No running water. I clogged the so called toilet the first time I used it. .. it stayed that way for three days. I wash my clothes in buckets and we have a pump out back. Its actually really fun. But the water is very dirty. When I bath with the bucket ..oh my gosh I love love love the cold water but its full of bugs hahaha. Ok.... I know you probably dont believe this but this part is not bad. I sleep on the stinkin floor with no covers or anything and I know there are rats around me as I have seen alot of their remainings and no I dont LIKE or appreicate or want them but its not a big deal. THe lizards freaked me out at first. cause their eyes look like they are going to eat you. But I woke up one morning and was like "hey! where are the lizards?" haha I freakishly missed them... what is wrong with me?
Spiders dont bug me that much. HUGE Spiders... let me correct myself. There are spiders everywhere, but there are lots of fist size spiders haha and they aren't too bad. I just kill them if they get in my house. There are cats and little stinkin dogs EVERYWHERE!!! literally! its the weirdest thing how many mini dogs there are.
I think the hardest part temporary wise is just the heat. Its so hot... and I can handle heat.. but being super sticky all the time and never feeling like you can just sit down comfortable and relax with out spiders crawling on you... yea... doesnt happen. You stay sweaty and hot all day and all night. The pictures of my house do not do it justice. Its so bad. The bishop came over for the first time and saw it and hounded the Elders for renting it for the sisters. They were not willing to trade us apartments...its so bad. We took acid to the bathroom multiple times before those pictures. Its just one big hole of bacteria and fungus and all that jazz. But its home right now so we work with it.
I went to church and I was told that I am in the best ward in the whole Tacloban Mission. Most of the members are RM's and they really support missionary work. We had to get up and bare out testimonies. I did it in Waray!! Hhaha Iw as nervous, but I am glad I didnt chicken out and do it in English. Its hard to learn the language here because everyone wants to speak to me in English. They learn ENglish in the schools and signs and all that are in English so they can sometimes kind of understand. But.. oh the best part... they dont just speak one language. They mix languages. They are normally speaking Togalag and Waray mixed and so learning Waray has been quite the treat. The members and my companion tell me that I am actually really good at the grammar and pronunciation... so hopefully with time I will figure this out.
I have not eaten anything gross or weird yet. I did have this weird fruit that looked like a orange shaped grapefruit and they dipped it in this weird vinegar. It was not exactly fantastic but the kids enjoyed that I was eating it. OH my goodness! THE KIDS!! The kids are soo so soo so super cute. All of them. It breaks my heart when they come up and ask for food. I dont know how to say no and I just want to squeeze them. It kills me!! But one night we were walking home and a group of like 20 kids ran at me and surrounded me and just loved talking to me. THey would grab my arms and my hair and EVERY one tells me I am tall. But the kids are so fun to talk to. THey just laugh and dance... no shame what so ever. I love the kids to death.
YEsterday I spent a huge chunk of the day with our WML. LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! He is a 21 year old RM and he helped me so much with the language. In the Philippines they always say "Its more fun in the Philippines!" and sooo whenever I get confused he told me to just say that.... hahah I said it many many times through out the day and we just laugh and high five all the time. My companion does not know the area so we spent time trying to get to know the ward. THey told me I am the first foreign sister they have ever had.
I went to a "viewing| last night. They just had a casket with glass to see in this tiny house. He was the father of a boy in the ward who is on his mission now. They embalm a lot differently here and its.... fairly disturbing. But it was good to go meet the people there.
I got a better feel for what our area is like. We were getting in a pedicab (which is like a tricycle-its the main source of transportation.) we were sitting there waiting for enough people to get in before we left. There were two men outside the pedi who were fighting. Well one was screaming at the other and then left. There were like 6 men around us and three of us women in the pedicab and the guy out side in waray said "RUn RUN RUN!!" to us in the pedi. I did nt know what was going on and I looked at my companion and she said GOOO!!!! SO we jumped out and ran a ways. The guy who was angry had come back with a mashadee (how do you spell that? a big knife.) hahah sorry about that. It was not until AFTER that my companion explained further that this was why she was not excited about the area. People here dont know how to communicate so they just fight hahaha. Sooo... I am stoked!! THis is going to be awesome! I love being out and walking around even though people keep staring at me. Its just soo beautiful.
For almost two days all I ate was 4 pieces of bread and a half a cup of chocolate milk hahaha SOLID!! Not in Kansas anymore.
ANy way... my companion is from the Philippines. She is 22 and can be very out going. She does not know waray waray -S either so we will learn together. She hates the sun and so I am coming back white by the way. And I have been a little frustrated cause I dont know what I am doing and we have not done any teaching yet cause we dont know the area and so I just follow her like a puppy rather than having a plan. We have not done any planning. So that part is frustrating. I want so badly to feel like I am fulfilling my purpose and I am not sure. I have had a few moments where I have asked myself why did I choose to come on a mission? Its so much easier at home. None of these people can understand me and I cant understand them... but even in these last few days I have learned so much and I love the knowledge that I have a loving Heavenly Father who is always aware of me and loves me. He loves me!! And I can talk to him at any time. Other people need to know that. They need to know that there is reason to rejoice. They need to know there is happiness available , joy available in this life and in the next because of our Savior. I am so so blessed beyond measure and am so grateful for everything that I do and do not have. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you all for being a part of my life and for being such amazing examples of faith. I love and pray for you!
Love Forever,
Sister Sarah Ralph
511 Maharlika Hwy.Fatima Vlg.
Tacloban city-6500
Leyte,Philippines
That is the address. I was told letters take 2 weeks and packages 2months hahah joy!!
Anyyyyy wayy... are you ready for this?
Hahah ok so ooo The fights were very very very very long and that about sums up that part.
We arrived in Tacloban oh my goodness .. the coolest thing of my life. We were in a smaller plane and it flew over the islands and when it landed it looked like we were going into the water. The airport is just one strip and we stopped and the airplane turned around and I got out from the back of the plane onto the strip and the airport was this garage looking building. Just this tiny room hahaha and we got out luggage and met President Andaya and the missionary couples and AP's. Umm... then we h.. oh in the airport we saw a huge group of Philippino elders and we were soooo soo happy to see them. We just waved and jumped up and down and smiled... super happy! There are 9 of us Americas and 18 or so Philippino Elders. They are very much.... 18 year old boys but still cute and they have a good spirit about them.
Any way I need to hurry up or I will never have time to get this all written. We had our interviews and they were all the exact same so nothing cool there. THey fed us and we all waited around in this tiny room. THe american girls -all of us were passed out on the couches and the Philip Elders took pictures of us as we slept.
Meetings. Meetings. We slept on these pad things on the floor in a room where the sisters stay in that area. More meetings. And then the next day our trainers showed up. We went to this sweet park and took pic and we learned who our trainers were there. OK... my companio.. ok wait. So this is the order they called it in.. Sister Sarah Ralph ( I walk up) You will be serving in Catarman, speaking Waray Wray-S and your companion is Sister Servilla (philippino).
Everyone was like "OHHHHH MANN" and my companion kept moaning and making this "Oh shoot oh crap" comments and I was so confused. I had no idea if she was disgusted with me or what. But turns out my area is just ... psycho. So currently I am 7 hours away from the mission home. It is the farther away. The most northern area. Its known for lots of witchcraft and rude angry philippinos. Its dirty and old, among other things. Regardless, my companion was not happy about it. And all the older missionaries just kept saying "goodluck with that". Oh joy!
SOoo yes.. I am learning a bran new language (even from what I learned in the MTC) and its hard haha. I have no idea what they are saying. I am really impatient with myself when it comes to languages. My companion and a few elders were put into a van and drove here to Catarman... oh my goodnes can I just tell you.. 7 hours of a tour through the Philippines. It is gorgeous. I swear it looks just like Jurassic park but with out the big dinos. THe only big animals were are water buffalo everywhere. THey are super cute. But no joke... its all jurassic park and the houses are right on the street. I am going to stop trying to explain it because there is way too much. But its incredible how these people live.
Ok... this part is way more extreme than I was prepared for. EVERYONE STARES! Not just almost everyone. EVERYONE. And they dont stop staring... I walk away and turn and they are all still staring. Its soo awkward.. not awk... just... I dont know what to do. OK I say Maupay na aga. WHich means good morning and smile hahaha. Sometimes they respond but that is rare. They just stare.
My place.... hahah oh my place. All of you who wanted me to have an extra dose of humility.... lets see ... yes we have rats. Cockroaches. Lots and lots and lots of lizards and all bugs and bajillions of spiders... all in my house. No running water. I clogged the so called toilet the first time I used it. .. it stayed that way for three days. I wash my clothes in buckets and we have a pump out back. Its actually really fun. But the water is very dirty. When I bath with the bucket ..oh my gosh I love love love the cold water but its full of bugs hahaha. Ok.... I know you probably dont believe this but this part is not bad. I sleep on the stinkin floor with no covers or anything and I know there are rats around me as I have seen alot of their remainings and no I dont LIKE or appreicate or want them but its not a big deal. THe lizards freaked me out at first. cause their eyes look like they are going to eat you. But I woke up one morning and was like "hey! where are the lizards?" haha I freakishly missed them... what is wrong with me?
Spiders dont bug me that much. HUGE Spiders... let me correct myself. There are spiders everywhere, but there are lots of fist size spiders haha and they aren't too bad. I just kill them if they get in my house. There are cats and little stinkin dogs EVERYWHERE!!! literally! its the weirdest thing how many mini dogs there are.
I think the hardest part temporary wise is just the heat. Its so hot... and I can handle heat.. but being super sticky all the time and never feeling like you can just sit down comfortable and relax with out spiders crawling on you... yea... doesnt happen. You stay sweaty and hot all day and all night. The pictures of my house do not do it justice. Its so bad. The bishop came over for the first time and saw it and hounded the Elders for renting it for the sisters. They were not willing to trade us apartments...its so bad. We took acid to the bathroom multiple times before those pictures. Its just one big hole of bacteria and fungus and all that jazz. But its home right now so we work with it.
I went to church and I was told that I am in the best ward in the whole Tacloban Mission. Most of the members are RM's and they really support missionary work. We had to get up and bare out testimonies. I did it in Waray!! Hhaha Iw as nervous, but I am glad I didnt chicken out and do it in English. Its hard to learn the language here because everyone wants to speak to me in English. They learn ENglish in the schools and signs and all that are in English so they can sometimes kind of understand. But.. oh the best part... they dont just speak one language. They mix languages. They are normally speaking Togalag and Waray mixed and so learning Waray has been quite the treat. The members and my companion tell me that I am actually really good at the grammar and pronunciation... so hopefully with time I will figure this out.
I have not eaten anything gross or weird yet. I did have this weird fruit that looked like a orange shaped grapefruit and they dipped it in this weird vinegar. It was not exactly fantastic but the kids enjoyed that I was eating it. OH my goodness! THE KIDS!! The kids are soo so soo so super cute. All of them. It breaks my heart when they come up and ask for food. I dont know how to say no and I just want to squeeze them. It kills me!! But one night we were walking home and a group of like 20 kids ran at me and surrounded me and just loved talking to me. THey would grab my arms and my hair and EVERY one tells me I am tall. But the kids are so fun to talk to. THey just laugh and dance... no shame what so ever. I love the kids to death.
YEsterday I spent a huge chunk of the day with our WML. LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! He is a 21 year old RM and he helped me so much with the language. In the Philippines they always say "Its more fun in the Philippines!" and sooo whenever I get confused he told me to just say that.... hahah I said it many many times through out the day and we just laugh and high five all the time. My companion does not know the area so we spent time trying to get to know the ward. THey told me I am the first foreign sister they have ever had.
I went to a "viewing| last night. They just had a casket with glass to see in this tiny house. He was the father of a boy in the ward who is on his mission now. They embalm a lot differently here and its.... fairly disturbing. But it was good to go meet the people there.
I got a better feel for what our area is like. We were getting in a pedicab (which is like a tricycle-its the main source of transportation.) we were sitting there waiting for enough people to get in before we left. There were two men outside the pedi who were fighting. Well one was screaming at the other and then left. There were like 6 men around us and three of us women in the pedicab and the guy out side in waray said "RUn RUN RUN!!" to us in the pedi. I did nt know what was going on and I looked at my companion and she said GOOO!!!! SO we jumped out and ran a ways. The guy who was angry had come back with a mashadee (how do you spell that? a big knife.) hahah sorry about that. It was not until AFTER that my companion explained further that this was why she was not excited about the area. People here dont know how to communicate so they just fight hahaha. Sooo... I am stoked!! THis is going to be awesome! I love being out and walking around even though people keep staring at me. Its just soo beautiful.
For almost two days all I ate was 4 pieces of bread and a half a cup of chocolate milk hahaha SOLID!! Not in Kansas anymore.
ANy way... my companion is from the Philippines. She is 22 and can be very out going. She does not know waray waray -S either so we will learn together. She hates the sun and so I am coming back white by the way. And I have been a little frustrated cause I dont know what I am doing and we have not done any teaching yet cause we dont know the area and so I just follow her like a puppy rather than having a plan. We have not done any planning. So that part is frustrating. I want so badly to feel like I am fulfilling my purpose and I am not sure. I have had a few moments where I have asked myself why did I choose to come on a mission? Its so much easier at home. None of these people can understand me and I cant understand them... but even in these last few days I have learned so much and I love the knowledge that I have a loving Heavenly Father who is always aware of me and loves me. He loves me!! And I can talk to him at any time. Other people need to know that. They need to know that there is reason to rejoice. They need to know there is happiness available , joy available in this life and in the next because of our Savior. I am so so blessed beyond measure and am so grateful for everything that I do and do not have. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you all for being a part of my life and for being such amazing examples of faith. I love and pray for you!
Love Forever,
Sister Sarah Ralph
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