October 14, 2013

Kumusta Everyone :)

This week has been full of Miracles, Hurricanes, and Realizations. :) I learned a lot this week.
First thing I learned, I understood this week that I have been trying to rely on myself to fix people's problems. Which I have always been able to fix, being the bigger brother and all. I have felt frustrated ever since I have gotten here to the Philippines. Reason like why the church is like this and like that, why aren't investigators coming to church, and other problems like that. I realized that the problems I am dealing with are way bigger than I can handle. I'm not going to know the answer. But Heavenly Father does. He knows his children. He will help me. After this re-evaluation of my actions and motives, my prayers have gotten better, my patience has been extended and lessons have gotten better. I am so grateful for that experience and like President Monson said the stronger the wind the stronger the tree. I know these problems are for me to grow. :)

Second, let me tell you a story about a 14 year old girl named J. As soon as we started teaching her I could tell she was elect from God. She has read 1/2 the Book of Mormon and is quoting scriptures to us and always asking for a chapter to read. She wants to get baptized more than anything but can't because of walang support from her parents. I promised her that if she would tell her dad how she felt and bore her testimony and did everything she could, her dad would join the lessons. Well I saw the faith of this young girl as she made dinner earlier than usual and asked her dad to come, pleading with him to listen. He did and it was a powerful experience for me because when I made that promise, as I walked away, I said to myself what did I just promise her. I realized that it was not my promise but Heavenly Fathers. It showed me that Heavenly Father does answer prayers and that he does live up to his promises. 

Conference was way good. :) I learned a lot. I did not get to see most of the last session because we had a brown out caused by the Hurricane. I guess that's what the Ensign is for ;) Anyway this week was an amazing week :) 

I feel impressed to put that if anyone is reading this, I want to be that person that President Uckdorf talked about by helping people up. I say unto you that, YOU CAN DO IT NOW!!! Go on a mission. I don't care if your shy or not ready to teach. I wasn't but I was worthy and ready to learn. That's all you need. Heavenly Father will help you. Please, Please go on a mission. I know that you can, because I have and will continue to be the Lord's instrument  :) I know that I am nothing, as to my strength, I am weak. Heavenly Father is my power and my Father :) 

Love Elder Bigelow

Mountains in my area.

I think this is a monkey that he is playing with.