Hello Po

Hello Po,

It's More Fun In The Philippines (Highlights):

-I went on splits twice this week and led the area both times. Although the language is still a struggle, but I'm finally feeling a little more comfortable. I can actually converse and joke with people.

-We saw a massive wagon made out of bamboo that was full of handmade goods, and it was being pulled by a massive cow on the highway with tons of cars around it! It was hilarious! So yeah, you could say the Philippines is AWESOME!

But the biggest thing that happened this week began a little sad. There is a 17 year old girl we were teaching that was preparing to be baptized on February 9th, but this past week her dad called her from the province and said she had to come home right away. She packed her bags and told us she was leaving. We quickly rushed to her house and discussed with her what her plan was. She said she was super sad to be leaving, especially because she was really excited to be baptized. We taught her that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is all over the world and that she could be baptized in her province. Now she is in contact with missionaries in her province and she is preparing to be baptized soon. Obviously we were sad that we could not be a part of her baptism, but we are simply happy to know that she will be baptized. We are excited for the day that she will receive that necessary saving ordinance. The ordinance of baptism in itself shows our faith in Jesus Christ. It shows our desire to follow the example of Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate example, and through faith in him miracles are truly wrought to pass. As we develop our faith in Christ we will desire to stop repeating sins and we will come closer to him as we are purified by his Atonement. He felt our pains and sicknesses. He is our Savior and Redeemer. He is the only begotten of the Father, and his gospel is our path to Eternal Life. I love him, and all I desire is that all people will come unto him and partake of his everlasting life.

Elder Hemmert