Zone interviews, X-rays, meetings, Exchanges Week 69

First off. I am still really sad Buster died. Diabetes? That's just so sad. I am going to miss that dog. I hope there is a Spirit World for animals.

As for life in the Philippines...this past week has been crazy and our numbers kind of hurt because of it. 

I did really enjoy our zone interviews last week though in Lipa and President really encouraged me to go back through my conference notes and look for the things Heavenly Father needs me to be working on and set some more goals. So one of those goals is to continue to strengthen my testimony of the Gospel, strive for more obedience (mostly in how I choose to use my time at night, aka journal), and to work on Christlike attributes again; Faith, Love and Charity, and Patience.

 I am pretty sure those attributes are a constant work in progress...but I think they will be a great way to end my mission. 

One great scripture I read was in Romans 15:1-3- 

1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Christ truly is our perfect example. Especially in patience. 

As for our work this week, between interviews, district meetings, run arounds at the hospital to get an X-ray (which is required before we go home), and exchanges in Lipa, we had a hard time getting lessons this week. We did find 2 new families to teach and they are both actually interested, so I am very excited to continue teaching them and to get back to them this week!! 

I have really noticed a lot this week the miracles for going the extra mile in OYMs and then extending the invitation to be taught. It's been sticking in my head a lot the sentence "Find when you teach, teach when you find" from Preach my Gospel. That is how we started to teach both of those families. 
I do have a testimony of OYMing and inviting them to listen to the message. I also know that reaching our OYM goal is something WE have control over and that when we set a goal and stick to it by talking to one or 2 more people before going home is worth it. The times when I don't feel like OYMing and make up my mind to do it any way, those are always the times when the people are incredibly receptive.

I love being a missionary and all the things I get to learn each day. I know that I am supposed to be Sister Ghouri's companion at this time and that all my past companions and past experiences have really prepared me for her. I really feel like I am training her. Which is a really good thing, because I am SO excited to see what she can become, and I know that this time in the first months still of her mission is the best time for her to learn the doctrines of the lessons and be able to teach them simply. I also have been able to give her some ideas to help her learn the language. I don't think she likes it all the time, but I am seeing little miracles with her already

Last week was crazy, and these next few weeks will continue the craziness, but it is good to keep us always busy.

On Thursday I worked with Sister Burnham in Lipa. It was SO fun! They have a super nice apartment and it is actually a lot cooler in Lipa, so that was a good change instead of sweating so much.

This week we are really going to work on finding through the members, so we have set appointments with a few of them to help them get started to give us some referrals.

Tomorrow we have a special meeting in San Pablo with Elder Robbins and Elder Tobias, so I am really excited to see what they have to say. Plus this will be the last time, for probably a long time, that I'll get to see my Polynesian companions:( 

Sister Lorente is back though, but on Marinduque, the island, and sister Woodruff had to go home for some medical reasons, so I won't get to see those two :( but it will be good to see the other 3 before I go home!

I am still loving Darasa, full of ups and downs still with our teaching pool, but kaya namin:)

I love you all and hope you have a great week!!

Love,

Sister Mecham