Dear Family,
This was a great week! I had my very last interview with President
Pagaduan. Their mission is almost over. I'll get to see them one more
time at our next Zone Meeting, and then Pres. Pagaduan will be
replaced by a new Mission President. :( We will for sure miss him,
but I'm sure our new mission President will be awesome as well. At
the end of our interview, he gave me an awkward side hug.. the only
male I'm allowed to give a hug on my mission, haha. I don't know how
to give a side hug... haha. It was awkward. :D But he's great, I'll
miss him a lot.
Sunday was amazing! We had 10 investigators attend, to listen to
General Conference. Even though they didn't understand the words
which were being said because we only had it in English, they all said
they had a good experience and plan on coming again next week. Our
only disappointment was that Thelma wasn't able to come. We went to
her later and she said she had been to the doctor because of some pain
she was having in her shoulder... but because of that, her baptism
will have to be postponed a few weeks. :( But It's okay, that will
give us a little more time to help her understand the gospel a little
bit more and make sure she really is ready for the covenants she is
about to make.
Conference was a really good experience. I enjoyed listening, and I
also had a humbling experience as well. I realized how quick I can be
to judge others. While trying to listen to Conference, there was a
guy talking to another guy behind me, with hardly a pause. Thoughts
were going through my mind like, "Why doesn't he just go to the back
or even leave if all he wants to do is talk, making it difficult for
the rest of us to concentrate?" I let it really bother me for a few
minutes. After awhile, I decided I would kindly glance back at them,
hoping they would get the hint. What I saw though was my brand new
investigator who had come to church for the very first time. He
didn't understand a word of English and a wonderful member had decided
to fellowship him and was translating for him and explaining a little
about conference. I gave them a huge smile and sat back, feeling
sheepish. Yeah, they were a little distracting and yeah, there may
have been another way, but I was getting annoyed because a member had,
by his own decision, done what we as missionaries are usually begging
members to do every Sunday! I think all of us sometimes are a little
too quick to judge others. I need to be more careful about the
thoughts that go through my mind. I had thought I was in the right
because my intentions were good... to listen to Conference!!! but that
gives me no right to think badly of other people. :D
God has really been helping us in the work. He's been preparing so
many people to listen to us and it's exciting to see the gospel being
spread to so many people. I want EVERYONE to hear it!!! There's not a
single person in the world who is not in need of the gospel. We are
all here for the same purpose... and the plan is for us all to return
to live with God again. We need to help our brothers and sisters to
learn the plan, so that they too can experiences the blessings of the
gospel and receive eternal life :)
Love you all,
Take care!
Sister McClellan
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Week 49
Good morning!!
Wow, I can't believe all that's happening... here and there!
Congratulations to Jarom's family, who had Emma sealed to them this
last week. And also mom and dad who are about to leave for their
mission soon! BTW, Thanks for my birthday package! It actually came
really quickly, almost 2 weeks ago. I forgot to mention in my last
letter ;D I was very happy to see all the cute drawings and letters
from my nieces and nephews :D I also finally got my Preach my gospel,
so thanks so much!!!
The week before last, I had my first experience teaching someone who
was deaf. A deaf member in our ward, Joven, worked with us that day
and helped us to communicate with them. We weren't able to get a
return appointment, but it was still a good experience. I gave my
very first sign language prayer... :) I had thought that experience
was hard... but this week we experienced something even harder. There
are two deaf men, Mario and Freddy, who attend church every sunday and
we just found out that they haven't been baptized yet. I am excited
to teach them, but the hard thing is that they don't know sign
language and they don't know how to read either. They didn't have any
schooling. :( The plan before we went is that I would sign to Joven
what we wanted to teach and he would help us act it out because he has
experience trying to communicate with them. When we went to visit
them however, Brother Joven was sick and wasn't able to come with us.
:( It was the weirdest lesson I've ever taught... we basically just
showed pictures of Jesus Christ and nodded and smiled really big to
them, haha. We tried to show how there was a God the Father and God
the Son and how they have bodies and about the holy ghost, but I
honestly have no idea if they understand a thing we are trying to help
them understand! They want to be baptized though... I think... when
we act out being baptized they nod, haha. And at the end of our very
short lesson, Freddy pointed to the calender on the wall and we
pointed to the next Thursday for our return appointment and he gave a
thumbs up. Hopefully Joven will be able to come next week, but even
they have a hard time. Freddy gave the closing prayer... a very long
silence... when I peeked, he was still closing his eyes and folding
his arms very reverently. :) I wonder how he prays... not with words,
but with thoughts? Are they organized thoughts? Does he understand
who he's talking to? I think so... I felt the spirit at least, and I
think he does as well. Why else would he come to church every Sunday?
I think it's election week? All this week, there have been vehicles
driving around blasting really loud music and jingles and stuff about
those running for mayor and other things. It's all part of their
campaign and the picture of the person running is all over the vehicle
and all over the city. It's a bit distracting during lessons when one
of those vehicles comes down the road... because it's REALLY loud, but
it's interesting to listen to!
Saturday, while walking from an appointment, we were walking close to
another women and we started talking to her. The next thing we know
she is sharing her life story that is really, really sad!!! Her son
was killed and she has no husband and so many other things and she
feels as though God has forgotten her and she started crying... right
there in the middle of the road. We immediately assured her that God
has NOT forgotten her and we testified that God has a plan for her and
loves her. We gave her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet and got her
contact information. Later in the day, we found her house and she was
there. She had already read the pamphlet and was planning on coming
to church, which she did yesterday. It's so wonderful when things
like that happen. People really are prepared to accept the gospel,
and think.. if we hadn't talked to her while passing her on the road,
she would still be so sad! Of course her life is still sad, but I
love that we have such a wonderful message about hope. I am excited
to continue visiting her!
We have been really overwhelmed this week with all the work we have to
do! I feel bad, like people are being left out, people who need the
gospel just as much as everyone else. We still haven't had the time
to contact all our referrals. We have so many investigators that are
progressing that we need to focus our time on right now. Yesterday we
had 8 investigators come to church! Brother Roxas is so funny. After
sacrament meeting he almost went home, but he was taking his time
(purposefully I think) because he really wanted to stay. We ran out
and convinced him to stay. He's just shy, haha. And we had a
wonderful lesson for them about temples and family history work. For
the first time, instead of talking nonstop, he listened and even asked
a few questions! This stuff is all new to him and I'm excited to
share about our life after death in our next visit with him.
The best thing ever though was this guy named Roger. One day, a
random guy with an interesting style came up to me and said "Hi, I'm
Roger!" and was very kind of overly friendly... we invited him to
church and he said he would come. Yesterday, he DID! He's not our
investigator yet, but it was exciting to see him there. In the
parking lot before church, he saw Sister Harvey and thought she was me
and kissed her on the cheek and asked if she remembered him. She
didn't, but encouraged him to come inside. Then I came up behind them
and he realized it was me! He then kissed me on the cheek as well!
haha... both of us just froze when that happened, not knowing what to
do, haha. He said he had to get a haircut and would come back. We
said his hair was fine the way it was, but he insisted. During Sunday
School, he did come back - with a new haircut- and it was a really
good lesson and experience for him. In the middle of class, he
whispered to us and said there was something really important that he
needed to go to and if it would be okay if he snuck out... we said it
was fine, but he didn't. I think he was too shy to leave in the
middle. Shortly after, talking about temples, he stood up to ask a
question. He explained that he lost his misses and asked what he
needed to do to be with her again. It was so wonderful! I was so
happy to share what I know with him and promise him that he can!!! He
stayed to the end of the lesson and then shook hands with every person
in the class before leaving. He's an interesting character, but I'm
excited to start teaching him!
I'm really enjoying the work here. Sister Aurelio and I are enjoying
the area, and enjoying each other. I've been having fun teaching her
the piano whenever we have a few minutes or how to beat box and do
sign language. She has also been a big help in expanding my
vocabulary in Tagalog. I'm enjoying learning both Tagalog and Karay-a
and I'm continuing to study Hiligaynon as well for if I get
transferred back to a Hiligaynon speaking area.
I love you all, take care this week :D
Sister McClellan
Wow, I can't believe all that's happening... here and there!
Congratulations to Jarom's family, who had Emma sealed to them this
last week. And also mom and dad who are about to leave for their
mission soon! BTW, Thanks for my birthday package! It actually came
really quickly, almost 2 weeks ago. I forgot to mention in my last
letter ;D I was very happy to see all the cute drawings and letters
from my nieces and nephews :D I also finally got my Preach my gospel,
so thanks so much!!!
The week before last, I had my first experience teaching someone who
was deaf. A deaf member in our ward, Joven, worked with us that day
and helped us to communicate with them. We weren't able to get a
return appointment, but it was still a good experience. I gave my
very first sign language prayer... :) I had thought that experience
was hard... but this week we experienced something even harder. There
are two deaf men, Mario and Freddy, who attend church every sunday and
we just found out that they haven't been baptized yet. I am excited
to teach them, but the hard thing is that they don't know sign
language and they don't know how to read either. They didn't have any
schooling. :( The plan before we went is that I would sign to Joven
what we wanted to teach and he would help us act it out because he has
experience trying to communicate with them. When we went to visit
them however, Brother Joven was sick and wasn't able to come with us.
:( It was the weirdest lesson I've ever taught... we basically just
showed pictures of Jesus Christ and nodded and smiled really big to
them, haha. We tried to show how there was a God the Father and God
the Son and how they have bodies and about the holy ghost, but I
honestly have no idea if they understand a thing we are trying to help
them understand! They want to be baptized though... I think... when
we act out being baptized they nod, haha. And at the end of our very
short lesson, Freddy pointed to the calender on the wall and we
pointed to the next Thursday for our return appointment and he gave a
thumbs up. Hopefully Joven will be able to come next week, but even
they have a hard time. Freddy gave the closing prayer... a very long
silence... when I peeked, he was still closing his eyes and folding
his arms very reverently. :) I wonder how he prays... not with words,
but with thoughts? Are they organized thoughts? Does he understand
who he's talking to? I think so... I felt the spirit at least, and I
think he does as well. Why else would he come to church every Sunday?
I think it's election week? All this week, there have been vehicles
driving around blasting really loud music and jingles and stuff about
those running for mayor and other things. It's all part of their
campaign and the picture of the person running is all over the vehicle
and all over the city. It's a bit distracting during lessons when one
of those vehicles comes down the road... because it's REALLY loud, but
it's interesting to listen to!
Saturday, while walking from an appointment, we were walking close to
another women and we started talking to her. The next thing we know
she is sharing her life story that is really, really sad!!! Her son
was killed and she has no husband and so many other things and she
feels as though God has forgotten her and she started crying... right
there in the middle of the road. We immediately assured her that God
has NOT forgotten her and we testified that God has a plan for her and
loves her. We gave her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet and got her
contact information. Later in the day, we found her house and she was
there. She had already read the pamphlet and was planning on coming
to church, which she did yesterday. It's so wonderful when things
like that happen. People really are prepared to accept the gospel,
and think.. if we hadn't talked to her while passing her on the road,
she would still be so sad! Of course her life is still sad, but I
love that we have such a wonderful message about hope. I am excited
to continue visiting her!
We have been really overwhelmed this week with all the work we have to
do! I feel bad, like people are being left out, people who need the
gospel just as much as everyone else. We still haven't had the time
to contact all our referrals. We have so many investigators that are
progressing that we need to focus our time on right now. Yesterday we
had 8 investigators come to church! Brother Roxas is so funny. After
sacrament meeting he almost went home, but he was taking his time
(purposefully I think) because he really wanted to stay. We ran out
and convinced him to stay. He's just shy, haha. And we had a
wonderful lesson for them about temples and family history work. For
the first time, instead of talking nonstop, he listened and even asked
a few questions! This stuff is all new to him and I'm excited to
share about our life after death in our next visit with him.
The best thing ever though was this guy named Roger. One day, a
random guy with an interesting style came up to me and said "Hi, I'm
Roger!" and was very kind of overly friendly... we invited him to
church and he said he would come. Yesterday, he DID! He's not our
investigator yet, but it was exciting to see him there. In the
parking lot before church, he saw Sister Harvey and thought she was me
and kissed her on the cheek and asked if she remembered him. She
didn't, but encouraged him to come inside. Then I came up behind them
and he realized it was me! He then kissed me on the cheek as well!
haha... both of us just froze when that happened, not knowing what to
do, haha. He said he had to get a haircut and would come back. We
said his hair was fine the way it was, but he insisted. During Sunday
School, he did come back - with a new haircut- and it was a really
good lesson and experience for him. In the middle of class, he
whispered to us and said there was something really important that he
needed to go to and if it would be okay if he snuck out... we said it
was fine, but he didn't. I think he was too shy to leave in the
middle. Shortly after, talking about temples, he stood up to ask a
question. He explained that he lost his misses and asked what he
needed to do to be with her again. It was so wonderful! I was so
happy to share what I know with him and promise him that he can!!! He
stayed to the end of the lesson and then shook hands with every person
in the class before leaving. He's an interesting character, but I'm
excited to start teaching him!
I'm really enjoying the work here. Sister Aurelio and I are enjoying
the area, and enjoying each other. I've been having fun teaching her
the piano whenever we have a few minutes or how to beat box and do
sign language. She has also been a big help in expanding my
vocabulary in Tagalog. I'm enjoying learning both Tagalog and Karay-a
and I'm continuing to study Hiligaynon as well for if I get
transferred back to a Hiligaynon speaking area.
I love you all, take care this week :D
Sister McClellan
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Week 48
Mayad nga aga! To make this easy, I'm going to copy some of my
journal entries from this last week. I hope you enjoy. :D
I think I'm finally getting good at washing laundry by hand... and at
cooking Filipino food. My bata is training me well, haha! :D I
learned how to make Manggo Float this week, mmmm! :D And it's SO
easy!!! I've also learned how to make a ton of other things with
rice. I actually love rice now! I am becoming dependent on it. I
don't eat it EVERY meal yet, like some people do, but at least once
every day. I'm really embracing the culture and I'm going to miss it a
whole lot :( Last week we had an FHE with a less-active family and we
were outside on the beach. Their little 7 year old boy, while I was
teaching, put a small jellyfish on my seat and then put my hand on it.
Gross!!! hehe. They also were playing with a leach... I'm glad they
didn't make me touch that.
We met a group of Babjao? the other day... it's like a race from
Manila and they have no education... they are just a bunch of kids who
are raised to ask people for money. Usually when they beg for food or
things at the market, I feel really uncomfortable because we aren't
allowed to give them money... but one of our potential investigators
live right next to the group and they are actually a bunch of really
cute kids. I was scared of them at first, especially when the little
baby was pulling on my skirt too... but now I'm hoping that we can
teach them as well and maybe even help them to learn to read if at all
possible. They are really nice. We also started teaching a couple
muslims last week who have never heard anything about Christian
beliefs before. It was so hard to explain about Jesus Christ! But I
really hope they were able to feel the spirit and continue listening.
They laughed at me at first... I don't think they had ever heard an
American speaking their language before... I was just glad they
understood the Karay-a because I know they have their own language as
well...?
Haha, in a teaching setting, I have no problem speaking the
language... but in regular day to day settings... I don't know why I
can't just speak to people normally, haha! It might be in part
because people naturally assume that all I know is English... but I
had a funny experience last week. I went to the post office to post a
letter... and I don't understand myself... I know perfectly well how
to say "hi, I would like to send a letter to America" in their
language... but instead, I stand there awkwardly and hand the worker
my letter, just looking at him expectantly... waiting for him to
figure out what I want as he stares at me blankly. haha... no wonder
people think I don't know how to speak the language, haha. We later
found out that the worker I was talking to was the branch president in
the Dao branch. I felt better after a while because he started to
talk to us and we found out who he was, but how embarrassing! haha. :D
I have been told quite a lot lately though that I don't really have
an American accent, which makes me really happy. Sometimes people
actually think I'm fluent! But I know that's not true.
Last week was holy week. One day, there was a procession, or like a
religious parade thing down the city and so the tricycles couldn't get
through, so we walked... but we could hardly get through! People
lined the road and were all watching and there was no way around... so
sister Aurelio and I just walked in front of all the people quickly
all the way down the procession! I heard people all around me saying
"Hey look! There's an American!" And people were taking pictures, etc.
I felt so bad! Like I was being very disrespectful to their
religious celebration. I imagined the next days news headlines "Kana
desecrates sacred Catholic Procession" or something like that... haha.
So far I haven't heard anything more about it so I guess I'm okay,
haha. :D
Saturday there was a young man activity which was awesome! All the
young men ages 12-18 were invited for the whole Antique Zone to help
them prepare for their missions. They first had a devotional thing
where President Pagaduan spoke to them. Then they split up into their
different "districts" and had a "district meeting" taught by the
elders, where the Elders taught them how to place a book of mormon,
etc. Then they had lunch, and then for the next 3 hours they went out
in their companionships to different areas to place books of mormons
and pamphlets... but only in the San Jose areas... which means my area
and the other sister's area. When they came back and reported to
us... we got 40 referrals!!! The other sisters got 20. Crazy! I
don't know how we are going to contact them all, but I thought that
was an awesome activity for the young men to get excited about doing
missionary work. They were all wearing little pin-on nametags and
they looked adorable, haha. I've never heard of any activity like
that before, but I think it was awesome! :D At the devotional, I was
part of a group that sang a musical number, "Come thou Fount" I
really love that song... :D
This was a really incredible week. I am really feeling pumped about
missionary work. It's so fulfilling! We taught 32 lessons this
week... and I'm tired... but pumped. It is so exciting to see people
accepting the gospel. Sister Thelma's baptism is April 20th and she
is so excited for it as well as us. She has already seen it changing
her life and she likes the change. I am so grateful to be a member of
the true church. It is the best thing in the world. We meet a lot of
opposition as well, but we know that we are doing God's will. I am
surprised at how we can stay so happy and positive, even when someone
is yelling at us or something. We just love them... and someday
hopefully they will accept the gospel as well. I love this work and I
love Jesus Christ. :D I love you all,
Sister McClellan
journal entries from this last week. I hope you enjoy. :D
I think I'm finally getting good at washing laundry by hand... and at
cooking Filipino food. My bata is training me well, haha! :D I
learned how to make Manggo Float this week, mmmm! :D And it's SO
easy!!! I've also learned how to make a ton of other things with
rice. I actually love rice now! I am becoming dependent on it. I
don't eat it EVERY meal yet, like some people do, but at least once
every day. I'm really embracing the culture and I'm going to miss it a
whole lot :( Last week we had an FHE with a less-active family and we
were outside on the beach. Their little 7 year old boy, while I was
teaching, put a small jellyfish on my seat and then put my hand on it.
Gross!!! hehe. They also were playing with a leach... I'm glad they
didn't make me touch that.
We met a group of Babjao? the other day... it's like a race from
Manila and they have no education... they are just a bunch of kids who
are raised to ask people for money. Usually when they beg for food or
things at the market, I feel really uncomfortable because we aren't
allowed to give them money... but one of our potential investigators
live right next to the group and they are actually a bunch of really
cute kids. I was scared of them at first, especially when the little
baby was pulling on my skirt too... but now I'm hoping that we can
teach them as well and maybe even help them to learn to read if at all
possible. They are really nice. We also started teaching a couple
muslims last week who have never heard anything about Christian
beliefs before. It was so hard to explain about Jesus Christ! But I
really hope they were able to feel the spirit and continue listening.
They laughed at me at first... I don't think they had ever heard an
American speaking their language before... I was just glad they
understood the Karay-a because I know they have their own language as
well...?
Haha, in a teaching setting, I have no problem speaking the
language... but in regular day to day settings... I don't know why I
can't just speak to people normally, haha! It might be in part
because people naturally assume that all I know is English... but I
had a funny experience last week. I went to the post office to post a
letter... and I don't understand myself... I know perfectly well how
to say "hi, I would like to send a letter to America" in their
language... but instead, I stand there awkwardly and hand the worker
my letter, just looking at him expectantly... waiting for him to
figure out what I want as he stares at me blankly. haha... no wonder
people think I don't know how to speak the language, haha. We later
found out that the worker I was talking to was the branch president in
the Dao branch. I felt better after a while because he started to
talk to us and we found out who he was, but how embarrassing! haha. :D
I have been told quite a lot lately though that I don't really have
an American accent, which makes me really happy. Sometimes people
actually think I'm fluent! But I know that's not true.
Last week was holy week. One day, there was a procession, or like a
religious parade thing down the city and so the tricycles couldn't get
through, so we walked... but we could hardly get through! People
lined the road and were all watching and there was no way around... so
sister Aurelio and I just walked in front of all the people quickly
all the way down the procession! I heard people all around me saying
"Hey look! There's an American!" And people were taking pictures, etc.
I felt so bad! Like I was being very disrespectful to their
religious celebration. I imagined the next days news headlines "Kana
desecrates sacred Catholic Procession" or something like that... haha.
So far I haven't heard anything more about it so I guess I'm okay,
haha. :D
Saturday there was a young man activity which was awesome! All the
young men ages 12-18 were invited for the whole Antique Zone to help
them prepare for their missions. They first had a devotional thing
where President Pagaduan spoke to them. Then they split up into their
different "districts" and had a "district meeting" taught by the
elders, where the Elders taught them how to place a book of mormon,
etc. Then they had lunch, and then for the next 3 hours they went out
in their companionships to different areas to place books of mormons
and pamphlets... but only in the San Jose areas... which means my area
and the other sister's area. When they came back and reported to
us... we got 40 referrals!!! The other sisters got 20. Crazy! I
don't know how we are going to contact them all, but I thought that
was an awesome activity for the young men to get excited about doing
missionary work. They were all wearing little pin-on nametags and
they looked adorable, haha. I've never heard of any activity like
that before, but I think it was awesome! :D At the devotional, I was
part of a group that sang a musical number, "Come thou Fount" I
really love that song... :D
This was a really incredible week. I am really feeling pumped about
missionary work. It's so fulfilling! We taught 32 lessons this
week... and I'm tired... but pumped. It is so exciting to see people
accepting the gospel. Sister Thelma's baptism is April 20th and she
is so excited for it as well as us. She has already seen it changing
her life and she likes the change. I am so grateful to be a member of
the true church. It is the best thing in the world. We meet a lot of
opposition as well, but we know that we are doing God's will. I am
surprised at how we can stay so happy and positive, even when someone
is yelling at us or something. We just love them... and someday
hopefully they will accept the gospel as well. I love this work and I
love Jesus Christ. :D I love you all,
Sister McClellan
Monday, March 25, 2013
Week 47
It was a great week!! Garing, for some reason I feel un-motivated to write..
I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. It went really well, I
didn't have too much preparation, but I'm getting much more
comfortable just saying whatever comes to my mind and it always turns
out all right. The language is not a barrier for me anymore. It's
wonderful. I talked about the importance of the BOM and how even if
you have read it a thousand times, we should continue to read it and
study it daily. I talked about the power of the BOM and about how we
can and should apply it to our daily lives.
I'm so excited mom and dad for you both. Not too long and you will be
serving as well! Wearing the name tag is a great experience. Just
talk to everyone you meet and refer them ALL to the missionaries,
haha. The young missionaries there will love you. :D Nami gid!
And... I'm also excited for Jarom and his family being sealed to Emma.
Thank you April for sending me the blogs. I really appreciate
knowing what's going on at home. Heather will be having her baby
soon! That's also very exciting. I'm so grateful to have such a
wonderful family. Thanks for your support and prayers. I know you
all love me. :D I hope you all have a wonderful week. Love you,
Heidi
I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. It went really well, I
didn't have too much preparation, but I'm getting much more
comfortable just saying whatever comes to my mind and it always turns
out all right. The language is not a barrier for me anymore. It's
wonderful. I talked about the importance of the BOM and how even if
you have read it a thousand times, we should continue to read it and
study it daily. I talked about the power of the BOM and about how we
can and should apply it to our daily lives.
I'm so excited mom and dad for you both. Not too long and you will be
serving as well! Wearing the name tag is a great experience. Just
talk to everyone you meet and refer them ALL to the missionaries,
haha. The young missionaries there will love you. :D Nami gid!
And... I'm also excited for Jarom and his family being sealed to Emma.
Thank you April for sending me the blogs. I really appreciate
knowing what's going on at home. Heather will be having her baby
soon! That's also very exciting. I'm so grateful to have such a
wonderful family. Thanks for your support and prayers. I know you
all love me. :D I hope you all have a wonderful week. Love you,
Heidi
Monday, March 18, 2013
Week 46
Hello wonderful family!
This has been a wonderful week! We have been having great success!
Our investigator Sister Thelma is doing really well. She accepted the
invitation to be baptized this last week and said she is very sure
about it. She came to district conference yesterday and although she
couldn't understand what they were saying because it was an English
broadcast where Elder Holland, Elder Hales, and Sister Cook spoke, she
said she really felt a really good feeling just being there. We are
excited for her as well as for Brother Reynaldo, who we are trying to
help get married. We have several progressing investigators and now
we are just struggling trying to find a balance between investigator
lessons and less-active lessons, because we kind of struggled in that
area this week. Also, sister Geraldine came to church and Brother
Renato. They are both progressing as well, and working towards
baptism. Sister Aurelio and I are both doing very well and are
enjoying the work. I know that this is the Lord's work and I am so
grateful to be here.
This last week, we went to Iloilo for a trainers/trainees meeting,
which was very uplifting and helpful! And it's amazing how the Lord
helps make up for things in different ways... like we were out 2 days
because of the trip, which would have made it difficult to teach all
the lessons we would usually teach, but somehow we were able to get
more investigator lessons than we ever have any other week. It was a
Wednesday and Thursday which are normally some of the busiest days
even! But we were able to teach all those people we had planned for
on the other days of the week. It was amazing! And we were really
able to help our key investigators to make some very important
commitments. They are progressing and we love them so much! I'm
going to be so sad when I transfer. :(
Okay... Maybe I'll regret telling you all this... because I'm super
embarrassed about it... but... I got bit by a monkey. :/ I wasn't
playing with it, I promise!!! I just... wanted a picture with it...
and it climbed on my shoulder and bit me... but not because it was
angry... I must have just looked delicious or something... :D My bata
was super scared for me... she thought I was going to get rabies or
something... so while we were in Iloilo, I mentioned it to Sister
Pagaduan, our missionary mother :) and showed her the bite, and she
said it was okay. I don't have to worry about it after all. Whew!!!
I did NOT want to get a rabies shot, haha. I wonder if that happens
to missionaries a lot, because she didn't seem to be surprised in the
least! She just said to call her if I start acting like a monkey...
:D Since this experience... I have been much more careful around
animals. I'm glad it wasn't anything worse, haha. I feel so dumb!!
What a bad example I was for my bata! It could have been awful...
so... all of you.... stay away from monkeys!!! They can't be trusted!
haha. But they are still my favorite animal, haha. :D
Other than that, missionary life is amo man gihapon (still the same).
But is very enjoyable. I really love every minute of it, especially
when you can see the changes that people are making in their lives.
We have one investigator, Brother Roxas, who loves to talk. :D It is
very difficult to get a word in sometimes, haha, but we love him so
much. I'm surprised at the love that we feel for our investigators.
At first, he really seemed indifferent about our lessons and he just
wanted to share what he believed more than anything else I think. Now
though, I think he gets excited when he sees us coming... maybe he's
still excited to share what he believes, but that's okay. We can
really see how his beliefs are becoming closer and closer to the truth
and we can see his faith building. He is unsure about when he will be
willing to be baptized, but he is getting closer. He will be a
wonderful church leader someday. I just wish I could stay here to see
it happen... Sometimes the hardest part of missionary work is knowing
that you will be leaving them someday. I'm just glad there will
always be other missionaries to take my place and that there are more
and more missionaries coming and more and more missions opening. It's
so wonderful!
I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for
this wonderful opportunity that I have to be a servant in God's hands.
Realizing how much my testimony has strengthened over the past year,
makes me ever-grateful for my decision to serve a full-time mission.
I can't believe I only have 8 months or so left. Noooooo...... :D I
am definitely going to follow my parent's example and serve as a
couple missionary with my future husband someday. :D
Monday, March 11, 2013
Week 45
Mayad nga hapon! I’m emailing in the afternoon because the internet
wasn’t working this morning. I just finished playing some soccer and
basketball and Frisbee at the park. That was really fun, but now I am
super kapoy!!! (tired).
This morning, I had a kind of funny experience. Sister Aurelio pulled
out a dime from her wallet, and I had no idea what it was. She told
me it was the young woman torch on the back and I asked where she got
it. She said an elder from America gave it to her. That’s when I
realized it was a dime!!! But, for some reason it looked way too tiny
to be a dime. Are dimes really that small??? I didn’t believe her for
a few minutes. I thought it was fake. But now I’m starting to
believe, maybe it really is a dime. Weird. The other day when we
were visiting the Americans, we saw a fake flower boquet made out of
real dollar bills and it took me by surprise too. It was so funny.
I’m so used to the money here now.
We had a really good week this week. For the first time in my whole
mission, we almost achieved every one of our weekly goals. We were
very excited about that. We had many member present lessons and 5
investigators at church, including 3 for the very first time who we
have been trying to get to church for many weeks. We also have 7 new
investigators! It was a very busy, busy week… and yet we feel like we
could do better. Especially since we teach so many lessons which we
think went well and then they don’t keep commitments…. But they
will :D Our investigator Reynaldo wants to be baptized so badly. I
think he is the investigator who has the most desire to be baptized.
The problem is kasal (marriage). They don’t have the money to get
married. And every time they get close to saving enough, it seems,
one of their children get sick and they have to spend the money on
hospital or medicine. I wish I could help them more. His wife told
us the other day secretly that he has been practicing his testimony
for after his baptism. He is really excited! And I just thought that
was the best thing ever. It made me smile a lot.
We had a really wonderful experience the other day. We visited a
less-active member who has been less active for several years. She
was sealed in the temple and now is separated from her husband. They
have 2 adopted children who she is caring for. Last Sunday, she came
to church and had her son given a baby blessing who just turned 3 this
week. And she said the closing prayer in sacrament meeting. Then
when we visited her, she told us it was time for her to come back.
She really wants her sons to be raised in the church and for them to
serve missions someday. She shared with us the scriptures that she
read in D&C 6 that comforted her, which are also the same scriptures
that comfort me so often. She wants to be worthy to hold a temple
recommend again. And she wants to be sealed to her children… but I
don’t really know how she can do that… without her husband…?
Anyways, it’s been a fun week, full of good experiences. As well as
some others that I will share after the mission is over, haha. Kamaan
ko gid nga matuod gid and simbahan naton. Kamaan ko gid nga kon
magpadayon kita sa ebanghelyo ni jesucristo, mangin mas malipay kita,
bala haw? Sadya gid ang missionary work. Excited gid ako para
kaninyo, especially para sa ginikanan ko, kay magmission man sanda!!!
Yippee! Padayon kamo tanan nga mangin righteous sa adlaw-adlaw.
Palangga ko gid kamo. Nahidlaw ko kaninyo, pero, mas importante kon
ano ginahimo ko kadya. So, halong kamo pirme, ha. Take care, and
continue to Lift where you Stand! :D
Love, Sister McClellan
wasn’t working this morning. I just finished playing some soccer and
basketball and Frisbee at the park. That was really fun, but now I am
super kapoy!!! (tired).
This morning, I had a kind of funny experience. Sister Aurelio pulled
out a dime from her wallet, and I had no idea what it was. She told
me it was the young woman torch on the back and I asked where she got
it. She said an elder from America gave it to her. That’s when I
realized it was a dime!!! But, for some reason it looked way too tiny
to be a dime. Are dimes really that small??? I didn’t believe her for
a few minutes. I thought it was fake. But now I’m starting to
believe, maybe it really is a dime. Weird. The other day when we
were visiting the Americans, we saw a fake flower boquet made out of
real dollar bills and it took me by surprise too. It was so funny.
I’m so used to the money here now.
We had a really good week this week. For the first time in my whole
mission, we almost achieved every one of our weekly goals. We were
very excited about that. We had many member present lessons and 5
investigators at church, including 3 for the very first time who we
have been trying to get to church for many weeks. We also have 7 new
investigators! It was a very busy, busy week… and yet we feel like we
could do better. Especially since we teach so many lessons which we
think went well and then they don’t keep commitments…. But they
will :D Our investigator Reynaldo wants to be baptized so badly. I
think he is the investigator who has the most desire to be baptized.
The problem is kasal (marriage). They don’t have the money to get
married. And every time they get close to saving enough, it seems,
one of their children get sick and they have to spend the money on
hospital or medicine. I wish I could help them more. His wife told
us the other day secretly that he has been practicing his testimony
for after his baptism. He is really excited! And I just thought that
was the best thing ever. It made me smile a lot.
We had a really wonderful experience the other day. We visited a
less-active member who has been less active for several years. She
was sealed in the temple and now is separated from her husband. They
have 2 adopted children who she is caring for. Last Sunday, she came
to church and had her son given a baby blessing who just turned 3 this
week. And she said the closing prayer in sacrament meeting. Then
when we visited her, she told us it was time for her to come back.
She really wants her sons to be raised in the church and for them to
serve missions someday. She shared with us the scriptures that she
read in D&C 6 that comforted her, which are also the same scriptures
that comfort me so often. She wants to be worthy to hold a temple
recommend again. And she wants to be sealed to her children… but I
don’t really know how she can do that… without her husband…?
Anyways, it’s been a fun week, full of good experiences. As well as
some others that I will share after the mission is over, haha. Kamaan
ko gid nga matuod gid and simbahan naton. Kamaan ko gid nga kon
magpadayon kita sa ebanghelyo ni jesucristo, mangin mas malipay kita,
bala haw? Sadya gid ang missionary work. Excited gid ako para
kaninyo, especially para sa ginikanan ko, kay magmission man sanda!!!
Yippee! Padayon kamo tanan nga mangin righteous sa adlaw-adlaw.
Palangga ko gid kamo. Nahidlaw ko kaninyo, pero, mas importante kon
ano ginahimo ko kadya. So, halong kamo pirme, ha. Take care, and
continue to Lift where you Stand! :D
Love, Sister McClellan
Monday, March 4, 2013
Week 44
Hello Family.
This was a really great week. We taught many, many lessons and have several investigators. We get more and more investigators every week. The challenge is helping them to progress, but we believe that they will. We had some good experiences. At the wedding last monday, we were invited by the wife of an americano to his birthday party. So on Wednesday, we went to his birthday party and found the biggest gathering of americanos than I had seen in a really long time. I found it so hard and slightly awkward to talk to them. I don't know why, but I was super nervous to even approach them and say hi. I have no social skills around americans!! haha. But we did and found out they are all from America and many of them have retired and are living here with their Filipina wives. None of them know the language at all... but they were very nice. One of them was a less-active member from Mississippi and had a very strong accent. He stopped coming to church because he didn't understand what anyone was saying and felt
like it was pointless... the only part of church he understood was the sacrament. We tried to help him as best we could, but being at a party... we couldn't really teach a lesson ;D but we know the elders have been visiting him at his home. The house we were at though was probably one of the biggest houses I have ever seen... and right on the beach. We were able to get a few addresses of people though and have been trying to contact them all and teach them. It's been fun.
Another good experience. Sister Geraldine, one of our good investigators, had a concern about being baptized because her family were all of a different religion. This last week we had the opportunity to teach her father about baptism. We were really not expecting his response. When we first began teaching him a few weeks ago, if we invited him to church, he would just say that he was going to go to his church, but this last time, we taught about baptism from 2 Nephi 31 and he accepted the invitation to be baptized! And he said that he and Geraldine would both be coming to church. The spirit was so strong in that lesson and Sister Aurelio and I had big smiles on our faces as we left. Then Sunday came... and they didn't come. But you don't need to know that part, haha.We are still enjoying this work. We continue to visit all these people and help them to build their faith. And once their faith has increased to the point where
they come to church or keep other commitments, their faith will continue to increase because of their exercising of their faith and keeping of their commitments. And they will be baptized. :DThis work is really satisfying. Of course we also have a lot of disappointments and challenges, but that's to be expected. We will never give up. We won't stop trying, even when the mighty winds come
and the fiery darts of the adversary, etc. come. We are doing what we can to raise our warning voices. We are calling the world to repentance :D Like Ammon, Alma, and my other heroes in the Book ofMormon. :D It's awesome.
Love you all,
Have a wonderful week
Sister McClellan
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