Week 16

Hi everyone

This past week was so long. For no reason at all really. We should of had a really productive week and been teaching a lot but we just got punted (like people weren't there for us to teach or were busy and wouldn't let us) A LOT. We taught 16 lessons the whole week. Normally we are like 10 higher than that. But I guess it's OK. We tried our hardest. We are working hard to prepare the Besmonte's for baptism. They are sure that this is the path for them (hearing that is like the best thing in the world- all you other missionaries know!) but of course like many are, they are a little scared. The kids are scared for the interview itself but not for the actual baptism. The parents are more scared just because they understand how big of a commitment this is and really want to live and follow all of the covenants they will be making. They are really golden- like seriously. I feel blessed to be able to help them and bring them the gospel. 

This past week I studied about faith a lot. And realized how important it is to ACT on your faith. Like the bible says- Faith without works is dead! We teach a lot of people who say they have faith in Jesus Christ and all that He did for them, yet they don't follow His example. Jesus Christ is clear that we are to follow the example He has set for us, and through that example we will be happy. True faith means working hard EVERYDAY to become more like your Savoir Jesus Christ. Believing without acting is weak. Really if you had true faith in Christ, you would act on it and do the things He has asked you to do. The bible dictionary says "Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation." Our faith is really important! It is what leads to salvation! Remember to act on your faith :)

Other things from this past week, um I finished a journal? For like the first time ever. The food is good. Like really good- which is a problem because I am eating a lot. And probably gaining weight. Oh well! I blame the rice! There is a typhoon happening up north so we have had intense winds here. Which means a lot of brown outs. And like it makes wearing a skirt kind of difficult! Haha! And it's a problem because the pudjuk drivers don't want to take us to our apartment because it's up a hill, and they don't want to go against the wind. So that is fun- it means more walking for us! That's probably good because of all the food I eat! We are going to Catanduanes this week for exchanges- its an island here in the zone. I'm excited to see how it is different. But also a little scared. If this wind keeps up the boat ride will be rough... It's about a 4 hour boat ride but with wind it may be longer! Oh well! It's all an adventure!

I hope you are all doing good

Mahal Kita

Sister Ianuzi :)

p.s. I still don't know tagalog. The day I wake up fluent I'll be sure to mention it in the email, but until then just assume I continue sounding like a 2 year old babbling...