What a week of love! This week the days seemed to fly by as day after day we experienced more miracles, love, and lots of blessings!
One much needed blessing was the rain we got the past couple of afternoons.
The sun has been SOOOO hot here that I haven't been able to wear my contacts because they keep drying out in my eyeball half-way through the day, but that's alright! At least I'll come home with a nice summer tan!
In addition, all this heat gives me the perfect excuse to eat one of my favorite deserts every-single-day: Halo-halo.
At every corner, we have been trying all types of halo-halo. I think some of the best was when they mixed chocolate shake in with all our jello, mango and beans. And another time when they used sweetened-and-condensed milk instead of sugar. Ang sarap! Halo-halo is definitely one of the things I will miss most about the Philippines.
Another thing I will definitely miss is all the funny fun times and experiences we have every day.
Like the time we asked a 25 year-old tricycle driver how many kids he had. His response: 12. When we asked him how that was even possible and why he had so many, he responded: "because they are delicious." Or another time when I decided to greet all the people on the street by saying "Anyeong!" (which means helo in Korean) and watch them turn with looks of bewilderment to see an American, in the Philippines, speaking Korean. I absolutely love these people!
In addition, some of my favorite memories from this week were the countless miracles which more than made up for tired feet, sweat and tears. One of the most special to me was last Saturday after having the great opportunity to teach Sister Joy.
We have been teaching Joy and her kids for the past few months and she has gone through quite a struggle to get answers to her questions as to whether or not this church is true. Especially since she has already been to so many other churches which all seem to be so alike. As she asked us repeatedly during our first visits: "What makes this church any different from the others?"
But as she started to read the Book of Mormon, her heart began to change, a new light came into her eyes. And last Saturday, after our lesson, we reminded her of her upcoming baptismal date on April 7, with the intent of asking her if she had a desire to be baptized. We hardly got the words out when she looked over at the calendar and said, "that's too bad, you won't be here on that day. Is it okay if I am baptized sooner?"
Surprised, we asked when, only to have her set the date for March 31, my very last Sunday here on the mission.
I was happy and surprised at the great blessing the Lord is giving me to witness one more baptism before taking the final walk home. But what makes me even more happy is the conversion we have seen in Sister Joy. At first, she always seemed annoyed or on the verge of anger every time we saw her. As she put it herself, she is going through a lot of things in life right now that make it hard to be happy. But as she has come to know and accept the gospel, her whole demeanor has changed, and now I can say that Joy is one of the most loving and well... joyous people I know. It's crazy the difference the gospel can make in the lives of others!
I think that is one of the best parts about being a missionary: being privileged to watch "a mighty change" be "wright in the hearts of men". I am always amazed at the change that happens in a person when they are truly converted and feel so grateful to Heavenly Father for letting me be a small part of it all.
I was grateful again last night when after a family-home-evening with the Oporto family where 17 members came over to have a night of fun, food and love, the room was filled with laughter, smiles and the spirit as we sang "Families can be Together Forever" for the closing song.
I know that is true, Families really are eternal! Just like God's plan for each of us. I love you all and hope you have another great week! Until next time! Ingat po palagi!
Love,
Sister Matheny
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