SHARING THE LIGHT ❂

Hello!

Thank you for the great email’s! I love hearing all about what everyone is up to.

To answer your questions mom: I only get to play the piano a little bit. If we have time before district meetings or if we're ever waiting at the chapel, I can play. Other than that, I don't really have time! Yes, I really wash my clothes in a bucket. I only wash my underclothes by hand in a bucket. I'm getting better and faster at it! I take the rest of my clothes to a laundry shop near by. They do it for me and they have a washing machine, and a dryer, and they fold the clothes all nice. It only costs about 90 pesos! Worth it, for sure! My clothes are holding up okay. A lot of my skirts have stains that won't come out (from who knows what) but they're okay. I found a black skirt at the mall last week, and I've been wearing that a lot! The darker colors are nice because if I get dirt or something on me, you can't really see it. I also really like the gathered skirts (with the stretchy, not body hugging waistband). I don't wear the fitted skirts I brought. They're too uncomfortable! Especially with walking so much and with the heat.

Something about the culture: Here in the Philippines, it's not rude to tell it like it is. If someone thinks you're fat, they'll tell you. In America, that would be so offensive, especially to a girl. But here, it's not. It's only happened to me once so far.....haha.

I really want to be a happy, good, successful missionary. As I was thinking, and as I've been thinking for the past few days, I know I have a purpose here. It's just up to me to find it! But, I've learned that we must walk by faith rather than by sight. We must have faith, in ourselves, and in the plan that our Heavenly Father has for us. With patience, diligence, obedience, and perseverance, I can do it!

One scripture that helped me was in Omni 1:26:

“I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of His salvation, and the power of His redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole should as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end…” I must give my whole soul! With all my "heart, might, mind, and strength." I know that with the Lord on my side, I can do all things.

We found two separate investigators who are what you would call "golden." :) I am so excited to start teaching them more. Their names are Jay and Nicole. They both were referrals, and both of them are dating return missionaries! It's true what they say: who you date influences you! They both have seen the good and the blessings in their boy/girlfriend's lives, and they want to have the gift of the gospel in their lives.

I love you all so much! I know that angels are watching over me and strengthening me every second of every day. I know that this work is divine, and that we could not do it without some divine help.

Mahal kita.

xo Sister Anna Ray Allen