A pretty bird painting that we pass by practically every day.

I finally took a picture by it.

Hello po! 

I can't believe that I will see you all in FOUR DAYS!  I am so excited to see you all.  I can't wait to experience coming down the escalator and seeing all of you there, waiting for me.  Ah!  It makes me excited!  

Although I am coming home, a part of me feels like I am leaving home.  The Philippines has become a part of me, and in leaving, I feel like I am leaving a piece of myself behind.  I love the people here.  I love the culture.  I love the adventure and I love the farms and fields.  I love speaking Tagalog and I love Filipino food.  Even though I am leaving the Philippines, it will never really go away.  I know that the Philippines has become a part of me and that it will forever stay.  The Philippines has my heart.  

Last night, I could sleep thinking about all the things I had to do (like pack....which I haven't done yet...AHH!).  It still hasn't really hit me yet that I'm leaving.  I know it's coming, but I don't think I fully comprehend it yet.  

This week was an amazing week.  It was so spiritually filling.  The Philippines Cauayan Mission had the special opportunity to be visited by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with his wife, Sister Bednar, and the PH area president and his wife, Elder and Sister Bowen.  On Friday, we spent three wonderful hours learning and listening to the words of Elder Bednar and those with him.  It was such an inspired meeting.  It was also nothing like I expected it to be.  Elder Bednar involved us so much in his messages by asking us questions, letting us ask him questions, and discussing ideas together.  I learned so much.  One thing that stood out to me was this:  EMBRACE CHANGE.  It was a timely message for me, seeing that I am about to make a big change in my life from full time missionary to returned missionary.  Most people don't like to change because it scares them.  But Heavenly Father's plan is the plan of eternal progression, and if we want to progress, we need to change.  When we change to make our lives in line with the gospel of Jesus Christ, change is always good and always bring blessings.  I made a goal this week to EMBRACE CHANGE.  

Today is my last day of working and teaching as a full-time missionary.  Tomorrow (Tuesday), I head to the mission home for departure activities with President and Sister Hiatt, and on Wednesday morning I'll fly to Manila and spend the day there.  Finally, on Thursday morning I'll make the loooooooong journey home to you.

I love you all.  I can't wait to see you all.

I FINISHED STRONG.

xo Sister Allen

Our zone conference.  I'm standing on the leftish side.

Photo with the WHOLE MISSION (178 missionaries!) and Elder and Sister Bednar and the area president Elder and Sister Bowen.  I'm on the far right on the third row. 

Elder and Sister Jones are a senior couple in the PCM.  I ADORE THEM.  I want to be them when I am old.  They head home a week after me.  I was lucky to serve with them for my entire mission.  The are amazing!  Elder Jones is an alpaca vet!!