Week 11

Hey guys!!

So it sounds like you all are doing amazing! EFY sounds like such a blast! Being in Kirtland was so fun when Marissa and I went a couple summers ago so I'm sure it was amazing for you too. So I got your package and letter last week! Thank you so much you are the best! It only takes like 2- 3 weeks to get here so feel free to keep them coming! Family and friends included :) Also I just wanted to give a happy birthday shout-out to my amazing father who's birthday is today!!!  Dad I can't tell you in words how much I love you and appreciate everything you have done for me. You are one of the most selfless and giving people I now and everything you do is for us. You have raised me in the gospel and I know I am the person I am today because of you. Your shining example of Christlike love, patience, as well as inspirational advice has got me through a lot in my life- especially here on my mission. I hope you have an amazing birthday filled with the people you love. Know your daughter loves you and is sending her love and prayers for you all the way from Hermosa Philippines :)  

So this week was really good for me. We had follow up training this week so I got to travel back to the mission home and be reunited with all my friends from the MTC! It was SO fun to see them and talk to them about our experiences here in the Philippines. And mom Elder Cooper Smith was in my district at the MTC and is one of my really good friends! Tell his mom that he is doing so good and that he is definitely the best out of all the new missionaries in Tagalog. I'm slightly nervous because my trainer sister Calaunan told me after the training that she recommended me as a trainer for after my 12 week program. yikes haha. But hey, If the Lord calls me to be a trainer I know he will help me and I will just do my best... in broken Tagalog haha. 

Yesterday we had the beautiful opportunity to watch our investigator (now member!!) be baptized. Jimboy was a referral to us missionaries by a lady in our ward. We have been teaching him for the past 4-5 weeks and it was incredible to watch him take this monumental step in his life. After his baptism he got up and bore the sweetest testimony. You have to know Jimboy- he is ALWAYS laughing a joking and hardly ever serious, but as he stood there thanking sister Lina, Sister Calaunan and I for changing his life, tears streamed down his face and the spirit filled the room. We are now currently teaching his family who will follow his example and be baptized next month :) I feel so blessed to be apart of this church and to share the beautiful message of happiness we bring. 

So I thought I would really quick share a spiritual thought I had this week in my personal study. This week I was reading in the Book of Alma in the Book of Mormon and chapter 32 verse 12 really stuck out to me. Alma is talking to the poor people who have been afflicted with many burdens and trials in their lives. He tells them they should be grateful for their challenges and trials in their lives because through our trials we become humble. As we become humble we become teachable and more receptive to God's word and will for us. As we follow God's word and will we become closer to him and feel more fully his love and guidance in our lives.  I know that has been true for me here. I can't speak the language very well so the Lord has really humbled me. But because I cannot speak Tagalog well, I must rely and put my full faith and trust in him. As I have done that, I have felt so much comfort and peace in my life and know he is with me and watching over me. Sometimes God gives us trials and breaks us down only to build us up again, but stronger and closer to him. I hope that helps one of you like it did for me :) 

I love you all so much and hope you have a wonderful week! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Mahal kita!

Love,

 sister Lowe