My Companion has 31 mosquito bites

Ok, I am just sooooo tired.  The mission works you like no other, but I can also say, I am sooooooo happy.  This week I have been able to really take a step back and enjoy this all.  I love it here.  I love my savior, I love missionary life, I love the scriptures, I love my companion, I love the ward, I love my investigators, I love the culture, I love the food, I love the Philippines. 

This week we had some major spiritual experiences.  We had a lesson on Tuesday with the S. family and they didn't do their reading assignment in 3 Nephi 11 so we read with them the first 17 verses.  Also, they had said they hadn't received an answer to their prayers yet.  Then we read together and they felt the spirit and they committed to baptism.  It was the Book of Mormon and the spirit that converted them.  So excited for them.  We also taught them again on Friday the plan of salvation and their father died 5 years ago and oh man, we just followed the spirit, and you could say there were tears by the end of the lesson.  Amazing how this gospel answers everyone's questions.  That is one of my favorite things to witness here, seeing people understand and come to know the truth. 

So we went to M's house on Wednesday and then all these kids in her neighborhood wanted to listen... so her house is about 10x15 feet... and the total of people at one time was 23 children, one Lola (grandma), one member, Sister Marivic, and my companion and me.... Crazy!!!  Such a random experience.  We just taught the restoration and thankfully I had my picture book, but they all loved it and even 4 of them came to church with us yesterday!  We taught M. again on Friday and taught her about Eternal Marriage.  Next month is the one year mark of her husbands death.  So you could say that this topic was emotional.  It really comforted her, but it also brought out some of her concerns which we are happy to be able to resolve now. 

We also had another investigator come to know the truth of the Book of Mormon and the church.  She wasn't sure about baptism, but she committed to pray.  I am just so blessed to see all this progression.  Yesterday we had four investigators come to church.  That is the highest I have ever had.  M. and her neighborhood friends came.  Some members thought she was a member because she seemed like a member.  She even gave the closing prayer in Sunday School.  Amazing.  I really feel her strong spirit and testimony.  I know God loves her so much. 

Yesterday we also had the most amazing ward fireside after church.  We planned it to help the ward with their ward mission plan.  Each family is going to come up with their own family mission plan where they come up with 5 names of people they can share the gospel with and make goals on how to help them.  It was a big turn out and the ward really loved it.  We had the members practice with each other how they would approach each other and then the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric spoke on how the members can help hasten the work of salvation.  it was so great to see a member discuss this and not just a missionary.  It makes a huge difference and helps the members understand how simple it is!  It was so amazing to see the ward get excited to help us.

And finally, this week's icing on the cake was zone interviews.  I just can't explain the appreciation I have for my mission president.  That man is so inspired.  He just knows how to encourage me.  He told me that I am doing enough and am worthy to have the spirit.  I really pondered those things and I have already seen a greater influence of the Spirit in my life.  Bless President Peterson!  I don't know what I would do without him!

So all is well here, loving life.  I love you all and don't forget to keep me updated! 

Mahal kita,

Sister Waldrom

Alma 26:12