Alright family, hang in here with me. I have a ton to tell you and a little time to type, so here we go. As for the typhoon that some of you may have heard about. Basically, I was sent to the safest island in the Philippines and we only experienced rain and some crazy thunder storms, hence the soaked through Jody photos. But as for problems in the area, none here. As for Amanda and and Paul, thanks for the photos, I've already pulled them up over 3 times a piece looking at them again! haha! Paul, your office looks way nice! It may seem like a normal office there, but I haven't seen anything that nice in...well...13 months. You look so professional in your little coat and Dr. Stadler???? YES PLEASE!!!! Amanda, oh my cuteness! I teared up a tiny bit and my heart started to race when I saw that adorable bump on you! forget about just looking fat. YOU LOOK ADORABLE!!a little tired mind you, but adorable! :) MAN....I will be there for the birth of that child...which I can sense is a little boy. That's my final guess. And you will name him...KoyKoy. After our mission president's son. haha! Just kidding.
Dad! I'm so happy that you just finished the Book of Mormon! I'm even happier that you started again! I'm in Mormon right now and at the rate it's going I'll probably be finishing it again in about a week or two. I have found on my mission that I just can't get enough of that book. No one can even begin to understand how important it is and how it will change their lives until they take the time to read it every single day! And you're doing that! Keep it up! Last week I was really craving your biscuits and gravy! We were all talking about Christmas traditions, and so many foods I crave from home.
Samantha Nicole! I cant believe you're on a volleyball team! How fun! Someday I'll have to tell you about my experience trying out for the team. I didn't make it..haha..but I didn't want to actually get to be on the team anyway! haha! I'll explain sometime. How is life? How is school? Where are you now? I'm confused. I thought you were living back with Robyn! Tell me more details here about your life! I love getting your little emails on dear elder. You can just email me too if that's easier for you. As for the probiotics coming, I'm excited and I thank you in advance for your concern. The ones Aunt Vikki sent are helping so much already, those will help even more I'm sure.
I'm starting to see a glimmer of hope. A couple weeks ago I received a blessing for a cold I had and in the blessing the elder paused for a moment and said, "Sister Stadler, it is important that you remember what you teach every day. Your Savior's Atonement applies to you too and your current problems you're suffering with." ..there were others things that were said that I needed to hear. It was good for me to hear it. I was talking to this elder's companion about the health issues when he was talking to me and he asked me if I felt it was getting better, at that point I said no and I don't think it would be anytime soon (this was before the blessing) to which he said, "Sister! Where is your faith in this matter?" It kind of shocked me to hear that. But I needed to. SO....haha...long story short, I've changed my hope and my mindset about things, along with pro-biotics and things are much better and will only continue to get better. SO...before I forget and get all spiritual with things that happened this week, let me tell you of my Christmas wish! :) The time is coming up to send off the package ...and that is why I'm saying this! :) I don't want a package!!! haha! So don't send one! It takes way way way way too long and is way way way way too expensive and you've all spoiled me too much on my mission already. I'll be babysitting for ya'll for forever when I get home. haha! Ok, so I have been thinking, and as the Christmas season approaches (yes I know this is crazy but in the Philippines the season starts in September) I have been wondering about each of your individual testimonies, how you got to the point you're all at now. I was looking at the photos I have of each of you and have felt such a strong longing as I studied faces and thought about memories with each of you. I would love for each of you, including Sammi and Kaitlin, haha...and Shelley's kids of you can get a hold of them...if not..I understand, but I would like each of you to write a little letter about your testimony of the Savior and your personal relationship with Him. Who He truly is to you and how a knowledge of Him has effected your life. Feel free to include other things, but that's what I want for Christmas.
Ok, moving on to this week. It was a wonderful week with Zone conference on Friday. President amazes me! The more than man speaks the more I just love him. He has taught me quiet dignity in a way I could never explain over email. Our whole zone conference was on Christlike attributes and working with ward members and leaders. The spirit was so incredibly strong and at one point I felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. I didn't know why either and then a moment later Elder Edioy stood and said, "President would like to invite a few missionaries at this time to share their testimony of Christlike attributes." I knew in a second that I would need to share my testimony. I wasn't even sure how to start with that topic, because it wasn't "share you testimony about Christ"...and yet I stood up after an elder and I was completely overcome with that spirit. The conference was powerful and the whole mission took a turn. As one elder put it, the dark ages are over in the mission, those disobedient missionaries are all home now and the whole countenance of the mission has changed.
There is a light in the missionaries that wasn't there before and the proof of their obedience is manifest in the numbers coming in. I guess before the mission split, even with the whole other island we were averaging 200 baptisms a month. Well, now we have 60 less missionaries and we're only on one island and we're over that for baptisms a month...barely, but we're already over 200. The work is increasing and quickly. Our work in the mission is through reactivation and teaching part member families, which I have gained a testimony of. They said to us in conference that we probably won't be able to see the fruits of our labors while we're in the field, but 10 years down the road, it will make all the difference. We will be able to come back and see stakes formed in areas where we are now if we focus on the rescue and the Centers of Strength in our areas. I'm excited! It's tiring, and it's hard work when you don't see people being baptized, but, ayos lang! Payadon lang kami! :)
This Sunday Ramzel, 2 members of the Angelico family and Irwin were all at church along with 4 less actives we've been working with! It was a wonderful Sunday! The Pacheo family fasted and we fasted for them and we were able to witness the blessing of the branch serving and helping them and their testimonies were greatly strengthened. There is a light that has entered their countenance. It's amazing to watch the Lord's programs work effectively. Ramzel will be baptized this Saturday and Sister Jackson and I will both be here!!! WOOHOOO!!! Transfer announcements said, we're staying together another transfer! :)
Life is so good! I love my mission and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. I think of each of you at night when I'm lying in bed and I miss you all, but there is no homesickness whatsoever. I love this work and I can't wait to see what this transfer has in store for us here in La Carlota. Mara, the Angelico's 14 year old daughter, told us in our last teaching that she has no doubts now. She knows the Book of Mormon is true! I love it! My study this week has been about Mormon and Abraham and I am amazed with the strength of the youth. My eyes were opened to a pattern of how the Lord uses young worthy men to build His kingdom: Mormon, Abraham, Nephi, Joseph Smith, Samuel, Alma, Captain Moroni! It's remarkable! It is true that the Lord uses small and simple means to bring to pass mighty miracles! I see it happen often in the mission. The church is true! I could never deny it. I'm eating up every moment I have here in the field! There are only 3 transfers left! 18 weeks left in the mission after this Friday and I just can't believe it. I love you all, and until next week, God Speed!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
This week was been pretty intense. There is suppose to be a typhoon hitting the Philippines this week, but our island rarely has any effects, just rain like crazy because we're pretty guarded from the other islands. But it has been raining like crazy. On multiple occasions I have come home completely drenched, soaked through. Good thing my Jody Dresses aren't sheer. ha! That's even with my umbrella. The rain usually comes in at an angle. Anyway, I love rain, but it's not good for our investigators either.
As for updates with investigators, The 2 year man is named Brother Amador, mom. He won't even listen to us anymore. But, we know he felt something when we taught, it now just depends on him. This guy is amazing...he pays tithing...something is holding him back though. BUT...we can't do much if he refuses to let us speak with him. SO...it's just not his time. As for Rona, she got really sick and hasn't come back yet, but her brother in law said she's reading and praying and should be home today. SO...hopefully we'll go teach her tomorrow. The Angelico family is progressing, slowly, but they are progressing. We taught them yesterday and the mom and their 14 year old daughter, Mara, explained their experience with praying and reading and we were able to help them realize that they have received their answer from the Holy Ghost. I love that experience! It's always amazing to me to hear how the Holy Ghost speaks personally to each of us. Ramzel is amazing! He'll be baptized on the 30th. His mom is so proud of him, it's adorable. Irwin is a kick in the pants....haha! He's about as stubborn as a man can get, but he's a good man. We're starting back at square on with him and helping him build his testimony about the scriptures.
This week we were able to teach a less active family, the Pacheo family. We've taught them before, but they are Cebuano and it's difficult sometimes. I feel like whenever we go teach we haven't really been able to help them much..I always leave dissatisfied. Well, this week, it was different. I called them out on it. haha! We were in the middle of the teaching and it just didn't feel like it was going anywhere so I said, "Ok, I feel like something is wrong in your family. We want to help. What is wrong?" And brother Pacheo started to tear up ..he has a really bad eye problem where his eyes are both like lazy eyes...he can't focus on things, making it hard to find work. He works at their "home" (a little one room they rent) fixing people's electronics. Well, I guess in August, their little girl, who is no more than 2 years old, got really sick and was in the hospital. She had an incredibly high fever and because of the effects of the fever she is now on medication to keep her from having problems with her sight. Well, the medicine is incredibly expensive, and he and his wife are sometimes going 3-4 days a week without any food because they can either eat, or they can pay for medicine for their child. This has been causing stress for their marriage, and they have been having problems lately. My heart broke sitting there listening to this incredibly humble man pour his heart out. You could tell he wanted to do everything he could to provide for his family, and he was working as hard as he could. So I felt very strongly that I should teach fasting. So as we taught that, the whole feeling changed. They will be fasting this week, which he joked happens often! ha...these people!!!! I love these people! They are just happy...they are so grateful for everything. So my companion and I will be fasting this week for them as well. I know there is power in fasting. I know if they follow the commandments God will provide for them.
Irwin tonight was going off about having little money and being poor and he started making some smart comments and I just interrupted him and said, "Brother, do you have food?" He said yes...and then I said, "Well then you're very blessed." and I explained about the Pacheo family. He got quiet pretty fast. All of you at home, you may never understand, I don't expect you to fully understand, until you'll seen something like this with you own eyes, until you've sat with these people and felt the love that God has for them....I will never be the same, and for that I am grateful. I have learned that honestly, THINGS mean nothing. Relationships mean everything. Time. Time is priceless. I love this gospel. I had someone point out that starting next week I'll only have 3 transfers left. So mom, it's not just people at home asking about me! haha! I love this gospel! I love you all! I'm so glad things are going well for you. Count your blessings. Pray for the People of the Philippines. I thank you for your prayers. I feel them daily. I love you all and until next week, God speed! :)
All my love,
Sister Stadler
As for updates with investigators, The 2 year man is named Brother Amador, mom. He won't even listen to us anymore. But, we know he felt something when we taught, it now just depends on him. This guy is amazing...he pays tithing...something is holding him back though. BUT...we can't do much if he refuses to let us speak with him. SO...it's just not his time. As for Rona, she got really sick and hasn't come back yet, but her brother in law said she's reading and praying and should be home today. SO...hopefully we'll go teach her tomorrow. The Angelico family is progressing, slowly, but they are progressing. We taught them yesterday and the mom and their 14 year old daughter, Mara, explained their experience with praying and reading and we were able to help them realize that they have received their answer from the Holy Ghost. I love that experience! It's always amazing to me to hear how the Holy Ghost speaks personally to each of us. Ramzel is amazing! He'll be baptized on the 30th. His mom is so proud of him, it's adorable. Irwin is a kick in the pants....haha! He's about as stubborn as a man can get, but he's a good man. We're starting back at square on with him and helping him build his testimony about the scriptures.
This week we were able to teach a less active family, the Pacheo family. We've taught them before, but they are Cebuano and it's difficult sometimes. I feel like whenever we go teach we haven't really been able to help them much..I always leave dissatisfied. Well, this week, it was different. I called them out on it. haha! We were in the middle of the teaching and it just didn't feel like it was going anywhere so I said, "Ok, I feel like something is wrong in your family. We want to help. What is wrong?" And brother Pacheo started to tear up ..he has a really bad eye problem where his eyes are both like lazy eyes...he can't focus on things, making it hard to find work. He works at their "home" (a little one room they rent) fixing people's electronics. Well, I guess in August, their little girl, who is no more than 2 years old, got really sick and was in the hospital. She had an incredibly high fever and because of the effects of the fever she is now on medication to keep her from having problems with her sight. Well, the medicine is incredibly expensive, and he and his wife are sometimes going 3-4 days a week without any food because they can either eat, or they can pay for medicine for their child. This has been causing stress for their marriage, and they have been having problems lately. My heart broke sitting there listening to this incredibly humble man pour his heart out. You could tell he wanted to do everything he could to provide for his family, and he was working as hard as he could. So I felt very strongly that I should teach fasting. So as we taught that, the whole feeling changed. They will be fasting this week, which he joked happens often! ha...these people!!!! I love these people! They are just happy...they are so grateful for everything. So my companion and I will be fasting this week for them as well. I know there is power in fasting. I know if they follow the commandments God will provide for them.
Irwin tonight was going off about having little money and being poor and he started making some smart comments and I just interrupted him and said, "Brother, do you have food?" He said yes...and then I said, "Well then you're very blessed." and I explained about the Pacheo family. He got quiet pretty fast. All of you at home, you may never understand, I don't expect you to fully understand, until you'll seen something like this with you own eyes, until you've sat with these people and felt the love that God has for them....I will never be the same, and for that I am grateful. I have learned that honestly, THINGS mean nothing. Relationships mean everything. Time. Time is priceless. I love this gospel. I had someone point out that starting next week I'll only have 3 transfers left. So mom, it's not just people at home asking about me! haha! I love this gospel! I love you all! I'm so glad things are going well for you. Count your blessings. Pray for the People of the Philippines. I thank you for your prayers. I feel them daily. I love you all and until next week, God speed! :)
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Alright family, sorry I didn't get the chance to email yesterday. We had to go to Bacolod and as usual, the day was long and the travel out there took forever and we didn't get time to email. So here I am on a beautiful Tuesday emailing my little heart out to the people I know and love. Life is way good though. So I think I said in the last email that we extended baptism for the Angelico family, if not, we did! and they accepted! It was a true example of their faith because they haven't yet received an answer for themselves IF the Church is true, however they are very serious with their decision and their daughter, Mara, knows it's true. She's remarkable. Their oldest son also knows its true, the one the elders are currently teaching. It's beautiful to see the people that the Lord prepares.
Speaking of which, this leads me into a spiritual experience we were able to be a part of this week. On Wednesday we had a specialized training here in La Carlota. I love these trainings because they are especially for targeting problems in our areas. We have training in the morning and then we had lunch, went out and applied to the training for an hour and then came back to evaluate. For the hour we went out to work we were to find brand new investigators by following the spirit and extend baptism to them in the first teaching. Well, this is all from the new training. So I have had good experiences with this new training. I was pretty excited to go out and try this, and little nervous to be honest. So we went out, and the elders apparently had a sister who was suppose to work with them, didn't work out, she went with us for our hour. We were walking down a part of our area that we have many less actives and we had in our mind a name of a referral to contact. He wasn't home. So we kept walking down the street. We talked to maybe 5 or 6 other people, offered the message, the invitation to teach, they all said they were busy, or didn't want to listen. We talked to another man for awhile who was collecting trash, but he didn't live anywhere in our area. SO...we just kept walking. At one point Sister Jackson turned to me and said, "Sister Stadler, where are we going?" To which I thought to myself.." "..That's a valid question..." and I responded.."Yeah..I have no idea. I'm just following the spirit." So we walked..for quite awhile...one street someone pointed to and said we'd been down that street before and I had the feeling to just keep walking. So we kept walking down another street and then Sister Jackson said, "We could go visit Andrew's wife." Andrew is our 2nd counselor in the branch presidency. His wife is not yet a member. We had never been to his house before.
I asked a boy on the street if he knew the family, he didn't. I asked if we could teach him, his mother came out and asked who we were and everything, then....his grandma came out the door, took one look at us and immediately stepped backward into her house screaming for us to leave. So I tried to just resolve the issue by being kind...the woman then told us to walk away...twice and then said...as if we couldn't understand their language.."MAG-GO!" hahahahaha! Well, needless to say we were a little...flustered. Not because of the rejection, but because we had like 15 minutes until we were suppose to report back at the church and I kept thinking, "Just have faith! The Lord prepares people...keep working up until the last minute." And sure enough, the Lord did prepare someone. The member who was working with us happened to know a home of another member in branch one and she knew where Andrew's home was, which happened to be right across the street from her. We went over there, Andrew's wife wasn't home. When we walked into the home there was a thin girl who went immediately into another room and closed the door. As I set up an appointment to come back and teach Andrew's wife, the member with us asked who the "thin" girl was. He said she watched the children when they were at work. She then asked if we could teach her for a moment. I will forever be grateful she did.
Rona came out and sat with us and I did the intro and asked if we could teach her for a moment. She allowed us to. She was so sweet and shy. She is 20 years old and you could tell she was just kind-hearted. We proceeded to teach her. The spirit was so strong. Right from the beginning of the lesson as I was teaching about how she was a child of God and that God knew who she was and how He loved her. She started to tear up. I thought nothing of it and continued. The lesson continued to just get more powerful and the spirit was strong and by the end of the lesson I had no doubt that I was suppose to extend a specific baptismal date for her. So we did, and she presented the concern that she wasn't going to be in town for the weekend. THAT was her only concern. When I asked her right before extending the baptismal date what she was feeling...this was right after I talked about the first vision and taught about Joseph Smith, she burst into tears and actually excused herself from the room. The spirit was thick, she came back and she was just smiling and still crying. It was a remarkable experience. She has a baptismal date set for November 13th. We are incredibly excited for her! We were suppose to teach her this week but she went back to her home town for awhile because shes been sick. BUT...Pray for Rona. Add her to the list! :)
As for Irwin, his baptismal date was pushed back. He got drunk the night before general conference. I wish I could type more about the wonderful feast conference was, but I need to go. holy amazing conference though!!!!! MY GOODNESS!!! It went by so fast! I love you all so much, This gospel is such a personal and powerful gospel! I love this work. Life is good! I am glad everyone is doing well. Keep me updated. Until next week, The church is true, Christ lives! Share the message!
GOD SPEED! :)
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Speaking of which, this leads me into a spiritual experience we were able to be a part of this week. On Wednesday we had a specialized training here in La Carlota. I love these trainings because they are especially for targeting problems in our areas. We have training in the morning and then we had lunch, went out and applied to the training for an hour and then came back to evaluate. For the hour we went out to work we were to find brand new investigators by following the spirit and extend baptism to them in the first teaching. Well, this is all from the new training. So I have had good experiences with this new training. I was pretty excited to go out and try this, and little nervous to be honest. So we went out, and the elders apparently had a sister who was suppose to work with them, didn't work out, she went with us for our hour. We were walking down a part of our area that we have many less actives and we had in our mind a name of a referral to contact. He wasn't home. So we kept walking down the street. We talked to maybe 5 or 6 other people, offered the message, the invitation to teach, they all said they were busy, or didn't want to listen. We talked to another man for awhile who was collecting trash, but he didn't live anywhere in our area. SO...we just kept walking. At one point Sister Jackson turned to me and said, "Sister Stadler, where are we going?" To which I thought to myself.." "..That's a valid question..." and I responded.."Yeah..I have no idea. I'm just following the spirit." So we walked..for quite awhile...one street someone pointed to and said we'd been down that street before and I had the feeling to just keep walking. So we kept walking down another street and then Sister Jackson said, "We could go visit Andrew's wife." Andrew is our 2nd counselor in the branch presidency. His wife is not yet a member. We had never been to his house before.
I asked a boy on the street if he knew the family, he didn't. I asked if we could teach him, his mother came out and asked who we were and everything, then....his grandma came out the door, took one look at us and immediately stepped backward into her house screaming for us to leave. So I tried to just resolve the issue by being kind...the woman then told us to walk away...twice and then said...as if we couldn't understand their language.."MAG-GO!" hahahahaha! Well, needless to say we were a little...flustered. Not because of the rejection, but because we had like 15 minutes until we were suppose to report back at the church and I kept thinking, "Just have faith! The Lord prepares people...keep working up until the last minute." And sure enough, the Lord did prepare someone. The member who was working with us happened to know a home of another member in branch one and she knew where Andrew's home was, which happened to be right across the street from her. We went over there, Andrew's wife wasn't home. When we walked into the home there was a thin girl who went immediately into another room and closed the door. As I set up an appointment to come back and teach Andrew's wife, the member with us asked who the "thin" girl was. He said she watched the children when they were at work. She then asked if we could teach her for a moment. I will forever be grateful she did.
Rona came out and sat with us and I did the intro and asked if we could teach her for a moment. She allowed us to. She was so sweet and shy. She is 20 years old and you could tell she was just kind-hearted. We proceeded to teach her. The spirit was so strong. Right from the beginning of the lesson as I was teaching about how she was a child of God and that God knew who she was and how He loved her. She started to tear up. I thought nothing of it and continued. The lesson continued to just get more powerful and the spirit was strong and by the end of the lesson I had no doubt that I was suppose to extend a specific baptismal date for her. So we did, and she presented the concern that she wasn't going to be in town for the weekend. THAT was her only concern. When I asked her right before extending the baptismal date what she was feeling...this was right after I talked about the first vision and taught about Joseph Smith, she burst into tears and actually excused herself from the room. The spirit was thick, she came back and she was just smiling and still crying. It was a remarkable experience. She has a baptismal date set for November 13th. We are incredibly excited for her! We were suppose to teach her this week but she went back to her home town for awhile because shes been sick. BUT...Pray for Rona. Add her to the list! :)
As for Irwin, his baptismal date was pushed back. He got drunk the night before general conference. I wish I could type more about the wonderful feast conference was, but I need to go. holy amazing conference though!!!!! MY GOODNESS!!! It went by so fast! I love you all so much, This gospel is such a personal and powerful gospel! I love this work. Life is good! I am glad everyone is doing well. Keep me updated. Until next week, The church is true, Christ lives! Share the message!
GOD SPEED! :)
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Oh family of mine, how I love thee! I feel like I start my letters all the same exact way. This week was been a good week! We are still teaching Ramzel, the 12 year old golden boy. He didn't come to church on Sunday because his mom was sick. He didn't know where it was on his own and didn't want to go alone, so we had to push his baptism back one Sunday. When we told him we had to...he was devastated! You should have seen his face. BUT...he understands. Come to find out...his father isn't even a member!!!!! So we're hoping to add him to our teaching pool this week.
Irwin is awesome, and starting to open up to us more with each teaching. At first I thought he was kind of hard-hearted and doing things for the wrong reason, because it was expected of him. The more I get to know him the more I realize he's one of those guys who just doesn't like to feel all mushy and warm inside. He feels a little out of place when he has to talk about his feelings, and I ALWAYS have him talk about his feelings. haha! You have to when you're teaching investigators to gauge where they are! Anyway, he's excited about his baptism. As are we! :)
This week we received the most glorious referral ever! A true answer to prayer! Just last week I started praying for a family to teach because I haven't ever taught a real good sized family with children old enough to be baptized. Well, Heavenly Father immediately answered my prayer. When I say immediately, I mean it. The next day we receive a text from our zone leaders asking if we had an appointment that day at 4pm. We didn't. They said they had a referral from an investigator of theirs who lives in our area. SO we met them at their apartment, the investigator came with us and showed us a house and I asked if they were his friends, turns out its his family! They are a family of 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's the oldest son. We have met all but two of the children in the family and all but two of the children are old enough to be baptized. It's amazing! They are amazing! They have definitely been prepared. We have only taught them twice, but they have true desires to learn truth and they are so welcoming to us whenever we show up. It's amazing! We have great hope and faith for them! :) They were really surprised to hear me start speaking Ilonggo...they asked the elders how I knew it and Elder DelosSantos told them my dad was Philippino..hahaha...then he immediately told them he was lying. haha! They're just amazing. I think it will take awhile to get them to baptism, but then again...by the power of God and the conversion through the spirit, maybe not. Time will tell!
I can't believe we're already halfway through this transfer....time is seriously flying. I got chills all over my body when I read that there is another temple in the Philippines!!! I"m a part of this work!!! It's such a huge blessing. I can't wait to hear everyone's reaction on Saturday and Sunday when they hear about it. I am more than excited for General Conference and I will let you know what talks were my favorites...even if you don't want to know..I'm telling you! :) ha!
Alright family, if I were to die tomorrow..which I won't..there's way too much to do in La Carlota, but IF I were....my final words would be... LIVE THE GOSPEL!!!!!!!! If people would just realize the joy it brings, they blessings they could witness. The Lord doesn't care so much about what you've done, that is why He's provided the Atonement! Just come to Him! Repent, through the Atoning blood of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and come to Him! I love you all so much. Share the message of hope we have in the gospel. Find time each day to testify of truth to Someone...you're great! Until next week, God Speed!
All My Love,
Sister Stadler
Irwin is awesome, and starting to open up to us more with each teaching. At first I thought he was kind of hard-hearted and doing things for the wrong reason, because it was expected of him. The more I get to know him the more I realize he's one of those guys who just doesn't like to feel all mushy and warm inside. He feels a little out of place when he has to talk about his feelings, and I ALWAYS have him talk about his feelings. haha! You have to when you're teaching investigators to gauge where they are! Anyway, he's excited about his baptism. As are we! :)
This week we received the most glorious referral ever! A true answer to prayer! Just last week I started praying for a family to teach because I haven't ever taught a real good sized family with children old enough to be baptized. Well, Heavenly Father immediately answered my prayer. When I say immediately, I mean it. The next day we receive a text from our zone leaders asking if we had an appointment that day at 4pm. We didn't. They said they had a referral from an investigator of theirs who lives in our area. SO we met them at their apartment, the investigator came with us and showed us a house and I asked if they were his friends, turns out its his family! They are a family of 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's the oldest son. We have met all but two of the children in the family and all but two of the children are old enough to be baptized. It's amazing! They are amazing! They have definitely been prepared. We have only taught them twice, but they have true desires to learn truth and they are so welcoming to us whenever we show up. It's amazing! We have great hope and faith for them! :) They were really surprised to hear me start speaking Ilonggo...they asked the elders how I knew it and Elder DelosSantos told them my dad was Philippino..hahaha...then he immediately told them he was lying. haha! They're just amazing. I think it will take awhile to get them to baptism, but then again...by the power of God and the conversion through the spirit, maybe not. Time will tell!
I can't believe we're already halfway through this transfer....time is seriously flying. I got chills all over my body when I read that there is another temple in the Philippines!!! I"m a part of this work!!! It's such a huge blessing. I can't wait to hear everyone's reaction on Saturday and Sunday when they hear about it. I am more than excited for General Conference and I will let you know what talks were my favorites...even if you don't want to know..I'm telling you! :) ha!
Alright family, if I were to die tomorrow..which I won't..there's way too much to do in La Carlota, but IF I were....my final words would be... LIVE THE GOSPEL!!!!!!!! If people would just realize the joy it brings, they blessings they could witness. The Lord doesn't care so much about what you've done, that is why He's provided the Atonement! Just come to Him! Repent, through the Atoning blood of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and come to Him! I love you all so much. Share the message of hope we have in the gospel. Find time each day to testify of truth to Someone...you're great! Until next week, God Speed!
All My Love,
Sister Stadler
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Yeah.....pretty much what this all comes down to is the fact that I love and adore each of you. My goodness, family and dear friends, life is good. A wee bit crazy at times, but so good. My companion is remarkable and I adore her with ...pardon the cliche, ever fiber of my being. She is from a little place called Battle Ground Washington, it pretty much borders Oregon. The only thing I've found wrong with her so far is she has a problem with texture....and when it comes to food here, that can be interesting!!!! Ha! Just kidding, she's amazing. Sometimes it freaks me out a little bit how similar companions can be in the mission, then President will throw in a polar opposite too just to mix things up. But, she is truly remarkable and has an astounding knowledge of the gospel, well, of everything actually. I'm pretty sure in 3 weeks or so she will be teaching me.
Ok, mom, you asked about my language, I meant to write about that last week actually. Let me relate an experience that helped me to gauge where my language was. Our first Sunday in the branch we were told about 20 minutes before Sacrament meeting that we would indeed be the speakers, welcome to the Philippines. So as we went to prepare I had a flashback to my very first Sunday in the field where they asked me to do the same thing. I was terrified and I felt stupid that I couldn't say anything in their language except what was on my flashcard I had prepared in my language study the night before. Well, this particular Sunday I stood up to speak and I realized while speaking that I wasn't thinking in English first and then translating into Hiligaynon, but instead I was thinking in Hiligaynon. For that moment I felt the spirit strong and I realized how unappreciative I have been at times, always wanting to know more in the language and wondering if I would ever have an experience that you hear with missionaries just speaking beautifully in the language and later not remembering a single thing they taught, but knowing it was the gift of tongues. After being in the mission I realized, this is an experience that rarely ever happens. And, instead, with our steady diligence and patience with ourselves...I hate that word...we indeed do receive the gift and interpretation of tongues. BUT...it is hard work! Sometimes I think we forget to take a step back and to witness the beauty of the every day little miracles we experience. I was so grateful to be able to do this in that Sunday school meeting. I definitely am not fluent, but I know the lessons, and I can truly relate and understand our investigators. Sometimes I only understand 70% of their sentences, haha...but I understand it, and I know many times it has nothing to do with my own knowledge of the language. So, mom, how's the language coming? It's here. :)
As for our less actives, we had a whole family come, but the other man who came before didn't show up again, even though he committed to be there. We'll be visiting him today. BUT, our two investigators here came to church. And we just had another one commit to baptism. This boy was amazing. We're witnessing the power of teaching part member families. It's remarkable. The elders left a name of a boy, Ramzel, who was shy and promised they could teach him, but they hadn't taught him yet. Months and months ago, missionaries taught him the first lesson, but he was never baptized. Well, we were teaching one of his relatives in their home and I saw him and his little friend trying to sneak out the front yard, so...I ran outside and grabbed them and had them come in so we could teach them! ha! So, he was pretty quiet during the teaching and we just reviewed half of the first lesson. He committed to come to church and we came to walk with him to ensure he went. So we started walking on Sunday and lo and behold, a tender mercy of the Lord, we left a little late from his house and there is no way we would have made it on time. Well, here comes a little member in the ward with a trik and he picks us up and offers and ride, free of charge. Amazing! So we get there, the young men immediately put their arm around him and take him to class! Fellowshipping was amazing! He loved it! And, that night we went to teach him again. We finished the 1st full lesson about the Restoration and he committed to praying about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. We had wrapped up the lesson and as I was putting away my Book of Mormon I had the strongest impression that I have maybe felt my whole mission to extend the commitment for baptism. So I pulled out my Book of Mormon again and asked if I could share just one more scripture with Him, and he smiled and said yes. So we looked up the trusty 2 Nephi 31:10 where Christ himself commands us to Follow Him. So I asked him after he read the verse what he was feeling, and he stopped for a moment and said, "The Holy Spirit"! WHAT?!!!!! Amazing!! this boy is 12 years old and so mature beyond his years. He has this glow you can see through his eyes, you can't describe it. So I extended baptism and he committed to be baptized on October 23rd with Irwin! The spirit was so strong! He started to tear up and his mom was crying as well. I love the gospel!
I love the opportunity I have daily to feel the love of the Savior for these amazing people! I love you! The Church is true! Share it! With everyone...you never know who's looking for the truth, and sometimes you find the most unlikely people who the Lord has already prepared! It's beautiful really. Keep the emails coming, I love it! Until next week, God Speed!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Ok, mom, you asked about my language, I meant to write about that last week actually. Let me relate an experience that helped me to gauge where my language was. Our first Sunday in the branch we were told about 20 minutes before Sacrament meeting that we would indeed be the speakers, welcome to the Philippines. So as we went to prepare I had a flashback to my very first Sunday in the field where they asked me to do the same thing. I was terrified and I felt stupid that I couldn't say anything in their language except what was on my flashcard I had prepared in my language study the night before. Well, this particular Sunday I stood up to speak and I realized while speaking that I wasn't thinking in English first and then translating into Hiligaynon, but instead I was thinking in Hiligaynon. For that moment I felt the spirit strong and I realized how unappreciative I have been at times, always wanting to know more in the language and wondering if I would ever have an experience that you hear with missionaries just speaking beautifully in the language and later not remembering a single thing they taught, but knowing it was the gift of tongues. After being in the mission I realized, this is an experience that rarely ever happens. And, instead, with our steady diligence and patience with ourselves...I hate that word...we indeed do receive the gift and interpretation of tongues. BUT...it is hard work! Sometimes I think we forget to take a step back and to witness the beauty of the every day little miracles we experience. I was so grateful to be able to do this in that Sunday school meeting. I definitely am not fluent, but I know the lessons, and I can truly relate and understand our investigators. Sometimes I only understand 70% of their sentences, haha...but I understand it, and I know many times it has nothing to do with my own knowledge of the language. So, mom, how's the language coming? It's here. :)
As for our less actives, we had a whole family come, but the other man who came before didn't show up again, even though he committed to be there. We'll be visiting him today. BUT, our two investigators here came to church. And we just had another one commit to baptism. This boy was amazing. We're witnessing the power of teaching part member families. It's remarkable. The elders left a name of a boy, Ramzel, who was shy and promised they could teach him, but they hadn't taught him yet. Months and months ago, missionaries taught him the first lesson, but he was never baptized. Well, we were teaching one of his relatives in their home and I saw him and his little friend trying to sneak out the front yard, so...I ran outside and grabbed them and had them come in so we could teach them! ha! So, he was pretty quiet during the teaching and we just reviewed half of the first lesson. He committed to come to church and we came to walk with him to ensure he went. So we started walking on Sunday and lo and behold, a tender mercy of the Lord, we left a little late from his house and there is no way we would have made it on time. Well, here comes a little member in the ward with a trik and he picks us up and offers and ride, free of charge. Amazing! So we get there, the young men immediately put their arm around him and take him to class! Fellowshipping was amazing! He loved it! And, that night we went to teach him again. We finished the 1st full lesson about the Restoration and he committed to praying about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. We had wrapped up the lesson and as I was putting away my Book of Mormon I had the strongest impression that I have maybe felt my whole mission to extend the commitment for baptism. So I pulled out my Book of Mormon again and asked if I could share just one more scripture with Him, and he smiled and said yes. So we looked up the trusty 2 Nephi 31:10 where Christ himself commands us to Follow Him. So I asked him after he read the verse what he was feeling, and he stopped for a moment and said, "The Holy Spirit"! WHAT?!!!!! Amazing!! this boy is 12 years old and so mature beyond his years. He has this glow you can see through his eyes, you can't describe it. So I extended baptism and he committed to be baptized on October 23rd with Irwin! The spirit was so strong! He started to tear up and his mom was crying as well. I love the gospel!
I love the opportunity I have daily to feel the love of the Savior for these amazing people! I love you! The Church is true! Share it! With everyone...you never know who's looking for the truth, and sometimes you find the most unlikely people who the Lord has already prepared! It's beautiful really. Keep the emails coming, I love it! Until next week, God Speed!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Well, another week is over and another transfer has begun. Life is so good! I have an amazing new companion, Sister Jackson, from Washington state. She's brand spankin new from the MTC and is a hard worker. We had immediately made a connection and have many one too many things in common. haha. She's hilarious and we have enjoyed every moment with each other so far.
Our new area is in La Carlota 2nd Branch. Apparently about 8-10 years ago the stake had some ridiculously disobedient leaders who were then ex-communicted and then the stake became a district under the guidance of the mission leader. So now President Tobias is in the middle of training the area to become a stake again. Our branch is small, on average 60-65 members on Sundays. Our first night here after transfer morning we already had appointments set up with the other elders who we white washed. They weren't disobedient elders or anything, President just felt they needed the influence of the sisters in one of the branches in La Carlota. SO...here we are!
The members are so fun and kind. We have 3 investigators as of now, all from part member families, which we're pretty excited about. We're focusing on reactivation here, much like in Victorias. However, here, the members seem to be more excited to be involved with the work.
We are teaching a man, Brother Amador, who apparently told the elders that he knew the church was true but wanted to wait 2 years to be baptized to have time to effectively rid himself of all of his issues with the word of wisdom. Well, we decided to pay him a visit. As we walked in he immediately came in and said, "2 years! I told the elders 2 years! I've told all the other missionaries 2 years!!!" So I could tell his heart was definitely a little hard towards us. His wife, who is a wonderful active member, turned to me and whispered, "See...I told you.." to which I immediately walked over to him and introduced myself and asked if we could just visit with him for a moment. He went and put a shirt on and then came in to talk with us. The room was loud and there were kids running around, he was in the middle of cooking their dinner, and the neighbors tv was ridiculously loud....so I felt maybe we should just set another appointment with him, but the thought came to me, "If you don't share something now, you're never gonna get another appointment with him." So I asked him if we could come back on Tuesday and share with him. He said he wouldn't be available and that he wasn't going to listen to our teachings...blah blah blah....so I asked if we could just share with him right then since he was there...despite the distractions. So we did!
I said a silent prayer in my heart and then he asked me to offer the prayer before the lesson. The boy on the computer shut it off and left, the children left the house to play outside and the neighbors turned their television volume way down. As we started talking I was trying to figure out what his issue was that was keeping him from being baptized right now...so I went through the baptismal questions with him...to which he answered them beautifully and had a full understanding of the restoration..except he thought Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon..which we had to clear up. BUT...I asked him why, and he said it as honestly just because he smoked daily and drank coffee. He wanted to make sure he was fully prepared and repentant of his sins. So I felt I should share 2 Nephi 31:10...I explained about how we, as missionaries, were literal representatives of Jesus Christ and that it was as if Christ himself was asking him to follow Him into the waters of baptism.
The last few transfers I have been following the counsel of President Tobias to be bold, but with love. SO....I laid it on pretty thick. Or ....maybe that's not the best phrase...I made it perfectly clear...I basically told him, "Brother, by you knowing that the church is true and not being baptized, you are putting your salvation and happiness in jeopardy. Do you realize if you die tomorrow, you WILL NOT be with your family. It will not happen." He was really quiet for a moment. Then its like his heart was visibly began to soften. He didn't commit to baptism, but...he did commit to goals towards overcoming his addictions. So, we're meeting with him tomorrow to see how he's doing. I think he just didn't have any trust in us. He felt we were just interested in getting him thrown in the water, but in the lesson he felt we actually cared. We love him and were concerned for his family and his happiness. It was beautiful really and I wish I could do it justice by describing it right now.
We also visited a man who hadn't been the church for years and years and years. No one can remember the last time he went to church. We committed him to go, and scheduled for us to pick him up and walk with him to church. Well, we get there on Sunday and he's all excited and dressed and ready to go and before we even shouted that we were at his front gate he saw us and yelled to his wife that we were there. As I spoke with Elder Hamblin about it, he's one of the last elders in the area, he was so shocked that we were able to help him get there.
I'm pretty excited about this new area and the potential it has. Our correlation on Sunday was really good and we now have the beginnings of a ward mission plan.
This week I have training again with all of the leaders and trainers in Bacolod on Wednesday and Thursday with President Tobias. I'm excited for it. Life is really good! The gospel is true and I'm just loving every second of my life.
Some woman on Sunday asked me when I go home and I say, "Oh I still have awhile. I go home in March 2011!" Her response was, "Oh! That's so soon!" I thought my heart fell out of my chest....AH! Then today another elder was like, "Sister Stadler, after this transfer you have only 3 transfers left..that's weird." AGAY!!!! (..that means "ouch" in Ilonggo) I love every second of this work.
Mom, don't worry about my living conditions...I'm ridiculously spoiled right now. I left the mansion and entered into the celestial kingdom housing of the mission. We have the couple missionaries old house with an oven, air conditioning, and a heated shower. I've forgotten what it's like to not freeze when you're bathing. Everything here is blazing hot...except their water, which is always freezing cold. Yeah.....I don't even know. But...my time is up. I'm sure I'll have more to share later.
To the rest of you...share the gospel! I love you all! Until next week, God Speed!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Our new area is in La Carlota 2nd Branch. Apparently about 8-10 years ago the stake had some ridiculously disobedient leaders who were then ex-communicted and then the stake became a district under the guidance of the mission leader. So now President Tobias is in the middle of training the area to become a stake again. Our branch is small, on average 60-65 members on Sundays. Our first night here after transfer morning we already had appointments set up with the other elders who we white washed. They weren't disobedient elders or anything, President just felt they needed the influence of the sisters in one of the branches in La Carlota. SO...here we are!
The members are so fun and kind. We have 3 investigators as of now, all from part member families, which we're pretty excited about. We're focusing on reactivation here, much like in Victorias. However, here, the members seem to be more excited to be involved with the work.
We are teaching a man, Brother Amador, who apparently told the elders that he knew the church was true but wanted to wait 2 years to be baptized to have time to effectively rid himself of all of his issues with the word of wisdom. Well, we decided to pay him a visit. As we walked in he immediately came in and said, "2 years! I told the elders 2 years! I've told all the other missionaries 2 years!!!" So I could tell his heart was definitely a little hard towards us. His wife, who is a wonderful active member, turned to me and whispered, "See...I told you.." to which I immediately walked over to him and introduced myself and asked if we could just visit with him for a moment. He went and put a shirt on and then came in to talk with us. The room was loud and there were kids running around, he was in the middle of cooking their dinner, and the neighbors tv was ridiculously loud....so I felt maybe we should just set another appointment with him, but the thought came to me, "If you don't share something now, you're never gonna get another appointment with him." So I asked him if we could come back on Tuesday and share with him. He said he wouldn't be available and that he wasn't going to listen to our teachings...blah blah blah....so I asked if we could just share with him right then since he was there...despite the distractions. So we did!
I said a silent prayer in my heart and then he asked me to offer the prayer before the lesson. The boy on the computer shut it off and left, the children left the house to play outside and the neighbors turned their television volume way down. As we started talking I was trying to figure out what his issue was that was keeping him from being baptized right now...so I went through the baptismal questions with him...to which he answered them beautifully and had a full understanding of the restoration..except he thought Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon..which we had to clear up. BUT...I asked him why, and he said it as honestly just because he smoked daily and drank coffee. He wanted to make sure he was fully prepared and repentant of his sins. So I felt I should share 2 Nephi 31:10...I explained about how we, as missionaries, were literal representatives of Jesus Christ and that it was as if Christ himself was asking him to follow Him into the waters of baptism.
The last few transfers I have been following the counsel of President Tobias to be bold, but with love. SO....I laid it on pretty thick. Or ....maybe that's not the best phrase...I made it perfectly clear...I basically told him, "Brother, by you knowing that the church is true and not being baptized, you are putting your salvation and happiness in jeopardy. Do you realize if you die tomorrow, you WILL NOT be with your family. It will not happen." He was really quiet for a moment. Then its like his heart was visibly began to soften. He didn't commit to baptism, but...he did commit to goals towards overcoming his addictions. So, we're meeting with him tomorrow to see how he's doing. I think he just didn't have any trust in us. He felt we were just interested in getting him thrown in the water, but in the lesson he felt we actually cared. We love him and were concerned for his family and his happiness. It was beautiful really and I wish I could do it justice by describing it right now.
We also visited a man who hadn't been the church for years and years and years. No one can remember the last time he went to church. We committed him to go, and scheduled for us to pick him up and walk with him to church. Well, we get there on Sunday and he's all excited and dressed and ready to go and before we even shouted that we were at his front gate he saw us and yelled to his wife that we were there. As I spoke with Elder Hamblin about it, he's one of the last elders in the area, he was so shocked that we were able to help him get there.
I'm pretty excited about this new area and the potential it has. Our correlation on Sunday was really good and we now have the beginnings of a ward mission plan.
This week I have training again with all of the leaders and trainers in Bacolod on Wednesday and Thursday with President Tobias. I'm excited for it. Life is really good! The gospel is true and I'm just loving every second of my life.
Some woman on Sunday asked me when I go home and I say, "Oh I still have awhile. I go home in March 2011!" Her response was, "Oh! That's so soon!" I thought my heart fell out of my chest....AH! Then today another elder was like, "Sister Stadler, after this transfer you have only 3 transfers left..that's weird." AGAY!!!! (..that means "ouch" in Ilonggo) I love every second of this work.
Mom, don't worry about my living conditions...I'm ridiculously spoiled right now. I left the mansion and entered into the celestial kingdom housing of the mission. We have the couple missionaries old house with an oven, air conditioning, and a heated shower. I've forgotten what it's like to not freeze when you're bathing. Everything here is blazing hot...except their water, which is always freezing cold. Yeah.....I don't even know. But...my time is up. I'm sure I'll have more to share later.
To the rest of you...share the gospel! I love you all! Until next week, God Speed!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
Monday, September 20, 2010
Alright well, family, dear family, have I got news for you?!! Let me tell you about the results of this transfer announcement from this mornings meeting. First of all...this whole week was ...difficult to say the least. We were punted (meaning that people canceled on us) more than ever before in my entire mission. It was like 3 days straight. We had a ward half-day mission that only one young man showed up to and then other plans all fell through too. It was "investigators getting drunk" week and I have decided I hate alcohol even more than I ever did before. Talk about Satan's tool for ruining lives and supporting stupidity. It's not even the fact that as investigators are drunk they get crude and they start to mock us and the church, I'll take a hit for the team, they will understand some day...but when I see them drunk and smoking I see images of everyone I love who is caught in that same web of lies. All I wanted to do was pick up one of our investigators and shake him and say, "LOOK WHAT YOU'RE DOING WITH YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let us help you...we just want to help." But he won't let us help him, and it kills me. It wasn't just him either.
This was the 3rd week in a row when we didn't have a single investigator that went to church. We had to drop 2 investigators and we're dropping others as well that just aren't prepared for the gospel and they are making it clearly evident through their choices. Emalyn and Recarido are not back from Bacolod yet because they still don't have money to get home. All of our investigators with baptismal dates either moved away randomly without any warning, they are back to breaking the word of wisdom or they don't have enough faith in Christ to live His commandments and witness the blessings.
I was riding on the back of a trik home on Saturday and I was watching the sun set and I just started bawling. Haha...I was looking at the beauty of the area and watching families interact and I was thinking, laziness and idleness will be the death of the Philippines, at least in our area. The tears weren't from frustration or from self pity. I just wish people could realize that wickedness gets them nowhere! And so often we don't want to own up to ourselves being wicked...but if it isn't of God, and if it's not what Jesus Christ Himself would do, then it's of the natural man...therefore it is wickedness. Basically, I dropped to my knees on Sunday and had one of the longest discussions with my Heavenly Father that I've ever had. I love prayer. I don't know if I've ever experienced to much sorrow for another person in my life. Sometime in that moment I remember saying, "Father, help me to prepare myself for the transfer announcements tomorrow and to step up to the challenges given to me."
I assumed I would be staying one more transfer in my area, or transferring to another area and following up a new missionary, but it seems Heavenly Father has other plans for me...AH!!!!!!! hahaha! I am once again being stretched to my limits. There are 3 sisters coming in this transfer. There is an American, a Tongan, and a Filipina (that sounds like a beginning to a bad joke...hahaha). Anyway, it turns out, yours truly, will be training, transferring and...wait for it...white washing an Elders area! Which means...they are pulling out the elders and Me and my Trainee will be taking over their area. I am still in shock. Heavenly Father and President have a little too much trust in me I think. Just when I feel like I am at the lowest of lows....leveled to the dust...I'm gonna put on my big girl panties and deal with it. I have complete trust in the Lord.
I know He is mindful of us and He loves us each. He knows our abilities and He always gives us opportunities to stretch and grow. I just barely read an old quote in a planner that said something to the effect of, "The rising generation today faces the same temptations that the generations of old face, but with different names and titles." It said that Heavenly Father never sets a single one of His children up for failure and that often we are stretched to our ultimate limits, but that we will always be able to overcome IF...we trust in Him. Which is exactly what I will be doing, because lets be honest..if I trust in my abilities...we've got trouble with a capital T!
Buot Silingon.....Magpangamuyo kamo para sa akon ah? Tunghod, kun wa'ay pagpangamuyo, wa'ay pagbulig, kun wa'ay pagbulig halin sa Diyos, wa'ay paguswag, wa'ay kalipayan, wala gid! (translation: Meaning....You all will pray for me, ok? Because if there is no prayer, there is no help. If there is no help from God there is no progression. If there is no progression there is no happiness...none at all!) : ) Alright...moving on.
Sister Ball and Nethercott had a remarkable experience this Sunday with an investigator. I'll give you a small version. They promised a woman who lives in a squatters village, (which means they have like zero money at all, and her husband left her, and she was 3 small children and 2 grown, ages 1,3 and 5....) that if she walked to church (1.5 hour walk) with her babies, she would receive blessings from God so she would have money to feed her hungry children. (Imagine 3 children splitting a ramen pack for their only meal of the day.) So they went there to walk with her, and they started walking. Sister Ball said there was no way they could make it on time for sacrament meeting. Sister Ball was praying like crazy that they would somehow be able to make it to sacrament so she could have a spiritual experience. Sister Ball was holding one of the little kids with a fever and walking, with only 15 minutes until church starts and at least another 45 minutes to go. As Sister Ball is crying, pouring her heart out in prayer to Heavenly Father...enter the tender mercy. A trik driver pulls up and asks if they want to ride. They explain they didn't have any money, so he took off. 10 minutes later, he comes BACK! He asks again if they want a ride and Sister Ball explained they didn't have money and he said he could just drive them for free to the corner...which is still forever away from the church. So they all pile into the trik and the driver ..instead...takes them all the way to church for no fee. I was waiting with my companion at the front of the church as they pulled up outside and Sister Ball was bawling, holding this beautiful little child in her arms. I immediately ran up and grabbed another little girl and carried her into the church. The Lord is so willing to bless us, but so often we need to show our faith first. AnnaLisa HAD to take those first steps to the church, struggling, and THEN...only THEN...the Lord provided a way. I will never forget that experience.
I love this mission! I know this sounds cliche, but there is no where in the world I would rather be than here on the mission. I will miss Sister Ball with all of my little heart. I can't imagine being in another zone from her and not seeing her. We may not see each other again until after I get home. AH! But...let it be according to the Lord's will. I love this gospel. The church is so true! I'm ready for the challenge of the new area and the brand spankin' new companion again, and I have a sure knowledge that through my Faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, miracles will be witnessed. I love you all and think of you often. Stay strong and steadfast, don't do stupid things...don't choose silly Satan over Jesus Christ. Its so not worth it. Just live the gospel! AH! The commandments of God are not for Him, good grief! Every single commandment He has given is for our happiness, our everlasting happiness! He is already all knowledgeable. I love you all and pray for you. Until next week, GOD SPEED!!!!!!!!!!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
This was the 3rd week in a row when we didn't have a single investigator that went to church. We had to drop 2 investigators and we're dropping others as well that just aren't prepared for the gospel and they are making it clearly evident through their choices. Emalyn and Recarido are not back from Bacolod yet because they still don't have money to get home. All of our investigators with baptismal dates either moved away randomly without any warning, they are back to breaking the word of wisdom or they don't have enough faith in Christ to live His commandments and witness the blessings.
I was riding on the back of a trik home on Saturday and I was watching the sun set and I just started bawling. Haha...I was looking at the beauty of the area and watching families interact and I was thinking, laziness and idleness will be the death of the Philippines, at least in our area. The tears weren't from frustration or from self pity. I just wish people could realize that wickedness gets them nowhere! And so often we don't want to own up to ourselves being wicked...but if it isn't of God, and if it's not what Jesus Christ Himself would do, then it's of the natural man...therefore it is wickedness. Basically, I dropped to my knees on Sunday and had one of the longest discussions with my Heavenly Father that I've ever had. I love prayer. I don't know if I've ever experienced to much sorrow for another person in my life. Sometime in that moment I remember saying, "Father, help me to prepare myself for the transfer announcements tomorrow and to step up to the challenges given to me."
I assumed I would be staying one more transfer in my area, or transferring to another area and following up a new missionary, but it seems Heavenly Father has other plans for me...AH!!!!!!! hahaha! I am once again being stretched to my limits. There are 3 sisters coming in this transfer. There is an American, a Tongan, and a Filipina (that sounds like a beginning to a bad joke...hahaha). Anyway, it turns out, yours truly, will be training, transferring and...wait for it...white washing an Elders area! Which means...they are pulling out the elders and Me and my Trainee will be taking over their area. I am still in shock. Heavenly Father and President have a little too much trust in me I think. Just when I feel like I am at the lowest of lows....leveled to the dust...I'm gonna put on my big girl panties and deal with it. I have complete trust in the Lord.
I know He is mindful of us and He loves us each. He knows our abilities and He always gives us opportunities to stretch and grow. I just barely read an old quote in a planner that said something to the effect of, "The rising generation today faces the same temptations that the generations of old face, but with different names and titles." It said that Heavenly Father never sets a single one of His children up for failure and that often we are stretched to our ultimate limits, but that we will always be able to overcome IF...we trust in Him. Which is exactly what I will be doing, because lets be honest..if I trust in my abilities...we've got trouble with a capital T!
Buot Silingon.....Magpangamuyo kamo para sa akon ah? Tunghod, kun wa'ay pagpangamuyo, wa'ay pagbulig, kun wa'ay pagbulig halin sa Diyos, wa'ay paguswag, wa'ay kalipayan, wala gid! (translation: Meaning....You all will pray for me, ok? Because if there is no prayer, there is no help. If there is no help from God there is no progression. If there is no progression there is no happiness...none at all!) : ) Alright...moving on.
Sister Ball and Nethercott had a remarkable experience this Sunday with an investigator. I'll give you a small version. They promised a woman who lives in a squatters village, (which means they have like zero money at all, and her husband left her, and she was 3 small children and 2 grown, ages 1,3 and 5....) that if she walked to church (1.5 hour walk) with her babies, she would receive blessings from God so she would have money to feed her hungry children. (Imagine 3 children splitting a ramen pack for their only meal of the day.) So they went there to walk with her, and they started walking. Sister Ball said there was no way they could make it on time for sacrament meeting. Sister Ball was praying like crazy that they would somehow be able to make it to sacrament so she could have a spiritual experience. Sister Ball was holding one of the little kids with a fever and walking, with only 15 minutes until church starts and at least another 45 minutes to go. As Sister Ball is crying, pouring her heart out in prayer to Heavenly Father...enter the tender mercy. A trik driver pulls up and asks if they want to ride. They explain they didn't have any money, so he took off. 10 minutes later, he comes BACK! He asks again if they want a ride and Sister Ball explained they didn't have money and he said he could just drive them for free to the corner...which is still forever away from the church. So they all pile into the trik and the driver ..instead...takes them all the way to church for no fee. I was waiting with my companion at the front of the church as they pulled up outside and Sister Ball was bawling, holding this beautiful little child in her arms. I immediately ran up and grabbed another little girl and carried her into the church. The Lord is so willing to bless us, but so often we need to show our faith first. AnnaLisa HAD to take those first steps to the church, struggling, and THEN...only THEN...the Lord provided a way. I will never forget that experience.
I love this mission! I know this sounds cliche, but there is no where in the world I would rather be than here on the mission. I will miss Sister Ball with all of my little heart. I can't imagine being in another zone from her and not seeing her. We may not see each other again until after I get home. AH! But...let it be according to the Lord's will. I love this gospel. The church is so true! I'm ready for the challenge of the new area and the brand spankin' new companion again, and I have a sure knowledge that through my Faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, miracles will be witnessed. I love you all and think of you often. Stay strong and steadfast, don't do stupid things...don't choose silly Satan over Jesus Christ. Its so not worth it. Just live the gospel! AH! The commandments of God are not for Him, good grief! Every single commandment He has given is for our happiness, our everlasting happiness! He is already all knowledgeable. I love you all and pray for you. Until next week, GOD SPEED!!!!!!!!!!
All my love,
Sister Stadler
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