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| Sister Hingano, me, Sister Ott & Sister Dicen |
Haha
well one thing that I have learned about the culture here is that when people
ask you where you are going, it really is more of a greeting, or a hello
(considering the fact that there is not word for hello in Tagalog, at least not
one that anyone uses). I used to feel a little strange about this
greeting, because yeah... it would be weird if in America the very first thing
you do is ask someone where they are going. But it really isn't intended
to illicit information at all... I have realized that learning a language must
go in hand with learning the culture. There isn't much use going around
talking like a dictionary, because it is much easier for people to want to
listen to you, trust you, and hear the gospel when you speak like them.
Anyway, I am trying to learn both as I try to become more and more Philippino!
A
couple of interesting facts. The past 3 days/nights we have been graced
by the very loud sound of Muslim prayers/songs/readings? Haha I don't
know. It doesn't really bother me, but poor Sister Hingano... she hates
it!! Haha she can't focus while we are trying to study. And sister
Ott can't sleep.
While
watching conference I looked down three different times and saw a ginormous
cockroach walking along the wall behind my feet. I don't know if it was
the same one every time, but I was impressed with myself as I kept my cool,
watch it walk by, and resume watching the speakers. But then the 4th time
I looked down and saw one right by my foot coming the other way!!! I finally
freaked out. I couldn't help it!!! I gasped and put my feet up on the
bench, which I know I shouldn't have done. But anyway, Sister Hingano
said, "I didn't even know you were afraid of cockroaches.... why?
They're so small? You're afraid of cockroaches and mice. You should
be afraid of dogs!!" Haha but dogs are the least of my worries.
Meanwhile, my investigator sitting next to me could not stop laughing at
me. I know I probably just seemed like a ridiculous American and I am
really trying to get used to it, but I just can't. We listen to Conference
in English. The big giant auditorium is english and then there was
just a small room with Tagalog which I don't understand. We're
trying to switch that around. But ahhh it was incredible right? I
loved it. All of the people sing English hymns because the Tagalog
translations are ugly and there are not as many. So every time they sing,
they sing in English:) There is never a silent time in Fast &
Testimony meeting. I absolutely love my ward. It's the best.
And I actually bore my testimony last time and it was a really spiritual
experience. I loved it.
Anyway...I
also actually used to think that I was good at sharing, but seriously these
Philippinos are so giving and selfless. Anytime they are eating, even if
they are a stranger on the jeepnee, they will offer you some. They show
their love through food - which reminds me of you mom haha. Anyway, if
you were to ever even hint that you like something that they have, they are ready
to give it to you immediately. No regrets. I hope that I can become
that selfless and giving.
Earlier
this week, we went to go teach a lesson to Vanjie and her husband Ramos.
When we got there, Ramos turned off his loud music that he was jamming to and
then went in the back room. Before we knew it he was gone! He just
left. Super syang!! We were so sad. I have heard of a lot of people
hiding from the missionaries... even sister Dicen's family before they were
converted. But she expressed to me the gratitude that the missionaries
were so persistent, and now she has so many blessings from the gospel in her
life. So, we will continue, because they are both so potential.
Vanjie loves it, and you can really tell that she feels the spirit. So
yes, Ramos left, but right when we were about to teach Vanjie... brown
out. I guess it's like a black out, but for some reason they call it a
brown out here. Anyway, we ended up just teaching her a super short
lesson in the pitch black. We didn't have power for a day and a
half. Anyway, I guess my point is, there are a lot of teaching
circumstances that I didn't really foresee before I came on my mission.
Like, the fact that a few weeks ago we were teaching a couple, and the hungry
pigs right next to us became so loud that they couldn't hear me reciting the
first vision. Or often times there will be chickens walking around our
feet. Nuts... but I love it here.
This
week was a lot slower because we had zone interviews and general conference,
and because of the traveling and study time that is necessary before we can go
out and proselyte, we weren't even able to go out and work for 3 whole
days! But it's ok, because there was a lot of good personal revelation
and self-reflection going on. The interview went well. It was pretty
short, and we talked about our vision for our area. We were supposed to
create a vision for our area with specific goals and so we just discussed it
and adjusted it. Sister Hingano are really excited because we have set
some new goals that will push us and test our faith. I know out of about
the 200,000 people that live here in Rosario, there are people here who are
prepared for the gospel. I feel ready to start the new week as a new
person. The next transfer is in a week and a half and I honestly
don't think that any changes will be made. It will be good because Sister
Hingano and me work really well together and we are excited about our next
goals. .
It
is an important work and I am so grateful to be here. I shutter at the
thought of the person that I would have been had I not come and learned the
things that I am learning. I love this gospel with all my heart. I
love Jesus Christ, and I know it is only through him, through His atonement,
through obey thing the ordinances and principles of the gospel - that we can
overcome death. We can obtain walang-katapusang kaligayahan.
I
love all of you! Thank you for your love and support. You are in my
prayers.
Sister
Rasmussen
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