November 10th

November 17, 2024

November 10th - 17th

I just wanted to tell you a little bit about a Saturday afternoon at the San Fernando Chapel in the Angeles Stake. In there chapel the primary was practicing for the primary program - one of my favorites! I love hugging and visiting with those sweet children. Filipino children are beautiful. There was a youth group planning meeting in the cultural hall. Your dad was interviewing missionaries in a room (he got the room with the aircon). There was a group of ward leaders that were meeting in the RS room making plans for ministering. AND then there was the baptism of Elise Angel. What a wonderful inspiring visit we had. I have been thinking a lot about the promised power that comes with the covenants that we/I make. I think that I have taken for granted the power that comes because of my covenants through the Atonement of the Savior. I have been relying on that power and know that it is real. I guess it took an assignment to the Philippines to help me understand in a deeper way the blessings I have been enjoying and relying on for most of my life.

Welcome Elder Patterson from Afton Wyoming. I love what he learned and felt about the Book of Mormon while in the MTC.

Welcome Elder Hardy from Wellsville Utah- a Cache Valley boy from a family that has 11 children. (WOW what parents) He loves the spirit that he felt being at the MTC for 9 weeks. These missionaries that spend 9 weeks come with pretty good Tagalog. It's amazing.

Welcome Elder Elliott from Cedar Utah!

Welcome Elder Ferney from Ammon Idaho.

Welcome Elder Atkin from Draper UT. In the MTC he said that he really learned to trust the Lord. If we can all remember to do just what we will all be okay.

Welcome Elder Buchanan from Grantsville UT. He is a tender soul who has had some challenges just getting out here. He touched my heart as he shared those with us. He witnessed others struggling in the MTC with technology & was grateful that this is not his struggle. Elder Gong said to avoid the "doom scroll" with the missionaries when he visited the MTC. He worked for a summer in Jackson Hole before coming here.

Welcome Elder Landon. He lived for a couple years in Middleton Idaho. We could have been neighbors! He felt like the MTC gave him the perfect growing experience. He loves the gospel. He will be a good example to his 5 younger siblings.

Welcome Elder Idell. His dad works for the US department of defense so he has lived in Africa. I am sure that will help him make the adjustment to this country. He loved that the MTC gave him the opportunity to fully live the gospel.

Welcome Elder Reyes - he is a visa waiter. He is waiting to go to his assigned mission - Victoria South Africa. His brother is alsoa visa waiter, waiting to go to his assigned mission of Johnaburg South Africa. It is inspiring to see these Filipinos that are assigned to places all over the world. Elder Reyes loved the love of God he felt from the leaders at the MTC. His hope is that as he serves his parents will become active again in the church. (This is totally not relevant to Elder Reyes - but Sunday we went to a sacrament meeting and a Sister Garcia spoke as she was heading out to the LosAngles mission. Makes me proud of these young missionaries.)

Welcome Sister Liban - Her father died in 2019 from Covid. She comes from a broken family (those are her words, not mine.) She is the only member of the church in her family. She has such a desire to serve and to help her family.

Welcome Sister Robinson! From Ft. Collins Colorado. I am so proud of these sisters that come straight from Provo to our mission! What an experience they are in for!

Welcome Sister Seliebo. She is the first missionary in her family! She speaks Hilaganon and has friends in our mission. She too loved the spirit that she felt in the MTC. It gave her greater knowledge of the gospel and increased her love of the Savior.

Welcome Sister Acosta from Cavite. She is wearing a dress that Sister Alagar (One of our recently returned missoinares) gave to her!

Welcome Sister Ubarra. Her good friend, Alkrix Bacinquito shared with us a video of her reading her mission call- being called to our mission. That's been a fun connection.

Welcome Sister Vickers from Layton UT. She has such a tender, impressive story. Her family has been less-active for years, even though she was baptized at age 8. When she was about 16 her close friends invited her to attend seminary and she loved it. When it came time for college she decided to attend BYU-I and loved it. All of her roommates there were returned missionaries. in March of 2024, she had faith and decided to serve a mission. She is already an inspiration to us! We are excited to serve for the rest of her mission with her. Oh joy.

These 2 Elders had a delay getting to us from the MTC - something about a positive TB test. Welcome Elder Casi & Elder Gaynilo. They arrived today - this Monday morning! It through us off a bit as we were trying to get out the door this morning. (we are currently in a hotel - because the Noel's flight arrives at 4 AM and is projected to be early).

Welcome Elder Gaynilo!He has such a story. A story that he said is "Just One Prayer". He is from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His mother, a Filipina, was working there when he was born. Just over 2 years ago as when he was attending school, during lunch as he ate with some of his friends. One of his friends offered to bless the food they were going to eat. Elder Gaynilo said that he had never heard a prayer like that before and is his heart was touched. He asked his friend about that prayer. She told him that she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. He was interested. This young friend introduced Elder Gaynilo's mother to her mother. The first time they (he and his mother) walked into the church his mother cried tears as she had such a powerful experience with the spirit. Because there are no missionaries in UAE the returned missionaries that were in their ward taught him an his mother. He joined the church on September 27, 2022. It is so interesting to hear about how the church is not really allowed in UAE - but then again people are being prepared all over this world. It is our sacred opportunity to share the truth and help to gather scattered Israel.

Welcome Elder Casi! Another miracle missionary. How do we get to be so blessed with these awesome missionaries? They touch our hearts and inspire us. Elder Casi, from General Santos - way down south in the Philippines. He is from the Blaan Tribe. Notice the neckwear that he gave both of us - complete with bells. (IF you are interested you can google the Blaan Tribe from GenSan PH - they are know for their beadwork). His family joined the church years ago but fell into inactivity shortly after. About 4 years ago missionaries came to visit and as he said "ministered to his family." He has been active ever since. The past 4 years he has prepared to serve a mission. He finished his education as a teacher - something no one has ever done in his family. His humble parents and grandparents cannot read or write. He is the first.