2/6/2017
Hoy everybody,
It's Elder Peterson again and this week on A Missionary's Work, we get to hear how our worker Mark is now assigned in the Davao, Philippines mission. Ya, it was really cool to get to be a part of that and he was so nervous, as most missionaries are. It is just two years in another place, teaching people, and trying to change their lives for the better. Anyway, my guess of America and Baguio missions were wrong, probably a good thing I don't gamble, haha!
Today I went to Cabanatuan, which is the trike capital of the world and a big city, to become one of those crazy people that drive here (really just convert my license to a Filipino license. It's required just in case you are called to a position that you need a car). Though all the mga CPU were offline so I have to wait until next Monday, saya (dang-it)! And, good news, we had two birthdays on Sunday, which is just bounds of good, good people, good-ish singers on videoke, and missionaries favorite, good food (even better, good, Free food).
Anyhow, this week we have been trying to help this crazy situation between a great couple, a new member, and the great couple's parents. The situation goes like this: The couple's parents are having a falling out with family, the couple is having a hard time forgiving, and the new member is lonely because the couple won't forgive. Yep, my least favorite thing in the world... Drama. But to help them come closer to Christ and learn how to give up some pride and forgive is really important, so we teach on. So, because this whole situation is about forgiving and repenting, something interesting happened. One day, my companion did something day was really displeasing and I lost a lot of trust for him because of it. So later on, with a discussion, prayer and pondering, he searched to be forgiven (parts of repentance), and I got over my pride and forgave him. Though, when we make decisions, they will have a consequence, whether good or bad. For my companion, even though he has been forgiven, he needs to gain that trust back. Now I trust him a lot more, and respect him more because of this situation. Though I will say it wasn't easy. My emotions ranged from straight rage, sad and betrayed to feeling love, joy and renewal. Very weird range but in the end you come out stronger than before. I know that we had that situation and learning of repentance and forgiveness, so we can further help those in that earlier situation. I know as we follow Christ's example and forgive and repent, which were given to us through Christ's atoning suffering and sacrifice, we can learn and grow in our own lives and help others too. I love you all and challenge you to forgive and ask for forgiveness when the time grants it. It sometimes takes a lot of humility but in the end, we are better people and a little closer to Christ and his amazing example.
Mamakita po kayo susunod (will see you next time),
Elder Peterson
pics of course...
