A Missionary's Work: See Ya Later Aso (dog)

4/24/2017

Sweet deal, being here in my new area in Paco Roman. It's the tiniest area I have ever been in so far. There aren't malls of course, no market (Palangki), just many tindahans (pretty much in remote areas or for convenience, there are little stores that are pretty much just people selling food and seasonings and other randomly assorted items out of their home or a stand. Much like the classic hometown ice lemonade stand with a tin roof and made as the adult version because of the iron bars they put in front.) So that means we save a lot of money, on the bright side. So in this small area, everyone knows everyone and that's pretty cool.

The sucky part this week  was getting a big insect bite (siguro galing and ipis - maybe from a cockroach, which are huge here and can fly) and it was getting very infected. My finger, filled with pus, was literally double the size of it's counterpart finger. In the week, as I took some anti-bacterial meds, it's not the original size. Medicine is crazy awesome. After that, I sprayed bug killer everywhere.

The weirdest part was visiting one person we met a while back, and as we're there, a guy comes in with a piece of wood and a dog's head on it, and then proceeded to make a fire and cook it. I have heard about dog being a dish here but never have seen it. It reminded me of the monster dog-ish creatures in Ghostbusters one, haha! And sorry, I don't know if the pics will be uploaded today because I always seem to be behind, hopefully they download faster.

The awesome part is at the edge of our area is this bakery that makes the best pandi-coco coconut filled bread and I have to buy some every time, plus the bonus is it's only 2 pesos and that's really really cheap (coming back here after the mission, haha)!

Anyhow, my spiritual thought. So I have never suffered or been as happy and joy filled in my life than in the mission. I can honestly say I am a way different person than I was before. I have seen greatly sad and happy things, I have seen the lives of people with no hope or happiness turn to great joy and love. I can't fully explain what I have seen and felt, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve, love, and help people change their lives around. My testimony has grown in such a way, I can't explain it either. Maybe I will just share my testimony and if you wish to take up my promise, I know it'll be a blessing. I know God loves us, for he sent his son to die then to live again for us. I know he loves us because of the trials and hardships he gives us, his children. Through these trials, he stretches us and helps us to grow into who he sees us being able to become. I also know that no trial is impossible, for he doesn't give us hard things that we can't do or handle in his son, for all things are possible in Christ. I have seen lives turn from being the lowest of the lowly to the happiest of the happiest, even though their life situation is the same. So I know that we can all receive the happiness that he desires to give us, as long as we follow Christ and his example, through his gospel (which means faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by his authority, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end). He wants to bless us even more than what we have received now. I also know that the bible, as long as it is translated correctly is the word or God, and the Book of Mormon is the word of God also. I know this because of an invitation and promise from the introduction. To read and ponder in your heart if the words in the book are true, then to ask the one who knows everything, God, if the message in the book is true. Asking with faith that you will receive an answer to your prayer, a sincere heart (really wanting to know if it's true), and real intent (willing to act on the answer from your prayer). I know he answers prayers. I have felt and seen my prayers being answered. It is a simple invitation but a life changing one. As I can testify of because of what I have seen in these people and their life changes. Love you all and leave my testimony with you to ponder and grow from, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Have a great week and if you truly want to take this invitation, I know you won't regret it.

Elder Peterson