Called to Serve... in the Philippines!

Almost Home!

2011-03-21T20:17:00.002+08:00

Sorry folks,

There is not an update from Sister Adams this week. She wrote a little one line note to Mom and Dad, but nothing to forward.

Jennie will be arriving home from the Philippines this week. Next Sunday, March 27th, she will be speaking in church about her experiences.

She would love to see all her friends there!

Naunie

Rain

2011-03-14T19:27:00.002+08:00

is falling all around. And it's really cold. Just preparing me for Utah. ;)

This week was, well, wet... and rewarding. We worked hard, looking for new investigators, and found a couple of gems. Sister Pacita I think is my favorite. I already love her so much. She is the mother of 7. But, mom, imagine 2 sets of twins; 17 years old (girls) and 7 months (boys), also a 20 year old, 19 year old, and a 3 year old... oh, and no husband. She is incredible. Her husband was killed last year before election because he was a body guard for someone running for... something. Her oldest, a boy, drives their tricycle to support them. (not the highest paying job... by a long shot). Her twins are, quite honestly, a little self centered, but with a little love and some gospel they can change :). Her 3 year old is the most adorable girl named Princess I've ever met. Anyway, sister is like WonderMom... she stands there most of the time for the lessons because she's holding 2 7-month olds (who don't have diapers on.. haha) and listens intently while trying not to let them cry so she can listen. She is receptive, and I want her to accept it so bad. The first time we met I asked where she thought her husband was. She said "siguro..." which means "I think..." I told her that she can know for sure. I told her she can be "sigurado gid" which means you know for sure, where he is, and that she can also be sure she can be with him again. I know she's curious, because I don't think anyone has told that to her before. She has plans to come to church, and I just pray she will. She didn't come yesterday, but I'm not sure why... we haven't been able to follow up. I just get overwhelmed with the love I feel for her. That's something that I've felt a lot of lately... overwhelming feelings of the love of God for these people and the need to let them know. As a result, I feel the love for them... even strangers.

I was working with Sister Salway this week one day and we went to one of their investigators. As we walked in the house of a man who is basically a single dad of a 11 year old and a 10 year old, I felt a sadness just emanating from this man. As we sat down to talk to him, I didn't even have to beg, he laid his concern out for us. And all I wanted him to understand was how incredibly loved he was. So I followed the spirit, shared a scripture, and bore my testimony. The spirit in the room was so strong, and I found myself loving this family and wanting their happiness.

That's what I've learned. I've learned that if you don't love them, nothing else matters. And the way to love them is to serve them with your whole heart.

I love my mission. I'm off to what I'm sure is going to be a combination of the hardest, busiest and most rewarding week of the last 18 months. I love you all, I love being a missionary, and I love my Heavenly Father.

Sister Adams

Turning Fear into Faith

2011-03-07T12:59:00.001+08:00

That was our lesson in Relief Society yesterday. It was way awesome. Basically prayer is the way to break Satan's powerful tool of fear.

This week was pretty amazing! We found 7 new investigators. Here's one story:

On Thursday, we went to try and teach an investigator who is always busy with her store. We've only taught her twice, but she seems receptive. Well, she was sleeping on Thursday, but her husband was there, so we decided to talk to him a little bit. While we were talking, a girl came in and sat down. She knows the man, Alvin, and she had some business with him. While she was waiting, I talked to her. She was way cool, so I gave her a Restoration pamphlet, thinking she'd leave soon and we wouldn't have time to teach. But it started raining and her transaction wasn't done yet (I'm not sure what it was, just that it involved a credit card...). AND she was asking questions right and left. I finally just said, "can we share with you?" She was like, "sure!" haha, kind of like she was just waiting for me to ask. So we taught about Joseph Smith to her. When I asked if we could come to her house, she gave us her work schedule, and described where her house was. THEN we decided to go find her yesterday. Turns out, she had to work when she told us she didn't (I think she just switched with someone), so we then had no one to teach... BUT her neighbor's daughter (who's 9) had gone to church because they have some relative that's a member. I asked her if she wanted to find out what her daughter had learned at church. She was really excited, and told us to come in. We taught the Restoration to her and her kids and then she asked an inspired question. "Will your religion save me?"

We get forms of this question all the time. But it's usually like, "for you, does religion save a person?" And they aren't sincerely asking, just wanting to make us say that this one will... But Rose was genuinely interested in the answer. I told her that no religion saves a person. But then I was 100% honest with her and told her that only in this church is the authority that is necessary to be saved. I gave the example of baptism. We explained about priesthood again, and she really understood and appreciated the answer. Sometimes it's hard to be so frank with people because you don't want them to think the wrong thing about the church, but they have to know the truth.

It was strange, the path that led us to Rose, and kind of long because I've known that first family FOREVER. But in the end (at the begining?), I feel like we've touched at least 3 families. We're going to keep going back to them all, and I hope they can progress.

Oh, and Bijie worked with us yesterday. She's got a rock solid testimony, and she's so willing to share it. I have no worries that she'll go inactive.

Man, I love my job.

Just one more email!

Love,

Sister Adams

Zone Conference

2011-02-28T13:04:00.000+08:00

was absolutely amazing.

I took tons of notes and I resolved that I don't have enough time left to do everything that I need to do. Truly a spiritual feast. AND I got to sing. Sister Salway and I sang "Sa Tanan nga Tion" which, literally translated, is "At/in all times" but it's a hymn you all know... haha "I Need Thee Every Hour." We ended up being the only ones who sang... oh well.

The baptism was great! Bijie told us that she wanted to jump, and she had a smile plastered on her face all day. I am so blessed to get to see someone who is so filled with joy about the gospel.We met a guy named Steve. He's 19 years old, and got kicked out of his boarding house (I'm not sure why... doesn't really matter), so he's living with a member who, naturally, introduced him to the church. We taught the first lesson, then the next time, we gave him a Book of Mormon which he said he'd read. Then we went back to follow up, and he had read. Then we watched the Restoration video, and he's just a cool investigator. He didn't come to church though, because right before we showed up on Saturday, he just finished doing laundry... and it was a cold night, so he literally had no clothes to wear. I hope he comes next week though.

Speaking of cold... I'm not joking. I sleep with socks and a blanket and a sheet, and I wake up with a cold nose. Granted, I COULD turn off the fan, but the air is just too thick for it to not be moving... I'm not gonna lie, it's been pretty neat to actually say, "I'm cold," and being 100% honest. Yesterday my feet didn't get warm until I left the apartment and stood with them in the sun for a few minutes. Beautiful, just beautiful.

I think that's all for this week!

Love, Sister Adams

February 21

2011-02-21T23:27:00.001+08:00

for lack of a better subject line/ title.

This week was... wait, I swear I already emailed this week... wait... that was last week... oh man...

We have Zone Conference this next week, and I get to sing!

Well, I say I get to sing. There's a group that already has the musical number, and it's only our Zone, but I REALLY want to do a musical number for my last conference so we're just gonna show up and be like, "Hey, we're gonna invite the spirit twice as much! We get two musical numbers!" Yep, Sister Salway and I are gonna try and put something together...

I'm not gonna lie, this week was kind of a blur, and nothing in particular sticks out...

Except that BETH CAME TO CHURCH AGAIN! Thank you everyone that is praying for her success. I am SO happy. I think I might actually get to see her enter into the waters of baptism. :D

Keep praying for the success of the missionary work here, your prayers are heard and answered.

Love Sister Adams

Pagpalangga

2011-02-14T13:20:00.014+08:00

Love :D Happy Valentines day!

This week, I have been studying Charity and Love (not at all in correlation with Valentines day...really, this day has very little meaning if you've got a black plastic name plate). I just feel like I need to develop my Christlike attributes, and I got started with charity. We taught a cool lesson yesterday to some members who haven't been to church in a while. My companion started and explained what the blessings of church attendance are, and the whole time I just had this overwhelming feeling like I needed to tell them I love them and that whether or not they come to church, I love them just the same. I know that it helped them, and I think they will even come to church next week. I am so grateful for the pure love of Christ that I have an opportunity to share with people. I get to tell people all day how much God loves them, and then watch them ponder that idea while I explain that I love them too. It's really neat because you can just see it sink in, and then I know I was a tool in Heavenly Father's hand to lift someone higher.

Nothing really new with Bijie, she's still on for the 27th. She's basically the coolest investigator I've had since Brother Gallo back in Silay. She asked me about obtaining a quad. They are so insanely expensive, so I just explained that the triple and bible have the exact same thing in them, and she's cool with that. But she's shy to ask bishop about it, haha, I get to order it for her. And for sure it won't be here for her baptism, but maybe it'll make it before I leave... maybe.

I love being a missionary. It hit me yesterday how much I love it, and how fulfilling it is. And how incredibly difficult it is to explain to another person. So I guess the only solution is to do it yourself, find out how great being a missionary feels! And find out how great being a missionary IS for other people!
Palangga ko kamo tanan!

Love,
Sister Adams

P.S. If you have written me, chances are, I got it, but just haven't gotten around to writing you back. I apologize and promise I am thankful for your support... we'll just talk in a little while, deal?

Annie, nope, I never got your package... :( but the good news, if I send you something on your mission, your chances of getting it are 100%... mail just doesn't get lost in America.

Last Transfer Announcement

2011-02-07T21:22:00.001+08:00

and it's not too exciting. And by exciting, it's not too... different. Sister Delcaro is going to "kill" me.. which is what they say about your last companion.

So, cool story about yesterday:

First, Beth came to church! ON TIME!!! AND she closed her store to come to church! (she hasn't been on time in the almost 3 months I've been here). Then, after the lesson in Relief Society, there were some testimonies. Beth stood up, and I was kind of excited for what she would say. Basically, she had some personal problem she was working through that she didn't tell us about, and yesterday morning, she apologized to someone who was part of her problem... probably ALL of her problem. I had this feeling of... relief, or peace, like the puzzle pieces were finally falling into place when she was talking. I feel like I can finally give her a baptismal date, and she'll actually get baptized that day! I've been trying for months to figure out what her concern was, and she finally just resolved it herself (which is REALLY good, because I was nowhere close to figuring it out...) I'm SO excited!

And Bijie is a pretty cool investigator. I don't know if I've told you all about her, but she's pretty much AMAZING! All I gave her for an assignment was to look up scriptures about enduring to the end. And yesterday, when we went to teach her, she had 2 pages of scriptures and descriptions written. Then we asked how her preparation for baptism was going, and she was like, "I'm just a little excited." HAHA, she was almost jumping out of her seat because of how excited she is. "A little" is an understatement. I am also excited for her. :D Yay.

Well, that's all the exciting news from this week... it's been kind of a hard one. Pray for the success of the missionaries in Jaro 2.

Love you all bunches and bunches!

Sister Adams

New Cell Phone

2011-01-31T21:25:00.002+08:00

We got a new phone this week... in case you were wondering.

Work was kind of slow this week. BUT

We moved! Our new apartment is bright yellow. I mean BRIGHT yellow. Like they painted it with a highlighter. We've slept on our mattresses on the floor the last 3 nights because our bunk beds had termites and we left them in the old apartment. I think we're getting beds today. It's been an adventure and a half. We kind of feel like squatters because we are living out of our suitcases (the new house doesn't have wardrobes... also something we are getting with new beds...) And our water is really nasty, so we have to buy "mineral water" I'm not sure why it's called that. I think it's just filtered.

We taught Bijie this week. She's so cool. I'm way excited for her baptism. I think she's God's tender mercy to me. :D

I think that's all for this week... sorry so short!

Love, Sister Adams

Cell Phones

2011-01-24T20:32:00.002+08:00

and pickpockets.I debated not using that as the subject and just holding you all in suspense, but I can't think of anything better to put in the subject line. (I'm not usually creative...sorry about that)

Anyway, what happened was this: We were riding on a jeepney. These are vehicles that have 2 benches in the back that face each other, and for some reason (probably to earn money...), they pack them as full as possible. As in, there's always people sitting on each other. When Sister Declaro and I got on the jeep, there weren't very many people yet. So we didn't sit unnecessarily close to anyone. But as it filled up, we decided to scoot closer to the back (because that's where the door is, and therefore the best seats... but it also makes it harder for others to get on... but that's just the way it is...). Anyway, there was about a hand space between the large man at the end of the jeep and me when a man got on and decided to sit on me. I was REALLY annoyed, but we moved back the other way. So... eventually, we get to where we need to get off, and we start going on our merry way.

Side story: Our apartment, while pretty hilarious (we live above a tire store), isn't exactly the best place to live... And it's kinda small and only has one bathroom. It's rumored also that there will eventually be 6 sisters living in this apartment, and there is most definitely not room for 6 sisters to live there comfortably. SO we're on the lookout for a new place to stay.

Back to the original story: I saw a sign about 3 minutes after we got off the jeep for a house for rent. There was a phone number, so I thought, "Hey, I'll text them to find out more about the house." And, well, the cell phone was no where to be found in my bag. I had it before I got on the jeep and it found a new owner while we were riding. I'm almost 100% sure the man who so annoyingly sat on me is the same one who pick pocketed me. Life is hard when you are used to having contact with people and suddenly it's cut off.

The mission is going to issue us a new one, so life is ok. Well, it will be. Also, I'm very very thankful that it was the mission-issued-replaceable cell phone, and not my personal-irreplaceable camera.

On the upside, when I talked to the AP about the phone, he said that they found an apartment and are just waiting on President's approval. They'll probably call us this week about when we move. Yay!

Hmm... I just thought of something else I could have subjected this letter... Referral Contacted, at church, with a date, and progressing. We had a referral at church yesterday. She's an investigator that transferred from another area, but she is reading the Book of Mormon, and comes to church. When I asked if she wanted to be baptized, she said yes kind of like "duh" it was really funny. And I was overjoyed! I still am pretty happy actually. So we set appointments and then gave her a date on February 27. WooHoo! God rewards the hard working. I know he does. :D

I think that's all for this week!

Love, Sister Adams

Rain

2011-01-17T13:07:00.002+08:00

It has definitely been raining like all week. It makes it really hard to work. I'm just feeling wet all the time...Sad news... Beth didn't come to church... I'm not sure why, we're going tomorrow to find out.BUT Jackie did come to church. And accepted a baptismal date on the 13th of February. YAY! I'm excited for her, I just hope she doesn't spend time with people who don't know what they're talking about. (most of her doubts come from talking to these kinds of people). Please pray for her.

We're running low on investigators. I love teaching this gospel, but it's hard when you don't have anyone to teach it to.

I'm excited for this week because we had a coordination meeting yesterday and we have people scheduled to work almost every day this week. Yay, we get lessons with members... hopefully that helps us get investigators at church.I feel a little like I have run out of things to say...

So, I guess until next time!

Love, Sister Adams

Another week in paradise

2011-01-10T20:24:00.002+08:00

That's what the Philippines are... It's pretty awesome.

And actually, the only cool thing that happened this week was that Jackie and Beth came to church!

So Beth has been an investigator for like, ever. She just has a problem leaving her store (called a "chungee" here, and I spelled it wrong so you could pronounce it right... it's more like tsunggi) ANYWAY, she is very attached to it. Her entire live revolves around it and she even sleeps there now. So, back in December, Sister Purser and I told her that we would set a return appointment with her when we met at the church. Basically, we would come back when she decided to start progressing. Well, after that, we never saw her at church. And then this week, we were delivering Christmas presents with the relief society president (rice and noodles and sardines) to a member that lives by Beth, so we stopped by to say hi (we didn't TOTALLY forget about her... she just moved to the back burner for a while). It turns out that a less active member that she knows told her that there was a conference at the stake center on Sunday, so she went there instead of the Jaro chapel. Twice. I guess she thought she missed it and decided to try again the next week. When we found out about that, we told her we would be back on Saturday to teach a lesson. And then she came to church yesterday! We're going to give her a baptismal date tomorrow. Probably February 13 (our bishop wants the baptisms on Sunday...).

Jackie is the one with really cool questions that I always love answering. She attended the Single Adult Sunday school class and they said she participated. Yay! We're going to give her the 13th of February as well. What I really want is to baptize someone who will be strong priesthood for the church. I'm still looking for him...

Well, that's all from Paradise, until next time!

Love,Sister Adams

New Year,

2011-01-03T20:12:00.004+08:00

New companion. Sister Declaro. She is from Antipolo, and she's actually the MTC companion of Sister Custodia. Here, we call that "batch." Haha, like they're a batch of cookies... anyway, it's interesting Sister Purser is also "batch" with the two of them... which means my last three companions are all the same age in the mission... it's kinda funny. My goal is to get a picture with the three of them.

Yesterday at church, a couple of members thought that Sister Declaro was an investigator... HAHA! I guess they're just WAY too used to two American missionaries, and they didn't see her name tag. It was pretty funny.It was hard to say goodbye to Sister Purser. I miss her. But I know God has plans for me and for her, and I guess all that we have to do is trust that His plan is a good one. ;)

We're trying to find those elect children of God. It's rough going because you don't always know that they're elect right when you meet them... Also, when we find awesome people, they end up being in the other area. (because the boundary between ward one and ward two is a railway that doesn't exist anymore)... anyway, we're just getting back into the groove of things because it seems like the world stopped for the Holidays. No one was here, and if they were, they weren't available. I'm glad school started again so that we can have a good schedule again.

I am trying really hard to remember a good spiritual experience this week... and I've got nothing. Sorry, I really want this letter to be edifying to you all, but I...OH! I just remembered something I studied... In Matthew 13 there are parables, and I've been reading in Jesus the Christ from time to time. I read the chapter that talks about the parables. Two specific ones stuck out when I read them. The parable of the Pearl of Great Price, and the parable of the hidden treasure in the field. Talmage points out that in both cases, the one who found something of great value was willing to sacrifice all that he had to obtain that which was of great value. Jesus likens the Pearl and the Treasure to the Kingdom of Heaven. SO, when we find the pearl, or the treasure in the field, we should also be willing to give up everything we have to secure the thing which we want for ourselves. In the book it's way more eloquently put, but it really impacted me, and I realized that there are probably things in my life that I haven't given up yet, but I need to in order to secure the blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I hope that someone was inspired by this... I sure was :D

Until next week,

Love always,

Sister Adams

Transfer Announcement

2010-12-28T00:08:00.003+08:00

I wish there was no transfer announcement... I wish there was nothing to say. But, alas, God has other plans, and Sister Purser is leaving me. I don't know if any 6 weeks has passed by this quickly before. I swear I just became companions with Sister Purser, and I thought we would have 6 more weeks together. But that's ok, at least she's just from close by. I can see her in about (11 months... hehe). Weird, she'll be home next Christmas just like I will be...This week was fun. On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed talking to our families!!! Then we visited a member family who is less active (they came to church yesterday!) Yay, thanks family for talking to me :D See you soon! We also We had pancakes on Saturday and then the other sisters cooked for us for lunch. Then we decorated cookies that Ann Moon sent for us. :D It was way fun. We also opened presents. And then Sister Purser and I helped clean the church in the afternoon. We helped because usually no one shows up to clean the church on Saturday except the RS president... (the bathroom NEEDED to be cleaned because it was really dirty, as in... yuck). Then we ate dinner at the house of a member in Jaro 1. It was pretty good food. So, all in all, it was a good day. :DWell, we don't really have any promising prospects for baptism in January. I keep hoping, but I don't know what this area has in store for us. I don't know what Heavenly Father has in store for us... I'm excited, though, to meet my new companion on Friday. (really sad that I have a new comp, but excited to meet her... I know that is so incredibly contradictory)

Oh! I just wanted to tell one more story: Last Sunday, this man who is recently returned to activity told us to come to his Son-in-law who isn't a member, so we set up an appointment. It was kind of awkward at first cause I didn't know what to say, and he was kind of like, uh, what are 2 american girls doing in our house? Haha, but then we got talking and finally got (permission, I guess) to teach him. His name is William, and he and his wife just got married in February and they have an adorable little girl. The spirit was so strong as we taught about the restoration, tying everything back into eternal families. He really grasped the idea when I told him he could be with his wife after death. Because their marriage is so recent, I just asked them until when their marriage was valid. They both answered, "till death do us part." So we talked about what that meant, and how they could be married for eternity. At the end of the lesson was the best question, the one that made me know that William was listening. He asked how he could be really sure he would be with his wife and daughter on the other side. It opened the door to talk about covenants, and with that our first covenant, baptism. This man was prepared by God to meet us. And then we were prepared to listen to the Spirit so we could tell this man what he needed to hear. I am continually amazed at how Heavenly Father is using me to be a messenger for these people so they can accept the Gospel and be with their families forever.

All my love,

Sister Adams

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T13:16:00.003+08:00

Malipayon nga Paskua!!!

I want everyone to have a wonderful Christmas. I have realized in the last week as we’ve been sharing a Christmas message to members, that I haven’t ever REALLY contemplated the meaning of Christmas.

We celebrate the birth of our Savior. Who died for me. And you. And everyone we know. Because of that, he is overjoyed when we repent, and is saddened when we choose to not obey the commandments. Think about it; you have the power to make Deity feel complete joy. I still sort of marvel at this when I think about it, and I feel a little overwhelmed at how much I am loved as a daughter of God. No wonder we celebrate Christmas!!! Just don’t lose sight of why.

This week, we had a baptism! Stephen, the 12 year old got baptized. He’s adorable, and I’m excited to see him passing the Sacrament in January. :D

Tatay Jagodilla…(have I talked about him?) Well, he broke our hearts this week. We thought all was going well and he was going to be coming to church in no time, and be baptized sometime in February or March. But we went there last Thursday and he basically told us that he won’t be forced. I left in tears, and my heart was broken. I love his family and all I want is for them to be able to go the temple. It’s kind of weird, but that night I realized that I’m doing something right, because if I was a palagpat missionary, I wouldn’t have cared about him or his family. Anyway, prayers in his direction would probably help.

We went to this place called Cabatuan on Friday, and it turns out there ARE elect people in our area. They’re just 2 jeep rides and 30 minutes away from the center of the city. We gave a Book of Mormon to a woman who can’t see well enough to read, but promised to have her daughter read to her (without us suggesting it). We also gave a copy to a woman who practically begged for it after I told her about it. Anyway, we’re going back there this week, ready to see some miracles happen.

And last in the balita this week: Jackie, our next investigator with potential to be baptized, asked some pretty awesome questions. She suffers from depression, for which she takes medication, so sometimes we get some strangely deep (or just strange) questions from her. Last week she told us she didn’t want to be baptized, but then 2 days later she texted and said she did (no matter what her mom said… she’s 27). Anyway, this week, we got 3 texts in a row from her, which basically said: (1) Why do I feel like I’m going to get nailed to a cross? (2) Is it just psychological or a real threat of society? (3) I believe that your church is the true church of God. Let’s talk on Friday. K?

I assured her that her fears weren’t real, and that we could indeed talk. To which she replied, “You’re right, I have faith in your Jesus.”

SO we are STILL having a blast, despite the minor setbacks with some investigators. After all, there must needs be opposition in all things, right?

All my love,

Sister Adams

P.S. Her next question is “how was the world created?” We’re going to do some reading on that one to make sure we only share what we should…

OH! Thanks Ann Moon for the package!!! xoxoxo

I'm glad He's in charge

2010-12-13T12:46:00.001+08:00

This week was pretty awesome. As usual.

We watched the Christmas devotional yesterday. I got a little homesick, but then the talks really made me feel an urgency to spread this message of cheer to everyone I see. Yeah, I’m missing another Christmas at home, but I know that when I get there, it’s going to be the same as it was when I left and there are Christmases to come. I guess I just realized (again) how important this is. Don’t worry, I’m not trunky, (that’s for sinners). I just want to be the best I can be for the next 3ish months.

We taught Stephen the Law of Chastity yesterday. When we got to the part about having to be married before you have a partner. He was like, “what if I don’t get married?” The way this language works, I thought he meant that he wanted a partner but not to get married, so I was like, “well, you have to get married.” Haha, he was like, “no, I just don’t want a wife.” HAHA. He’s only 12, and I remembered the YM president told us he was afraid of girls, so we told him that he didn’t have to get married. It was really funny. He also made a face like “yuck” when I said it was bawal (or… just bawal… um, forbidden) to look at pornography. This kid has no problems with the law of chastity. He’s getting baptized on Saturday!

One day, it rained constantly. I was actually cold. I wore one of the sweaters I brought with me, so it was ok. But the best part was that we didn’t get any teachings. As in totally punted. So basically, we walked around in the rain all afternoon and tried to find people to teach. I think it is days like that that Heavenly Father reminds me how much He’s in charge. I love that he is in charge. And not me.

One night, we tried to go to an investigator who wasn’t home, and we had nothing to do for the next hour. We didn’t have time to go to another area and teach someone we did know, so we were trying to figure out what we could do in the place we were in. I suddenly, “randomly” remembered a guard close by we had talked to a few weeks ago. I really had no desire to talk to him again, because he wasn’t at all interested in even talking to us… but I was like, “Sister Purser, let’s go find him again…” We had nothing else to do, so we went off to find a guard who we both knew didn’t want to talk to us. We kind of had to search for the street because last time it was raining and I was still new at that time, but we finally found it. When we got there, we saw a different guard on duty. It was a woman who was more than willing to talk to us. They have 24 hour shifts (no thanks!) and I asked if she liked to read (it’s an apartment, can you imagine sitting there all night with nothing to do but stare into space?). She said yes, so we gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon. She thanked us multiple times, and said she’d read when she has no people to watch… This woman doesn’t even live in our area. We may never see her again, but I’m so glad I followed the prompting to find the man who didn’t want to talk to us.

I know that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of His children. He knows who is ready for this gospel and he knows exactly what I need to do to help them. Which is why I’m glad He’s in charge.

Love,

Sister Adams

December WHAT?

2010-12-06T20:37:00.004+08:00

I can't believe it's December 6th. Who said it could be December? Oh well, time flies when you're having fun!

This week, Sister Purser and I had some cool experiences. Mostly just spiritual. We taught Tom Jagodilla who is a part member. His wife has been a member most of her life, and lots of missionaries have wanted to teach him, but he just wouldn't listen. But, the spirit guided me to say things to him that, if said without the spirit present, would be offensive. I don't remember what I said, but he listens now :) And I'm excited for him and his family.

We also met a neat girl named April. She is a spunky 21 year old who graduated in practical nursing. She said she'd listen, but then she said, "basi magbuot ako!" which means, "I'll probably become nice!" It was funny to me, but probably just because of her personality. She accepted a Book of Mormon and told her dad as we were leaving that she was going to become Mormon. Haha.

Then we talked to a slightly drunk man, who refused to tell us what religion he was. I finally found out that he belongs to a church that doesn't believe that Christ is the son of God. He seems cool, I hope if we ever go back there, we can talk with no alcohol. I absolutely detest alcohol. It's the way people celebrate here, and it's the way to a broken family. humph.

Stephen is doing great, on track for baptism this 18th, but the others that were supposed to be with him, aren't going to be able to be that day, or even this month... darn agency, it ruins everything.

We met a woman named Jo on a tricycle. She spoke pure English to me and told us that when we were done where we were going, we should go down the street to her house and talk to her. So we did. She demanded that we speak English (which I think was a relief for Sister Purser) and accepted a BOM and told us that she'll come to church next week because she had something to do this Sunday. She was pretty cool. I want to go back to her.

I LOVE my job because of all the diverse people I get to meet. And the ability to make their lives better. I love talking to people, and not necessarily all about the church. Mostly about THEM. And their lives. I know you're all jealous, but you shouldn't be. That's against the 10th commandment. ;)

That's this week!

Love,

Sister Adams

p.s. this week we're going to a HUGE house for lunch because we were invited to a birthday lunch of Kirt. I'm excited because they are way nice.

Nagapasalamat Ako

2010-11-29T12:34:00.003+08:00

I am thankful for being a missionary. I am also thankful that I could have a delicious lunch last Thursday. We had mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, chicken (not turkey...), rolls, and a cheesecake that practically made itself. No joke, we have no supplies in our kitchen, but somehow Sister Purser and I (who have never made a cheesecake in real life) put together the best cheesecake we've ever eaten... it was a day full of giving thanks. :D

I honestly feel like I am with Sister Fairweather again. We are having a blast and funny things happen every day. For example, we both thought that here in the Philippines, we would never be given an address that included a specific number (just stuff like "I live in Tanque Kalubihan! Visit sometime!). And actually, I haven't seen very many numbers on houses here, so I just thought no one used them. But we were given a referral (one of 3 yesterday, salamat!!) and his address was REALLY specific. It had a number AND a letter. So we went in search for this house. Well, we found it, and then realized that another referral that we had had a similar address so we went searching for it... That was the adventure. One where I was CORRECTED in my thinking that they don't use numbers on houses here. Everyone we asked was like, "keep going that way!" Then this woman just sort of stayed with us until we found the house. We were laughing so hard because she was practically doing our work for us. Even after we had kind of given up, she wouldn't. We eventually found the house, but didn't go inside to teach because it was time for our next appointment. Anyway, now that I read that, it doesn't sound that funny... just imagine 2 American girls following a middle aged Filipina around looking for 477-D. Maybe you'll get the effect.

That's all folks!

Love,

Sister Jennie Adams

Jaro

2010-11-22T13:20:00.004+08:00

On Friday, I've been in the Philippines for a year. Just so you know. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! (yes, we're going to have a feast, I'll tell you about it next week)

Transfer day was awesome. Sister Carr and I switched places. So I am now following up Sister Purser. It is now her 3rd transfer. And she's adorable. She wears Jody's and crocs and... we're just going to have a blast. We actually both have the same Jody and toothbrush, so we took a picture because I thought it was so funny. Hilarious actually.

I've spent the last 3 days trying to figure out Jaro (J sounds like H). (Note from Naunie, Jaro is approximately 4 miles north of Iloilo City.) We are assigned to ward 2 and yesterday I had a blast because the members are so nice. Also, we have some pretty cool investigators. At least 2 are goaling to be baptized on December 18. One is a really smart 12 year old, named Stephen, (he's just like Raymart, but he has support from a family member). The other is a woman who is in her 30's (I think). Her name is Beth. And everyone we talk to is really nice. I can't explain how excited I am to be here, close to President. I'm hoping that if I transfer again, it isn't far because I don't know if I can take the travel again. I would just like this to be my last area... hmm, 3 transfers. It's possible. The 3 hour bus ride from Roxas to Iloilo is pretty much killer (all I want by the time we get here is to NOT be moving). It was kind of weird being the only Sister on the trip from Roxas, but I did it in September when we had a leadership training, so it wasn't the first time. It must be weird to be an RM and all of a sudden find yourself alone with someone of the opposite gender... hmmm, guess I'll find out...

Um,
CONGRATULATIONS ANNIE... uh, SISTER LOVE That's the mission I thought I was supposed to go to. Haha, one thing I've learned is that it's a darn good thing that we're not in charge of our lives. Love you tons Girl! See you in 2012!

Love always,
Sister Adams

Transfer Announcements

2010-11-15T21:06:00.001+08:00

Well everyone, the time has finally come for the Roxas Rena (Queen) to step down from her throne, but she still gets to hold the title. I have been assigned here for 33 weeks... that's roughly 7 and a half months. I've had 3 companions while I've been in the wonderful city of Roxas. But now, it's time to pass on this set of members, leaders, investigators, and concerns to the next missionary. It's time for me to try my hand at another ward (or branch, or area?). When I came here, I never thought I'd be here for 5 and a half transfers. Never. But it's been great! I absolutely love it here and when (yes, when) I get a chance to come back to the Philippines, I'm definitely spending a considerable amount of time here in Roxas.

This week is going to be crazy with all the goodbyes and packing and such. I go to Iloilo on Thursday night and the transfer meeting is on Friday morning. The other 3 sisters in Roxas are staying... meaning I get to ride Solo to Iloilo. Yay! :S

This last week was ok. We taught Ernesto (only once) and he accepted a Book of Mormon. He accepted the message too. He is a surprisingly quick man (well, his mind is quick) for being 68 and having suffered a stroke. It was refreshing to teach someone who really cared about what we were saying. Please pray for his acceptance of the Restored Gospel.

I love being a missionary! And I can't wait to see what the next 6 weeks bring! Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Love Always,
Sister Adams

Zone Con and Principals

2010-11-08T23:18:00.003+08:00

This is last week's picture - with Sister Adams dressed up as Sister Custodia, and Sister Custodia dressed up as Sister Adams;-)

Hi Everyone!

This week, we had Zone Conference! Combined with Kalibo! Let me tell you what that means...

I got to see Sister Woodward! It was pretty awesome.And I learned a ton. I hope it helps with the work.

We met a man named Ernesto. He used to be a principal at a (several?) school(s). He spoke straight English to us, even though we were answering in Ilanggo. We told him that we were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said he hadn't ever heard of that organization before, and even went as far as to say that it wasn't a religion. Haha, but after about 5 minutes of talking, I asked him if he knew "Mormons." THEN he knew who we were. And proceeded to say, "Eh, suppose... I wanted to know more about your religion... Could you, eh, schedule me in some day, and come and have a session with me?" Haha, it was awesome. His house is gargantuan, which, secretly, it's my dream to teach someone that lives in one of those mysterious, large houses. Even though you know they're part of the dominant religion in this country. That's all I've wanted here, I want to teach the humble who are not compelled to be that way. Anyway, I'm scared out of my mind, we can't mess this up. The Spirit is absolutely necessary. Our appointment is tomorrow, between 3 and 4, and he hopes "that we won't be absent." True to teacher form. Haha. :) So, any prayers in that direction would be deeply appreciated.

I'm having a great time with Sister Custodia! We laugh everyday about our forgetfulness and inside jokes. I love laughing. A mission without laughing would be a dreary one indeed.

Love you all, Keep smiling!

Sister Jennie Adams

Dear Annie Love,
ahem, dear, if I don't hear from you personally SOON, I just might have to come home right now and speak to you face to face.I love you to the Philippines and back!
Love,Sister Adams

Packages!

2010-11-01T17:11:00.001+08:00

Well, just one. Thanks for the package mom! and Jimmy, and Marie! I presented Halloween (aka dum-dums) to every member in Roxas ward 3 (that came to church yesterday)So, I couldn't think of anything to dress up as this year... so I decided to use the same costume as last year (sister missionary), but I'm pretty sure I gave away the shirt I wore, and the skirt... well let's just say it's in storage for now... SO, I decided to be Sister Custodia... for about 2 minutes to take a picture (which I'll send next week, I think).

This week was full of no teachings. Because it's semester break, and no one was home. It's really tiring to go from appointment to appointment and not being able to teach because they aren't home. I'm hoping that this week, they run out of excuses to not be home. Probably by Wednesday because today and tomorrow are Holidays (all souls day and all saints day). Lets hope!

It's also been raining buckets every day. An effect of the typhoons I think. Anyway, we're wet. And I am always very very very happy I am not required to wear nylons and that my shoes are just rubber. And that my clothes dry quickly. Yes, missionary work in the rain can be enjoyable, if you are dressed properly.

Well, I apologize for yet another uneventful week. Maybe stuff happens, but I just forget when I'm writing home. Thanks for all your letters and prayers!

Love,
Sister Adams

Hey Everyone!!!

2010-10-25T20:06:00.001+08:00

So, I think you all should read 1 Nephi 16. Then write down all the lessons you can learn from it. It is an absolutely incredible chapter, and you see the true character of all the people involved... So, yeah, read it.

This week has been kinda hard. The excuse of the week is "it's elections! we're going home to vote!" (elections for Barangay Kagagawad which are leaders for the community... a barangay is like a unit inside of a city. It has a hall and a captain, and kagawads which are like councilors) Anyway, if someone isn't living in the place they grew up and therefore registered to vote, then they have to go home to that place. Also, even if they don't have to go home, they're busy with campaigning and such. But it's ok because as I type, there are people voting. So by tomorrow, it'll all be over. Yay! I'll just wait for the next excuse :)

Our other problem is it's the semester break until November. So I have a feeling we're going to get punted a lot this week because quite a few of our investigators are students and they might go on vacation.

One time, before I came to serve the Lord for 18 months, a friend of mine who was a full time missionary sent me a drawing of himself punching the daylights out of Satan. I didn't really get it. I was like, "cool, he's a good artist." And then I put the letter away, not really thinking about it again. Well, now, as a full time missionary myself... I totally get it. In fact, I would love to be the one punching the daylights out of Satan. I hate the fact that he has so much influence. I see it everywhere: in members (young men) who drink and smoke with their friends and then are too ashamed to come to church. In nonmembers who also drink and smoke and gamble with their friends and "don't have time" for us. Even more subtly in good people who have slowly let unimportant things take the place of "seeking the kingdom of God" on the top of their "to do" list. (See Matt. 6 or 3 Nephi 13). I now completely understand why my friend felt the way he did and drew the picture he did. Unfortunately, Satan has no body and therefore can not be beat up. Or maybe fortunately. You see, if he did have a body, his influence would ruin the entire world.

That's why, my friends, we NEED to stay close to God. We NEED the power of prayer and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We NEED the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And we NEED to help others find it. So that we can lessen Satan's influence. I love being a missionary. And the opportunity to serve these people. They need so much what we have, and I'm happy to give it to them. Please pray for the hearts of people everywhere to be prepared to receive the Restored Gospel.

Love Always,

Sister Adams

another week

2010-10-18T20:49:00.001+08:00

I apologize. I can't think of anything creative that happened this week. But, the father in law of our ward mission leader just passed away, so basically everything that he (our ward mission leader) does has come to a point of not functioning at all. The best part, the burial isn't till this Saturday, so we get another week of a non-functioning ward mission leader. But hopefully we get him back next week, keep your fingers crossed.

How is Elder Ward (I guess it's just Matthew now...) doing? Pass on my hello!

I'm kind of feeling like my time here in Roxas is coming to a close. Transfer day is still pretty far away (November 19) but I feel like I've done what I came to Roxas to do, and it's about time for me to move on. I have grown to love it here- and actually this is my longest area. It's impossible for me to be this long in an area again.

I know that the Lord watches over His missionaries. Something that Sister Stadler said (in a letter) kind of hit me today, because I've kind of been struggling with the fact that laziness and idleness are an epidemic here. She said that we will never be given trials that we can't handle. We will be stretched to our very limits, but because He doesn't set his children (missionaries included) up for failure, there is no way I can fail. I just have to trust Him. I know that this IS the Lord's work, not mine, and not President Pagaduan's. I also believe that there are elect people out there (even here in Roxas) We just need the faith to find them. I love being a missionary, and I love all the support I receive from everyone. Until next week!

Love,

Sister Jennie Adams

General Conference

2010-10-11T20:50:00.002+08:00

was awesome. I was slightly stunned by the closing prayer though, because he said, "...in a few short months, we will be gathered together again to listen to thy prophets..." or something like that... the phrase that caught my attention was "a few short months" It's true, but I didn't want to hear that 6 months is short... Also, last October and April, I searched and searched but I could not see my choir teacher anywhere in the choir at conference, I thought she quit. But finally yesterday (when I was looking for my cousin, who I did not see) I saw her! It made my heart happy that my favorite teacher in high school didn't quit the Mormon Tabernacle Choir...anyway...

Dear Sister Danner,Don't be afraid of Jody Dresses. I repeat, DON'T be afraid of Jody Dresses. They are the easiest to wash, they dry fast and they eliminate the stressfulness of trying to match the same old blouse to the same old skirt and not die of boredom in the process. Trust me, giving up your style for 16 months (because I wore normal clothes in the MTC) is worth the time you'll save in doing laundry. And if you have a pair of rubber shoes (like "cute" crocs) you'll be a step ahead of the rest when you get to Iloilo. (no pun intended) Hmm... If I think of anything else I wish I would have known before I left, I'll write it here...And yes, my mom does have amazing computer skills... but you know, she has developed those since I left. See you SOON! And have fun in the MTC!

This week was awesome. Sister Cornelio and I were finally split up after 6 months of being in the same house (but never companions). She is now in Iloilo. Her replacement is Sister Ganta from India. She is brand new, so we have lots of what we call "celestial powers" in Roxas. :D This means that Roxas will probably be Sister Gonimil's last area, seeing as she leaves on December 29. Anyway, we're excited to get to know about India and Sister Ganta. :D

We went back to Raymart yesterday. Remember him? He was going to be baptized right before the Cebu Temple dedication, but he decided not to. We taught a lesson about baptism to him and his older sister Rose Ann. Sometimes it's really hard to help people understand when they think they already get it... but I hope and pray that something will click and make even more sense.

Our baptismal candidates have gone from 1 to 2 to 5 to 4 to 3 to 1 to 0 (over the weeks), without any baptisms. It's a struggle when people choose to use their agency in that way. I told Sister Custodia that maybe Satan had the right idea when he wanted to take away our agency... Maybe we could just suspend it for a while? Like a privilege given to kids... Just kidding. I'm just voicing a small frustration.

We're going to try something new this week. In the Philippines, EVERYONE has a fence and a gate surrounding their house. So this week, we're going to try and go inside some of the big, heavy, rich looking gates, and not just stick to the easy small ones made of bamboo...
Wish us luck! Or better yet, pray for us!

All my Love,
Sister Jennie Adams

P.S. Congratulations to my Baby Brother, who has long since passed baby stage, for being baptized last Saturday! I love you Taylor!

P.P.S WELCOME HOME ELDER WARD! See you "in a few short months"!

Transfer Announcements

2010-10-04T19:47:00.006+08:00

I GET TO STAY IN ROXAS!!! WITH MY BATA (child, or trainee)!!! I am so excited that I get six more weeks in this place that I have come to love! I am also excited that I get to watch my second (and last) General Conference in the Philippines in Roxas. Well, I would be excited no matter where I got to watch.

But I am extra excited I get to stay here.We had a really good Zone Meeting earlier, where I got some good ideas about how to better teach people. I'm excited to start trying them. I've been struggling lately just getting in the door because people are soooo "busy." But now I am going to try focusing it all on them, so they feel like we are interested in them as people. *sigh* maybe by next March, I'll figure out how to do this missionary thing... it's hard, but I love the rewarding things that happen. Like the member who came to church for the 2nd time in a row yesterday! I've been visiting ever since I got here, but just now did he come (last week).

I don't really have any news this week... just business as usual... just a little wetter, because it rains almost every day...

I am so grateful to belong to God's Kingdom here on earth. I love being part of such a great work, "a marvelous work." I know that THIS church is true. I know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration, and since him, we've had a living prophet on the earth. I love the opportunity I have to teach the people here how to be together forever. And I am so grateful for the opportunity to be with MY family forever. I know that the Book of Mormon IS the word of God, and in it is the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support.

Love, Sister Adams

What happened to September?

2010-09-27T21:32:00.001+08:00

Hey Everyone!I totally forgot to tell you last week that we have a really easy address. Are you ready? Here it is:
Sister Jennie Adams
P.O. Box 43
Iloilo City 5000
Philippines

I know, it's REALLY hard... I hope no one is confused. ;)
President said to encourage the use of this because they pay a fee to the Post Office to maintain it. Everything can be sent there: packages and letters. The only thing you can't send there is a door-to-door service (like UPS?) Anyway, mostly, use this one. :D Thanks! (it will get to me if you send to the other one, but President said that this one is better.)
Well, this week, God reminded me that He is in charge of everything. And He also let me know that I really am doing some good. You see, all week we had appointment after appointment fall through. We taught lessons, but I was feeling a little down because no one seemed to be a progressing investigator. And none of the "returning members" (no more "less actives") seemed to say that they would come to church. Actually the entire time I've been in Roxas, I've struggled with the fact that not very many of those returning members that I've visited seem to want to return to church. I also found out on Saturday that one of our investigators won't listen to me because I'm American. And he won't listen to anyone who is American. (he's only 10, and his parents are members). I still have to figure out why he hates me... And in the middle of that day someone decided to try and teach me about their church. He was one of those people who are out to prove the rightness of them and the wrongness of you. He seemed nice, but I knew he just wanted to convince me that I was wrong. We are not to debate, it is neither missionary-like, or Christ-like. So I just told him to have a nice day and walked away. But I was really down at this point. By the time we got home and I texted the Zone Leaders to inform them so, I put a little smiley face at the end of the message (we're home now :-) ) He replied and said, I'm glad you're happy! Haha, I was only happy the day was over.
Well, Sunday was the day God decided to show me His power. In short, there were 4 recent converts (still going strong!), 3 investigators, 6 returning members (one that I've been visiting for 6 months, and hasn't come to church till yesterday), and 1 referral were at church. When the last one came in to the chapel, I cried. Then I said a little prayer of thanks.
I know that this is not MY work. This is God's work. And it is my privilege to be a part of it. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the lives of these wonderful people, and especially to be a part of bringing the gospel to them, and them to the gospel. I know that I am not alone in my efforts to bring others to Christ. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Love Always,
Sister Jennie Adams

Leadership Training

2010-09-24T07:11:00.003+08:00

So, the leadership training was on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was really cool actually. I learned a lot, and came home from Iloilo with a renewed feeling... like, "yeah, I CAN do this... even in Roxas."

Anyway, on Tuesday night, after we ate dinner, the APs said "we know how excited you all are to apply what you learned today, so now we will announce the split assignments and you can go work tonight." I was cool with that (well, I really wanted to relax and talk to Sister Carr, but applying what I learned was a much better idea...). So I went with the Sister that I was assigned to (there were only 4 of us at the meeting) and we headed to the house she had decided we could go to (she decided because it was her area). When we left the church, it was kind of raining, but not too hard, so I wasn't worried about the fact that I left my umbrella at the apartment. We climbed in a jeepney and it was still just kind of sprinkling, so I was thinking we were fine. Well, as we neared our destination, we could tell by the looks of the people getting on that it was starting to rain pretty hard now. Sister Arellano had an umbrella, but it was kind of small... but such is missionary work- sometimes you get wet. So when our stop came, we sighed and got off the jeep into the now-pouring rain. Under one umbrella. We both had our copies of Preach My Gospel and some papers that they gave us at the training since we didn't go home first... so here we were 2 Sisters walking down the street in the torrential down pour, huddled under an umbrella trying to protect our things from the rain. I had my WONDERFUL rubber shoes on, so I was fine when the street turned into a river. But Sister Arellano had just planned for a meeting, so her shoes were a little nicer. So because of that, we would stop for a second whenever we came to a speed bump (that wasn't covered in water) or anything else that was higher and big enough for us to stand on. I think the house was about 10 feet away when we stopped for the last time. At this point it had been raining so hard that the street was flooded so much that you couldn't tell where the pavement ended and the dirt shoulder began. As we stepped off of our "high ground" for the last time, we were surprised when we found ourselves falling in 2 feet of water. We had stood on a bridge over a drainage ditch, but it looked exactly the same as the street, so we just took the shortest path to our destination. Haha, it was hilarious (but only because I managed to get out of the water before my camera got wet). There was a deaf girl that saw the whole thing and apparently tried to warn us, but... well, I guess we didn't see the warning. Sister Arellano escaped without a mark on her, and I walked away with only a few scrapes on my knee. And we both walked away with a story to tell.

Well, that was pretty much the funny story of the week! I hope you all enjoyed it!

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

P.S. Note from Naunie... Sorry, I spaced posting this letter on Monday. Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes for Jennie!

It's raining, it's pouring....

2010-09-13T19:09:00.004+08:00

but, don't worry, I don't usually hear old men snoring. ;)It's been a wet week. Every day (almost) it is SO hot in the morning. Then at about 2 or 3 in the afternoon (sometimes sooner) it POURS. I'm talking buckets. Anyway, it's kind of hard to find motivation to go out those days because it's not fun to do missionary work if you're soaked to the skin. But the rain usually only lasts a couple of hours, and then it's a nice cool temperature for the rest of the day.

Anyway, enough of the weather report...This week, we gave a baptismal date to a guy named John. He said he would prepare to be baptized on October 30, and I am pretty hopeful. He is in college and living away from home (but he's a lot like I was in college... and goes home like every weekend). So we just need to convince him to stay in Roxas for one weekend so he can experience church.... We're praying!

We had Mission Tour last week. On Wednesday, President Edwards came to Roxas. I got to meet a General Authority. He gave an awesome training about how to develop charity and humility (which wasn't even planned, he asked if we had any questions and 2 Elders asked about Charity and Humility). Then he talked about how to ask inspired questions... something that I definitely need to work on. Anyway, it was pretty cool to meet him and learn from him.

And today, I'm going to Iloilo for a leadership training. I get to travel with 4 elders. no sisters. (because it's for trainers and leaders only...) It's going to be interesting. But I'm SUPER excited for the training because it's all about the new curriculum. I'm ready to learn and come back and apply everything.

Well, I think that's about all for this week!

Love always,

Sister Jennie Adams

Happiness and Humility

2010-09-06T20:43:00.002+08:00

So this week, I've felt a little stressed. Our investigators aren't really what I thought they were, so we have been trying to figure out ways to get more. The urgency to find new people to teach, coupled with the fact that I was feeling at a loss as to HOW, filled my heart with depression (Alma 26:27). But yesterday, my family (the one in the picture I sent last week (see last weeks blog, the Llave family: Rose, Karen and Pabs)) worked with us. They brought their strong testimonies and their tricycle. It was an awesome experience. The lessons are so much more powerful when you have a local member to back you up. I went home feeling much better than I had all week (even though no investigators came to church). I have some fresh ideas and a fresh look on a fresh week. Things are looking up.
I also had a lesson in humility this week. To understand this, we must rewind my life almost a year (yeah, a year). When I was in the MTC, there was one thing that they repeated over and over. No matter where we were, this piece of advice, commandment really, was repeated. Every day. And then in our last devotional, it was really stressed. Every time I heard this commandment, I thought, "duh, I know that... no worries here." This commandment is "Don't Do Stupid Things." Now, fast forward again to last Thursday. In the Philippines, there are frequent brownouts. It's normal, so to save on batteries, we keep candles on hand for light in case the brownout happens at night. Thursday, there was a brownout, so when we came home from work, we lit some candles and planned as usual ("no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing"). We finished planning and the power still wasn't on. I won't go into detail, but basically, because we were done planning, and I got distracted with an index card and the candle wax, the card ended up bursting into flames, and my right index finger came out of the ordeal with a giant blister on the end. It hurt. But I think it hurt my pride more than my finger. All I could think was, "thatwas really stupid. Didn't I listen in the MTC?" I kind of cried to myself, but not because of how painful it was. Because of how much work I felt would be effected by this small, simple, stupid act. I wondered how I would sleep that night (because it hurt pretty bad), how I would do laundry, how I would cook, how I would do pretty much everything a missionary needs to do. I tell you, you don't know how much you use your right index finger until you no longer have use of it. Anyway, before I went to sleep, I remembered that frequently repeated statement in the MTC. "Don't Do Stupid Things." But this time, the thought that followed it was much more humble than it was last fall, "Ok, I'll do all I can to never do stupid things again." So, in case you are all wondering, they aren't just talking to the Elders (sorry...) when they say "Don't Do Stupid Things." Also, in case you are wondering, my finger is doing quite well. It actually stopped hurting before I woke up Friday (which I am very grateful for), and it is well on it's way to recovery. But until then (and probably for a long while after that), every time I look at it, I will remember that very valuable lesson.
So folks, that's all for now. I love you all, Sister Custodia is doing awesome, and THANK YOU for your prayers, letters and support.
Love,
Sister Adams

P.S.
I got a letter from Ann Moon (which I am in the middle of answering... just wait about 2 weeks for it to get to you)
and a letter from Jimmy and Taylor
and a letter from Grandma
THANK YOU!
P.P.S. Also, I want my cousin Elder Ward to know that I am sending a letter... and that he's pretty much the coolest missionary I know!

Sister Custodia

2010-08-30T19:08:00.003+08:00

My new companion is Sister Custodia from Laguna (Philippines). We have had an awesome few days! Full of traveling,and walking and being SO completely exhausted that we fall into bed at about 10 pm. :D Missionary life is GOOD!
We had Stake Conference yesterday, which was pretty awesome. The attendance for our ward was 108, which is about 30 more than the average. It's kinda sad, cause I think they mostly come to see friends from other wards... *sigh* they've got the action right, we just need to work on the reason. haha.
President and Sister Pagaduan were invited to be speakers at our Stake conference. I really enjoyed President's talk. He mentioned that now he knows what the missionaries mean when they say that the members in a certain area are "mabuot" (nice). Haha, he was like, "mabuot = pagkaon" (food). Then he said that the missionaries are needing to buy new pants... Haha, he is really funny. And Sister talked about being humble. It was really nice. There was also an area 70 there, Elder Costales. (I have NO idea if I spelled that right...)
Well, if I thought time flew before, I'm pretty sure it's going to FLY now. It's really weird to think that I've been in Roxas for 5 months now... Yeah. By the end of this transfer it will be 6 months. CRAZY. But I absolutely love it here, and I would stay here for 5 more transfers if I could... Anyway, Sister Custodia and I are working hard! We're hoping for a baptism on September 25, but it's not completely sure. The rest of our candidates are in October.
We're looking for the elect. In the mean time, I'll stay away from the mosquitoes and dogs!
Til next time,
Love
Sister Adams

When President Pagaduan Calls

2010-08-23T19:17:00.005+08:00

you naturally get a little nervous. The AP texted on Saturday night and said that President wanted to talk to me and asked when he could call. We said ok... we were planning for Sunday, but you can put that on hold for a phone call from the President. I was a little nervous cause he just wanted to talk to me, not any of the other Sisters in the apartment... SO we waited for the call... it never came. I went to bed on Saturday night not sure what to think. Why in the world does he want to talk to me??? Sister Gonimil joked with me and said, "Sister Adams, you're training!" But my reaction to that was, "no, I'm not." Anyway, I was really curious... President doesn't just call missionaries for no reason. I thought it maybe had something to do with something I wrote in my weekly report last week. I had asked a question... but I really had no idea. So yesterday, we got up early because we had business at the church at 7 am (just wait... one story at a time). Anyway, President called as we were walking out the door. He asked if he could speak with me privately for a minute. Then he told me that he had been on his knees for the last few weeks and his knees were swollen. Then he said that I am to be a trainer for one of the new missionaries this transfer. Yes, I too, must step out of the comfort of having a companion who has been here for a while, and step into the GIANT shoes of trainer. I get to pick up my new companion on Friday. I'm really excited, but only because I know that this is revelation and therefore, I will not be the only one training this new missionary. Thank heavens!

SO the reason we were going to the church at 7 am (actually we were late, we were supposed to be there at 6:30). To get the answer to that, we have to back up to Friday. On Friday, there was a brown out. Which means that the electric pump that puts water into the baptismal font in about 45 minutes didn't work... so it would take about 3 hours to fill it up. So, Sister Mindaluz had to wait for Sunday to be baptized (Saturday didn't work for them). But, in order to be confirmed the same day, she needed to be baptized before the 8 am service started. The family was there bright and early. I am so happy. These people are the highlight of Roxas. The best part is that they have cousins that live in this ward too, and some of them have started coming to church. It's awesome to see new members doing missionary work. :D

I love hearing about what you all are doing! Keep writing!

Love,Sister Adams

Friday the 13th

2010-08-16T19:56:00.002+08:00

was our super duper Zone Conference. They changed the way Zone Conference is held. Instead of making some travel very long distances and becoming poor because of travel expenses, they are now holding Zone Conferences for individual Zones. So for Roxas Zone, our conference was on Friday the 13th. I thought it was kinda funny... (p.s. nothing bad happened that day...) I like almost everything about not combining Zone Conference. I was only sad that we don't get to see other missionaries... But that's ok because the things I learned at the conference will really help with the work here. They have started what's called "Simplified Curriculum" and it is basically going back to the basics. One of the things included is an emphasis on inviting investigators to be baptized in the first or second visit... which is a little scary for me to think about, but it's "the way" so I have committed to try it. I guess they have seen great success in other areas that have done this, so I'm actually excited to (get over my fear and) try it!I can't believe I've almost been in Roxas for 5 months! Next week is transfer announcement, and I'm pretty sure one of us is transferring. But we'll have to wait until next week to find out who!!! Haha!

Whelp, that's about all I have to report for this week! We have a baptism on Friday! Sister Mindaluz (the mom of the kids that were baptized on the 6th) is getting baptized! I am so happy for this family... The fact that they will all be members by Sunday fills my heart with joy (or warm fuzzies, if you want to put it that way).

Anyway, thank you all for your support and prayers! Till next week!

Love,

Sister Adams

To the fam

2010-08-09T19:07:00.002+08:00

that means YOU... yep, everyone.

The baptisms were successful! They happened on Friday the 6th and the confirmations were on Sunday the 8th. I actually thought that they wouldn't make it to church in time to be confirmed. Sacrament started (kind of late) and they still weren't there. I was getting a little worried and praying like crazy (it's a missionary's saddest day when the converts don't make it to the confirmation...) Anyway, they made it while were singing the sacrament hymn. Their confirmation took place after the speakers (yeah, a little different, but hey, the important thing is that it happened!) Then, after sacrament meeting, I found out why they were late. You see here in the Philippines, most people take tricycles everywhere. Some (like the Besa family) are lucky enough to have their own tricycle. However... Like cars in the states, tricycles need to be registered. And there are laws about how old you have to be to drive (18). So... The Besa family tricycle's registration fell due a little more than a month ago, and they don't really have the money to re-register it right now... so they didn't . And John (the 13 year old) is usually the one driving. BUT... usually on Sunday, there are no traffic. Usually. Yesterday was different. There was a traffic enforcer between their house and the church (on the shortest route). SO they took the long way... and were late.I think we forgot the "obey and honor the law" lesson... I'll do better next time.

That's all for now folks. I'm alive and well! Thanks for all your prayers!

Love, Sister Adams

Another Week

2010-08-02T19:07:00.003+08:00

in the Life of Sister Adams.

I just want you all to know that I am doing amazing. I love this work (even though it's incredibly hard sometimes). I have come to love the members here... with all their quirks, haha. They are like my family now. We have a few member families that we are particularly close to, so I'm really having a great time. On top of that, I'm learning so much; about missionary work, about Jesus Christ, and about myself. I have amazing leaders who give awesome trainings for us to get better at being missionaries. I love it... all of it. Even the hard times (you know, the "there must needs be opposition in all things"). And I am SO grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of this City... to help them become a stronger ward, to help them (yep, even members) come closer to Christ. That is my purpose, and I do what I can to fulfill it.

This week, Sister Mindaluz (the Besa Mom) has gotten even more open with us. She talks to us more, and we are praying for her to accept the invitation to be baptized. She still doesn't feel completely comfortable with that idea, so I think I am praying harder than I've ever prayed for her. I want so badly for their family to be able to go to Cebu and be sealed for all eternity.

On Friday or Sunday (we haven't worked out the exact date yet because there are work schedule conflicts...) my bright spots for the last 3 months will be baptized. I am incredibly happy, but nervous. Satan is EVERYWHERE he is trying SO hard for the work of God to stop. Because of this, any prayers in behalf of the Besa family are more than welcome.

Thank you all who have written me. I love hearing about your lives... it's cool, but kind of weird to hear about life going on without me... haha. But keep it up :D

That's all for now, I can't believe it's August! Wow, time flies when you're having fun!

Love Always!

Sister Adams

Good Things

2010-07-26T19:20:00.002+08:00

Happen to you if you just wait patiently.

On Friday, we had a hard time at first because no one would work with us. We were done with one of our appointments at a part member (which was kind of hard because her interest is about zero) and we were deciding whether to go to one more or just go home because it was almost 8 (our curfew). We were standing there on a corner and a truck pulled up and rolled down his window and asked us which church we belonged to. We told him and I was afraid we were going to be told we weren’t allowed to go to that place anymore (like what happened in Silay). But instead he told us that he wanted to change religions and that he was interested in the Mormon church. We gave him a Book of Mormon and a promise to visit him the next day. We then proceeded to walk home… sort of in a daze, like “What just happened???” We visited him on Saturday and he has LOTS of questions because he reads the Bible, but it isn’t clear to him. We told him to come to church, but he got sick yesterday so he couldn’t come. But we are really excited about him. His name is JC and he is 28 years old. He is single, but I think that he has great potential to be a leader in the church.

Most of our investigators are kids, so that’s why we are so excited to be teaching an adult. Don’t worry though; all of our kids belong to members… just less active ones. We’re trying to build up the strength of the ward. We actually visited a former Branch President last night who has an unbaptized daughter who is 9. When I asked his wife to say the closing prayer, she prayed for courage to return to church. It’s been a while since they have been to church, so they are kind of shy to come back. But they want to. That’s actually the concern with a lot of families in our area, so we have a lot of work to do!

I’m doing well, and I’m healthy! No worries! :) The Lord takes care of His Missionaries!

I love you all, thank you for your letters and support!

Love, Sister Adams

P.S. Sister Addangna and I went to Iloilo on Tuesday for a doctor apt for her. We stopped by the new office and saw the new mission logo.

Good News......

2010-07-19T19:31:00.004+08:00

I don't have dengue! I've been feeling under the weather this last week, and when I told my Mission Mom my symptoms, she kindly told me to get to a doctor as soon as possible. It turns out it's viral? Or something, and the doctor just gave me some medicine... I'll probably live ;)
Note from Naunie : Dengue fever is a virus-based disease spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms include: Fever (as high as 104-105), Rash, Headache, Fatigue, Joint aches, Muscle aches, Nausea, Swollen lymph nodes, Vomiting..... Sounds like great fun... NOT

We had a pretty blah week... I wasn't the only one feeling under the weather. We were both not feeling well, so our work suffered a little. But we're still doing ok.

The Besa Family is doing awesome. The ward has really taken the responsibility to fellowship them. And they're all really excited to be baptized (except their mom... but we're working on it)

It's been raining a lot lately... And I'm ever more grateful for my rubber shoes! They're holding up really well! Yay!

Sorry I don't have much to report this week... yay for being sick (I know you don't want to hear about what it's like to lay in bed all day...)

Don't worry though! Next week will be full of experiences because one of our goals this week is to not be sick (it's actually "bawal" or forbidden... haha)

Love you all!!!!!

Sister Adams

Rain, rain, rain

2010-07-12T20:06:00.002+08:00

It's really funny here... when it rains, no one goes anywhere. And it's a valid excuse most places. For example, yesterday, it rained, so the attendance in Sacrament meeting was 44 (It's usually up around 75). Haha, the leaders are like, "No one came to church! Cause it's raining!" ...

but also yesterday, we had what we call "Search and Rescue." We had ward members gather, then Sister Addangna (Ad-ahng-na) and I split. We went into 3 teams and visited members that are less active. We found 6 unbaptized kids that are part member families. And when everyone came back, they were all happy and excited for next week when we do it again (because we're going to do this every week!) It is so awesome to see how excited everyone is in the ward... I think it will be contagious. Yay!

Today, we had transfer announcements. Me and Sister Addangna are staying, but Sister Galicia is transferring. Sister Cornelio is staying in her ward. It's kind of weird to have a 3 week transfer... but that's ok. I'm glad we're staying because I don't want to leave yet, but Roxas 3 still needs my companion. :)

President and Sister Pagaduan came to our apartment on Wednesday night. We had a nice little visit. They're way nice, and it was weird (and hard?) to speak English to them (for some reason, I find it hard to speak English to most Filipinos), but I had to because I don't speak their language (Tagalog) and they don't speak the language here yet. Haha... I'm really excited for the coming months!

One thing that's really sad here is that there isn't a law (enforced?) about drinking age. Some people send their 5 year olds to buy their alcohol and cigarettes for them. It's incredibly easy for anyone to get alcohol and tobacco here. But John isn't going to drink again, and he's attending seminary :D And I think all 3 of them will be baptized on August 7! Yay!

Thank you all for your prayers and support! Know that I feel it.

Love, Sister Adams

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

2010-07-05T21:06:00.002+08:00

No, they don't have any celebrations here, but I wore red, white, and blue yesterday, and I sang the National Anthem a few times to myself and my companion. :) I hope someone watched some fireworks and ate some potato salad for me!

This week was pretty interesting. It's nice to have some fresh ideas in this area... it just wasn't progressing and I feel like we were just out of ideas last transfer. It's going to be a good transfer. Actually the transfer is over next week. It's only 3 weeks long because the transfer day is changing for us in Iloilo mission. Usually the transfer is 6 weeks long... there won't be very many changes though... most likely all the Sisters will stay in Roxas (there are 4 of us). Which is ok with me because Roxas 3 NEEDS Sister Addangna...

Anyway, we're still working with the Besa kids! We found out yesterday that one of them has been drinking... as in alcohol. We were really sad, but we just went over the word of wisdom again, invited him to commit to not drink, and moved his date to August 7. It's going to be a little rough for him, but it's better to wait and be sure, than to rush and then have him become inactive...

Thank you all for all your prayers and support. I know that this is the Lord's Work, and that we are just instruments in his hands. I am trying to be the best instrument that I can be.

I love you all!

Sister Adams

Expect the unexpected

2010-06-28T22:28:00.000+08:00

Well, this week was an interesting one... but not with the work because I spent 2 days traveling, and I was sick for a couple too... then there was the day Sister Cortes spent packing. I got to Iloilo on Thursday night and slept there so I could pick up my new companion on Friday. When I got to the transfer meeting, I found out who my new companion was and I was confused. Sister Addangna got to the field the same day as me, that's why I was a little confused. And then I found out that there was a mix up in the announcement and I was not to be the senior after all. It was a little awkward at first, but now it's ok. I guess I still have lots to learn! Haha!

Christian Mae, John-John, and Kane are well on their way to baptism. The two older ones are even attending seminary. I'm really excited for them. And we're going to give their mom a baptismal date soon. And we're working with brother so he can baptize them :D Yay!

I haven't met our new Mission President yet... as far as I know, he's still in Provo... He gets here on Wednesday the 30th of June. We're excited!

We got a new Zone Leader, but now our ZL's are split and both training... Haha, I'm so glad I'm not an elder! That's never going to happen to me...Thank you all for your support and love!

Love you all tons!Sister Jennie Adams

ps sorry so short today

Transfer Announcements

2010-06-21T16:10:00.002+08:00

Not everyone can say that they served in 2 missions on the same trip. But I can. And I can say that exactly half of my mission was Philippines Bacolod Mission, and that exactly half (will be) Philippines Iloilo Mission. I am staying in Roxas. But Sister Cortes is going to Negros. There are only 3 American Sisters on this Island: Sister Woodward (my MTC comp), me, and Sister Carr (who came one transfer before me, I met her in MTC) There are (as far as I know) 5 American Sisters on Negros... Sister Stadler, Sister Ball, Sister Whitehead (S. Johnson's Bata (trainee)) and the trainees of Sister Fair and Sister Grant. I don't know if any of them are transferring to this island, and I don't know how many new ones there are... let you all know next week, I guess! Also, I am losing my freedom of relaxation... I am becoming senior companion. I'm kind of excited, but a little nervous. But I trust that nothing is impossible with God, and that this is revelation... so, I can do it.

We had Panay Conference on Friday. It was cool. I learned a lot, and I am definitely going to go through my notes this week before transfers. I realized that I have kind of leveled out... and that's not good. We should always be progressing, so I am going to look at where I'm lacking, and try to change. So that I end up where I want to be in 9 months from now.We gave John-John a baptismal date! The 3 Besa kids will be baptized (hopefully by their dad) on July 24th. I'm really excited for them. :D And Raymart actually talked to us yesterday... he's just kind of a moody teenager (pre-teen?) Anyway, I would consider that progress too :)

Thank you all for your prayers and support. I love hearing about what you're all up to, so thanks a bunch for the letters :)

Love you all,Sister Adams

Families

2010-06-15T04:10:00.003+08:00

Can Be Together Forever...And now, in the Philippines, twice as many people get that opportunity. The Cebu City temple dedication was yesterday. We went to two of the three sessions, and they were great. I saw a different side of our Prophet... haha. He's a pretty funny guy. Also, at the last session, one of the assistants to the matron (who is from Idaho) said, "As we were getting ready to leave on our mission to the Philippines, my dear friend Ruth, who is from your wonderful country, shared with me advice, recipes, and her desire for me to like rice more than I like potatoes." I am pretty sure I am the only one who silently giggled at that comment... none of the Filipinos know about the association of potatoes and Idaho... Oh, maybe the man from Texas chuckled at it too. I saw him when we stood to do the Hosanna shout, so afterwords I talked to him (whenever I see an American at church that isn't a missionary, I talk to them, to find out what brought them to this side of the world.) Anyway, his name is Bobby and he served his mission in Quezon City and one of his missionary friends invited him to the dedication. Anyway, he was nice and told me that his advice for me was to be like the people here. I'll try... haha.

Today, we just got done giving an elementary school a makeover. It was in bad shape and class opens TOMORROW! The principal was worried and heard that the Mormon Helping Hands were helping clean up the schools and requested our help. Our district meetings moved to Monday morning (from Tuesday morning) so we took our CSP clothes to the church and changed right after our meeting and (10 of us) hopped on a (one) tricycle and made the (rather long) journey to the school... where we painted and cleaned up a little. I think there were about 20 members there (including 10 missionaries). It was good, and the principal was so thankful, she fed us lunch. Now, it's approximately 2:30 pm, and I still have to go grocery shopping... we were invited to an FHE/family reunion... and we are meeting in 2 hours... :S

This week, we gave 2 of the Besa kids a baptismal date for July 24. We hope to add their brother (John-John) and their mom (Mindaluz) to that list before too long. They came to the cultural celebration broadcast on Saturday and they liked it. I am pretty excited for them.

Well, I think that's all I have to report on :) Keep on being awesome! Love, Sister Adams

P.S. Monday is Judgment Day... Transfer Announcements, but not just any transfer announcements... where you go next week is where you stay! The mission is splitting!!!

P.P.S (pictures) Mormon Helping Hands and the Besa Family :) Enjoy!

Caves, Temples, and Baptismal dates (hopefully)

2010-06-07T22:06:00.003+08:00

Today was our Zone Activity. We went to Pilar (our ZL's area) and hiked in some caves. It was way fun, and not too hard so I'm not exhausted... I would send pictures, but last time I tried that, my sd card broke.

Next Sunday is the Cebu City Temple Dedication... and we get to go!!! Haha, just kidding... We get to see it, but from right here in Roxas. It's being broadcast throughout the Country. The members here are so excited because it's a lot cheaper to go to Cebu than to Manila. I'm excited for them, and every time someone talks about going to the temple, I miss it. We are so blessed to live in a place that the temple is SO close. They aren't busy enough... go and give the temple workers something to do! ;)

Also, next Saturday, is the Cultural celebration. It, too, will be broadcast, so we're going :) Yay!

And yesterday, an entire investigator family came to church. The dad is a member, but he's inactive. There are 4 kids (3 above 8) and the mom. Sister Cortes and I couldn't stop smiling! It's kinda sad they can't come to church next week (the temple dedication takes place of regular meetings, and only members with a ticket can go). But that's ok, they are awesome, and we're really excited!

Next Saturday (the 18th) we have an "island conference" it's really Zone Conference, but it's the entire Panay Island in Iloilo. It's going to be cool to see everyone who is on the Island right now... too bad that doesn't include Sister Stadler or Sister Fairweather... Oh well.

Love you tons!

Sister Adams

Hello to Everyone I Love

2010-05-31T20:20:00.002+08:00

So, last week I had to sit and think of something... anything... interesting to write to you. This week is different... I have to sit and think of what to write first. I guess I'll start with the sad news, that way, we can end happy... deal?

We visited Raymart yesterday. He didn't come to church, and the people he usually comes with said he was tired because he was out late with his family. (Saturday night was a holiday? Flores de Mayo. It's a catholic (tradition?) and I'm not sure of the details, but there's dressing up and procession with flowers and crosses on arches...) Anyway, Raymart's family is all Catholic, so of course he went... and he got home late... hence, he was too tired to make it to an 8 am meeting. Understandable. Anyway, before we even started the lesson, he was like, "sis, is it ok if I come to church, but not get baptized?" Basically, he has been convinced by his family that it's better if he goes to church where they are, and where his friends are. I really wanted to cry, but I didn't. I am just so sad for him. His attitude was way different yesterday than it has been in the past... he just kept saying, "I'm not getting baptized, I've been baptized." We're going to keep visiting him, but it's really hard for him because there is zero support from his family, and he's only 12. Hopefully, some missionaries will run into him in 5 or 6 years... :)

However, we found some people we feel are truely ready. 2 women named Nilda and Josie. They are friends and neighbors. Nilda is 44 and Josie is 37. Nilda watches Josie's 4 (3?) year old daughter in the day while Josie is out working (she manicures). Anyway, they are both really receptive (especially Nilda, she told her friends that "the grace of God happened to me today, I met Sister Cortes...") We're excited to go back there :)

And, we have a part member family that we're excited about. The dad, Edelberto is the only member, but he's inactive. He has 4 kids: Christian Mae, 14; John Mark, 12; Michael Kane, 11; and Jr. ... "Gwapo" (Edelberto), 8 months; and a wife, Mindaluz. We stopped by last night to confirm a FHE tonight and the 3 older kids were like "we're going to be baptized!!!" haha it was awesome. Those baptisms will happen some time (probably) in July. We are pretty excited about them... (note: Brother is part of the reason you won't recognize this Sister Missionary when she returns home... he feeds us at least once a week...)

We also celebrated a birthday with a woman who lives in a house about the size of the girl's room (minus the gold carpet ;) ) We took some bread and sang to her. She lives all by herself and is a former investigator... she had a bad experience at church, so she doesn't want us to teach her. But while we were talking to her, she asked, "who was the one who saw the light?" She'll make it, but we have to be inventive about how we teach... haha :)

Well, that's all for now loved ones :)

Love always,

Sister Jennie Adams

Same Old, Same Old

2010-05-24T19:16:00.002+08:00

Kamusta kamo? How are you?

I'm doing fabulous... except that I can't think of anything interesting that happened this week to write to you... Sorry...

Sorry I didn't tell you for sure... I stayed in Roxas, with Sister Cortes. It was like transfers didn't even happen for us, because the other two sisters stayed in Roxas as well. I am now the only American in my district. But there are 4 other Americans (elders) in my Zone, so I'm not completely alone... haha. And most, if not all, of the elders in my batch went senior this transfer. I don't feel jealous at all... I'd be happy to be junior for a few more transfers :) That's the way I like to live- stress free! Haha, but of course, I'll take the responsibility if (when?) it comes to me :) Next transfer (the "split") there are 31 foreigners coming to Bacolod and Iloilo missions (they'll be divided)... lots of missionaries are going to have to step up to fill in the leadership positions.

We had a special missionary fireside in the stake this week. It was for the 4 wards in Roxas (there are 8 wards in our stake, but the others are far away) It was good, I hope the messages there helped the people who came to it. I know that I made a resolve to be a happier person. To make life lighter, because it is meant to be that way. No one actually said that, but we're all entitled to personal revelation if we're ready to receive it.

Oh, and we have at least 2 or 3 dinner appointments in a week (that's a slow week) I hope you all recognize me when I come home!

Well Sorry I don't have more to report on, this week was just normal...

Love, Sister Adams

Another week in the life of Sister Adams...

2010-05-17T19:07:00.002+08:00

Hey Everyone!

Well, I just have to report on Raymart... He is probably the most awesome 12 year old boy I know. We went to teach him after church yesterday and he started asking questions about a talk in sacrament meeting and telling us the lesson they had in Sunday School. Sister Cortes and I just sat and stared at him... and I giggled a little to myself because I was so happy for him... He's loving church and learning so much. His baptism is still set for June 12, but we've almost finished all the lessons with him (we only have like 3 left). He also always talks about going on a mission... and going to Alaska. Haha, he wants to go to America, but to Alaska. I told him he would freeze there, but he still wants to go.

We're still searching for the elect... and trying not to melt in the Philippines heat!
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Love Always, Sister Jennie Adams

p.s. sorry so short!

It was awesome

2010-05-10T21:15:00.001+08:00

to talk to you guys! And Taylor, sorry you didn't get to say goodbye.
Love you!

So, Happy Mother's Day to all who fit under that category! Thanks for all you do :)

I got a package this week that made me feel like it was my birthday and Christmas all at once... Thanks so much Ann Moon :) I was probably the happiest missionary in the mission when I opened that package... Everything will be used well, thank you.

Haha, so yesterday, Raymart came to church... which was no surprise to us, we expected him to come.

What was the surprise was that he was wearing a tie and slacks- he told us before that he wouldn't wear a tie to church until he was baptized... then he showed up yesterday wearing one. Haha, it was awesome. And his mom said that he has changed since we gave him a baptismal date. She says he's more helpful now and nicer to his siblings. Now we just need to get her to see the need to come to church for herself...

Well, that's about all the news I have for this week. We're still trying to find the elect here in Roxas! (Raymart definitely fits in that category) We have a few potentials, but time will tell. Thank you all for your support and prayers!

Oh, transfers are this week... but nothing will probably change with me...

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

P.S. I hear you are experiencing some late spring frost... I'll send some humid heat to y'all k? ;)

Zone Conference in Kalibo...

2010-05-03T19:09:00.007+08:00

This week we had Zone Conference in Kalibo. We rented a van (and a driver... haha), and went on a road trip. We drove for 2 hours and slept in Kalibo. I still get carsick, so that was fun... Anyway, Conference was good, and different. I'm used to very big conferences with lots of missionaries... this one we maybe had 30 missionaries. It was pretty good and we got lots of good training. Nothing outstanding that I feel the need to report on though...

Transfer Announcements are next week, and I'll probably stay in Roxas. But we don't really know what's going to happen! Just wait and see, and in the mean time, we just keep working hard- Getting Raymart ready for baptism. We're pretty excited about that... and he is too :D

I am having a blast in the Seafood Capital of the Philippines! Those of you who know me, know that I don't like seafood. The other day, we ate at an investigator/part member's house and they fed us Bangus (also called Milkfish, the national fish) and shrimp. It was really good, I think bangros is my favorite fish. And a few weeks ago, I ate some pusit... or squid. I kinda felt like I was chewing a balloon... not really an experience I want to repeat. Haha, but that might not be an option... we'll see. They also have this stuff here called uga... dried fish. It smells... strong. They dry the fish, and then fry it... it gets REALLY strong when it hits the pan. I haven't eaten it yet, but I have a feeling the time is drawing near... :S

Also, please look at my picture from MY baptism and think "oxy clean" HAHAHA! An elder pointed this out to me (from my calendar)

One more thing...a few weeks ago, our cargo from Bacolod (containing proselytizing supplies and letters-dearelders included) was lost. I recently received a letter from Annie and Bill... but if you sent a dearelder at the beginning of April or end of March, I probably didn't get it...

That's all for this week, love you all lots!

Love, Sister Adams

Damo Sala.....

2010-04-26T19:41:00.001+08:00

Thank you so much for the emails... A very happy day in the heart of Sister Adams.

I would like to tell you all about a lesson we had yesterday...

We were teaching our progressing investigator named Reymart. He's 12, and very intelligent. His mom listens too, but she's very catholic, so she isn't really interested... Anyway, we were teaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end) and we were talking about baptism. Usually, when we get to this part about everyone needing to be baptized, people tell us happily that they've been baptized already. We then do our best to explain about priesthood authority. It's probably the hardest thing for us to explain to people. Reymart was no exception. I explained, and asked if he had questions, he didn't so I asked him why baptism was different in our church... he didn't know. So I explained again, in a different way... again I asked why, in our church, baptism was different... again, he didn't know. This went on for about 20 minutes, with Sister Cortes helping explain too. Finally, Reymart understood and asked the question that I think every investigator should ask when they understand authority, "Sis, I haven't been baptized with authority! Can I be baptized with authority?" It was awesome. We told him yes, and gave him a goal date in June. There's still lots for him to learn and he's only 12, so he needs time to make sure he's ready. But it's days like yesterday that make this worth it. When someone really understands what you're trying to teach them, you just want to click your heels, or shout for joy from the mountain tops. I love this work and I had an awesome week.

This week is Zone Conference in Kalibo, we have to travel 2 hours tomorrow to get there... yay! Haha, it should be good!

Love you all, and I look forward to emails next week!

Love, Sister Adams

p.s. Congratulations to Elder Hardy! :)

If I could ride a caribou

2010-04-19T21:04:00.002+08:00

I would be as cool as the kids that do it every day... haha

This week was much quicker than last week… no dragging. We’re making progress with some of our less active members. Which is good for the ward, but not for the numbers… good thing I’m here for the people and not the numbers!

We had 2 investigators at church this week, which was awesome. And I spoke with Sister Cortes. We talked about missionary work.

I can’t wait for the conference Liahona to come out! I really want to read talks for my personal study. That is my favorite part of the day. I get a whole hour to concentrate on studying the gospel. It’s really awesome. Everyone should do this… why is life so crazy?! I think about my life before and I’m not sure I would have spared that hour a day to study the gospel. I really want to keep this as a habit even after my mission.

It rained on Saturday… for like 5 minutes. Haha, it’s so hot and really dry right now.

I’m starting to feel a little more confident in the language… but I still find it really hard to understand when people are talking, especially if they aren’t talking about the gospel- which is most of the time. I can tell my English is going away though: the other day I was writing the word “president” and I definitely spelled it “presidn’t”. haha, keep praying for me!

Well halong for now! Love you all and love the letters!

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

Love from Panay

2010-04-12T21:08:00.002+08:00

This week seemed to take forever. I'm not entirely sure why, but I hope the coming weeks don't last as long...

So, Roxas is VERY different from Silay. At one point, (a while ago...) the missionaries assigned here weren't very obedient. We are still trying to fix the effects of these missionaries. It makes it hard, but we're pressing forward. Our numbers were low this week so we decided to do better next week. I truly believe that Roxas can become like Silay, can become even better than Silay. All it will take is hard work and time. I'm here for the hard work. :) And they are Children of God who are just as important as the last group of people I served.

We watched all of Conference! (in English... they don't broadcast it in Hiligaynon) WOW... FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY. I think that when I am closer to having my own family, I'm going to pull out the May 2010 Ensign for a guide... I really enjoyed the whole thing. It's just awesome to hear the words of the prophets.

So, I would like to share something I've learned about the language here... Hiligaynon is the actual name of the Language... Ilanggo is the name of a person who speaks Hiligaynon. Technically. So (hopefully) at the end of my mission, I will be considered "Ilongga." Anyway, I've known this for a while but I haven't ever shared.

This week has been a little eventless... what's the word in english? eventFUL... uneventful! HA! Sorry for my English everyone, it's kind of leaving me.

I am speaking on Sunday. Sister Cortes and I are speaking with our ward mission leader. Hopefully we can do some good... pray for us!

All my love,Sister Jennie Adams

p.s. one little request...if you are an RM, I would greatly appreciate to know how you all felt when you transferred out of your first areas... I'm not asking for a journal page or anything, but I would be really interested though if you could tell me a little about your feelings as you were leaving your first area in your mission...

Hello Loved Ones

2010-04-05T19:24:00.003+08:00

From Roxas (x makes an h sound...). Yep, I got transferred. At the transfer meeting in Bacolod, the opening song was "Each Life That Touches Ours For Good" who's idea was that??? I bawled my eyes out during it... I am now on Panay. And what a trip that was... I had to ride the OceanJet, for an hour, and I got so sick. I just sat there with my head back, my eyes closed, and my jaw clenched... And I succeeded in not losing my breakfast. YES! (I kind of want to be assigned in Iloilo Mission so I don't have to do that again :p )

When I got to Panay, I saw Sister Woodward (my MTC comp) who I haven't seen since November. That was fun. Then I met my new companion, Sister Cortes from Bicol. She's only 5 hours (by boat) away from home... And then we got in a van (like a taxi...) and drove almost 3 hours from Iloilo to Roxas. I was very exhausted... but also very happy to not be traveling anymore.

I live with 3 Filipinas... I will be learning Hiligaynon very quickly now... it's all around me...

The work here in Roxas is very different than over in Silay. But that's ok, we keep our chins up and keep doing the best we can. I am grateful to serve the children of God in Roxas 3rd ward.

I have recently found out why the Filipino people are so tiny... it's because they eat a lot of fish... the fish have lots of little bones that you have to take out. For me, at least, it's hard... if that's what I ate every day for my whole life, I would be tiny too.

Yesterday was Easter, so last week was Holy Week... a HUGE holiday here. (that's why we took a van to Roxas not a bus... the busses weren't running... that's how big of a holiday it is)

I am just so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am grateful for the knowledge that He lives! I am grateful to be a member of this Church, and for the opportunity to share about the wonderful message that we have.Thank you for all your support! I love you all.

Pagpalangga, Sister Jennie Adams

Transfer Week...

2010-03-29T20:57:00.001+08:00

Well, this is officially week one again... transfer announcements are on Tuesday, and transfers are on Friday. One of us is probably transferring... and that one is most likely me. However, it's all in the Lord's Hands, so I'm trying not to worry about it...

We had Zone Conference on Wednesday. It was good. They talked about our new mission focus, which is less-actives and members. That just means that if we have time planned for tracting (or if we get punted and have free time) we don't tract, we go to less actives and members. This will help reactivate the ward (there are some 500 members in each ward and attendance ranges from 70 to 100... there's lots of work to do) Also, the members will get to know us, therefore trusting us with their referrals. The members in Silay are really great at referrals... we almost never have tracting time. However, because of this new focus, our "key indicators" are a little lower... but numbers aren't everything. :)

I am SO excited for Conference. We have to wait for a week after you guys, but we get to watch the whole thing. So next week, you should all write and tell me your favorite talk (and when it is) so I can watch for it and pay special attention :) Wait... it's conference already??? I swear we JUST had it...

Well, that's about all for this week. I love you all!

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

6 months

2010-03-22T19:51:00.001+08:00

Tomorrow. I Have been a missionary for 6 months. It's kind of crazy to think about...

Well, today, we went to Patag. It was really fun, and exhausting. Haha, it's quite a hike and I fell a couple times (twice into some water... haha) But the water falls were BEAUTIFUL. (I was going to attach a picture, but this computer is being s l o w ) I had a good time, and I hope it doesn't hurt too bad in the morning!

We have 3 investigators that are pretty awesome. Cherry Mae, Jonalyn, and Jenny. They are 3 friends and they are 14, 15, and 14, but they are stellar. They are always waiting for us, when we get there to teach, and Cherry Mae and Jonalyn came to church yesterday (Jenny couldn't come) They are progressing and it's awesome.

We have a few other progressing, but we're still trying to fix our schedule so that we're going to people that are REALLY progressing when they need us there. It's hard, and every time I look at my planner at night, I get tired just thinking about the next day... but such is missionary work!

Well, that's all for now folks!

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

Mainit Gid! (really hot)

2010-03-15T22:50:00.001+08:00

Yeah, it's really hot here...

Hey everyone! First, I have to tell you we had 3 baptisms on Saturday. Two girls named Sheila Mae and Ana Marie. Their mom is a member and their grandpa is a member too. He baptized them. We actually thought they wouldn't be able to be baptized because they are only 11 and 9. But then their grandpa took them under his wing and started bringing them to church every week. (their mom isn't active).

The other one is Brother Crauz! He FINALLY got baptized. His wife and one daughter got baptized on December 26, but he wasn't ready yet... He was able to quit smoking and come to church. It's kind of hard for him because he doesn't have very good hearing. That's part of the reason it took him longer than his wife and daughter. Now we just have to work on the rest of their kids...

So funny story (well to me and Sister Fairweather...)

I was practicing teaching the Restoration to S. Fair in Ilanggo, and I got to the part where Jesus Christ answers Joseph, but instead of saying, "The true church isn't here, but it will return." I said, "It HAS returned!" Sister Fairweather laughed so hard at that. Picture Joseph talking to Christ and Christ saying, "it was gone but it's back!" He would probably say something like, WHERE?! Haha, I think I got my ab workout for that day.

Well, the work in Silay is still good, if slowing a little... we just baptized everyone, so now we need to FIND! Haha, well that's all!

Love you All!

Love Sister Jennie Adams

5 baptisms and a wedding

2010-03-08T21:34:00.004+08:00

So, at first, I accidentally wrote "5 weddings and a baptism" Haha, not quite...

Anyway, yeah... We had an amazing weekend. :) On Saturday morning, we made a family. The Gallos are MARRIED! They are so poor and we were really worried about how it was going to work out... but the ward stepped up. Someone let sister borrow a dress, someone did her hair, they had the traditional shirt for brother to wear. The relief society president made lunch for everyone. It was a complete success- and more than I ever dreamed it would be for them. :) THEN we baptized the family (well, there are 6 of them all together, but only 3 of them got baptized because the rest are too young.) I LOVE the Gallo Family.

The other 2 baptisms were a mom and her son. This is an interesting story actually... Sister Magbanua was very much against listening to us. Her husband is a member and her son has been attending church for his whole life (but never been baptized), and all her in-laws are members; it was just her "thing" to be the only non-member. Sister Fairweather and I talked about them and how we could help her and her son and we had decided that Lorem (the son) would just have to go first because Emily wasn't progressing at all. The next time we visited them, Sister Fairweather basically asked Emily if she wanted to be a forever family... she said yes, and then she told Emily that she knew what she had to do... It was definitely the spirit speaking through her because I've never heard Sister Fairweather talk to anyone like that before. Over the next few weeks, we weren't really sure what happened... but all of a sudden it was Saturday, and Emily was baptized. It's the strangest and coolest thing I've ever seen. Proof that the Spirit will really work through us if we let it.

I'm so glad to be a part of this work, and I can't wait until I can REALLY understand the people and their concerns so I can be a greater tool in the hands of the Lord.

Love, Sister Adams

March!

2010-03-01T23:47:00.003+08:00

Hello everyone!

Well, first I have to say I forgot to tell you about our baptism on Saturday. Her name is Jennifer and she's 14. Her mom is a member, but inactive. However, she's got a strong testimony and her grandma is active. She has friends at church, so I think she's gonna be ok :)

Also, I had a list of things I was going to write about, but I forgot my planner, which is where the list is... hmm. (forgetting your planner as a missionary is like forgetting your right leg...)

Last p-day was wonderful. We did our shopping and then we went back to our apartment and slept. Ahhhh... :) Sleep is SO valuable. Don't take it for granted. But today, we had stuff to do in Bacolod... So no nap. It's ok though.

I can't believe it's March already! Whoa!

Well, we're really REALLY excited for Saturday! There's going to be a wedding and then a baptism :) There are 5 people being baptized. Life is really good in Silay.

Well that's all folks.

Halong! (take care!)

Love Sister Adams

p.s.
a cockroach just crawled across my desk here...
Love the Philippines!

What happened to February?

2010-02-22T12:10:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone! From Silay!

I got to stay for one more transfer! Yay!So on Wednesday, I got 2 packages. One from Mom, and one from Ann Moon. Ann Moon is a woman I met on an airplane on my way from Minneapolis to Salt Lake back in September. We were seat mates and I found out that she had served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines. It was pretty cool to talk to someone who had been to the country that I was getting ready to spend a year and a half in. Anyway, I gave her the link to my blog and (sorry Ann...) didn't really think about her until I got a package from her. Now, I would like to give a public thanks to Ann Moon! I am still enjoying the Vanilla Wafers and frosting :) My companion, Sister Fairweather, thanks you as well for the mini umbrella :)

So the only thing I can think of that stood out this week is that we finally got the papers for the Gallo Family to get married!! It's really exciting actually. They should be married on March 6. They are a great family! I hope I can come back here when they go to the Temple.Wow time is flying! I can't believe it's the last week of February, that I've been 21 for 5 months, or that tomorrow I will be a missionary for 5 months. It's all pretty crazy. And the work is going strong... and the weather is getting HOT....

I may have mentioned this already... The months of March, April, and May are the hottest time here. People have started hand watering their plants and talking about conserving water (the floods in Manila last November? caused dams to break...)

Anyway, I love you all! The church is true, stay strong!

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

Week 6

2010-02-15T21:20:00.001+08:00

Just so you all know, it's week 6 of the transfer again... actually week 7. Week 6 ended yesterday. I'll let you all know on Monday what happens. I don't really like to talk about transfers...

Happy Valentines Day! We got a great present! 3 Baptisms on Saturday! It was awesome. They are these three great girls. They live really far away, and it's hard for us to go teach them, and it's hard for them to come to church. But they FINALLY got baptized on Saturday and confirmed yesterday!

We also got banned from one of the most beautiful places in Silay. It's a place called Adela. It's just little, but there's a less active family there, and a woman who has HUGE potential. We didn't do anything to be banned (don't worry we're obedient missionaries)... other than be missionaries. The man who owns the land is Catholic and doesn't want any other religions there... It's really sad for them, and for us... but it's also a good thing because we are always running to get to appointments. So that freed up our schedule a bit...

I met a Jedi. That's for all you Star Wars fans... Yes, I met a Jedi. I think he was 5. He was adorable.

Yesterday in one of our sacrament meetings, there was no pianist, so we were singing a cappella. The congregational hymn was Hope of Israel, and the way you sing a cappella here is the chorister sings the first line and says "ready sing" and then everyone sings. Well, the chorister didn't know the first line of the song... she started in the middle with the tune, but at the beginning with the words. It was hilarious. S. Fair spoke yesterday so we were sitting on the stand and I was just thinking, this is so wrong! what's going on?? Everyone was kind of mumbling to themselves... All of a sudden, Sister Fairweather and I just burst out in song... very loudly. You should have seen the looks on everyone's faces! It was really funny cause we basically did a duet at the beginning of every verse because they kept messing up... I'm not going to lie, I miss singing in my student ward...Also, yesterday... we split (sort of, for like 2 appointments). That was interesting, but a good experience. I feel like I am now in the same place I was in Tagalog when I left the MTC. So... yeah, except now it's Ilanggo. :) Yay!

Anyway, that's all for this week!

I love you all! The church is true!Love, Sister Jennie Adams

Life is just better in Jodys and braids

2010-02-08T21:38:00.003+08:00

Ok, so we have these planners. Each Planner is a transfer and a transfer is 6 weeks. I just turned to week 6 in my planner. I'm not ready for this... I told Sister Fairweather that I refused to continue on to the 6th week of the transfer... but we have to. I just can't believe the time has flown so fast! I basically only have a year left! Ahhh! The language is coming... sort of. anyway...

The other day I was called tambok again, but this time, the lady was like, "well you're not so fat... fatso!... you're not fat... just chubby-chubby" It's ok though, cause if that was true, my clothes wouldn't fit anymore... and they still do, so we're good. But I wasn't wearing a Jody that day... so I decided life just goes better when I am (they are looser than a skirt and shirt). And the braids that make me look 16 are the easiest way to do my hair. So yeah, I definitely don't look like a missionary that would serve there (with my braids and bright dresses), but hey, I'm not serving there! I'm loving it here! I hope you all are doing well!

Love Sister Jennie Adams

Maguba Sia

2010-02-01T20:58:00.002+08:00

(It broke)That is to say: My Mission broke. Yep, they’re dividing the Philippines Bacolod mission into two. There will be a new mission that is Panay and Guimharas. And Negros Occidental will be the new Philippines Bacolod Mission. Effective July. Lots of missionaries are going to be reassigned. And no one knows where they’ll be going. Sister Fairweather doesn’t have to worry about it because she goes home in June. But I am not going home in June… I have like 8 months after June. Personally, I feel like I’ll be going to Panay… but lantaw lang (~just have to see). This is a good change…

Also, I found the best thing in the Philippines! Mangos! Or mga Mangga (depending on what language you speak)… And guess what. I also found the only thing in the world I’m allergic to… Mangos. They, unfortunately, make my throat itch. But not if I eat something like bread right after… so I will continue to eat mangos, the best fruit in the Philippines.

I totally forgot to tell about Sister Fairweather in my last letters. Her name is Sister Sarah Fairweather. She is from New York. (close to New York City). She is the youngest of 3 and I’m teaching her to love the idea of being a mom . She was Sister Grant’s first companion and she’s hilarious. I love it! President told me we would be together for a few months (which means at least 2 transfers...). But I’m not sure if I want to get excited about that yet… we’ll see if it really happens. I hope so. Note: It’s fun to be with an American! But we get ripped off a lot more than if I were with a Filipina… hmm, maybe it’s payment for the fun I’m having…

So we had Zone Conference last week. The conference was good :) But at lunch afterwards, an elder that was in my district last transfer saw me and said, “Sister Adams, tambok ka na!” That means, “Sister Adams, you’re fat now!” Yep. It means something different here… I think. We’ll just say it does because I don’t really like being called fat. It’s actually funny… if you translate any conversation in Ilanggo to English, its way weird. You just don’t say the same kind of things to people in English. I hope I don’t come home and start telling people that they are fat…

There’s this place in our area called Patag. We REALLY want to go. However… When other missionaries went, they didn’t get permission. And President said we can’t go. If he changes his mind, I’ll definitely let you know and send pictures!

I am now sporting sticks in my ears. They’re made out of coconut. And I wear them because it’s the cool thing to do if you’re an American missionary who may or may not wear Jodys… speaking of Jodys… I just went today to a place and they’re going to make me 3 new Jodys… then I’ll have 7, one for each day of the week. I’m excited.I'm so busy. We plan like every second, even on p-day. It's fun to stay busy, but sometimes I just want to sit and relax...

Ok, Spiritual:We have this AWESOME family. The Dad has a hard time reading, but he does it anyway. He takes the pamphlets to work and studies them. And after he went to church the first time, he said "why don't they teach the same thing there as you taught?" (apparently they were going into some deep 'doctrine' in Gospel Doctrine class... we sent him to gospel principles yesterday) They are very prepared for us and I'm SO excited to see this family progress :)

To friends who have written me:I’m sorry I haven’t responded to ANY of your letters. I will, I promise. But I’ve got no time today… Just be satisfied with this blog message for now… You'll get letters, I promise.

p.s. just another reminder: it is VERY important that if you send a package of any kind, to put religious pictures on it... it's less likely to get stolen or opened and more likely to make it to me :)

Love always, Sister Adams

Sister Adams and some future missionaries

2010-01-27T09:08:00.001+08:00

Camping and Camping

2010-01-25T11:25:00.002+08:00

So before I left on my mission, I knew I would be camping while I was here. Here's something I didn't realize:

I'm here camping. The people here are also camping. But there's a difference here. I'm camping in an RV. They are camping in the woods with a tarp draped over a rope. I'm only here for 16 months. They live here their whole lives. I am so incredibly blessed. (note: they don't actually live under tarps and I don't live in an RV. It's just a comparison)

It's been a great week! We went to a place called Adela. It looks really beautiful on the outside, but I was kind of expecting same old same old on the inside. But when we went in we really wanted to find a way to live there... It was SO beautiful. Actually Sister Rellora wanted to go there, but we never had time. We found lots of people. It's like a little hidden community. And I'm excited to go back there because it's so beautiful and the people there seem receptive. More on that...

So... I don't have much else to say. I love you all! The Church is true!

Love Sister Jennie Adams

Dear President

2010-01-19T00:30:00.001+08:00

Haha, that's the line of the week. You know, new companion and all. We joke a lot and it's fun. But I'm learning a lot too :) I hope that we get to be together for another transfer (fingers crossed).

A few experiences from this week:We are teaching lots of people. I want to tell you about 3...First, there's Lorfely. She's deaf. Sister Rellora knows sign language... but she's in Panay. S. Fair and I went to her once and it was rough... Anyway, soon, there will be 2 blonde americans in the Philippines learning sign language together.

And then there's Garen. He's like 30. And VERY educated about the Bible. He met the missionaries at a clinic and he said they could come and share. It turns out HE was the one sharing and we didn't really say much. We're going to go back one more time and see what happens, but it was a very interesting experience.

And last there's the Gallo (Galyo) family. We taught them once and left 3 Nephi 11 and when we came back and asked about what he read, he described not only chapter 11, but 12 as well. AND when we asked him to read aloud, it was evident that reading was not very easy for him... so we're REALLY excited about teaching this family! The only hard thing for them will be coming to church. (their house is about the same size as my room at home... and they live kinda far away)

Ok, it has rained for like 5 days straight! Ulan! It won't stop! Yesterday, we walked in the rain and when we got at the investigator's house, I was DRENCHED. Haha, it was awesome. We also went jogging in the rain. And because of the rain, the river that we have to wade to get to an investigator's house was swollen... but they have baptismal dates, so we had to go to them... That was an adventure and there are pictures to go with it.

That's all for this week! Love you all!

Love, Sister Jennie Adams

Sister Adams, Sister Grant, Sister Stadler

2010-01-18T13:22:00.001+08:00

I Prayed Her Here

2010-01-11T10:44:00.004+08:00

and she came. Flying in to save the day in a Jody. (Well, actually, she wasn't wearing one that day, but she has every day since). I needed her here, and I prayed and now she's here. God answers prayers. I know he does.

I was struggling with the language and trying to be obedient by myself, and now I have Sister Fairweather to learn the language with me. And even be obedient with me! I’m so excited!Haha, we actually have had an interesting and hectic few days:Friday was Transfer Day. We all went to Bacolod to find out who our new companions would be. I heard rumors that I would get Sister Fairweather but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I actually prayed specifically for her for like a week. And when the meeting was over, the first thing I said to her was, “I prayed you here.” It turns out I wasn’t the only one, but that’s another story (maybe read Sister Grant’s letter?). We then left to go back to Silay. After we ate lunch, we went and bought food (our cupboards were bare) we went straight to work. It was interesting leading her around the city because I don’t know the language… but she doesn’t know the area. We worked well as a team. She met some investigators, and we taught and it was great. Then we returned home and fell into bed (after planning). That’s been my weekend. A whirlwind of righteousness. (please note: S. Rellora is righteous too, but it’s just different with another American)

A few funny things:Sister Fairweather is a first time-senior, so she isn’t used to having a cell phone, and neither am I, so we forgot it on Friday when we left the house… it turned out ok though…

~Sister Fairweather came up with some nicknames for our bishops, because they’re opposite… Darth Vader and Yoda
~And yesterday, I used Sister Fairweather’s toothbrush (by accident). Yeah, we’re that close already.
~And today, we’re going to go to Bacolod for Sister Grant’s Birthday! To Pizza Hut! We are both wearing correlating Jodys to honor this great woman. Lol, it's awesome. Yay!

Also, we heard that Sister Beck is coming HERE, to Bacolod. We’re really excited.

Well, that’s all!

Your exhausted, but extremely happy, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Cousin, Granddaughter, Niece… Love you All!!!

Sister Jennie Adams

In case you were wondering... A side note from Naunie...
Before Jennie left on her mission, she was following a blog that she found of a Sister Grant, who is also in the Bacolod Mission. (http://sisterbgrant.blogspot.com/) Sister Grant's MTC companion was Sister Fairweather. So Jennie had "met" her months ago through that blog. Jennie also met her in person at the Conference they had at Christmas. She is from New York.
Mystery solved.

Count Your Many Blessings

2010-01-04T21:25:00.002+08:00

name them one by one. This song played through my head today on the bus back to Silay from Bacolod because I was just sitting there bemoaning the fact that my preparation day didn't go quite like I planned. I felt TONS better after I pondered the words to that song. Just so you all know: it works. Memorize hymns or scriptures that you can call upon at a moments notice if you ever need to.

I got the letter you sent Mom, from Elder Ward. The one about 4 baptisms in one day, but they were all at different times. I was kind of taken aback when I read "the water might get cold" haha, we don't have CLEAN water, let alone WARM. Haha, I was just stricken by how different our missions are. But hey, pass on "Congrats" to him, it's awesome to see people enter the waters of baptism!

This week nothing worth reporting happened... I don't think. We just taught a lot. Especially yesterday. We got 15 new investigators yesterday. It was insane. Everywhere we went (usually for a referral) there were always more people than we expected. It was amazing. I'm hoping for at least 5 baptisms from them. We'll see though.

Well, I'm doing great! It's transfer week, which means that next time I write, I may or may not have a new companion, and/or be in a different area. I'll let you know!

Love always, Sister Jennie Adams

P.S. Here's a shout out to all my friends who: Just graduated college, taught English in China, are going to teach English in Russia (I JUST got your letter btw, yay! I'll write you back), may or may not be engaged (I just have to guess because I haven't heard from you... ;) ), and everyone else who is enjoying the snowy winter weather (or not... ;) ) I love you all! Keep working hard at life, and don't forget that "Of all the things you wear, your expression is most important."

First Pictures from the Philippines

2009-12-31T10:40:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year

2009-12-28T22:13:00.002+08:00

Well, today was fantastic! We just stayed at home most of the day. I got to talk to FAMILY :D (big giant happy face...). And President Tobias came to our apartment to do interviews. We have a pretty nice apartment (I think) but he said that you can always upgrade and that we can look for a nicer one... lol I think it's funny. We live in a palace compared to most people, but we're being told that we can have better. I'll probably keep my eyes peeled though...

We are now going to go shopping because we have no food :)

On New Years Eve, we're going to go to Victorias and spend the night with those Sisters. We get to watch Disney Movies. Yayness! I'm not going to stay up too late though... and I'll tell you why...

On Christmas Eve, we had a Sisters activity and we stayed up way too late in the Mission Home and the next day I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I was so tired and I felt sick. I know exactly why they tell us to be in bed by 10:30. There is WISDOM in rules; none of you forget that.

We had 3 baptisms on Saturday. That brings the December total to 7... bringing Sister Rellora and I to being the top baptizing Sisters in the Mission for December. I don't feel like I contributed much, but I do think it's amazing how there are so many people coming into the gospel! I love these people so much!

Well, that's all I've got to say for now!

Love you all!

Love Sister Jennie Adams (aka: ...Kano?... hmmm lol)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T19:46:00.002+08:00

Dearest Loved Ones,

This week, I’m writing in a word document, so there won’t be any disappearing emails. :-)

Also, I’m going to answer some questions:

What do I eat? I eat food. I haven’t had fish yet, but I tried balut (it made me sick) and chicken intestine… I also eat a lot of rice. Mostly it’s just normal, but I miss cheese… real cheese. And milk for my Oreos (yep, there’s Oreos, but no fresh milk) and yes, the food here is much better for my body than the food in the MTC. ;-)

Are you sleeping well? I sleep pretty well. I’m so exhausted at night, it’s hard not to… also would you believe my feet get cold at night? Haha, it’s true! I wear socks to bed and I have a sheet so they can get warm, but I have been waking up in the night with cold feet… lol

Where do I email? At Internet cafés. They’re all over.

What is Ilanggo like? It’s closer to Cebuano than to Tagalog, but there are some same words. It’s one of my bigger challenges right now…

Did I freeze on my way to the airport in SLC? Not really… and I’m adjusting to the heat pretty well… it doesn’t bother me. Yay!

Marie: I didn’t make a straw scarf in 6th grade… but that was a while ago ;-)

Ok, this week there was a ward Christmas party for one of our wards. I sang at it. Here’s how the story goes: I was singing in our apartment, like my first week, and Sis. Rellora asked if I wanted to sing at the baptism (my first one) and I said yes. Then the people at the baptism said, “you will sing at our Christmas Party.” So I did. Yep, now I’m “the Singing Missionary” I don’t even think I’m that good (I know I’m not) but they really wanted me to, so I did…Also, I think I forgot to tell you, we had a baptism last weekend, Arden. Now his whole family are members!!! Yay! And this week we had 2 brothers be baptized. Rodel and Riscue. Their mom is a member and their dad will be baptized soon. That brings my total to 4, in case you lost track.

Oh, my watch broke a few weeks ago, so I bought a new one for only 100 pesos… that’s like 2 dollars. It looks a lot like my other one, but there’s no light. But it has a rubber band, so it’s better than my other one.

Well, that’s all for now folks!

Love you all!Mahal ko Kayo! (that’s not the same in Ilanggo, but I like it and I don’t know the Ilanggo equivalent)

Love Sister Jennie Adams (aka: Joe)

No Snow

2009-12-14T13:49:00.003+08:00

No Snow Here!

So I had the message written and it was long... and I clicked Send... and it disappeared. :( and I used all my time.
Note from Naunie: According to what I have heard, this is not an uncommon experience for missionaries. At least she has power... when the storms knock the power out, she won't be able to e-mail at all.

Anyway, this week we went to an investigator's house that is kinda far away: we rode a bus for like 20 minutes and then crossed a river. It was a good experience, but a very interesting one.

Also, I love it here! And I am doing great!

Love Sister Adams (aka "Kana!")

P.S. Corner Crew: Eat some Vanilla wafers and rainbow chip frosting for me!

Hello from the Philippines...

2009-12-07T20:26:00.003+08:00

Where, lately, the use of umbrellas is for keeping out the sun...

It hasn't really rained yet... only at night (shrug) I'm sure I'll experience the wetness :)

I bought sheets here that turned me green, so I washed them, but they still turned me green, so I washed them again today... we'll see how that goes... :)

I can't look at the email you sent and write this one, so if I don't get all your questions answered, sorry :/

We DO celebrate Christmas! There's a park, called the Plaza (I think) and it's decorated like the park in Layton. They even have a snowman! I took a picture of it cause I was like, "oh, I guess it IS Christmas time..." haha, it's so warm, I have to remind myself that it's December every day...

I don't remember any other questions... Sorry...

And I don't really have much more time... I haven't received my packages yet... I'll get them tomorrow at zone meeting (I think...) But I haven't felt like I needed the mosquito netting yet.

Well, thanks for all your letters, It's weird to me to think that right now it's like the middle of the night for you! Haha, Love you!

Also, I'm speaking in Sacrament meeting on Sunday... haha this should be awesome!

Love Sister Jennie Adams

Culture Shock

2009-11-30T19:59:00.002+08:00

I have no idea where to start! It has been a crazy 4 days. It is SO different here... I have ridden almost all types of available transportation: Tricycle, pedi-cab, jeepny, and a bus (the bus has a different name, but I'm not sure what it is).

My assigned area is Silay. My trainer's name is Sister Rellora (Relyora) (she is Filipino), and we have 2 wards. And the people here speak Ilanggo mostly. So I'm even more lost in lessons than I thought I would be. But no worries, I have things to learn the language, and Sister Rellora is very helpful and patient with me :) Even when I cried almost all of my first day.

The shower isn't as rough as I thought it would be. The first time I used the water that came out of the faucet, but it made me itch, so ever since, I have used filtered water. It's kind of a pain, but it's worth it to have water that doesn't smell like rust or make my skin itch. Haha, my hair is kinda crazy cause I sent home my blow drier... but I make do :)The people are amazing. I can't really describe them except that they are so nice and humble and teachable. The members yesterday were all like, "oh, sister, is this your first Area?" haha I was like "yep, I've been here for 3 days..." haha then they all told me that I would learn the language.

We are teaching several families and some individuals as well. We have a baptism on Saturday. I like to go teaching because the people are so nice, but I usually find that I have NO idea what is going on... which makes it difficult when they turn to you and expect you to add something to the lesson! haha but it's all good- I'll get it someday.I met Sister Grant! She just laughed when Sister Stadler and I said we had read her letters... it was awesome. She is just as cool in person as she is in the letters! :) We met Sister Grant, Sister Stadler, and Elder Foulds... (and their companions and some other Elders) for lunch today at KFC it was so good to see my Sister Stadler! :)

Well, it's hot, it's humid, it's BEAUTIFUL, and the work is going strong!Until next time!

Love,Sister Jennie Adams

P.S. Thanks to all those who have written me! I love reading about things that go on at home! Keep me updated if you can... Snail mail is great!

Love and LEAVING

2009-11-24T02:22:00.002+08:00

I just want everyone to know that I LOVE my mom. A lot... there are actually no words that can describe how much. And she definitely loves me. I hope that some day I can have this same relationship of love with a child, because it's amazing.

Thanks for the package Mom!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

We leave tomorrow!!! Our whole district is so excited! But the stress of packing and stuff is starting to descend upon us... I just hope that my bags aren't overweight. I can't believe that by Thursday night, I'm going to be in the Philippines!

This last week has been longer than any other week in the MTC, besides the first week here. But it has been good. Sister Woodward and I taught our last Teaching Appointment on Thursday, and the volunteer said our Tagalog was pretty good. And another missionary, a Filipino, said it was pretty good too... This gives me hope, that I may be able to actually communicate with the people over there. Communicate in a way that brings them closer to Christ.

I know that this Church is true. With all my heart. I am so thankful for the restored Gospel, that we have it here on the earth today. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, that he suffered not only for my sins, but for my pains- emotional and physical, sicknesses, sadness... everything. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have the chance to live with our families in the presence of God again. And I am excited to be the messenger for Christ, to tell the people in the Philippines about this wonderful news! It's going to be hard, but I know I'll look back and know that I'm a better person because of it. I know that because I can already see that I am a very different person than I was 2 months ago when I was dropped off on the curb at the MTC. My testimony has grown and I expect it to continue to do so. I encourage everyone, everywhere, to become a missionary... and I don't mean a girl or a guy dressed up with a black name tag. I mean EVERYONE share this gospel with EVERYONE. You don't get to decide who gets to return to Heavenly Father... God wants everyone of his children to have the opportunity to learn about his restored church. He loves us all the same- even those who don't believe in Him. I love you all so much, know that you are in my prayers.

Love,

Sister Jennie Adams

MTC

2009-11-19T12:23:00.003+08:00

Abbey Road? Missionaries

Sister Woodward and Sister Adams

Temple Visit 11/15/09

No Unhallowed Hand...

Firesides and FLIGHT PLANS

2009-11-17T06:05:00.000+08:00

Kamusta po kayo!

We got our flight plans this week! We leave next Tuesday at 4:30 and we fly to LA and from LA to Taipe Taiwan and from Taipe to Manila, and finally from Manila to Bacolod. We leave on the 24th and get there on the 26th. I have heard of flight plans before, but before the MTC I didn't know how big of a deal flight plans were... but the day we got them, we went crazy! It was awesome and we are SO excited!

Last night, we got to hear from Sheri Dew. And in Relief Society we heard from Sister Kristen Oaks. It is so awesome that we get to be taught by these amazing people. I'm going to miss it... but not enough to want to stay here! I am SO excited to get to the Philippines!

The other day, we learned about medical terminology. Let's just say I need to be smart about what I put into my body... and about dogs (I hear they're the ugliest dogs in the world...)Well, that's all for now folks! I can't believe I'm almost done with my MTC stay!

Love Always, Sister Jennie Adams

Flying Pigs

2009-11-10T01:20:00.002+08:00

Yep, we've caught it! The Swine Flu. I don't, but it's going around... We had two sisters in quarantine. We got Sister Stadler back yesterday, but we still are short one spunky Sister Ball... :( We miss her!

Every Sunday night, they show films. In the biggest room, they either show Legacy, the Joseph Smith movie, or The Testament's. You can tell that the elders in the room are a little relationship-deprived, because they are so obnoxious... whistling, cheering, etc. whenever there is ANY hint of romance. It's pretty hilarious. Anyway, there's a peek into my Sunday nights...

There is a weird time warp here at the MTC (and possibly for a mission in general...): I feel like I've only been here for like a week, but at the same time, I feel like I don't really remember my life before the MTC... It's really quite strange. This was explained to me as "the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days." At first, I was like, "how weird... whatever." But I know better now. :)

Our district got to host new missionaries last Wednesday, and we get to do it again this week! It was neat last week cause I hosted a sister who is also the oldest of 7 and her youngest sibling is 7.

Well, that's all, folks!

Pagmamahal, Sister Adams

2009-11-03T01:37:00.003+08:00

ok, so last week, I typed in your email address wrong... sorry!

This week...If you were arrested for being christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you?That was one of my favorite lines from our Sunday night Fireside. We have a fireside every Sunday, and every Tuesday. Guess who our speaker was last Tuesday?? Elder L. Tom Perry. Yep, it was awesome!

I go to choir, and it's a neat experience. We sang when Elder Perry came.

It's not getting too cold yet... and I'm grateful for it. I love the cold weather, but I'm not entirely fully equipped for it. All I have is a coat and some sweaters. So I'd be ok if the snow waited a couple weeks to come. :)

Did you know that in the Philippines, they start singing Christmas songs in SEPTEMBER?! Haha, it's great! You can go caroling for real in September... next year, that's what I'm doing for my birthday.

We watched a talk by Elder Holland in class this week. It's called the Miracle of a Mission (or something close to that) and it was SO good. Everything he says is so powerful. Also, I want all of you to read a talk called "The Atonement and the Value of One's Soul" by M. Russel Ballard. It's so inspiring.

Well, I hope you all enjoy the pictures! We took some more with some people that are leaving today... I'll send em home like next week or something.

Loves!Sister Adams

2009-11-03T01:05:00.000+08:00

Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 8:51 AM

Subject: Whoa, half way done ALREADY?!

Magandang umaga!

Wow, so we are supposed to be speaking Tagalog all the time now... it's a bit of a challenge and I don't talk much :) but it's coming and I am going to have the First Vision memorized by the end of today.

Yesterday, for relief society, Sister Matsumori spoke to us. It was really good. She taught us the Primary song for 2010, "I know that my Savior Loves Me." I love it!

I gave a talk last Sunday in Tagalog. Every week, 2 missionaries are chosen (on the spot) and I was one of them. I honestly don't remember what I said other than the scripture that I read. haha oh my. Oh well!

Well, it's going great! I'm so busy, it's kind of a pain to have to do things like eat and shower and sleep... but alas, it's necessary, so I'll just press forward!

Alam ko na totoo ang simbahan! Mahal ko kayo!

~Sister Adams

2009-10-30T12:39:00.001+08:00

2009-10-30T12:06:00.000+08:00

2009-10-30T11:48:00.001+08:00

2009-10-30T11:47:00.001+08:00

No letter from Sis Adams this week :(
She sent her memory card though, so we can see pictures!!

Week 4??

2009-10-20T00:11:00.002+08:00

I don't even know where to start for this week! This Thursday is our last time teaching in English. Then it's pure Tagalog. Ahh! I am so excited to actually be able to teach in Tagalog!

Just so everyone knows... I REALLY miss Sunday morning muffins... More than anyone else does, I guarantee it. I've been spoiled my whole life and now all I get for breakfast on Sunday is cold cereal.

We got new roommates last Wednesday. They are so sweet. I love them already :) They are also learning to speak Tagalog, so it's going to be a lot easier to SYL. Woot!

I saw Elder Potter the other day. He left today for the Lubbock Texas Mission, and Elder Ward is going to be his trainer (I think). When I got the letter about Elder Ward training a missionary that was still in the MTC, I thought, "there's NO way I'm going to run into him." But I did, and it was pretty awesome. I told him that Elder Ward was awesome and that he should say hi for me.

Well all, I'm working hard to become a REAL Missionary. Love you!

Pinatotohanan ko na totoo ang simbahan!

Mahal ko Kayo! Sister Adams

2009-10-13T00:10:00.003+08:00

Mahal ko Kayo!

Thanks so much for the calendar! I love looking at all the pictures! :)
(I sent Jennie a personalized photo 18 month calendar, beginning with Oct. 2009)

This week has gone by so fast... it's kinda hard to believe it's Monday again already. Everyone I talked to when I got here told me the same thing... there's this phenomenon: the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days. It's SO true.

So Tagalog is coming. It's hard, we're supposed to be SYL (Speaking Your Language) like ALL the time now... so mostly I'm just mute. haha.

On Wednesday there are 65 new Tagalog speakers coming to the MTC. 7 of them are sisters. I'm so excited! You have no idea. :D

Did you know that eating dog (aso) is illegal in the Philippines?? Yeah, so everyone who told me to watch out for it, um, I don't have to. :) Also, my teacher is a native and she tried balut once and she threw up... SO there you have it folks, there really is good food in the Philippines and they don't all eat dogs and ducks.Hmm... I think that's it for today!

Paalam!

Sister Adams

What a Week!

2009-10-06T00:00:00.001+08:00

So on Thursday we had our first teaching appointment. I was so freaked out for it, but it went well for our first time. It was actually a really spiritual experience. Even though I was totally freaked out before, when I walked in the room, I was completely calm. We've been talking a lot about teaching with the spirit, and I definitely felt it there. There is definitely room for improvement though :)

General Conference was AMAZING!!! Who else loved Elder Holland's talk yesterday??? I felt blown away by his voice... THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE!!! Haha, it was probably my favorite. I also loved all of the music... I just love music. On Saturday we got to watch the RS broadcast... I saw some people I knew in the choir :) I also got to watch the Joseph Smith movie last night. If you haven't seen it...DO. It is SO good. I hadn't seen it before (I'm not sure how I escaped that one), and it was very powerful.

Love you all! ~Sister Jennie Adams

2009-09-30T11:24:00.000+08:00

Since Jennie ran out of time on the computer, she hand wrote another letter and mailed it home...

My comp.'s name is Sister Jenika Woodward, she's from Washington State and is the youngest of 12! We get along pretty well, but it's still hard to be attached to someone 24/7.

Sister Stadler (Lake Havasu, AZ) and Sister Ball (Idaho) are the other sisters in our district. Then there's Elder Lewis from Massachussets, Elder Scott from Springville, UT., Elder Pickard from Hawaii, and Elder Folds from New Zealand. (Elder Folds has a cool accent) That's our district! I love them. It is only day 6 and we're so close already. It's going to be hard to leave. We're all going to Bacolod except Sister Ball, she is going to Quezon City. We walked up to the temple yesterday and took pictures with our district!

This place is a spiritual POWERHOUSE. Testimony meeting was powerful yesterday. Much better than at home- there were no travelogs.

A little language lesson. In Tagolog, the vowels are only pronounced one way; a "ah", e "eh", i "ee", o "oh," u "oo". So Bacolod is actually pronounced ba- co- load, though there is not much emphasis on the final syllable, so it doesn't seem like a very pronounced "oh" sound.

Mahal Kita!
Sister Jennie Adams

A quick, easy and free way to write is to go to Dearelder.com and click the MTC free delivery button. You put in the address, type your letter, and they will deliver it within one day (depending on what time you write)

Remember...
Sister Jennie Adams
MTC Box 145
PHI-BAC 1124

2009-09-29T00:10:00.000+08:00

Hey all from your favorite BLONDE daughter/sister/friend!

Can you believe I forgot my laundry bag? Yep. Anyway.I'm learning LOTS! My teachers are Brother Leslie and Sister Rather. Sister Rather is a native Philipino and Brother Leslie served in the Philippines. They are really good, I can already testify in Tagalog.

I LOVE my district. My district leader is Elder Lewis and he reminds me of Brother Ripple. Imagine Bro. Ripple with dark skin and hair and a little shorter and you have Elder Lewis. There are 4 sisters in our district and 4 Elders. It's so fun. My companion's name is Sister Woodward, and she's from Washington State.

Brooke, er, Sister Deem, lives on my floor and I see her every day! It makes me happy to see a familiar face :) I saw my FHE dad Elder Nielson, who is going to Finland, yesterday.

Anywho, I'm almost out of computer time, so I best be going!

Love you all!

Love, Sister Adams

MTC Address

2009-09-24T11:36:00.000+08:00

Jennie Adams
MTC Mailbox # 145
PHI-BAC 1124
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

MTC Day!

2009-09-24T09:18:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

This is the test run for sending out stuff about Jennie, I mean Sister Adams.

We left this morning and delivered her to the MTC at 12:45 p.m. It was very quick at the curb, and I think that was a little hard for her, however, that is what we had planned, so we were not surprised.

She got to hug everyone at home, at school, or at the Temple before we left, and that was great.

She had to be at the MTC at the same time as her best friend, Sister Brooke Deem. We met up with her and her mom at the Provo Temple prior to our drop-off time. It was humorous to me to see that without any prior communication, Jennie and Brooke had both worn almost the exact same thing.

I know that she will be a great missionary, I am excited to hear from her and post her letters to all of you.

I don't have her MTC box # yet, I will post that as soon as I get it. After the end of November, you can mail her through the pouch at:

Sister Jennie Adams
Philippines Bacolod Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150

You can also mail her through Dearelder.com... it won't even cost you a stamp.

Anyone who would like to mail packages to Jennie after the middle of November, the address is:

Sister Jennie Adams
Philippines Bacolod Mission
Galo St. between Lacson & Mabini
Bacolod City
6100 Negros Occidental
Philippines

I have heard packages take 2-3 weeks.

Love you all, thanks for your support.

Naunie

2009-09-22T20:15:00.000+08:00

TEST 123

2009-09-22T20:00:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone, here's a test to see if Mom can figure out how to post my emails onto the blog! It's not so hard, you'll do great mom! :)Mahal kita!

July 1, 2009 Sister Adams Receives Mission Call

2009-09-14T09:58:00.000+08:00