Maayong hapon!
What a blessing that my birthday is on P-Day and I'm able to talk to family and friends and read birthday greetings on my actual birthday! Nalipay ko nga ari ako...para sa birthday ko (I'm happy to be here...on my birthday)!
Anyways this week was great. Any time I have to serve other people (especially while I am a full-time missionary) will always be an amazing time. Just some highlights:
We are very busy and have a lot people to share with parte sa ebanghelyo (about the gospel) kag parte kay Jesucristo (and about Jesus Christ)! People here are so kind and are so willing to listen to who we are and why we are here. Currently Sister Reyes and I have two progressing investigators and they are just so amazing. One of them is a Sister who just turned 18 this passed Tuesday and it was sobrang nami (super cool) because we extended the baptismal invitation to her on her birthday! She was so happy when we asked her and it just made me feel so warm inside that she is getting closer to the example of Jesus Christ. This Sister is so amazing and is just one of those people that has been ready to hear the gospel even when she, herself, didn't even know it! It's as if she has been prepared for this moment and has been waiting for missionaries to find her and help her in the path of Jesus Christ's gospel.
And another progressing investigator is a brother that has a wife and two kids. This brother is very receptive of our message but ever since we have been teaching him, he has [had] a drinking and smoking problem. However, we also invited him to be baptized this past Thursday and the first thing he said was "when will it be? Will it be on a weekend?" Haha that honestly made me so happy because it shows that he wants to become better and also follow Jesus Christ's example! And so far not only has he not drank or smoke, but his wife told us that he is having a better attitude around the house and is overall more happy! Each time we visit these two investigators it makes me so happy to see them desire and want to change for the better.
Also this week I once again have tried new food! I tried fresh coconut meat with milk and it was soooo good. I forgot to take a picture. :(
Another highlight is that I am understanding way more Hiligaynon/Karay-a now! I still don't understand everything pero I understand the general message that people are trying to tell me. I'm so grateful that I am understanding the people more because now I can focus on helping them with whatever concerns they have and have spiritual experiences through the Holy Ghost.
I'm loving it here as each day passes and it's crazy to me how much time flies! I know that I'm here for a reason and I realize that each day no matter if it was good or bad. Any day serving the Lord is a great day (especially when it's your birthday)!
Halong kamo perme,
Sister Ventura
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Send me an e-mail:
elza.ventura@myldsmail.net
Written letters and packages:
Sister Elza Ventura
Philippines Iloilo Mission
Osmeña Street,
Arevalo, Iloilo City,
5000 Iloilo
Philippines
*Some names have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy of individuals.
*Some names have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy of individuals.