PETER'S MISSION WEEKs 12 & 13 - In the Midst of Change and Trial

2/6/2023

The past two weeks have been more than a handful to say the least. From moving 8 hours away to attending a funeral, it had it all. I got transferred halfway through my training to Calbayog in the Catbalogan Zone. The people in Calbayog speak Waray Waray S and my first six weeks were in a Waray Waray H area. I understand most of what people are saying but they replace all H sounds with S. The switch is a little strange, but it hasn't been as bad as I thought. I'm also going to the province of Samar which is known in the mission to be full of crazy stories and dangerous situations. We'll see if I wander into any witch doctoes while I'm up here. It's very sad to leave an area you have grown attatched to but I've already loved my short time in Calbayog.

I had the privelage last week to baptize Jello and Joylyn. They are two kids from a partmember family, and, excitingly, it was in the ocean. Tip for those wishing to baptize in the ocean, don't. It was really hard. Way harder than a baptisimal font, especially with young children. I held very steadfastly to them so they wouldn't be crushed in the waves. You have to say the ordinance fast, submerge them, and get out there. Despite the rushed nature it was probably the most spiritual baptism I have had so far. They were the first baptism I had where I taught them almost all of the lessons. I have grown to truly love them and now it feels like they are being ripped out of my life. They're fantastic kids and I know they will grow up to be strong in the church. I will never forget how much I learned from them and I just hope, they have learned a thing or two from me.

While going through these changes, I like to quote a wise wizard from one of my favorite novels.

"The world is not in your books and maps, its out there."

The world truly is 'out there' so to speak, and that includes the gospel. Sometimes I tend to forget that the gospel is not just a comforting verse or a nice thought, but it is a way of life. Everyday we have a choice on whether kr not we're going to live it. Alma 32: 28 says

"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts;"

Now consider the following, one buys a seed and a gardening manuel. Would the seed grow if they spent the whole day reading the book? If one left the seed on the top shelf and was perfectly content reading about all the wonderful gardening techniques contained within, would they ever be able to taste the fruit of that seed? The obvious answer is no. It is essential that we apply what we learn in the manual of the master gardner. In the midst of change and trials we have a choice. Are we going to be content with the books and maps that others have drawn from their experience? Or are we going to go on an adventure. Are we going to go into every day attempting to live the gospel. To attempy to try and fully understanding what it means. When I read the Book of Mormon I usually don't fully understand it. But when I apply its teachings, I gain a testimony. I know the gospel is true. Not just because I read it in a book, but because I am trying to live it, trying to understand it, and trying to become it. The more I try, the more I know that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."(D&C 122: 7) I know my Redeemer lives, and that with his Eternal Atonment he stengthens me. I know he knows me and my trials. I have faith that I will see Him one day.

I hope you all have a fantastic week, Hinai ngan Kita Kites!

Elder Wilhelm