I have certainly had to make a lot of adjustments....such as....jet-lag and no sleep because of the barking dogs and crowing roosters ALL NIGHT LONG...converting dollars to pesos...shopping for fruits, vegetables and meats at the palangke (open market) instead of Walmart...learning to like rice instead of potatoes (WILL NEVER HAPPEN)...making do with no 'hair-do'...finding out that you can survive without airconditioning...discovering that the happiest, most loving people in the world don't have ANY of the luxuries we take for granted every day...sharing testimony and thoughts on a moment's notice...communicating in a simple way and finding that the language is only a barrier when you are not communicating with your heart.The missionaries here are the best in the world! I have been so impressed with their leadership ability and their testimonies. Even the meekest, quietest sisters are excellent teachers. On Saturday night we went to the baptism of a 17-year-old boy. The spirit was so strong there, and that boy amazed us with his great testimony. Of course, we were asked to bear our testimonies as well. I wasn't sure I could remember what I had learned in my language class, but I was able to give my testimony in Tagolog. On Sunday we attended one of the 10 branches in our area. I was amazed at the caliber of the Branch Presidency. The President is only 25 years old.
The most choice experience was last night when we accompanied the Elders to visit the Narne family out in the 'sticks',...literally! We parked our car on the rocky road and used flashlights to walk through a field to their humble hut...no electricity, just a flashlight hanging from a bamboo rod in the ceiling and a dim candle on their small table. Their seven children came running out to meet us with smiling faces and outstretched hands. They began their FHE singing with 'gusto' from the hymnbooks given to them by the previous senior couple. We gave the lesson and brought cookies to share. Bro. Narne shared with us about how he had prayed one night to be able to find the true church of God. The next day the Sister missionaries came tracting through their area and found this wonderful family who was ready to listen to their message. They are now preparing to go to the temple in December.
