WEEK EIGHT
Hello my sweet pamilia!
I sure loved seeing all of your
beautiful faces the other day! I'm still dying over the fact that you've all
gotten better looking- I didn't even know it was possible! I was a little
worried that in hanging up the homesickness would set in, but I know I was so
blessed because afterwords I felt rejuvenated and even happier. It’s amazing to
me all the ways the Lord is blessing my life right now. I love you family
and loved every second of our Christmas together.
I love the Philippines a little more
every single day. I can't put into words the happiness I feel to be here
among the Filipino people. The only way things would be better is if you
were all here with me sharing the experiences I'm having. Think there's a way
we could make that happen..?
So many times a day I find myself
wishing Manda was here to capture all the incredible, breathtaking,
heartbreaking, amazing images I encounter. I would want her to capture my
very favorite tree with the vibrant pink blossoms that I pass every morning
when leaving our apartment. I would want her to capture the Taytay's that sit
on every corner with their legs crossed, looking so full of wisdom. I
would want her to capture all the beautiful children who are playing barefoot
in the streets no matter the hour of the day- the way they grab my hands and
follow wherever we go. I'd want her to capture the humble homes with the
clothes hung out on the line in front. I would want her to capture all
the fruit stands full of bright ridiculously delicious fruit. But most of
all I'd want her to capture the lessons. The way our investigators, or
less actives look at us while we teach and testify. When you see in their
eyes that they're truly listening and being taught by the spirit. I would
want her to capture their eyes.
Oh family, I feel so blessed that I
get to play a role in bringing others closer to Christ, there truly is no
happier work.
Mom, I don't have Sister Tingey's
address or email or anything but will you please tell her thank you. She
sent me a stocking, a card, and money and it was soooo thoughtful! I got it the
day I arrived and it completely lifted my spirits- she was so sweet to think of
me. Tell her thank you thank you thank you?!
(Jenna's Balcony off of her apartment in TayTay)
Alright so the Jeepney's honestly
feel like the Indiana Jones ride. The abrupt stops, all the obstacles,
the way it will ride up on the side walk, the sound it makes. So pretty
much its like I'm going on rides in Disneyland every day.
All the children when we sing will
put their ear next to my mouth to listen to my voice.. I feel so sad to disappoint
them with the sound they hear.:))
I'm getting really good at
pretending that I know what's going on. Smiling when the people smile,
laughing when they laugh, looking concerned when they look concerned.. its
become a game to me to see how long I can go before they realize I don't speak
Tagalog :)
Luckily the people understand
English and so I'm able to teach in Taglish, and then I can usually follow what
they say or else my companion will interpret for me.
 |
| Jenna was able to attend a session in the Manila Temple on P-Day |
We had relief society..
combined with priesthood where we discussed how to be better ward
missionaries.. (From what I understood)
Then we had gospel doctrine..
A very small class.. that was all in Tagalog so I didn't understand a
ton. but it was about obedience.
Then Sacrament... I feel like a lot
of the same people are called on. Like the Relief Society president does soo
much she spoke in sacrament and gave the
lesson. So i think the strong members,few as there are, do pretty much everything.. just what I'm kind
of picking up on. These people are amazing.
Then we had a meeting with the ward
missionaries, they're very involved, all preparing to go on missions- they came
and taught with us after church . I really like them
I thought about Dad
all day yesterday because I was at church and around the bishop. I
realize more and more just how much you have to do. Wish you could know
how much I admire you. Hope you and the ward are doing good!
Jenna and Sister Sabiano her wonderful trainer
The children think my hair is Barbie hair, so
often they think it is necessary to pull it.. just to check if it's real. yep,
it's real, and attached to my head.
I think I will continue hand washing
my clothes for the rest of my life. Or at least until I become as skilled
at it as Sister Sabiano. I love sitting next to her washing clothes as
she tells me stories of home and how she would wash her clothes in the river.
She makes it look like a sport.
I think its relaxing and I'm
starting to enjoy having raw knuckles.:)
As I was preparing for a lesson the
other day I read- Heaven is a continuation of the ideal home.
I loved reading those words.
Mom and Dad you truly have made our home an ideal home. Founded on
the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All my life I have known
that our family would overcome any challenge, heartbreak, or trial because we
have the security of the gospel teachings and because we have one another.
Our home has always been, to me, a piece of heaven on earth and I just
want to thank all of you for the spirit you allow to reside within the walls of
our home. We are so blessed to have this gospel family. We are so blessed
to have each other. I realize these things a little more every day and I
imagine heaven truly being a continuation of our home.
Have a wonderful week and know that
you're always in my prayers.
I'm learning how important ward
missionary work is, so family make sure you're looking for opportunities to
help and teach- and I'll do the same :)
I miss you all. Happy New Year!
Love always,
Sister Welling
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