"This week was very bitter sweet. I will start with the sweet. We had the
baptism of Paulyn Chit she looked so happy along with her mom. I am grateful the
Lord gave me the opportunity to help them in their lives. We are looking forward
to the 21st of june for our next baptism. It will be a family of 5. They are
progressing very well in the gospel. We are happy for them and it has been a
blessing to teach them and show our love for them. One of the greatest impacts
we have seen while teaching them the gospel has been the change of their 9 year
old daughter Jennifer. When she was 7 years old she spent some time with her
aunt in their province it was for about a month or so. In that period of time
her aunt verbally abused her which destroyed her confidence and scared her
emotionally and spiritually. Her aunt told her over and over again that she was
ugly as a little girl and that she is supposed to be a boy. She cut Jennifers
hair really short and made her wear boy clothes. When she returned to their home
she refused to wear dresses or have long hair and she would act like a boy in
all things. As we began teaching this family sister Alfaro, Jennifer's mother
told us the story. When they came to church the first time Jennifer was wearing
pants and a t shirt like a boy would. My companion and I encouraged her to wear
a dress the next time. That week we would let Jennifer know how pretty she
looked and encouraged her to wear girl clothes. The next sunday she came in a
dress but as soon as church was over she ran to the bathroom and changed back
into pants and a t shirt. We continued to encourage her and call her beautiful
as we were teaching the whole family. Now she has no desire to wear clothes like
a boy and she is acting like a girl and wearing girl clothes and wearing bows in
her hair. My companion and I were over come with joy with her change of heart.
Her Mom was the most surprised and grateful. I was so full of anger towards their
aunt when i heard the story. Jennifer is the cutest little girl on the planet
besides Ava Belle. I am grateful for her change of heart.
Now for the bitter...... Last last sunday i received a phone call from
President Stucki at about 10 oclock pm. I could tell there was some thing wrong
in the tone of his voice. He said he had bad news for one of our room mates
Elder Dayacap. Elder Dayacap's father past away due to heart failure. I just
want to give you some back ground information about Elder Dayacap. Elder Dayacap
is from Tacloban he is a 3 year convert to the church and is the only member his
family. He is really quite and he lacks confidence because he is a new member
but his heart is pure and he has been serving faithfully. The other thing about
him is he understands absolutely no english and he cant speak it either and that
is the reason President Stucki called me. After he told me he told me that i
needed to inform Elder Dayacap in Tagalog that his father had passed away and
after that encourage him to stay on his mission. When i heard that my heart
dropped. I couldnt even imagine what his reaction would be after hearing that
kind of news. I prayed with my companion that the Holy Ghost would guide my
words. I brought him into our room and shut the door. After I told him his
Father passed a away he began to cry and express to me how he wanted to go home
and teach his Father the Gospel. I stood and gave him a hug and bore my
testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the plan of Salvation. I
encouraged him to stay on his mission. It was quite for a long moment and then
he said i want to stay and finish my mission. He said he knew it wouldnt change
anything if he went home. After that experience it has left me to count my many
blessings. I remember feeling down about the trials that i am facing at this
time but after this experience it has made me grateful for the circumstances
that i am in. Elder Dayacap is doing well we are helping every day. And to be
honest he seems really happy. That is what the Gospel does brings us joy and
happiness in times of tragedy and uncertainty."
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