Sister Jenessa Dover, Philippines

May 13, 2013

Kumusta Pamilya!

Magandang Hapon po! I'm in the Philippines!! I left the Provo MTC last monday and we arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday! Part of my 30+ hours included a 7 hour layover in Hong Kong which was fun, but finally after 5 months of waiting I'm in the Philippines!!!! :D
 

When we arrived in the Philippines we stayed in a hotel in Quezon City and met all the new missionaries from the the Manila MTC. The next day we met our mission President, President and Sister Monahan and they are so nice! They'll be fun! We stayed a day there and rested but the next day we met our Trainers... And my Trainer is Sister Navarathna from Sira Lanka ( an island under India) She's so sweet and a really good trainer. Shes been here 5 months and just learned English and of course Tagalog haha! So often we have language barriers which is pretty funny. Yesterday I said sandwich and she thought I said a cemetary  and whenever I say binder she says "Spiders! Where?!" haha! You see my point but I love it.

My area is Dugapan and according to the Filipinos in my zone its one of the hottest cities in the Philippines... Oh goody! :/ It is hot but Its all worth it. My first night here we went straight to work and went to an investigators house. It was really humbling. It was smaller than the entry way of our house in Texas and this bamboo "bridge"- no railing, one missed step and you fall a ways into the polluted water. And the family had nothing in their home except for a box of things they owned. Yet despite this they listened to our message and even ignored my horrible Tagalog and we left them smiling. MY first night and first appoitment teaching made all the difference. I know Im supposed to be here, I know that somehow Heavenly Father needs me here to act as His intrument to brings these wonderful people home. Ive had many other beautiful experiences here.

My first day, we had a baptism! I was just enjoying the fruits of my Kasama and her previous companions labors but a Tatai (Dad), a 11 year old girl and a 9 year old boy was baptized and the mom was already a member so happy day! It was great and they recieved the Holy Ghost Sunday!  But also the same night we attended a funeral of an investigator who died of cancer. The wife said she wants to learn more about the Plan of Salvation so hopefully we can help her.  A baptism and funeral my first day, I already know that the Lord has work for me to do here.

We've taught about 7 people in the past 2 days and lots of less actives but 4 out of the 7 came to church less actives too for YEARS!!! YAY!! But I look forward to the next few weeks! Love you all! 

Sister Jenessa Dover