Another cycle has come to an end and neither Elder Costacio or I is getting transferred so I am excited that we will be spending Christmas together. This last week (60th one here in the Philippines. Holy cow!) we were kept busy again but it was another good one for sure....Tuesday we went on splits with the Zone Leaders in their area and I worked with Elder Volpe. He is from North Carolina and goes home next month. I have actually known him for quite a while here in the mission but he is someone I really admire as a leader because he is a stickler for the rules but in a very loving way and not in a way that is bossy or self-righteous or anything. I had a good time and we also had a dinner appointment combined with the Lamut elders (because those 4 are all under the same branch) and one of the things they served us was dinakdakan-which is like grilled pig parts blended with pig's brain. They didn't tell us until after we had finished eating because they thought that Elder Navarro wouldn't eat it if they told him haha. It wasn't bad though.
On Thursday, we also had our Mission Tour with Elder Bowen of the Seventy. Inspired instruction and good information was flying at us from all directions and I learned so much that I don't even know where to begin but basically he focused on teaching skills that we can improve in order to see more miracles as missionaries and also about the doctrine of the Abrahamic Covenant and the oath and covenant of the priesthood. Then, as always, a delicious dinner and a bit of downtime to hang out and catch up with the other missionaries.
Reunited with an old pal, Elder Bangal
Our lessons with Khanejie and Jarone are still going pretty well and this last week we extended baptismal invitations to them as well as one of their friends who has joined in a few of the lessons. We are hoping for some time in January but we aren't sure for a specific date yet because yesterday none of them came to church except for Jarone.
Last night we were also able to watch the First Presidency Christmas Broadcast with a few people from the branch because one of the members downloaded it. I love this holiday season and also the opportunity to be able to share the message of the reason why we celebrate it. Let us all emulate the Spirit of Christ and remember Him always. God gave us the greatest gift of all, which was His Son. What will WE give to HIM this year? Have a great week! Here are a few more pics from Banaue!
Elders Luli, Me, Loitz, Glassie, Poulter AND Lawrence photobombing
(Good thing we're all wearing jackets for the first time ever haha)
Three countries joined together in the circle of life
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