10-25-15 I was sick this week

Kumusta dad and everyone else!

Man, I was sick this week too haha. Monday night my fever started and then it just got worse by Tuesday morning. We spent the day resting and got back to work on Wednesday. Thursday I felt worse than I did on Tuesday, so I couldn't work then either. Also on Thursday 2 elders got into a pretty bad tricey accident. Their driver actually passed away in the hospital. What a blessing that they didn't suffer anything fatal like that. It took Elder Reynolds only a day or two to be able to walk again.

The next couple days after that kind of just flew by. I've learned a few things about missionary work and about myself this past week. I now see the reality that just because your first lesson with someone goes exceptionally great and the spirit is super strong, that doesn't mean they're eventually gonna get baptized haha. Sometimes that one lesson is all you get, and they lose interest by the next one. As for myself, I now know how it feels to go so long without work. I'll admit we had a few moments this past week where we could've put in a couple more hours of work, but somehow convinced ourselves that it was okay to stay inside. It's not a good feeling at all when you realize how little trying to be a good missionary. Nonetheless, I know for a fact that this week will be better. It excites me to think that we both have the strength to work hard and effective everyday! Especially since this might be Elder Rebojo's last full week here in Lamut! Transfers are next Wednesday. 

But anyway, that's about it for the past week. My highlight was the package! Thank you guys soooo much! I got it Tuesday night which made me feel really good after a long day of just sitting around. The hat is super sick! And I was so so excited to see all of my favorite candies and snacks haha. My favorite part was the letters though. 

Man I was so sad when I reached the end of the last letter haha. I'll reply to them real quick on here.

Ohu:

Thank you so much for your letter Ohu! Your letters are always so fun to read. I loved reading about your experience seeing Herb in Laie and your feelings about BYUH. I know exactly what you mean, it just feels right to go there. The amazing thing about this gospel is that as long as you stay close to Heavenly Father, everything else will fall into place. In Mosiah 2:41 (I think?) the Lord promises us spiritual AND physical blessings as long as we obey the commandments and stay close to Him. How cool is that! It's super funny that Hyrum told the world about what happens in AP Camp hahah. I'm sure the spirit was strong though and made a lot of young men consider going to the next one. It's so good to hear that you're going to mission prep, institute, and even temple prep class! Man you're going to appreciate the temple sooo much more when the time comes to receive your endowments. Tell the Baileys I miss them please! And I'm so grateful for knowledge I received through their teachings. Also Sister Bailey's syrup is sooobrang masarap haha. Man I can't believe you sang the Star Spangled Banner in front of a whole school! I'm convinced that you're meant to do big things in the future. Huuuge props! Eh and while you're at it write me a wedding song too yeeee. Joke lang I shouldn't be thinking about that right now haha. Elder Teikauea is a mean jammer so we play guitar and sing a lot when we go over to their apartment. As for me and Elder Rebojo, everything is awesome haha. It'll be such a weird feeling having a new comp in less than 2 weeks. Man I'm just so excited for you to have the mission experience! Email me as soon as your papers are in! And read your patriarchal blessing often if you got it already! Thanks again so much for the letter Ohu! Love you bro!

Kala'i:

Kala'i! What's your grade in English? Haha, you're a really good writer. I so enjoyed reading your letter about being the "Alpha" and stuff hahah. I'm proud of you for winning both wrestling matches, but I'm more proud of you for being humble about it. Being humble after something like that is super hard for so many people, me included. Don't worry though I'll be humble when I still lick you after my mission ;) Hahah joke lang joke lang, you're right, I probably won't be in the fighting mood right after my mission. You'd guarantee win though, no worries. But yeah, thanks for being a great example along with MaQ by staying humble. People will look up to you for that. I can't wait to hear about your sports and stuff! You always were a natural at sports; the coaches are gonna love you. And that's so sick that Herb won a sector 9 board! Maybe he'll just save it for me yeee haha. On a serious note, thanks so much for your letter Kala'i. It's so good to hear that you're doing well and just improving in so much. Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see you on Christmas! Love you Kala'i!

Lehia:

Thanks for your letter bro! Spot on your drawing hahah. Joke lang, it's sick though. I hope the surfing and dancing continues to go well. Love you bro! Send pics when can!

Hali'a: 

Hi pretty girl! Thank you so much for your letters and gold plate! I wish you could've been here for my 20th birthday too. It's almost your birthday though! Almost 7 years old! Are you excited? Love you pretty girl!

Okay my time is up so I need to go. Thank you guys again so much for your letters though! They made my week. Mikel's drawing had me buuuss laughing. Ohu "The winner" hahaha. Thanks for your letter too Mikel! I hope the lifting and everything is going well. I'm stoked to lift with you again after my mission. And thank you mom and dad for your uplifting, inspiring letters. Oh and you mentioned Gregory A. Schwitzer, mom. He's coming over to speak to us this coming Thursday! We're so excited! I'll let you guys know how it went next week. 

I love all of you guys so much. And I'm so glad you're doing better, dad. I'll keep you guys in my prayers. Love you guys!

Mahal mahal kita

Elder Ishibashi

PS mom I need a new journal (the same kind as my last one if can). I'm almost out of pages. If you find, can you buy like 2 and send them? Use my money please. I have a backup "record book" I bought here so no rush. I just prefer the kind I've always used.

Love you guys! Have a great week!