That means "Good afternoon" in Ilokano! I ordered an Ilokano objectives booklet from the mission home and I've learned so much already! Just like Tagalog, Ilokano is a beautiful language. About this week though, it was another great one! I think we're really getting somewhere with some of our investigators. One hard thing about our area is some people just don't want to go to church because it's malayo (far). Our chapel is in Bagabag which is about 10 km from Lamut, 13 pesos a person on jeepney. For Americans it doesn't seem like much at all, but for many people here that's a lot of money. It's understandable, but not the best excuse haha. My goal is to help them realize that Heavenly Father will bless and help them if they just exercise faith by pagsisimba (attending church). We really thought one of our LAs were going to go to church yesterday but I guess she changed her mind at the last minute. It was a little heart-breaking, but it happens. We'll see her again this week and try to commit her again to magsimba. It is really hard for me to express everything and explain the importance of the things we talk about because of the language barrier, but I love what mom shared in her email last week about language. She shared with me a part of one of Sister Magalei's emails to her family. I loved what she said about having one true language that everyone knows: The language of the pure love of Christ. It's so important to know that no matter how well we speak or teach, the main thing is that we do so with the power of the Spirit. Only through that will hearts be opened and they will feel the truthfulness of the things we share. I have a strong testimony that that's true, as I have felt the difference between teaching with the Spirit and teaching without it. Sorry, no really "WOW!" moments this week haha. I have a feeling this week is gonna be a great one though!
Thank you so much for your emails and pictures! Happy birthday again Hali'a!! U'i sent a picture of Hali'a from Thursday. Her hair is getting so long! And she's still pretty as ever. I can't wait to see you guys on Christmas! I'm so stoked that Lehia was converted to surfing! Haha. I can't wait to learn all over again from him when I get home. Hahaha yeee Kala'i. No pain, no gain! I'm legitly worried about Ohu haha. Be safe ah! Don't be dumb and drive like me (or U'i....especially U'i). And it's so good to hear you and mom are doing well too. Thank you for being such a great example of a father and husband, dad. How's Herbert doing? Eh Elder Teikauea knows a couple of his Fijian friends! Since Tuvalu is so close to Fiji he did school and rugby there for a bit. It's good fun talking to him about Fiji and sharing the things I learned from Herbert. By the way I think that's super sick that Ronda finally lost haha. She was pretty cocky. And knocked out! Shaaame haha.
Man that's awesome to hear about the ward missionary plan! Hastening the work! I want to work with the missionaries as often as can when I get home before heading out to college. Oh I also got a DearElder from sister Ray this past week! I didn't see her email address on it so I just wanted to thank her on here. I really enjoyed what she said about one of the prayers that was given at General Conference. The words "enjoy to the end" was used rather than "endure to the end". I love that we don't have to see it as pushing through trials until the end. Trials will come, but for me it's such a nice thought that we can just accept them and let them pass by, continuing to have a bright attitude. That's probably the biggest thing I learned from grandpa, always be positive.
Alright, I think that's about it for the week. I'm going to reply to mom's email now then head out. But before I go, I have a question for you dad. Do you have any good object lessons that I can use? They're really helpful. Just whenever you have time, it would be greatly appreciated. Okay that's it I think. I love you guys! Hope everyone has a great week! Ohu, be safe! Haha. Ingat!
Mahal ko po kayo,
Elder Ishibashi
Elder Capulac standing in the blue. He continues to be a great companion and example to me!
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