The Hawaiian in Cauayan: 12-11-16 Let's focus on being better and serving others

Kumusta po dad!

Alright I got a few random emails out of nowhere this week so this email will be a little quick again. But thank you guys for the emails! I'm a little bummed you and mom can't have full lunches together all the time anymore, but I'm happy that she's enjoying her job and is taking everything in so quickly and well. I also enjoyed the updates for Herbert & Jazamin's wedding! I love that there will be Filipino foods as well haha. Also, good job to Kala'i! You're huge! This new apartment doesn't have weights either...I'm getting so skinny. Good job on winning the race though and keep me updated on that!

As for me, this past week was a super great one! It was pretty hectic towards the beginning due to transfer day and saying goodbyes, but it ended up mellowing out and becoming awesome. I'm going to miss Bambang for sure, since it was definitely one of my favorite areas. Elder Gatus told me they've been switched to the other branch though, so if I stayed I wouldn't be working where I got so used to. Kind of sad, but I guess a blessing as well on my part. This new place is awesome though!

I met Elder Frei & Elder Fernandez at the mission home in Cauayan before coming here to Roxas. Our area is beautiful! And so is our house. For some reason the Lord keeps blessing me with beautiful houses. This one doesn't have a heater, washing machine, or working shower, but it has a bunch of closets and someone who washes our clothes! And honestly I kind of missed the bucket showers anyway haha. And being companions with Elders Frei & Fernandez makes it all the more awesome. Elder Frei is a great person and is super funny. His voice also sounds exactly like Mikels so it's easy being comfortable with him haha. He's also very musical which is fun. Something that really stands out about him though is that he seems to always have the Spirit with him, even when he's joking around. He's a great example of someone who strives to be Christlike. Elder Fernandez is also a great companion. He's always positive and is such a great teacher! He's a master at making up examples/object-lessons so that those we teach can understand more clearly the things we're teaching. We're still trying to figure some things out as to how to do things as a tri-some companionship, but it's fun and we're enjoying it so far.

Alright we're heading out, but I just want to leave a quick testimony again since I don't bear my testimony very often here. This Church is true. There's only one way to know and feel what true happiness is, and Jesus Christ is that way. I love Him and am so grateful that He died for me. I'm so far from perfect, but the gospel gives me hope that I can always change and become better. I love that God's love for us will never leave no matter how bad we fall sometimes. His arms are extended always. Let's focus on being better and serving others, especially now during this Christmas season.

Mahal ko po kayo!

Elder Ishibashi