December 3, 2012

Hey everyone!!
Can you believe it is already December?! I cannot believe it. Time is just flying by! So this week was crazy! We had ta follow up training for all of the new missionaries and trainers. It was awesome. President Stucki taught us all on how to improve with using the 12 week program for all of us new missionaries. We learned a ton. I also went on exchanges for the first time. I did not realize how important and great exchanges are. I learned a ton from the Elder I went on exchanges with. He had me lead every single lesson as well as extend all of the commitments. I was a little scared at first since I am just a month in the field, but once we got going it was great! Every single time he would ask  the people at the very end of the lesson if they understood me. they all said yes which was comforting. Then they would ask why and he would explain how I have been here a month and then they would be shocked. It was funny because they thought I had been here a while. They said my Tagalog was great and my confidence was good too considering how long I have been here. I owe it all to my Heavenly Father and the guidance that he gives me. I know I wouldn't be at the point where I am without Him and His Spirit teaching me every step of the way. I now it because I took 4 years of Spanish ad can't speak any of it. I have studied Tagalog for 3 months and been here a month and I can hold a conversation and teach a whole lesson. And it is all because of my Heavenly Father. Elder Pugmire and I also had an amazing experience with a new investigator this week. We met him on Friday but it wasn't just any meeting. First Elder Pugmire and I were just walking and saw him with his children. We just waved and he waved back but with a gigantic smile. I told Elder Pugmire I felt like I have met him before and we both felt we needed to go back. So we did and right away he let us in. He said he had been wanting to become more religious and he was looking for someone to help him to do so. And then we showed up! That was awesome. So we taught him a great lesson and the next day we were on exchanges so Elder Pugmire and the Elder that was with him taught him and gave him, his wife,and his mother all baptismal dates. The next Sunday, which was two days after we met him, we went to church and loved it. I know he was prepared by our Heavenly Father, just as I was, to receive this message and to receive this Gospel. Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, He is just waiting for us to want to know exactly what the plan is. And when we want to find out, all we have to do is pray and ask Him. This week was a great experience and I can't wait to continue to meet with him and to meet others that are just as prepared. I love this gospel and it has blessed my life so much. I love this work and all of the people that I have met along the way. I hope you are all doing amazing! The Philippines just just as hot as ever! I love you all.

Elder Stephens