Hello! This is Sister Dilag. I am currently serving in the Philippines San Pablo Mission, Batangas Zone.
I will give you weekly updates on my current mission. I will also attach interesting attachments! I hope this finds you entertaining!
Heads up! I would like to share some of the highlights of my week: Zone Conference, Other Places and Transfers. I will make sure I will type down everything (I hope). But! This is by far the best of the best weeks!
Events: Conferences & Other Places
I had some agendas to share with you. These are the best highlights of the week and I will list them down in bullet sections.
• Zone Conference: Batangas, Lipa & Cabuyao
On the 16th, we had our combined Zone Conference with Lipa and Cabuyao Zones. We travel to Lipa, Batangas by commute. It was an hour and a half to get there. Throughout our traveling, I get to see other areas of Batangas Zone such as Batangas City, Rosario, Diversion, and San Jose. I get to travel round about, and it felt satisfying to see Lipa City!
As we got to the Stake Center, we met some of the missionaries of Lipa Zone and a few in Cabuyao Zone. There were three companionships under quarantine, and it was very sad to hear the update. The quarantine missionaries will be watching conference over the phone.
The Zone Conference conducted various workshops and with different approaches to help missionaries on their areas. Our Young Missionary Leaders presented a great character in the Book of Mormon, “Pahoran“, and throughout the discussion they connect the character to the missionaries. Then, the Sister Training Leader – Lead discussed a good reminder on, “Agency and Repentance.” Then, the Assistants discussed, “Linking Arms” and provided few suggestions and approaches to reach out Local Ward Members and Leaders for Ministering.
Afterwards, we had our Zone Picture with the Mission Leaders. We get to talk with other Missionaries and Mission Leaders. I had a great time to hear some updates and it was a good moment with them. Then, we had other workshops! The funniest workshop conducted was from Elder Baliwas, he talks of usages of, “Bikes and other Bike Hacks.” It was great and I had a fun time listening to other missionaries added thought of Bikes. Another workshop conducted by the Specialist on creating, “Quick and Original Post on Facebook“. It was nice and somehow it elaborated clearly for us in the mission. Last workshop conducted by Sister De Jesus using, “Budgeting” on our Mission. She gave us suggestions and other tips to prevent too many expenditures. It was a fun topic, I had a great time with it.
As we get close by the end, Sister Lohner talked a few things of, “Obedience.” She added thoughts of a talk she heard by Jorg Klebingat, “Approaching the Throne of God.” It is my favorite topic, and it was bold and powerful! It was nice of her to share her weaknesses and humble to share her input on changing ourselves better in the sight of God. Lastly, President Lohner talked much on, “What’s getting in the way.” It is a connection of listening to the Spirit and finding ways to help develop attributes. I had a good time listening to his added thought and I pondered much on his part, “When a thought comes in, do not deny if it’s the Spirit.” It was a good line to share!
Afterwards, we close the meeting and we travel back to our areas. As we travel back to Bauan, we commute to a different direction. We pass through Mataas na Kahoy, Cuenca, Alitatag and Muzon to San Pascual. It was a 2 hour commute to our apartment. It was exhausting, but very satisfying!
• Other Places: Bauan & Mabini
On the 19th to the 20th, we traveled outside to meet other Local Members and Leaders to Bauan and Mabini. It was interesting to see other parts of the City, and we invite Sister Glory Grace to our work! She is the best! After her baptism by the previous 13th, she volunteered to travel and work with us. It was the sweetest and I get to know her better during our travels. We travelled to Salvador to meet the Bisas, Rosales‘ and Hernandez. We get to teach them and somehow we manage to receive New People in our Teaching Pool. It was a fun time!
We visit the Ondos‘ to Sta. Rita, and we walked so far by the scorching sun to get there. We taught the family and extended a Baptismal Goal Date for Brother Kristoff. Then, we visited the Gadons with Sister Maicha Macalalad, Brother Erick Tesalona and Brother Justin Esaber. It was nice to see them, and we watched the Restoration of Joseph Smith.
Another travel to Mabini, it was the farthest. We visited the Kings, and we had a fun time. We invited Brother John Edward Onda on our work to Mabini. He had a great time with us, including Sister Glory Grace. Sister DK, had her art materials and we spend out time creating custom designs. It was the cutest! It was like a primary activity. Then, we met the Emanos, Ondas, Olazos and Luces. It was so good to see them! We taught them lessons and scheduled a return appointment for them!
Throughout our travels, I love Bauan and Mabini so much! It is the best place! I had instances where I find myself much and figure out other ways to approach people and through service. I love my stay! I will return to Batangas, after the mission.
Mission Updates: Transfers
I received an update from my Mission President, President Lohner. I will be transferring to Tayabas, Quezon, it is under Lucena Zone. I will be leaving on Monday (which is today). As I am typing this, I felt so sad to leave Batangas too soon. I love my stay and I adjust well in the area. I am surprise on the transfers. My companion, Sister Catacutan is very sad on my leave. We love and enjoy each other, she is a great friend and I spend much learning and getting to know her better.
I start to realize I am jumping and travelling throughout my Mission. I had to adjust and get into the work. Hehe. I had to say my goodbyes with the Bauan Ward, and I had dinner with the Acostas. They are my favorite families! They are the best! Haha, surprisingly I enjoy with them.
Perhaps, another experience and new places to see. I think I will learn and grow more in Lucena Zone. I will meet other Missionaries! I bet I will have a fun time. I will be missing Batangas City so much, the Stake, other Members and our Ward Members.
So far, the best of the best experience on my mission! I am grateful to experience different places and different learnings from different companions. I somehow learn to love the Savior and the teachings offer of the Church. I will write more update by next week!
Love,
Sister Dilag
