Hello! This is Sister Dilag. I am currently serving in the Philippines San Pablo Mission, Lucena 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! Getting out on my comfort zone. I had a great experience on visiting families on a jungle area (more like a forest). It was a great experience. I wasn’t able to get enough pictures as I wanted, but I hope you visualize it.
Events: Visiting Jungle-like Area.
On the 27th, a few days ago, my companion and I decided to make the attempt to visit other potential former families and former investigators. We addressed our plans to the meetings coordinated. While discussing the Leaders brainstormed the plans suggested. They suggested a few options like offerred service and other offered activities they might produce for Missionaries. It was a well-on conversation.
Later on, we received a few less-active families to contact and potentially visit. We asked for help from the Members for transportation. We booked days for them to be scheduled and plan out for the lessons provided. Something I observed while discussing plotted plans, the Members’ are Missionary and Member Minded. I smile often to see their performance. You get this sense of a good magnet, feeling like you want to reach-out others.
It happens, we did! We decided to reach out the Lopez’ and Catacutans’ near Luad. As we came by, we stop with the Ellas’. They are a newly moved family from Cainta. It was nice of them to let us in. They had a few boxes to open and move some of the furniture. We offered service, quite a bit from them. We get alongside! It was fun to be with them.
We then, walk a bit to the Lopez‘ and Catacutans‘. They had a nice house. It was nice of them for letting us in. We met a granny, she was Sister Catacutan. She became a Member for years, and she stopped attending. We get to know her quite a few, but we ran out of time. We asked if we can come back and she responded, Yes.
She invited us to come to her house at Palale Ilaya. It is the farthest area. It is in the middle between Tayabas and Mauban. I was surprised to hear the travel time and a bit concern, because it is a jungle-like area. I am not saying, not comfortable. I guess I am kinda new in the service to go to jungles. Hehe. But, despite of it we will absolutely visit her.
Afterwards, we received a phone call from Brother Joselito Alcoreza. He invited us to meet up at Ilayang Nangka Linang, to visit a family. While mentioning the place, I obviously don’t know the area. We asked for help with the Lagados’ for travel and they drop us there.
I was surprised as we got there. It was mountain and jungle. Holy cow! Haha. I just remembered my thought not being comfortable on jungles, but I had to get out on my comfort zone.
We saw Brother Lito, and we start with the trail. He is a great man, he is part of the high council in the Stake. He works in the BJMP (Bureau of Jail). He is funny too! Great to talk with. The trail became exciting! It took us 30 minutes. We passed by lakes and long grass. As the trail went by, I realize I had a great time. It feels like I want to do it again and again haha.
We then came to a house with a tree house! By the back of the house, it’s more a jungle. It was a fun walk! We met the Malaquillas’ they are relatively with the Sambajons’ including the Elders’ Quorum President, President Adrian Sambajon. It was nice to meet them. We stay in a kubo (some say it’s a nipa-hut).
We started talking with them and go glidely with the conversation. Brother Eddie remembered his baptism and meeting ‘two American Whites’ in his house. He remembered they were giving a stroll and looked around for a house. They stopped by at their house, and surprised, because it was unsual for visitors to visit them.
The two Americans were Missionaries. They grab the opportunity to get to know him and taught the Gospel. Later on, they kept visiting them and baptized them. Something interesting as he tells the story. They come around 6 to 7pm and come home dark. Looking around the area, I was a bit surprised and sounded fun. Trailing in the dark. Haha!
I had a great time listening to him, including the part he added on the feeling of being reborn after being baptized. He would like to attend church, but he had some agendas to attend. He will try his best to attend.
Another opportunity with them, were their children. They are all part-members and interesting would like to listen more. It will be fun for them, if we visit them often. Well, I couldn’t say no. I did say yes! We did say yes! It was a fun experience and alot of opportunities coming in the way.
We left, and promise to come back!
Mission Updates: Areas
So far, I had an amazing time to see and visit other families in different areas. There are challenging routes, interesting terrains and other areas. I am having a great time serving. Serving in the Philippines, is the greatest blessing. So many to meet, too many to teach and serve. It is very exciting!
Love,
Sister Dilag
