The manila MTC was good. Basically
what we did was have some classes. The main purpose of our stay was to
go to the immigration office and get our visa stuff done, then we went
to the Manila temple! It was good. And then we went to the American WW2
memorial. That was really cool. The traffic here is unreal, like its
crazy all the time. I'm not sure how people aren't dead. But thankfully
all of the drivers were good. We traveled to Iloilo at like 7 am
on Tuesday. We arrived at like 10. There was a bunch of Elders and the
Mission president that met us. They were all set up with this big
welcome sign, it was pretty cool. Its hotter here in Iloilo than
Manila. I'm glad also that its not a big city. So after that we went to
the mission office and had orientation, then we went to bed. I woke up
with so many bug bites. The bugs love me. I now spray everyday before i
leave and before bed. Also sunscreen. Yes I'm using both religiously
This
week was long. Its hard to be so far away, but I know its where I'm
supposed to be. I am so glad to finally be here. Its so hot and the sad
part is, its the cold season right now. My best friend is
my electric fan. I sleep with it right on me. Otherwise I would probably
melt away. My area is Mandurriao, its a city, well a "city" and it also
has some pretty poor areas. Our apartment is in a nice area, its
apparently one of the nicest ones. My companions name is Sister
Villiagomesa. I am her last companion. She is amazing. She was a trainer
right after she trained for 2 people, then was STL for like a year. She
is awesome. I am so blessed. She is Filipina, actually me and the 2
other girls that came with me are the only white girls in the whole
mission, and the only Americans. There are Elders of course, but we are
the only sisters right now.
I stick out here
way bad, I feel like a giant. I'm very tall and very white compared to
others. People stare at me ALL DAY LONG. I have been whistled at and
catcalled, thankfully the things people yell at me are nice things. The
little girls love to touch my hair. They all call me barbie, and if my
hair is in a braid, Elsa hahaha. I love the people, everyone has been so
nice. On Sunday they
had me bare my testimony, of course I can barely speak anything, so I
wrote it down and read it. Lots of people came up to me and were like "
look how good you are for only 5 days", or " you can write in Hililgaynon that's wonderful" The people are funny that's for sure.
I
have not had any culture shock really, yes i have been homesick, but
not too bad. I have learned that once I start working and teaching that
it goes away. So its true what they say about work being a good
medicine. They people here are awesome. I love the kids. Its crazy
though to think that people live here. I'm so grateful for America. And
for my wonderful house. My apartment is really nice so its a good
transition.
Doing laundry by hand isn't that
bad, its ok actually. Bucket showers are actually really nice. They
first few seconds suck but I'm so hot and sticky all the time that it
feels so nice to cool off. I look forward to them everyday hahaha. I
know that's weird but really I'm constantly sweaty and hot and shinny
faced. My teacher told me I would get off the plane and start sweating
and would stop until I was back in SLC. I think he may be right.
Please
keep prayers coming this week. Its defiantly going to be an adjustment
and I thank you for all your love and support. I love you all.
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