So many weddings

So in the Philippines, if there are couples who have lived together for 5 years or longer, they qualify for baptism. Since the way that they go about getting married in the Philippines is a little different, the Church has made that the rule here. We have an investigator who, before Friday, has been an investigator for nearly 1 year, and has been living with her, then boyfriend, for only 2 years. However, we were so very happy to hear that she was getting married, and we had the opportunity to attend! It was a really nice service, and they were So happy! Now their next goal is to be sealed in the temple in a year. Her name is Sister Kemy, and her baptism is this coming Saturday! 

A funny story... after the wedding, we were invited to their home (out in the middle of nowhere) where they had a very nice reception set up with a lot of really yummy food! But when we showed up, there were no available seats... but a few of the members saw us and started moving, what seemed like, heaven and earth, to get us some seats. It was super awkward... What you need to understand though, is that is how it is here. The people try to be super hospitable, and will do anything to make sure you are comfortable and that you are able to enjoy yourself. Which there is nothing wrong with that.. but sometimes the way that they go about it can be very awkward, especially when everyone is staring at you like you just disturbed them. Hehe. It is something that even some of my Filipino companions have been shocked by. 

We also had a few other weddings happen this past week. Some other members, and just other neighbors of ours. This must be the month of weddings! We also ran into the same group who hosted the reception for Sister Kemy, clear across the other side of our area. They must be the group to call when you have a party! 

So this past week I have really seen a HUGE improvement in my language. It's cool to see how I am still improving, even this close to going home. I have been focusing on trying to speak more like the natives, and it has really helped me grasp certain ways of saying things, and certain vocabulary words. It's fun to be able to communicate with the other natives here, and see their looks of surprise when I am able to converse with them. It's funny.. sometimes they will be so shocked that they won't know what to say to me and will just laugh. It's fun. 

Our branch has been struggling lately, but my companion and I have been trying very hard to help them grow and improve, and we have started to see small changes which have been making a big difference in their progression. There were some really great talks given in Church yesterday about being more diligent in their callings, and not relying so much on the missionaries, and trying to strengthen their own faith in the Church. There is a problem with branches relying too heavily on their missionaries, then when they are transferred, the branch starts to struggle and the work diminishes. That has been a big focus of ours here in Roxas, and I'm happy for the challenge. It has helped me realize the importance of the members in a ward/branch. 

Well, this week has been a good one! Full of experiences where I have definitely grown. Though at the time it may be difficult, looking back, I am always grateful for the hard things :) 

Have a great week!!! I know this Church is true. And I love the Scripture Ether 12:27.

Stay True

Elder Walstad