tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58085235560415959642024-03-13T14:18:31.101-07:00From Utah To San PabloAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-59489260675082327562015-01-19T10:43:00.000-08:002015-01-19T10:49:34.164-08:00Week 66<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">HEY! Sorry about last week. It was CRAZY. Basically, the AP'S just called me on Sunday telling me to pack for Manila... so short notice for you guys, sorry :) Here's a summary!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKZLm0PpicXfD3yHmGJQPuVkLHFdz3xCBxYUAaKjlp7RQAbrGJy2HHK9bAjCNvBuJFKWvYo81etiwTuEyVSp03zncNFCndARh1bkMGqTqhE2uvlybYsu8e0k2kBAwBKSrR0GwdKvXwD0b/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKZLm0PpicXfD3yHmGJQPuVkLHFdz3xCBxYUAaKjlp7RQAbrGJy2HHK9bAjCNvBuJFKWvYo81etiwTuEyVSp03zncNFCndARh1bkMGqTqhE2uvlybYsu8e0k2kBAwBKSrR0GwdKvXwD0b/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Manila was so great! It was like a little vacation, I guess. I traveled alone ALL THE WAY to a city called Santo Tomas to meet some of the other missionaries in my batch. I was a little nervous, but I felt confident that I could find my way. And PLUS there was a lady that helped my find the next jeepney going to Tanauan City. :) We all met up by 3 pm, then we all took a bus together to Manila. Once we got there, we met up with our driver guy at a mall. It was just us missionaries staying the night over at a hotel, the Privato Hotel. The next morning we went to the TEMPLE GROUNDS and then on to the immigration office. Our van had a big sign in the front that said, "LDS MISSIONARIES" with the church logo. :) It was really cute haha! I have never seen so many people of different nationalities in ONE building. :) It was such a testimony builder to me that Heavenly Father loves all of His children no matter where they are in the world, and we are all brothers and sisters.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Manila Temple</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sister Buckley, Me, SISTER BURT (MTC comp---boo yah!), and Sister Cassinat all stayed together in the hotel. It was really fun because Sister Burt and I got to catch up and be roommates in the hotel. :) The Pope just decided to make a big visit to the Philippines so when we got there Monday evening, people were out on the town making preparations and such. Manila is a WHOLE lot bigger than New York. It's like 5 New York cities in one. We just got a little dinner and went back to our hotel and talked and went to bed. I HAD A HOT SHOWER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 17 MONTHS!!!! OH MY GOSH </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">CAN I TELL YOU HOW GREAT IT WAS!!! I didn't even have to wear my slippers (aka, my flip flops) around because it was so clean. That's a plus! I couldn't tell if I was in America or still in the Philippines... The church took really good care of us there at the hotel. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVO1AC77JZgi2QdQzMA7c93MbyUGmOfniGc_4qJdO-YHXaYJZm6bVA6QeZ5sVqn04PdOWvHSIsFVI_ouAZ_7HNuTQ7oaELcI5_XdnUXVtiMZZ6gWfWtQaixj8v7V3Xhf5A1yFee93x5nl/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVO1AC77JZgi2QdQzMA7c93MbyUGmOfniGc_4qJdO-YHXaYJZm6bVA6QeZ5sVqn04PdOWvHSIsFVI_ouAZ_7HNuTQ7oaELcI5_XdnUXVtiMZZ6gWfWtQaixj8v7V3Xhf5A1yFee93x5nl/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">On Tuesday, we woke up around 5 am and headed all together with the Elders in our batch from San Pablo and combined with the other missionaries from the Laoag and Baguio missions. (They are also headed home on Feb 11.) We all went to the temple grounds and then to the immigration office. We got some nice pictures and finger prints, and all in all our stay was about 6 hours at the immigration office! We went out for lunch to the mall of Asia, and then got on our respective buses heading home. Sister Burt and I traveled to a couple check points together, and then Elder Hale and I traveled on together since we were headed in the same direction. The day ended for me at 10 pm when I finally arrived home from Manila. BEST TRIP EVER! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">The box was PERFECT. I loved it! The chocolate is pretty much gone because I ate it all...haha... I shared some too, don't worry. I was able to find some things for my companion and it ended up being a great Christmas, so thank you again! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">My interview with President Mangum was great. I loved talking with him. He talked to me about the desires of my heart and encouraged me to set goals and a vision for myself. Immediately what came to my mind was the temple. The temple is my next step! I know that God has a plan for me, and I'm excited and nervous to see what life brings in 23 days. All I know is, I'm a missionary and representative of Christ for now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Besides Manila and Zone training and Zone interviews, We didn't get out to work that much this week because of all the traveling. HOWEVER, yesterday we were able to teach a new referral from a member named Sister Mau. She referred a long-time friend and former classmate to us named Lizer. He's a teacher and home school's Sister Mau's son, Hon Hon... (haha I love him...he's like 6 but speaks awesome English and always fills me in on his angry birds happenings at church. Let's just say he's eating too much rice and rich people Filipino foods because he's quite plump! Amy, you'd love him!! )</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the adorable Ward children</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">LIZER. Back to Lizer. We taught him the Restoration--which my companion and I were nervous for because he's read the bible like 3 times cover to cover, and let's just say I've only just started to read Acts. I'm definitely not one for deep doctrine. I was expecting him to be ready to rip us apart with Bible stuff, but LO AND BEHOLD the lesson was PERFECT and he is the most humble man I know, despite all his biblical knowledge. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and to be baptized and he accepted, if he knew it was true. SUCCESS. P.S. I even got to tell the Joseph Smith story in ENGLISH. Definitely felt the spirit in a different way since it was not in Tagalog. That's cool. It's great to work with members to find new people to teach. It's like finding gold for me! I love teaching the restoration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">ANYWAYS, great week. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! I'm happy and working and just loving life as a missionary... I am not sure how I can leave. Especially after teaching and finding and everything. It's the most fulfilling experience of my life. I hope you have the BEST WEEK! I always think of and pray for you. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">Sister Seastrand</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-3857103733690724062015-01-12T10:47:00.000-08:002015-01-19T10:49:25.975-08:00Week 65<div style="background: #FDFDFD; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Hey well, I know
I'm writing early this week. Mostly because I'm headed to Manila later today to
go to immigration offices and do finger printing with some of the other
Americans in my batch. DON'T WORRY I'M FINE. :) I'll be back with my companion
on Tuesday night. :) I GOT MY PACKAGE! :) Thank you so SO MUCH!
Everything was great!! I loved the quotes, the "He is the gift"
cards, the ENSIGNS! And especially the new WHITE clothing items :) You wouldn't believe how
much whiter they are compared to the others haha! I said to myself, "Have
I really been living like this for 18 months?! The Lord truly does make things
light for a high maintenance girl!" haha....Thanks for the tape
recorder! It was great to hear your voice! :) Thank you so much! I'm so excited
to be able to work it and try to figure it out. I opened the package on the bus
coming home from a meeting yesterday and when we got home to our apartment I
tried to figure out the tape and practice it. We'll see. Anyways, everything
was the BEST! Thank you SO SO MUCH. :)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">This week has been
pretty great. We taught Jen the word of wisdom, and she and Jomar are getting
their marriage papers all figured out... Things are coming together for them,
slowly but surely, and I just love being a part of their lives. If there are
any three people that have changed my life for me, it's: Sister
Ricketts, President Mangum, Sister Jen C.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">ANYWAYS we got a
little punted by our new investigators this week (actually a lot) BUT I'm just
holding on. Enduring to the end seems a little rough at times but I know that I
need to rely on Christ to get me through rough times. He is the way to get
through it. :) We have a busy week ahead with
me going to Manila, zone training meeting, and zone interviews with President
Mangum. I'm really looking forward to interviews with him... What a blessing he
is to my life and strength for me.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">LEARNED:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">This week I was
reading in our True to the Faith about our consciences and something really
stood out to me. It says that when we procrastinate our repentance and continue
in sin, we can dim our lights of discernment within like as if a "hot iron
seared" through it. Our consciences are so fragile! I'm reminded
of the scripture in Moroni 10:32, "Yea, come unto Christ and be perfected
in Him and deny yourselves of ALL ungodliness." Let go of the pride,
and of the ungodliness and we can all be perfected in Him. "and if ye
shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your heart,
might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you.... and if by
grace ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." We
will basically gain a strong testimony of God and His Son when we experience
His grace.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Have a GREAT week
this week and I'll talk to you in a short amount of days! :) LOVE YOU SO MUCH!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Sister Seastrand</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-67320694785674837192014-12-29T14:11:00.000-08:002014-12-29T14:13:59.012-08:00Week 63<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HI!! Thanks again for
the skype call! It was so good to see you all....it was
good for me to see you all and talk to you. You all looked great and sounded
great too! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Don't
worry, we'll both be going to be at 10:30 pm right? ;) Enjoy with the family! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's our NEW YEARS
plans: we have a curfew at 7:00 on Dec. 31. That's all. We'll still proselyte
and teach as much as we can. Sometimes it's hard to teach because people are
busy, but knowing the determined person I am, it doesn't stop me and my comp
from finding and teaching :) I don't yet have the package, but I will be on the
lookout for it. I bet I will get it by Jan. 9th. :) No worries! We'll just wait
for it to come when it comes. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My LAST 6 weeks as an
official rep of the true Church on the earth has now commenced. NO TRANSFERS
FOR ME :) I'll be finishing my mission out here in Candelaria with my last
companion, Sister Martinez. She is the cutest,
spiritual, sweetest, companion ever. We have a lot of charity in our
companionship and it's something that brings me great joy everyday when we work
together. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Sister Emery, my beloved housemate, is sadly transferred. WAH :/ The
other Sister Martinez will still be here with her new companion. :) I'm excited
to still be here in Candelaria as my last area. It's weird to think I only have
3 areas, but I know that there is a purpose for all things. I know that our
investigator, Jen, is the reason why I'm here. I'm so grateful to stay and help
her be baptized and confirmed. It's the best feeling in the world. I can't
believe it's a new year! I'll be home in 6 weeks, and no longer an official rep
of the church. But I know if I endure to the end and work hard and obey, I will
have no regrets like mom said. That's the goal! :) No regrets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week with Christmas
was just GREAT! We got to visit a member
and a less active on Christmas. We focused our message
on the Nativity. I know that my testimony
grew 10 times bigger as I studied the gospels. Jesus Christ's life was a life
we can emulate to others, in order to help them have a chance to return to our
Father in Heaven. The interesting thing about LIGHT is that God is the source
of all Light. He created all things
and so all things are in Him, and He is alive in all things. When we are filled
with His light, we reflect that light to other people and they FIND the light through our examples, BACK to the
greatest source of all light--</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ and
Heavenly Father.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our investigator, Jen,
CAME TO CHURCH again! AND she talked to her
parents about getting married. We feel the time is AT HAND for their marriage,
and most importantly, her baptism and confirmation. And that's only the
beginning people! :) I have to say as a missionary, you find joy that you
can't find anywhere else in seeing people the way God sees them. As children of
a Heavenly King. How does God handle all the love he feels for each of us? How
is it possible? I know that helping others helps us too. It picks us back up
and reminds us of who we are. We have deity in our souls, in our spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HAPPY 2015! Time for new
year's resolutions. Don't forget to set GOALS and make PLANS to actually make
those resolutions happen :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-58493813403223270752014-12-15T14:54:00.001-08:002014-12-15T14:54:29.184-08:00Week 62<span style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">JEN AND JOMAR CAME TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Sorry I just can't contain it!) </span><span style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jen and Jomar both came to church with Noah and Joshua, their two cute little guys! I honestly cannot get over it. I almost cried for two reasons:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1) We didn't see them right away at 9 and they missed the Sacrament. I was so disappointed, I just wanted to cry--literally on the verge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2) Right on the verge of tears of sadness, we see Jomar and Jen on the back of his scooter pulling into the parking lot of the church with the two little rascals---so now I wanted to shed tears of joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I nudged my companion and we ran out to greet them. BEST DAY EVER. Just smiling from ear to ear the whole day. THE BEST PART IS they got to see the Primary program! It was the Best. There's something I will never forget about seeing Filipino children sing about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Especially "I Know Heavenly Father Loves Me". (classic Primary song and one of my favs.) Mom, I know you'd have shed a tear to see these cuties sing/speak their parts at the pulpit. I almost did :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Another week of learning a WHOLE lot. If you'll allow me, here’s a little Story Time about how I'd picture my mission and my conversion:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chapter One: Called To Serve as a Missionary in the Philippines</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let's go back in time and say Sister Seastrand were to live in the times of the Nephites. Let's say she heard from her next door neighbor that the Promised Messiah were here, and that they saw Him descending from His Father to visit them. She runs to see if it's true, and when it is confirmed, let's say she felt a little shy, standing in the back, trying to peer over other people's heads, shoulder to shoulder with the next guy. Maybe some things like this would be running in her mind: "Maybe He wouldn't even notice me in all of these people." “There's so many other people that need to be healed." "Who am I to go to Him? I can't just push past these people who have waited for Him to come maybe longer than I have."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">CAUTION: If you're like me when it comes to reading a book, you usually read the first chapter and the last to see if it's worth reading or not based on what happens in the end. The curiosity is just unbearable, right?! If that's not you, then sorry. Let's go to the last chapter! --></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chapter Ten: Sixteen Months as a Missionary for Jesus Christ and His Church in the Philippines</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand's next door neighbor runs to tell her that the promised Messiah has finally come. But her neighbor finds the lights are off, the garage is closed, and the front door has a note that says, "Back in a while. --Sister S." WHERE COULD SHE BE?! Sister Seastrand is already kneeling before Him, glorifying Him and His presence. She actually went up to Him with confidence ready to greet Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and loves me, too. I know that His church is true, and was restored through His prophet, Joseph Smith.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In order to make this book, there is more than just chapter one and chapter ten...mostly because it takes many chapters of different experiences to make a good book...and a good life. Where would you be if this was you? Would you be confident to walk up to Him? Or would you be like me, at first, at the back not feeling able to walk up to Him? </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do you know Him? Maybe you'd be the one with the note on your door, already greeting Him. Wherever you may be in your own conversion to Christ, I invite you if you don't yet know Him, learn of Him. It's not too late, and there is no such thing as “by invitation only.” All are invited. And adding missionary work into it, you could be the one to invite your next door neighbor to come and see, too. (Thanks for letting me share my conversion story…hehe. I just really wanted to share it.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-16710554437452387352014-12-10T21:38:00.000-08:002014-12-14T21:38:56.604-08:00Week 61 - Typhoon Ruby<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Typhoon Ruby was supposed to be stronger and more intense than
Yolanda. If you remember, the devastation of Yolanda was so incredibly
sad. This week was crazy with the typhoon. Basically we assumed it would
be coming on Saturday night until Monday, so I spent two nights not sleeping (mostly
because sometimes they come at night and are so intense). It was so stressful!
But the AP'S texted us on Friday morning telling us that President Mangum had emailed
us preparations for the typhoon. We followed his instructions and were blessed
not to be afraid. We spent our day Friday preparing, and taught a few lessons
in the evening. You could see the sky preparing for the typhoon at that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sunday was very dark and sketchy, but we still went to church. After
church we stayed in our apartment. We weren't allowed to leave our apartment
yesterday for P-day. I was surprised because people kept telling us about the
typhoon coming and to prepare and then after it hadn't come when we thought it
would, they told us that it wasn't coming anymore. But, boy did it come on
Monday afternoon. Basically the typhoon was a really slow moving typhoon which
usually means a longer amount of time with all the effects of it: strong winds
and so much heavy rain. Typhoons are so stressful and unpredictable! Their
course can never really be determined. Right now, it's just pretty cloudy and
cold. I wore two jackets today during study...That's NEVER happened in my
mission! We didn't have to be relocated at all, our apartment is a house so it
was pretty strong. There's four of us in the house, 3 Americans and my Filipina
comp. We prepared clean water and our 72 hour kits and cell phone and then spent
all weekend waiting. It's been a stressful and tiring past weekend waiting out
this typhoon. But I know that because my companion and I prepared and followed
Pres. Mangum, we weren't afraid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">All is
well again. My second 'Super Typhoon.' Thank you so much for the prayers and
concern. I know the people are more affected over in Vesayas part of the
Philippines (Mindanao) than Luzon (that's us in the San Pablo mission). I was
really nervous because of the impact that typhoon Glenda had on us here, but we
prepared and all was well. Still alive! Getting
back into the routine is rough but that is the way it is during typhoon season
here in the Philippines. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I can't hardly believe it's Christmas time again! It's so fast.
This week we're trying to focus on Jen and Jomar. They are getting close to
getting married and we're just trying to have the Spirit lead and guide them in
their decisions in order to help Jen be baptized and confirmed. I can feel this
family needs so much help. They all are less active and need hope. Jen is such
a blessing because I think the Lord is using her to help them come back into
the church. It's so great. I love teaching her and seeing her and seeing the Book
of Mormon change her. It's the best feeling! I have faith that the Spirit is
helping them to read and pray together. It's really all about family. I've
learned that as we've taught the plan of salvation, the restoration, and the
gospel of Jesus Christ. IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY. I know that Heavenly Father
loves us and is aware of all of our needs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Sister Seastrand</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-19128865639246546132014-12-01T15:34:00.000-08:002014-12-02T18:55:17.726-08:00Week 60<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OKAY this week was seriously just the BEST.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Crossing the river to get to our appointment</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) We are finding new investigators that have serious potential.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) We received 5 referrals from members who have agreed to go with us to teach them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Heavenly Father is answering my prayers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I could explain everything, but it's mostly just the last one. Heavenly Father answers us. We have been praying and working for a long time to find new investigators. We are finding in so many ways this week! This week I’m thankful for members who talk to people as they work. Mostly because this person they talked to came to church, After MANY prayers of wanting to find new investigators who are prepared and ready to receive the gospel, one just shows up to church. Brother Jimel. PLUS this member introduced him to us as the missionaries AND sat by him in Gospel Principles. That is the essence of member missionary work. Things are going so well here in Candelaria. I love it here and I just love missionary work.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPDCsZPJmZ8A3OQ3wSaLfRILLJ6VBjcQnKJqOOSGoMRBDY8JB0gS8du9ysH5iuywUJp-m5Enjn8TvNgzzOmlqp66ImQecN2_vFSL7GpNu-3tNTfUDeSvQmyhIEtv8Z-5weSRC7h8D8K5F/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPDCsZPJmZ8A3OQ3wSaLfRILLJ6VBjcQnKJqOOSGoMRBDY8JB0gS8du9ysH5iuywUJp-m5Enjn8TvNgzzOmlqp66ImQecN2_vFSL7GpNu-3tNTfUDeSvQmyhIEtv8Z-5weSRC7h8D8K5F/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Visiting with some members</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like you, all I can say about this week is WOW! haha. So much good things have happened. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just am so happy and satisfied with working hard and being obedient. I'm so glad that Thanksgiving went well and I agree that next year will be better since I'll be home. :) It was just another day here. (Which I may or may not have forgotten it to be Thanksgiving haha.) It's just the mentality of a missionary, I guess! Every day is the same and I LOVE it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sorry if this is so scattered, I'm not sure where to start since a lot has happened this week! Mostly, I'm just so happy to be in the service of Heavenly Father. I know He is blessing me. I can FEEL my faith in Christ growing and my desire to serve Him growing. We are working well with members and serving and loving them. I have a testimony of obedience and the Atonement. Heavenly Father loves us so much. I hope all is well this week, and maybe things will calm down before the craziness of Christmas. It's now officially December and I'm looking forward to Christmas/skype time/ being a missionary for Christmas yet again. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than to be a missionary! Thanks so much for your support. I am happy and doing well. :) You're the BEST and I love you all SO MUCH. Have a great week!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-12543290560234994612014-11-24T22:39:00.000-08:002014-12-02T18:02:50.176-08:00Week 59<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to Sis. Rafi and hello to Sis. Martinez</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Bye, Bye Sister Rafi! :(</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;"> No matter what anyone tells you about getting used to transfer week, they’re wrong. Being almost 16 months in the mission, I STILL can't get over it. The dreaded/ most stressful day in any missionary's life. Transfer Day. I really thought my sweet companion would maybe stay one more cycle in this area with me, but at the last moment, we received "The Call" at 5:25 p.m. She is now making another Sister/ward members happy in the San Pablo area. I miss her SO MUCH but I know our friendship is eternal. On Thursday we get to Divergion where she dropped me off and we parted ways while I stayed at Jollibee waiting for my new companion with the Zone leaders and other missionaries transferring. It was like a movie or something with the rain and me just standing there with a somber look on my face holding my umbrella waving goodbye to my sister and friend. After her first hug, she turned back and gave me another. :( That's all I could think in my mind, "Bye bye Sister Rafi." SO YEAH, Just still kickin it here in Candelaria with my new companion..... drum roll please........Sister Martinez! From Mindinao. She's SO CUTE and I love her already. She's a brand new missionary, only two months in the field. Thanks President, you put a young one with an old one... You'd think I'd have some missionary skills by now, but whaddaya know, 1st day of comp study and my companion's got some sharp teaching skills in the tool shed. Just a little overwhelmed, that's all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">IN OTHER NEWS THAT NEEDS TO BE SHARED:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Jen is currently residing in Candelaria! She didn't go to Sariyaya to stay with her parents. And I can't even tell you how great it felt to see her at Sister Sonya's house Sunday evening. We get to start teaching her again with her new little one, and of course, Noah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Basically everyone needs to pray for this investigator of ours. Pray that she will listen to the Spirit telling her to follow our Savior Jesus Christ and be baptized and confirmed a member of HIS church. I know angels are helping us every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">This week I'm reading in the Gospels about Jesus Christ and his parables. I'm trying to study it before Christmas. I have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. And I've been finding Him, just like we find investigators all day, I'm more determined to find my Savior as I read His teachings. I challenge you to find your testimony by reading His life as we prepare for the Christmas season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">all is well, all is well, in the life of a sister missionary in the Philippines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-56263581916371141522014-11-17T18:08:00.000-08:002014-12-02T18:42:22.267-08:00Week 58<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">This week has been CRAZY... So how many times can Sister Seastrand travel to Lucena City in one week? Let's count...we literally went to Lucena 5 TIMES. Stake conference, exchanges, and zone training meeting. So many things learned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">What I learned: Serving others makes us happy. Putting Heavenly Father first makes us even happier. I've had a lot of experiences in this week of having to learn that first hand. I think that we can't lose sight of what we're doing as missionaries, or else we lose sight of Heavenly Father.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I'm still here in my 3rd area, Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines San Pablo Mission. I'm heading into my 3rd transfer cycle here in this area. I'm not sure if Sister Rafisura will be transferred or not. But I love my companion and we find joy in the work together.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute Noah</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">There's just one thing I wanted to share about, and that is the power the Book of Mormon. We have been teaching an investigator named Jen. When I first met her when I got to the area, and went to our first teaching appointment, I really felt no hope. What I SAW was a silly, whatever-happens-happens mindset 20-year-old girl. Little did I know how wrong I was. We kept going</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;"> back to her, and teaching about the Restoration. Over and OVER, let me tell you. She just didn't seem like she cared at all. Normally we don't keep visiting investigators for more than 2 weeks if there's no progressing (i.e. no reading, coming to church, keeping really any commitments at all). As we kept running in to walls in what to teach her and feeling frustrated about her commitments not being kept, the Spirit of the Lord told us to share from the Book of Mormon in Alma 32, and so we taught about Faith in Jesus Christ. We could feel the Spirit in abundance and we could see her start to understand. She was beginning to plant the seed of faith in her heart. Over a period of 2 months, I have seen FIRST HAND the power of this book. We asked one day how she feel she has changed because of reading the Book of Mormon, and she told us, "I now have patience and long-suffering towards my child and others. When I get angry or frustrated, I open this book and it's gone." We saw and could feel the Spirit testify to us of her changing and becoming more spiritually mature. I could see the changes in the entire less active family and in her 4 year old son. They now pray together, her and Noah (her son). They love when we come over to teach. Apparently the Spirit enters the room and takes a seat on their small couch next to Sister Rafi and me. I will never forget this experience as long as I live. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I don't know what will happen to her since she is no longer here in Candelaria, because she had her second baby. She will be gone for at least a month with her parents and the new little one... It's so sad because Sister Rafisura might be transferred and didn't get to say goodbye, but we will see what happens. All I know is that I pray the spirit and angels will help her to stay and remember what she felt when we taught her every day. I know she is in good hands with the Lord. I felt like one important point of this experience is that Heavenly Father wanted to show me in real time that this Book has the power to solve ANY concern and help us overcome our weaknesses. In Ether 12:34 it says, "And IF men COME unto me, I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my GRACE is sufficient for ALL MEN THAT HUMBLE themselves before me, for if they humble themselves before me, and have FAITH in me, then will I make weak things become STRONG unto them."</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing friends at Zone Training</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">According to our faith things will work for our good. As long as our faith is in Christ and when we humble ourselves, the grace of Christ is sufficient to make up for what we don't have or can't do. Weaknesses are opportunities to know our Savior. If you haven't been reading this book or even if you have read it many times already, I invite you to ponder on your own weaknesses. Just one, and read the Book of Mormon on that weakness. I promise you that when you do this, the Spirit will take hold in your heart and you will experience in real time the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ which is sufficient for all men that come unto Him. Don't delay! His arms are ready to receive you at all times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Transfer week is this week... I think my companion will be transferred but I'm not sure... It's going to be interesting! We find out tomorrow what will be the next set-up in Candelaria. It's a good area. We are just trying to find, find, find!! It takes work to be a missionary. I'm reading in the gospels studying about the life of Jesus Christ in preparation for Christmas, and I am loving learning more about Christ. I encourage you to do the same! We can compare and talk about it together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So this week has been great. We're being obedient, we're seeing success in our work, and just going every day to do the Lord's work. I love you all so much and I feel I need to share with you to know how HAPPY I am when I am obedient and teach and live my life in the Philippines as a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ. It's so hard, but I almost can't leave it behind. It's been the best experience of my life. Heavenly Father loves me and I know it. Have a great week! I love you!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-15600164689515061042014-11-10T19:06:00.000-08:002014-11-10T19:07:10.367-08:00Week 57<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So this week we talked about eternal families this week in Sunday
School. They talked about the role of the mother. I sat there with our
investigator, JEN cause she CAME TO CHURCH!! :) With her 4 year old son, Noah.
I just love them. Maybe it's cause we're the same age so we can relate, but it
was so good to see her and teach her this week. She loves King Benjamin in the Book
of Mormon in Mosiah. I love that she loves the Book of Mormon. ANYWAYS...As I
sat there listening to our teacher talk about the role of the mother, I thought
of Mom immediately. There's a quote by a Prophet who said, "The most
important work will be within the walls of your own homes." It says in the
proclamation about the roles of husbands and wives, and Mom, you have fulfilled
your role! Who can put a price tag on a mother who not only builds her home but
builds the kingdom of Heavenly Father at the same time? That just reminded
me of you, Mom, and what work you have done in our home to make our house a
home. The mother is such a big role and I thank you for being MY Mother.
:) HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mom. I love you to the States and back to the
Philippines. 3,000,000 times! :) haha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love you
SO MUCH Mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I'm trying to exercise and sleep and drink water---everything that helps me be healthy again. I really love
and appreciate Sister Galbraith--she's great. She has really helped me feel
better. But I endured my illness and it's weird because I felt myself grow a lot. At first
I was really frustrated and felt really discouraged. But it was so nice to go
back out and proselyte. It's really one thing that I will miss so very much
when I return. Talking to people about the happiest message in the WORLD is my
favorite thing. I love being obedient, and I love learning and reading the Book
of Mormon. I love that I wear a name tag everyday and get to be a witness of
Jesus Christ. I truly can feel His love for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My week has been great! I'm back in the work and feeling great. A
lot of rejection actually. But it's ok. I endured :) And I LOVE being a
missionary! The WORK it's the one thing I missed, while being sick. I love
going out every day and talking to people and being obedient and doing the
work. I just want to give it my all. I'll never have this time back again. Actually,
on Thursday we taught a referral from a member. The referral is a Born Again Christian
and LET ME TELL YOU we spent 2 hours in that appointment. Mostly she wasn't
listening and I was getting annoyed because I couldn't feel the spirit and I
didn't know how to teach her according to her needs, (maybe cause the spirit
really wasn't there). BUT she likes to speak English and I could feel a little
frustration start to well up inside me. Sometimes as a missionary you just
want to shake the person and say, "Look, this is true! Just accept
it! It will only help you." But you can't do that. You can't lose your
cool because if you do, you're not being a witness of Christ. We read
Moroni 10:3-5 about praying to know if it's true, and she said she was sad
because it said to ask in the name of Christ, not to ask in the name of Jesus
Christ. LIKE, WHAT?! After reading those 3 powerful verses, that's all you
get?! Come on! I started to speak in English and just testify of the
truthfulness of the message and I could feel the power in it. Honestly after we
left I just wanted to cry and same with Sister Rafi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And THEN to top it off...No one really has wanted to listen to us!
We've had a ton of chances to talk with people on the street who are the same religion
and they just keep rejecting us and telling us that they worship Jesus by
dancing and holding their hands in the air. WEIRD! It was a way discouraging
day actually and Sister Rafi and I just wanted to cry. But we realized that
these were just trials and tests of our faith and diligence. I could feel my
faith in Christ grow--and my desire to serve better grew, too. Trials are
so great! They are chances for us to learn and to grow to our full potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It sounds like the weather there is changing from the warm Fall to
chilly weather, (and you're not complaining at all, Mom). I am not too excited
about the thought of coming home to snow, myself! AH! The weather here is still
nice and warm and cooling off with typhoon season coming. We've had no effect
from typhoons so far, so that's nice. We are so blessed like you said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know that what I am doing is truer than true and I love the blue
book aka the Book of Mormon. Read it sometime, eh? :) Heavenly Father just helps us reach our
potential when we obey and trust Him. I miss you all and I can't wait to see
you again, but I know I'm here for a reason. It's so important what I'm doing.
And I don't get a second chance. So I gotta give it my all. :) Let's all keep enduring to the end. Love you
all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-14023029616519222822014-11-03T17:13:00.000-08:002014-11-10T17:14:10.288-08:00Week 56<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">HEY! ‘Halloween’ was CRAZY! Everyone just goes to the cemetery and celebrates their dead loved ones. There’s a lot of alcohol and festivity. The cemeteries are packed. It's so different. They call it All Saints Day and it’s on Nov. 1. We just went home at 6.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week we had a SUPER great meeting with Elder Lynn G. Robbins. He talked about two companion doctrines: 100% Accountability, 100% Agency. He also talked about the companion doctrines, Forgiveness and Repentance. It was just SO wonderful to listen to him speak to us. He shared with us about 3 Nephi 11 where Christ visited the Nephites and asked if the Savior walked in right now, what would we do? Would we fall to our knees? I know for a fact I would. I've asked myself that question and pondered it this week. And the reason why is because I'm learning about Him and His ways. Elder Robbins said that "we as missionaries are enrolled in the Lord's University in some of the toughest courses in the world. Diligence 505, Patience 505, Charity 505, and Faith 505. Tough courses, but incredible courses." I have to agree 100%! It's been tough. But the Lord's university is the one preparing me to return to Him and I will never get these courses ever again anywhere else but in the Philippines. Anyway just a little thought I learned this week. I miss home, but the Philippines is my second home. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We also had another great special missionary meeting. Elder Dallin H. Oaks came and gave the whole Philippines a special broadcast about the area goals. He talked about feasting on the words of Christ and especially Christlike attributes. I really loved it! Everything I needed was in that meeting. I just could feel that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ LOVES this country. They know and see all that these people go through and do every day of their lives. The Lord is blessing the Philippines and it's blessing my life. My heart will always be here in this country, especially with all my Filipina companions. Team Philippines!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We haven't seen our investigator Jen for a long time.. I miss her a lot. But we're going to visit her this week! :) I will send pics maybe next week of her cause she's so cute and I just love her with all my heart. We got to visit one of our recent converts this past week, tho. We haven't seen her in so long since I've been sick. She’s so cute. I will send pics of her cute kids next time. She loves the missionaries and it just was really nice to hear her testimony of Christ. She began telling us how her family has been having a rough time lately. She said that we answered her prayers and she cried as she said, "I'll never forget when the missionaries visit me." I've been learning more and more how much the members really love the missionaries here in this area. It's so important to slow down and take the time to visit them and get to know them, their concerns, and be an answer to their prayers of needed comfort and refreshment. I loved that. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. I am here and am only a representative full time of Jesus Christ for three more months! I really love it. It's so hard, but so great. I want to be in this work forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anyways, that was my week. Pretty great if you ask me. :) Overall I just love Moroni 7. I felt the Spirit so strong studying about faith and hope in Christ. Count how many times Mormon says, "having faith in Christ" or "believe" in Christ. It's very inspiring to read about faith and hope. I'm almost finished reading the BOM on my own personal reading -- BOOYAH! I encourage you to study it if you can. It's a beautiful chapter about Mormon teaching us about Faith in Jesus Christ. I know that we can do ANYTHING He asks us when we come unto Him and have faith in Him. Thank you for all you do for me. I just love you so much, mom. Get ready, cause the cold is coming! I'm enjoying the heat and rain here :) Just get the coats ready cause I'll be heading that way in about 2 more transfer cycles! HA! :) I can feel the time getting faster and faster. But the Lord is supporting me. :) Have a GREAT week!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-89398989459386933842014-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:55:11.504-07:00Week 55<span style="background-color: #fdfdfd;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:( UGH…I've been sick this week. FOUR DAYS we didn't work. It’s frustrating MOSTLY because, no matter how hard I try, I can never always remain fully in good health. It's always gotta happen to ME…Not my housemates, not my companion, just Sister Seastrand. It's like when you hear about someone getting really sick with something and you feel bad for them and then a week later YOU get it. It's always just my luck, I guess. WHO KNOWS?! I was out 4 days this week with a high fever and some other uncomfortable sicknesses going on inside. But in spite of being frustrated about being sick, I was able to receive a priesthood blessing that really opened my eyes to some interesting truths. Just some great tender mercies! The Lord really does love me. He's helped me to recover slowly but surely over my sickness and I know that He is looking out for me. Something I want to share is from that priesthood blessing I received was that "There are people beyond the veil who are with me here in the Philippines, helping me as well as those we are teaching." That was great. I immediately thought of Aunt Carolyn. I bet she is here with me helping me. And of Grandma and Grandpa Openshaw. Same with all our other ancestors. It was nice to hear and think about. It made me a little emotional to think about it because I need those angels with me every day. There are some days when I just want to go back to Utah, but then other days when I wake up and see the Philippines and really love my mission. Here’s some of the new perspectives my priesthood blessing gave me:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FIRST: Our loved ones and friends that are beyond the veil really ARE here with me in my mission--Helping me, those we teach, encouraging me, etc. I don't know why I never realized that before, but it's been made known to me that there really are angels beside me helping me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SECOND: Heavenly Father really actually does want us to reach our full potential. Sometimes we feel that He is not giving us things or opportunities that we think we want to do or be, or stopping us from being "happy." But we never know what it is He has in store, we just should know it’ll be better than we could have planned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THIRD, OUR JOB: Keep our eyes and hearts toward heaven and our ultimate goal, which is going back to His presence. (Maybe if I learned that a long time ago, some of my choices would have been different.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, I just really love our mission doctor, Sister Gallbraith. She is so kind and helped me feel better. I called her last night for advice on getting better and I just felt peace as I talked to her and love from Heavenly Father. I'm grateful for mission leaders and helpers that help me know things will be OK!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to speak in church on Sunday even though I was just recovering from being sick, it was a really cool opportunity to speak in STRAIGHT Tagalog. Maybe it wasn't all completely correct, but I'm pretty proud of myself, nonetheless. My topic was ‘Becoming a Witness of Christ.’ When we want to be true witnesses of Christ, it first starts with our FAITH in Christ. We can assess our faith regularly, and try to see how we can strengthen it. It also requires that we take upon us HIS name through the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we do that, we become His true representatives! I think that the best way to always REMAIN a witness of Christ is to repent and be sanctified with the Spirit. The Spirit is the way to know all things and to be able to testify of all things that are true, right, etc. It's like what our beloved mission president said: "Teach BY the Spirit, <i>WITH </i>some Spirit." How true…he nailed it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been awesome because Sister Rafi and I are receiving some pretty good referrals lately. And they all live super close to the church, which is golden. No excuse for not attending church, ha! We're really praying that these members will prepare and think about those they can share the gospel with so we can help strengthen their testimony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess we never really know why we're in an area, until we stop and look around at all the aspects of missionary work. It's very easy as a missionary to get caught up in two single important indicators: Baptism and confirmation. BUT that truly does not define success. I think that knowing you are a successful missionary is defined as giving your all to the Lord, no matter the circumstance. It's all about you and the Lord, no one else, and He knows the best we can do. So we must never give up. Never, never give up. I know that the Lord is stretching me to help me grow and I can feel it. BUT like I've said before faith is painful at times, spiritually. It's the first thing that helps us to act and to do what the Lord wants. So if you feel other aspects in your lives are maybe out of place, take an inventory of your faith in Jesus Christ. :) He has the power and capacity to HELP and STRENGTHEN you. I have learned that here as a missionary! Like Bry said, I've learned the love of God more on my mission than I could have anywhere else- and what could ever replace that?! NOTHING. I'm so glad to be here, trials, tests, and all! It's truly a test of endurance but I'm willing to pay the price to endure to the end of this service in the Lord's vineyard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you all! Have a great week!! I always think of you and pray for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">xoxo,<br />Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-24867683451806618662014-10-20T10:34:00.004-07:002014-10-20T10:34:41.391-07:00Week 54<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mostly every week tends to be like a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes
it's like that brand new rollercoaster with pads on the sides of the seats, and
sometimes it's like the old wooden ones that were the first ride built in the
entire park back in 1890. I guess I can say that this week felt like it was
more like the second option. How many times a day did I think to myself,
"OK I'm a 14 month missionary now. I can handle this investigator."
OR "I'm 14 months now and I know how to deal with this problem." Reality
check to ME: I sometimes really can't. No matter how many months- I can't
afford to even think about relying on my own talents, tagalog, many experiences,
everything. And Humility check to ME: We need Heavenly Father's love and
approval more often than we might think. So even tho it's been a rickety
rollercoaster ride, this week has been a wonderful experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We had an investigator who we've been teaching for quite some time
come to church today! It was so wonderful to see her walk in the door with her
son. I know that she is changing. It made me think about how Heavenly
Father feels when He sees us change every day. The way I feel when I see those
changes in people's lives is indescribable. It's so humbling and joyful to
focus on helping people to come unto Christ. HOW MUCH MORE joy our Heavenly
Father must feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week I've had a wonderful chance to come unto Christ again. I
sometimes really have no idea what I'm doing here...seriously. Sometimes I
really love it, and sometimes I just feel small and insignificant to the lives
of these people. I'm trying to be sincere in my efforts even when I feel heavy
inside. But I share all of it to Heavenly Father and I know He gets it. I think
I tend to just get overwhelmed and upset at times, or truly discouraged inside,
and it is a pretty heavy feeling. But I felt the Spirit telling me to draw
nearer to Heavenly Father through prayer. I am growing in my testimony of
prayer. There's the hymn that says "Prayer is the soul's sincere
desire." What is my soul's sincere desire? Every time Sister Rafi and I
teach about prayer, I always ask myself, "What is the soul's sincere
desire for this person?" All of us have sincere desires and
ambitions, goals, dreams, etc, and the PERFECT example of reaching goals and
dreams is our Father in Heaven. I know that He listens to me and understands my
heart. That's a great knowledge I've gained from my mission that I love
testifying of: He knows us. All in all, I LOVE it. I have been able to come
unto Christ in so many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week also had a WAKE UP CALL MOMENT for me...one of the
members shared her testimony on family history work and BOY let me tell you,
probably the most powerful thing I've heard for a long time. She shared about
how our family history is not necessarily being able to see the immediate
blessings, but more so on the eternal side of things. She gave me a whole new look
on doing family history/ temple work for the dead. It's pretty amazing to think
that Heavenly Father is expecting us to help both sides of the veil. What a
great joy it will be to meet those spirit children who received the blessings
of the temple. So. DO YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. If you haven't, get started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Rafisura and I are just having this growing desire to
FIND! We are hungry for some new investigators and prepared referrals. We
are taking this week on some of the days to visit with and teach members.
It's going to be a great opportunity to build unity and trust with them. Trust
and unity are KEY to missionary work in the ward. I'm hopeful as we go into
this next transfer cycle. </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The finding begins- the glasses are ON and clearer than ever. We've already got a new referral to contact and teach. YES!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes I really don't know how to express everything I'm
learning. I know I only have 3 cycles left as a missionary but I'm going to
make it the most celestial part of my mission. Who knows what the Lord wants from
me in these last months of my service. Like you said Bryan, I'll give ALL I've
got! I've gotta leave it all in the vineyard. I literally picture myself that
way. With gloves and harvesting tools for the vineyard every day. I want my
work to be approved. It's not easy, but it's fulfilling. :) I love it and yet I
want to cry my eyes out at times. Sometimes that happens at my study desk--haha--and
my comp is like, "Sister!! What is happening!" haha. She's been a
good support to me. As President Peterson always said, "Work, work, work
that is the secret!" :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love you all so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-53254002257204966212014-10-13T11:30:00.000-07:002014-10-15T11:31:01.812-07:00Week 53<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">OK FIRST HIGHLIGHT: Conference was awesome. And I really loved the
main themes of all the speakers. I feel like the main theme this time was about
Accountability. I really personally appreciated Elder Richard G. Scott's talk. It
always goes back to the simple things. It's always prayer, temples, scripture
study, and following the prophets that gets us through the hard times that
come. I'm so grateful that we have living prophets to guide us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">SO BIGGEST RAIN STORM OF MY LIFE!! We're just doing our
thing, trying to find some former investigators <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">and out of nowhere like it usually does the rain just pours and
pours and pours. We're soaking within 5 seconds, so we just get a trike super
fast to the nearest 7/11 and walk in all soaking. It was definitely
embarrassing to see all these Filipinos staring at a soaking foreigner
missionary. On the plus side, we got some snacks and found a less active from
San Pablo. Not even the rain can stop us finding people! (This was the second
highlight of the week.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">THIRD HIGHLIGHT: Our investigator, Jen, is doing great. We had a
spiritual lesson with her once again. Honestly out of my entire mission I've
never felt the spirit stronger than I have when teaching her. It's the best
feeling EVER. I think mostly this week, I'm just overall feeling the approval
of the Lord. I only feel it when I'm giving my all because He knows how much we
can give to Him. I have a stronger testimony of obedience and I know he is
making it a strength for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">FOURTH and FINAL HIGHLIGHT: Sister Rafisura and I are STILL
companions. We laugh at least 10 times a day if not more. She makes the
work here more fun and delightful. I know that we're building up this Zion here
in the church for the people of Candelaria. Here's to another transfer cycle in
the beautiful Candelaria. Viva Candelaria!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">There's not much to report this week, except I LOVED General
Conference. I loved the new language thing. Don't worry we watched it in English.
Every talk was my favorite. Maybe for me and my personal life, Richard G.
Scott's talk really hit the spot for me. Especially about Prayer. I have gained
that personal testimony here in my mission about prayer. It's our tool to use
to literally tell Heavenly Father how we feel. Sometimes I don't always open up
to Him about my feelings that are deep especially about the work because I
don't want to complain or waste His time. But I know that He loves us and it's
up to us if we "stay in the old ship zion" haha did you like how I
put two phrases together? :) I also was touched by Elder Ballard's and
Elder Anderson's was touching for me. I loved it all! I loved about revelation,
especially from Elder Uchtdorf's talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I'm doing well. My health is better. It's just part of mortality
right? I have one more transfer cycle with Sister Rafi, and then I think she'll
be out. It'll be her 6 months in the mission, and in the area! It's been fun
and HARD to be follow up trainer. There's been a lot of work that we have put
into our area. It was left in shambles- relationships with members, NO
investigators in our teaching pool, people not coming to church, people who are
potential but not married, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So something that really touched me this week: We went to go to our appointment with an investigator but got punted. So, we went with our WML to a member. She said something I'll never forget. "I love when missionaries come to visit me because it's like Christ is visiting me, too." How often do we leave that impression on people when we visit them in visiting teaching? helping a friend? or sharing the gospel? People should ALWAYS feel like that. Especially members of the ward we are in. I know that we can do that for others when we visit them. So many people need us but we never know. Like President Monson. He always answers people prayers when He serves.</span></div>
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As I reflected with Sister Rafi this week about our work, I felt Heavenly
Father's love for me. I know that HE is approving of my efforts. This area has
grown so much and what's more for me as a missionary- my companion has grown.
It's so fulfilling for me to watch that. I've had a lot of rough times in my
mission, but this area has stretched me. My second time being a follow up
trainer has taught me a lot about building foundations. Our companions, our
areas, the people, the members. I know that as I keep working hard, I will feel
the approval from My Heavenly Father Himself. And I want to feel that way again
this cycle :) This area is not yet where we want it, but I know it's getting
there. We're building up Zion. I only have 3 more cycles left. OH NO! I just
need to GO GO GO :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Sister Seastrand</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-74086607201353115212014-10-06T18:47:00.000-07:002014-10-09T18:49:00.971-07:00Week 52<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">A week in the life of Sister Seastrand and Sister Rafisura:</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Lots happened. Every week everything happens. Overall, a pretty great week. Thanks to the
spirit, and obedience, I know I'm learning and growing in this gospel of Jesus
Christ, His message of eternal happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sister Rafisura sprained her ANKLE while cleaning last Monday. She's
such a great sport.. So tough! We didn't go to work for a couple days, and I
think Sister Mangum has had about enough calls from Candelaria 1A to last the
rest of her life. That was my first lesson in Charity. Haha I'm so
grateful for leaders in my mission, especially the doctors and mission
president's wife. What would we do without them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So let me tell you about our new investigator named Jen, our light
and hope in our area right now. Her boyfriend is a less active member, who
really is less than excited to talk to the missionaries when we go to their
house. We've been praying and friendly-ing it up every time we teach, asking
him about everything, making some small talk. Which he only ever just
smiles a bit and walks out. We FINALLY got him to LISTEN. He put a nice shirt
on and turned the TV off and everything. Missionary work has a big part in
being friendly. I'm a firm believer in getting people's interest in our message
by just talking to them like a normal person and making some small talk, even
if they don't seem interested at first. Come to find out, he really understands
a lot about faith, and Heavenly Father. I'm hoping to continue teaching
them since this is a BIG focus family for Sister and I. PRAY ON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So Sister Rafisura and I found some NEW investigators! YIPEE! We've
been going back to our former investigators in our area book and finding some
teaching records of those who were taught before that might have potential
again. And we found two who were taught before that want to be taught again. I
love finding. It's makes me excited everyday to just go out in this big world
and somehow, someway, be led to just the people that God wants you to talk to. How
does He do it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So this week in my personal study I've learned about charity. Sometimes
we might only think of it as kindness, long-suffering, pure love, and all that
important stuff. But sometimes we miss the parts, "is not puffed up,
envieth not, seeketh not her own." Basically, I've learned some big
lessons on those three things. Sometimes we see others with lands and gold and
investigators coming to church, being baptized, etc. and we say to ourselves, "What
about me? Why do they get all the success? How come all the members like them?
How come God isn't smiling upon me and only them?" These are probably the
WORST questions we could ever let come into our minds. BECAUSE First of
all, God still loves us and is smiling upon us for other things. Just because
He is smiling on them doesn't mean He is trying to frown upon us. Don't be an
attention seeker. When we have charity, we "rejoice in the truth" So
meaning that we rejoice when others rejoice. We mourn when they mourn. We stand
in place of the Savior when they experience life's joys and sadnesses as a
missionary. I know that Charity is more than just kindly loving people and
being patient with them. It's Rejoicing for them, mourning with them, and
standing as a witness of God. It really all goes back to our baptismal
covenant. As we keep our covenant(s), we can more fully understand and have
true charity in our lives that will make our work as missionaries more full and
satisfactory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I was able to watch the General Women's Meeting which ROCKED. The
main theme: Obedience to temple covenants and claiming our eternal exaltation. I
know that exact obedience means living the higher law. What IS the higher
law? It's simple: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. What a privilege to be a disciple
of Jesus Christ in Candelaria. I love my mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I'm feeling better this week. Don't even worry! (But Mom, you can
still be motherly :) please and thanks!) I've regained strength and things are doing
alright. Just plugging along in the work that I LOVE! It sounds like Grandma
Jan's had quite some rough health issues this week. I hope she feels well soon!
Tell her I love her and am thinking of her and Grandpa. Remind her that I sent
their letter finally in the mail. I'm so sorry it's been so long!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Conference is coming up!! YAY! We will be in Lucena City which I'm
excited for. It will be broadcast in English
and we'll meet at the stake center. It sounds like you had a great time. I
can't wait to listen to the talks. I've been spiritually hungry for this time
to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Happy Birthday to Grandma Seastrand!! She is such a great woman. I
love her so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Anyways, things have been good this week. I can see my obedience
and hard work paying off. Heavenly Father knows each sacrifice we put into our
lamps to fill them. We've been finding new investigators, trying to build trust
with the ward, everything. I know it takes time, but I'm grateful for the
things I'm learning this week. I've felt the spirit a lot, and especially as I
read the Book of Mormon. I know it is true. I had an investigator this week ask
me about my experience in praying about Joseph Smith, which I haven't had
anyone ask me my entire mission. It was a reminder to me that we ought to ask
God if those things are true, even if we believe it. I LOVED the women's
meeting! We were able to watch it during Relief Society on Sunday. WONDERFUL!
My eyes were open wider and I understand things better. I loved it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Thanks for all your support. I love you all so much! I'm doing
fine this week. I have faith in Jesus Christ. I love finding, teaching,
everything. The downs are part of mortality. It's the best time of my life. I
know if I am faithful and obedient, I will be happy. It's as simple as that. Can't
wait to talk about conference with you all :) Have a great week this
week!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo, Sister Seastrand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-69429184633530595842014-09-29T20:32:00.000-07:002014-09-29T20:32:00.943-07:00Week 51<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: rgb(253, 253, 253); color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 16px/normal Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">HEY! Alright---Mom, don't freak out or anything, but this week was a little different. We were having a zone p-day last week, and were in Lucena. All of a sudden I started getting these weird body aches. As the day progressed, I just was not feeling well at all. At one point I thought I was going to pass out so I sat down in the supermarket with my companion and told her I couldn't go anymore. We went to the clinic to get some medicine for my fever and body aches. I couldn't even think of trying to get to transportation for the drive back to Candelaria, so I laid sick in the bed for 2 hours with screaming body aches in the Lucena Sister's apartment. President and Sister Mangum with the Gallbraith’s (they know the McIntire’s, btw) came to get me! It was a crazy day. Anyways, I was sick for 3 days so we had NO district meeting and NO work for 3 days this week! UGH.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">So we have water now! YAY! It’s so funny to see all of our water buckets from storage and from buying water at PureGold. ROUGH. It's been a weird transfer! haha So no one came to church again but it's okay because I think the Lord is really trying to teach me a lesson in humility. I'm learning so much this last week about how much the Lord loves me. I feel really close to Heavenly Father lately... probably because of my experience being sick (I guess I will share the whole details in about 4 months) but I could just feel God with me. I think we need to remember that God is closer to us in our everyday “going about's” than we realize. "For He is in all things, round about all things, through all things, and all things are before Him." I know that Heavenly Father loves me. And I'm grateful that He teaches me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Sister Rafisura and I have been pretty down lately. Mostly just angry at our area, and our investigators are dropping us right and left, and I've been feeling frustrated. And then today I studied on a topic I may or may not have been neglecting to study: Humility. Why does it always go back to our humility? It's because humility is the key to accessing the power of the Atonement and changing our NATURES, not just our BEHAVIORS. Out of all I've been through this week, if there's one thing I know and have learned: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are all One in purpose. And they want to be part of our natures. I know that as we access the atonement and humble ourselves we can gain real conversion to our Savior Jesus Christ. There's two questions everyday that I ask myself when I wake up: "Is it my will today? Or is it my Father's will today?" I think I'm learning more and more that the second choice is the celestial choice. I know if I am diligent and obedient and give my ALL to the Lord, how great will be my joy when I see my Savior again and have the confidence that I did the Father's will. Heavenly Father is willing to come as close as we let him, based on our answer to those two questions. Whose will is it today?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">This week has been hard... not going to lie, it's been a trying week. But I'm not going to give up. My stubborn backbone is kicking in, and I'm going to continue to fight for the right, for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know He lives and loves me. I know He is there to help me when I fall. I know that if I have faith in Him, we will find investigators that are ready to receive Him. I may not always be on the side of the vineyard where the harvesters are working, but I know I have a part here. And I can't see all the fruits yet. But If I am faithful, it will bear fruit in this part of the kingdom on earth. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ! I can't think of a better privilege than this. How lucky I am to serve Heavenly Father. I love them, and love them for their plan. I've got 4 and a half months to serve my Savior and Redeemer with all my heart. I'm not letting anything stop this sister! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">It sounds like the Morningside was awesome, glad to hear that. And the weather!! I'm so jealous. Take pictures of the leaves! :) Also, there haven’t been any more typhoons (haha)… just that weird one, meant for only me. It was definitely strange, but the weather is so unpredictable here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">For conference, we won't get to see it until October 11 and 12 (the following week). We'll get to go to the stake center in Lucena City and watch all the sessions there as members and missionaries! I can't wait! I'm excited to follow our leaders. I'm so jealous about the Women's Meeting!!! (That’s right, Mom, our last one apart. haha It's true.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">So I just want to inform you: Sister Mckinney is a sister here that is from Utah. She lives in Spanish Fork, but she is going home next week. I gave her a letter for the fam and some pictures to enjoy... sorry it's not much but I had no time to write it while she visited the area. I hope you enjoy it! She will either mail it to Orem or just take it directly. :) I feel closer to you already, mom! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Well, I love you all so much. Thanks for showing and teaching me by example how to follow Jesus Christ and serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength. It says in PMG under Lesson 2 of the Plan of Salvation under the Atonement section (which is my fav, by the way), "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." Have a great week. I can't wait to hear from you again!!! I LOVE YOU TONS! I will drink water. Don't worry :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">xoxo, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-2117296169748674272014-09-22T21:06:00.000-07:002014-09-23T21:08:48.408-07:00Week 50<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It's been an interesting, trying week. Every week has different experiences to learn from, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have no water. WHY does this always happen to me? hahaha. :( SERIOUSLY-- every single area! We had to take a bath in our neighbor’s house. All four of us at 5 in the morning. (The water is extremely freezing here, btw.) I guess the pump is broken in our whole barangay. It's definitely an experience I won't forget. I guess I'm camping for the last 6 months of my mission life! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had the chance to go to Tayabas for Exchanges with my wonderful Sister Training Leader, Sister Reed! I loved it. We start studying, and there's this huge rain and wind that starts coming upon us. We kept studying and had lunch and hoped that the rain would go away... BUT IT GETS WORSE!! It's like a little mini typhoon. We didn't go to work until 4 pm. We called our Zone leaders and other missionaries and they told us there was literally NO storm. Light rain, some wind. That's all. WHAT?!?!? WHY?!?!!?!?!? Anyways. It was a great time to talk about spiritual things and to see how we have both changed and grown in our mission. I learned a lot from her, in spite of the weirdest typhoon meant only for Tayabas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A member in our ward got married last week... and he asked me if I would sing in their wedding..... Ok so this is actually what happened: Sister Martinez and her companion asked him if there was anything we could to do serve him at their wedding, and he said, "Yeah, could all four of you sing?" and then Sister M said, "Actually, we're not that good. But Sister Seastrand is good! You can ask her." Five seconds later, Sister Rafisura and I come walking down the hall and Ralph yells, "Hey! Sister Seastrand can you sing for us on Saturday?" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">(<b> -_-</b> )</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> --> my face as I'm contemplating my answer. I'm not one of those that can just whip out a solo or anything, let alone on the spot… It's really true when Pres Uctdorf said in conference that our church is a church of volunteers---sometimes voluntary, and sometimes other people volunteer you-for you. I can now say I have been a victim of that principle of our church. Anyways, all went well. It was wonderful! Despite my nerves. (Nerves mostly because Ralph and Beth know a lot of people. It was no small wedding!) I sang a mix of Love is Spoken Here and Teach Me to Walk In the Light. It was a good experience to help me share my testimony with so many people in one place. :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Rafisura and I had an interesting Sunday. NO ONE CAME TO CHURCH. :( Sad. It gets a little sad/frustrating and stuff when our investigators don't come. I have to say I felt a little bit annoyed and angry even...which hasn't really happened that often in my mission. But we talked about it after and I felt some spark come into my heart that I needed. It was a spark of gratitude. There are a lot of times in our lives when we can humph around at our situation, and times when we can feel angry for things that happen. I learned this week that a grateful heart can help us overcome that anger and to see the BIGGER PICTURE. I know Heavenly Father loves me. He is aware of me and wants to answer my prayers. If we are exactly obedient, we will get exactly what Heavenly Father has in store for us. Every time. Overall, good work this week. We are doing our best but it's time to raise the BAR and rise up to the calling and become chosen servants of God. He loves us so much! I know it's true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anyways, that was my week. I can't tell you even how much I love Heavenly Father for what he does for me. I just want you to know that I KNOW Heavenly Father is making a tapestry for us with our plans. He is in the details. It sounds like you all had a great week. It sounds like the funeral was wonderful. I LOVE what you shared with me about Kathleen’s analogy, Mom. It's so very true. In my blessing from the elders the other week, it said I would grow in my desire to do family history work. Maybe that's why I feel the connection with her and felt the loss so deep. Even though she is gone, I feel her. It's so amazing, Mom. Heavenly Father knows our hearts and our righteous desires. I just have to trust Him. Things in our area are great. I am working hard and trying to be obedient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM & DAD!!!!!!!! I forgot to tell you last week. (Don't worry--I knew it, I just forgot to say it.) :) I love you both so much. What wonderful parents you are and what examples of what a celestial marriage looks like. Thank you for the marriage you have. It's been such an example for me. And thanks for the advice, Mom. I promise. I'm not worried about ‘life after mission’. I am really enjoying my mission. :) Time is going fast! I am growing and changing, and I love it. I want to serve Heavenly Father the best I can. I'm excited for conference coming up, I definitely have some questions in my mind that I am pondering. I hope to receive revelation through my efforts from my prayers, fasting, and pondering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hope you all have a great week at work and school. I hope you know I love and think of you always. And NO the leaves don't change color in the Philippines, unfortunately! :( But take pictures for me if you can. The weather here is fine, but I think the rain is coming soon. I love you all SO MUCH!!!! Talk to you next week. Here are my hugs and kisses :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-10536768684817402762014-09-15T17:40:00.002-07:002014-09-15T17:40:59.350-07:00Week 49<div style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grandpa Norm: </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy happy birthday to you!! I miss you and think of you ALWAYS. I hope you are well and enjoy your special day. I love you so much, Grandpa Norm. Thank you for your example to me and for loving us grand kids. You're amazing!!!! I hope you enjoy my letter to you and Grandma coming soon in the mail. I LOVE YOU!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stake Conference!!! Wow that sounds amazing. If you can get any of the talks I would really really like to read those! I loved what you said about the trees... I just taught a lesson this week about trees and faith so that's funny haha :) I love that analogy they used. It's so true. We have to sink our roots deep into the Gospel. Also, about the receiving answers to prayers thing you learned in stake conference-- that was also something I was feeling--a non-answer. I've been praying about school and work and other sorts of things, but I'm not feeling an answer for any of it. I've come to the conclusion that God trusts me to just make the choice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So this week I was feeling a little bit anxious about Carolyn's death. I just felt this heavy weight of not being able to be at the funeral and with the family, so I got a blessing from my district leader and the blessing was really sweet. It said that my desire to do family history would grow. It also talked about even though the trials I will face and that come to me here in my mission may seem scary, I will know that I am never alone. Anyways, a really great comfort for me-- the Priesthood. What a blessing to us all. (Thanks Dad and Bry and Jake and Grandpa Norm and Grandpa Seastrand!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">THIS WEEK in the great giant city of Candelaria: </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mostly, I’m still new. I’m just trying to get a feel for the area, with all the far away barangays, etc. Probably one of my favorite experiences (next to training Sister Ricketts) here in my mission happened this week. This is WHY I’m a missionary. We have an investigator named Jen. She is 20 years old. She has a 4 year old boy and a baby on the way. When I first came to this area, she wasn't as serious about our message, and actually really silly and giddy. But Tuesday, we taught her the restoration and the Spirit was super strong. I could tell she was getting more serious. Then on Thursday, we came back and felt like we should teach about faith and the real definition of faith. We used Alma 32 and the Spirit completely washed over me as I watched her read about faith. We watched as the Spirit began to enlighten her understanding and her face was so light. I felt the light get brighter as I testified of faith and drew pictures of seeds and trees and primary tactics on my planner to help her understand better. The Spirit was the KEY in that lesson. Sister Rafisura and I talked about it after as we walked how much she is changing. I literally can see it. It's a tangible feeling that I LOVE. She's becoming more confident in us and we're feeling the trust start to come for her to really open up to us about her feelings. I can't even express how much I love her and LOVE seeing the SPIRIT work on people. I could have had 4 bad days in a row and that experience would make it all worth it. I'm a missionary for Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. If I am faithful and obedient, I will be His servant with the Spirit. My calling is greater than anything I could ever do, or be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week, I can't explain it. I just feel a big change that's coming over me in so many ways that I have been praying for for so long now and I feel so grateful to Heavenly Father. I feel Him helping me change…the changes that I need to make to fulfill my purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As far as the ward goes, we have a new bishop here who really needs our help. We're still building trust with members. I can feel their trust in me that they didn't have before with the past sisters here. I feel a big responsibility to share the love that I've been born with, with these members. Heavenly Father needed me here for the one thing I'm good for that I think I possess: Charity. I think that’s why Heavenly Father wants me here. This week was good, everything is still new. It's a big area so I'm literally exhausted every day just walking and teaching. But the work is progressing. I love building up the kingdom here in this ward. I love them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We contacted a referral from the office who lived in the FURTHEST barangay in the entire area. She rejected us, but I felt the Lord was satisfied with my effort in all our walking and asking people if they knew her. It taught me obedience. The Lord wants us to be happy, and we will be if we are obedient to him. I know that If we obey him, we will be blessed in all things temporal and spiritual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How grateful I am to be a missionary of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I don't want to LEAVE! Work, work, work--that is the secret, The San Pablo Mission is the best! :) wala ng iba! I love you all so much, and thanks for everything. Literally I couldn't do this without you. You're the BEST. I hope you have a great week. :) LOVE YOU SO MUCH! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-34214238825488631862014-09-08T17:00:00.000-07:002014-09-08T17:00:04.689-07:00Week 48<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sorry about my
email last week, I feel like I didn't share any details with you. I felt so bad
all week! SO. Like I said... this area is SO HUGE. Every day we take tricycles
everywhere because everyone lives so far away. It's a nice little city. The
road to our chapel reminds me of older parts of Provo or Salt Lake City,
because they have these beautiful big trees lining the big streets. I'm
not so sure how we're going to find everyone that we need to find in this big
area! So far, I'm loving it, though. It's wonderful :) It's been really rainy,
but the nice thing is that the water is cleaner and it doesn't flood in Quezon
:) yay! That's nice, isn't it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">The SKATE is the
best thing ever.... And they have a little lever on the side in the back so the
driver just pushes it to move it forward with the motor. They don't connect to
each other, but it's so funny because when one is coming from the other
direction they literally TAKE IT OFF of the rails and set it to the side while
we come through, hahah! Funny huh? We ride it a lot because we are teaching a
lot of people in this barangay called Malabanban Sur. I love the Skate!
I want to ride it all day long :) It's like a little ride at lagoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">As far as my
companion, Sister Rafisura, I love her a lot! She's SO FUNNY [like me :) haha--just
kidding]. She's a private person, but she expressed to me how grateful she
feels to be learning. She had a rough time this past 3 months, so I'm really
excited to be helping her. I can see her confidence growing. When I came to the
area, I realized how much work there is to be done here. Right now we're trying
to find new investigators through member referrals, because the current
investigators are not progressing at all. It's a bit of a stress, but I'm ready
and willing to work and find and do all the Lord wants me to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So my house mates
are great, too. Sister Martinez (from my batch from the MTC) and Sister
Kelleher (from Australia). I love them both so much! And
I love being with them. I can feel the unity and love that is so comforting as
we all try to do our work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So, This week: We
had a wonderful fast and testimony meeting. I was fasting this week for my
mission and for my family. Also to know what some ideas for my after mission
life. I really loved the main theme of the meeting which was 'When you
understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will be changed forever.' I loved
the spirit of the meeting as I sat and pondered on the gospel in my life and
how I can improve and change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">We had a LIFE
CHANGING mission tour this week in San Pablo with Elder Bowen from the 70. He
is AMAZING. His main theme to us as missionaries was "Remembering who you
are" and then, "when you know who you are, you will act
differently." He spoke on different
topics such as: The Abrahamic Covenant, the baptismal covenant, the house of Israel,
and the covenant of the priesthood. Suddenly in that meeting everything just
all made sense about each of those covenants and how they are all
connected. I loved it so much. I'm a sucker for talking about divine
nature. I think that's why I love President Uchtdorf so much- he always reminds
us of who we are. ANYWAYS literally I walked out of the church building feeling
like a different person. I think that will always be a memorable experience for
me. Because when you know who you are, you really do act differently. Something
I learned this week: We don't realize how much power God has given to us
through Priesthood and Agency. Agency helps us to choose either right or wrong,
and learn and become like God. We can use our agency to ASK God for help, or
rely on our own wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">The Ward here is
so kind. I've been so grateful for the help of the members. We just need to
help them help us to find new investigators.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Overall, things are
pretty good. I'm sorry there's not much to report on the success of
investigators. We're workin on it! :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I have to admit,
I'm a bit jealous of the weather that is coming your way... I love the Fall
time of year. But I know when I return, we can all enjoy the cold together while
I reminisce on the hot weather here! Time is going by fast. I can't believe
it's almost time for Conference again... and then we have Thanksgiving and Christmas
and New Years, ...and then Sister Seastrand is home! Wow... I don't know how to
even feel about time anymore. Mom, I like what you shared with me about
the experiences and trials that your RS sister shared as she accepted the
Gospel and became a new member... Don't feel like you don't have it as hard as
her though. We all have our own trials that are tailored for us. I have a
strong testimony of that. :) And trust me, just because you were born into
the gospel doesn't mean you don't deserve the blessings, it just means that you
have an opportunity to lift those to that same level of blessings that we enjoy
because of being born of the covenant. :)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Anyways, all is
well here in Candelaria. I love my mission and I love my Savior and Heavenly
Father. I know I'm here for a reason. "Gird up your loins fresh courage
take, our God will never us forsake and soon we'll have this tale to tell, all
is well, all is well." Read one of
my fav scriptures ever in the BOM in Hel 3 verses 33-35. It's about the Nephites
in their afflictions and what they did to overcome their trials. Please ponder
it . :) I promise you will love it like I do. I love you all. Thanks for
everything. Thank you for your testimonies. It strengthens and helps me. Good
luck at school and work and let me know about the family and the block! LOVE
YOU! Talk to you next week! :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-9801134048788042792014-09-01T11:07:00.002-07:002014-09-01T14:14:44.005-07:00Week 47<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zrLQgZQCAVjEbl7U08txU-uFP12J1XulPYn7FHizBllFuU1tbMWHXuIRMClJGY123utltaEK88t7FoUBMKjs_ncJYk1qPYca7IQ2ivj5s20hMm_u98MWSUWTCKFnshF7zpWTICqlo5d6/s1600/skate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zrLQgZQCAVjEbl7U08txU-uFP12J1XulPYn7FHizBllFuU1tbMWHXuIRMClJGY123utltaEK88t7FoUBMKjs_ncJYk1qPYca7IQ2ivj5s20hMm_u98MWSUWTCKFnshF7zpWTICqlo5d6/s1600/skate.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of a 'Skate'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Drum roll please...I'm now in my 3rd area, Candelaria 1a. :)
I'm not sure why I'm always in the areas with a "1a" on the end. So,
this area is HUGE. Literally it's overwhelming. It's also one of the harder
areas in the mission I've heard. But I LOVE IT. It's the bomb. It's like Vernal
and St. George, mixed. They have a petrol station and they have this thing
called a "skate" which is like a little mini train that looks like a
house on wheels. It's so fast and fun. It takes us into town and out of town. I
LOVE IT. My new companion is Sister Rafisura :) Filipina, from the same
place as Sister Dadivas. 28 years old. She is super cute. Basically
I'm her follow-up trainer. I love it...It's taking me back to my training days with Sister Ricketts. SPEAKING OF WHICH...I
am now in the same zone as her!!!! :) I'm so happy. ALSO Sister Pruden is
in this area... Remember Megan? yeah cool, huh?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our apartment is a house. The washing room for our clothes is in
our CR but it's super big. Its got marble and stuff. It's a little old, but
it's not bad. It has a tiny front yard. It's cute :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8gVUb6KjKXhoETuU5VtPf27b3kxVbuvWHZ_IIWvVlPaewJPZTMPxjLKld7I-yD8u5HXeCgcI8Ba5ZpsUoM7wNiUmUNlnqYHTKXglnccNLmHdaBhyF1ZGJ5FphjqWArv-Ks5Wxwnunsi0/s1600/zone+pday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8gVUb6KjKXhoETuU5VtPf27b3kxVbuvWHZ_IIWvVlPaewJPZTMPxjLKld7I-yD8u5HXeCgcI8Ba5ZpsUoM7wNiUmUNlnqYHTKXglnccNLmHdaBhyF1ZGJ5FphjqWArv-Ks5Wxwnunsi0/s1600/zone+pday.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone P-Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So this week: We had a little FHE with some of the members and our
ward mission leader and Alex. This gave us a chance to say goodbye to Alex (our
newest member--last week's baptism). We all played some games and such and took
pictures. It was nice. I told him to facebook me after the mission. I know he
will continue on doing great things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anyways, not much happened, other than getting settled in the new
area. This week has been a tiring one, but I'm glad to finally be here. We took
a nice big bus to our area. Of course, it POURED rain like it does every
transfer day. I bore my testimony in straight tagalog in church. The ward is
huge here and SO NICE. I love it so much. I'm already so excited to work in
this area. I'm excited to be with my new companion. She's great. And this ward
is a great ward. It's like little tender mercies everywhere! I love it. I'm so
grateful to be a missionary. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anyways... not much to report other than that. :) Sorry this is so short! I will write
more next week. I'm glad to be with Sister Rafisura in my new area. It's going to be a great time :) Have a good
week!! LOVE YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-91674257330616872252014-08-25T15:58:00.002-07:002014-09-01T14:03:02.314-07:00Week 46<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week has been
great. It sounds good that you're all back in to school and schedules and
everything. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you SO MUCH for
the advice about school and 'life' things for me. I felt very peaceful when
reading what you said, Mom, and I agree that I can worry about those things
when I get home. I need your advice all the time. Thank you for taking the time
to write that to me...here's what's in my mind:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I guess I had a moment of stressing out about 'life after mission', but
I realize that I only have 6 months left here in my mission. I NEED to give it
my best every day. I'm not perfect, but I want to serve with all my heart,
might, mind, and strength - no matter what. As far as school, I really don't
have any feelings about where to go and I'm definitely needing to find a job
after to save money. I know I will need that time to come down from my
spiritual high. I'm expecting to experience some after-mission blues, because I
love my mission and what I'm learning here. I don't want to leave! Anyways: I
think so far my plan right now is to live at home with my two wonderful parents
for a couple months, figure out a car and a job. That's all and that feels
better. :) </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Enough about those things, I had
a blessing that told me I will be able to receive revelation for myself. So I'm
doing alright.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">:) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">About Willmar, we visited
him this last week and got to talk to him about what happened. He is so sad,
but he told us he will never forget what we taught him and we challenged him to
continue reading the Book of Mormon. He's so great! Even though I'm sad, I know
that it's not his time. Someday, he will be baptized and confirmed a
member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I know it. :)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqPsm15U7orVzgNEeOgAvJBaESpyIRgfX8QYnfvYaUiXWzSQxtB5rf3gwO2QXxT3CgaH-KXNo8a1F7DTrT9zQRqyMda6p8IPFGQ7yqBQxBBiod0KrLb7T3AXrFznhKbmczXzTZGOzYx3d/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqPsm15U7orVzgNEeOgAvJBaESpyIRgfX8QYnfvYaUiXWzSQxtB5rf3gwO2QXxT3CgaH-KXNo8a1F7DTrT9zQRqyMda6p8IPFGQ7yqBQxBBiod0KrLb7T3AXrFznhKbmczXzTZGOzYx3d/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Saturday we had a
baptism! Alexander! YAY!!!! :) He is 19 years old. And he's definitely
why I've been in this area for 6 months. He had a wonderful service and I'm so
grateful for him and his strong desire to serve God and Jesus Christ.
Next Sunday he will be ordained in the Aaronic Priesthood! He is
wonderful. I think he will serve a mission, too. I wish I could come back when
he goes in the temple. That would be cool to see. Anyways...Great
experience this week :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had the chance to have
exchanges with Sister Burt on Friday before our baptism (my companion from the
MTC). It was SO great!! It's so fun to see our growth as missionaries, and to
talk about life, our missions, and reminisce about the MTC. We both have
changed and grown a lot. I got to tell her about some of my spiritual
experiences here in my mission, and she got to help me in my teaching. She's awesome! I love her a lot :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyvIGl89VTC_XTphShZ481yEyQIOHfOxFgCzyGhs78uz0dVS4g8mAerNDnrqwOCscw8D9-1isgK1oRozOxnq2oV7n7Fbw7u22oFazOxDkun_8qLkeXtTiYkwTSz2Q1kkL0vlZ7uv9ANNp/s1600/santa+cruz+sisters+exchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyvIGl89VTC_XTphShZ481yEyQIOHfOxFgCzyGhs78uz0dVS4g8mAerNDnrqwOCscw8D9-1isgK1oRozOxnq2oV7n7Fbw7u22oFazOxDkun_8qLkeXtTiYkwTSz2Q1kkL0vlZ7uv9ANNp/s1600/santa+cruz+sisters+exchange.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exchanges with Sister Burt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">OKAY so big news: It's
transfer week this week.... AH! I know I'm transferred... mostly because I've
been here 6 months. It feels weird, but at the same time I know it's time
to move on. I have to admit I'm a little bit tired in this area. It's been
a difficult one as far as Member Missionary Work. BUT how can I forget the
feelings I had first coming here, feeling the weight of being a trainer being
lifted off my shoulders. Or meeting Willmar, my spirit friend from the
pre-existence? Or coming at the time of Alex's time to enter the covenant of
baptism? Or loving the sunsets and rain, my apartment, my companions. There's
been some really hard times here and some really spiritual experiences. As
I sat at my study desk last night, I just reminisced about this area. The
feeling of joy just swept over me and I remembered all the sweet experiences I
have had here, and all the times Heavenly Father has shown mercy to me and
given me things I really needed and prayed and fasted for. I will always love
Santa Cruz, 1a :) BUT it's onto new things, new experiences, and more
growing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By the way, my camera's
been acting up lately. I'm getting a little nervous because I need to take
pictures!!! I will update you on that next week what I will do. I think my
memory card has a virus but I'm not sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That's been my week!
It's been a nice one. Thank you so much for your support. Thank you so much!!!
Have a great week at school and work, waking up early, and just remember that
your daughter/sister/grand daughter all the way in the Philippines loves you
all so much. :) I'm happy and I'm doing fine. :) Talk to you next week!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-79536060991913394162014-08-18T21:07:00.000-07:002014-09-01T14:04:58.142-07:00Week 45<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">One year now! :) Wow! I made it that far. But I have 6 months more
to run. I have so much to be grateful for and much more for me to do and
become. I love my time here... I think I will be transferred soon. I can feel
it coming up. I feel like it's time. So a couple more weeks and I will probably
be in a new area. I'm not sure what will happen to me but I have faith that the
Lord has a plan for me here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Our 5 days of isolation was honestly a great break, and so needed.
But at the same time, it did affect us getting back to the work. We felt a
little weird at church because we felt like we missed out on a lot that
happened--even tho we hadn't really missed anything. We're just not used to
that kind of down time. Anyways, it's great to be back into the normal
schedule. I know exactly what you mean with what you said about the
blessings...We're blessed when we don't even know we are. I guess I must be
philosophical, too, then. Another thing I always wonder is if I will miss out
on blessings I could have received. But the thing is, the only way for that to
happen is if we are not obedient to the commandments of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">THE VAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOO!! </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Just kidding. </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">My parents got rid of the family van! It's OK--- I'm glad if it can bless another family! :) I am like dad, very sentimental.
There are a lot of memories in that car. I'll miss the air con, and the nice CD
player -- I used that a lot. Also the many trips and such we had in it. Lots of
good memories. But I will mostly never forget driving it to all my jobs
hahaha....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I'm glad the temple was a nice experience. I miss it a lot. One
thing I'm looking forward to is going with you and dad when I get home. That
will be a nice thing for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So now that I am one year in the mission, I've been feeling a
little bit anxious about my plan after. I am still focused here and want to be
as focused as I can and give it my all till the end, but I also want to start
making a plan for myself. I've heard of some sister missionaries in my mission
doing that when they hit their one year, they start making plans, and I got
thinking that I would need to be applying for school in the next few months if
I want to be ready? I'm not sure... honestly, I feel the time is not yet for me
to worry, but I have to admit lately I am starting to feel the need to worry a
little bit more than I had before about myself after my mission... I am so glad
you and dad will be there to help me and adjust because I know I will have a
hard time... I can feel it. Anyways, it's just been on my mind. I really have
no idea what to do, but I have faith in the Lord that if I am faithful in
giving my all, He will help me in the next part of the plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">SO... this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">We taught Primary!!! It was so fun :) I loved it. We taught the 4-7
year olds. Their cute little faces watching me speak tagalog to them was so
great. We taught "I can be Kind to Others" and had them sing and
write on paper. I loved it!!! It was great to teach such a simple lesson on
kindness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;">Speaking of that.... We have some new investigators: the Jose
family! It's so great to teach and ENTIRE family. Ah that's the best, since our
message is about </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;">families</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"> being together forever. I would love a completed family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">News on our great friend and investigator: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">His girlfriend doesn't want us to come back to teach him. She kept
making loud noise during our lesson, and trying to distract us. She thinks it's
a waste of time, and on our way out the door she says, "Don't come back
here anymore. I don't like it." In a very, very raised voice... Sister
Dadivas, me, and a relief society counselor are standing there stiff... we
literally don't know what to say and we literally can't move. We don't say
anything, and just leave. As I turn to close the door behind me, she takes it
and slams it shut. TALK ABOUT REJECTION! Honestly, I'm super sad. I can't
express how much I really grew to love this great person and how strongly I felt the
spirit in every lesson, how happy I was to see him every Saturday and Sunday,
and the possibility of reactivation with his girlfriend. :( wah. I'm so sad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Along with that sad experience, we had a trying experience with Alex. He's been having some trials in preparation for his baptism and a thought
came to me yesterday at a scripture, one of my favorites from my mission: Helaman
5:12. I remember one lesson I felt the prompting very strongly to share
this scripture. At first it was a little weird because it wasn't really on
topic at all, but I felt the spirit and followed it. Since that first
lesson, I've shared it in a couple other lessons just to remind him of it and
all of a sudden it all made sense to me. The Lord had me share that because He
KNEW the trials that Alex would be facing in preparation for his baptism. The
trials he is experiencing are very difficult. But I have a feeling that he will
reflect on those words in Helaman 5:12.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">LESSON?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Follow the spirit, especially when you feel it strongly even if
you feel nervous to share it. One of my favorite quotes by President Thomas S.
Monson says, "I always want the Lord to know that if He ever needs and
errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him." I love that!!! I
reflect on that a lot lately and think to myself, how can I do what President
Monson does and be an 'errand runner' for the Lord. I know that I've had experiences
in doing so here in my mission, and I'm thankful for those chances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">As I reflect on my year here in the Philippines, as a missionary,
I am grateful for all the challenges and trials I have faced. Things I never
thought I could overcome, I am overcoming, and the person I never thought I
could be is becoming part of me. I know the Atonement is real for everything. I
feel the Lord's love for me in the smallest of things that happen every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Anyways, there's always so much to say and tell. There's always so
much I am feeling and I'm hard to writing in my feelings sometimes...... did I
really just say 'hard to writing'?!!!!!!!!!! I am FORGETTING ENGLISH! haha What
I meant: I am not a very good writer. Sheesh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I love you all so much. I'm sure it's hard to get back into work
and school, trust me I know how that feels! Just do your best and the blessings
are already there. Thanks for all your support in everything. I couldn't do it
without you. Heavenly Father knows me and has given me little tender mercies in
my day. Even though it's hard I am receiving so many things and little bits of
help. I know Heavenly Father is watching me all the time. Have a great week,
and let me know about the start of school! :) You can do it!!!!!! Love you. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-39760907547149652582014-08-11T23:10:00.000-07:002014-08-18T21:14:50.822-07:00Week 44 - Quarantined!<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HELLO! Sorry I wasn't able to email you this last week. Here's what happened:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Monday, my housemate Sister Cortes started to get these weird rashes/boils on her body and kept asking us what it was. Of course we have no idea, even after looking at our missionary health booklet. Finally on Saturday she went to the doctor and he told her it was chicken pox for the second time! She then called Sister Mangum. Sister Mangum called the mission doctor and then she called us while we’re out proselyting and informed us that we needed to go home immediately and stay in our apartment, that we weren't able to leave for 5 DAYS because we had become exposed to Sister Cortes. Since chicken pox is an airborne sickness, we had to be quarantined for those 5 days. Sister Cortes and Sister Aquino stayed at the mission home quarantined, as well. Filipinos are really scared of this illness because a lot of them have died from it--they can't afford to have vaccines for it. :( </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WHAT THE HECK! haha... it was so weird! So no Church on Sunday or P-day on Monday. She told us we could hurry and buy enough food to last us for five days and then just go home. So Sister Dadivas and I went to the market and stayed put for 5 DAYS in our HOUSE! It was really rough at first, but I am so grateful for the time I had! I think Heavenly Father really answers my prayers because I had been praying for a chance to just rest a little after lunch or something because I was tired...I also had fasted that Sunday to continue to be the missionary Heavenly Father needs me to be and even though being at my one year mark, to work harder and be better. And then He answered my prayers a week later by giving me 5 days to rest. Haha! But the sweet thing is he answered my prayers again by giving me to burning desire to be his servant that I maybe had lost for awhile. How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father for that answer I received only one day after I had fasted for it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lesson learned:</b> Watch out for what you think you need/want cause Heavenly Father just might give it to you and teach you a lesson/chastening and then give you another blessing to let you know he still loves you! haha especially having a chance to see maybe what my life will be like when I come home... BORING! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I got to study PMG and the Bible and the Book of Mormon and watch church videos... So that's my week. :) It was kind of rough not being able to teach though, especially because we have Alex our investigator preparing for baptism and we needed to move his date since we couldn't finish his lessons in time... At first I felt a little frustrated at this but that quickly went away and I felt so grateful for the time I had to study and wash my clothes and study again. Sister Mangum is so sweet and kept texting us everyday and called us a few times to see if we were doing alright, or still alive at least, haha. She's the best. We were able to go back out to work again this last Friday. That was a bit rough too because we had missed out on the labors in the vineyard for a whole week... That Friday when we rode our tricycle to our first appointment I was reminded of that feeling was like when I was a brand new missionary again, just arrived in the Philippines, and didn't know anything! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Marsha came to church this Sunday!! YAY!! Finally after like a month of invites she came. And when we went to go get her, we walked all the way to church through the busy market. I just loved it. I was so glad that she came and loved her first experience at church! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than that, that's been my life for the past while. It sounds like the family is doing well! Especially a BIG thanks to the grandparents. I know that I don't always write them but I will write a letter this week and send it in the post next Monday. Tell them thank you so much for thinking and praying for me. I can feel them. :) I'm glad you’re all getting back into school and things. I'm a lot like you, Mom - I love schedule! But I don’t miss school one bit! Anyways, I'm happy and healthy and still alive don't worry! I'm so glad to be here and love being on the Lord's errand. I am so glad I've been a missionary for one year this Thursday!! Yay! I will let you know how that day goes next week. I'm super excited for it. :) But I’m even more excited to be a missionary for 6 more months. I want to do my best and give it my all. I'm grateful for Heavenly Father and his mindfulness of me. I know he knows me and loves me. I love my trials. I love learning to be patient. There's a great quote that I read this last week that says: "Consecrated sacrifice is the only sacrifice in which there is a victory." I really love it. I love it so much I put it on my study wall. That’s my scripture for you! Anyways, it's good to hear summer is over and starting back into school. I love you all so much!!! Have a great week again :) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKqCLDjl6ZgjFjXH3JWAzRq7nbVayrGLtASbClF6lki0vCV8qO0zrB8fi4nUVCW81LzxxHUdBa9cNcasaZ19dMpv0yBLo7wakgdXwPT-Rr8ASOh09PasjEPvZTZ8vYjVxuygLV8BQwOkz/s1600/StaCruz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKqCLDjl6ZgjFjXH3JWAzRq7nbVayrGLtASbClF6lki0vCV8qO0zrB8fi4nUVCW81LzxxHUdBa9cNcasaZ19dMpv0yBLo7wakgdXwPT-Rr8ASOh09PasjEPvZTZ8vYjVxuygLV8BQwOkz/s1600/StaCruz.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Santa Cruz Zone - Best Zone Ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-63955524938158090512014-07-28T17:49:00.000-07:002014-07-29T17:56:14.908-07:00Week 42<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Things are moving along with the clean up from the typhoon. Unfortunately,
this email will be short because not that much happened. It's been kind of a
different/weird week with investigators and such with members being busy
cleaning up their houses-- some still don't have electricity. Quite a long
after-effect with the typhoon! It's been a slow teaching week because we didn't
feel it was that appropriate to teach them, especially since they had no roof (or
even a house!), so a lot of missed lessons, but hey! It's all part of the life
in the Philippines. We haven't actually done any service because people refuse
our help! I definitely think it would be nice to have pictures to remember this
experience, but like I said, it just feels wrong to take photos of someone
else's sadness. I will just always have the images in my mind.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So guess what? Sister Burt, my MTC companion is my Sister Training
Leader now! It's so great :) Also, other big news.... Sister Ricketts is a
trainer!!! AH! I'm so happy for her. She's so great :) I love her!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Hey, Bryan!!!!!!!!!!!! Maligayang Kaarawan. :) (Happy birthday in
tagalog of course.) So sounds like your week was fun! :) I'm glad cause you
deserved it! You're a wonderful person. I just wanted to tell you that I love
you so much and am so grateful for your example to me. I always tell you this,
but I mean it: You've been a BIG help to me here in the field. You will never
know how much your example and emails to me have lifted me in times of need. :)
And Jaegar's birthday!! What a cutie. Congratulations on receiving the
Priesthood! <br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I also have to agree with you about our pioneer heritage, and about Grandma Ada and Grandpa Glenn. I
know for a fact they are with me because it tells me in my Patriarchal blessing
that the ancestors know me! Even though I don't know many of them, I bet these
ancestors are with me here to comfort me. I'm grateful to be part of that
heritage. It's a legacy that we need to carry on! They were strong, but we can
be just like them, and never forget them. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">So our investigator didn't come to church this week.... We didn't get a
chance to teach him :( which is so sad... I wish we could have been able to
teach him because I know that he is really wanting to change. I'm just hoping
that his girlfriend won't stop him! He is really prepared. I hope he comes to
church this week again. Other than that, we've just been focusing on teaching
members. We have some other investigators that aren't progressing, and I'm
realizing how badly we need referrals. We've been struggling in that area of
our goals. I'm hoping that we can get some this transfer. Sometimes it's really
hard for the members to refer their friends. I don't know why because the
message is so much more important than what people think! I just really love Filipino kids. They're SO
CUTE. I love speaking tagalog to them. It's fun :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">This week has been a different one with my companion. She's been
feeling a little homesick from her last area, which has made things a bit off
between us. I've been a little sick (Mom, don't worry :) ) so we haven't worked
as much. Just tired and no energy. But I'm getting back up there! I've learned
a lot of things about myself. One, I've learned about my weaknesses; and Two,
I've learned that it's OK to be honest with yourself about your weaknesses, and
to accept and move on from them. I know that none of us are perfect. And I know
that Heavenly Father is the only one that can help us with our weaknesses. I know that I have a lot of changing to do in
myself to become better. There's always more to give. And I know that if I do
my part, Heavenly Father will help me and make up the difference for my work
here. And I'm glad to still be here in this area. I'm not sure why, but
hopefully Heavenly Father will help me know why. I sometimes feel that I'm not
doing anything to help, but I know that at least I can plant seeds and do my
best as I teach, study, and everything, Because I know who I am serving. And
that helps me to keep going. All I can say is that I'm doing well and happy to
be a missionary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I love you all!!! Have a great week! :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">xoxo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Sister Seastrand</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-39213572905670589652014-07-21T17:10:00.001-07:002014-07-21T18:33:19.736-07:00Week 41 - Typhoon Glenda!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(253, 253, 253); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Typhoon season is coming for sure. For the next 6 months. Beginning this week with Typhoon Glenda. It was really scary, actually... scarier for me than
Typhoon Yolanda. Santa Cruz, my area was hit the worst is what we heard from
the other missionaries. The wind was over 115 miles per hour, and all four of
us took out the windows in the other sister's room because the pressure of the
wind was so strong; strong enough to break out these windows. And we wouldn't
want to have shattered glass come speeding toward us! Then we moved their bunk
bed to the window to help the pressure. We got our 72 hour kits and slept
all of us in Sister Dadivas and my little room and sang some hymns by candlelight,
but couldn't even hear anything accept the wind and rain. The storm started at
about 11 pm. Of course we had early curfew because we were Signal 2 (which
means you need to stay inside). So Sister Dadivas and I taught one lesson and got
home at 6 pm. We couldn't sleep at all that night since the storm went until
the early morning. We finally fell asleep around 5 am, and the storm was
over. We enjoyed the silence of the storm being over. We all woke up at about
10 am. It definitely was a rough night for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">We looked out the windows and saw the damage... we quickly ate
some rice and then went out to visit the members and investigators to see if
they were hurt or anything. NOTHING could explain the feeling of humility I
felt as I rode the tricycle, looking at the damaged town. The roofs on houses
were gone, houses were completely fallen over, poles were in streets and in
some houses, and the worst, the "budget lane" sign had fallen on our
church roof. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">In spite of everything I saw, the greatest thing I saw: people
were up on their roof trying to fix up their tiny little bamboo house. Most of
their things were just gone, but still trying to fix up what they had. I've
never seen a stronger people than these ever in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">This past week has been a rough one... some of the people had to evacuate
because the storm became a Signal 4 storm which means EVACUATE NOW! After we
visited the members and checked up on our investigators, we had no electricity.
So for the past week I've washed my clothes on my kitchen floor with candles,
planned by candlelight, and sweated more than I ever have in my life because
it's so hot. I've learned to do many things in the dark..haha!... You should
try it sometime! It's been a learning experience. When we got our electricity
back, I felt like a rich girl on Christmas. :) I ran upstairs and said,
"Sisters! wake up! We have electricity!!!!" (this was like 6:15
am because I woke up early to take a bucket shower since our water is low) Let's
just say I've not really slept that well this week. We also have had an earlier
curfew because there's no street lights so of course it's not very safe to
walk. But we have flashlights. :) There's
a projected time line of no electricity for one month. We just barely got our
electricity on our street, but not everyone has electricity yet. We spent all
day today looking to see if there was a cafe shop with internet and we finally
found one! I'm so lucky to be able to communicate to you guys right now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">In spite of my trials this week, I know we are so much more
blessed than our investigators and other people trying to salvage their homes.
I just want to cry because of the level of humility I've been brought down to.
And yet on Sunday, people still came to Church. WE ARE SO BLESSED. Never waste
ANYTHING!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I'm happy to say I'm still here in Santa Cruz! :) YAY! Which means
still working with Willmar, and Alex. The two highlights in my mission! Willmar
came to church AGAIN with Jennifer and their little son.. I love Willmar so
much. This week we taught him again the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the lesson
when it was my turn to teach, I just asked him this question: "Willmar,
how does it make you feel to know that you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven
unless you are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? What do you think about
that?" His response: "Well, then I better just do it." I loved
that so much. I'm not sure if I will be here to see him be baptized since he
needs to get married still... but I know he's ready. The Lord has given him to
me because of two reasons A: He is prepared and ready to enter the covenant of
baptism and B: He's our only progressing investigator in this area. Heavenly
Father gave me that as a tender mercy so that I wouldn't be so down and out
about the work here. :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">Anyways... things are good. I'm glad you had all had a good week!
Also, Congrats to Grandpa Seastrand!! WOW! He's the best. The backyard reunion
sounds like it was fun. I miss those activities. Maybe we can do it again in
about 7 months? :) It's quite the life,
the life of a missionary. I love it. I don't want to change it. I like what Jessy
said about not going back to how you were once you get home. It's so true! I
must admit, I love being a missionary. No matter my trials that are in my life,
I love teaching, I love the Philippines, I love Willmar and Alex. I love it
all! Even the 'no water, no electricity, and big typhoons' :) It's a good time
for service. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that it was appropriate to take
pictures of the damage, especially as a foreigner. There is a lot of sadness.
But I will never forget the images I see. I will share them with you when I
come home. I will miss it in 7 months. I can't even believe how fast time is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">I hope you have a great week this week!! Just know I love you all so
much. I'm doing alright :) We will survive and get back to normal. :) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Sister Seastrand</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5808523556041595964.post-83962428090690323842014-07-14T18:32:00.000-07:002014-07-21T18:32:57.465-07:00Week 40<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It's still really hot here.... man. I'm still sweating a lot! There were 2 days where we had no water except at night because the water in the lake is so low. I gotta say, it was really hard...but I survived and bought filtered water to take a bath in.... It was GREAT! :) No pond smell! And then we had no electricity which was hard cause it's the middle of the day, when it's the hottest... but we survived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thursday this week are transfers at the mission home. Who knows... I might be transferred--or not. I've been here quite some time, but I'm not training a new missionary... I will let you know next week what happens! We find out tomorrow morning. They just call you if you are transferred, but if you don't receive a call, then you're safe for another cycle! Talk about stress/anxiety of a lifetime! I hate that part of transfer week. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week my heart was so filled with love because.... WILLMAR CAME TO CHURCH!!!!! :) :) He really was so attentive and he had a fellowshipper there to help him too--brother AJ who is awesome and always works with us. YAY! and the best part? He came with his wife who hasn't been to church in 9 years!!!!!! and their little son!!! I was SO SO happy. I love this family so much. If I am transferred, I will miss them a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sorry... this next experience is jumbled:<br />Things with Willmar are going well. I especially loved what he said to us after our lesson about how he is using his time. He told us, "I give some time to work, family, and Mormons." haha Cute! He's reading in the Book of Mormon and everything. And when we were planning his lesson (since we hadn't taught him in a week since he was sick), I felt SO strongly to teach about the Holy Ghost which was random because we are still not finished teaching about L3 which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ... anyways, we created a wonderful lesson plan. The spirit made my mind so clear and I felt so much peace knowing that this was the lesson he needed to progress on his journey. I think that he is nervous and is doubting a lot. But I told him "Willmar, have faith. Don't doubt. Believe in Jesus Christ and that what we have taught you is true. Everything we have been teaching you is true and your testimony comes from the Book of Mormon... It's not about what you know and don't know as long as you know that the Book of Mormon is true." He got teary eyed and I could feel it well up inside me, too. I hope he continues on his journey. I have faith he will be baptized in his time because I feel the spirit very strongly every time we teach him. And my face lights up with the spirit and I can't help but smile every time we teach him. I know He is prepared by God. I'm so glad to be a part of his life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also, we're trying to help the ward have goals. I came up with something from Preach My Gospel. There's a thing that we have learned here to teach the members "regardless of the outcome in sharing the gospel". Meaning if the friend they share with rejects them, they still need to continue to share it. Filipinos are really nervous of rejection so it's rough to get referrals sometimes. Well the other day I had an idea to teach them "regardless of the situation of the ward" aiming at taking down pride and building unity. This ward has a hard time with having important meetings and things but Sister Dadivas and I are teaching each auxiliary and helping them to set a goal about their respective class. It's awesome. I feel like I am helping the ward and the area. :) I can feel that things will come for this ward in time. Like Bryan said, missionary work as a missionary is IMPOSSIBLE without members working!!! I've learned that SO MUCH here. Man, I will be a better member missionary when I return... I was TERRIBLE! haha. I have learned so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I've been having weird dreams a lot lately where I'm home with my name tag on but not a missionary anymore. I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be here wearing this badge. I want to serve God with all my heart and mind and might and strength. Like you said, Dad, about obedience--that is truly the way to be happy in the mission. I'm not perfect at all, but I don't want to regret anything and I want to give it my best every day. I feel that I am teaching and helping the people we need to, and the ward, too. I'm happy and nervous about transfers coming up but I have faith that whatever happens is Heavenly Father's plan for me. I will let you know what happens with that next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />Anyways.. sorry that this was messy haha... but that was my week! I'm glad everyone is alright. I hope you know I love you all so much. Thank you for letting me have this experience and supporting me! I can't wait to talk to you next week about transfers!! I LOVE YOU!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;">Sister Seastrand</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14509679350404412510noreply@blogger.com0