It doesn't feel like it at all... Halloween isn't much here. They celebrate something else called "All Souls Day." As families they go to cemeteries and party and picnic. I'm guessing it'll be hard to teach for the next three days... (Because it starts today and goes until November 2nd, which is the real All Souls Day.)
It seems cool, though. If I wasn't a missionary and didn't have the responsibilities I have, I would love to go with one of the families we teach and participate in the celebrations. Everyone is really superstitious here and there is a strong belief in ghosts. Apparently there is one in our apartment, but if I think about it too much I just sing church songs. Haha...
Anyway... I have 8 minutes. And I'm trying to think of the most important things to say. And it's hard because the internet shop I'm in is sobrang mainit (very very hot). Something I say every week almost, but I have such a strong testimony of... God is aware of us. He sends people our way to lift us or puts people in our path to lift them. We left one lesson that went really sour, but saw miracles shortly after. Church attendance was really disappointing, but then we ran into the security guard, who we haven't even taught yet, and he was going to church at 1 o'clock with the ward. (I'm in the branch that meets at 8 a.m... It makes it really hard for investigators.) And there's this one family who we have met with once and three of the four that we taught came to church. And we were looking for a referral we had received up and down the hills of Antipolo and we met all these wonderful people who tried helping us with directions. And we invited many of them to be taught when we return to that particular area next week. And there were some complications with my first scheduled baptism this Saturday, and we were going to have to move the date, but it's all worked out. His name is Ray and he has a very good heart. I'm so excited for him. I know this gospel blesses God's children. No matter who you are, where you are from, etc. the gospel of Jesus Christ has a place in your life. Or room needs to be made. I find so much hope in Heavenly Father's love and His Son's Atonement for us.
Love you all. Feel free to e-mail (samantha.cope@myldsmail.net).
Samantha, ahem. Sister COpe
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Almost a month
And I love it here so much. I have recovered from my heat stroke and from the slope on the roller coaster. This week was really busy so we didn't get to teach quite as much, but the lessons we taught were definitely guided by the Holy Ghost.
We had this one lesson where the investigator had already been taught about two years ago. Sister Siufanua and I did not know where to go, but some how she opened up about her concerns and we were able to address them. And there's this one woman we've been teaching who's ready for baptism she just has to get married, and we were trying to teach her asawa (it's their word for spouse, but they also use it for those they live with because marriage is so expensive here), too. But he had some negatively influential friends and did his best to avoid us. Miraculously he has since sat in on two lessons, and he asked us a great question about the Book of Mormon in relation to the Bible, and Sister Siu knew exactly what scriptures to share for the moment (the first paragraph of the introduction and 2 Ne. chapter 33). I know the Lord's hand is in the work that we're doing. He's there with us every step of the way. And! This other really miraculous thing that happened was we were getting ready to go to the temple again for temple ground tours with our investigators, and the security guard at our neighborhood gate asked us about our religion and how can he become a member and if he can come to our church. Sister Siu says people who approach her about how to become a member always end up being baptized at some point. It was really cool. So I shared a brief testimony and gave him some pamphlets.
Tad R. Callister (of the Presidency of the Seventy) came and spoke to us at our mission conference this past week. He talked about becoming a consecrated missionary and I feel so motivated to do better. It's hard to keep going sometimes. The work is very draining, but I know that exact obedience brings miracles, and I just have to keep pressing forward--just like what we tell our investigators. We're asking them to change their lives; we have to be willing to do that, too. So I'm trying.
And the importance of members was reaffirmed just because we've had some awesome members come with us to our lessons and they were able to share experiences and testimony that were exactly what our investigators needed to here. It's so amazing how aware of us the Lord is.
I know that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His Son and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the priesthood, or the power of God to act in Christ's name and bind on earth and in heaven. It's so important in following our Savior. I know that if we put God first, He will take care of us. And He is so patient, and many times He'll take care of us even if we do forget Him because He loves us.
I love you all and I hope things in your part of the world are going splendidly. Please write me :) You can even e-mail. I'm just not allowed to e-mail back... but I will write! So now you don't have postage expense as an excuse... Haha.
Mahal ko kayo!
xxxooo
Sister Cope
Pictures of the week:
1. Me on the back of a jeepney! This is posed, but I actually rode on it that evening on the way home from our mission conference. This one Samoan elder that was also riding on the back was teaching me how to properly holler. Haha... It was fun, but not very reverent so I probably won't be doing it again, but I asked my President if we are allowed so we'll see. But apparently I'm the first Sister who has ever done it... I guess it's not typically a girl thing. I need to be more lady-like apparently :)
2. L-R: S. Segovia (my MTC companion's trainer), S. Siufanua (my trainer, or nanay :), Me, S. DeLaMare (the mission president's wife), and S. Biggs (my MTC companion). I also had the happy occasion of seeing all the Elders that were in my district. We were finding out who has tried balut and who still needs to... Ha.
3. A poorly composed picture of these adorable puppies and their mom. They're owned by a family who lives in the same compound as the DeJesus family (see post from two weeks ago, I think).
4. Temple tour with S. Siu, Mary Ann and her baby Joanna, S. Madelo (an awesome member missionary), and me. We go around the temple grounds, and investigators and recent converts get to learn more about what goes on inside and the sacredness and qualifications, etc. It's happy. Mary Ann's really excited about the temple. (By the way... if I look bigger, it's probably because I am. I try to eat only a satisfying amount, and the members always tell me "Kain pa," eat still. Sobrang rice, pero masarap... with the right ulam.)
We had this one lesson where the investigator had already been taught about two years ago. Sister Siufanua and I did not know where to go, but some how she opened up about her concerns and we were able to address them. And there's this one woman we've been teaching who's ready for baptism she just has to get married, and we were trying to teach her asawa (it's their word for spouse, but they also use it for those they live with because marriage is so expensive here), too. But he had some negatively influential friends and did his best to avoid us. Miraculously he has since sat in on two lessons, and he asked us a great question about the Book of Mormon in relation to the Bible, and Sister Siu knew exactly what scriptures to share for the moment (the first paragraph of the introduction and 2 Ne. chapter 33). I know the Lord's hand is in the work that we're doing. He's there with us every step of the way. And! This other really miraculous thing that happened was we were getting ready to go to the temple again for temple ground tours with our investigators, and the security guard at our neighborhood gate asked us about our religion and how can he become a member and if he can come to our church. Sister Siu says people who approach her about how to become a member always end up being baptized at some point. It was really cool. So I shared a brief testimony and gave him some pamphlets.
Tad R. Callister (of the Presidency of the Seventy) came and spoke to us at our mission conference this past week. He talked about becoming a consecrated missionary and I feel so motivated to do better. It's hard to keep going sometimes. The work is very draining, but I know that exact obedience brings miracles, and I just have to keep pressing forward--just like what we tell our investigators. We're asking them to change their lives; we have to be willing to do that, too. So I'm trying.
And the importance of members was reaffirmed just because we've had some awesome members come with us to our lessons and they were able to share experiences and testimony that were exactly what our investigators needed to here. It's so amazing how aware of us the Lord is.
I know that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His Son and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the priesthood, or the power of God to act in Christ's name and bind on earth and in heaven. It's so important in following our Savior. I know that if we put God first, He will take care of us. And He is so patient, and many times He'll take care of us even if we do forget Him because He loves us.
I love you all and I hope things in your part of the world are going splendidly. Please write me :) You can even e-mail. I'm just not allowed to e-mail back... but I will write! So now you don't have postage expense as an excuse... Haha.
Mahal ko kayo!
xxxooo
Sister Cope
Pictures of the week:
1. Me on the back of a jeepney! This is posed, but I actually rode on it that evening on the way home from our mission conference. This one Samoan elder that was also riding on the back was teaching me how to properly holler. Haha... It was fun, but not very reverent so I probably won't be doing it again, but I asked my President if we are allowed so we'll see. But apparently I'm the first Sister who has ever done it... I guess it's not typically a girl thing. I need to be more lady-like apparently :)
2. L-R: S. Segovia (my MTC companion's trainer), S. Siufanua (my trainer, or nanay :), Me, S. DeLaMare (the mission president's wife), and S. Biggs (my MTC companion). I also had the happy occasion of seeing all the Elders that were in my district. We were finding out who has tried balut and who still needs to... Ha.
3. A poorly composed picture of these adorable puppies and their mom. They're owned by a family who lives in the same compound as the DeJesus family (see post from two weeks ago, I think).
4. Temple tour with S. Siu, Mary Ann and her baby Joanna, S. Madelo (an awesome member missionary), and me. We go around the temple grounds, and investigators and recent converts get to learn more about what goes on inside and the sacredness and qualifications, etc. It's happy. Mary Ann's really excited about the temple. (By the way... if I look bigger, it's probably because I am. I try to eat only a satisfying amount, and the members always tell me "Kain pa," eat still. Sobrang rice, pero masarap... with the right ulam.)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
May Sakit Ako :(
So I got sick for the first time since being here. The dry season is starting, and without the rain to cool things down, we are burning up. Sister Siufanua and I walked to a farther area of ours and a little while later I felt like I was going to pass out. She says my lips were purple and I looked really pale. It ended up being a nice opportunity to talk to some people, though. We found a shaded sitting spot and I sat down to drink water. This lady offered me a baby wipe and I struck up a conversation. It started out in Tagalog, but her English was pretty good so... She told me about her family, and I told her where I was from and why I was there. I asked her if she'd like to know more about the Church, but apparently she has a position at the Catholic church she attends. I gave her a pamphlet and our information anyway.
Anyway it's so cool how the Lord leads you to people. We ran into several less actives as we looked for the address of a referral. And we were at the tindahan (a little store) by our house and this young man spoke up and said we was a member, but because of his job he hadn't been active for a while. But he said he wants to serve a mission! And Jeffrey R. Holland is in the Philippines this week and he's speaking to those of age for a mission in our stake. So hopefully he can get off work and go.
Now for a soap box moment... Sister Siufanua and I visited a less active member last night, and she really opens up to us because she has no one else to talk to, and it was just really sad. The people here have so many hardships and if people kept their covenants to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, there wouldn't be as many issues as Sister Siu and I run into everyday. And there's so much offending and people not going to church because of it. Be the member that God expects you to be. Do your home and visiting teaching. I never realized how important it really was until I came out here. And just reach out to everyone. There are people at church who need you and to hear your testimony. So got to church and seek them out. I'm pointing a finger at myself, too. There have been times when I saw someone alone and I was too nervous that I wouldn't have anything to say so I just didn't say anything at all. In Moroni 6 it talks about how church is for the welfare of souls. We need each other to build one another up, otherwise organized religion wouldn't be important. But it is. We support each other in reaching heaven and returning home to Heavenly Father. And if you're not going to church because you've been offended, it's so selfish because there's someone at church who is probably looking for the friend you could be. Don't let others hinder your relationship with God and would-be friends.
Just some things to consider. I know I'm on a mission and it's easy to say this stuff, but it's stuff I've told myself I need to be better about when I return home. I know this Church is true and that we truly do have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I also know that the members aren't perfect, and we all have stuff to work on, but the truth is here. And we have the real priesthood authority--the power of God to act in Christ's name. I'm so grateful to be a part of sharing these glad tidings.
Mahal ko kayo!
Sister Cope
Pictures of the week: 1. My zone crammed into one jeepney. There's also some Elders hanging on to the back. 2. Sister Siufanua and I at the temple. Sobrang maganda :)
Anyway it's so cool how the Lord leads you to people. We ran into several less actives as we looked for the address of a referral. And we were at the tindahan (a little store) by our house and this young man spoke up and said we was a member, but because of his job he hadn't been active for a while. But he said he wants to serve a mission! And Jeffrey R. Holland is in the Philippines this week and he's speaking to those of age for a mission in our stake. So hopefully he can get off work and go.
Now for a soap box moment... Sister Siufanua and I visited a less active member last night, and she really opens up to us because she has no one else to talk to, and it was just really sad. The people here have so many hardships and if people kept their covenants to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, there wouldn't be as many issues as Sister Siu and I run into everyday. And there's so much offending and people not going to church because of it. Be the member that God expects you to be. Do your home and visiting teaching. I never realized how important it really was until I came out here. And just reach out to everyone. There are people at church who need you and to hear your testimony. So got to church and seek them out. I'm pointing a finger at myself, too. There have been times when I saw someone alone and I was too nervous that I wouldn't have anything to say so I just didn't say anything at all. In Moroni 6 it talks about how church is for the welfare of souls. We need each other to build one another up, otherwise organized religion wouldn't be important. But it is. We support each other in reaching heaven and returning home to Heavenly Father. And if you're not going to church because you've been offended, it's so selfish because there's someone at church who is probably looking for the friend you could be. Don't let others hinder your relationship with God and would-be friends.
Just some things to consider. I know I'm on a mission and it's easy to say this stuff, but it's stuff I've told myself I need to be better about when I return home. I know this Church is true and that we truly do have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I also know that the members aren't perfect, and we all have stuff to work on, but the truth is here. And we have the real priesthood authority--the power of God to act in Christ's name. I'm so grateful to be a part of sharing these glad tidings.
Mahal ko kayo!
Sister Cope
Pictures of the week: 1. My zone crammed into one jeepney. There's also some Elders hanging on to the back. 2. Sister Siufanua and I at the temple. Sobrang maganda :)
Friday, October 14, 2011
I haven't gotten sick of rice!
This week has been full of little miracles. I love it here and I have already been so blessed.
So last Monday after I sent my e-mail I had an enjoyable P-day with Sister Siufanua and then we spent the evening at the DeJesus family. They are my favorite. They have stolen my hearts. They're less active and they live close so we visit them pretty often. There are 5 kids and they're just all really special to me. We did a family home evening with them; they provided dinner and we provided the lesson--and treats. I gave them sour warheads (They don't have anything like that here), and I warned them that they weren't going to like it at first. The mom spit hers our right away and all the kids made faces, but they ended up enjoying them. It was funny.
Sister Siufanua and I have focused on Church Attendance this week with our investigators. Last week only one came. We told them this weekend was special (because we watch General Conference a week later), and they could hear the prophet speak and know for themselves whether He is a man of God. We managed to acquire a jeepney to the stake center and we got up early the morning of the Sunday sessions and we just went to one neighborhood and made sure one with a baptismal date was coming. We waited 30 minutes for her to get ready, but in the meantime we found 2 more of our investigators and convinced them to come. So that was really happy. We were late for the jeepney so we fit five women and two babies onto one tricycle--and then the driver. (I'll try and take a picture of one this week.) But it was a cozy ride.
Sister DeJesus came with us on Saturday to the first session and we went out to McDonald's afterward. It was my first time. I prefer the Filipino chain Mang Inasal. Mmm... Masarap.
Anyway one of the greatest blessings this week has been Jenny. She's a Sister we found while tracting, and she told us she was busy. We felt prompted to go back a couple days later, and she told us how she wished she would've asked us to return and that she was so glad we did. We have really interactive lessons with her because she has lots of good question, but we always feel the Spirit as we're with her. She already seems to have a really good relationship with her Heavenly Father. We were teaching her about Joseph Smith, and she wondered, "Well if you believe there was a prophet then, do you believe there's someone on the earth with those same powers now?" And answered excitedly, "Yes! And he's speaking to us this weekend!" And she asked if she could bring her husband and friends and we said "Siyempre!" (That's of course in Tagalog.) Sadly, she was not one of the ones who ended up coming, but I know there must be a good reason. She's had many trials in her life, but she remains strong in her faith.
In summary, I don't think I'll ever come back to the United States. I love the Philippines too much. Jokelang. But for real. And I love the opportunity I have to share the gospel with these people that I've come to love so much already.
I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's Church on earth. I know Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son. I know we are lead and guided by a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. Go check out conference if you don't believe me. (LDS.org) I know Heavenly Father loves us more than we can comprehend and the way back to Him is through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Mahal ko kayo from the bottom of my puso.
Sister Cope
Pictures of the week: 1. Because I know my parents won't believe me unless there is proof: I ate fish right off the bone--and I enjoyed it. I had to pull off the head and everything. Here's my fish kissing another person's fish :)
2. These are the two youngest in the DeJesus family... Gabriel is the one I'm hugging and Eunice is the one with Sister Siufanua. They are so adorable and always so happy to see us. I love them lots and lots.
So last Monday after I sent my e-mail I had an enjoyable P-day with Sister Siufanua and then we spent the evening at the DeJesus family. They are my favorite. They have stolen my hearts. They're less active and they live close so we visit them pretty often. There are 5 kids and they're just all really special to me. We did a family home evening with them; they provided dinner and we provided the lesson--and treats. I gave them sour warheads (They don't have anything like that here), and I warned them that they weren't going to like it at first. The mom spit hers our right away and all the kids made faces, but they ended up enjoying them. It was funny.
Sister Siufanua and I have focused on Church Attendance this week with our investigators. Last week only one came. We told them this weekend was special (because we watch General Conference a week later), and they could hear the prophet speak and know for themselves whether He is a man of God. We managed to acquire a jeepney to the stake center and we got up early the morning of the Sunday sessions and we just went to one neighborhood and made sure one with a baptismal date was coming. We waited 30 minutes for her to get ready, but in the meantime we found 2 more of our investigators and convinced them to come. So that was really happy. We were late for the jeepney so we fit five women and two babies onto one tricycle--and then the driver. (I'll try and take a picture of one this week.) But it was a cozy ride.
Sister DeJesus came with us on Saturday to the first session and we went out to McDonald's afterward. It was my first time. I prefer the Filipino chain Mang Inasal. Mmm... Masarap.
Anyway one of the greatest blessings this week has been Jenny. She's a Sister we found while tracting, and she told us she was busy. We felt prompted to go back a couple days later, and she told us how she wished she would've asked us to return and that she was so glad we did. We have really interactive lessons with her because she has lots of good question, but we always feel the Spirit as we're with her. She already seems to have a really good relationship with her Heavenly Father. We were teaching her about Joseph Smith, and she wondered, "Well if you believe there was a prophet then, do you believe there's someone on the earth with those same powers now?" And answered excitedly, "Yes! And he's speaking to us this weekend!" And she asked if she could bring her husband and friends and we said "Siyempre!" (That's of course in Tagalog.) Sadly, she was not one of the ones who ended up coming, but I know there must be a good reason. She's had many trials in her life, but she remains strong in her faith.
In summary, I don't think I'll ever come back to the United States. I love the Philippines too much. Jokelang. But for real. And I love the opportunity I have to share the gospel with these people that I've come to love so much already.
I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's Church on earth. I know Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son. I know we are lead and guided by a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. Go check out conference if you don't believe me. (LDS.org) I know Heavenly Father loves us more than we can comprehend and the way back to Him is through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Mahal ko kayo from the bottom of my puso.
Sister Cope
Pictures of the week: 1. Because I know my parents won't believe me unless there is proof: I ate fish right off the bone--and I enjoyed it. I had to pull off the head and everything. Here's my fish kissing another person's fish :)
2. These are the two youngest in the DeJesus family... Gabriel is the one I'm hugging and Eunice is the one with Sister Siufanua. They are so adorable and always so happy to see us. I love them lots and lots.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Really in the Philippines)
(Really in the Philippines)
Pamilya at mga kaibigan,
So I'm finally here. It's so hard, but I'm so happy and blessed to be here. I love the people already. My Tagalog is terrible, but their patient and understanding, and my companion translates for me. I've taught a little bit, and I understand a couple words here and there. Some people we've visited say I'll be fluent in a month. Maybe if I pray and work really hard.
My last days in the MTC were bitter sweet. My teachers shared their stories and we took lots of pictures together. Actually my trainer (what they call your first companion in the field) was trained by my teacher Sister Ball! I've been really enthusiastic about the work and working all the time so Sister Siufanua considers me a mini Sister Ball. S. Siu is from Utah, but she's half Samoan. She is very sweet and we get along great. I love her already.
So back to the MTC... for our last meal in the cafeteria one of the Elders snuck in some Martinelli's sparkling cider and we did a lot of cheers. It was happy. Our last Sunday we sang "Army of Helaman in English and Tagalog, and it was pretty awesome. I'm going to miss my district a lot, but thankfully we all flew together.
The long flights weren't too bad until we were landing in Hong Kong. There was a typhoon passing through and the landing was rough. The pilot had to try twice. And the food was really greasy and kind of gross on the plane and five of the twelve I was traveling with threw up. It smelled horrible and I thought I was going to throw up. I was by the window and Elder Herr, who was one of the five, was on my other side. It was funny because I freaked out more than he did and the guy next to him said to calm down and someone else thought it was me who had thrown up. Haha... From Hong Kong to Manila was just fine, though, so happy day.
So the Philippines... is really rainy. Haha. It's not actually too hot, though. Apparently I started off in a cooler area. It's called Antipolo, and I'm in the San Isadora Branch. They are lovely. There are so many members willing to come with us and help us teach lessons. There is so much poverty everywhere, but the people are humble and happy. There is so much loud music all the time everywhere. I've taken a ride on a jeepney and several on tricycles. I feel pretty legit. Ha. I take cold showers everyday and I've done the hose thing (instead of toilet paper) because I had no choice. My companion is going to make me eat balut before she goes home. (This is her last transfer, i.e. six weeks.) Apparently only then can I call myself a true Filippino.
There are stray (and pregnant) dogs everywhere. It's sad, but I've gotten used to is already. I've eaten chicken leeg (neck), and mostly everything is delicious. I ate halo-halo for the first time today. Sobrang masarap. They have fried chicken all the time and that's okay by me. Bananas are sweeter here and so much better. I don't like Plantains I've realized, but other than that I'm not too worried about food. I'm probably jinxing myself, though.
Anyway. Time is up. I miss you all, but I'm so happy to be here. I know this is the Lord's work. There are so many people here who need the gospel of Jesus Christ and I feel so blessed that I have the privilege of sharing it with them.
Mahal ko kayo from the bottom of my puso.
Sister Cope
P.S. Mail is really slow. I'll only get it every two weeks and that is if it has arrived here. But please write anyway. I need your love and support :)
Pictures: 1. My trainer, Sis. Siufanua and I. 2. My district right before catching our bus to the airport.
I'll figure out a way to put more up later, but the internet cafe is slow.
Pamilya at mga kaibigan,
So I'm finally here. It's so hard, but I'm so happy and blessed to be here. I love the people already. My Tagalog is terrible, but their patient and understanding, and my companion translates for me. I've taught a little bit, and I understand a couple words here and there. Some people we've visited say I'll be fluent in a month. Maybe if I pray and work really hard.
My last days in the MTC were bitter sweet. My teachers shared their stories and we took lots of pictures together. Actually my trainer (what they call your first companion in the field) was trained by my teacher Sister Ball! I've been really enthusiastic about the work and working all the time so Sister Siufanua considers me a mini Sister Ball. S. Siu is from Utah, but she's half Samoan. She is very sweet and we get along great. I love her already.
So back to the MTC... for our last meal in the cafeteria one of the Elders snuck in some Martinelli's sparkling cider and we did a lot of cheers. It was happy. Our last Sunday we sang "Army of Helaman in English and Tagalog, and it was pretty awesome. I'm going to miss my district a lot, but thankfully we all flew together.
The long flights weren't too bad until we were landing in Hong Kong. There was a typhoon passing through and the landing was rough. The pilot had to try twice. And the food was really greasy and kind of gross on the plane and five of the twelve I was traveling with threw up. It smelled horrible and I thought I was going to throw up. I was by the window and Elder Herr, who was one of the five, was on my other side. It was funny because I freaked out more than he did and the guy next to him said to calm down and someone else thought it was me who had thrown up. Haha... From Hong Kong to Manila was just fine, though, so happy day.
So the Philippines... is really rainy. Haha. It's not actually too hot, though. Apparently I started off in a cooler area. It's called Antipolo, and I'm in the San Isadora Branch. They are lovely. There are so many members willing to come with us and help us teach lessons. There is so much poverty everywhere, but the people are humble and happy. There is so much loud music all the time everywhere. I've taken a ride on a jeepney and several on tricycles. I feel pretty legit. Ha. I take cold showers everyday and I've done the hose thing (instead of toilet paper) because I had no choice. My companion is going to make me eat balut before she goes home. (This is her last transfer, i.e. six weeks.) Apparently only then can I call myself a true Filippino.
There are stray (and pregnant) dogs everywhere. It's sad, but I've gotten used to is already. I've eaten chicken leeg (neck), and mostly everything is delicious. I ate halo-halo for the first time today. Sobrang masarap. They have fried chicken all the time and that's okay by me. Bananas are sweeter here and so much better. I don't like Plantains I've realized, but other than that I'm not too worried about food. I'm probably jinxing myself, though.
Anyway. Time is up. I miss you all, but I'm so happy to be here. I know this is the Lord's work. There are so many people here who need the gospel of Jesus Christ and I feel so blessed that I have the privilege of sharing it with them.
Mahal ko kayo from the bottom of my puso.
Sister Cope
P.S. Mail is really slow. I'll only get it every two weeks and that is if it has arrived here. But please write anyway. I need your love and support :)
Pictures: 1. My trainer, Sis. Siufanua and I. 2. My district right before catching our bus to the airport.
I'll figure out a way to put more up later, but the internet cafe is slow.
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