Dear Family and Friends,
Well, it missed us again.... Yep another typhoon came and went this week, and I was hoping it would hit us, but alas my wish was in vain, and I'm sure the people here are happy it did. From what I heard from the people here it was a signal 5 (which the biggest they get), so there was a lot of hype around what would happen, in fact it got to the point where our mission president texted everyone and asked that we buy enough food to sustain us for 3 days if got really bad. I will say that it rained hard, really hard, for about 15 minutes (luckily we were inside teaching a lesson, nice and dry), but it wasn't a typhoon.
I also had the chance this week to attend a quad zone conference. Our mission president spoke with many others, but I really like something that President Monahan said "Pride wins arguments, Disciples save souls". He spoke to us about being exactly obedient and how we shouldn't let the fear of what others may say or do get in the way of keeping the rules. This week was my week to start being exactly obedient, not to say I have been disobedient but there was defiantly room for improvement. I tried my best to be on time to studies on the dot, I wore my white shirt while I cooked (luckily no stains, yay!). And you know what happened? We had some of the lowest stats I have ever had. Was I disappointed? Of course. My thoughts were "Why am I being punished if I'm trying my hardest to the right thing?". But another thing my mission president has said is this "casual missionaries baptize casual members". Am I out here for numbers? No. I'm here to save, and save is exactly what I will do. Numbers are important to keep missionaries in check and to observe progress, but what really matters is quality, not quantity. Now this can be applied to someone I know very well. My father. Let me start by saying that when it comes kasipagan (hard working-ness in Tagalog), my father is the hardest working person I know. I have seen him take his work almost everywhere. Do you know why? Because he sees the effects and importance of his work, not just for his clients, but being a provider for his family. His example has pushed me through my mission. He is not concerned not concerned what others think or say about him, but he knows that its more important to do what's right, than to be rewarded. When trails come, he picks himself up, brushes off his shoulders and pushes harder. He has given me a gift far more valuable than anything, a foundation of a good example for me to follow. If I may, I just want my dad to know that I love him, thank you for all you have done, you may not notice, but I do, keep it up Dad, you've done a great job.
All in all this has been a great week, I have learned a lot, and hope to learn more, I love you all! Mahal Ko Kayo Lahat!
Elder Trevor Kent Johnson
Well, it missed us again.... Yep another typhoon came and went this week, and I was hoping it would hit us, but alas my wish was in vain, and I'm sure the people here are happy it did. From what I heard from the people here it was a signal 5 (which the biggest they get), so there was a lot of hype around what would happen, in fact it got to the point where our mission president texted everyone and asked that we buy enough food to sustain us for 3 days if got really bad. I will say that it rained hard, really hard, for about 15 minutes (luckily we were inside teaching a lesson, nice and dry), but it wasn't a typhoon.
I also had the chance this week to attend a quad zone conference. Our mission president spoke with many others, but I really like something that President Monahan said "Pride wins arguments, Disciples save souls". He spoke to us about being exactly obedient and how we shouldn't let the fear of what others may say or do get in the way of keeping the rules. This week was my week to start being exactly obedient, not to say I have been disobedient but there was defiantly room for improvement. I tried my best to be on time to studies on the dot, I wore my white shirt while I cooked (luckily no stains, yay!). And you know what happened? We had some of the lowest stats I have ever had. Was I disappointed? Of course. My thoughts were "Why am I being punished if I'm trying my hardest to the right thing?". But another thing my mission president has said is this "casual missionaries baptize casual members". Am I out here for numbers? No. I'm here to save, and save is exactly what I will do. Numbers are important to keep missionaries in check and to observe progress, but what really matters is quality, not quantity. Now this can be applied to someone I know very well. My father. Let me start by saying that when it comes kasipagan (hard working-ness in Tagalog), my father is the hardest working person I know. I have seen him take his work almost everywhere. Do you know why? Because he sees the effects and importance of his work, not just for his clients, but being a provider for his family. His example has pushed me through my mission. He is not concerned not concerned what others think or say about him, but he knows that its more important to do what's right, than to be rewarded. When trails come, he picks himself up, brushes off his shoulders and pushes harder. He has given me a gift far more valuable than anything, a foundation of a good example for me to follow. If I may, I just want my dad to know that I love him, thank you for all you have done, you may not notice, but I do, keep it up Dad, you've done a great job.
All in all this has been a great week, I have learned a lot, and hope to learn more, I love you all! Mahal Ko Kayo Lahat!
Elder Trevor Kent Johnson