Dear Family and Friends,
Alright, as you can probably guess the New Years traditions in the Philippines are very different compared to the ones you would have in the United States, much more fireworks, much more preparation, much more noise! For me it was also a huge week because I did some things that put me out of my comfort zone a little bit!
First I had the oppurtunity to help prepare a pig for a Lechon (Filipino barbecue), and yes it was the first time I have ever seen anything slaughtered. Afterwards I decided to "volunteer" and help shave the pig. First, you pour boiling water all over the pig, next, you take a knife (or two in my case) adn shave the hair and black skin off the pig, then, wash, rinse, repeat! It was new, it was weird, but hey if anyone back at home wants to have a barbecue when I get back, I'm the man to call!
Alright, as you can probably guess the New Years traditions in the Philippines are very different compared to the ones you would have in the United States, much more fireworks, much more preparation, much more noise! For me it was also a huge week because I did some things that put me out of my comfort zone a little bit!
First I had the oppurtunity to help prepare a pig for a Lechon (Filipino barbecue), and yes it was the first time I have ever seen anything slaughtered. Afterwards I decided to "volunteer" and help shave the pig. First, you pour boiling water all over the pig, next, you take a knife (or two in my case) adn shave the hair and black skin off the pig, then, wash, rinse, repeat! It was new, it was weird, but hey if anyone back at home wants to have a barbecue when I get back, I'm the man to call!
Second was that I actually made new years resolutions this year! And I have committed myself to doing all of them! Here are just a few:
1- Learn to loves other unconditionally
2- Leave all my areas as my mom would say "better than I found it"
3- Lead by example and respect the agency of others
4- Be able to express my feelings and thoughts in tagalog
5- Teach Simply and powerfully
6- Use all my time wisely
7- Wake up with a smile on my face every morning!
8- Be the man my mom knows I am!
9- Be more patient
10- Develop attributes of a worthy father, husband, and priesthood holder
11- Train a new missionary!!!
12- Find brothers, not just friends, in all of my companions
For all the goals we set at the beginning of each year may we each strive to actually do them. In a study done in the US, 90% of people give up on their new years resolutions by January 14th. Lets change that, be a part of the better 10%, hang on to those goals and just do it! Also as we start this new year, let's start it and end it right! Something I wrote in my journal is:
"Don't just leave;
Embark.
Don't just get there;
Arrive"
-Elder Johnson 2015
Embark into this new year, arrive at the end and prepare to embark again! Let's make goals, lets arrive at those goals! Make this year just 2015, make this year "THE ONLY 2015".
1- Learn to loves other unconditionally
2- Leave all my areas as my mom would say "better than I found it"
3- Lead by example and respect the agency of others
4- Be able to express my feelings and thoughts in tagalog
5- Teach Simply and powerfully
6- Use all my time wisely
7- Wake up with a smile on my face every morning!
8- Be the man my mom knows I am!
9- Be more patient
10- Develop attributes of a worthy father, husband, and priesthood holder
11- Train a new missionary!!!
12- Find brothers, not just friends, in all of my companions
For all the goals we set at the beginning of each year may we each strive to actually do them. In a study done in the US, 90% of people give up on their new years resolutions by January 14th. Lets change that, be a part of the better 10%, hang on to those goals and just do it! Also as we start this new year, let's start it and end it right! Something I wrote in my journal is:
"Don't just leave;
Embark.
Don't just get there;
Arrive"
-Elder Johnson 2015
Embark into this new year, arrive at the end and prepare to embark again! Let's make goals, lets arrive at those goals! Make this year just 2015, make this year "THE ONLY 2015".
I love you all and can't wait to talk to you again,
Elder Trevor Kent Johnson (TWMYK)
Elder Trevor Kent Johnson (TWMYK)