Letter #69 (28th Nov, 2012)

Hey all,
This week has been up and down... I've been under the weather the past few days now and been struggling with getting up in the morning with stuffy sinus and a head that feels so heavy, but this morning after my shower it feels like it now may be gone and that I will be heading back to full strength. We've had other struggles this week with trying to get members working with us every day, especially the days when we are visiting female investigators and members. We had to forfeit a few lessons the other day because we had no-one that would work with us, but at least we were obedient, which is the most important thing. We have also had the challenge of turning up to houses and no-one is home, even after setting a time to visit. We don't know if it has anything to do with the upcoming fiesta here in Amlan or maybe Heavenly Father is just testing us this week because we chose to work on our patience as a companionship this week... looks like we chose the wrong CLA... should have picked diligence, hahaha

A bit of bad news. Turns out that Brother J and Sister M can't get married and that the marriage license before is still very valid. So we plan on proceeding with the baptism of Brother J this coming December 8th. We will hopefully be having another one of our investigators be baptized on that date as well, Sister D-A who has embraced the gospel and the church so readily and has been fellowshipped so well by the members.  

We had great success from the district conference with two less-actives returning for the forth week in a row at conference! We were so pleased as well because these two brothers have been struggling to become active, one because of the challenges of the Word of Wisdom in his life and the other because of struggles with Anti-Mormon literature from a baptist minister in Dumaguete. But it seems like both of these brethren have been strengthen in their commitment to continue to come to church each week and we have seen great changes in each of their countenances as they seem to be happier every week.

I am really enjoying this second transfer with Elder Manansala as the second transfer really helps you to see your own weaknesses and the areas you need to improve to help the companionship become stronger. Also the trust we have built with each other has helped us to be open with one another about our struggles and challenges and is allowing us to move forward stronger as a companionship. I learn so much from him everyday especially the things I need to be better at.

The branch here is on fire at the moment and our attendance averages 90-100 every week! We've got good hopes that it will be a strong ward once the district becomes a stake sometime next year (or so the rumor goes, we will be a stake next district conference). We just had district conference by the way. It was great! We had on of the area presidency there, and I realized that I can understand quite a bit of Tagalog (because that's what he spoke at the conference as he can't speak Visaya).

We're going to Cebu this Dec 4th for ZLC and maybe the package will be there then, so i can pick it up. I'll send the pictures to Reilly this week of the baptisms and wedding (well the picture of R and E in their wedding clothes after the wedding).
Love you all,
Elder Taylor Addison Cox