New Area

Well I got transferred. I am in my new area Sagasa It is actually still pretty close to my old area but different District. I'm really going to miss all of the members and investigators there they were just starting to grow and starting have a desire for the message. But I can't wait to get to work here with my new companion Elder Ballesteros Filipino still. And freakin hilarious! Sorry there are no pictures we don't have alot of time to get all our stuff done! 

Ya we got fed alot in my old area. We had what is called an "Amulek" A member who always feeds us! We ate fish there yes and it was pretty good it didn't taste like fish though it was drowned in sweet and sour sauce. I have had alot of adobo and stuff like that classic Filipino food and such. I miss the snow back home alot! mostly because it is cold and not burning hot. We have entered the hot and dry season so I'm burning up!

I love you and miss you all and will send you as many pictures as I can next week! Stay Frosty!

Love 

Elder Rivera

I Finally Ate Something Funky!!!

Elder Bowen and President Lopez
We met Elder Bowen on our Priests trip to Palmyra

Well I did get to meet Elder Bowen he came to our Stake conference, I didn't know it was the same person at Palmyra. Small world, I shook his hand and everything. 

Laura wants to play baseball? That's cool, I wonder why the sudden change in sports? Make sure you teach her the basics of fielding and throwing and batting. 

I am doing pretty well I'm happy, working hard and all the good stuff. I finally had something funky to eat, but it tasted good.  I had chicken intestines.

Chicken Intestines

I can't wait to hear where all the boys are going on their missions it will be exciting! Good luck to mom and her report cards, I know that report card time is the hardest time for a teacher. So hopefully it goes relatively stress free!

Investigators

Having fun at church

Kids love their picture taken

I broke the sink in our apartment. I was rinsing some dishes and when I grabbed the faucet to turn off the water I pulled it out of the wall by accident! Luckily I was able to fix it!

Well I have some news. Last week we were suppose to have our mission president training but then we heard that president Lopez was sick. Well it turns out that he is in America and will most likely not be returning to finish his mission. It's pretty sad.

I love you all and miss you all!

Elder Rivera

Some sad news

Dear Bacolod Missionaries,

On Sunday, President and Sister Lopez returned to the United States so President Lopez can receive urgent medical treatment. It is not anticipated that they will be returning to complete their mission.

We ask that you join with the Area Presidency in prayer and faith on their behalf.

Arrangements are being made for a couple to be in Bacolod to lead the great work you are doing. In the interim, Elder Mower who serves in the mission office will be able to respond to your immediate needs.

Sincerely,

Philippines Area Presidency

I Love Filipinos!!!

Well I'm glad that I don't have to deal with that cold weather for now. I have adjusted to the heat here which means when I get home I'm going to die! That actually made me laugh when you told me about Laura sending a card in to TVO Kids! I'm still laughing! And I'm glad that they still like me there at Tim Horton's! I do miss those guys so much! Brother Nketiah will be absolutely awesome in the Bishopric! But who became the Elder's Quorum President?

I have a pretty sweet story for you guys. So, we were getting out of an appointment and as we were getting out of the house there was this old lady walking by. Now usually I don't start a conversation, but it was almost like I didn't have a choice my mouth just kinda started speaking and I was having an OK conversation with her. I got her name where she lived and stuff and I learned that she was actually baptized in the 70's, and the last time she went to church was in 1982. Now you might not think this is something big. But seriously in that particular part of our area where we were no one walks by who doesn't live there. She was definitely put in our path for a reason, what ever the reason is, I don't know but I want to figure it out and help her anyway I can! I love Filipinos!!!!!

Love Elder Rivera 

In the Middle of a War Zone!!!

New Years here was crazy! It sounded like I was in the middle of a war zone it was worse when the air horn went off. Fireworks here are more like bombs! So much fun though. 

Christmas Lights

I do miss those Waterloo lights! They had so many cool designs! I did take some good pictures of the lights here I'll send them.

Proselyting, one of the many bridges in my Area

My ward is the same still working with them and still trying to build it up as always. Slowly we will build a strong ward here. I talk to my president every week we do it through our missionary portal on-line it is like a personal email to the president only.

Awesome!!!

I miss you guys and hope that everything is going good. Don't worry about me I will always be ok! I love you all

Elder Rivera