Another week in Cadiz...

So, the Sisters were pulled out of the District. We are now covering the Sister's area, which makes our area tremendously big.  But we are working hard and move forward.

 I have thought about what I'm going to take in University, but I'm not 100% sure. I kinda want to be a Chiropractor, or maybe environmental something, or maybe something to do with the Philippines because I love this country! How was it getting to spend time with the cousins and stuff? How is the school prep?

So my week was okay. We didn't teach as many lessons as we wanted to, but the lessons we did teach were pretty good, really effective. they really listened to us. But, on Saturday it was extremely disappointing. Our baptismal candidate didn't show up because he and his older brother had a fight because his older brother doesn't want him to be baptized in the church. We are going to do everything we can to help him but there isn't a lot we can do in a situation like that.

I've made improvements for sure in the language. All the members say I sound like I'm from Bacolod because of my accent. The funny thing is I have never been assigned in Bacolod. I just apply Preach my Gospel chapter 7 and then the Lord takes care of the rest.

Link to Chapter 7 of Preach my Gospel:
https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/how-can-i-better-learn-my-mission-language?lang=eng

I'm really trying my best out here. I'm not perfect and I'm not the best. But I do what I can to help all those in my area in Cadiz 2nd ward. And in every area I'm assigned in.

Elder Rivera

Crazy Cadiz!!!

Just for fun

So many things have happened this week. For starters my package arrived. Thank you very much! Those pictures of Hungry Hollow, remind me of one part of our area which also reminds me of the forest at the farm in Bancroft full of trees in rows and has a creepy, but peaceful feel to it.

This week we had our mission tour with Elder Bowen. It was really good except the travel was a killer. We had to sleep at an apartment in a different zone. The apartment was so small and there were 14 of us total. Sleep was really hard to come by.

Before the Storm!!!

Another thing that killed our sleep was the Sister Missionaries. So, Saturday night we get a text from the Sisters asking for a priesthood blessing. So we go and give the blessing then head out. As we were leaving both my companion and I felt really bad about leaving. As we were on the tricycle on the way home we both felt that we should go back right away. We then called the Zone leaders to ask for any type of suggestions as to what we should do.  They didn't really know what to do. So we called President. It eventually came down to the point where he told us to stay at their apartment to guard it. So all 4 of us elders from our apartment slept outside their apartment. But they heard something from the upstairs. We went to check it out when I turned on the light at least 3 of us saw a black hooded figure run past the window. It was such a creepy, crazy, but at the same time once in a lifetime, hopefully, experience.

SO ultimately I can use a nap or 2. 

I miss you guys.

Elder Rivera

First week in Cadiz

I love this Ward. But I really miss the Bello family! But I found out that the two investigators we left to be baptized were baptized!  WE had one baptism too in Cadiz and have a lot more planned for the rest of the month!

We actually had a miracle day in this new part of the area we opened. We contacted 13 new people, and 9 new investigators so much fun! This area is not Bukid at all we are partly in the city. there also 4 of us in the apartment every night, is so much fun!

My companion is the District Leader so we had to respond to an emergency at the sisters apartment. They had some one try and enter their house but we got there and checked it out. They are ok now, and they are moving houses after the mission tour.

I miss you all

Love,

Elder Rivera

Surprise Transfer!!!

In response to your comments mom, it's true I had a huge adjustment, I had a lot of humbling experiences.  The Typhoon really didn't hit us this time, but it rained in our area for about 3 days straight NON-stop. We still worked of course and we had to cross a river with a strong current the water was up to our waist we took a video so you'll see what we did!

So ya I got transferred they actually pulled us out and that is the second time that it has happened to that area. The sad part is we had another family home evening planned for later today. Also we had 2 baptisms lined up for this Saturday. My new area is Cadiz 2nd ward. my new companion is Elder Monzales. I've known him for a while now so it won't be awkward adjusting to a new companion.

I'll write more next week and send pictures too. The computer shop we are in is expensive and we are only here for a short period of time. 

I love you guys!

Elder Rivera

The Other Uses of Charcoal!!!

We still haven't refilled our gas but we will probably do it sometime this week but it is not 100% sure that we will. I am still not on acutane because the area presidency hasn't given me the green light yet, so it might be a while longer before I actually start it. 

Our P-days are usually us going to the computer shop then we eat, shop and sometimes we go to the chapel and play basket ball or just sit inside and chill with the air-con.

The Bello Family and investigator Joselle

This week was pretty awesome. Mostly because of the Family Home evening we had with the Bello family. It was so much fun. We went to the market and bought ingredients for our dinner which was Bicol Express. It is so delicious, but a little spicy, I'll make it when I get home. We then taught a lesson about the plan of Salvation, and then we played a game. And the reason everyone has a charcoal smudge on their face is because every time you lose a round you get a charcoal smudge on your face. Our one investigator was there, Joselle, she is hopefully going to be baptized on August 15 with 2 other of our investigators.

Elder Sagay

In all honesty I would say that scouts has helped me out in many ways in my mission. The cooking on a fire, the pushing through to get the job done. I loved scouts, it is definitely worth it, as long as it is done the right way. 

Transfers are on August 24. I'm not sure what is going to happen. But I have faith that what ever happens is what is supposed to happen.

Love,

Elder Rivera

Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish which was popularized
in the district of Malate, Manila but made in traditional
Bicolano style. It is a stew made from long chilies,
coconut milk, shrimp paste or stockfish, onion, pork, and garlic.