The End of an Era!!!

Elder Adao

It's end of era for sure no more little blue car. Wow that's crazy, we can add it to all the other cars that have gone through the Rivera and Davidson families. 

My new companion is super awesome too. We work really really hard too,

even though it is only his first week. We are going to really help the area become stronger than before! 

The hardest part of the week was when no investigators came to church. it was really sad because we worked hard to teach them and commit them and re-commit them. We can only keep up the work we are doing.

I can't think of much else to say. Next week I'll have more to say!

Love,

Elder Rivera

My Week!!!

Well this past week has been pretty good. We had to limit ourselves because elder Monzales was having serious troubles walking. But we served food at a birthday party of a member at his school. It was pretty fun. That member really loves missionaries which is good because he is our ward mission Leader!

On another note it was a sad day today, Elder Monzales was transferred. We have a lot of baptisms lined hopefully me and my new companion Elder Adao can continue the work here in Cadiz second ward. I also know Elder Adao too so it's a win win for me!

We have a lot of struggles in this area but I wouldn't have it any other way! All these struggles are teaching me so much about myself, and about how much God truly loves his children. 

I'm sorry this letter is kinda small I can't think of much else to write.

Merry Christmas!

Elder Rivera

My Favourite area!!!

Our Little Pizza lunch!!!

I'm probably going to be in University and have some one come up to me and ask me "are you Mrs. Rivera's son?" I'll never be able to escape your legacy. Just joking it's definitely because you're the best teacher in the whole Halton School Board! 

It is hot here like sticky hot but every night there is lightning. It is freaky some nights. Just last night the power was off and on 4 times. 

The sisters that were here were both Filipino and they are OK now they are still The Sister Training Leaders. And were emergency transferred to Victorias. 

My week was pretty good. We didn't work a couple of days because Elder Manzales wasn't feeling 100%. But we still worked hard on the days we did work. One of the less-actives members we taught this week came back to church this Sunday which is great!  I was extremely disappointed on Sunday when these awesome investigators we have didn't come to church. We can't seem to figure out what exactly is stopping them from coming to church. They really listen, and they asked for 3 copies of the Book of Mormon, one in English, Tagalog, and Ilonggo. They are awesome they just have something that we will of course help them with...eventually!!!

A funny thing that happened this week at our special sacrament, we were just about to start when some guy starts talking to the first councillor of the bishopric. It was
n't until the guy came in and sat down that we figured out he was drunk. He ended up leaving before the opening prayer but it was funny while he was there, he kept saying hi to everyone.

This area is the best, I hope I'm here for a while!

Elder Rivera

365 Days and counting...

I officially have one year to go until I come home. I' have not been out for a year in the mission yet but with the way transfers work I will be leaving the mission field 365 day from now.

The school year is already starting? That was so fast! Time goes by so fast especially on my mission! That's crazy. I have heard about the Blue Jays and the talent they have brought in... David Price, and Troy Tulowitzki! That is crazy amazing! This might be the year. Christmas has already started in the Philippines. We already saw Christmas decorations on city hall.

So we had a baptism this past Saturday. He is the strongest member that I have met on my mission. Stronger than even some long time members. 

I ate oysters, and crabs. I took a video of me eating oysters. It was hard to swallow because of the texture. But it was pretty good. But like the squid I will only eat it if I have no choice.

I love teaching the gospel, especially to our group of investigators in Umapog. They really listen! the only thing that they need to do is come to church and we still need to teach them the rest of the lessons. But I really love them they are awesome!

Being a missionary is a blessing and a privilege, and it is really hard, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I have made sacrifices on my mission, and I made sacrifices before I left andt it has all been 110% worth it. I would make those same sacrifices in a heart beat! I love everyday I'm here and try to live my best while I'm here!

Elder Rivera