We were Blessed!!!

The Villanueva family

So this week... We have been working pretty hard. We are setting up those baptisms for March and the end of February.  Things are looking good. We are focusing on teaching people not lessons so that we can help resolve their concerns. Amat2x lng maresolve na.

Elder gwapo has arrived!!!

This week we were blessed with one investigator that completely blew my mind. We started by teaching the fist principles of the restoration. We then invited her to read the pamphlet and to ask us any question she might have. We then came back to visit her the next day. She had a list of questions. We went through each one. They were about Mormon then Moroni, then Joseph Smith. We then taught about him and told her to pray about him. We then visited her again later in the week and when we followed up with her she told us she felt the spirit and said that she just couldn't stop crying. She is lined up for baptism this coming 27th. But the best part was she also asked about the Word of Wisdom. When we taught it briefly, she committed that night to live it. We are super excited for her!

Yellow Death!!!

We just keeping up the good work.

I love you all,

Elder Rivera

Almost got Electrocuted!!!

I've had a pretty OK week. We've been pretty tired lately.

We had exchanges with the ZL's (Zone Leaders) and it was super fun!  Me and Elder Warnick are like Best Friends! When we came home from work we had no power. We then looked and saw that the line was cut. So, we called the electric company, and you know how usually the electric company in Canada comes with a truck or a van with a really sturdy ladder. But here he came on his motorcycle and a rope. He climbed the pole then tied himself to the pole and then almost got electrocuted when he re-connected the line.

We also had another miracle happen this week. This Sunday we had 5 Less-active members come back to church. We have been working pretty close with them. They are a really awesome family! I love them so much!!!

So yeah that's about it. The Computer keeps losing power so I'll write a better email next week.

Elder Rivera

My Week!!!

I'm glad to hear about grandma! I also am looking forward to visiting them when I get home. Especially if she can't make it to the airport. I think that it is a good idea to have sisters in the ward they would get a lot more appointments than the Elders would no doubt about it. Where are they staying? Georgetown? Or Brampton?

I have not learned a lot of Tagalog. I know a little bit and can understand it OK. But I'm not really practicing. I'm really focusing on teaching Hiligaynon to my trainee. 

So this week on Friday to be exact, I was made District Leader for the La Castellana District. It's pretty cool, but stressful too. I give training every week to my District on topics chosen by the Mission President. this week is about extending commitments.

This week we had a pretty big miracle happen on Sunday. So this past week we have been focusing with our one investigator on coming to church. She said that she really only wanted to come for sacrament, which is at the end of the service here. She also only really wanted to come with the one friend she knew at the church. We testified to her that coming to classes was important because her and her childr
en will have a chance to meet others and become friends with those who will become her fellow members. She said we'll see. We closed with a prayer and left. Then Sunday came around and right before we were about to start Sister walks in by herself and her 2 kids, no friend. She is a miracle and is looking forward to her baptism on Feb 27!

Other than that just your usually week of hardwork and stuff. haha

Elder Rivera

We Went to the Zoo!!!

So this week has been really fun. We have been working really, really hard. We are still pushing hard to help those people we teach to come unto Christ. Sometimes it's hard to see them discover the truth but then completely disregard it and turn away from or even run away from it. But all we can do is work, and help, and teach to the best of our abilities. It can be stressful, and it is always tiring but I LOVE IT it's the best work! And the Hardest, but the most rewarding!

This week we invited 22 people to come to church. The only problem is none of them came, except for one. It was so hard, I felt so sad. It hurt me so bad. Me and my anak (trainee) worked so hard but we were disappointed. But Elder Larosa said to me that God is just trying to teach us something, and that God has a purpose for this. So we will just double our efforts, and keep doing our best.

Just for you mom!!!

So We went to the Zoo today. And I got all these sweet pictures. I try and send as many as I can. I'm just sad that we didn't get to hold the big snake. Hopefully next time I can send that to you guys. But I'll send those super cool ones!

I'm glad to hear all is going well with Grandma and Grandad! I hope and pray that all stays well with them! Keep me updated the best you can!

I think when I get home we should go on another family camping trip! Just for fun!

I love you ALL

Elder Rivera

Me and My Son!!!

So yes my son's name is Elder Larosa from Nueva Ecija. He is full Tagalog so I'm learning Tagalog while he is learning Ilonggo. My companion is a really good teacher he is just struggling with the language right now, but if I can learn it he can learn it!

I hope Grandma overcomes everything. PLEASE keep me updated!!!!!!

 So back to work and school? Sounds fun. Us well We never had a break. We have been working really hard so that we can baptize a lot of people here. We have 5 planned for the 30th! We are looking forward to it!

The hardest thing this week has been trying to get back my focus on not only my area but on my trainee also! We have been struggling with the language barrier right now but it will come only with time.

I can't think of a whole lot else to write, we haven't had a lot of time to work this week because of new years and the travel to and from Bacolod.

But one awesome thing was on new years eve the members brought us food. Beef Sandwiches, Macaroni Casserole, Filipino macaroni salad, Lechon Paksiw, and a mango cake. It's safe to say we haven't gone hungry this week!

I love you ALL

Elder Rivera

I'm going to be a Father!!!

So Last night we got a call from the AP's that Elder Ratuiste was being transferred and I am now going to train. Yep I'm going to be training a new missionary and I don't know who he is but I know that he is Filipino. I'm pretty Excited but I'm also pretty nervous too! I'll keep you posted on how he is doing!

Your Christmas dinner was way better than our Christmas dinner. We had a curfew so we weren't aloud to go out of the house past 6 PM. So while we were in La Carlota we ate at Jollibee. So a very disappointing Christmas dinner for sure. At least by the time I get home It'll be close to Thanksgiving so i can get that Turkey dinner that I miss so much!

We had a successful baptism on Christmas, and she will become a very strong member as she continues onward! I'm excited that I get to see her growth in the Church!

This Christmas to be honest was pretty hard to deal with. I felt pretty sad this past Christmas, because I miss you guys so much! It was super awesome to talk to you in Skype, I can't wait to do it again on mothers day! But there is still time before that happens. 

I know that you can get those reports done mom! You're the best teacher in the World!

I love and miss you ALL!!!

Love Elder Rivera

I Can't Believe I Just Told you That!!!

On our way to town

It's Christmas break already? That was so fast. Before you know it I'll be home. Well I guess we are literally days away fromskyping! We will be able to talk about everything then. Oh and I will be trying to get to the computer shop at around 8 or 9 in the morning here. So be ready for me.

Thankful for the overcast skies!!!

This week was rough. Not because of the work or anything, but because I was sick. Thursday morning I woke up at 2 in the morning, and was violently sick. I think it was food poisoning. But After a long long long night I managed to get over it and am OK now. But we missed a whole day of work because I rested up.

Tatay Dichoson

But the highlight of my week was for sure our baptism! I baptized Tatay Dichoson! He is so strong and will be such a strong member. He was the one to tell me that he wanted to be baptized after we had taught him. It was super awesome and he will always be some one I remember! 

Relaxing on P-Day

Also this past Sunday was the Primary presentation. And the Kids were a little off key, but despite the fact that they were trying their best, I felt the Spirit. Especially when they were belting out 'I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ' I almost cried. I can't believe I just told you that.

I really love my mission! This is the best mission in the world! 

I'll see you at Christmas!

Elder Rivera