Waters

I don't quite know why that's the title of the week, but it just feels right. The Lord has been placing me in calm waters, and I'm grateful. 

Here's some tender mercies of the week, or life or something like that.

My companion- Sis. N is wonderful. We're from the same batch- but you already knew that. she turned 21 on Sunday (chocolate birthday cake was a tender mercy!), she was a linguistics major at BYU. Right now, she's learning a lot about leadership- and I know I'm here to help her with that. I'm at this cool point where I can see the Spirit helping her and that's the best thing ever. 

Balamban is beautiful. The people are really friendly. I'm excited to keep meeting more of them. But they are all tender mercies. We met someone named Alma Nephihah (okay, it's actually Nipaya, but it certainly sounded like that) the other day. That has to be destiny or something. We're going back to teach her next week. We also crossed into the magical jungle land again. Some of our contacts there weren't actually that interested- they will be Catholic until they die, so that's sad, but it's not my agency. Anyway, we did have some more great success there, especially considering that it was pouring rain. Poor Sis. N didn't have an umbrella, so she used a banana leaf as we were trodding across these mud fields. We're going back tomorrow, so expect more adventures.

And of course: people! 

The DumDum family. They're a less active family, but Brother came back to church for the 4th time last week. My first week here, the oldest son Ronnie also came to church. He's apparently struggling with a video game addiction, but he's got some good friends in the church. This week, he joined our gospel principles lesson, and then after church, he went out on splits with the Elders! Yay for progress.

Sis. A has a really complicated life story- but the main problem is that she doens't want to come to church to see her ex-husband. I'm not actually really sure how to help her with this problem, but the Spirit is helping her. She did come to church last week- we're not really sure why. But we had a lesson this week with her- she just needed someone to listen to her so badly. I can do so little as a missionary, but I hope people can feel God's love.

I actually learned that lots this week- I can't actually do much as a missionary. In my past areas, I learned a lot about my potential, and how much I could do through Christ. Now, and I hope for the rest of my mission, I want to learn about how to help others do it. I have to help my investigators do it themselves, I have to help the members help them, I have to help my companion lead and then hopefully, I can just step out of the way. In this vein, we had a really powerful member present lesson with the Diano family, our investigators, at the home of their neighbors the Magalsos. Sis. Magalso served a mission and then her husband joined the church when she got back- they have 3 cute kids. I don't think I'd ever had someone just "get it" as much as that- because we weren't just talking about how the gospel will help them in the future, but because they could see and feel the blessings of a gospel centered home. Actually, it breaks my heart, but when we went back to the Dianos, they said we can't come back- the father won't allow them to join the church. It's so hard to see people so close, but I know their time will come. Genevieve Diano had so many questions and she found so many answers, so the day will come.

And I almost forgot! I actually helped build a house this week! I'd been wanting to do this my whole mission- so I actually did it. We helped the Saavedra family build the side of their house. I actually didn't get to do much because some talented Filipino priests and members of the Elders quorum were enjoying themselves, but they kindly let the two white girls pound some sticks into the ground. It was so cool to see the way we didn't need fancy construction things and we built this house!

For a funny story: I taught my first lesson to someone while they were high. A woman told us to come back because she liked our religion, but when we went back, she was kind of acting weird. We started teaching, and then finally realized what was wrong (we're two little innocent girls!- but we finally smelled the marijuana.) Don't worry, she's very nice and she loves us lots. Regardless, God still loves Sis. Noemi and maybe she'll have the courage to change.

I've been learning more how to study by the spirit. And the Lord carries us in deep waters, and helps us through the rivers, and teaches us the constancy of our waves, and quenches us with his kind of life. 

I love you all so much. Wala koy duhaduha pero kahibao ko nga kitang tana makauban didto sa pikas kinabuhi uban sa tinuod nga kalipay way katapusan! Remember the eternities and let them change us.

Inyoha og matinudanon,

Sister Tueller

Here's Joshua's baptism as promised. 

And me with a less active. She taught us to make puso. I really did make that all by myself. She's so funny. She kind of has a memory problem, so we have the exact same conversation every time we visit. She asks why we moved to our new apartment, and how much the rent is, and then asks who taught us to make puso? We can't figure out if she actually forgets these, or just thinks she might get new information. She also gets a kick out of knowing that she taught us to make puso (they sell them, and put dry rice inside and then cook it in boiling water and it makes rice in a convenient little container). Then she tells me that I can make a restaurant when I go home and sell puso and I will be rich. She's a dear. She'd be more of a dear if she'd come to church regularly, but we're working on that.

Stumble

Kaisgoonan (Isn't that a great word?- it just means brothers and sisters)

This week. It's been one of the best. Where do I start?

I miss Sibonga. That place is mine. I am part of it. But it's okay because I'm in Balamban! It's so exciting to be in this new area. There are so many people here who haven't heard the testimony of Sis. Tueller- so we're working towards that. We've had all sorts of miracles already.

First, Wednesday. We visited the Gonzales family- Joshua and Brian. They were so active and just about devastated that I was leaving- so I got lots of "Baletis" - or Valentine's if you're not a dyslexic, Cebuano 9 year old recent convert. They are the best. Everyone should be excited for Joshua and Brian's mission stories in a matter of years.

then, transfer day! I ended up having to travel by myself to Cebu City on a bus- since I hadn't been alone for over 8 months, that was a little different. But there's still the Spirit, and the Savior, so I was okay :). Basically, after lots of organization, we were on the way to Toledo- to Balamban. 

Here's a really quick story that I learned a lot from. We had just left the bus station and on the other side of the road, I noticed a man walking with his small family. He was very obviously poor, and desperately searching for something, for anything. (This might not be the cool story you think it is- I was stuck on the bus). I see people like this quite frequently- it's a different kind of poverty than the simplicity, and my heart aches. As we drove by, he tripped, he fell, his pack was too heavy. He stayed on his knees, and just looked up. I hoped in that moment, that the missionaries would find him, that the Spirit could comfort him. I saw even more clearly how important our role is- not just us missionaries, but all of us. So many in this world are stumbling, searching for anything- and we have the gospel light. I've been studying this, and I feel so inspired to help those that stumble. Christ will take away our stumbling blocks if we simply let him in! (1 Ne 13:29,32-34)

To Balamban- it's adorable. the area is divided into two branches- and we have the one right next to the beach. It's exciting. It's bigger than Sibonga, but it's still not city by any means. There are quite a few active members, so that makes me happy- we're working with people going to the temple, and still less actives- but there's lots of room for our people who don't have the gospel yet! We've had some great success with new investigators this week- we've gone forth with faith to find them, and they just come. This week will be exciting as we go back to some of them- a few of them have already committed to be baptized when they know its true, now we just let the Holy Ghost do his thing!

Okay, I'm doing an awful job of capturing the sublime beauty of this week. On Saturday, we got to go to the city for a mission conference with Pres. Nielson of the Philippines Area- we learned about the Atonement and personal strength and becoming. The Lord's aware of his children- and I know that for myself. I also got to talk with President Schmutz about some of what he wants me specifically to do here in Balamban- what a blessing. But don't worry, it gets better.

For the first time in 7 months, I got to enter the house of the Lord. The Cebu Temple is breathtaking. So many things worked together. A temple worker knew Aunt Anna. Sis. S and Sis. K got to come. God loves his children a lot. We got to see the new, new temple film. I feel edified and closer to God than ever before. Go to the temple whenever you can!

Family, others who I love, my time's about up. The miracle stories will have to wait til next week. There should be pictures of a magical land we discovered- we had to ride a river boat over there, with some baby caribou and a woman selling things from her head. We found a family with a recently deceased uncle- Sis. R is one of our new investigators who wants to be baptized!

Less actives came to church, investigators decided to continue to learn, Sister N and I are doing great and learning together. I love being a missionary, I love you all! Let us choose not to stumble but to keep in his path- and then to help others.

Sister Tueller

Our magical fairytale land!

Me and my wonderful companion!

Maglakaw na ko! (I'm going already)

Dear everyone,

 First things first, I'm transferring! I'm not quite sure how to feel about this, but mostly I'm excited. I'm going to Balamban. Still on Cebu, but on the other side of the island. It's still a little town, which I love. My companion will be Sis. N, who's from my batch, so I'm sure we'll have a grand old time. Even more exciting, this is where Sis. Y, my trainer first served, so I've heard all sorts of stories about the wonderful people who live there, and they'll know her. Next week, I promise a full description of the place, but I've never been there, so it will have to wait until then.

I will miss Sister K so much. She's become my sister, and she even told me that I get to be Polynesian now. You know how excited I would have been about that. She's been sick for the past couple of days and we've been in the house just talking and studying the gospel and I'll miss her tons. Missions are such a cool time to bring all these different people together and teach us all the beauty of differences.

Plus, summary of the week! Lots happened. We moved houses- again. We had to move to the house right in front of us, so that was an interesting day. I've now cleaned a house from top to bottom 3 times on my mission- useful skills here. Just for one specific detail: there's a magical thing called Permethrin that kills all of our insect friends so they don't eat our food or shower with us. I sprayed the whole house and mopped the floors with it, etc. From then, (it's now been a week), I go into the kitchen and count how many uk-uks (cockroaches) are lying on their backs and sweep them up. Today was the first day that it was under 10. Life in hawaii prepared me on some levels for this, but don't worry- it's more fun in the Philippines!

We had a wonderful zone training- about our first and second estates. I can't do it justice, but I do know that the doctrine changes us! Every time I study it, I'm inspired to do more. 

We did have an incredible sacrament meeting- more than 40 people came to our dear Sibonga branch. One was a less active sister who we visited for the first time this week- she just needed someone to tell her to have faith and she came to church. She was the first one there- somehow, this is turning into a pattern with my less actives. Maybe, we should all have that same desire to be cleansed. Sacrament meeting means so much more when I'm thinking of these people who haven't come in years and then they can be renewed and finally forgiven. 

One of my favorite less active families also finally came to church- the Cuderas. Their problem is mostly financial, but of course, that also means having faith. My dear Nanay was so happy- she just cried through all of the closing hymn. They have been a family to me here, and I think I've been able to make a difference with them. Someday, they will be sealed- when Tatay overcomes his pride and addiction and yields to his testimony growing inside of him.

I'm excited, but I'm sad to leave Sibonga. It is sacred ground for me. We walked past some places and I could see all the miracles that happened there, usually when I wasn't sure what else would happen. Sibonga wasn't soft on me- my Father isn't afraid to use a strong blow on the rough stone of my soul. But I've gained such a fierce bold love for these people, for this work, and for my Savior. I'll miss the girls at the bakeshop, and the teenage boys on the side of the street, and my favorite mango selling stand, and the pristine tennis courts in the middle of town. It's a special, special place that needs lots of love. I'll miss our meeting house- weeds and all. That's what my Father can see in us- weeds and stones and all- he sees who we will be, and loves us for it. Pray for charity and he will give it- and then we will be changed, and then, then, we will be like him and see him as he is. That glorious promise is my message. I love you all. Your Savior loves you. Do something today to show that love!

Nasayud jud ko nga tinuod ni! Nahigugma ko ninyo. Amping kanunay!

Sister Tueller

Pictures!!

Dear ones,

I love hearing about your adventures in Japan and all over the world. Keep the reports coming!

This week has had all sorts of highlights. First, to finish my story from last week- Sister Quinto was the grandmother who found us on Friday night. Her daughter is Marcela. Marcela’s only 18, but her second child passed away on Thursday morning. She’s done a lot of growing in the last week. We (the missionaries) had to do all sorts of organzing because priesthood is hard to come by in Sibonga, especially when the Elders were gone. But we got missionaries to come so we had priesthood. Early on Saturday morning, we went to their little home up the mountain path. They all tried to be busy and cheerful- they are strong people. The Elders conducted a short funeral service and then they walked to the cemetery with the coffin. As we sang I am a Child of God, every single person was crying- especially the non member family members. I was just so grateful for our knowledge that the 1 year old child will be resurrected to a celestial glory and live with God. This week, we've been working with Marcela and her boyfriend Joel. They are seriously preparing for the temple in a year from whenever they save enough money to get married. That should be soon- and we're seeing the miracles for them

First, we had a little bit of a difficult week in terms of lessons- we had lots going on and lots of dropped appointments. On Saturday, we weren't anywhere close our goal. At the beginning of the transfer, we'd set a spiritual goal to have 28 lessons every week and committed to work for that. We asked God for his help, and felt sure that he expected us to achieve it. On Saturday, we had a choice to have faith or to make an excuse. We chose to have faith that in one day, 11 lessons would happen. We trusted that nothing is impossible for the Lord and that there were people prepared. We went out after church determined to find those people prepared and we did. From that one day, we had 6 new investigators, some former and lost, and some truly elect and ready for the gospel. By the end of the day, we'd taught 12 lessons. It's not about the numbers, but in a way it is. We'd committed to the Lord, and when we worked to keep that commitment, he poured out the blessings. I'm learning the importance of goals and planning, once again. 

The Lord is so merciful. The promise of D&C 4 to "Ask and ye shall receive" is true. This week, we'd been meeting all sorts of elect people from other areas. We'd laughed about it and joked that everyone else was getting referrals from us. We weren't discouraged, but we'd hoped for new investigators for Sibonga. Yesterday afternoon, we got a text, with a referral from the missionaries in Basak. I'm excited to contact this referral, but moreover, it was another testament to me that the Lord is keenly aware of us. 

And a baptism! Joshua was baptized this weekend- my camera just died, so picture will be forthcoming. It was wonderful. Sibonga doesn't have a font, so we go to CarCar. Some of the members from Sibonga made the sacrifice to come and we were so grateful. I was also grateful for the missionaries who came to support us and Joshua- we did end up having a full room- our Zone Leaders conducted the meeting and witnessed the baptism. We're working on the priesthood. The night before was even better.  he practiced his testimony that he'd prepared, but then he stopped and bore his own true testimony- He knew that God was happy with him and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It was a sublime moment in my life- a true tender mercy of God. That's it. The gospel's just true. 

Next week, we’ll know about transfers. Sister K keeps making fun of me because I always want to know ahead of time. But I get to learn some more about patience! We’ll just see what happens. There’s been exciting news about Tacloban as well- there are now 50+ missionaries in the Tacloban mission. The work of the Lord just goes forward.

I know it's true. I too know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that God is happy with me for my service. That's the biggest blessing I can think of.

Yours,

Sister Josie Tueller

Right place, right time

Dear everyone,

First, I love you. I love the gospel. So I want you to love the gospel. Please do.

And now for this week! It's been a good one. I don't think I ever say anything different than that, so be assured, it's always a good week out here. 

I learned again this week that the Lord is aware of us, and when we work hard, he just blesses us more. Thursday was an incredible day. We recommitted to talk to the people in our path, and to search for the elect. We went forward with our plans trusting in the Lord. That day, every thing went right. Our first appointment wasn't there- busy (more about them later). 

Next: Marlo Cabije. Thank you for your prayers! We had an incredible lesson where she committed to come to church this coming week. She really understood the judgement day and she just gets it. She needs to courage to do it and to change. It took forever, and I started to understand a little bit of what Ammon felt when he was exhausted in the Spirit. But we had so much more to do. 

Does anyone remember Jolly B? She was the rich lady where we tracted into her house in my first week. She got really busy, but this week, we visited her again. She first told us that she's not allowed to visit with us, so that was sad, but then she continued to talk and tell her about her problems- she's got all sorts of things going on, and she really needs to come to know her Savior, but she's not willing to change. We're going to give her a Book of Mormon because she needs it so much, and I know that the Book of Mormon has the answers to all of our problems, but that too was hard.

We continued into a different baranggay, and we have so many return appointments from the one day- we're excited to follow up with these cute families and people kind enough to allow us into their homes. They definitely need the gospel, we just hope that they'll have the faith to act. 

Next, Tatay Redoblado. We couldn't teach, because there weren't any women there and none of our members could come with us. But he promised to come to church- he hasn't been back since that last time. Guess who was the first one there at the chapel on Sunday, even before us? Dear Brother Redoblado and his granddaughter. He was also given the Aaronic priesthood! God's miracles are sublime.

Then to the Cuderas- some of my favoirte people here. We've been working with them and their neighbors and their son, Philitaeo but in the last few weeks, even Brother Cudera has been joining our lesson. (He's been against the church in the past) We talked about Joseph Smith and he shared his testimony of Joseph Smith and cried- it's still going to be a long haul with them but I will visit with them in the celestial kingdom. 

Another incredible experience: On Friday night, we were in the right place at the right time to find one of our members who was looking for us. She came to ask us to come to the funeral of her granddaughter who'd passed away early that morning. It's probably indescriblable

and my time is up, but I know the plan of Salvation is true!

Alma

Hello all! 

I'm glad to hear that you haven't had seasickness. Enjoy your adventures! My life seems normal now compared to my family.

This week has flown by. Sibonga is becoming comfortable- and still exciting. Here's an update on people and events:

 Sister K. She should come first, because she's my companion! I love serving with Sister K. She is absolutely never discouraged, and she's learning so much. Growth is inspiring, even when it kind of hurts. We laugh a lot, but we've also been discussing our questions and the doctrine. It's really been making a difference in our work- we're seeking more knowledge, and it's brought blessings. Every week, we get to ask our Zone Leaders a gospel question and they'll do their best to answer it- so we're working on stumpers. 

Joann. Remember her? When we split the area with the Elders, they got her area, so we haven't been by. However, this week, the Elders have been sick, so we've been covering for them. We'd been having a day of no one being home, and the Spirit very clearly told us to go to her. She thought we'd forgotten her and was so excited to see us. She was sick, and didn't come to church, so we're hoping it was just that. 

Gege Sanchez. She's been really sick all week, so we haven't taught her. But last time, we left her an assignment. When we stopped by, she said "your assignment was really long, I haven't finished yet." This is fairly normal, it's sad, but we keep going. We enquired a little more and found out how wonderful this actually was. I meant to leave Alma 32, but forgot the "32" so I assigned Sister G to read the book of Alma. She didn't finish the whole thing, but she read 20 chapters! Miracles abound.

Joshua. You would never believe he had a problem with prayer! He won't let anyone else pray anymore. He and his older brother have to do "rock paper scissors" to see who gets to pray. His brother Brian is wonderful too. He's 13 and needs someone to believe in him. For his birthday, we got him a scripture case and he immediately started calling himself Elder Brian- it kind of looks like the bags Elders use here.  We put some pamphlets and things in it, and the next time, he asked us for more. He'd given them out to people who'd asked him questions and he got us return appointments! That's member missionary work at its finest!

We're always trying to talk to people and find the elect- those prepared from the foundations of the world to receive the gospel now, and I know they're there, but sometimes, I feel like I'm pulling people along, instead of people with true desires. That's my job now, but every so often, the elect really come. I got a really strong impression this week to stop by one of our street contacts, even though she hadn't been there every time we'd gone back. We went to Jen Suico's house and her sister told us she was sick. We said we'd maybe come back, and then stopped to tell her who we were. As we testified, she flung the door open, told us to come in, and we proceeded to have a lesson with Hanimae and her husband Jake. They are so elect. They're both from different religions, and they see problems with both- they're looking for the truth. Unfortunately, they live on Negros, not even in our mission. But we'll send a referral, and they will come into the fold. It was enough for me to see God's hand, and his people that have been prepared. This work truly is hastening. We're no longer just fishing, but we're hunting to find them. I've been feeling a sense of urgency, mostly just to work with all my might for his glory. This week, I hope you all can have to faith as well. There are elect in your path. Be an example in deed, and then be an example and invite in word. They need what we have!

I love you all, I know this gospel is true!

Sister Tueller