Week #8 - River Life

Hey Everyone,

I miss all of you to start off. I have been going a bit crazy here. I just can't keep home out of the back of my mind. It leaves with time my comp says. Me and him get along really well. Almost to well actually... we are both extremely sarcastic with one another and we just get along really well.

Mom when I meant we aren't eating a lot I meant we aren't eating in others houses. I have been eating a ton of just our cheap food at home. I have been cooking like crazy. Yesterday I cut my own meat off a whole chicken and deep fried it. My companion said quote "This is my beloved companion who I am well pleased." HAHAHAHA Sorry hopefully I won't get smitten for that, but it was funny. I love cooking here it gives me something to focus on.

I have had a crazy experience this week. I have the opportunity and privilege of teaching a retired WW2 Veteran, who is mostly deaf, speaks only english, and is super popular in our country. Harold J. N.  is his name. He has some crazy stories. He has been a bishop of a Catholic church. He has a daughter with SP in the US. He is 83 years old. He is just amazing to talk to. I guess he sometimes cries because he has no one to talk to (according to his house keeper). It is sad so we try and visit him a lot. He is just an amazing story in himself.

Yesterday, was the first day I can say the language is taking effect. I can teach most of the simpler topics. I understand conversation, but I don't understand direct questions. I love the children because they try helping me understand. One girl particularly is amazing. Her name is Nicky M., she is 10 years old and is the coolest little girl ever. She is one of my close friends here. We hope to baptize her in a month or so.

We have quiet a few investigators, but this week me and my companion have decided to focus on the one we have. This is important because we haven't had time in the past to visit some because we had so many. We are focusing on few so we can make sure those are getting the care and attention they need to grow in the gospel.

So something funny about the Philippines. They all think white/fair skin is beautiful. So pretty much the opposite of America. I get told I am handsome by everyone. It is crazy!! I secretly love it inside though hahaha. I have gotten so many questions like "Whats your facebook?"

These people are just technology obsessed. They have nothing in their homes but they have an I-Phone. Crazy!!! That is why we are now able to do Facebook communications!!!!! WOOHOO!!! I am in charge of the La Carlota Branch 1 Facebook page and group. We are allowed to add family but not communicate. You will be able to see some crazy cool stuff.

It has been tough this week money wise though. Me and my companion had to start fresh so we had to buy all the new food and stuff to live. We have an aircon because this apartment use to be the sisters so it is one of the nicer apartments. We can't afford to plug it in though even if we had money. If you could put money one my checking it would be nice. and tell me how much is on there. I only withdrew 1000 pesos or 25$ dollars and it said I had 150 pesos left. We are struggling with money and are trying to get things going again. We get to withdraw today but we have to pay about 100 pesos to get to an ATM. So please let us know immediately.

I am doing fine though. My bag got destroyed as you can tell. Please tell the CTR Clothing people that they need to redo the fabric and make the stitching and fabric stronger. It broke last week so I resewed it and now the fabric is ripping not the stitching. I am getting a new bag today... more money gone... Oh well this next one will last because it is Filipino made!

It is just crazy out here and is such a blast. I have crossed rivers. Hiked fields. Ride on top of trikes (crazy I am telling you). It is awesome. I miss home of course, but I have came in tune with why I am here. I still miss you and think of you all the time. Please keep strong. Make sure to write me. I am  in need of knowing things hahaha. I miss you all. I love everyone.

Mom you are amazing and have kept me so strong please keep letting me know on how things are going with you and the family and the Ward.I love you and am so thankful for all you have taught me.

Dad keep strong keep going life is hard, but in the eternities it doesn't matter. Read the Kolob Therom it will blow your mind I am excited to know if it is true. It is what keeps me going and thinking. I love you and thanks for everything  you have done even in hard times it was worth it.

Love,

Elder Minson

PS: Look up Philippines traffic on you tube. Then you can answer me if you really want to come to the Philippines. HAHAHA

We argued with tonya that he would like tie
Shoes better, then he goes and buys these?
Mom Was Right.