It's still awesome here in Banna! It's so gorgeous and all the people are so kind. I don't know what the population is, but there are seven-ish different barangays in it, and there's a pretty good number of people. There are some really cool families here in Banna. One of them is the Marcos family and they are so kind and loving, its fun to be with them. I am really tall for over here. It's tough sometimes because all the clotheslines are hung right at my eye level, so I have to be careful, especially at night (: But I like it.
You asked about breakfast and lunch. We usually have rice, and Ulam. Which is basically anything haha. We'll have hot dogs, or a stir fry, or eggs. Lots of delicious stuff (:
I ate Balut, and something that I think might have been the throat of a pig all cut up (: They were pretty tasty! I've learned most of the time its better to just eat it and enjoy haha. One thing that I think you guys would like is called bannana otap. Its really good! You should see how tough it is to make, and if its not to hard try it! Also could you look up how to make ginataan? Its really good, and I don't think too hard to make. If you find a good recipe, send it to me (:
There is one district in Banna and we are the only missionaries in the area. As far as the ward goes, there are a lot of less active people. Our church attendance is very low, we had only 54 people at church, and many of them showed up for sacrament meeting only. Our teacher for priesthood was late, and after waiting for 30 minutes for him, I got to teach a lesson. So I taught about the spirit and choice. I hope it was alright. I got to give the standard missionary talk in sacrament so that was good. Church meetings differ here in the essence that sometimes they just don't happen, because teachers don't show up, or they are usually late, but me and Elder Daclag decided to change that one, and always be ready to teach on Sundays so that we can start on time.
I know that this is where the Lord needs me. I have learned a lot this week about the need for meaningful personal experiences wih the gospel. There are a lot of members here in Banna who, shortly after they are baptized, fall away for whatever reason. There are many specific reasons, being offended, not desiring to spend their time doing the things the Lord has asked to name a couple, but the real reason for all of them falling away, and for every less active in the whole church is this. They have not had their testimony burned into their hearts. Into their very souls. In my opinion, this is a problem world wide that needs to be fixed. But how do you help others have this testimony in their souls? The answer very simply is this. You don't. You will never ever be able to give anyone a testimony. You can't just wave your hands and they have a testimony through no will of their own. It is the Holy Ghost that gives people their testimony, but even he only carries it "unto the hearts" Without a decision from the person to act, there will be no conversion. and so Elder Daclag and I have really been trying to focus this week on helping people make and keep commitments that will help them to have these experiences. So my challenge to you is this. Take some time to sit down and look at your life and find one way that you are lacking in things that you know that you should do, and make a specific plan to become better at this. I know that as you do this, your testimony will grow, and you will come to know the love of our Heavenly Father for you, through the Holy Ghost. I love you all, and have a great week!!
Elder Childs
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| Balut! |
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| Me and the Rice. |
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| Me and one of the members. |
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