It's the Greatest

It's me...sorry it's been a while.  I have a lot I could say...But I don't feel like telling everything 'cause then I won't have anything to share when I return.  What if it's just a big awkward moment of silence?

First things first - I had zone conference this week.  My last.  It was good. very spiritual.  I'll have you know that Sister Rahlf is literally one of the greatest people in the world.  She has so many things that I admire about her.  Qualities that I want so badly.  Every time she talks I'm just pierced to the very soul with the Spirit.  Every. Time.  I want that.

I had some pretty radical experiences with people that are less active in church this week.  I actually have my whole mission.  These people are honestly my favorite people to teach.  I mean, I'm not happy they're less active - but there is something about them.  Teaching them is incredible.  You never know what the outcome will be or how you will exactly help them - but it's a chance to 'wrestle with the Spirit.' every time!  I mean, these people already know the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and they have already had a testimony - It's a chance to help them rekindle that desire or find that truth again.  It's unpredictable, but it's miraculous.  You get to watch that spark light up their face again.  You can see it in their eyes.

I get choked up thinking about it.  This week, I had a chance to see that spark again in a person's eyes.  The joy that you feel for them is so overwhelming.  It makes me weak with gratitude just thinking that I had the chance to be a part of it.  There have been a handful of lessons with less active people that I've experienced in my mission that have made it all completely worth it (and many other experiences too - but, ya know).

S. and I lately discovered that we can go a long time wearing the same outfit.  We coordinated it to where we can wear the same 2 outfits in one week.  We just switch it up depending on what area's we go to.  Only our housemates have noticed. and it's cut down my load of hand washing about 87%.

wash day, take 2

I don't know why it took me 18 months to realize I can do this - i mean, the Elders do it everyday.  but it's been so good to me these last 3 weeks. ha. pathetic.

I don't know if it's just the adversary trying to make his debut in the last bit, but he's definitely been trying hard to make his mark this past week.  So many people have been rude to us-  harassing, chastising, yelling, the works!   Come On People.

Luckily though 1.  I can understand what they are saying and 2. communicate back (politely, of course). 3.  add a spice of sarcasm in a very sly way if necessary.

Last night there was a group of boys that were saying the most corrupt things to us as we were walking by.  My companion turned and, in English,  said, "oi!  slow your roll."  I was very impressed - and like magic - they did.  But, being Christlike is at the top of our list...so we're...trying.

Anyways - it's a hard pill to swallow...that this is my last week.  I'm not thinking about it...because when I do - I cry.  I have a solid 4.5 more days to work my area to the ground.  I'm trying to cherish every second.

I mean....this whole being a missionary thing - it's the greatest.

-Sister Frame

we're on the same team, and a Heaven Pic

9.29
This week is National "Family Week."  That's something I love and respect about the Philippines.
Their idea of the family is so ideal, and they do everything to promote it.
I mean, a "National Family Week"....come on- that's cool.  Last year it blew because it honestly just made me want to be with I was with my family.  Saturday was a fun celebration with the entire stake.  Only a few people had to go to the hospital...I tell you - these Filipinos know how to throw quite the celebration.

Sister S and I worked our very hardest this week.  Our area is kicking us in the butt.  We're having the hardest time getting our investigators to commit to anything.  I don't know if it's the season or what - but my homies in Penablanca are finding things to take priority over listening to us.  We were talking about a member/missionary fireside with our Bishop yesterday, and it didn't even phase me that the date we set it for would be a date that I won't be here.

What the.

That was a big punch in the face of reality.  My worst nightmare would be to leave Sister S with not a lot to work with.  We are spending every second we can out tracking and looking for people who are prepared...then we found 4 new investigators this week!.. I'll keep you posted.

Every week/day/minute of the mission has it's ups and downs.  But this week, I found some serious comfort in knowing that Heavenly Father doesn't compare us to one another.  Humans judge each other.  Unfairly.  But Heavenly Father doesn't do that.  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that our priority is to do what Heavenly Father wants us to do.  And with that knowledge, we can be happy.  This world is beautiful, but it's harsh.  And sometimes it's intimidating to compete... but then I realized, wait a second...that's completely unnecessary.  What are we competing for?

Yesterday in Sunday School we were talking about developing our talents.  And I realized so much - so much just finally clicked.

We are all equal.  No matter what.  American or Filipino or Trini, happy or sad, short or tall, fat or skinny, ugly or average or pretty, rich or poor, serious or goofy, hilarious or "trying," obedient or disobedient, member or not...we are equal.  Heavenly Father has provided each. and. every. single. one. of us the chance to be successful in this life - through Jesus Christ.

He's given us the weaknesses, the talents and the trials each of us specifically have so that we can all
inherit the same gift...Exaltaion in His kingdom.  Heavenly Father is rooting for ALL of us.

We're on the same team.

My heart was softened.  I spent the day wanting to do more for others.  Wanting to do the little things for anyone. everyone.  It was just a revamped motive to 'love one another.' https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.12?lang=eng#11

It was a 'duh' moment.  But it was just one of those found puzzle pieces that was just put in place once and for all in my brain.  22 years and it's starting to make sense.  #latebloomer.

Heaven pic:  we contacted a family for the first time this week and had a chance to sit down and get to know them.  They have 3 kids.  The littlest one is 1 ½ (like Charlie) and as we were talking, this little guy comes out CAKED...I mean CAKED from head to toe in baby powder.
We couldn't keep it together. 
It was the funniest/cutest thing in the world.

I'll show you in Heaven.

Sister Frame

Jacob 5

The Lord loves us.

This is an adventure, with roadblocks, surprises, sublime moments.

The Spirit is here.

Bravery.

Valiant acts.

Eternal relationships.

Testimony from some so young.

Beauty.

3 Miracles.

So thankful for the Book of Mormon.

The Priesthood is real.

This is His vineyard.

The Lord is watching over it

and loves it.

He loves his children. 

Easter

             
                Easter is incredible, right?  WHAT a special day.  I'm disappointed to admit that it has taken me 21 years to actually and more fully understand the significance of the day.  But really - 

                                                     What a Special Day!

This mission experience of mine has seen it all.  The highest of highs and the lowest of lows - But through it all, it has equated to one thing:  a personal knowledge of and relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I can firmly say that I know Jesus Christ knows us.  

He has felt the things we feel

ALL OF IT.

Not just the parts or portions of our feelings.  All of it.  For me.  For you.  For every single person.  In the past 11.5 months, I have been exposed to the most vulnerable feelings.  Being a missionary has stripped me of all ability to escape through my cell phone, social media, friends/family, or other forms of virtual "protection" or entertainment.  But - it has let me straight to the arms of my brother, Jesus Christ.  And I've come to understand that He's the only one that can truly carry and truly comfort us.  With real peace.  Not just the imitated and masked worldly peace that we all get so immune to and reliant upon.  The truest and purest form of peace and comfort only comes through Him.  And that's Because of His Atonement.  It's infinite.  It's beautiful.  And it's for us.  The most peace that I've ever felt in my entire life has come through applying the Atonement.  And for myself, I can so confidently say that I know it's real.  And how grateful I am to say that.  I long for others to feel of its power too.

My words do little in expressing the true testimony and feelings I have toward our Savior.  But, He's there for each of us.  To heal our broken hearts, to bandage our wounds from sin and mistakes, to strengthen our weaknesses and to carry us when we feel abandoned and alone.

The Atonement is the means of improving ourselves, having hope when days are tough.  The Atonement means we only have to answer to the Savior - meaning, I want to focus my thoughts and make my actions pleasing to Him.  And where I fall short everyday, He's there, close by, to help me along.  He never turns away, never judges my efforts, only shows mercy to me and my imperfect self.  Because He loves us.

- Sister Frame

SMALL WORLD STORY:  So we had a zone conference this week.  I got a special surprise delivery.
Some Elders had to go to Manila for a day to do visa work and fingerprints before they go home.  They were in the airport when someone recognized missionaries and approached the elders.  They just had small talk before making the connection that these Elders were from the Cauayan mission, and that this random foreigner, RICH SWENSEN, was from Boise, and knew me.  Cool right?  Bro. Swens sent these Elders back to Cauayan with a small note and a dozen krispy kremes.  Thanks Rich Swensen!  It was much appreciated.

The Book of Mormon

"I'm so happy, I could fly!"  Those were the exact words R exclaimed to me as I met her outside of the baptismal font.  The look on her face was priceless.  It is branded in my mind forever.

Our whole mission is doing a Book of Mormon 'Power Read.'  It's a 60 day read and started earlier this week.  I'm reading it with a new fresh Book of Mormon and circling anytime it makes reference to Jesus Christ.  Also, I'm highlighting certain things about His mission here on earth.  The whole thing is focused around the Savior, which is incredible because I have that focus in mind.

 The Book of Mormon

The heat is creeping back.  You know it's hot when you step outside and it's deathly quiet.  as in absolutely no sound.  The dogs are too exhausted to bark.  There are no people in sight, no kids playing in the streets, nobody riding their bikes down the road trying to sell balut.  The commotion starts around 6 at night when people finally come out of their homes because it's air that is refreshing enough to breathe....90 degrees...

On Saturday, Sister S and I hit the streets.  We traveled far to one of our areas and expected a lot of appointments.  We walked until 7 pm and had absolutely no lessons.  That's never happened before.  It was frustrating, but we made the best of it.  We cracked jokes the whole day, and by 3, we turned everything into one big fat game of who could sweat the most.  It was one of the longest days of my mission.  Heavenly Father blessed us yesterday with the success that we needed though.

This week especially, I've focused on my relationship with Jesus Christ.  I can't say a lot because some of the experiences I have been fortunate enough to have are so sacred and dear to me that I can't express them.  All I can say is that the Atonement is real.  That Jesus Christ really does love us.  And knows us.  He is our brother.  If there is one thing in life that I desire for anyone and everyone - it is for them to truly understand that.  and have that true knowledge of their Savior.

That's why I'm here.
I don't think we always fully recognize what we have
and how lucky we are to have it.

Did you guys know that I'm a grandma?   My kid is training a new missionary now.  cool right?

Sister Frame

My heart is getting full

Hi!  This week I learned that this is truly Heavenly Father's work.  Truly.  He puts people in the path.  I've seen it in countless ways -

There's Sister V., in her 50's and so sweet.  She's been less active for about 5 years because she has a problem smoking, and for some reason, never really felt like coming to church.  The first week I was here, we visited her (I was kinda just a deer in the headlights and had no idea who we were teaching, where we were going, or what I was doing). But, the first Sunday I remember my companion freaking out with excitement because Sister V. was at church. 

She comes to church each week now.

We have gotten very close to her.  She is incredible.  We often catch her smoking when we go visit her - and - we have taught her many lessons on the Word of Wisdom.  But this week - I was really contemplating on how we can show her how much we care about her and how badly we want her to stop smoking -  not just because it's a commandment and all that missionary protocol.

So, I took a shot in the dark.

I mean...I've never had to kick a smoking habit, but I tried to think and remember ways I've heard of people quitting the old cigarettes.  So, on our way to her house, we pass a grocery store.  Sister P. and I went inside and looked around - I had no idea what I was looking for really, but naturally I was drawn to the candy aisle (a little for myself, let's be honest).  But the idea came to me.  I started grabbing bags of Mentos - all flavors.  Sister P. looked at me disgusted:  "You cannot be expecting to lose weight if all you continue to eat is candy."  I said, "No, I think it's for Sister V."  So retarded, I know, but I bought her a few bags.  We went to her house, and I pulled the bag out, set it in front of her and just looked at it.  She said,  "What's this, Sister?"  I replied, "You're gonna stop smoking."  (It was so demanding....but not too rude).  Then I proceeded to say, "When you want to smoke, (and I said this pointing to her pack and lighter sitting right behind her), try and just eat a candy instead.  Try it for one day.  Just see if you can do it for one day."

Then, she just started crying - I didn't know if I offended her or what....ok, I didn't.  But, I think it got through to her...

that we actually care for her.  As Sister V.  We love her and want her to stop smoking not just because she is supposed to.

But because we have a place for her as an individual in our hearts.

It was such a testifying experience of love and the power that is can have.

Now, Sister V. has a daughter in law - D.  She's 18 and about 7 months pregnant.  The most incredible and sweetest girl in the world.  We met her while we were visiting Sister V.  She just came in and listened, and we've been teaching her ever since.  She is so ready and cannot wait to get baptized.

Yesterday, at church, she came and put her arm around me as we walked into Sacrament Meeting and she said in broken English, 

"Sister Frame, I am so grateful for you.  Thank you for teaching me everything you know about Jesus Christ."

That right there almost made me drop dead.  Seriously?  It was exactly what I needed to hear.  Cause sometimes I feel uncomfortable at church here.  Ha - so bad to say, I know.  But church is stressful for so many reasons - praying the whole time that your investigators will show up, feeling judged because I don't know Tagalog - some Sunday church blocks are just exhausting.  What D. said to me - it made every embarrassing moment that day worth it.  oh my  gosh.  I just looked at D. and said, "Danica, Thank You!  You have changed my life more than you know.  And You have taught ME about Jesus."  I just love that girl so much.

Remember John Paul - the one that had a baptism date for yesterday....but he moved a few weeks ago?  Well, one day when we were teaching him about the Atonement, I noticed this girl sitting in the background on the steps listening to us.  The next time, Sister  P. approached her.  She was SO shy.  Her name is N.  She explained that she liked the way that we explained the Atonement, and she was so touched and understood it clearly.  We started teaching her right after John Paul moved....like it was a miracle.  A golden investigator traded for another golden investigator.  Although she was so so so shy, she had many questions.  She listens.  She reads and wants to learn.  She is so receptive. 

And she is going to get baptized August 17.  

Her sister moved in with her....N. started talking about the church with her, and she started listening to us also. 

I think back to the time when I was so sad John Paul left.  I still am.  But Heavenly Father had it all in the works.  We've met these incredible people.  I'm so grateful for that.

As for weather and language - like, blah.  It's so hot....The other day it was so sunny out and within 2 1/2 minutes, a downpour!  We were in Tramo and it's all dirt roads.  There was so much rain.  My umbrella was useless.  My feet were completely emerged into the mud up to my ankles, the noise of the rain hitting all the tin roofs and smacking the mud was so unbelievable loud, and I stopped dead in my tracks, looked up at the sky, and couldn't help but laugh.  Like, it hit me:  "I'm caught in a rainstorm, soaking wet, so muddy, in the middle of the Philippines...on a mission." These are the kind of experiences I could only imagine just three months ago.  And now I'm living it.  It was unreal.  It felt good.

I made it the entire day, July 23, without anyone knowing it was my birthday.  and honestly, I forgot really. The best part of the day was that I reached my goal of finishing the Book of Mormon on that day.

That book has changed my life. I've read it before, and I'll read it many times again, but the way that it influenced and changed me as a person this time around I will never forget.  That book is TRUE!  I hold it so dear to my heart.  I want everyone I come in contact with to have the same feelings that I have for it for themselves.

Because if they did - I know that they would be happy, and they would come to know their Savior Jesus Christ and His love for us on a level that can't be felt or learned without reading it.

Be happy!  We have so many reasons to be.