(Their only Christmas decor so far - the little banner I sent in her package)
Mom, I loved that you wrapped everything! I was so sure that you would, so I opened just the outside package. I didn't open anything else though, don't worry. I just put the chocolate in the fridge so it wouldn't melt =]
So let's see, what happened this week. Not much, unfortunately. We had a few really good days, and a few really slow days.
Kabahays (housemates) Sister P, Sister P, Sister Y., Sister C & Sister Wilwand - Sister Y just finished her mission, so they have four in their apartment now.
Wednesday was one of our really good days. We got to teach a whole bunch of families, and we talked to a bunch of random people on the street. It was probably the best day we've had so far work wise. It was awesome. Let me just say, it is really scary to go up and talk to random people on the street. Especially when you don't speak their language. But hey, it's worth it. Most of the time we talk to people who are staring at me. Actually, funny story. We met with our ward mission leader last week, and he gave me some interesting advice. He just kind of looked at me, and said "Don't be offended, but you are an American in the Philippines." And then he went on to say, "Use your color! You're white! Use it!" I just had to laugh at that... But it's so true. People stare or say hi. So I might as well go talk to the friendly ones.
The little kids here are the best. The other day, we were in one of our areas, and there were all of these little kids that were staring at me. So I waved to one of them and said hi. She said hi back, and I went over and shook her hand. As soon as I did that, all of the kids that were there swarmed me to shake their hands. So that day I probably shook about 20 little kid hands. One of the little boys even tried to kiss me! Yikes! Don't worry, he was about six so nothing will happen anytime soon ;) And I told him "Hindi! Bawal!" Which means, no! Not allowed!
So yesterday, we were going to that same area, and I saw these same kids. First, they all came up to me saying things like "Saan ka pupunta? Saan ka galing?" (Where are you going? Where did you come from?) Then, when I was talking to them and shaking their hands, they were hugging my legs and grabbing hold of my hands. Two little girls grabbed hold of my hands and started walking with us, and the rest of the kids were just following us. They were so adorable! Eventually we had to tell them to leave since we were going to an appointment. But they kept asking when we would come back. I love little kids!
We also had follow-up training this week. That was the best! I absolutely loved seeing most of my district there. And of course, I was so excited to see Sister Clark! She's seriously one of the coolest people I've met so far in the Philippines. It was also really fun to see all of the Elders again. Some of the them are in my district/zone, but it was good to see all of them.
Scary guys threatening Sister Wilwand?? Nope - really nice Elders from her Zone who thought it would be funny to take a picture like this :)
As for Christmas, Merry Christmas to everyone next week! Even though I'll get to email on Christmas, I just love saying it =] I am so excited for Christmas! I'm not sure what we're going to do, but I love it anyway! I'm excited to open presents from my family, and I'm excited to skype too. We had our ward Christmas party last week. That was interesting. If you think Mormon standard time is bad, try Filipino Mormon standard time. Our party was supposed to start at 6, but it didn't start until 8. Ah well. It was fun for the little while that we were there.And the food was way good!
And this week we have Christmas Conference! It's with a few other zones in our mission, and it should be super fun. Unfortunately, some of the zones with my MTC district aren't in the same conference as us (there are two days of Christmas conference), but I should still see some of my batch there.
Christmas day here should be fun. We might be going over to a member's house for dinner, but that's not definite yet. If not, we'll have our own little party at our house. We'll make some good food and listen to some hymns or something. (By the way, Christmas is our P-day, so no emails next Monday...) I really miss Christmas music, so I just sing in my head sometimes =] So yeah, eat some Christmas cookies for me, and put up some decorations for me too =]
I guess just one more little thought. I'm sure I've said this before, but seeing as it's almost Christmas, I'll say it again. Remember how blessed we all are. The other day, we taught a lesson to a lady in her house. Her house is about as big as our downstairs bathroom (for those of you who have been in our house in Walla Walla). It might have been a little bit smaller. That was her entire house. They didn't even have electricity or running water. Four of them lived there. That was a definite eye-opener for me. If you have the chance, go out and serve someone this Christmas. After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Sure, it's fun to get presents. Everyone loves them. But also do something for the families that might not be getting presents this year. It'll make you Christmas a whole lot better. Christmas has the word Christ in it for a reason. We should always remember Him as this season rolls around. He gave everything for us, and we owe Him everything in return. The least we could do is to serve someone else. Just a little thought.
Anyways, I love you all! Have a good rest of the week!!
Love,
Sister Wilwand
Sister Wilwand has skills! Bowling on P-Day - she said it was super weird to wear pants in public :)
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