Week 28: I am a happy missionary!

Hi Family!

Elder Javelona is opening an area in Paoay! Day made! There is no greater email than this. The Lord is confident of our elder. :) Thank you for all the great news. Congratulations to John Paul for graduating and to my princess Haley. She looked very happy wearing her medal. I'm a proud sister. I think I never told you how thankful I am to be a part of our family. I love you.

Sister Darasin and I are both goal oriented. We were able to increased the souls we taught this week. We felt devastated because there are many who rejected the Book of Mormon. It used to be easy placing them but we are now experiencing our fair share of the prophecy being fulfilled. We are not discouraged, in fact this week we've been more diligent. We had LBMs. Like 7 of us sisters. Shhhh! I promise we were careful and followed the rules but it happened. The sickness did not stop us from working. :) We had to go home in the middle of our work to use the bathroom and go out again. It was funny telling the tryke driver to hurry or else...! We gave the other missionaries a great laugh. Anyhow, we are now okay :) We had FHE with the Abequibel family and they invited neighbors. We received great feedback from them and several of them are now investigating. The prophet Joseph said, "A long pull, a strong pull and a pull altogether!" This is how the church works! And families too!

Something common about me and Sister Darasin. We always talk about our families. There's not a day that we won't share something from home especially from what we learned. Its helping us in the work. It is interesting to know that she has a twin sister serving in Davao Mission. We can relate in so many things. I wish you will get the chance to meet her in person. I am so grateful to have her as my companion.

We will have a sister missionary conference on Wednesday at Butuan. It will be a long 7hour travel tomorrow. I will tell you all about it next week including how I can survive the bus. :D Have a great week everyone! Stay safe.

Love,
Sister Javelona

P.S. I realized I never told you how I enjoy dinner appointments and know the members more. I do. :D So tonight we will meet with the branch mission leader at dinner and our branch president invited us for next monday. Yay!

I love the A. family! 

FHE at the Abequibel's yard! :) 

Sister M and kids! 

Sister Darasin, the baby missionary! 

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Week 27: Tagum + Sister Darasin = Perfection!(2)

Hello family!

WOW! What are you guys doing while I am away?! I can't even contain how proud and happy I am about the youth activity. John Paul, May and Shine, you are all wonderful! I love the photos. Do not be afraid to take the lead. I can see the three of you continues to stand in holy places. I am cheering you on from Tagum!

I am happy to be a missionary! This week's finding activities been fantastic. Sister Darasin and myself are excited everyday to leave the apartment and find souls! We are focusing on the progress of A. family. The members are very supportive and they got many friends already in the church. When the missionaries and the members work together, we create miracles. It's the Lord's way.

 I like working during the morning. I used to not work during the morning because of the training and I am glad we have at least 2 additional hours to be out. Companion study is down to an hour but believe me, with Sister Darasin it is very productive! We both love every minute especially sharing and practice teaching. Companionship inventory with her is super fun. We had our first zone training meeting and had the chance to know the other missionaries in the zone. Above all, the workshops and trainings prepped me to the new area.

Also, I know I've only been here for over a week but I think it is already safe to say Tagum is the the most beautiful city I have ever been! I'm sorry Bacolod :D The Mankilam branch is very supportive of us missionaries. We were asked impromptu yesterday to sing a prelude in the sacrament. I guess that's just what mission makes of you, READY for whatever help the branch needs. :)

You might be interested to know that we have no washing machine. My happy days are over. Just kidding! Handwash is okay. It makes me ponder :)

I hope you all have a great week. Keep the faith and remember that I love all of you!

Your sister in zion,

Sister Javelona

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Week 26: Hello Tagum!

I am not even counting anymore. To say that the mission is extremely short is an understatement. The better news is I am starting the year left with new revelations from President Torres.

I got transferred! The Mankilam branch in Tagum City, Davao del Norte is my new area. My companion is S. Darasin from Quezon City.  She's 20 and she's been here for a year now. We slept in their apartment several times before in Butuan and I love her already the first day I met her. She said she almost shouted when our names were called to be companions but I think a said a big YES myself!

We are both new in our area and it's quiet a challenge. S. Darasin had full in transfer thrice already so no worries. I am excited to learn the ropes and explore the area. We've been together for only days now but we both love the branch. The SAs organized a visiting activity and toured us around. First sacrament meeting was wonderful and as always I didn't help but share a little something about our family when asked to introduce myself. We are working for a baptism on the 29th. All is well! I am excited to tell you about the branch and the work here as we go forward.

We are neighbors with another branch's sister missionaries. They got an oven! Happiness much :D No baking plans soon yet because like Mary of the New Testament your missionary has chosen the good part. ( Luke 10: 38-42) That is to love and serve Mankilam!

I love everyone of you. Thank you for all the prayers and love. You are the best!

Your sister in zion, 

Sister Javelona

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