American's in the Philippines eating Swedish Deserts (3/17/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

What a crazy week this has been. It is graduation season here in the Philippines and everyone is going crazy. It has been a bit hard to teach to people when everyone is busy with graduations and what not. It was still a good week though. There was lots of ups and downs but overall it was a good week.

Iv had his baptismal interview on Saturday. That was an adventure. We had schedules the interview for 11:30 on Saturday because of his graduation rehearsal  AS Elder L and I were walking to the church for the interview, Re (Iv's Uncle) called and told us that they were in Laoag for some graduation stuff. Elder S was already here in Bacarra for the interview, but we arranged to have the interview in Laoag instead. It all went well and the baptism is this Saturday. And speaking of baptisms P now has a set date of April 13 for his baptism. Around his birthday his daughter who is a member called him and talked to him about how the lessons are going and about his problems with the word of wisdom. On Tuesday he told us that he was done with smoking and drinking. He said that he knows it is bad for him and is separating him from God. He has been clean for over a week, longer than he ever has before. Everyone in the ward is excited for him.

We had one of the funnest district meetings yet. We had it at the Pettingill's apartment. They are the new couple missionary from Idaho. We focused on finding and Elder S set up a scavenger hunt to help us apply the principles of finding. I learned tons and I understand more about how to find effectively. We then had a Swedish desert that Sis. Pettingill made. I can't pronounce or write it but it is apple slices dipped in cake batter and fried. Super good. We also have zone conferences coming up which is going to be great. The Theme is Hastening the Work.

We finally were able to contact one of our great potential investigators. We meet Ro two weeks ago and gave him a Plan of Salvation pamphlet, which he read. He accepted the Book of Mormon we gave him and committed his to read 2 Nephi 31 and pray to know if it is true. He even said the closing prayer. His prayer was so sincere and heartfelt. He was really nervous but he did great. I have really had the opportunity to see how the Lord is preparing people here to hear the Gosple of Jesus Christ. I was reading 2 Nephi 31 during  personal study myself this morning. It really hit me how plain the doctrine of Christ is. If we are  following the example of our Savior and keeping the commandments of our Father in Heaven, we living the doctrine of Christ. It is a pattern of life, not just a set of steps. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to invite others to come unto Christ and live his Gospel. 

Keep up all the work you are doing in your wards and families. The Lord is preparing people all around for us. All we have to do is be willing to see them and open our mouths and share with them. Thank you for all your prayers! Keep up the faith. Mahal kita! Kita kits!

Elder RWood