THE TEMPLE TRIP2015

                After the fund raising , we pursued the plan of going into the temple. 2 weeks before we already booked our ticket in the 2go shipping line. We then prepared every needful thing we need for this Temple Trip. Got all our Temple recommends and limited temple recommend for those who are not yet endowed. We also have the chance to see my great bestfriends wedding! Fritz & RR, which makes me more excited to visit the temple , not only me but also my dear SA friends.
             11:30 pm- we arrive the port, we thought the departure time would be 12am but it was not as what we expected . The ship will depart 4 hours , so yeah we waited for 4 hours . It was the best hang over I ever had! but it was fun as well. Experience!
            04:00 am- we got in the ship and all we had in mind was sleep , sleep, sleep haha! so yeah we slept like 5 hours. I had a great sleep! everyone is sleeping as well. Every one was tired.
            01:00 pm - we have free lunch! haha! okey so yeah , free lunch because it was delayed.
            02:00 pm - I ask the Single Adult's to change or prepare themselves because we must reach Temple at about 3 pm. This was one of the funniest thing! because we were at the door and ran into the bus , stop over at sm and rode a multicab. The driver was in a hurry because we ask him to!
           03:00 pm - And we did it! Even came into the temple first before the bride came in! haha , well all of us are excited because it was our first time!

           The next day's we were there we concentrated on Baptism for the dead, I also had a chance to attend sessions and one of my favorite part was the initiation session .

           I believe everything has a purpose , He loves us! He will not forsake us! Being in the temple with these fellas makes it more a beautiful experience!

Temple Trip's Fund Raising

           We are the Carmen Young Single Adults, last January we decided to have a great and big step of going to the temple. We have been blessed to have the support from our SA teacher and his wife . With the help of her wife , we sell hedgehog, cakes and red velvet's in school , municipalities and even in special events. These were kinda a hard time as well, we know Satan is working , sometimes we tend to be lazy and even doesn't have the mood to sell for our temple trip. We are grateful for the Love of our Heavenly Father.
         People in our ward , help us gather all the clothes , stuff that they do not need. And even help us book some of their cars for us to clean. I have seen the Lord's merciful hands upon us.
         These experience have been one of the greatest experience I ever had. I learn that trying to be with the Lord is worth it, despite of the trials and challenges that may go through our lives. He is there! Never have he failed us. Neither forsake us! Hard work = FRUIT FULL HARVEST

@Sister Nancy's residence

FUN RUN! we ran 3.3k to get 150 pesos for our Fund
(I tell you this is FUN)

A Persecution that is made for us to Be STRONG

I just got home last 2013 after Yolanda hit TACLOBAN my mission place. I was yet so happy being home and wanted to explore the things that i wanted to explore. Applying the things that I have learn from my mission. A year later, I felt being an RM is not easy . It takes a lot of effort to be able to remain the "missionary spirit" . I have been bash, persecuted many times of being an "RM" my uncle said that it was a mistake being a missionary and getting back into school seems like a crazy routine for him. I was crushed by what he said. Despite of that I was experiencing,I have the courageous attitude that's enough to be able to move on and press forward. I had callings in my ward. This has greatly blessed me indeed. I had so many weaknesses that I knew that being an "RM" is not a bases . I am not saying that i should have not gone on my mission but indeed it was a great help and even a blissful experience of seeing people's lives change. After a year of being home , i know I have a lot of things to learn. One night my mom said That people tend to say thing or commented that I needed to be more energetic, and trustworthy to be able to handed down a more fully great callings but it was not given to me because I am not showing to them what is expected of me being a "Returned Missionary" . These expectation sometimes affects me. I know the Lord give calling to people because he knows that they can give and entrust this work to them, not to impress people but to help them change lives .

I cannot afford to impress people . People might bash me of how i act but I know in my heart that I did my best . I am giving what I needed to give. I know i need to improve - I won't deny it as well. I know I sin and make mistakes because in spite that I am an RM I am a human too . Prone of mistakes and imperfection as well. I know I might not be the confident RM nor a not so Good teacher as well but for sure The Lord knows how the intents of my hearts is.

I know at some point too that these persecutions makes you more of how the Lord wanted you to be. He knows you can do it and He wants you to become strong daughter! He knows what you've been through and can definitely do more of what he Expected of you . I know that if I will just hold on to that Faith and Hope I can endure every persecution and trials that may go through my life . He knows my heart and intent ,that is the most important to me . He knows my capacity as well. The most important of all "HE LOVES ME and HE IS BOUND TO GIVE WHAT I NEEDED AS OF THIS MOMENT"

Hopefully that people who will read this might be able to understand that RM's are normal people too like you, trying to aim for perfection. They have heart and the service of the Lord is not an enjoyment time for them that you will just say " Para kang di RM" with all their heart , they serve the Lord Professionally, kindheartedly, and even the best of what they got. I am hopeful that we must understand each other's life. In these ways we may find joy and happiness as we help each one grow instead of bashing other's life. They most needed your support . Bashing them won't help them improve nor helping them achieve the Greatest capacity the Lord wanted for them. Why not aid them on what they really need . Love them, care for them and most importantly understand them. Remember that " You cannot judge their actions" .

What would A Holy Woman do?

This quote has struck me and gotten my attention today:

I came to think and ponder Am I a Holy Woman? and How can I be a Holy woman.While i was thinking of these questions running through my mind . I came to a point to have read this article from the internet . It is entitled "Women of Righteousness" by Russel M. Ballard. He emphasize how we as women become Holy Woman of God.

We should have these qualities as a Woman:

"More than ever we need women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who can hear and who will respond to the voice of the Lord."

A woman who has Faith, virtue, vision and charity and responding to the Lord's Call. I remember gotten home from mission all of these things are taught to us by our Savior. But must needs to be continued as I continue my journey as a returned missionary. 

The Saviors example is one of the Best I have ever heard and imagine: Here is a quote from elder Ballard's talk.

The Savior’s Example

I have been drawn to an interchange between God the Father and His eldest and Only Begotten Son, who is the ultimate example of living up to one’s premortal promises. When God asked who would come to earth to prepare a way for all mankind to be saved and strengthened and blessed, it was Jesus Christ who said, simply, “Here am I, send me” (Abr. 3:27).

Just as the Savior stepped forward to fulfill His divine responsibilities, we have the challenge and responsibility to do likewise. If you are wondering if you make a difference to the Lord, imagine the impact when you make commitments such as the following:

“Father, if You need a woman to rear children in righteousness, here am I, send me.”

“If You need a woman who will shun vulgarity and dress modestly and speak with dignity and show the world how joyous it is to keep the commandments, here am I, send me.”

“If You need a woman who can resist the alluring temptations of the world by keeping her eyes fixed on eternity, here am I, send me.”

“If You need a woman of faithful steadiness, here am I, send me.”

Between now and the day the Lord comes again, He needs women in every family, in every ward, in every community, in every nation who will step forward in righteousness and say by their words and their actions, “Here am I, send me.”

My question is, “Will you be one of those women? And will you men who hold the priesthood answer the same call?”

Now, I know most of you want to. But how will you do it? How, in a world filled with deceptive messages about women and the family—and the significance of both to the Lord—will you perpetually respond to the Lord, “Here am I, send me”?

For those who really want to live up to who you are, for those who at all costs want to repent if necessary and who want to see through Satan’s deceptions, I have two suggestions: First, listen to and follow those whom we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Second, learn to hear the voice of the Spirit, or the voice of the Lord as communicated by the power of the Holy Ghost.

To conclude may we including myself be more diligent in striving to be a Holy Woman of God. May we always remember that we are daughter's of a King who is our Heavenly Father who loves us so much. May we be filled with desires as we become better people. Filtering in our minds the questions : What would a Holy Woman Do?

TYPHOON HAIYAN commonly known as TYPHOON YOLANDA

          4:00 A.M . I woke up because of the wind outside our window , i can hear the wind's whistle . I slept back since it was too early to wake up. We waited in bed until 6:30 A.M . Me and my companion decided to do the daily Exercise . Sister Laureano open the door and I ask her why is she opening the door since it is really windy!  she just said i just like seeing the trees dancing and it is our first time to experience this kind of typhoon. After 30 minutes we started to hear the wind blowing so hard . The water is rising up and came in into our apartment . Both of us started to go to second floor took shirts and pants for extra's . We converse on how we could go to the mission office to be more safe . We thought everything was okay. We bravely come out from our terrace and check out our neighbors but we saw how this typhoon damage the whole city. At the side of our apartment there is a family who were trying to get out of their house, It was the time when me and my companion were very worried . They were trying to save their lives. it was hard for them to find refuge since the next house has a barb wires walls . We tried to wrap our extra foods and gave it to them. We even tie it using our bed sheets but to no avail since the wind is so strong. While waiting for the wind we knew that some parts of our roof are already torn off. Since we already saw water coming in through our Ceiling , can even see it shaking due to the strong wind. We decided to kneel down and Pray many many times . We ask the Lord to protect us and other missionaries and the people . We prayed that he will protect and keep the strong foundation of our apartment since we can feel that it is shaking. After that prayer we never felt our apartment was shaking , we knew the Lord have his Hands protecting us. We sang songs like "Master the Tempest is Raging"  "Come, come Ye Saint's" . While singing this songs we were comforted. We then prayed again and ask for his Guidance on what we will do. After that prayer we decided to check the door if we can get through and go to the mission home .Sister Laureano volunteered to go to the door and open it. She kick the door! there we saw two Single Adult men who were looking for us and help us get to the mission home. Answered prayer indeed. We reach the mission home safe and sound.
          Sister Missionaries came by the help of the Elder's and President Andaya. All of us were very tired and was still in instilling process on what will happen to tacloban next. What will happen to us? What will happen to the people . The night came . It seems like a dead city , you can only hear dogs barking who were left by the owners, no electricity , no water. Silence was there. We slept at the wet bed and some sisters slept at the couch sitting. It was a day of us still wondering what will happen next.  But yet each of us Stayed strong for that day, Tired but yet we have it in our minds that we were there because He know's we can do it .

Our Mission Office and Mission Van's

Took by Elder Daffon - Mission Home a few meter's away is our apartment

We reach the Mission Home! 

Our Apartment

The Mission Home's look after Yolanda 

Strength and Miracle have been Given by The Lord

        6:30 am . We were just at the mission home. President Andaya and office Elders Parson , Nath and Elder Johnson was not here. They were busy going to to city hall back and forth to communicate the Area. When they got back they gather us and President Andaya explained what was going through and ask us if it is okey we missionaries can help packing the goods. Indeed we all said yes and willing to walk for 1 hour to the city hall to help . All that we have in mind at that time was We Are "CALLED TO SERVE" . We reach the City Hall and was instructed to pack the goods.  We finish it @ 5:00 p.m together with the second batch of goods that came . As we walk home we were gathered by President Andaya and gave us further instructions . While we were walking back home we usually sing a song to entertain ourselves. We can see people sitting looking at their loved ones who are lined up and is dead. I remember taking only biscuit and water for that day but indeed as we go through we can see the hands of the Lord providing us the strength to do his work and help others do the Lord's work in Tacloban. It was once in a lifetime experience that I am blessed and had help me to more mature enough to do the Work. This work is true. Our faith , Trust and Patience was tested.

Ms. Jinky Soliman (DSWD Secretary )

Sister Malietoa and Me!

SMILE! 

A Long walk.... :D

Distributing Goods - 3rd Day

            We waited and wake up @ 6:30 am and did our sacrament meeting , we started partaking the sacrament by biscuits and mineral water using a big cup , we just sip it and ended the sacrament meeting we then went to the city hall , walk from Mission home to city hall for approximately one hour . Then we waited there for instructions and we saw some people arguing because  they were asking when to give the goods , You can definitely feel that they are hungry already. 12:00 nn we were ask to serve by distributing goods since we can be recognize because we wore yellow vest .The Elders were ask to fall in line there were hundreds of people taking a line to each of these Elders . Afterwards the sister's were ask to do the same . We give the goods after the instruction was given . I have learned even in the look in their eyes on what have they been through , as they receive those goods you can hear some of them saying "thank you" or "sister/elder can i have the rice instead " . Some of them have really serious wounds ,  The soldiers were there too . It's hot, and we were sweating but after all of those experiences for that day it was fulfilling seeing them smile .
             We know as missionaries we might not help them ease their burden but by this little service we had made a difference that there is "HOPE" . We met President Noynoy Aquino (Philippines President) after that service and Mrs. Jinky Soliman (Secretary of DSWD) who were with us and gave instruction on how we could help. We seem to see ourselves like in an action movie or a rescuer haha! . After that we packed rice for the Casualties . We then received 4 boxes of water from an Army who gave us a ride home. It was a day were all of us felt how grateful we are to be alive , we then realize how Biscuits , Water and even the small things that we had where we sometimes took for granted . We definitely realize how important these things are into our lives. That even one biscuit at that time made us feel like it was the most delicious food we had . The Lord is mindful of us , each of his children and He will never leave us unaided .

Distributing goods for Taclobanon

The Soldiers are there too...

With Ms. Jinky Soliman (DSWD Secretary)

Packing Rice for Casualties

Singing a song was our entertainment " Called to serve" or Primary songs
while packing the Rice

Waiting for the Army Vehicle who will give us a ride home

President Andaya :) and Missionaries Distributing the Goods

I know "hope" is still there - We can do it! Shot taken by
my co - STL Companion Sister Laureano