A Lesson on Happiness

Kumusta!!

This week There was a Super Typhoon that hit the area right above Daet, so we felt a lot of the winds and rain from it. 

They told all the missionaries in Daet not to proselyte on Saturday, but we had a baptism, and so we picked up the family and stayed at the church most of the day. 

Alberto Rafer and his little sister Arlene

What it looked like outside of their house

On the way back from the baptism we piled their siblings in a tricycle and Alberto, and I sat on a little grate on the back with our feet dangling off. It was getting dark, and as we sped past rice fields, I asked Alberto how he felt after being baptized. As he described to me how happy we were, I was overcome with the most pleasant feeling of hope and peace that I have ever felt.

I have learned a lot already from all the people here. The biggest thing I realize is that I can be happy now. I have always had this weird attitude of distant, conditional happiness. "I will be happy once this happens" or "Once I finish this work, I will relax and enjoy life."

I don't know If it's just an American thing to base happiness on something you may lack or not experienced yet or maybe its just me but regardless: There will always be conditions. But we can be happy despite all of them. I have seen that In the Filipino people who, as a member put it are "so jolly" despite their circumstances.

I've always had the quote "Happiness is a grateful heart" on my wall throughout high school, but oh, how ungrateful I have been. I challenge each of you to base your joy and fulfillment on things you have and not the stuff you don't.

To end on a less serious note, here some pictures of me with baby animals:

Oh, also the Falcon Statue is up! WHOOO!

I love you all! Have a good week!

-Sister Gray