Getting Trapped in a Bathroom

August 19, 2019

Getting Trapped in a Bathroom

Maray na aga po sa indong gabos,

This week I got trapped in a bathroom of one of the people we are teaching because the door knob broke off. I was in there for a good 10 minutes. In the Philippines, we call bathrooms CRs (comfort room). Let me tell you it was not a comfortable room in that moment. It was a panic room.

We also finally obtain permethrin after the number of cockroaches we saw each night grew to an uncomfortable amount. I woke up the next morning to this beautiful sight in our CR:

...and every day they continue to crawl to our bathroom to die, so there's a nice surprise every morning.

I want to share an example of someone's faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We met Morena suddenly on the street as we were knocking houses. It became apparent from the experiences she's had (attending seminary with her friend when she was a youth, talking to a missionary on the plane for an hour, etc) that she was one who God has been preparing to receive the Gospel. On the first visit, we committed her to read the Book of Mormon and after reading in 3 Nephi 11 about baptism, she texted us on Saturday morning that she wanted to see a baptism. There happened to be a baptism that same day. She attended the baptism and the next day she came to Stake Conference.

We had the Stake Conference at a brand new 4-story Stake Center. It's so big, there is an entire floor just for the chapel. The members have been so excited for it to open and the first time we used it, we couldn't even fit. People were bringing chairs to sit in odd places, people were standing in the back and on the sides just to be there. It was witnessing Israel being gathered right before my eyes. One speaker said "The Lord's work is hastening. Are you keeping up with the pace of the Gathering of Israel?" There is not even one second to think about anything other than this work. It is in full force, and I am so grateful to have a front-row seat as we watch areas open, groups become branches, and branches turn into wards. These districts turn into stakes in only a few years. The gathering is real and it's happening faster than you think.

I'm being transferred tomorrow. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to all my friends here, but I have full confidence in God that He will continue caring for this area and nourishing His vineyard.