Joy!!!

Dear family and friends,

I am so happy. Not for any particular reason but being a missionary is just the most joyful thing. 

 Typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy) totaled all the telephone wires here so we will not have power for a looooong time -- until they get all the poles back up and connected again. This has added many challenges to the work. We cant proselyte at night because there is no light on the streets, so we've moved our studies to the night and study by candlelight. We also don't have any contact with our leaders, so that's a little isolating. 

Thank you all for your prayers, the people we are teaching are all well. 

This is a picture of Sister Marite's house. Her family's house was destroyed so we helped them rebuild it. Despite these circumstances, she and her son were baptized a few days later. Her faith is so inspiring to me and she is very excited to be sealed to her husband next year. He died in his sleep a few years ago. 

While we were evacuated in Naga, I was able to take a picture with my missionary training posterity.

My trainees and I, Sister Parcon, Sister Makanda and Sister Nick, with their trainees, Sister Miller, Sister Inodio, and Sister Codiz and her trainee sister Bongoyan.

It was actually a blessing to be able to see them again before I go home. As this starts my final week in the mission field, I want to add my testimony and explain why I served a mission...

For the past 18 months, I have been walking over mountains, rice fields, and city streets opening my mouth to preach the doctrine of Christ to all who came into my path. In scorching heat and tropical rainstorms, I've had thousands of rejections. I've had people tell me that my message wasn't true and that I am part of a stupid religion. I think I have heard every opposing scripture and belittling comment about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the world has to offer, but despite all that- I am the happiest I have been in my whole life. 

Why? I know that Christ lives. I know that He provided a way for us to gain eternal happiness. I know that by living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can find lasting joy. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know we have a living prophet to guide us and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church and the kingdom of God here on earth. No matter what the world says, I cannot deny these things.

Why? Because God told me they were true. Our beloved prophet has said, "in these coming days we cannot survive spiritually without personal revelation." I can't describe to you my feelings, but I can say that if you get on your knees tonight and cry out to your Father in Heaven for wisdom, knowledge, peace-- anything, if you ask sincerely, with no hypocrisy, with faith and a willingness to accept what He gives-- He will answer you. He will pour out his spirit upon you and will unfold the mysteries of heaven before your view until you know them. 

Its knowledge written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.  2 Cor 3:3

We have been promised that "the pure in heart will see God." Have you seen Jesus Christ? I have. I've seen Him in my life and I've felt Him by my side. I've walked by His side over mountains, rice fields, and city streets, and He's given me strength as I've taught His gospel. I've felt His peace as they reject us just like they rejected Him.
I would like to end with my mission scripture:

(9 )And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.(10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Cor 12:9

I take pleasure in and I am filled with great joy because of all the challenges of a mission. I glory in Christ for through Him, I was able to be the means of doing much good in the Philippines Naga Mission. The last 18 months have been a tremendous blessing.

I love you and see you all soon.
-Sister Gray