Pony Boy Express: It's all in the works.

Another great week in the books. I feel like I progressed a ton this week. I really am starting to find my faults and weaknesses and finding ways to improve them. Elder Baradi and I's companionship has improved a ton this week. We have found ways to teach more effectively together and to yield to one another. He has been a great help in teaching me the language and teaching me more effective ways to do missionary work. We work our hardest every day and are exactly obedient and the Lord has blessed us for it. We had the baptism of Sister and Brother Bernal, that was an awesome experience! Brother has overcome lots of Word of Wisdom issues and the progression of his testimony has been amazing to see. The spirit was so strong at the baptism. It took Brother Bernal like 5 tries to get it exactly right on the baptism because he wouldn't bend his legs! it was kind of hilarious.. But him and Sister both gave great powerful testimonies at the close of the service! they have improved so much! the lord blesses those who put forth effort.

It has kind of been a bummer that a lot of our investigators do not come to church, I just have to remember that they have their free agency and try me best. The work has been improving with the help of members but of course there is always room for improvement there. No health issues, no serious problems, can't complain.

So some funny notes about this week. This one is for Phe and Jay, i heard "Sail" on the bus we ride... i was so stoked! haha. Oh and i hear that new song by pink/fun! every SINGLE day.. like 10 times. its beyond popular here. i all but have it memorized. wanna know something harder than teaching the gospel in Ilonggo? trying to help kids with their homework in ilonggo!! yeah kill me its impossible. hahaha. Oh i sang in church during sacrament. Elder Baradi played the piano and Sister Asong (one of the YW) and I sang "Love is spoken here" haha! and yes im being serious. it was pretty good maybe! haha. Elder Baradi is quite skilled at convincing. cant complain on anything!

k spiritual quick insights. Mark 7:9... what commandments do we reject in order to "keep our own traditions". 2 Nephi 25:26.. the purpose of prophets, and of this church.. is to teach us WHERE to repent. That is what it all comes down to. I also really like 2 Nephi 26:24.. it sums up Christ! he truly loves and desires for ALL to come unto him... dont be quick to judge others! trust me i learn that every day.. you see people who you think would never get to baptism.. but through Christ. they do. on that same not verse 27 of that chapter.. salvation isnt ours to give or hold back. Christ gives it freely, as should we. thats what missionary work is all about. giving unto others the goodness you have. We are just tools here to do good. the main point of my study this week, surprisingly enough.. money! I have 2 great verses for you all. 1 Timothy6:10.. when we develop a love for money.. we pierce ourselves with sorrow.. also 2 Nephi 26:31. do not labor for money.. but labor for Zion. that is where the real reward is. One last note about patience and love.. James 1:19.. quick to hear.. slow to speak.. slow to wrath. thats the formula. That's my hope ultimately for all of you who read this... study. study. study. and apply your studies. thats the start of a productive healthy life. Overcome the natural man... Mark 14:38.. the spirit is ready.. but the flesh is weak. overcome the flesh! i love you all. All is well here..! Glad to be here and love this experience already! miss you all like crazy. but dont worry. im focused completely. Love you all

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

oh that one picture is us putting bom's to use! hahah