Pony Boy Express: Padayon Giapon (Continue like usual)

Family and Friends,

Interesting week to say the least. It was one of those weeks that literally was a roller coaster. New companions are quite the challenge at times. Just adjusting to the other's style of teachings, likes and dislikes, and whatever else. . yeah. haha. There has been a few times this week where I have wanted to kill him, but other times where he is my best friend. its a circus to say the least. oh factor in some chafing and some days... yeah. haha. Oh its been crazy rain a lot of this week! just absolute downpour. its nuts. but very nice cause then its not a million degrees!

Very rewarding week to say the least! Sister Antonano was baptized! It was quite interesting because she has one leg.. so she just knelt during the baptism. it was way cool! haha. She was baptized by her husband who was baptized about a month ago. That was one of the more spiritual baptisms ive been a part of! what a blessing! We also had the baptismal interview of brother and sister bernal! they have come soooo far! brother has overcome a lot with the word of wisdom.. its been amazing to see the change in his countenance.

Funny note: i woke up in the middle of the night one night and thought there was a rat on me.. i jumped up out of my bed and smacked my hand on the window... it was a circus.. im searching high and low at 2 am for a rat that wasn't there. Oh another funny note, so this less active family we taught this week has a little girl who is about 5. her uncle is swedish, so white obviously. she calls him daddy (whatever his name is). so as we are leaving she yells out.. "bye daddy stagg!" probably one of the more embarassing moments of my mission. ahahha. Oh another weird thing about the philippines. people will just come up to your house and start singing, playing guitar, etc.. until you come out and talk to them. then they ask you for money. we just give them books of mormon! hahaha. Its the weirdest thing to me, they are fearless about it.

So for the spiritual thought. Don't know why but i just want you all to know my testimony of life after death! its real! we will see our family again. So in my studies this week i have been studying hard about patience (which is fitting since ive probably had my patience tried more this week than my entire mission combined) but its great! its really comes down to having that firm hope that one day we will rest from our cares. whatever they may be. At times we just need to "be still" and remember that God is there and is watching over us. If we didn't have trials, our lives wouldn't progress! Also patience and hope isn't about trying to change your trials.. we shouldn't pray for trials to cease but rather.. we should pray for the strength to overcome our trials! we NEED the enabling power of the Atonement. oh, Found a nice verse for all the couples out there.. whether dating, married, or whatever. Amos 3:3- which says- "can two walk together except they be agreed?" think about that one for yourself. Here's another one.. 1 Nephi 13:29. Read it and think about this... Many stumbled because of.... what? the lack of plain and precious truths. What happened because of their stumbling? Satan had power over them... they were in an awful state of blindness! So i had this thought about this, because this verse is referring to apostasy and untrue churches, but liken it to yourself! if you dont use or know the plain and precious truths (BOM, D&C, PofGP, Bible) what will happen to you? you will stumble? and then...? be in satan's grasps. Its so simple. We have the gift of these plain and precious truths, but if we don't use them everyday... we might as well not have them. study study study. its that simple. ill probably talk about it everyday of my mission to you all in my emails, and there is a reason. our scripture study is our sure foundation. do not say all is well in zion. like my old soccer coach, coach fielding, would say, "dont get complacent!!" Love you all dearly. keep being great and doing good things.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

baptism!!! yay!