Keep Sound Wisdom

Family and Friends,

Wow... life is full of changes.. always. haha. So update. For the last transfer it was Elder Codera (trainee) and I working Moises Padilla and Elder Pernia (trainee) and Elder Manu working Cabacungan. We lived in one apartment together though. So.... Elder Manu and Elder Codera have transferred and now Elder Pernia and I will work both areas. Wow!!!! haha... talk about being exhausted right before coming home... perfect though right?

The Lord knows what we need... sometimes our expectations are way different than what actually occurs, but I am already received the assurance that these last changes on my mission are exactly what I need for my growth and for the growth of those around me. Faith is always for the future. Faith changes us. Faith creates opportunities.

Read the book of Proverbs. It truly is practical advice for our day to day life... but mostly just read the Book of Mormon. hahah.

The secret to missionary work is, work.

I love you all....

life ticks on.. keep going alright?

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

That..... Feeling...

Family and Friends,

Well.... this week has been on of the most up and down weeks ever!! Lots of good things in regards to the work, but it went straight down as i read my emails today. President Lopez has returned to America for much needed medical attention. We knew that he was battling some health concerns, and we had a mission fast for him on saturday and sunday... but him going home was totally unexpected. It is anticipated that he will not return. Wow. I love my mission president. President and Sister Lopez are amazing people, firm in the faith and 100% committed to their callings... i love both of them as if they are family. Include them in your prayers, please. Thank you.

I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.... if that doesn't push us everyday, what does? 

"Rest in Beats"

Do we know that repentance is one of the greatest gifts?  It is the ability to form a fresh view of ourselves, God, and the world around us. It is not suffering, but rather a way to find a better inner peace through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

"Ch-ch-ch-changessssss... turn and face the strange!"

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Guess what... i want to buy a motorcycle when i come home.... keep your eyes peeled for a Honda Shadow for me. Thanks :) The Philippines has given me an even greater desire to ride motorcycles... they are all over the place here, love it! 

I love the work... i love being in an apartment with an elder who goes home with me...i love oatmeal.. i love candy from New Zealand... i love water.. i love the Book of Mormon... i love pushups.. i love it all. 

Wow... I can't believe that i am coming up on my final transfer. Wow.

Big changes are coming in this mission... it will be crazy to see.

Faith. Prayer. Love.

I love you all so much and appreciate each and every one of you!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Two Great Lights

Family and Friends, 

"Don't reach young blood..." Uncle Drew

Float... Sakay.. Kaon... Aga.. Hapon.. Gabi.

We had a baptism this week... she is awesome! Jocelyn! Her 2 children are recent converts and she is just a really willing investigator. She would keep all commitments right away and was always wanting to learn and progress in the gospel! My companion baptized her in the river, so awesome for his first baptism on the mission right?

Best email today... "We'd love to have you back. The PB Express back in AF!" That is music to my ears.... #blessings #futureworkingoutforme #sharpenyourchalk

I love studying.... i finished the New Testament this week! It took me 18 months, wow! So now i am starting it again, as well as starting the Old Testament. The scriptures are amazing in reality.... so much info and spirit put into the holy writ... it truly is vital for us to study, daily! It is a great feeling, and it truly can shape who we will become!

2nd best email... "We have your flight plans" ! abaw!! hahaah.. can't believe that... gotta keep working hard though right? 

Don't you quit.

Have you read the Book of Ruth? It is short, interesting and teaches much... give it a read! Are we willing to be like Ruth and change everything just to be obedient... #thewaroflife

I um... am sweating as i write this... great right?

I love you all so much!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Write; Justice

Family and Friends,

The hand of providence... find it.

"And this is the new year... and i don't feel any different..." -Death Cab for Cutie

Jacob 4:12... why wouldn't you speak of Christ and His Atonement? My comp is very good at this... almost every lesson he ties it back into the Atonement. That simple act, the Atonement, is really the basis for everything in this life and of course this work. I live for it everyday.. boom! Talk about it!

This week was such an improvement... it came with it's challenges and trials, but hey, thats life! We saw many blessings from the Lord. We had 6 investigators at church.. also many less actives, 2 of which brought their investigator friends!! I also had the opportunity to have some good conversation time with our branch president... he is awesome! He is an RM of about 3 years now and is a single college student! What responsibility... but he handles it well! We had a joyous time swapping mission stories, cant wait to do that with all of you in a few weeks here :) hah!

I truly love the scriptures... i love jogging... i love oatmeal... i love water.. i love walking in the scorching heat and getting tan.

I love you all!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg