Christmas Phone Call (or more like New Years PHone Call)

Hello fam!!
So this email is gonna be really short because well I just talked to you on the phone. haha!!
But I just forgot to say some things. First of all I forgot to say to send my love to all the family all the cousins and everyone.

Also I want you to send my love to Kara, Kate, Cole, Natalie, John, The Lees, and everyone else at church. I love them all and I was going to tell this to you on the phone but I forgot.

Anyway I just want to thank you for your sweet words on the phone and your support I love you so so much and I feel your prayers each and every day. I could not do this without you!

So this week has been great just like I said we are working hard to find new investigators to teach! We are praying hard to find the ones that have been prepared and are ready to learn and accept. I am happy to be doing the Lord's work and becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I don't have much to say except that I love you andI know I told you this before boys but make sure you read the Bof M and PMG everyday. Say you will do it, write it down, then do it! I know it will help you prepare and start becoming the missionary you are meant to be early on. I am so proud of you all and all your successes and blessings. It makes me happy to know you are all being blessed because of your faithfulness.

Christmas was great! I loved your package and everything in there. I ate mac and cheese the other day and it tasted so so so good!

I am sending along a picture of me with my new skirt and my christmas socks! I think they match perfectly!!!

New Christmas Skirt and Socks

Thank you again for the packages and love.
Mahal Kita!
Sister Stapp


Mom Something else I forgot to ask you....did something go wrong with the music you put on the flash drive for me? There are only 18 songs it seems and they are instrumental primary songs.  I love you. But I was kinda hoping you would put MY music on. Like the stuff I have in my Itunes. Oh well.
p.s. Those dresses are soooooo cute!!!!! That is one hot mama!!! (Julia was referring to Rachel's new Christmas dresses, we sent pics to her)

Sister Stapp wins the Spelling Bee!

Maligayang Pasko!!!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!!

It is Christmas Eve here in the Phils!

Everyone is a hustle and a bustle shopping. The streets are packed with people and vendors one can hardly move it is so crowded!! I am excited to spend my first Christmas here in the Philippines. It will be different but fun. Today and tomorrow we have a 6pm curfew because of all the partying that will be going on. We will spend the night at the Aringay sisters apt so we can have a happy Christmas time with them. I am excited because we are planning on making spaghetti and lumpia!! Yay!

Lovely!!

So this Friday we had the great opportunity to attend the Christmas trizone conference in Baguio!! It was so great to see a few of my MTC mates.  Pres. and Sis Monahan were there and so were the assistants. They had a workshop planned for us on extending baptismal invitations and Pres. Monahan spoke on the importance of obedience. It was so so great. I love hearing from our President. He is so wise and I learn so much. I want to be 100% obedient so I can testify with 100% power and authority. After the workshops we ate lunch! It was so good. Sister Gina who happens to be in my branch catered. She is a wonderful cook and like a second mother to us missionaries. There was chicken, fish,veggies, a chocolate fountain and of course endless rice!!! There was not an empty stomach in the room. After the food we watched "A Christmas Carol" it was fun. That movie always makes me want to be a better servant of God. I want to make others happy this Christmas season and all throughout my life.

Missing an "S", neverless it is true!


Also this week, on Saturday, we were able to attend the Aringay branch Christmas party!! It was a fun fun time. So many games and performances from all the auxiliaries. There was a spelling game and I won by spelling the word Nagsisipagsinusinugnalingan. It is a really long word that means telling lies. haha!! I won a cup :)

So the teaching is going well. Sis Dauno and I are finding lots of new people to teach. We just started teaching a lady named Len len. She has a baby and is pregnant with another. She is a neighbor of a member and was curious about what we believe. We have only taught her once but we feel there is potential there. We are a little sad because Sister Nova has informed us that she wants to discontinue the lessons. Did I already tell you this? Oh well she is having a hard time because most of her friends are less active members. We planted a seed but maybe it is another missionaries job to harvest. Anyway we are moving on to the truly elect:)

So I am still doing really well I am studying so so so so hard. The gospel the language everything because chances are I will be training this next transfer!!!! Sis. Monahan told me there are quite a few sisters coming in and it is more than likely that I will train.Well that is coming from the mission presidents wife!!! I need to prepare! I am praying and striving each day for the knowledge and strength. I am so happy to be serving a mission and helping the work of the Lord move foreward.
I have been reading in Alma lately about Ammon and all those missionaries. Their examples are so good for me and I strive each day to become powerful like them. I love the scriptures and all I learn from them. Everyone reading this--I hope you are reading the Book of Mormon each and every day. I know it is the Word of God and translated by the prophet Joseph Smith!!!!

 I love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas!!!!

Mom:I relieved a letter from Kate Clark this week. tell her I love her!!!!
Also tell everyone that I love them~! I
Daddy. Merry Christmas!!!! I love you so so so sos much!!!!!!

New Companion for Christmas

How is everyone!! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday spirit in the states! I sure am here in the Phils. The streets are filled with vendors selling anything and everything for Christmas gifts. The children are caroling for money and the houses have lights on them. They have had lights up since September but now that it is Christmas time it just feels right. The weather isn't changing it is still hot. haha! I am sweating like a pig as I type this email. But that is just life in the Philippines.

This week we had a Christmas dinner at the Fullmers!!! It was so so good :) We ate lasagna and rice of course. Also had deviled eggs! yum. The Fullmers are such a great couple we are so blessed to have them here in Aringay branch.

 

Christmas dinner!

So this week was transfer week!!! So on Wednesday we found out that Sister Cabrera was being transfered. We were expecting it but it was still so so sad. I love sister Cabrera. She was a great trainer and example to me of what an obedient missionary should be like. She got transfered to Dagupan on Friday and I got a new comp sister Dacuno!!! She is my followup trainer and she is so great :) It is a little difficult to adjust to a new companion because we are not used to each others teaching yet. But we are adjusting quickly and I think this will be a great transfer. Sister Dacuno does not speak as much English as Sister Cabrera did so I am finding that I am speaking a lot more and becoming more fluent. Sister Dacuno has the most long beautiful black straight hair. haha. She is 32 years old and is from somewhere near Manila, she has been here for a year.

 

 

So since I am the comp that has been in Caba all this time I am leading the area!!! It is a challenge. I am not as organized as I should be. Sister Cabrera was so organized and knew where everything was. I am learning and following the spirit to know where to go and when to teach certain people. It is a challenge! I already said that but it is true! Anyways I need to learn now in case I train next transfer which is likely with all the new missionaries coming in.

The work here is going well still. We are focusing on finding new investigators and retaining our recent converts. The hardest part is that there is no addiction recovery class here in the phils. So a lot of our recent converts have gone back to their old addictions this week. We are helping them to repent and encouraging the elders quorum to get involved in helping them. I will keep you updated. We are also fasting and praying for their success.

Well I hope you are all well! I love hearing from you and thanks for all the love and support!

Alam ko po na ang gawain na ito ay gawain ng diyos. Alam ko po na Buhay po si Jesus Christ at sa pammagitan siya latah tayo ay maaaring maging maligtas. Kailangan natin maging masunurin at mapagkumbaba. Mahal na mahal tayo ng diyos! At mahal na mahal ko kayo!!

 

Early Morning Run

 

Questions:

1. Did you get our package?

Yes! I did I got yours and the one from grandma stapp. Tell them I say thanks and I opened it! I love all the treats they are just what I need :) I love them. I did not open yours yet. I cant wait!!!!

2. Tell us all about your knew companion.

See above

3. Are you feeling fluent in the language more?

See above

4. Do you use your Tagalog scriptures much?

Yes! during language study I read and during lessons I have tagalog and english open

5. How much do you walk each day, or do you mainly use motorized transportation?

We walk quite a bit I don't know the distance. We usually take tricycles to far places.

6. Are the people pretty receptive and friendly?

Yes! They are very friendly. People are very willing to accept us and feed us even if they don't know us. haha!

There are a few Less actives that hide and wont let us in their homes but for the most part the people here are very loving and kind:)

7. Are you still singing?

I taught a choir class this sat to the Young women :)))) it was difficult I have never taught before but they kinda were able to sing alto and soprano haha!!

8. Are you learning some new recipes to cook?

Ummmmmmmmm not really I should though. thanks!! on second thought. yes. Lumpia!!

Mom: this week I got letters from you (dearelders) One from Kara :) and one from Grandpa Jensen :)

oh and one form the young men. Also I will be calling you on the day after Christmas which will be your Christmas day. Because the Fullmers wont be home until the day after Christmas. I forgot to figure out the hours.... I will tell you next Monday the hour I will call. I don't know what to do though because Rachel wont be with you. I have one hour to talk. Also I am glad you got my letter :) I love you so so much!!

ps. Also tell Grandma and Grandpa Stapp that I love them and am thinking about them. I know Uncle Mike is happy :)

ps. Tell daddy and the boys that I love them!!

Zone Hike! No Typhoon!

Friends and family!!!
Hello! All is well over here. If you are wondering, no we did not get any typhoon over here. Just some rain. It sounds though like it has been devastating. We will pray for those who are suffering from the aftermath. Well things are doing great over here! It is December and still as hot as a really hot place! We are working very hard still and loving the work each day. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve each day and participate in the work of the Lord. I feel the spirit strongly as I teach and as I share my testimony. I know it is not me speaking, but the Holy Ghost putting the things I need to say in my heart and in my mind. As I have been working on my listening skills my teaching has improved! I am working on listening to the spirit and really listening to my investagators. Since I have been making a consious effort we have seen fruits! We have many new investigators!!!

One in particular is sister Melinda. She is a sister in-law of brother Roy, a recent convert. After teaching bro Roy one day she came out and started to talk to us. She wanted to know when we were going to teach her!! We were suprised and said well we can come back tomorrow! haha. We gave her a reading assignement and it has been all up hill from there. She reads consistently and came to church for the first time this week. She said afterward that she has found her church. She said there are a lot of things in her life that she wants to change. We are happy for her decision to change and are here to help her do so. It might be a while till she is baptized but she is on her way to greatness. I know the Lord loves her and is strengthening her :)

Also this week we have been able to have many FHEs at the homes of less actives. FHE's are a fun and effective way to remind a less active family that they are loved by the ward and loved by their Heavenly Father. The other night we had an FHE with all of our recent converts! It was so fun and good bonding time for them.

So this week we were able to watch the Christmas devotional!!! I am so happy when I listen to the words of the prophets. I felt the spirit strongly when the choir sang about my Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the Christmas season and I hope you all have a happy and joyful one :)

So today is pday!!! And also zone activity day!!! We went on a long hike with our whole zone. It was beautiful! So green and jungly. But it was also very hot and steep. I think I lost 10 pounds in sweat alone! hha! But masaya pa din. Our Zone is very fun the elders are all really nice and funny. It is like a big family :)

The Zone Hike!

 

 

 

 

Questions answered:
Cindy wants to know if you got her letter?
Yes!! I got it ths week!! I was hoping to write her back this week but because of the activity I have no time. I will soon though. Love you Aunt Cindy!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandma wants to know if you got her package?
Not yet. I will probabluy at transfers.

Who else have you heard from?
This week I got dearelders from you. Letters from Cindy and two from grandma :) that is it :)

Are you getting along with your companion? (she is a very cute girl)
Yes!!!!! Sister Cabrera is the best ever. I will be sad when she leaves me in less than a week. We are good friends and work good together as a team :)

What will you do on Christmas day?
Not sure. We have an early curfew.

How is the weather?
HOT HOT HOT HOT!!! and a little bit of rain.

How is your health?

Good I guess. I dont feel sick. I feel tired but that is missionary life eh?

That is all I have time for!!! I love you so so so sos so much!!! Sorry again it is short.
Mom can you ask Savannah for Melissa Snell's adress. I have been wanting to write her but I don't now where to send!!!
Remeber to pray and read palagi!!!
Sister Stapp

Three Words Video!

Enjoy this video from the Baguio Mission.  Sister Stapp is on at 17:18. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNvRpjzCy_I&feature=youtu.be

Be Baguio

Magandang Hapon!!

I am in Baguio City right now! It is nice and cool up here in the mountains. The bus ride up was 1.5 hours and very very windy. The lady I was sitting next to gave me a banana to eat so I gave her a pamphlet about the restoration. She read the whole thing on the way up the mountain. she said she had no questions about it but I told her if she did, to ask the missionaries! I am becoming more comfortable now with "Preach by the Way" now that I am getting better at conversational tagalog.
So the reason why my companion and I are in the city right now is because my camera broke earlier this week. Yes the new camera that I just bought at target was accidentally dropped by my dear companion Sis Cabrera. Luckily though we got permission to take it to a repair shop here in Baguio. It is the closest to Caba. It is fixed now for 1000 pesos. So sorry if there are not a lot of pics this week.

So this week has been another week of work! We are working really hard on finding new investigators through the members and by looking in our area book for past investigators. We just lost two more Ibd's this week. Sister Donna and Brother Mark. We had chosen a date and everything for them Jan 12. but they are not yet married. They really wanted to be baptized Jan 12 but their families didn't want them moving their wedding date to Jan instead of April. They decided to wait till april to be baptized so their families would not be upset. We are sad but happy for April! They are very commited and come to church every week. Sister Donna feels the spirit so strongly when she reads the Book of Mormon and Mark is really excited to be sealed to her and their new baby (due in Jan) someday.

This week we have been so so so blessed to have so many different branch missionaries work with us. We are now being able to match branch missionaries to the needs of the investigators and it makes all the difference in the conversion process for the investagator. It is also really great because we have had our recent converts working with us a lot! Brother Jomar, a recent convert, worked with us for the first time last night and he did so well! He testified of the Book of Mormon and about Joseph Smith. It makes me so happy to hear the testimonies of Rc's they are so plain and simple and powerful!

So Baguio Mission is all a buzz because of all the new missionaries to be arriving within the next two transfers! I am excited because we might be getting two new sisters in Caba area! We need it here in Caba. Back in the day Caba was it's own ward! With two new sisters we will be able to double the work and help Caba become the great ward it once was :) I am excited for what is to come, but also sort of nervous. With all these new missionaries my chances of training are getting higher! Training would be difficult but a good learning experience for me. We will see what happens.
hmmmmm what else I don't have that much time. Sorry again it is so so short! I love you all and Thank you for your love and support!!!!

Mom I did not recieve any letters this week but I did get your small package!! Thank you so much everything in there made me so so happy. Especially the notes from you and alex and the mac and cheese! I love you so much! Dad I love you so much!

I love hearing about your life and about what is going on back at home.

Pic explain: FHE at a recent converts house. We played a fun game that I have no time to explain!!!!

Love,
Sister Stapp