Week 16: Tuesday September 24, 2013

Family,

   Another week has come & gone here in the jungle & I'm still alive, so that's good! Man, I know that I have had some crazy stories so far, but another crazy thing happened this week. So, we are on the side of the street proselyting, talking to some teenage kids. Mine & Elder Walker's backs are towards the road so we can hear bikes & tricycles behind us. We were actually in a really good conversation when out of nowhere - we hear this loud crash! To preface the story, you might want to look up what tricycles look like here in the Philippines. All they are are motorcycles with small side cars attached to the side. They are tiny & we ride them all the time. So, we look to the left just in time to see one man fall off of the back of the bike & another get thrown from the sidecar, land & skid on the railing on the side of the road, smack his head on a post, & fall to the ground laying unconscious in his own blood!  We run over there to help, but (I'm ashamed to say this) I had to hang back because I was getting a little sick. I don't remember if I told you the story about another crash we saw my first transfer, but the same thing happened where I felt very sick after. Anyway, I haven't heard anything on the man. Hopefully he is okay, but I haven't heard anything, so who knows? I was shocked that I have been sick for these last two accidents, though. I have been thinking about why I have felt this way because I have never gotten sick from anything like this before. I thought that maybe I finally inherited it from dad, but I thought some more & I think I found an answer.  Any other injury or accident I am fine with, but these last two have had one thing in common: it involves someone laying in the road covered in blood. I realized that the reason I have been sick for these accidents is because both times I have had flashbacks of when Chelsie was hit by a car. Both times it has been very hard to get through the day because I kept having flashbacks of that. It's terrible, I know. I  don't know why I'm sharing this with you all, but it is just something I have realized.

   On a happier note, we have some new investigators! They seem interested & hopefully they will progress faster than the last one's, though we are still working with them & they continue to progress, just slowly. Zone conference was good. President Schmutz is extremely intelligent. He gave a good workshop & it has me thinking a little bit. It was nice to see some of the other missionaries as well. It was nice to be in the city! I hope I get transferred there sometime. I have always enjoyed cities much more than smaller places, another reason I can't wait to move up North. There is just so much more to do in the city! I also want to go to Negros, the neighboring island. Everyone who goes there says it is the absolute best! My MTC companion is there right now & I'm jealous. Anyway, there really isn't that much going on right now. I am getting dang good at the language though! Most of the time I can have conversations with people without need of help. It still depends, though. But I'm happy with my progress.

   Jazz, your new job sounds fun! It sounds like you enjoy it so that's good. It sounds like the yard is paradise in the making as well! I can't wait to get up there & see it. Yes, of course I want pictures of you & Seager as well! I want to see all of you! Obviously the kids are the cutest, but you guys aren't that bad either (most of the time!) Those books sound good. If you want you could send them to me. I would read them for sure, there isn't much to do here. I'm glad my Utes pulled through! It sounds like they aren't looking very good, though. Oh well, I'm just hoping for a bowl game this year.

   Love you all! Sorry I forgot pictures again, I'm so bad at that!

   -Elder Staheli

Week 15: Tuesday September 17, 2013

Family,

   Okay, this has been the hardest/craziest week so far, for sure! First of all, none of our investigators are coming to church, we have been dropped by a few, & they are just struggling to progress. It's super frustrating. It's been hard dealing with them, but hopefully they will start to progress better. However, that is just part of the frustration of this last week. Here in the Philippines, we occasionally have "brown outs" which is simply a power outage. We have had a few since I have been here, but they have never lasted more than an hour or two. However, this week something broke down in the main power plant in Toledo which is where we receive the power for our town. It's about 20-30 minutes away. So, since there was a malfunction in the machinery, there was obviously a brown out. We have not had any power OR running water for about a week. I'm not sure which is more frustrating: Coming home from working all day, dripped in sweat, & not being able to sleep in air conditioning & fans, or not being able to take a shower for 3 or 4 days in the same conditions. I must tell you, it is an awful feeling. It felt as though I had just played a whole basketball game,  I am hot & sweaty, & I am not able to take a shower. This went on all week. The power has started to come back on in small flashes starting a few days ago, but never seems to stay on for good. Hopefully it is back on for good now! I was hoping that the power would turn on so that I could e-mail you all today. It's on for now so hopefully it doesn't turn off while I am in the middle of this! Also, a few days ago, we found out that there is a well (I think that is the spelling?) near our home. So, for the last few days we have had to go & fetch buckets of water & shower out of the buckets with a small scoop that is at our home. Talk about a humbling experience! Also, since it gets dark here everyday, all year round, around 6:00, it has been very hard to teach people this week because there is no light. When we come home, we have had to do our nightly planning with just a flashlight because our apartment is obviously pitch black. It has been a frustrating, but also humbling experience to say the very least. It's so crazy to me that people here live like this everyday of their life. I'm struggling to go & get water out of a well, stuggling to function this week, & people are looking at me like I am crazy because they live like this everyday. Most people cannot afford electricity or running water so it didn't even phase them. I have the utmost respect for these people. They are incredible for being able to do this everyday.

   So, it sounds like things are going great at home. I'm so bummed Utah lost! That makes me so mad. I'm also mad that I will miss the rivalry this week. It's hard to say who I think will win because I don't know much about the players this year. I know that BYU's quarterback has some experience & I think they have a great team this year. I don't know much about Utah, so it's hard to say. However, this I can say: GO UTES! I love the little Utah outfit that Dax is wearing! That's awesome. 

   Maddie, I got your e-mail! Thank you for your thoughts & advice. I really cherish & appreciate what you all have to say more than anyone else. It kind of makes me laugh that you are so involved in the school. Just because I can picture is so easily. You are such a great mom. Krue & Axzelle are so lucky to have you as their mom. They are so loving & are amazing. Also, let me just say that the pictures you sent actually put a few tears in my eyes. I miss the kids so much. I hurts my heart so bad to be away from them. The pictures are amazing! They have to be the most beautiful kids I have ever seen! I swear, they could be models. They are such amazing kids. I miss them so much. It makes me sad. But, I am glad they are busy having fun! I wish I was there to experience it with you all. The hardest part of my mission is without a single doubt, being away from all of you. I have friends, & they will come & go, but family is forever. You have all been there for me no matter what & that is something that I find very special. I am so blessed to have the family I have. I love you all so much & I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you all for your constant love & support in no matter what I have chosen to do in my life. You are all my best friends. Thank you.

   You will be glad to know that even though I am on the other side of the world, I am keeping up on my S.T.Y.L.E.! I just bought a pair of shoes that I am stoked about! Unfortunately, I don't have any clothes nice enough to wear with them here, so I will have to wait awhile. They aren't church shoes, but they are a nicer shoe, for sure. I got them for about 1,000 pesos which is only about $25. I have looked at shoes like these before in America, & they are always at least about $90 or $100 so I am way excited. 

   Something incredibly annoying & frustrating about being a white guy in the Philippines is the constant "JOE!" Everyone here, especially the punk teenagers call white people Joe. The reason is because during WWII, they were many American soldiers in the Philippines. They were "G.I. Joes" so the Philippinos called them all "Joe". Well, it has stuck ever since. The thing is, they now use it as an insult. Many times I just bite my tongue & walk away in silent frustration, but sometimes I can't. They call me Joe & start cussing at me (in English, like they think I don't understand or something?) so I turn & start getting angry with them & then they get scared because there is this big American in their face speaking English to them. It's a good thing my companion is a patient person because he always pulls me away & keeps his cool.  It's something I am trying hard to work on. I am getting better. 

   Time to answer your questions: Me & Elder Walker are getting along fine. He's a nice kid & we have a lot to talk about. I enjoy his company most of the time. I don't go on splits as much, but it's okay. We have a zone conference tomorrow so I will head to the mission home for that, about 2 hours away. My area is called Pinamungahan. I think that's all of them!

   

   Well, that's about it. Kind of crazy this week. We have a zone activity today that I'm excited about & then there is a zone conference in the city tomorrow, so lots going on! I love & miss you all, always. 

   -Elder Staheli

Week 14: Tuesday September 10, 2013

Mayong Buntag!

   Hey everyone, it's Elder Staheli. Here's the update for this week: We are still teaching Jean & she is progressing well. She cried again when we taught her about the first vision, which is great! The only thing is, she didn't attend church this Sunday & she cannot be baptized until she attends for 4 weeks in a row, along with other things, of course. I mentioned before that this mission is also considered a "rescue mission" which also includes the retention of new converts. There are very specific guidelines that must be met in order to baptize someone. Our focus is to keep recent converts active & get them to the temple someday. Otherwise, it is all for nothing. Along with Jean, we are teaching her sister, who also cried during the first lesson, & her parents who are extremely Catholic. However, her mother is warming up to us I think. In fact, she does manicures in the city & she offered to give us one, so we are heading over there after this! It should be...fun! We also continue to teach less-actives & recent converts. We were teaching a recent convert of about 3 months last night. He name is Sister Nebres. It was great, but it can be a little hard to teach her with a strait face when she is wearing a shirt with a picture of an angry smurf with big letters that say "Smurf Happens". But I pushed through!

   Sounds like everything is going great at home. Time must actually be going a little faster than it seems if it's already football season again! Holy smokes, it seems like it is still months away! Sounds like BYU did well! Utah also, obviously. Keep me updated on them both. I like BYU, but I think I may like Utah just a little bit more! After all, that's where I plan to attend college! I guess that didn't change Casey's mind, though.

   I loved all of the pictures this week! That picture of Dax is awesome! He looks so cute, but I think he would look better with a Ravens beanie. That's right, Chad. Those pictures that you took in New York are amazing, Casey! They look professional! It looks so beautiful. As I sat down to write today, I typed in the date & completely forgot that it is 9/11. That of course doesn't mean anything here, but I have not forgotten to think of those who were lost on that tragic day. Casey, I do know Elder Whitney! He is going to Detroit, right? We never really did anything together outside of school, but we had a few classes together & were always friends in school. He's a good kid.

   I am starting to feel better. I have actually started to eat & figure out how to make new food because I am tired of the same old stuff. There is a dried fish here called buwad. It looks looks like a night of throwing up & smells even worse, but it is so good! It is extremely salt, obviously, but I really enjoy it. I have started to eat just anything that I see that I have not had & I actually really enjoy the food. I especially like the potato chips that you sent, mom! Thank you! I am finished with one bag already. You know me, I love my chips. Wow, there are a lot of kleenex's in there. I haven't had any problems with allergies or runny noses here, but I appreciate them. They should last the rest of my mission. Grandma & grandpa, that's great that you are going up to Boise! I miss Uncle Aaron & Aunt Shelly. Will you ask what their e-mail is for me; I'm not sure I have the right one.  I received Krue's book thing. That looks way cool! I don't know if you are expecting me to buy a book. If so, I'm sorry, I don't think I can at the moment. But I still support him! Casey, I would love for you to send me those books you were talking about! Also, Dad & Suzy, whatever you can find is fine. Obviously it shouldn't be anything bad, but President Schmutz has said that we can read anything church related during personal time. Maybe books about Prophets, history, etc. I'm really fine with whatever, I just would like some books!

   That's about it! I will try to send those pictures right now. Hopefully it works. Love & miss you all!

   -Elder Staheli

Week 13: Tuesday September 3, 2013

Family,

   Well, me & Elder Walker have been super busy. It's a little bit harder working with him because he likes to leave/stay out an hour later than I am used to with Elder Woods. I was exhausted before & he is going even harder. I hope I can mentally & physically handle it. I feel so weak all the time, but it's good that he works hard. We actually have some new investigators so it seems to be working. He is a good guy. He is from Logan & went to a year of school at Utah State before his mission. We have gotten off to a better start than me & Elder Woods did. We get along fine, but of course there are times when I am a little bit bugged by him, but I'm sure that's how every companion would be.

   So our new investigators - We are teaching this family who lives way the heck up in the bukid (mountains/wilderness). They have 10 kids! They seem pretty excited about the church, but in all honesty I'm not sure if it will work out with them. The husband seems pretty set on Catholicism. The wife is more receptive. The biggest problem though is going to church. Since they live so far away & they have 10 kids, it will be extremely difficult for them to get ready & go to church. Not to mention the fact that they are extremely poor & have no money for a ride to church. So, I guess we'll see.

   We are also teaching a young girl named Jean. On Saturday we were at the chapel teaching an English class & this man, a member, walked in with this girl that we have never seen. After the class, we talked to her & found out that she is 17. She has 1 year of high school done, dropped out this year, but plans to return next year. She has some tattoos & it's kind of funny because one of them is on her hand & says "crips". For those who don't know what that is, it is a big gang in America & apparently here as well. I told her that I was a blood, their rival gang, & she was shocked & a little defensive. I told her I was just kidding. I don't think she thought it was very funny. Anyway, we went & taught her the first lesson  

& it was great. She started crying & she said the closing prayer. It was so good for her that she asked if we could come & teach her family! Of course we said yes, so we are going to her parents house on Saturday. However, we went & taught her sister yesterday & the same thing happened. In the middle of the lesson, I asked her how she felt & she started crying & said that she felt so happy. I know that it's early, but I may have my first few baptisms on the way! She even wanted to come to some other lessons that we had scheduled for that day so we let her come & sit in on the lessons. She is already acting like a member. After every lesson she was so excited & asked "where are we going now!" Hopefully she stays this excited.

   That's about it this week. We are working hard, I'm trying not to collapse, & hopefully we will have some baptisms soon. It's pretty crazy how the language is coming along. I am getting very good at speaking, but understanding is still very difficult most of the time. It's super frustrating.However, it depends on the person also. I have had full conversations with some people already & afterwards I just think of how crazy that is. It's a pretty awesome feeling. Also, if someone wants to send me some books for Christmas or whatever, that would be awesome. I have finished every book that I have. I get very bored here sometimes & I do a lot of reading to pass the time. I enjoyed reading before my mission, but since I have been out I have developed a great appreciation for it. Any books would be fine. I already have the mission library so don't send any of those. Thanks! I'm so excited for Kassidy! Twins, that's crazy! Tell her congratulations. Way to do work in golf Chad. Just remember - golf is the most important thing in life, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's been hotter lately, which is kind of a bummer. I miss the cold weather & the snow. Not that we had a lot in St. George, but when I move up North it will be cold! Starr, you sound like the best mom ever! I wish I could be there to help & experience Daxton's life with you. I can't believe how big Daxton is getting! It's so crazy. It makes me so sad. He doesn't even look the same. I think about him & all of you all the time. I've been out about 3 months now & even though some might say it's flown by, it feels like it's really been 3 months. I feel like I've been out for a long time & I get sad when I think about how much longer I still have. It seems like forever. Hopefully it starts going by faster like everyone says.

   I love & miss you all, as always.

   -Elder Staheli