Week 94: Tuesday March 24, 2015

Dear Family,

   I am pleased to report that after all of the hard work that me and Elder Abraham have put in these last 10 weeks, we have finally found a man who has committed to be baptized! As I have written in previous letters, we have found great success in working with less-active families in the ward. Many have returned to the fold and it has been so sweet to see these previously less-active fathers receive the priesthood and lead their families in the gospel. In fact, the man who has committed to be baptized is the father of a less-active family. His wife and children were baptized years ago, but he never accepted the invitation to join himself. It's actually a great story that I would love to share with you.

   Me and Elder Abraham actually happened to be on splits with members the day that I found him. I was working with a member named Toting, a deaf convert to the church (I will have to tell you more about him when I return home). We were driving up to an appointment way up in the mountains. Seeing that I couldn't sign to Toting while I was driving, I was thinking about the day. As I looked around, I notice many houses that I had always meant to stop at, but never had. Immediately, I pulled the truck over and began tracting. As I went from house to house, I found many kind people willing to speak with me. Though they seemed nice and willing to listen, I felt like I should keep going down the trail that I was on. The trail led deeper into the mountain until I came to a small river with a few small wooden huts above. I crossed the river and began talking to the poor people who lived in the huts. After speaking with them for a few minutes, I felt the same prompting to keep going. Not knowing why, but trusting my feeling, I continued on. The houses were few and far between with sugar cane fields as far as the eye could see. The setting sun made for a beautiful view as I gazed out into the valley below. I finally came to another small hut. Before I could even call out, I heard a voice, "Elder, you finally made it to our home!" I approached the wide smiling Sister with a smile of my own. She invited me into her home and I met her husband and kids. After getting to know each other for a few minutes, I began to teach them about Jesus Christ. We talked about His life and our lives, His atonement and commandments, and the perfect plan that He has given us so that we can return to His presence to dwell forever in eternal happiness. In the darkness of night with only a small candle to light their humble home, I invited the husband to be baptized. With tears running down his face, he accepted. 

   That's been the highlight of my week. It was an incredible experience. It's amazing to see how the Lord prepares people to receive the gospel. The family told me that I was the first missionary to return to their home in over a year. Looking back, even though we weren't able to visit who we had originally planned for, I'm grateful that I was able to run that special errand for Him. 

   Thanks for the letters! It sounds like all is well in Utah! I can't wait to hear from you all next week. I love you!

Elder Staheli.

Week 93: Tuesday March 17, 2015

Dear Family,

   It's been another solid week of missionary service. Elder Abraham and I have been working so hard! We always seem to be finding new people to teach each week. In fact, this past week we were able to find 13 new investigators! I'm so excited to continue to go back to their homes and teach them the gospel. Finding new people through tracting and street contacting is actually one of my very favorite things to do. Meeting new people is always so interesting and it's so incredible to see how the Lord prepares people to receive the gospel. Even though we have been finding new people to teach, the bulk of our success is still in teaching less active members. We seem to have new less active members return to church each week! Serving others truly is a sweet experience.

   Once again, I have just arrived back from Cebu. I had to go over for fingerprinting and other things having to do with my immigration papers. Though the entire process took only about 5 minutes, it was nice to spend a few days with the other missionaries who had to go as well. I spent most of the time with my MTC companion, Elder Uata. It was nice to catch up and talk about all of the changes that we have both made on the mission. He told me that his family is making signs for both of us when we get off the plane at Salt Lake. Also, his mom said that she is going to buy us both cheesecake and Cafe Rio! I'm so excited to meet his family. Speaking of flight plans...I was able to see them while I was in Cebu! I didn't check the times of the flights, but I saw where I will be traveling. I will be going from Cebu to Manila, Manila to Tokyo, Tokyo to Seattle, Seattle to Salt Lake, and finally Salt Lake to St. George! I can't believe how soon it is. I'm literally down to my final 2 months. Everyday has been an adventure that has changed my life. While it's been such a blessing to serve among the people in this nation, it's going to be rewarding to walk off the plane and see my family again! 

   I can't believe the house is already framed! It looks so good! It must be exciting to see the progression each day. I can't wait to see it when it's all finished! 

   I'll let you know more information as it comes to me. I actually still have one more call home; about one week before my departure. We can talk all about times and plans then. I miss and love you!

Elder Staheli. 

Week 92: Tuesday March 10, 2015

Dear Family,

   I don't know why, but this week has seemed to go by especially fast. I guess that's a good thing. It means that I am finding things to keep my busy and staying focused on what I am doing here. This past week has been quite typical. We have actually found a lot of new places to work this past week and many new people to teach. I know that I have mentioned it before, but I love the generosity and kindness of the Filipino people. No matter where we go or who we speak to, people always have a smile on their face. It's inspiring to see people in such difficult circumstances who don't let that ruin their life. I have learned the great lesson of optimism here on my mission. While there is so much in the world that could cause us to be sad or distressed, there is still so much more that can give us such happiness if we will but take the time to enjoy it. I love how the gospel adds and, in fact, is part of the natural beauty of the earth that we take in everyday. It's such a beautiful truth that I am so grateful for.

   I just received word that I will be heading to Cebu yet again next week to take care of my immigration papers. I can only imagine how fast this transfer is going to go by. I have already been to Cebu once, I will be going again next week, and we still have another meeting in Cebu in a few weeks. All of my time is slipping away! Even if that is the case, I am grateful still for the time that I do have. Time is precious. I have also learned that time is something God has given us to help us manage ourselves. I hope that we don't spend our time doing things that are of no worth. Each day is a blessing. We never know when our time may be up. One of my biggest goals is to continue to find ways to use my time wisely and productively when I return home. You can all help me with that! 

   I just want to say congratulations to Jazzy and Seager! I am so excited to get home and meet a new member of the family. I send you all my love!

Elder Staheli. 

Week 91: Tuesday March 2, 2015

Dear Family,

   I feel so happy! This week has been great. Any chance that I have to go to Cebu is a great experience, and I have had yet another opportunity to do so this week. Being the first of the month, we had meeting in Cebu that we were able to attend in which we received great instruction and important information concerning the mission and our responsibilities as missionaries. I am grateful for a wonderful mission President who is always filled with the spirit and who does his very best every single day to do what is right. 

   It's been a great first week of the new transfer and the new missionaries who have transferred into the zone are awesome! Diligence is a trait that I have gained here on my mission, and I am grateful for the wonderful examples of the missionaries who are always around me. Our missionaries work so hard and as a result we are achieving great things as a zone. Looking at my schedule, I am going to be extremely busy for the rest of the transfer which means that it is going to go by so fast! I will be heading to Cebu a few more times withing the next few weeks or so. I received a letter and I am about to begin process of returning home. I need to get passport photos, fingerprints, etc. It's a strange realization that my time in this beautiful land will soon be coming to an end. I occasionally find the opportunity to consider the things that I am going to do after my mission. I am happy to say that I feel confident with the decisions that I have made. I am looking forward to sharing these thoughts and decisions with you when I return home!

   With that said, I should probably go. Me and Elder Abraham still have a few hours of travel ahead of us and we still have to prepare to teach a training meeting tomorrow. Teaching is my favorite. I'm excited! 

   I love you!