A Reminder that Life is Fragile

So this week, the biggest highlight was that I got to see my batch-mates!  It was SO FUN! We are all in the same situation right now and it really felt so good to talk to people going through the same thing as me. And also, we had some pizza! They were GIANT. Like, I haven't even seen one that big in America... It was also probably the first real meal I have had since I got here. It was delicious.

That was so cool to see the pictures of Stacy's house! It's so classy and sophisticated. Very modern. And her private parking spot, sweet.

We had something really hard happen this morning and it has kind of taken up all of my thoughts. But yesterday we went to one of our investigator's house, they are actually a part-member family, and we taught them just the first few parts of the first lesson. It was just a normal visit, we've gone many times just to visit them, as they are less-active. But this morning we got a text that the mother in the family passed away. I was so shocked... Just the day before we had talked to her and shared a message with her. And then now she's not there anymore. It's just a reminder of how fragile life is. And it really brings me peace to know that there is something more after this life. People who don't know that they can see their family again - what a sad thing for them. It really helps me to realize what my purpose is as a missionary. We are truly bringing a message of hope and happiness to Heavenly Father's children. What a blessing it is for me to have front row seats to that miracle.

I am SO excited for conference! The area of the Philippines that I am in actually has to wait a week to watch conference. The time-difference combined with the slow internet and lack of satellite's at the church means we have to watch it delayed. So while you back home get to enjoy the luxury of watching it live, I have to wait the extra time to receive that new guidance and revelation. It's worth the wait, though! Plus, it's all in English! I'll be able to understand it all!

The language is going well for now. I still can't understand much, none of my batch really can either. It's really just the new normal - not being able to understand what's going on haha. But it slowly gets better. It's always comforting to hear from the people that really struggled with the language. The fact that they can understand now and speak is great to hear. It will just take time. For now, I stumble through what I can and just hope the Spirit can carry the message for me!

I think that's about it for this week. Have a nice week! Let me know if you have any questions about anything so I can answer!

Love,

Elder Welton

Here are some photos from Tanner's training meeting at the mission home. 

 (posted by President Lopez)