The biggest news right now is that I am transferring. I received the call yesterday around noon when I was in another area for a baptismal interview. So right now, I am currently emailing with two other Americans as we wait for our companions to show up. It's awesome because I am with one of my MTC friends, Elder Graves, and then another one who is a transfer behind us two. So none of us actually know enough language to get around, so that's pretty fun. It's quite the adventure.
I am being transferred to Bacolod South Zone, so right in the city, a little bit of a change from little Old Sagay, tucked back in the fields. It will be a bit of a change for sure.
This last week in Old Sagay was amazing though. I had the feeling that I was going to transfer because all of the sudden my work just changed. We have been finding new families and investigators and the impressions I got as we have been teaching are that these people are not mine to teach. I really felt almost a sense of completion and satisfaction with the area, it's hard to explain. What I really learned this last week is how important it is to love the people. For some reason, something just clicked this week. I was filled with such a love for these people and I really just desired their happiness. And I realized that I was given the words to say as I began to love them more. I think that was what I was supposed to learn in my first area... Those are just my thoughts, sorry if they are a bit jumbled. Figured I would just share :)
We had a baptism this week! I have been hoping to see these kids get baptized since I got here, and after months and months -- it happened. I am not sure why these kids are so hardcore in the picture, but they are the funnest kids. The funniest part of the baptism -- FYI, baptisms are a little less reverent in the Philippines, this place is really just different. I can't explain it -- but the funniest part was when Jeffrey, the one furthest right, stuck his tongue out as he was being baptized, as in a "rock on, Gene Simmons' tongue" style. It was quite the baptism to be a witness of. But the ordinance was still performed correctly, so I think it still counts as being baptized, even despite the presence of Gene himself. The were so happy when we visited them later that night.
About the Christmas Day call to you, Mom and Dad -- I am still not sure on the details. I will have to email you the details after I talk to my new companion and see what we can do in this area. Hopefully the internet will be fast enough for Skype, but I don't know! I am SO excited to talk to you though! If we can't get Skype to work, I will give you our companionship cellphone number, according to President's instructions, and then YOU will call me. I'll let you know for sure next week!
Take Care!
Elder Welton
Here are some photos from stake conference that Tanner's mission president posted:
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| with Elder McCleary - also from Riverton |
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| transportation looks a little more fun in the Philippines |
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