11-28-2023 Week 2 in the Manila MTC

Welina mai me ke aloha e kuʻu ʻohana, a magandang umaga !! Another awesome week at the MTC here in Philippines. Even though the days feel to go by quicker than the first week, they continue to just be loaded with spiritual experiences, and blessings. One of the biggest, being me being able to stay awake the whole time for class haha but so so many that are in my journal , that I want to be there to share them with you guys when I return home. As we start to deepen our understanding of doctrine and teaching in simple ways, I am so thankful for my experiences hunting or diving or surfing, even life experiences, that allows me to share my personal testimony of the principles that we study. I often think about my cousins, each and every one and how much I love and miss them and admire their strength. Along with my BYUH family that I am so thankful for each of their examples for me. Theyre a huge tool that I'll be able to use, that can encourage others to recognise how the Lord has blessed and guided our brothers and sisters here in the Philippines in their lives. One of my favorite lessons came from a Missionary Devotional that elder Rasband gave at the Provo MTC last week, and was broadcasted throughout our MTC as well. The devotional went on to explain the miracles that we witness and how we each individually react to them. Is our faith great enough to allow them to happen? And is it even greater to allow them not to happen? Giving blessings for the sick and afflicted, or problems we struggle with and plead for the Lord to remove them instantly, a loved one who passes away, if we ask for a miracle and it is not given how you expect or want, do we have the faith to know that God's plan is greater than ours? I loved the devotional. The MTC is filled with experiences, and lessons that continue to only strengthen my testimony of this gospel. One of which is my newfound love and excitement for reading the Book of Mormon. Close to finishing Alma, and with the goal to read through the whole book before leaving the MTC, I'll start my study with a prayer, think of a question that I'm unsure or want more insight about, and read my chapter with the intent of answering my question. Then reading through my Hawaiian version, to mark the verses and translate words from the English that I don't understand. I've never looked forward to hour or hour and a half personal studies more. The other day, the Elders in my district came over and we did a study together, coming up with a question, and reading through the 6 verse chapter, the idea came up to maybe just read another chapter to answer our question. I testify of the significance of each and every word in scripture. The thought of the effort it took to carve into brass, made me think, every word and thought would only be the most important to include. Encouraging the district that it could be done, through our discussion and understanding, we answered the question we asked. The food is still so so action, hearing the stories and experiences of other Elders serving here, is just a huge blessing to me, as I prepare to make my way into the field with a higher sight on my mission. I miss you each very much, but through the Lord, am comforted to know that each of you are blessed by a Father in heaven who knows your name, your wants and your needs, your deepest desires, and the things that will bring you the most happiness. Thank you for sending grandpa's poem to me, just that has brought me so much comfort and different perspective on our individual struggles and imperfections. For those of you who haven't read Charlie's Monument I'll put it at the end. I haven't started my mission yet, but I've learned to love this people, and the Filipinos who chose to serve with their countless worldly reasons of why they should have stayed home but decided to serve the Lord. I've never seen people with absolutely nothing, be so happy and thankful. And thus are the fruits of a loving Heavenly Father and knowing he loves us individually and fully. Mosiah 2:41 41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. Why believe in this gospel? Because it brings happiness to our lives. Like it has comfort and peace, during my hardest times in my life, alam ko po na (I know) that in these times we can find comfort in coming to know Christ, and nagpapatotoo po ako ( I testify ), that to do so, we pray and read and study his gospel. I love and miss you all so much, jahs trahsss that the Lord knows what he's doing. JAHS TRUHSSS Mahal ko kayong lahat, eia nō au ko ʻoukou mikioneli punahele, ELDER ISHIBASHI grandpa's favorite poem Charlie’s Monument by Blaine M. Yorgason God, Before He sent his children to earth Gave each of them A very carefully selected package Of problems, These, He promised, smiling, Are yours alone, No one Else may have the blessings These problems will bring you. And only you Have the special talents and abilities That will be needed To make these problems Your servants. Now go down to your birth And to your forgetfulness, Know that I love you beyond measure. These problems that I give you Are a symbol of that love. These monuments you make of your life With the help of your problems Will be a symbol of your Love for me. Your Father. 1. My companion Elder Harlacher coolest dude ever 2. Dinner no forks jahs pound 3.Elder Lamborns Birthday, I did a fat simba of frosting across his forhead after we Sana 4. Elder matsuoka, Elder Lūki from Provo MTC, and his companion