Kumusta ang pamiliya ko! At Malagayang Pasko!
As I've always enjoyed Christmas with family, I had no idea what to expect with it being with a bunch of people I've just barely met. I was over-impressed and so surprised with how much I enjoyed my Christmas this year. The spirit of Christmas truly felt as if the emphasis is where it should always be, on Christ. Again back to my district, being the absolute best, we really are. Elders Matsuoka, Elder Presher, and my companions, Elders Horlacher, and Elder Johnson, as well as the sisters, Sisters Fale, Sis. Lapale, Sis. Williams, Sis. Peters, and Sis. Halbrook are the best missionaries for sure here at the MTC. Whether it be the ties, candy, horses, candy, Book of Mormons, candy, and of course the coconut, given to the Hawaiian couldn't be forgotten. We made care packages for the women's prison here in the MTC and did a few other activities for the kids here in the Philippines. And just the spirit of each and every individual in my district is so strong, and each contributes so much to one another and has a huge impact on me.
In the Christmas spirit, as our Savior Jesus Christ went about "doing good", it brought up the question, what can I contribute or do to show the Lord my appreciation for Him? To get something for someone, you have to know them. How could I better get to know my Savior, Jesus Christ? Mosiah 5:13...
13 For how knoweth a man the master, who he has not served? And who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intentions of his heart?
How do we better know our Savior? Serve and show him that you are WILLING. Be willing... I won't be too specific, because I think the specifics will depend on how each of you reading, decide to understand and apply it to your DAILY lives. As missionaries, we get the opportunity, as we were told, to have the Christmas spirit every day, which I know is true. My mentality of a mission being a responsibility and a duty, quickly switched to realizing that it's an infinite amount times more of a privilege, that I have, to serve these chosen people.
It's my last few days here at the MTC and then I head out to Cabanatuan this Friday! I can't even begin to explain the promptings I've received, the blessings I've been blessed with, and the miracles I've witnessed just in these short 6 weeks here at the MTC. I know that it is because of the many prayers from home, that our Father in Heaven answers our pleas. In our struggles, he IS there, in our cries, he gives us comfort, in the times where we feel unsure, he will give us the clarity we seek. Ether 12:6, I won't say it because I want you to search and read it. The blessings come AFTER the trial, so endure it well. I love each and every one of you so so much, I miss you each so so much but know and am comforted through the Lord to know, that he is constantly with and protecting those that I love.
I was gonna end the letter but really quickly wanna share a last thought. That came from one of our leaders here Sister Williams, the medical advisor, who, she and her husband left their medical careers to serve a mission, and when asked why, responded "Because it's true". Cuz, what faith. Anyway, this sister Williams explained that she had a daughter, who after an injury would have to wear this full body brace, for a year of her life, as they were living in Arizona. Many times, as she explained a mother would cry wondering what she could do, to take the pain away from her daughter. Pleading and asking Heavenly Father, to make her suffer the pain instead. As I KNOW at some point my mom, my sister Kaui, and inlaws have pleaded before. Instead of comfort, she explained that the Lord answered her prayers saying "That is my daughter, don't interfere with the plan that I have for her, to make her the best version of herself she can be." I know it's hard to watch people struggle, especially those we love so much, but our Savior Jesus Christ is very much present in each and every one of our lives. Again, JAHSSS TRAHHSS
alam ko po na totoo ang Simabahan na ito, alam ko po na si JesuCristo ang tagapagligtas ko at pamamagitan ang kanyang pagbabayad sala, maaari tayong makahanap ng kaligayahan at kapayapaan ng mga mahirap oras
Aloha au iā ʻoukou pākahi,
ELDER ISHIBASHI
1. Area presidency Brother and Sister Bangeter of the 70
2. Christmas Dinner wit da coolest guys in the MTC letting the short guy take a pic with them
3. HAWAII HAMMAHS : OAHU - ELDER KAIO & ELDER NAEʻOLE
AND ELDER ANITEMA FROM MAUI
4. OUR BATCH 779
5. STILL GOTTA TRO DA ONE DOWN cuhzzz lechon is meannn!!
My district and teachers
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