I don't even know where to start. We left the MTC, left my amazing MTC district, headed to Cabanatuan city, which was about a 3 hour drive, and arrived at the Mission home meeting President and sister Burton. When I talk about being proud of home, President and Sister Burton made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. President Burton was one of the heads and captains in the Navy in Pearl harbor so they lived in Hawaii for a few years! He and his wife fell in love with the Hawaiian culture, and learned how to dance hula and became close with, and learned how to play ukulele from a man named Water Kawaiaia. At first I just wasn't sure how dat situation was gonna go haha until I heard him play. Cahzzin I trip. His strum was like how old Hawaiians would strum and pick at the same time, and played and sang Hawaii Aloha for me. I would just like to say a quick thanks to them, for their service to the Lord, and their dedication to each individual missionary.
My new companion is Elder Smith, he is the best. Look at the picture and imagine how he is.. yup thats him. He is so so nice and his love for this gospel is inspiring. Hes very patient with me and my Tagalog and yet still pushes me. Im way thankful for the companion the Lord blessed me with.
We had to stay in Cab city that night, because we wouldn't make it to my new area, before curfew. We woke up and left at about 5 in the morning, and the drive to my new area took a little over 4 hours. This place is called San Luis, Aurora. A thought Id like to share came from that bus ride here. The place is beautiful, the trees and some plants are similar to Hawaii, yet some living situations and people in some of these provincial areas almost brought me to tears, with the question in my head, where is God here? And those kind of questions that followed. As we continued to pass through these areas, the Lord answered me. Look in their hearts. I would have to write a book to explain the things ive learned, seen, and felt just these past few days, but I can summarize it all with a few words, this plan of happiness, truly works and brings what it promises for ANYONE.
Through these past few days here, my heart becomes broken into pieces and then shredded again when I see these people smile. When I see the joy that believing in our Savior gives them. I see the kids and all I see is Pierce, Jeremias, Fia, Talia, Elena, and Veya and even though I cant understand much yet, I already feel like I love them so much. They have nothing, but in their hearts, theyre so full. 2 Nephi 4:21.
21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
The amount of times Ive felt blessed is unreal. The comfort that comes from asking for such from our Father in Heaven is real. The gift of Tongues is real and it comes with loving the people and fully depending on the Lord. I testify that blessings are PROMISED if we but follow the gospel law that predicates them. I miss you ALL so much, you have no idea, but through the Lord, am consistently, every minute of the day comforted and motivated to continue in his work.
Alama ko po na ang Simbahan na ito ay totoo. Dahil ako ay nakakita at naramdaman ng espiritu dito sa San Luis, sa pamamagitan ng mga puso ng mga tao, nagpapatotoo po ako ang bagay na ito ay totoo.
I love and miss you all so much, a hui hou aku nō,
ELDER ISHIBASHI
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