5-5-24 PAMILYA NA MAY WALANG HANGAN

Kumusta po kayong lahat! A great week as a missionary, one of the hardest for sure, but a space for the Lord to manifest so many blessings. The quick experience I want to share happened this past week, as I recieved the news of the passing of my dads twin sister, and beautiful aunty Star. So unexpected and heart tearing. Being away from family at this time, broke my heart as I thought my cousins, my uncle Kimo, and my family. I remembered the many times showing up randomely to the house, by uncle Kimo and aunty Star always opening the fridge offering me something to eat or drink, or simply asking how Im doing, when they had no idea of the bad day id had. Ive always felt so loved by them. So many memories, and as I prayed in tears to my Father in heaven, he blessed me with a memory of my aunty a few weeks before I left on my mission. My siblings, my parents, and my uncles and aunties, showed up in Kona, for the last session, before the rennovation of the Kona Hawaii temple. I thought about it then, and was reminded about it a few days ago, of her sitting down in the temple, in her temple clothes. She was alone, and made the 2 hour drive to the temple, in the evening, to one last time, attend the temple. This is what was important to aunty, this is what is important to each of us. This is the why. This is my aunty Star Alameda and the kind of person she chose to be. Immediately, I was given motivation to work, and was told by the Lord, this is the reason in which we as missionaries serve, to share this gospel, to those who are hurting and teach them a truth that we have the ability to be entitled to. To be families forever, not just in this life, or till death do we part, but truly for eternity. Sometimes there are things we need to give up, sometimes there are habits that we need to leave behind, but all fall short to the eternal happiness that comes this promised blessing about families. Ive never bore a more meaningful testimony in the lessons that day, and Ive never meant it more. The simple answer, is that its true. And the question is, what are we willing to do to obtain it? I love my family, and pray to tears every night to bless them and give them comfort, especially during this time. But as I focus on this work, his work, the Lord comforts me, and this is a blessings for all who seek such. Mosiah 24: 12-15 12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts. 13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. 14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. I know this is true, which is why Im here, and why Ill stay. This is what aunty Star knew, and continues to depend on till now. This is the why, and the Lord continues to show us the how. I love my family very much, and will continue to do this work, to be with them for eternity, allowing others the same opportunity. Had the opportunity to fast yesterday, in which I know the Lord continues to answer my prayers in behalf of my family. Two years away from my own, to teach others how to be with theirs for eternity. Sulit talaga. Mahal ko po kayo. ELDER ISHIBASHI