Baptism, Birthday, Transfers!

This was one of the best weeks of my entire mission! Elder Buque and really worked harder than we ever have this week and we surpassed our goals. I am so grateful to have a Elder like him to help me out. This week I lead the area, which pretty much means that Elder Buque did not talk for most of the time. This really pushed me to improve and I truly feel like I improved more than I ever have in a week. Truly spectacular!

One crazy thing that happened that I think I forgot to tell you about was that there was a motorcycle crash that happened one day right in front of us as we were walking home. It was really bad and the guy was really bloody. His face and all his arms were completely covered in red. I rushed over to help the man over to the side of the road while Elder Buque helped move the motorcycles out of the traffic. We aided to his wounds to the best of our knowledge and told another bystander to go and get the traffic enforcer. We called his family to come get him and they took him to the hospital. Crazy experience...

On a happy note... one of our investigators, Jovie, got baptized this week! This was the most amazing day in the entire mission. There is no other joy like when you see someone taking a covenant with our Heavenly Father to follow Him.  I had the privilege to perform the baptism and it is an experience I will never forget. Jovie's testimony in the church is so strong and her family was so happy to support her. When she bore her testimony after the service, I could not help from crying. She is truly going to be a strong member as she continues to learn more about the plan that God has for her!

Yesterday was my birthday and it was truly special! First we had a big feast with my favorite food (Bicol Express, Adobo, and Lechon Manok) with our whole zone. My wonderful trainer Buque helped me cook all of it for them. Then at night we got invited to share a message at a family home evening, and it was also a surprise party for me! This family is my favorite. They have so little, but are willing to give everything they have to others. We had tons of food (again) and I got to share my final testimony to them because I also just found out that I will be transferred to Caloocan! 

I will truly miss my trainer Elder Buque, and my kabahays Elder De Guzman and Elder Bajamunde. They always inspired me and motivated me to become a better person. I truly love them. Most of all I will miss all the people that I have worked with for the past 3 months. These people are so spectacular and I learned so much from them. This ward was my family and helped me whenever I struggled with the Tagalog or anything. So grateful and filled with love.

As I have now finished my 12 week in-field training I have truly learned so many things. Too much to put into this one email. My testimony in this church has strengthened beyond compare. I have been able to witness first hand the influence of our Heavenly Father every single day. I also know that as I am more able to fully consecrate my life to God, I will be a more worthy servant of the Lord to help others receive eternal bliss. I know that this church is true and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. The only way to truly know if this is true is by asking for yourself to God if it is true. God gave us physical evidence for us to ponder and read from: the Bible and the Book of Mormon. If you ever need any help in life or if you ever want to come closer to God, I testify that the Book of Mormon is the answer. Most of all, Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Reedemer, our everything. I have been able to experience the enabling power of the Atonement of Christ every single day as I come unto him and repent of my weaknesses and mistakes. The only true way to turn our weaknesses into strengths is through Christ. I am so thankful for the constant companionship and friendship of my Heavenly Father. He truly loves every singe one of us.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes, and sorry if I did not respond to you! I really am grateful for everyone in my life. Have a fantastic week!

Elder Cadayong