Baptisms and many other Adventures!

I feel like so many things happened this week, so this email will probably be pretty jumbled. 

- I love Family Home Evenings in the Philippines! I am learning so many new games to play.

- Birthdays here in the Philippines are a lot like birthdays in Elementary school. The person who is celebrating their birthday brings food! In our case, a recent convert invited us over for her birthday and we ate TONS OF FOOD! So thankful for Lumpia, Pancit, and Filipino Spaghetti

- We went on exchanges with the other Elders and I led the area for the first time. A weakness of mine before has been knowing the geography because there are so many little alleyways (skinitas) and addresses here are more confusing than trying to read Chinese. HOWEVER, I have really learned this area pretty well considering it is one of the most densely populated areas in the mission.

- This happy kid at a less active members house would not stop smiling at me and it made my day :)

- We found out that 4 brand new kittens have been born in one of our laundry baskets.. it was quite the lovely surprise! Somehow, all the other elders knew like 2 days before I did..

- Since this area is densely populated, whenever a bike or a padiyak comes by or when they want a jeepney to stop, they make a kissing sound. It is very entertaining to me.

- Floating down the Navotas river we literally saw a container that said "TOXIC WASTE." I would not be surprised if one day we literally see a dead body floating down the river..

- I ate Chicken head for the first time. Not my favorite... you literally eat the entire head, brain, bones, eyes... literally everything. 

- I saw a Filipino who was wearing a shirt with the Colorado License plate #coloradopride

- I was feeling a little down and Elder Lucana and I had a talk and he really inspired me. I am lucky to have such an amazing companion as him!

- Focusing on charity and love towards others really makes all the difference :)

- For language study we played that game where each person says one sentence as we make up our own story. Let's just say that our story started with an ordinary guy named Federico, and ended with a crazy dragon fighting a piece of bread. Don't know how that happened..

-We happened to be in the part of our area that is by the ocean during sunset. God's creations are beautiful. See pictures for more details

- Our truck driver was singing some nice jazz songs loud and proud. Love the music here!

- I almost got hit by a car.

- BAPTISM! Sister Hughes (the wife of the Mission President) and the Assistants to the President came to the service. Merry Joy Dela Cruz, Sheila Marie Dela Cruz, Myka Paula Moreno, Mika Ella Dela Cruz, and Diana Dela Cruz entered the waters of baptism to follow the example of Jesus Christ. They were prepared by God. These girls are the smartest girls that I have ever met! Their testimonies are strong and they help each other out as they continue their on their spiritual journey. The other baptizer did not end up showing up, so I baptized all five of them and one other ward baptism. It was amazing to be a part of so many people entering into the fold of God. Their testimonies at the end almost made me cry. The Gospel of Jesus Christ really changes people's lives. 

-P-Day! We went to this island as a district. My area is the only area that is actually by the beach! The view was quite amazing. I will try not to send too many pictures.

-I had my first deep-fried burger. I felt my health degrading with every bite.

So many things happened this week and I am so happy to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This gospel brings so much happiness! Not just here on earth but for eternal life.

Stay awesome!

Elder Cadayong