9.05.2009

Hey everyone,

Its been raining here like crazy! I guess the typhoon we had last week was just a typhoon, the one we had on Saturday was a super typhoon. I spent most the morning wading around in water just below my knees. It was awesome!!!! Oh and I went and bought me some rubber shoes for the rainy season so I don't ruin my leather ones! ha ha.

Its so much fun here. The people here are still great and I'm finally starting to remember who people are (remember I have memory problems) ha ha. We currently have 4 progressing investigators, which means that they are progressing towards baptism. One is named Noel Gabutin. He lives with his aunt and Uncle, and when we get into our apartment in San Marcelino (my area) she will be the one that does our wash. (clothes only).

Nanay Dumindin is hilarious. She always calls me guapo (handsome) and says I smell like a Utahn. I love her!!! ha ha. Her husband is in the Branch presidency. Then we have a couple ladies named Arlene and Inez (not sure of the last name) that we are teaching that had a lot of questions about the Book of Mormon but I think we got them resolved for them. Then 2 teenage kids named Mark and Bernadeth Peralta, they are good kids and they have 2 older sisters that are members but their parents aren't so that could prove to be a problem for us when they are ready for baptism.

Oh then we had all 4 of them at church yesterday, it was awesome!! Oh, another cool thing. We had a baptism yesterday of a young man whose parents are members, right before we started the Elders quorum President Brother Peralta, came up to me and told me I was confirming. I was so nervous but it was so cool! I asked my companion if he wanted to do it but he said no way! I already know now its your turn. It was real neat.

I am starting to understand the language a bit better. I was really struggling for the first couple days then I realized that I wasn't praying for the gift of tongues or interpretation of tongues. Stupid me, I know. But I started praying for it and the next day I still didn't know everything they were saying but I understood a lot more, enough to add tidbits here and there. So...Prayer works!!! But as far as people understanding me goes... usually they can piece together what I'm saying but sometimes they have to turn to my companion and he has to translate what I'm trying to say. Its funny, but oh well. Pres. Aquino says don't worry, it'll come with time just magsanay magsanay magsanay (practice practice practice).

Today we went up to Mount Pinatubo, that's where the volcano erupted and buried one of the biggest cities in this area of the Philippines. A lake that covers it now, there is a little town thats at the top, while there today we looked out on the lake and the only thing you can still see is the big old cross from the old church that used to be there. Its pretty crazy to see what mother nature can do. The ride up there is Magandang maganda (very beautiful) its so green and...well beautiful!

The rain here is soooo much fun!! Its like Mitch said. Don't plan on being dry for the next 2 years! ha ha.

I sweat like crazy over here but I'm lovin it! I might not come home! bero lang! (just kidding) thank you everyone for your prayers and love and support.

I think the best way for any of you to communicate with me is thru email. I probably won't be able to email back but I can write then your not waiting a month. instead only 2 weeks (give or take).

Until next week,
Love you all,

Elder Chase