14 Feb 2011

Hey everyone,

Well to my surprise I have 2 new companions!!! One is from Utah and the other Maynila. Elder Buckmiller is my companion from Taylorsville and he's younger than me in the mission by only 1 transfer, we met when we were in our first areas because we were in the same district, he is also the other Zone Leader.  The other is Elder Adriano,  we were batch coming into the mission and I haven't seen him my whole mission until now.  He had some things happen last year so he we are helping him to get back on track.  He really hasn't been too big of a problem but it is a little weird having 2 people always with you and not just one. 

Transfer day went through pretty well seeing that I really didn't know what I was doing all the way.  I just kind of watched Elder Gerbs last transfer day.  I let Elder Buckmiller do more than I did last time so that in case I transfer he'll me be more sure on what he's doing.  Then on Thursday we went to the bus station again to pick up our new companion, who we took right over to another missionaries house and dropped off until Saturday.  He couldn't come up to ZLC with us so he worked with the District Leader.  A new missionary last transfer transferred down to Orion, which is pretty close to Balanga, my last area, but we had to go drop him off with some other  missionaries in the zone so that he'd have a place to go till ZLC was over.

ZLC was a blast.  There is no way to diet up there at the mission home they feed you until you literally can't anymore.  Holy cow!  But Thursday night we went had banana splits which was awesome! I got put in charge of cutting the banana's up ha ha.  After discussing the mission and learning a ton from President Aquino about leadership we came home on Friday night.  Some of the stuff he said was so great for me!

Friday night when we went home we ended up having 7 missionaries sleep at our house that night.  The Assistants brought us down from the mission home.  It was crazy and I didn't get much sleep (that's not from a lack of trying).  We had missionaries everywhere, on the back cushions of the couch and everything ha ha.  And we had to leave our companion at the District Leaders house because there wasn't room in our house. 

Saturday was the day we had to work for the first time with Elder Adriano.  He is an alright kid, he's willing to work hard and do what needs to be done.  And Elder Buckmiller, my how he has changed since I first met him. 

Yesterday we had District Conference.  There were a ton of people there.  President Aquino talked about getting ready or the things that need to be done before Olongapo can become a Stake.  Then they had talks about Tithing, which is a big problem over here.  Then about sustaining leaders and stuff like that.  Then we went straight to Lubao for a meeting with the District President over there. 

I love being this busy.  It is so much funner running around and being involved in everything.

Oh pala,  I got a package and a ton of Christmas Cards.  Thank you so much for all of you that sent them.  They were great to read and to hear how everyone is doing. 

Oh and Ray, he is going to be baptized next week!!!! We were so excited.  President said on Tuesday, go harvest them Elder Westwood, don't worry so much about planting. That night we made the plans for his baptism.  He is so excited and so are we!!!

Ha ha on a side note. I saw my first hell, fire and damnation preacher the other night it was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you all and I love the mission.  And I am also excited for all of you that are headed out on your mission.  Study the standard works and get study the PMG really well.  Especially chapter 3 practice teaching what you know to your friends.  and then read the BOM that will be your sword when you get to the field. and your testimony your shield so make it a strong shield.  and make your sword sharp. Prepare every needful thing and strip yourselves of Pride.

Until next week

Elder Chase