Family/Friends/My fans/Fellow Filipinos,

First off, I want to thank all of your prayers and emails. I tell you all with a surety that your prayers are felt. There are moments that I feel more strength and energy and I'm not sure where it came from. I want to thank my mom for keeping up with my blog even though she's the busiest woman in the world. Thank you. 

This week has been great. Elder R and I hiked about 3 mountains to go teach some investigators. I feel like I'm fulfilling the scripture when Jesus Christ said something like the gospel will reach all the corners of the Earth and every person will have the opportunity to accept it. What a blessing. Here I am, hiking through this mountain and going out to the middle of nowhere, to teach the restored gospel. I swear this missionary thing never gets old. I tell Elder R that every time the mission seems hard just say to yourself, "I love being a missionary." Well lets just say that Elder Reyes said that a lot on the hike hahaha. 

I'm learning more Tagalog and Ilocano everyday. The food gets more and more interesting haha. 

I want my family to know that I love and miss y'all so much. I try to work everyday so that the Lord will bless my family through my service. Maddie I pray that you'll do well on your math and quizzes. Donovan I pray that you'll get up those good grades and keep tearing it up in wrestling. Sydnie, I pray that you won't grow up because I want to stay my cute little sister. Brennan I pray that the Lord will extend you a "helping hand." (okay technically you broke your arm but come on...you know I'm funny) but really I pray that you'll be able to balance all the crazy things of school and be able to heal quickly. Emyrie I love you so much and I pray that you won't forget that I'm your favorite brother. Wow, that's a lot of prayers. I love y'all and I know this Church is true or I wouldn't be out here. I'll see you y'all soon.

Your Valiant Missionary,

Elder Strader