Mga Tao ko (my people),
What a crazy week and I'm sorry I can't give a long email
again haha. But I have a funny story to share that happen this week.
So we just had transfers and I got a new companion! His name
is Elder B! He's my 5th Filipino companion! He's a new zone leader but he's
taught me a lot. We're having a blast.
Anyway, the first day I picked up Elder B we went to go
to work in our area. There's this one part in our area that we have to cross a
river. It's not a big river, maybe about 2 feet deep, if that. The river is
pretty wide and there are some big rocks that we jump on to cross the river.
STOP THERE BACKGROUND FIRST- Right now in the Philippines it's the "rainy
season." And it's TERRIBLE. It literally rains 24/7 I'm not joking. Our
apartment doesn't have power and other missionaries apartments are getting
flooded. It was cool the first 2 days because the sky was really dark and it's
really cold but it really hinders the work. OKAY I'LL CONTINUE- It's raining
harder then usual and we approach the river that we're supposed to cross to go
to our appointments. Well it was a river on steroids now. The water was so
DEEP(almost 5ft) and the current was so strong. The rocks that we usually jump
on were completely under the water. Elder B and I just met so
we really don't know each other. And to be honest I really didn't have a desire
to try to cross this river that most likely is full of poop and diseases. But
this is how the conversation went:
(We both stare at the rushing water, both not saying
anything)
Elder B: Is there any other way?
Me: Wala (which means no or none)
Elder B: Are you sure?
Me: (I don't say anything and just continue to stare at the
giant river)
Elder B: The current is really strong...probably
dangerous...let's go back
Me: I think I can do it.
Elder B: Elder, where would we cross? There's no bridge
or rocks...
Me: (no response)
Elder B: Elder Anong nasaisip mo? (What are you
thinking?)
Me: Elder B do you have faith?
Elder B: Elder! The river is too strong, we can't see
any path to walk...
Me: (Rain is pouring down on my face and I dramatically look
at Elder B and in a deep voice, say:) Welcome to Baguio Zone (okay I
probably could of had said something cooler)
And then I crossed the river.
The water was cold and I couldn't stop thinking about all
the bacteria that is probably infecting my foot. I can hear Elder B yelling
in the back ground. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw my new Filipino
companion (whom's height is 4"11) cross the river like a champion. I
gained a lot of respect for Elder B that day.
As I reflect on that experience, I feel there's a lesson to
be learned. Sometimes in life we feel that there are river's in our way. Maybe
the river represents trials or hardships. Or maybe new laws that are passed by
the government or social problems or pressures. Whatever it is we can't turn
back. As followers of Jesus Christ we keep moving forward. No matter how strong
the current is or how deep the water is. We stick to what we know. We hold on
to that little faith that we have and press forward, hoping things are better
on the other side. We might get wet. We might get cold but we have a Savior who
is waiting for us with a warm embrace. We can't stop believing in Him. We won't
stop believing in Him. We won't turn back.
I want to bear my testimony that I know that God is the
Father and He loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ.
I know His church is here today through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know the
Book of Mormon is the word of God and can change lives because it changed mine. I
know we have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. I love my family. I know
I can be with them forever. I love you all and I thank you for your prayers,
emails and love. I'll be home soon but I have some rivers to cross first.
Your Valiant Missionary,
Elder Strader
