December 15, 2014

Dear Family,

I'm so excited for Christmas this year. I have no idea what I'm doing or where I'm going but I'm still excited. Dad you need to send me your Skype name ASAP. And I'll call y'all on Christmas Day in the morning. I can't give an exact time but probably around 8-11 am for you guys. I'm so excited to see y'all. 

Well it's been a great week. We had two baptisms. Angel and Nico. Their parents and grandparents were less active before but we were able to get them back to church and active again and they wanted their kids to be baptized as soon as possible and of course Angel and Nico wanted that as well. I have grown really close to these kids and it was an honor to baptize them. Angel has been teaching me Tagalog while I've been here. It was a wonderful service. 

Transfers are "bukas" (tomorrow) and I'll be officially done with my training. I'm not sure who's going to get transferred me or Elder T. I hope I don't leave because I've gotten close with the people here and I love Aringay. But I have full trust in the Lord and I know my mission president is inspired and I'll go where I'm needed by the Lord. 

How's the language? I wish I knew. Honestly, I just fake it till I make it. I understand for the most part, which I thought was never going to happen, and learn more everyday. The gift of tongues is real. No doubt. 

Yesterday we had the first sacrament meeting at the Sta. Cecilia group. We had some member's come to show their support. But we had only 1 investigator show up. I was devastated. We teach so many people their but only one investigator comes. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong, but I'm grateful for how the Lord comforts me and teaches me life lessons. I have full faith that this area will grow and progress. We just have to keep working hard and over time we will fill that little house with people that want to change their lives and come closer to God. I'm grateful that I was able to be here in the beginning stages.  

I miss you all and I hope everything is going smooth at the house. Hope school/sports/activities are going good too! I love you all and you're always in my prayers. In my prayers everyday I ask that y'all will be blessed through my service. I tell myself, the harder I work, the more blessings will come

for my family. I know this Church is true and I'm having the time of my life here. See you in 2 short years!

Your Valiant Missionary,

Elder Strader

Here are pics from the Group house and the baptism. Here's a funny picture, someone stole the "S" from the sign at the church so instead of "latter day saints," it's "latter day saint." I think it's so funny. This is also the Javier family I've gotten really close to them. They feed us every week. And here's a picture of the one investigator that came to church, Sister Edna.