Week of December 28, 2015 (Happy New Year)

Dear friends and family,

I hope everyone had an extraordinary Christmas this year! I am happy to say that I had a great Christmas, even if the weather was a tad bit warmer than I am used to! Haha...Skyping my family on Christmas was an awesome experience. I must admit, I was actually a little bit nervous beforehand. I know this may sound funny, but I'm afraid the missionary life has made me a little weird, and I didn't want them to notice. However, I don't think it was this fact that stood out to my family in our conversation. Rather, I think they noticed my reduced English vocabulary, and the fact that it took me a little while to think of some words I wanted to say in English! It was a really funny realization. Don't get me wrong, my Tagalog still leaves a lot to be desired, but this occurrence at least showed me that I am at least on the right track! haha

For those of you interested in how Filipinos celebrate Christmas, it is very similar to how we as Americans do so! Families get together, exchange gifts, and eat. Although the quantity of gifts and the food differ from home, it was nice to see that the average individual here focuses more on Christ, and not as much on the commercial aspects of Christmas that our culture sometimes gets caught up in. I was able to join quite a few get-togethers, and I don't think I've ever eaten so much rice in one day in my life! It was all great food though.

This last week, Elder Vicente and I had a baptism on Saturday. I don't know if you all remember, but on 28th of November, I baptized John Paul, a 17 year old. On Saturday, Rowell, John Paul's recently reactivated brother, baptized John Paul's father, Tatay Pelagio. It was a great service, it is was of course nice to see Tatay's son be able to use his priesthood in order to provide such a service to his father.

Today, we had a zone activity! We traveled south down to an area called Gosi, and we were able to have a nice hike in the mountainous jungle there. It was announced there that quite a few of my missionaries in my zone will be transferred. However, Elder Vicente will be sticking around with me another cycle, so I am happy about that.

One challenge from our mission president this next week on new year's eve is to write down what type of attributes we want to have as missionaries exactly one year in the future. Of course, as you all aren't missionaries, you can't quite do the same thing, but I challenge you all  to ask yourselves what types of attributes you want to acquire this next year as disciples of Christ. I encourage you all to ask yourselves, and God, "What lack I yet?" and work to improve those qualities that you have room to improve on. As we do so, I know we will more fully able to perfect ourselves, and ultimately attain more happiness in our lives.

Have a happy new year!

Love,

Elder Pulley 

Week of December 21, 2015 (Christmas Week)

Dear family and friends,

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! Although having my birthday here was a little different than it would have been at home, it was great nonetheless. It just so happened that on my birthday, the ward had their ward Christmas party. Much to my dismay, the fact that it was my birthday was announced to everybody in the room at the party, and before I knew it, I had a couple hundred people singing me a Filipino version of the happy birthday song! The members at the party made sure that I ate a lot of food as well, and it all tasted great! After the Christmas party, Elder Vicente told me we were going to go teach the Tamayao family with the other Elders that live with us. It turned out that it was a surprise party for me and one of the other Elders, Elder De Dios, who had a birthday recently as well! I am happy to report that the party was equipped with cake, which was amazing, as cake is a precious rarity here (as no one has ovens). 

This last week was very busy for Elder Vicente and I. First,on Wednesday, we had splits with the zone leaders, which was nice. I was once again able to learn quite a bit from the Elder that I went on splits with, and to receive feedback on my abilities as well. I have learned that feedback on the mission is a must! In school, when I was learning how to become proficient in a skill, I knew how well I was doing because I had grades, tests, and quizzes. However, there are of course no grades on a mission. As nice as that may sound though, it has actually been a challenge not having grades to give me feedback on my performance on where I am, and where I ought to be. I just have to try my best and rely on the Lord to enhance my abilities and trust that I am learning as fast as He would have me learn. This fact is a faith builder for sure!

This last week, it started raining, and it didn't stop for over three days! Unfortunately, there was quite a bit of flooding in result. This is where I can relay a small miracle that my companion and I experienced. On Thursday, my companion and I had to travel to an adjacent area, Enrile, for my companion to interview a baptismal candidate. It was our first time travel to Enrile, so we got on a jeepney to go into the area, and when we got off the jeepney, we didn't know exactly where to go. Just as we were going to have to ask some people in the area for directions, a member of the stake presidency pulled up, asked where we needed to go, and gave us a ride. After the interview, as we were leaving, the river was beginning to spill over the only roadway into Enrile. If the process for the interview had taken any longer, we would have been stranded in an area with sister missionaries only, meaning we would have had no place to sleep. If our travel hadn't been expedited by the member, it would have been an unfortunate situation for sure.

On Saturday, Elder Vicente and I returned to Enrile to help a member clean up their home. After we left Enrile from the interview, the area was under three feet of water for a good period of time. In spite of the fact that everybody's homes were flooded, and in result covered in filth, everybody was happy as if it was a normal day. And, the members were very grateful for our service to them. The people here really are happy here no matter the circumstances. 

Have a very merry Christmas everybody!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Christmas Devotional - December 10, 2015

Birthday Celebration - December 18, 2015

Town near mission - Jeepney is method of travel

Week of December 14, 2015

Dear friends and family,

I know this must be getting a little repetitive, but I once again had a great week! This last Thursday I was privileged to attend a Christmas devotional with the mission president and his wife, as well as four other zones here in the northern part of the mission. It was awesome! President and Sister Rahlf had a wonderful presentation prepared for us and I learned so much about the Christmas story that I didn't know before. For example, the fact that Christ's manger was probably in actuality made out of stone, not wood like is often depicted!

President and Sister Rahlf's message once again humbled me as I was reminded of the very humble life that Christ chose to live. Christ could have chose to be born into a very wealthy family if he had desired so. However, Christ chose to be born to Joseph and Mary, both teenagers who lacked many worldly possessions, but possessed righteousness nonetheless. One thing I didn't recognize before the Christmas devotional was that the only thing Christ owned before he was crucified were the very clothes on His back. Yet, He lived the most important and extraordinary life that the world has and ever will see.

This last week, I finished reading the book of Matthew in the New Testament. I absolutely love reading from the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon, and can't believe I didn't read the scriptures more before I left! One thing I think I have failed to mention before is that I have changed the way in which I study the scriptures. Before, I would just read through the scriptures like I would read through any other book. I realized however, that this method very much lacks the type of study and thought that we are supposed to invest while doing so. So, I decided to buy a cheap Book of Mormon before I left the MTC, and I started reading differently. I now write any truths or revelations that I receive as I read in the book itself. My Book of Mormon is so full of writing all over the place, it's crazy. It has taken me much longer to read in this manner, but I have learned so much more as I have done so it isn't funny. 

I have some more funny stories to tell you all! Last week, as I was walking by a home, an old woman said "hi Joe", or something to that effect, so I decided I would take the opportunity to "contact" her. Well, I introduced myself like normal, but then she started singing Christmas songs and dancing. This went on for quite a few minutes. My companion and I looked at each other not knowing what to do, so out of politeness, we stayed put. Finally, when the dancing and singing ended, she grabbed my hand and examined my palm prints and told me that I would soon find a beautiful American woman and that I would marry her, so that was interesting. I guess I have something to look forward to after the mission! Haha...Just as we were walking away from her, laughing like crazy, another interesting individual approached me. He said he knew we were Mormon missionaries, and wanted to know where his Christmas package was. I told him sorry, that I had no Christmas gift to give him, but that we would be happy to share a Christmas message with him. He said he wasn't interested, but that he was told we were going to give him a package. With nothing to give him, my companion and I just told him to take care, and we hurriedly walked away. Needless to say, we had a lot of laughs that day! 

On Saturday, Elder Vicente and I attended a baptismal service for some sister missionaries in an adjacent area. To make the story short, one of the baptizers didn't show up, so I was put on the spot to do so. I baptized two people on Saturday, and even though I didn't know them, it was still an awesome experience nonetheless. It is cool to think that the authority the Lord has entrusted me with gives me the ability to help individuals receive eternal blessings as a result.

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Pulley 

Week of December 7, 2015

Dear friends and family,

What can I say? I had another great week!

First, I have an interesting and funny story to share with you! Yesterday, Elder Vicente and I visited the Tamayao family. When we arrived, Sister Tamayao told us that one of her dogs had been taken, and then I didn't understand/hear the rest. It turns out that she didn't watch one of her dogs as carefully as she should have, because one of her neighbors indulged themselves, yes, in eating her dog for dinner! Apparently, you really have to watch your pets here or they might end up in your neighbor's next meal! Thankfully, the Tamayao family wasn't too upset about it, as Filipinos aren't as sentimental about pets as we Americans are.

Oh, and I have another funny story that I forgot to share previously. Our house has a gated courtyard in the front, and one day, we came home from church to find a group of people sitting on our porch eating, and they had set up tables and such. I was taken somewhat aback, and was about to ask what they were doing, and furthermore ask them to leave, but as I looked at Elder Vicente, he acted as if nothing was unusual. He just walked through the crowd of people, and entered the house. I just did the same. It turns out, after talking to the other Elders, that it is normal to have complete strangers lounge around the outside of your home in the Philippines. I had to laugh, because I imagined the reaction people would have in Roseville if my friends and I were to do the same thing! Lol

This last week in our stake, the Tuguegarao South Stake, had stake conference, and it was great. My mission president, President Rahlf, and his wife were both invited, and both spoke, as did the Manila Temple President and his wife. President Rahlf had a great message to share with the people of the stake in regards to Christmas. His talk was based off of Luke 2, when angels, or heavenly hosts, appear to the shepherds and declared unto them that the birth of the Savior had occurred. President Rahlf said that there were a multitude of heavenly hosts that visited the shepherds, and that we could have even been among them as our pre-mortal selves. I thought that was an interesting insight. However, he said that most people this Christmas probably won't have an experience like the shepherds had, having angels declare unto them the importance of the Savior's birth and life for us. Rather, "[we] must be the heavenly hosts this Christmas" and declare unto all our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. Although the commercial aspect of Christmas is enjoyable, President Rahlf counseled the stake to remember that "the reason why we give gifts on Christmas is to commemorate the greatest gift that has been given, God's gift to us, His son." President Rahlf's challenge, and my challenge to you all, is to help others realize and remember the true meaning of Christmas, and help others accept the greatest gift that could ever be given to man, the Atonement.

Anyway, know that all is going well here in the Philippines! Next week, I will tell you all more about some of our investigators!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of November 30, 2015

Dear family and friends,

This week was great! On Saturday, I had the opportunity to baptize four people! I'm not going to lie, I was pretty nervous beforehand because I was afraid that I would mess something up. However, thanks to the grace of God, I was able to memorize everybody's names (some of the names are a little peculiar) and everything went great! Three of the individuals I baptized are people that Elder Vicente have been working with since I got here. The fourth one was an eight year old girl who was born in the church. There was nobody else available to baptize her, so I of course was happy to oblige. Oh, and by the way, all of the ordinances, including baptism, are done in English, so that was a relief to find out to say the least!

On the day that I baptized our three investigators, I couldn't help but remember the day of my baptism. I was baptized in April of 2008 as I recall, but it still seems like it was yesterday to me. I still remember traveling to the church with my Dad, being slightly nervous about what I was about to do, and I'm sure my Dad was a little nervous as well now that I've been in his shoes! Haha...Anyway, my Dad told me in that car ride on the way to church that I was making the correct decision, and that things would be different in my life from that time forward in a positive light. My Dad was so right. I am so grateful for the decision that I made, and the fact that I can now help others to have the same joy in their lives as well. Many things in the life of a missionary aren't the easiest, but being able to see the fruit of your labors through baptism makes it all worth it.

Now, a little more about my area. I'm actually in a barangay of Tuguegarao City, meaning that I am in a suburb of sorts. What's interesting about my area is that you can have one block with high density housing while the next block can be a vast corn field. It is very beautiful, and my favorite time of day is about 5:40 in the evening when it is cooler and the sun is going down. The sunsets here are just as beautiful if not more beautiful than the one's in Hawaii! 

On Thanksgiving, we didn't do anything different, so I of course was thinking of the food I wish I could have been eating. Haha...Just as I was thinking about the things I was missing from home, the power went out. And, not only did the power go out, we had no running water. Thankfully, that only lasted for about 5 minutes or so, but I learned a lesson in this. Never before had I even thought about how much I appreciate running water. I think the Lord was teaching me a lesson. Don't dwell on what you don't have, but focus on all the great blessings that are right in front of you. I think we could all apply this principle a little better in our lives.

Have a great week everybody!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of November 23, 2015 (Thanksgiving Week)

Dear family and friends,

I have had another awesome week here! This last week, Elder Vicente and I finished preparing three of our investigators for their baptismal interviews, and all three of them passed! It has been great to see the positive changes they have undergone as they have prepared to become members of the church. Two of them are from the same family, a father and a daughter by the last name of Tamayao. I think I have mentioned them previously, but after Saturday, there will only be one member of the family of seven who are not members of the church! The other is a seventeen year old of a recently reactivated family. All three of them have asked that I baptize them, and it is a great honor to say the least. I am a little nervous, as I have never baptized anyone before, but I am so excited to do so as well!

So, something interesting about the Philippines is that they have what they call "brown outs." In the U.S., a "brown out" is only like a minute or two, right? Well here, brown outs last hours at a time. Last Tuesday, the power went out for over twelve hours. Everybody just goes about their business like everything is normal, in spite of the fact that there is no power, which I think is a stark contrast to how people would act in Roseville if the power was out that long! Everyone just pulls out oil lanterns and candles and uses them instead of lights. It's like a scene out of "Pirates of the Caribbean!" Thankfully, right before we arrived at our first lesson after it got dark, the power came back on, and we were able to continue working.

I think I have failed to mention how handy it is for us in regards to proximity to the church. We only have an alley separating our church from our house, and it has been very nice to only have to walk a minute to church! Also, the church's appearance has come in very useful for us. The church building is the nicest property in the area, and everybody knows where it is because it is the largest, tallest, and most beautiful building around. In result of this fact, most people know a little about our church simply because of the attention the meetinghouse gathers. The only thing I think would make the building nicer is if there was an air conditioner in the chapel. It gets a little warm to say the least!

Now, for my philosophical experience of the week! haha.. On Wednesday, Elder Vicente and I were outside on the porch of someone's home, where we were about to teach a group of children about the Plan of Salvation, when we were interrupted by a man walking by. We had just contacted this man the day before, and he approached us, and declared quite loudly that he was sorry, but he could not have lessons from us like he said he wanted the day before. He then started talking about why he didn't want lessons from us, and was going on and on. Elder Vicente was distracted by another passerby on the other side of the porch, so I was left alone to understand what this man was telling me. Thankfully, the Lord blessed me with the capability to understand what he told me. Among many things, he asked me something I don't think I will forget. He said, "Look, you can teach all day, but (pointing to the children on the porch), will your teaching provide these kids food to eat?" I just sat there, not sure exactly what to say, but thankfully, Elder Vicente came and got me and said it was time we left and went to our next appointment.

I told Elder Vicente what he asked me, and how much I wished I could help the people in a temporal manner as well as in a spiritual manner. Elder Vicente then relayed some things about his life before the mission. For the first 21 years of his life, Elder Vicente lived in a home that wasn't even equipped with electricity, and was extremely poor. He told me that he spent much of his childhood wondering why he was born into such a poor family, but one day realized that it didn't matter at all. That whether people lived in wealth or in extreme poverty, it doesn't matter. Elder Vicente then told me he never wants to become wealthy like people in other countries, because then he would have to worry about staying humble. I still didn't feel much better, but on the way to our next appointment, we bought some ice cream for the family we were visiting. When we arrived at the family's home, and they saw we had ice cream, the children were ecstatic. The kids were five years old and younger, but they thanked us multiple times. I would have never shown such gratitude for ice cream at their age, and then what Elder Vicente told me earlier made a little more since. What the people here lack in temporal items is compensated for in their humble, and genuinely grateful demeanor at all times. I will never look at ice cream quite the same way again.

Thank you all for your emails and prayers on my behalf! Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of November 16, 2015

Dear friends and family,

I am happy to say that I have had another great week! This last week, I had the opportunity to go down to the mission home for the "first five weeks." It was nice to see some familiar faces, and that everybody was alive and doing well! President and Sister Rahlf had great messages to share with us, and I left feeling rejuvenated and ready for more missionary work.

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to go on splits with my Zone leader and another American who is one cycle ahead of me. I was a little nervous at first to go on splits with my Zone Leader, as he seems to be a very serious and curt individual. However, I actually enjoyed the day very much and learned quite a bit. I enjoy seeing how other missionaries teach, and to incorporate the things that I like into my own teaching. It was also nice to hear some feedback from him for my own teaching.

Our investigators are doing well, and we have been working with a part member family for the time that I have been here. The mother, Sister Tamayao, and three of her daughters were baptized about 2 months ago. However, we have been working on reteaching them the lessons, and getting her husband and other daughter ready for baptism. As of now, they are scheduled to be baptized the 28th of this month! It is great to see the change that has occurred in this family and the Spirit that dwells in their home because of their righteous desires and choices.

The Lord has been working on my patience this last week, and that is great. I knew that when I came on my mission, I needed two things to occur within myself. One, I knew I needed to be humbled and two, I knew I needed to acquire more patience. The Lord gives us some challenging instances in our life so that we might grow into the individuals that we are to become. I have learned that when I experience feelings of "the natural man" that it is best to just tell the Lord how I am feeling, and ask the Lord for His Spirit, which can allow us to "putteth off the natural man." For example, the computer just shut down as I was in the middle of writing this sentence, haha! I know that if we respond to our challenges in the manner that is pleasing unto Him, we can all become the people we want to be.

The language is coming along, and it is great that I can actually carry on some simple conversations with people at this point! I am thankful for Elder Vicente, who has been essential for me in my learning of the language. I have been blessed with a very intelligent and patient companion.

I hope all is going well at home! Things are getting better for me every day! I know I could be doing no better thing in my life right now.

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of November 9, 2015

Dear friends and family,

I had another great (and hot I might add) week in the Philippines! At the request of my mother, I will talk more about the details of where I am living and such this week. I live in a two story house, which I estimate is about 1000 Square feet. It's definitely not fancy, but it does the job. However, I do miss having an oven and microwave! I share the house with another set of missionaries, so there are just four of us in the house. Because of the fact that the only appliances we have are a rice cooker and a cook-top, my diet is a little bit different than it was before. Many meals consist of some vegetables, some sliced ham, sauteed onions, and of course, rice! However, because I don't much care for cooking, I have been eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Although it's not exactly a fancy dish, I have been making triple-decker sandwiches, and with the really good bread that the Philippines has (it's more moist and sweet), it makes a great dinner for me nonetheless. In the mornings, I eat oatmeal with some fruit, which is a nice way to break up the rice, and fills me up.

Speaking of food, I ate some interesting things this last week. Remember how I said I wasn't going to try dugo (blood) again? Yeah, well that did not come to pass. Last Monday, we ate at a members home, and intestine, cooked pork blood, and cooked worms were served. Now, I don't know if the Lord just blessed my taste buds, but it actually all tasted good to me. The dugo over rice wasn't bad, the intestine just tasted like regular pork, and the worms, to quote the warthog from the Lion King, "tasted like chicken." Now, I'm not saying I will miss this type of food when I get home, but I will eat it if it is put in front of me again.

There is one humbling experience, out of many, that I would like to share with you all that occurred this last week. On Monday, on the way home from that interesting meal I mentioned earlier, I was riding on a tricey. I felt somewhat cold, which is not something I feel very often, so I checked my watch to see what temperature it was. It turns out that it was 29.9 degrees Celsius. Due to the fact that I'm not that familiar with Celsius, I took out our phone to convert the temperature. It turns out it was 85 degrees, and I was cold! However, to make a long story short, I didn't put the phone back in my pocket as well as I should have, because it soon slipped out of my pocket and was run over by the rear wheel of the tricey. I was a little perturbed to say the least, but my companion was very calm, and didn't seem the least bit concerned. The other missionaries could have laughed at my stupidity, but instead, they comforted me and didn't make a big deal of it at all. My companion told me that "that everything happens for a reason", and the next day we bought a new phone (which consisted of a lot of bartering I may add). 

My companion and I have a good teaching pool, and we have 6 investigators with a baptismal date! We also have been making a lot of good contacts while we are walking around as well. That is where my Caucasian ethnicity has come in handy. On a regularly basis, we have a group of teenagers approach us, and ask if they can take a picture with me. I of course say yes, but tell them before I do so, if we can share a quick message with them and share our purpose as missionaries. They always seem happy to oblige in return for a picture! The other day, we had a group of 20 kids approach us! Don't worry, my head is not growing bigger, my abilities regarding Tagalog keep me quite humble! Haha...I'm moving in the right direction though. I figure if I just keep learning new words every day, I eventually will be fluent.

I hope all is continuing to go well at home! Thank you for all of your emails!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of November 2, 2015

Dear friends and family,

I have had a wonderful week here in the mission field. This week, all the missionaries in my mission had the privilege to travel to the mission home to hear from Elder Schwitzer, a member of the Seventy, and his wife, Sister Schwitzer. Elder Schwitzer centered his remarks on repentance, and helping our investigators understand the importance of it. Elder Schwitzer told us that the plan of salvation "is simply a road map" while repentance is the vehicle in which we can return to live with God again. After his remarks, I have begun to think of repentance of being something different than before. Prior to serving my mission, I thought of repentance as being a necessary process, but not being something of great joy. After all, it is hard to accept our weaknesses and then change as a result. However, as Elder Schwitzer pointed out, repentance is a wonderful gift from our Savior that can free us from our transgressions, and help us become progressively better in our lives. I have learned that repentance isn't a topic to treat like ripping off a band-aid, but something to be appreciated at its true value for the rest of our lives and beyond.

Sister Schwitzer centered her remarks on some anecdotes in her life that she felt prepared her to serve as a Mission President's wife a few years ago. She shared some challenges she had in her younger life, which when she became a Mission President's wife, realized were preparatory experiences for her to serve effectively as a missionary of the Lord. Sister Schwitzer told us that we all had experiences in our lives that led us to be called to the specific missions we are in, and she challenged us to look for those experiences and reasons as to why we were called to the Cauayan mission. I have been looking for those experiences in my own life, and have found some interesting things. In the particular ward I am in, a very small fraction of people attend church. My companion and I have been working hard to reactivate these individuals. As I have done so, I have been able to share the reactivation of my own family, and the blessings that came along with it, many times. I am happy to report that the efforts of my companion and I have not been in vain, as we have had some individuals return to church, including a previous Branch President. I will continue to look for preparatory experiences in my life and will share them with you all as I find them.

My Mission President and his wife gave some wonderful talks as well at the mission home. In addition, they put on some minion goggles for Halloween and allowed us to "trick-or-treat" out of a basket of candy they purchased. They really are wonderful people, and I will be sad to see them go next year.

Today, as a P-Day activity, we had the opportunity to travel Callao Caves, located a little southeast of where I live. The caves were amazing, and we also had the opportunity to take a little boat ride on an adjacent river. It was awesome to see some untouched rain forest; it looked like something you would see in an Indiana Jones movie!

I hope all is going well at home! Know that I am doing well, and that things are progressively getting better for me! Thank you for all of your prayers on my behalf.

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of October 26, 2015

Dear friends and family,

All is going well here in the Philippines! It seems as if the time seems to be speeding up exponentially with every week!

I have continued to be as diligent as possible in learning Tagalog, and I feel that I have made some progress. This last week, I went on splits with my district leader, and he allowed me to teach the lessons for the day. I learned quite a bit from doing so, and enjoy being able to teach. I know that I don't teach with much eloquence, as my vocabulary is still limited, but I see many of our investigators making progress, which is nice to see. I have had to rely on God so much as I have taught. I have opened my mouth, even when I didn't know what I was going to say, or how for that matter, but thankfully, words have always come out. I like an analogy our Elder's Quorum instructor made yesterday. He said we must be as the bamboo; as bamboo grows taller, the further down it bends. Similarly, as we learn more and more, we must become more humble as well. I feel that this analogy has been true for me the past couple of months. I feel I have learned an immense amount of knowledge, both spiritually and temporally. However, in this time of immense growth, I have also been humbled down to a place where I have never been before. This humbling I speak of is not always a comfortable place to be, but I know that success as a missionary and a disciple of Christ comes out of humility. I have had to trust that as I have been obedient to the mission rules, and as I have been worthy of the Spirit, that it would be there to assist me as I attempt to teach His children. He has not failed me yet.

I feel that I am adjusting to the culture here well, and it is easy to do so. The people are very warm and friendly, as are my fellow Filipino missionaries. Many of them worked very hard, long hours in manual labor prior to their mission to fund it. My companion has been a great one so far. He is 26 years old, and there is another one in my house who is almost 27;so needless to say, I'm definitely young in comparison! Despite their more advanced age and wisdom though, they all seem to have a wonderful ability to have fun. The Filipino people have fun just doing the simple things, something I think the American culture has lost. It is awesome to see as I go around all of the basketball hoops made from branches and other scraps of wood. The people here make do with what they have, and I have never heard a complaint from any of them.

I am still getting used to the attention I get because of how I look. It is funny, because sometime my companion and I are surrounded by a swarm of kids, who refuse to let us keep walking until we give them a high five! I am also getting used to the shorter heights of things. Sometimes, as I am following my companion, he passes underneath a wire or something hanging and I continue to walk without a thought until my head runs right into it. We have had some good laughs.

I hope everybody has a great week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of October 19, 2015

Dear friends and family,

I survived the typhoon! The storm really wasn't all that bad, at least where I am located. It rained quite a bit and thundered quite a bit, but there aren't really any negative effects that I have seen from the storm. However, the power did go out a couple of times, once for about a half hour, and another time for about ten hours. On Sunday, there was no power at church. So, not only did I get to introduce myself and share my testimony in Tagalog to a congregation for the first time, I also got to do so without a microphone!

This past week has been a great one. I have become more accustomed to the culture, and I have seen some improvement in my ability to express myself in Tagalog. However, there is still a long way to go! One thing that is interesting about my area is that there are about five different dialects spoken. In one of the first lessons I had here, I had no idea what was being said. After the lesson, I told my companion that I didn't know what they taught me in the MTC, but that what they were speaking didn't sound like the language I was taught. I was somewhat relieved when he told me that they actually weren't speaking Tagalog. It reaffirmed the fact I was indeed taught the right language, but it also worried me that I must learn a little of all of these dialects as well. It will probably take the full two years to do so, but that's okay.

This last week, I was able to witness the first baptism of one of the investigators I was able to help teach. The man's name is Domingo Binarao, and he's one of the most humble people I have met. Domingo is not an educated man in any since of the word, but his humility is what allowed him to accept the gospel in such a wonderful manner. It was great to see his smiling face as he came out of the waters of baptism. This man is so much different than any of the other people I have witnessed getting baptized. However, in spite of this man's different circumstances, the Spirit and joy that entered the room was still very much the same. Indeed, the gospel is for all people, no matter what their nationality, education level or race may be.

One difference I have seen within myself is my ability to accept my own imperfection. At home, the thought of speaking to people all day in a language I scarcely know would have scared me to death. In fact, when I was learning Spanish in school, I was too scared to practice my language with native speakers, because I didn't want to sound stupid. However, that has not been an option as I have learned Tagalog, so I have opened my mouth anyway. I know the Lord has blessed me as I have shown this humility. This principle surrounding the language has taught me something that we can all apply in our lives. At the end of the day, we are all just human. The purpose of this life as a whole is to learn and grow. This lifelong growth requires patience with ourselves and others as we go through this journey as children of our God.

I forgot to tell you all in my last letter that I tried balut! It was pretty nasty, so it will probably be a while before I have it again, but at least I can say I did it. Also, my companion insisted that I try some cooked pork blood. I did so, and will not try it again. In spite of the different food I have eaten here, I have been blessed with great health. This undoubtedly must be connected with my very fervent prayers before every meal. I don't know if I have said this before, but blessing the food for me is no longer a formality, it is a necessity! haha

It has also been fun learning to wash my clothing by hand. Last week I washed all of it myself, and then decided this week I would just pay a laundry company to do it for me. All I had to wash today was my garments, and it still took a couple of hours! But, I am getting better thanks to the instruction of the natives in my apartment. Believe it or not, there is apparently a method to washing clothing by hand. Oh, and the bucket showers are fun as well! Thankfully, it is usually warm enough here that I don't mind the cold water. I am still just as clean as I would be in a normal shower, it is just a little less enjoyable.

I appreciate all the love and concern that has been shown to me, especially in regards to the Typhoon. I hope all is going well at home, and for our sake, hopefully California will get some rain like I have witnessed as I have been here!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Pictures of Brother and Sister Ralf & Elder Pulley and Elder Vincente

Week of October 12, 2015

Dear family and friends,

It has been a while since I have emailed! I have so much to say, but so little time.

Traveling to the Philippines was a little stressful. Unfortunately, I brought so much rubbish with me that I was very concerned about meeting the weight requirements. I threw things out, rearranged my belongings between bags, and was stressed out along the whole way. I prayed to God for some help and as a result I experienced some miracles. It turned out that even after I threw away some items, my bags were still overweight. However, the man at the check-in counter did not have me pay a fee. Moreover, he didn't even have me pay the fee for having two check-in bags rather than one, even though everybody else had to pay it. Later, when I boarded my airplane in Salt Lake, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a first class ticket on the airplane! I took these two occurrences as signs from God, letting me know that he is aware of me and my endeavors, no matter how simple they at times may be.

The rest of the travel to Manila was long. I had a five hour layover in SF and then a fourteen hour flight to Hong Kong. From there, I had a two hour flight to Manila. The Manila MTC was a good experience, and a good place to adjust to the time difference as well. Here in the Philippines, I am fifteen hours ahead of California. 

This last Wednesday I finally reported to Cauayan city. I had a warm welcome from President and Sister Rahlf, and I have received a wonderful Filipino companion by the name of Elder Vicente. It has been great having him help me out with Tagalog.

This past week has been one of the most humbling of my life. Truly, I have been humbled in ways I never have been before. The living conditions of most of the people here are unlike anything I have ever witnessed. The homes are thrown together with scraps of tin, some just equipped with dirt floors and without a place to go to the restroom. Yet, I have noticed something in the people that I know I will carry with me for all of my life. In spite of the gross poverty that these people are enduring, they do so with a smile on their face. The people I have met here seem to be happier than the average individual back at home. This paradoxical truth has taught me again that happiness is not a location, or something one can work towards. Rather, happiness is a state of being, a choice, and no matter the circumstances we may be in we can choose to be happy.

Now, for something you all might find funny. The first night I arrived here at Tuguegarao city, which is the hottest place in the Philippines by the way, the first thing I heard from a Filipino person here is "One Direction!" I didn't know what he was talking about at first, but then realized he was referring to me. Everywhere I go here, people stare at me like I am a super star. It has been a little uncomfortable, as I am not one who likes attention, but I have started to get used to it. The one thing that is good about the attention I draw is that people notice that I am a missionary and from there I am able to start talking to them about the gospel. So, I guess I'll get over it!

In regards to Tagalog, I know enough to introduce myself, pray, and testify on whatever subject we may be talking about. However, I still have a long way to go. Thankfully though, my companion knows a good amount of English and has been able to help me out. The deal is that I will help him learn English better, and he will help me with Tagalog. So far, it has worked out pretty well.

I appreciate all of the emails that many of you have sent to me. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to respond to them, but know that I enjoy reading them and knowing how things are going at home. 

I want you all to know that in spite of the fact that it has not been easy all along the way, I know that I am doing the best thing I could be doing. It is not easy adjusting to a new culture, learning a language, or enduring trials in general, but I know that the molding I am experiencing will help me be a better tool in the Lord's hands not just for my mission, but for my whole life. The same can be said for those of you who are not on a mission, but are experiencing trials. Know that they can be instrumental in your eternal development, and embrace them as an opportunity to learn and grow. God will be beside you all along the way.

Love,

Elder Pulley

Last Week at the Provo MTC

Dear friends and family,

The day is almost here! I will be leaving on Thursday for the Manila MTC where I will be for five days! It's hard to believe I have been here so long already. I am excited to finally get to my destination country but also have a little bit of anxiety. It will be hard for me to leave my country, and the simple everyday things I have come to enjoy in my life. Ever since I have received my call, I have not looked at a shower or household appliance quite the same. We are truly blessed to live as comfortably as we do, and should not refrain from being thankful for even the little things we have come to take for granted that help us throughout our day.

This last week we had the privilege of having Lloyd Newell address us. For those of you who don't know who that is, he is the voice that says: "This is the (whatever number) semi-annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" for every conference. Newell also is in charge of "Music and the Spoken Word." It was really cool to be addressed by such a familiar voice, and he even recited what he says for conference to us! It was pretty awesome. One thing I didn't know was the fact that what Brother Newell does for the church is just a calling. For all of this time, I thought it was his profession, when in actuality he is a professor at BYU for a living. What a demanding calling! So, for our devotional, he did what he called, "the MTC and the Spoken Word." The choir had the opportunity to sing many hymns, and he provided an uplifting message for each hymn. Needless to say, the devotional was quite memorable and enjoyable!

This last week, I was wondering what I should do during my personal study time to acquire the Spirit more fully. After some prayer and consideration, I thought of the advice Elder Bednar gave in one of his talks to "search the Book of Mormon." After considering this, I went to the store here and bought a regular blue Book of Mormon, and  began to annotate it. I know it sounds kinda nerdy, but I've always been a nerd in English anyway! It has been surprising to me how many truths I have found in my reading as I have analyzed the words of  Nephi deeply. I have probably read the first ten chapters of the Book of Mormon a million times, and yet I am learning so many new things; it has been awesome! I'll let you guys know how it continues to go!

Wish me luck for my excruciatingly long flights! You'll hear from me again either Wednesday, or after I get to the Philippines!

Love,

Elder Pulley

MTC Week 5

Dear friends and family,

It's a little scary how close I'm getting to being out of the MTC! Last night I received my flight plans for the trip from here to the Manila MTC, and the fact that I will soon be in a foreign country more fully set in. I feel that my "Roseville bubble" may finally burst, and although I know I will see and experience unpleasant things, I am looking forward to this occurrence nonetheless.

This last week, my companion and I taught a lesson to someone who was actually in the Philippines via Skype. The whole proposition was a little nerve-wracking to say the least, but thankfully everything went well for the most part. Although, it is evident while teaching a lesson that there is still so much language for me to learn! It's kind of funny, because pretty much all the vocabulary we have been taught in class has to do with the gospel. So, basically the only thing I can say as of now in Tagalog pertains to gospel lessons and a little bit of small talk prior to giving a lesson. I guess I'll learn the other stuff when I get to the Philippines!

On Tuesday, the MTC had the privilege of hearing a talk by President Rosemary Wixom, president of the primary program for the church. She had wonderful things to say, and was literally smiling the whole time. I don't know how she is physiologically capable of smiling for so long, but her strong testimony is even evident in her appearance! One thing I enjoyed seeing that night was the fact that her husband spoke first, and was referred to as "brother Wixom," while she gave the last and longest talk and was referred to as "President Wixom." This was definitely contrary to the average sequence of events for a devotional, and I like seeing women as well as men in leadership positions.

This morning I was able to start out my day at the temple. Our endowment session started at 7:20, so we had to get up a little early, but it was nice to have such a great spiritual experience to start my day. Not to mention the fact that it gave me an excuse to eat at the temple! The food at the temple is so amazing compared to the MTC. For those folks out there who will be leaving for their mission soon, find a reason to eat at the temple!

I had the opportunity this last week to have a picture taken of me with Elder Goold in front of the world map. I hear he already sent a picture so I won't send out another one, but I was so happy everything worked out to do so. There are literally so many missionaries here, Elder Goold and I could have easily never seen each other the whole time being here together. However, I really wanted to take that picture, so as silly as it sounds, I prayed that I would be able to see Elder Goold so we could set up a time to meet. Coincidentally enough, Elder Goold happened to sit relatively close behind me on Sunday in the devotional, and we were able to set up a time to meet up. Out of the thousands of missionaries here, for this to happen, I don't look at it as a coincidence at all; I choose to look at it as a small miracle, an answer to my simple prayer. One thing President Wixom counseled us missionaries to do was "to look for miracles in our lives", and that as we do so, we will be more fully able to see God's hand and influence in our daily affairs. I challenge all of you to do the same thing as well and know as you do so that you will feel closer to our Heavenly Father.

I appreciate all of the letters, prayers, and thoughts of all of you on my behalf. I know I have said it before, but I can feel the influence of your love in my life. I will once again remind those of you who are thinking about going on a mission, or who are waiting to do so, that it is the right choice. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy thus far, and I know I have hardships that await me, but this opportunity to grow in so many ways is not afforded to many, so look at is as something to be excited about! Also, if you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley and Elder Kane (MTC Mission Companions)

Week 4 at the MTC

Dear friends and family,

Things are still going well here at the MTC! Although, I have to be honest, all the days are beginning to run together. It's a good thing that my watch tells me what day of the week it is, otherwise I would be lost!

This last week I was able to hear some wonderful talks given by Bishop Gerald Causse, the first counselor in the presiding bishopric and his wife, Valerie Causse. They both were such humble people who talked about their experience leaving France and moving to Germany and later the United States so that he could perform the callings assigned to him by the Lord. They talked about how hard it was to learn English, and what a challenge it was to give talks in front of many people in spite of their lack of ability to speak in English. One cool thing he told us was about the training he received from President Packer when he was called to the seventy. Causse recounted a story in an airplane with President Packer, Elder Cook, and Elder Anderson. After about ten minutes of silence on the flight, President Packer began to talk and in response, Elder Anderson and Elder Cook pulled out paper and pens in order to take notes on the words he would say. Causse was surprised to see this as was I to hear this. How remarkable it is that even apostles of God, who have great knowledge and skill, take notes on what the other says! How much more we should be cognoscente of their words, as they are words from God! The main message of Causse's talk however, was about being a "bold missionary." In his words, "a bold missionary is a humble missionary." I think this applies to us all though. As we are more humble in our church callings, professions, roles within our family, etc., we can have a more profound and positive impact on those around us. After the talk, Bishop Causse said he would lead by example, and be "bold" by playing a beautiful arrangement of "Come, Come, ye Saints" to end the meeting. His music was as profound as his words, and I left in awe at the Spirit and ability of God's choice servants.

Tagalog is going pretty well, although if I think about how much more I need to learn, it is slightly overwhelming. On Tuesday night, my companion and I made it a goal to only speak in Tagalog on Wednesday, and I am happy to report that we did so for the most part. Let's just say there wasn't much talking amongst ourselves though! Haha...I can already sense that my ability to grasp words in my English vocabulary is beginning to diminish; I wonder what I'll be like in a couple of years!

Oh, and by the way, I got to see Elder Goold this last Tuesday! It was kind of funny, because when he saw me, he automatically referred to me as "Brandon" and I responded by calling him "Danny." I am still not quite used to this whole Elder thing yet. Lol...Anyway, I hope to take a dorky picture at the world map with him like Bishop Sheppard and Brother Goold did when they were together in the MTC. Hopefully, I'll have a picture for you all next week!

I hope all is going well at home, and want you all to know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I feel the support of your thoughts and prayers as well, and I appreciate it very much. 

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week Three at the MTC

Dear Friends and Family,

I have really appreciated reading all of the wonderful emails that many of you have sent me. It is always nice being reminded of the wonderful support I have at home.

I am happy to report that I have had another great week! I have been incredibly busy with learning Tagalog, attending devotionals, class, etc. For this reason, time has been going by really fast! 

This last week, I went into the auditorium for choir and noticed that there were teleprompters in the room. I instantly knew that someone important would be speaking, and I was right! We had the privilege of hearing Elder Oaks speak, and I had a superb seat as well. The devotional was broadcasted to all of the MTC's in the world, and apparently I was on screen a few times for the choir number. I guess you could say I'm famous in the missionary world! lol...It was a great experience to be so close to an apostle of God that I had only seen on T.V. before. The Spirit was very strong as he spoke and the feeling of the room testified of the truth of his words and office.

Many have asked how the food is, and all I can say is that I'm happy they have salad bars here! The average meal consists of way more fried food than I'm used to, but they always have a healthy alternative, which is nice. Also, they have the best oatmeal and cream of wheat here! What can I say, I'm a simple guy!

I have been blessed with good health as I have been here. Unfortunately, everybody in my district except my companion and I have been sick in the past week. My roommates got bronchitis, and the flu has already made its way around the MTC. I have been the mom of the district, reminding the other Elders here to take their medicine. Haha. At any rate, I've been sanitizing and washing my hands a lot!

It was interesting coming into the MTC and looking at those who were leaving and thinking they seemed so much older than I, when many of them were actually younger. I have noticed a growth in myself already, the type of growth that hard work, aided by the Spirit, provides. I have to be honest, when we were told that we had to give lessons to fake investigators, I wondered how strong the Spirit could really reside in the lessons, because it seemed like a disingenuous task. However, as I have given lessons, I have been reminded of the fact that the Spirit is present when any truth is spoken, regardless of whether the "investigator" is actually an investigator. I have also been reminded of those simple pieces of doctrine that we all take for granted, but that make all the difference in our lives. I have learned to appreciate those simple principles more as I contemplate the difference it can make in the lives of many around the world.

Have a great week everyone!

Love, 

Elder Pulley

Provo Temple Trip

Philippines Mission District

Brandon's Mission Companion is on the far left of the picture

MTC Week Number Two

Dear Friends and Family,

I can't believe I'm on my prep day already. Time is starting to go by really fast. 

Learning Tagalog has been somewhat challenging, but we are all making really great progress. It is getting to the point that we know enough vocabulary that we are actually able to form some sentences on our own accord rather than just having to memorize phrases. It's been sort of funny, because we started saying our prayers in Tagalog last week. Let's just say that my prayers have gotten a little more simple in nature over the past week! Believe it or not, we have already given five lessons in Tagalog to an "investigator." It has been humbling in those lessons not knowing what the "investigator" is asking or how to express what I want to say in Tagalog. The biggest thing I think I've learned in this process is that we must rely on the Holy Ghost to get our message across to the investigator rather than relying on our own vocabulary to do so. I've always been somewhat of a nerd when it comes to English, and I have enjoyed having a good vocabulary to choose from. However, since my English vocabulary is now irrelevant, I've had to focus more on the feeling of the lesson instead of the words said in the lesson. I know that if I do my best though, the Lord will do the rest.

I have really enjoyed getting to know my district better this week. The district consists of some really great kids. Our district leader is Tongan, is 6'4" tall, is 330 pounds, and has a size 16 foot, so I guess I won't be the biggest guy in the Philippines after all! Anyway, he is just like the rest of the islanders in regards to humor. He is one the funniest guys I've ever met and he's helped bring the district closer together. It has been nice to feed off of each other's testimonies and experiences as we embark on our mission together.

The devotionals here have been amazing. Last Sunday we had Stephen Allen of the seventy here. He has been the manager of the missionary department, and is in charge of the Mormon videos I think. He came to the meeting without "verse or script" yet he was able to give an amazing talk. The spirit was very strong as he spoke. That night I watched the "Character of Christ" talk by Elder Bednar. His talk was so amazing, and so complex, that after seeing it I didn't want to talk the rest of the night. The spirit was so strong from his words that I felt that I didn't have enough room in my chest to hold it. It is interesting in that as you learn more about the nature of Christ and His atonement, the more you realize the inability of the human mind to comprehend it. On Tuesday, we had another member of the seventy by the name of Lawrence Corbridge come and visit us. He also had not prepared any words to say, but relied on the spirit throughout to guide his thoughts. His talk was also great to be apart of.

I know some of you won't believe this, but I joined the choir. It's not exactly by choice, but it has been enjoyable. The chorister spends a lot of time talking about the history of certain hymns, and has shared some really cool things that I didn't know before! He also has a great since of humor, so it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be! Haha

The more I spend time here, the more I know that my choice to serve a mission was the correct choice. I know my mission won't be easy, but I think it will be a great stepping stone for other callings in life, whether it be preparing to be a good husband, father, etc. I just want to reassure those of you out there who have made the choice to serve a mission or those of you who are still on the fence, that this is the right choice. The Lord has called us, in spite of our imperfections, and will qualify us as we turn to Him.

Love,

Elder Pulley

My First Few Days at the MTC

Family and Friends,

The first few days at the MTC has been great! I have had the opportunity to meet individuals from all over the world who all have the same goal as me, which is to be a successful missionary. In no other place have I met individuals with such a variety of backgrounds, but who are so kind and accepting of one another. Witnessing this has been refreshing to the soul. 

I'm not going to lie, it was very hard to turn my back to my parents as I walked further into the airport. I knew this would be extraordinarily hard for me, and I had prayed and fasted for quite some time that I would be able to accomplish such a feat, and turn my life's direction from focusing my life just from my family and I, to focusing on God's other children who stand in need of the message I will share. God answered my prayer, and coincidentally, I was able to sit next to another Elder from Elk Grove. As I talked to another individual who had just left his family as I had, I was comforted knowing that many other individuals had experienced the hardship I had, but were continuing on nonetheless.

The MTC has consisted of a lot of time in the classroom, but the progress my district has made in learning Tagalog is truly exceptional. The amount of vocabulary we have learned in just three days is probably equivalent to three weeks of  instruction I would receive in the public education system. But, as Brigham Young pointed out, when the spirit is present in learning any material, the learning process can be expedited exponentially.

Today I had the privilege of attending the Provo temple with my district. The temple was able to comfort all of us as we set out to learn Tagalog as quickly as possible, and as we strive to be as ready as possible to preach the gospel to those of the Philippines. 

I have been assigned to be a companion with an Elder Kane from Salt Lake. He and I have gotten along really well thus far. He has a calm demeanor and even likes to run with me, which has been great! I feel that he and I are friends already, and I feel this way for my whole district. In no other place could I have made these friendships.

I also learned this week that I will be leaving Salt Lake on the first of October. However, after I arrive in Manila, I will be staying at the MTC that they have there for about a week.

I appreciate all of the wonderful letters I have received this week. It has been very comforting to be reminded of the support that I have at home. Thank you!

I want my friends who read this who will soon be going to the MTC to know that they have nothing to worry about. Everybody in here is in the same boat as you will be, and there are many leaders and teachers here to guide you along the way. Oh, and don't forget to bring notebooks, pens, and pencils. These items will come in very handy here. Also, if you don't want to have to buy laundry detergent here, bring some.

Love,

Elder Pulley