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
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