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