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
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