Week of February 29, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week was definitely great! I think the highlight of my week was on Tuesday, when I was able to go to zone conference and learn from President and Sister Rahlf. It is evident that they take a lot of time in preparing to address us. The amount of information they teach us and the way that they do it is definitely extraordinary. However, I think my favorite session was when President Rahlf shared a personal story from when he first got here to the Philippines. You would soon notice, as President Rahlf did, that there is the phrase, "Bawal umihi dito" all over the place, virtually on every wall. President Rahlf assumed that if people went to so much trouble to paint that phrase all over the place that it must have a great meaning. So, he began taking pictures of different places where he found it. Much to the dismay, of his assistants however, they had to tell him the true meaning, which is: "Don't urinate here". Needless to say, we all got a kick out of his story! haha

On a more serious note, this last week we had four investigators attend church! And, two of those who attended have baptismal dates this next month. Both of them are investigators I have been working with since I have got here. I have acquired love for them both, and deeply hope that their baptisms will come to pass.

As I write this letter, I feel a prompting to share a little bit of my testimony, so I will do so. I want you all to know of the very strong testimony that I have of this church, and of the fact that our Savior, a tangible and living being, is at the head of it. And, I want you all to know that I have a knowledge that true happiness only comes through abiding by the precepts of His gospel. I have never been so sure of this fact as I am now. When I think of all the little things that I was concerned with at home before the mission, I realize how short-sighted I was. I think we too often get too distracted with the irrelevancies of this life. Perhaps, we get too concerned with one piece of the puzzle which holds an infinite number of pieces. Serving my mission thus far has allowed be to step back and gain a new perspective, see more of the pieces, and realize that we must focus on those things that have eternal consequences rather than those other things in our day to day lives that really don't hold anything of too much value. I am thankful for this time I have to serve and to gain this new perspective.

Thank you all for all of your support! Have a good week!

Love,

Elder Pulley