Week of April 4, 2016

Dear family and friends,

 

This last week was transfer week, and I have been transferred! It was more difficult than I thought it would be to leave Cataggaman. After working there for almost six months, I felt like the area was my home, and I of course acquired love for all of the people there. One thing that I won't forget was saying goodbye to the Tamayao and Malazzab families. I of course taught them one more lesson before I left, and I chose to teach both of the families about the importance of preparing for, and being sealed in the temple. After the lessons, both families expressed their thanks to me, and Nanay Tamayao even wrote a letter for me which she said not to read until I left. What Nanay Tamayao told me in that letter I will never forget, as she expressed her heart-felt thanks for my service. As a missionary, it is very easy to notice one's own weaknesses and such, but it was as I read that letter that I realized that perhaps I made a bigger difference in the lives of those individuals in Cataggaman than I thought. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to help people feel the peace that comes from living a righteous life, and helping families become closer together through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

I am now located in Santiago City, which I believe is the largest city in my mission (maybe 100,000 people), and I work in three barangays of Santiago: Calaocan, Baluarte, and Sagana. This area is so much different than Tuguegarao,it's crazy! The people are different, their language is different  (Ilokano), and some of the food they eat is even different. The one thing that is nice is that the people here are even more friendly and willing to be taught than my last area. However, I was quite surprised to see that lack of investigators that are in the area that I am in now. I am very excited to work my hardest in my new area, and hopefully acquire a lot new investigators for me to teach!

 

 My new companion is Elder Tabudlong, who is a Filipino from Mindanao. He has a very interesting personality, and is a little rebellious, but everything has been going great thus far. I think we will work quite well together.

 

Because this last week was conference for you all, and conference will be this next week for me, I want to tell you of the knowledge that I have that our leaders of the church are inspired individuals of God. Even being in the Philippines, I cannot escape hearing some news as to what is going on in the United States regarding our election. One thing that brings me great comfort is knowing that we will never have to elect the leaders of our church, and that they are all righteous individuals of God, who lead and teach according to the revelation they receive. My hope as an individual is to give proper value to their messages to us during General Conference, which are ultimately from our Savior for our benefit and protection.

 

Thank you all for your support and prayers on my behalf! 

 

Love,

Elder Pulley