One year mark

This week was super cool. It was family week here in the Philippines. So, I don't know exactly what that mean, but on Saturday we had an activity but we will get back to that later.

On Wednesday, I had a memory on why I have an "unfriendly" relationship with felines. We were visiting with a less active who has a cat. It happened to be sitting next to me, so I naturally started to pet it. At first he was very friendly and enjoying the attention. Then out of no where he just BITES me. I saw him open up to do it, so I was able to partially move but he still scratched me with his teeth; no blood no puncture, but still mean. I threatened to punt or kick or do something to the cat, I don't think he got it but the threat still stood. 

Also on Wednesday we looked for a new less active to teach. It was in a completely new area that I had never been to before. With my limited map skills and the limited cartography skills of the Filipinos we only had a partial idea where we were going. So we get to a cross roads (and for those who have hiked with me know that my usual method is to throw a stick up in the air and go to where it points) but when we get to this one, the one scripture popped into my mind of the sons of Helaman marching to the aid of Antipus, marching forward, not turning to the left or to the right, we follow that guidance and everything is all ok. 

On Thursday, Elder Patino, had said that WE were going to teach the workshop, but so it eventually turned into ME turning the workshop. It was a workshop on how to work with the local leaders, the district said that they loved it and were uplifted. That was kinda fun. I apologized to my companion like 7 times because I took all the time, he said he was glad because he got to take a break. So that was pretty cool.

       

Friday we had a surprise call and visit from the senior couple from our district. They called in the middle of the weekly planning session. I looked outside to our apartment and asked if they were doing like a surprise apartment check (ours was not close to being acceptable.) So we cut the planning session short and finish and get lunch going just before they get to our house. They were doing us a favor, a HUGE favor. We needed to use their computer for the activity, but they weren't able to make it, so they gave us their computer and taught us how to use it. I wonder if the brother thought he was making a mistake because as I am going through the motions of setting it up, I use words like grey thingamajig and doohickey and other words. But that was really cool. 

So for Friday night, because it was my one year, there is a tradition to burn a shirt and tie. So using paper bags and a cardboard box, I built a sacrificial altar to burn it. Got a video but I can't upload it. It was pretty cool. Then afterward I ate a morosot SIli, or a Devil Chili. That burned for like 7 minutes straight even after ice cream. sugar, water and bread. Again can't uploa

Now for Saturday, our activity was supposed to start at like 8, but when you add Mormon standard time and Filipino time, you start at like 10. It was pretty fun; just time to have some fun as families. We had one investigator family show up. That is less than we were hoping for, but still good enough, especially since most of the family was there.  There was some food and just children running around. Then we watched the Testaments, which hopefully helps something happen with our family. 

Well that about covers it I think. Just overall busy busy busy. I have enjoyed my one year so far on my mission and am excited to serve on more year faithfully. 

Love

Elder Westenskow