Macon, Georgia: "Faith is always pointing to the future"

Magandang araw (Good day) Family and Friends!

As you can see I am doing great in my language studies, what you didn't know was that I have secretly been transferred to the Philippines.... just kidding! ;) But Sister Abad and I are having fun (trying) to speak Tagalog together! This week was ASTIG (awesome)!!!! We were so busy and super tried but it is so much fun! (when you have a good attitude that is.)

We taught a man in the cemetery right next to his 19 year old son's grave. We were teaching him the Plan of Salvation and it was beautiful! He is this big burly man covered in tattoos but he cried and felt the spirit strongly! He wants to change his life around so he can live with his son again! He also was floored when we talked about the "original" sin and how he was born pure; he is only accountable for his own sins. I usually don't teach that when we are going through the pamphlets, but I felt strongly that I needed too! I saw and felt this burden being lifted off of him when he grasps the understanding! It was such a neat and spiritual experience!

We have become friends with this sweet older lady named Miss. Wynnell. We finally got to do service for her! :) She asked us to wash her car... well we did it! With skirts on and in the blazing sun, but it was fun and her heart is starting to soften towards hearing more about the Gospel! I just love how the Lord knows where and when you should be somewhere so you can meet that ONE person who is ready and searching for him! Heavenly Father truly knows each of us personally! :)

So Ken... the DQ and subway Baptist, Trinity man? Well we did have dinner with him and his family Thursday! What an experience! His family is very nice and has the true southern hospitality about them. :) His wife is the image of a southern belle too. During dinner we didn't talk too much about religion, he wanted us to be comfortable before we started "discussing" our views and beliefs. We got to know each other and then after dessert he started bombarding us with questions and accusations! He was still friendly and nice, but still I don't appreciate being called a cult and that I have been brainwashed. He has a really hard time with a modern day prophet and apostle and the BOM. We talked a little bit about baptism. He believes that you don't need to be baptized; it’s just a man’s way of showing other men that you have decided to follow Christ.... no washing of sins, no convent, no nothing!!! Bless his heart for thinking this. I was floored when he said this! Christ was baptized as an example to us so we would follow him and be baptized too! Ken does have potential, but his heart needs to be softened a lot!

Then there is Britney!!! She is golden! Did I ever mention that the Elders tried to teach her and her husband a few months ago? Well they didn't like the Elders but they like the sisters! I love how you (me, other missionaries) are just prepared for certain peeps! It’s a good feeling! And plus when it doesn't work out with someone, you know down the line another missionary will come who is prepared for them. :) She is super excited for her baptism on the 13th! We went through the interview questions with her and she has a strong testimony! She is excited to make Friday the 13th a good day! lol :)

I hope all is well where ever you may be! Keep up the hard work and keep smiling! I love you all very much! XOXOXO

~ Sister Tara Willie