The Heat Has Hit!

Hello Summer! Yep, it is Summer again here in the Philippines. There are 2 seasons here, Summer and "Winter." "Winter" lasts about 2 weeks in which it is not as hot, then all of a sudden it is blazing hot outside again and Summer is here for another many months! haha Not sure how that one works out exactly but oh well. Lots of hot, sweaty, sticky, bug filled days ahead. :) Bring it on.

Transfers are next week and we have been told that we will be getting a new set of missionaries here in Baao so we need to find an apartment for them. Seeing as we had not yet found an apartment as of last week, that is what we got to spend lots of our time doing this past week, finding apartments. It was hard to spend so much time on that and not on teaching, but our work (and prayers) paid off and we finally found some good options for the new Elders. We are happy with the progress of our area and love being here to see it continue to grow. 

Being the person I am, I have been trying to "clean up" if you will this area to best use our time, help build the area, and get it organized and ready for the future missionaries assigned here. It is definitely hard work but we are determined to go through old records, get organized, and change this area for the better. 

I am happy to report that yesterday we had a solid 55 people at church (11 more than last week), and for the first time in our little group, we had the full 3 hours of church! Interesting no? It was wonderful though! We had enough people to split into different sunday school classes and even to have Relief Society and Priesthood. The work is moving forth. Hop on the train because we are rolling fast! I love this little Baao area so much! It is amazing to be here at a time like this. 

Hoops!

This week when I was reading in the Book of Mormon during my personal study, I was chomping away at some trail mix while reading in Mosiah, when all of a sudden I snapped back to reality and realized that I had just read (more like devoured) multiple chapters and my study time was almost up! Sometimes it is hard to read the scriptures but I tell you, the more I read the scriptures, the harder it is to put them down. I love the scriptures so much and have grown to love them and cherish them more than ever before in my life. Read your scriptures every single day. Never make an excuse not to. I know that the Book of Mormon together with the Bible contains the fulness of the truth. I love the scriptures and know that they will help you in your life if you just take the time to read (even just one verse a day)! That my friends, is the best food, the best medicine, the best everything in the world. 

Creepy Cat

I love you all! Choose the right and count your blessings! AND of course, keep smiling no matter what! :) 

-Sister Roderick