What a week it has been.
Monday I said goodbye to the lovely Sister Sanft. That has been a lot harder than I expected it to be to say goodbye to her but that's okay. I'm growing, learning, and doing alright. She is now home in Texas and doing well. :)
Monday night until Wednesday morning I stayed in my old apartment in Canaman with Sisters Andres and Barlow. We worked in their area while I awaited the arrival of my new companion from the Manila MTC.
We went to Ace's house for dinner! He didn't know I was in Naga so I got to surprise him and his family! I was a little nervous to go again but it was so great! (especially since my Tagalog is way better now haha) BUT it was awesome to see and visit for a bit with him and his family. I went up to his dad (who is usually drunk but love him anyways) and asked "Tatay, do you remember me?" He looked up at me and reached out like he was going to pat my cheeks and says "Of course! Sister Roderick! How could I forget such a lovely face??" haha it was really cute and warmed my heart. :) I love that family and all those people in Canaman so much! I also happened to see 2 of my old investigators just on the street while we were walking and my heart was just leaping for joy! It is so true what they say about missionaries love for the people they teach. We plan for, work for, work with, pray for, fast for, study for, cry for, everything for these people! We are truly invested in these people, no wonder we love them so much!
So then Wednesday morning, I went with 2 other sisters to the mission home for our New Trainers Training to prepare to receive our new companions. I really wasn't too nervous to get a trainee because welp, what help is being nervous going to do for me? A solid nothing. So I decided to stay calm and it was a much better way I think. hah anyways, President and the Assistants gave us some instruction, we ate lunch, practiced taught, etc. then came time for announcements! Of course all the trainers and trainees are staring at each other as we're anticipating who will be our new companion. So first name called, "Sister Araja, congratulations on your new companion and trainer, Sister Roderick." What a blessing to go first! Ha less time for tummy sickness. :)
So yup! Sister Cheyen Araja is my new companion, aki (kid), fresh from the MTC and I love her lots. She is from Manila. She was baptized in 2006. She is really organized and kind. We are getting along really well and I am SO happy with our companionship. Granted it is only week one, but I am hopeful for our future and know that we will see lots of miracles these next 3 months. I have already learned so much from her! Each companionship is just so different, it truly is interesting to see the different dynamics of each companionship. She has such a big heart and a desire to be exactly obedient and to work hard-just the kind of missionary I prayed to have come join me in Baao. With 2 missionaries unified in the same purpose and love for the work and the people, SO much work and SO many miracles happen. :) I have already had to step out of my comfort zone this week though as she knows nothing about our area, meaning I have had to lead most if not all of the lessons. She is getting more acquainted with the schedule and the area though so little by little we'll be working more fluidly together.
In other news: the older sister of our investigator as well as the mother of one of our less-active members both passed away this weekend, so we will be attending more funeral services this week. I will have now attended more funerals on my mission than in my whole life. I don't like it but we are doing what we can to show love and support to these families at this time in their life.
One thing I have been trying to be better at these past couple weeks is not comparing myself to others and likewise not letting others bring me down. That is a blessing and a curse of the Filipino people-they say whatever they want, whenever they want to, not aware sometimes of how it will affect others. Sometimes we say things or do things that we don't necessarily mean to be degrading but it may still have an effect on others. SO, I have been trying to focus on my Father in Heaven's love for me and not worry about what others think. It is truly amazing what happens when you place Heavenly Father at the top of your priority list. Of course, we may still sometimes be hurt by the words and actions of others, but when God is our focus, nothing can being us down for good. We have greater strength to jump back up and to push forward with a smile on our face because no matter what others say or do, we KNOW that our Father in Heaven is there for us and loves us more than we can comprehend. What a peace that brings to my life. Even at times when we may feel completely alone, helpless, stressed, or self-conscious, be reassured that Heavenly Father knows us all personally, is here for us all, and loves us all. :) Press forward saints.
Thank you Daddy for the talk you sent me, it could not have been more perfect timing. This is the testimony of Elder Holland at the end of his talk:
“Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another,” said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting foreveryone, ‘robes … made … white in the blood of the Lamb’ [Revelation 7:14]. May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize”
I want to add my testimony to that of Elder Holland's that Heavenly Father does love and know each of us personally. He knows our strengths and He knows our weaknesses. Keep the faith always and remember that we are all runners of this same race. We all may be different but there is only one way to finish the race honorably and that is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep on keepin' on. :)
I love you, miss you, am proud of you, and have faith in you. Smile! Life is to be enjoyed, not only endured. Until next week lovelies!
Mahal Kita!
-Sister Roderick
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