50 OYM

I am so happy! Who would have thought that a move to a new area with new companion, and lots of change in my last transfer could make me so happy! Heavenly Father is very aware of me and what I need. He knows me far better than I apparently know my own self. I am so grateful to be here in Iriga with Sister Ril. We have had a fantastic week! We were able to talk on the bus ride home from transfer point and we pretty much decided we were going to need to be very patient, loving, motivated, diligent, and willing to go with the flow because neither of us know the area well. So far, so good. 

Sister Jenilyn Ril is my hilarious new companion. I am always laughing and smiling with her, it makes the work so much easier when you get along well with your companion. :) What a blessing to have her as my companion. Our first night in Iriga we walked into a disgustingly dirty apartment and literally could not unpack because there was so much junk and dust everywhere. It was not the ideal home welcoming but we dropped our stuff, quickly got things cleaned up and were able to make some plans for the area.

This whole week we have spent walking the streets of our area, finding houses of members/less-actives and investigators, as well as doing our own finding along the way. Having little previous knowledge of the area has actually turned out to be a major blessing because we are forced to ask people on the streets, which likewise provides an opportune chance to introduce ourselves and share the gospel! 

It is wonderful! 

We have a new goal in the Naga Mission of 50 OYMs a week or Open Your Mouth contacts..which basically means approaching someone, asking inspired questions, sharing a short message, then asking for a return appointment to teach them in their ho5me...We were able to reach the 50 OYM goal this week and are determined to keep those numbers up high. In one day we got 26 OYM contacts. OYMing is hard. It takes a lot of faith and courage but it works. It works well. It really forces you out of your comfort zone to literally talk to EVERYONE. My poor companion, haha we'll be walking down the street and she will be in the middle of saying something to me when someone walks into view and boom, I'm gone, conversation lost. We are both so motivated to talk to EVERYONE (and there are alllllways other people on the streets) so that leaves very little time for us to talk as companions when we are outside of the apartment hah but it's good. :) We are having fun.

Scripture of the week: Moroni 8:16

"Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I   fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear."

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love His gospel and know that it is the way to true happiness and eternal life. Missionary work is hard. Life is hard. But we must be bold, STRIVE to be better every day, and if we trust, have faith, and LOVE, we shall not fear. Keep smiling. :) Love you all! 

-Sister Roderick