Why Solemnities?

While I was serving the Lord in the Philippines I met a sister missionary from Indiana.

 She and I would write letters back in forth discussing the Doctrines of the Kingdom.

One principle she taught me, that I will never forget, nor fail to use is to...

Ponder the Solemnities of Heaven

I would often write "epistles" home as I would call them, telling the stories of the events I experienced, and I would often write about the doctrine behind the principles I was learning based on those events.

 I hope that perhaps by posting these as well as my recent discoveries on the Doctrines of Salvation that we might be able to catch a glimpse into those Solemnities.

Layunin - Purpose

The greatest question every sentient, aware, or alive being must answer is what is my purpose? Purposelessness would defy our existence. To be without purpose or to exist without purpose is a paradox, and can not be. The stars in the sky, the grass under your feet, the annoying mosquitoes biting your arms, the rocks on the mountainside, the cold breeze brushing your cheek, the wide variety of colors interpreted by your eyes, the texture of sand falling through your fingers, the pain of injury, the tumultuous noise that thunders through your ears during a storm, the death of all things, the absence of things, the acquisition of things, the meeting of people, the learning and gaining of experience, the earth being made spherical, the firmament appearing majestic, the tears that fall from your reddened face, the actual speed that light travels at, the perpetuity of time and its unstoppable continuance, the proteins in what you consume, the naivity of youth, the passions of the flesh, the transparency of water and glass, fear. Every query has its answer which proves its purpose. Why does the earth spin? This question can be answered one of two ways, one is the actual scientific breakdown of gravity and orbit, or to simply answer, to fulfill its purpose. If the earth didn't spin, it could not complete it's purpose as our home planet. When a flower releases its pollen, it knows it's purpose. It is interesting to ask what is the purpose of a wild fire caused by a lightning storm? Or why the earth rends and breaks apart destroying what once was created and beautiful. Why will the sun's warmth eventually extinguish and supernova destroying all that this solar system is? 

Why would lemmings jump off cliffs? Seriously? 



Oftentimes we misinterpret our own use of language. To ask why something is or why it does a certain thing is asking it's purpose. Why does gravity exist shouldn't be answered, "Because the mass of one object pulls on another," for that is the how gravity exists. How and Why are two very different questions. Why did my father die isn't answered "Because cancer stole him away,". The answer is it was God's will, part of His plan for my father, a fulfillment of his purpose. It is not always easy or even possible to understand the purpose of all things, but it is important to understand that if something exists, it has it's purpose, whether you know what it is or not. The Book of Mormon Prophet Nephi when commanded to write upon stone plates (which as you can imagine would be very difficult and time consuming) said, 

"Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knowth all things from the beginning; wherefore he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works (purposes) among the children of men..." 

and this sentiment is repeated dozens of times over the 1,021 years that encompasses this record by many prophets. They didn't understand the purpose at the time, but they understood that it's ultimate purpose was great enough to act in faith despite their lack of understanding which was then revealed to the world around 1,410 years later through revelations received by the prophet Joseph Smith.

My point being; we were created to have feelings, to have thoughts, to be inquisitive and curious. One of our purposes is to feel pain, to feel happiness, to understand agency, to seek out knowledge, well...to be better explained, everything we have the capacity to do is a part of the fulfillment of our ultimate purpose, even when we don't fully understand why like Nephi. His father Lehi in the Book of Mormon explains this principle beautifully in 2 Nephi Chapter 2 when he says, 

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one: wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation." (emphasis added)

It is at times difficult to see the purpose behind what happens in our life, but the more we zoom out of our shortsighted blinders and see the grander picture, the more we begin to understand the purpose of all things. Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve said last conference, "[When] we ask these questions, we realize the purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences." This answer pertains primarily to the "Why," we experience what we do, whether it be the sweetest of joys or the bitterest sorrows. To step back even further requires us to ask the question that every inquisitive soul has asked when looking into the eyes of a new-born, when staring off into the firmament with awe at the countless stars, when eyes lose focus at the sight of a loved one lying in a coffin,  or anyone who looks in the mirror and simply begins to ask...

"Why am I here?" 

"What am I supposed to be doing?"

"What is the fulfillment of my creation?" 

"Why am I?"

This question of purpose leads us to search in diverse places for answers. Sometimes we ask friends or family. Sometimes we try to put these soul-deep questions out of our minds and onto a shelf only to bring them down when the answer comes. A life dedicated to science, study, and philosophy would only end up with more questions then when they started.

why why why why WHY?

When I was serving a mission in the Philippines on a tiny island called Marinduque, I had the privilege of being called as a leader. Times got incredibly turbulent on the island between my small team of ten missionaries. We were divided and plagued with many issues from sickness, racism, prejudice, meaningless offenses, pride, difficult areas, and even more difficult people. I prayed on my knees wrestling with the Spirit every night for my small band. I loved every one of them and only wanted to see us come together and set aside all these hardships. I struggled in the Spirit for many nights trying to find something that I could share with them during our weekly meeting to help us overcome our problems. For four consecutive weeks, the Lord directed me to focus on our purpose. First as missionaries, as was the immediate day to day concern. Next was our purpose as members of the church and as disciples of Christ. The third week was focused on our purpose as human beings, why we are, where we came from, and what the fulfillment of our creation is, and then finally, the purpose of all things; the earth, time, the heavens, the purpose of a God, and the purpose of all existence. After that last lesson was finished, we were all edified with a very broad view of our world and our souls, and when we had gained an understanding of how crucial our roles are as inhabitants of this earth, members of the church, and, most importantly then, what our roles were as representatives of Jesus Christ, all the petty problems that had taken so much of our energy and attention seemed to be instantly incinerated by the glory of Purpose. Our trials and problems were like a bunch of pebbles tossed against a mountain, space debris consumed by the heat of a star, or like a box of lit matches tossed into the pacific ocean. 

 

To hold a match up close to your face seems incredibly bright, an inferno, and the heat might even burn you, but hold it at an arm's distance and drop it into the depths of the sea and see how insignificant and powerless it is. 

That is the power of perspective and can be used in any scenario, any trial, and any circumstance. An understanding of the Atonement will help you gain that perspective, and a thorough study of the Plan of Salvation can answer many of these hard questions, and I encourage everyone who decides to read this to ask these questions, from the very core of who you are to the outer reaches of space and time. 

What is the purpose of my being placed in this town with this family?

What is the purpose of going to college? of working?

What is the purpose in going to church? What is the purpose of possessing faith?

What is the purpose in what I do? How I act? And what I say?

What is the purpose of my existence?

What is the purpose of me living in America or the Philippines or Canada?

What is the purpose of scripture? the purpose of religion? 

What is the purpose of  the earth? time? or even the heavens?

 What is the purpose of God? What is His purpose?

  

Now... allow me to finally ask,

"What is the purpose of focusing on anything but those great purposes that you now have that prove that you are important, that prove that you are of crucial worth, and that prove that your existence is rich in meaning and value?"

I testify that as you focus on your purpose and act towards the fulfillment of your creation, your circumstance, no matter how dark, seemingly meaningless, or painful is actually a cooperative element that will ultimately help you achieve your purpose. Following commandments, reading from scripture, pursuing the attainment of knowledge, establishing a strong relationship with God and Christ, and remembering the ultimate purpose of your existence will turn whatever feelings you have towards your situation to hope, patience, anxious anticipation, and even happiness. 

The purpose of this blog I suppose is to assist both you and I in achieving our purposes. If you want to ask any question in regards to purpose, from our souls to mosquitoes, I would love to answer the best I can.  

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose,"

  

D&C 104:58-59 "And for this purpose I have commanded you to organize yourselves...for the purpose of building up my church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the time when I shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand." 

Moses 1:27-33, 39 "Moses cast his eyes and beheld the earth, yea, even all of it; and there was not a particle of it which he did not behold, discerning it by the Spirit of God. And he beheld also the inhabitants thereof, and there was not a soul which he beheld not; and he discerned them by the Spirit of God; and their numbers were great, even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore. And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof. And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them? And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me. And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth. And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten. For behold, this is my work and my glory-- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

 

 

Introduction to the Field

(I have left out some of the stories that were associated with my general mission experience because I wish to focus primarily on the doctrinal aspects of things I learned in the field, however, I do feel that some of these stories help give a little bit more perspective.
I think it will help anybody out on missions, or preparing for missions, kind of understand how it all works and feels those first few months; but honestly, these lessons are applicable to everyone. The following "epistles" is the account of my ministry in the Philippines I sent home via email.)


  PART I

 I am sending this email to everyone I know as a general account of what the Philippines is like and how...different it is.

 My flight from LA to Taiwan was sweet and one we got to Taiwan (13 hours later) we had some delicious Taiwanese food and headed to our next terminal...which was an all out "Hello Kitty" terminal, pink white and cute adorable montages of hello kitty and the gang covering the entire terminal. It was ridiculous.

 So I got to Manila and stayed at the President's home for two nights where we were oriented with the mission and given instructions. It is beautiful here, coconut trees, thick grass, and shrubbery everywhere. It is a jungle here and it is stunning. They're are thousands of "jeepnies" (Wikipedia it). They are everywhere along with trikes. The Filipinos cant afford cars so they ride jeepnies and trikes everywhere. Jeepnies are surplus jeeps from world war 2 decked out like...the only thing I can compare it to is hippie vans in the 60s which is not really even close. They are just radical with random signs and colors and all. Everywhere I go people stare at me, all day, everyday. I have seen one, only one other American in the Philippines in the week I've been here and he was at the super-mall. Wherever I go people yell out "Hey Joe!" (In reference to a G.I.Joe WWII). I often reply "Hey Pedro" (its just a common name) and they usually laugh. Everyone makes fun of my tagalog. Even my comp. In fact, while I'm writing this email in a shop the owner introduced me to her husband. All I said was Kamusta po (which basically means hello) and they all freak out. Its kind of obnoxious at times, but its all good. I just smile and laugh along.

There is no carpet, all walls and floors are either concrete or bamboo or dirt. It is very dirty here, and trash is everywhere. Its fetchin hot, but not unmanageable. We hand wash all our clothes which takes forever. We don't have clean water so we have to filter it and we have a toilet with no toilet seat. Its pretty sick. I sent pics to my mom so she will have all of them (make sure to get the card to jess after mom)(and its not the one in the box, im mailing you a different one).

My trainer's name is Elder Omandam, he is not over 5'0 and its hilarious to see us walking around. People are really intimidated by me, if I'm not smiling they kind of look scared, but whenever I raise my eyebrows or say magadang umaga po (good morning) they always smile and get excited. The children are adorable, they are quiet and very respectful to us elders. We live in "The province" in an area called Lipa - Rosario. The mission president assigned us to re-open this area. So we started with almost nothing. No progressing investigators, no referrals, nothing. So the first few days we met members and they guided us to investigators and all sorts of people. We have three baptismal dates set. Elder Omandam is a monster at missionary work, I rarely understand him but he gets what he wants out of people in a very nice, loving, but forward way. However, he is fairly disobedient, its actually kind of funny. During planning and what not we schedule 2 hours for lunch instead of 1 because he wants to nap. He is an awesome elder, very loving and helpful with the language, but lacks the hardwork. I'll do my best in the upcoming weeks to see if we can use all our time more effectively. I'm chuckling to myself thinking about it. I usually just read my scrips or study my language during that time.

 *Oh the greenie-ness of being a missionary 3/12*

I'm going to be honest, it is super difficult here in the Philippines mostly because of the language barrier. I feel fairly competent in basic tasks but I feel like I didn't learn any of this language in the MTC. I just listen, try to pick out words, and not look stupid when someone asks me a question or when I say a prayer or bear a testimony, but...like I said, everyone laughs no matter what I say. I'm kind of a spectacle, its a good attention getter, and people like to talk to us because of it, so all in all its a good thing.

The food is delicious! its so fresh and tasteful. Everything is no more than a day old and its all so fetchin cheap. its 44.50 pesos to one American dollar. To take a trike into to town which is a few miles is about 25 cents. We bought about 2 weeks worth of food for 15 dollars. However, while your here you don't think about it that way. For example, I bought 4 rolls of toilet paper for 50 pesos and I was like "Sobrang Mahal!" (Thats so expensive!) as I was leaving I realized that is was just over 1 dollar. You get about 140 american dollars per month and it is pretty comfortable to live off apparently.

 I would like to comment on the Catholic church's presence in the PH. Its everywhere, and to be honest, its straight up evil. Like its not good Christianity its super creepy corrupted Christianity. For example, the catholic church looks like a castle, its bright bright sky blue, it makes me want to vomit, and in people's homes, there are these pictures of Christ that are just freaky and dark and dirty and just in a word corrupt. I feel dark and hollow when I look at them. One that's pretty common is Christ is tilting his head down a little bit with the bright yellow circle around him and hes touching his heart which is outside his chest and has  barbed wire around it and a torch on top. He is often covered with bright colorful clothing and some of the statues that they pray to are just freaky. Like a nightmare.

 Blehhh!

Anyways, Im definitely going through some culture shock right now but its all good. I'm sleeping, I'm eating, and I'm still living. I know if I keep working hard and am patient I will be just fine. It could be so much worse and I feel blessed to have what I do. But promise me something all of you who read this. Touch your wall and be grateful that because of its coating your home isnt turned into a toaster oven. When you step on your carpet, be grateful its soft and not filled with diseases that tear your feet in two. Look outside and be grateful that their aren't hundreds and hundreds of dogs everywhere with fur falling of because of the diseases they carry. And if you see a bug from where your standing don't cry; cockroaches, ants, and spiders are everywhere here. There is nothing clean, there is nothing white, except one thing. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It truly is a beacon here. It is the only clean building I've been into yet. It is the only thing that is white and that is not a tainted yellow aged color. It stands tall amongst the other churches (all the churches are on the same street -- kind of funny) except the sky blue catholic church which is just ridiculous.

 The members are the biggest help in the world, we would be lost and without investigators without them. Please pray for me, my companion, and the people here. Its really weird, I feel like I've met some of these people before, kind of like I've seen them on TV or in a dream or something. Its hard to explain. Its sweet though, they make us food quite often, and we share spiritual thoughts, then go find people to teach. Its very interesting.

 Well, I love you all, goodbye, I pray for you all every night!

 PART II

I have been in the Philippines now one month and its hard to believe our first transfer is just around the corner with my first zone conference this week.

My area is getting more interesting the more and more I'm able to understand whats going on. For example, I learned that our branch actually has 283 members but only about 45-55 attend each week...including 60 inactive priesthood holders. So we have been discussing with the Branch President about some of those concerns. We had our first Baguio, and everyone says it was pretty weak, but I was still blown away. It was a downpour for two days, sometimes lightening, but there was no major flooding. Tons of water everywhere and they say its not flooded haha. I love it though, for the first night since we got here we didn't sleep with the fan on because it was cool outside. My comp was shivering, it was funny because to me it just feels kind of nice but he was straight up cold.

 My comp is still...very disobedient, which has been a trial for me, but now I deeply appreciate the white handbook, as it is my only defense against him pulling trainer rank on me. I also appreciate a lot of other things that I didn't before, and I feel a lot closer to my savior as I draw closer to him for reliance, because there is no one else to really relate to, or talk to about it. Its humbling, and our district as a whole is pretty disobedient, for example, our district leader went to an arcade after a zone activity and was playing all these gun games and I doubt he had the discretion to use his own funds. BUT! I do still have vision, and I have a deep rooted foundation in my faith to what my potential is and I will never lose sight of it, and I will continue to do all I can to raise my companionship, my district, and my zone for the sake of the Philippino people.

 I wrote to my mission president in a letter and said "I sacrificed to much to dick around," and I meant that. I'm not here to waste time, this is God's time and I'm really gaining a testimony of that and what "consecration" really means.

I also value and appreciate my family back home to an indescribable level. My younger sister started high school these last weeks, and I never imagined how much it would hurt not to be there to help her and talk to her and share about one of my most treasured times of my life. Its hard not to talk to my brother. He was one of the only people I could really expound every aspect of everything in my life to with a brutal honesty. And I really valued that. I love all my family. Very very much. and I now appreciate the sacrifice I made, where as before, I didn't really comprehend.

 But now its God's time.

I'm grateful for the time you have taken to read my account. I pray for you all, I love you all, God bless you.

-Elder Mace

Tiyaga - Patience (2)

*Update on the natural disasters that hit during this time* First off, I am lucky. I am in Batangas area if you want to google map it in an area close to Lipa called Rosario. In Batangas area, their was very little flooding. We are higher up and far west on the islands so the storm was weaker when it hit us and most of the flooding was to the east. Tons of my fellow San Pabloians got flooded out, including elder Montesclaros who was returning from transfer to be stranded from Marinduke for a few days while the storm raged. And Sister Spjute reported that she had to swim through the flood to help some missionaries move out of their apartment. Scary stuff, but we are all safe and well. The first typhoon was named Undoy, and he destroyed Manilla. Its the first typhoon to really hit there, and it killed over 100 people, displaced 60,000ish families or homes, and many are still missing. The next typhoon Piping, was bigger, and fortunately headed up north and did not hit San Pablo mission, well, it hit Lopez I think, but im pretty sure its further north. There is another one getting stirred up, but where I am at there is never any threat really from typhoons. We did get hit with an earthquake a few weeks back, it was small and didn't do anything, but I felt it and kind of tripped out. I thought I was just dizzy, but no, it was an earthquake...wow.

So now onto Tiyaga. Its the Tagalog word for patience. It has been a struggle for me to be patient for my entire life. And this problem was made physically manifest to me when I broke my collarbone...and 3 weeks after my 2nd surgery I broke it again because I was impatient and wanted to return to the lifestyle I was living earlier and put my mission in jeopardy. Later...in the MTC, I jeopardized my mission when playing Volleyball, I landed awkwardly after a dive and it got very sore and the word "Patience" rang in my mind. By the grace of God, it didn't break, and its 100% now, but obviously I did not learn the lesson.
 

So God gave me Elder Arnold Omandam to be my trainer. I'll be honest. He is the last person you want to be your trainer. He is prideful to the extent that he thinks he is never wrong, he wears stunner shades while tracting (I have pictures to prove all of this too), he naps every day, his disobedience is constant, and is openly public about it. He wrote on the outside of his missionary planner "The rules of God, I know them, But I am not obedience,". He is alright at English, but you get the point. In addition to all of this, I spoke to the President about it all. After he was threatened to be sent home, we returned to our apartment. The first thing he did was lock himself in a room and blasted death metal. I swallowed all of it, said a prayer for meekness and humility, then walked into the room. He called me every horrid word you could think of, from plastic (fake), ayaw kita (I hate you), and even called me a whore. After his venting finished, I simply stated, "I am sorry for the way things happened, I am sorry you feel hurt, but all I did was tell the truth, I did not lie, I did not exagerate, I simply told the President why I was un-happy." I told him I was willing to do whatever it took to make things right. He shook his head and said there is no love, there is no unity, there is nothing. (That translates a little weird in Tagalog). I sighed, stood up, and said, "well, I'll be outside studying, when your ready to help me make things right, but I will not teach until this gets resolved." Long story short, he came out and said I want to become happy (again, awkward tagalog translation). And ever since this superficial relationship has been. Then...neither of us got transferred.

 what?

 Well, I honestly did not think I could do it. I was close to devastated when I found it out. But at the same time I knew for a surety that it had profound purpose. Then, as I pulled out my new planner to start the new transfer. Patience once again came to mind. I wrote Tiyaga on my planner, and have looked to it every day in an attempt to remember that this has purpose, and I have to be patient in order to understand the reasons and learn the lessons from this experience. I began to lose hope that I could do this for another 6-5 weeks as the first week came to a close. Then my zone leader told me he wanted to go on splits. So I headed to Lipa and left E.O. in Rosario and worked with Elder Park. Basically he helped re-inspire my hope and faith that missionary work can be enjoyable, that I wont always return home at 7:20pm, that we wont only teach woman and children, and that I wont always teach like I'm selling shiny jewelry on an infomercial. He helped me realize all things will come to an end. My time with Elder O. My time in Rosario, my mission, and eventually my life. He helped me realize that time is to important to waste being stressed, being unhappy, and not using the time we are given. So, I have accepted my calling to be in Rosario with Elder O. for another transfer, and I will do my best to use this time to improve my language (which is going great by the way, a gift of unbalanced compensation that God has greatly given me) and to re-build who I am as a person. My tolerance and patience has grown exponentially since this has all happened, and I know I will take these lessons into my future career, relationships, family, and into the eternities. Its hard to be grateful for afflictions, but the scriptures say we should use trials to obtain knowledge. I believe very strongly we learn the most from trials and sufferings. It helps us appreciate the things that really matter to us, and helps our experience and knowledge in this life grow.

 ...[I've said some things that] sound prideful, and I promise with all my heart and soul that I do not put myself higher than Elder Omandam in any way, and to be honest, I wish I could utilize his experience in the field better and really feel like he is my trainer, but circumstance does not permit me to necessarily trust his council. So, I focus on the language, I study as much as I can, and just try to teach the best I can with what I have.

 I apologize if this epistle has been somewhat discouraging, and not as bright as my others have been, but that same zone leader helped me realize that there is no purpose behind hiding the truth of circumstances, of the same token, I am healthy, alive, not in a flooded apartment.  I'm serving the one true living God, and learning exponentially about life, people, myself, the Gospel, and everything I will need in my life to come.


 With much love

 -Elder Mace

Pagpapasalamat - Gratitude (3)

Pagpapasalamat is the Tagalog word for Gratitude

 An interesting contrast of a title considering my last epistle. I hope this one uplifts you, enlightens you, and gives a better perspective of my life.

First, what has changed in a month? To be honest, nothing except perspective. My brother wrote me an email today laying it out perfectly, he told me of how I should view the glass (the half glass analogy) but broke it down a bit differently. The point is, I am in an incredible country, doing incredible things, and becoming a man. God has almost literally spoon-fed me answers to my problems through emails from you, promptings, and my leaders out here in the field. For example, my father sent me an incredible email about this very thing, gratitude and thanksgiving, and then my Mission President gave a workshop about "Joy in the Morning" which he spoke about being grateful from the moment we wake up for who we are, what we have, and what we are doing. I am happy. Its not an optimist's view to be grateful, its a realist's view. Being grateful for what we have is to take into account what we have and then notice how freaking great it is. It also shows humility when we are grateful, it demonstrates our willingness to appreciate what we have and what God has blessed us with. My next planner for the next transfer is titled "Gratitude is happiness in humility.".

 I am grateful for your love, your emails, your words of wisdom, your prayers, your support, and your help.

One of many computer shops

A little bit more about the culture now, because many have been requesting that. Well, the people are the kindest in the world. The only one's that come close are those people who live in the Bahamas, but they are more just chill and relaxed with life while here they are not only loving life with nothing, but they try to help you and feed you because you are simply visiting. We have been blatantly rejected when trying to teach but when we are just talking they often offer us food after the rejection. Its pretty funny. The food is amazing. Everything goes with rice though, but mostly my diet consists of rice, chicken, pork, vegetables (most you have never seen before), and soy sauce. Its great because all the food is fresh killed that day and the vegetables with a few days are at the palanky. It is delicious. There are tindahans everywhere. A tindahan is a small store usually built onto a house or a small shack where treats, snacks, small toys, and sodas are sold. It is a plague because it teaches children to splurge spend, and it has an effect. It doesn't help their is one about every 30 feet no exaggeration. Its a problem. A lot of people carry or ride a bike with food, ice cream, peanuts, and balut for sale. They walk around yelling and ringing bells and its dirt cheap. The dirty ice cream is great, its my favorite so far. Its cheese and chocolate ice cream put into a soft bread roll. Yea, its amazing. Surprisingly there are a ton of computer cafes everywhere, but I think that is because I am in a bayan (a small city or town) and not completely in the sticks or bush.


 Life in the Philippines is good. And I just discovered I am indeed transferred. I am leaving Rosario, Lipa.

Its been an interesting ride. I must admit I am really going to miss my crew here. Elder Park, Sister Warnick, and Elder Gonzalez really have helped shape my mission, and leaving them is going to be tough.

Elder Mace, Park, Gonzalez, and Sister Warnick.

However, I am ready to start tearing it up. My Tagalog is good enough to do whats needed. Its dirty, and ugly, but I can teach like a teacher should, I can communicate and be personal, and now its time to leave behind that generic style of teaching and break free in finding what these people need. To search for what causes them darkness and pain and lead them to the comfort of the great "I AM" through sincere guidance and counsel. This isn't the work of converting people, this isn't the work of baptizing people, or getting people to church. This is the work of bringing people to the knowledge of the truth, for that is what the Gospel is. In one word, it is truth. It is simple, pure, and precious. And I will do everything I can to share this with those willing to leave behind their love of worldly things (money, sex, prestige, power) and elevate to a higher state of being...

...for that is the purpose of the Gospel. To progress us. That is all this life is meant to be, is one giant string of progression towards Godhood; and once we leave this mortal life, progression will infinitely continue "For the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

I love you all. I pray for you all. God be with you!

 -Elder Mace

Dahan dahan - Slow down (4)

Dahan dahan is "slow down" in Tagalog. These last 5 weeks or this last transfer has been to fast to comprehend. I felt like it was yesterday I was on my jeepnie out of Rosario, Lipa.

Alright. Well, it has been an epic, epic 5 weeks. Let me start first with my "special interview" with the President that took place when my follow up trainer went district leader. The President took us aside in a separate room and became very serious. I was very confused I had an American companion, because that just doesn't happen, especially since my follow up has only been in field 7 months. We both are not very good in Tagalog, but I have no doubt the President is inspired. As we sat down he immediately said without beating around the bush "I need you two to step it up, this mission needs Elders like you, and I'm relying on you two to raise the bar for your fellow missionaries. You both will be leaders in this mission, so work hard, and take advantage of this opportunity. You will be living with the zone leaders, so learn from them. Make strong relationships with your Philippine Elders and Sisters, they will be more likely to follow if you have good relationships with them. Now do either of you have any questions?" We both sat kind of stunned, and I said No President, Thank you President. He said alright then. He gave us a hug and we headed out to Sta. Cruz.

On the jeepnie ride the very first thing my companion said to me was "I'm pasuway" Which means I'm disobedient. I stared at him trying to discern what he was trying to do or say. I felt impressed he wanted to be in charge, have the luxuries he had with his past companions, and not be imposed to perfect obedience. He had a face of defiance and almost to the point of being stand-offish. (After my experiences with my trainer and the lessons learned from that) I looked at him and said "Ok,". I gave him a smirk that basically meant "Well, we will see.". The rest of the jeepnie ride we got acquainted and shared about ourselves. Our companionship is great and we struggle at Tagalog together and its a lot of fun. He told me that our area has been hit by 5 hurricanes (baguios) in two transfers, the worst was Undoy which I'm sure you all heard about on the news killed hundreds of people. In our zone a bridge fell killing around 17 members, it was devastating.

Our first P-day we went to our old apartment which was underwater. We waded through waist deep water about a half a mile to arrive at our water-logged home. Elder Olsen searched his bag for the keys to find that he had left them. Frustrated and angry he turned around to leave. I said wait a second. I took the padlock from the gate and got a big smile on my face. He said "I cant watch". I launched the padlock through the window and removed the glass. I reached around and unlocked the door. Our house was thrashed. I took pictures.

Our original apartment

Because of the flood, hundreds of people ran to the stake center which is in our area and found refuge there. The Church made it into an evacuee camp and has been supplying them with food, water, and lodgings until the flood recedes which is expected to in February, but the flood has gone down a lot quicker than expected. These people are wonderful. They are grateful, humble, loving people. They were prepared by the hand of God to receive the Gospel. The 5 weeks I have been here we have not tracted once, because we just do not have time. We often teach groups of people at a time. Usually 5 or 6 mid teenage girls, some a group of young men (16-21) and then other families or individuals separately depending on their needs or schedules. Joel Oliver, an ex-alcoholic and smoker approached us on my first week. He told us he has been to church for about 6 weeks (since he has lived there and its next door) and has decided he wants to join and be baptized. He said he has given up smoking and drinking entirely since Undoy hit a few months ago and has seen the blessings from it. We were stunned at first, but said of course! You just need to understand what kind of commitment you are making and understand the essentials of Christ's gospel. He will be baptized this week. One of the young women, we had to ask her mom for permission to baptize her, when we asked, she gave consent and then said "I want to be baptized too,". Overjoyed at the idea of teaching and baptizing her whole family instead of just her, we set an appointment to discuss what baptism meant and again the Gospel essentials.


We have about 8 new investigators every week who either approach us after an appointment, or overhear our lessons and join in. We have taught at other evacuee camps at schools as well when visiting recent converts. One night, after returning home around 8PM for dinner, 5 boys ranging from 9-15 knocked on our door. I opened it and exchanged cordialities with them and asked what it was they wanted. They looked at each other, and then the eldest said with such innocence and sincerity "We want to learn about Jesus Christ." We invited them in and taught about Christ's life, ministry, and Atonement. They didn't want to leave after the lesson, but we told them they had to, and we will teach them at the stake center this coming week. I have seen such an outpouring of God's love on this devastated city. The Principle of Compensation is real and I testify to the truthfulness of Elder Joseph B Wirthlin's statement that any trial suffered will be returned with joy 10 fold. In my 2nd letter to the President in the concerns section I wrote "President, this field is freaking white!" What a blessing to be a part of this large harvest. I love sharing the Gospel, I love helping people find happiness and joy when the world tells them they should be miserable. The Gospel is happiness. I am beyond grateful to be here. No words can express my love for these people, the love for my companion (even if he is a little disobedient ;) and the love and testimony I have for God's plan of salvation. It is true. I feel empowered enough to conform to the statement given by Elder Jeffery R. Holland last general conference.

 "I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world . . . that the Book of Mormon is true."

 It is the word of God, and anyone...anyone who reads that book will understand the mysteries and character of God far past their prior understanding. I testify that the book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the world. I will not deny, I will not forsake, and I have seen with my own eyes, and felt with my own heart that Christ lives and the Master is working with His servants in the vineyard.

 Dahan dahan, slow down. I understand now how little time a mission is. If I or Elder Olsen get transferred, 6 weeks just isnt enough time. There will never be enough time, and since that comprehension has entered into the trenches of my soul, time will not slow down and will only accelerate as my testimony and drive begin to progress and increase in velocity.

 I love you all, God speed, you are in my prayers.


  How could I almost forget?

 Merry Christmas

 -Elder Mace

God's will be done (5)

well...*sigh*...so much has happened in one month.
 So, Elder Olsen did get transferred...dangit. He's re-opening and training in a re-opened area. My new companion is Elder Sudaria. We went on splits once in Ibaan when I was in Lipa. I was called as senior...I'm a senior. wow, I can finally do everything my way, the right way, like actually study, and plan, and use preach my gospel, and read the white handbook, and have comp inventory, and help out my comp who is struggling a little bit...YES! woohoo! I was so grateful and stoked!

Till I broke my foot.

Ankle, I broke my ankle playing basketball. I rolled it bad when sidestepping and it fractured a little bone. I'm in a cast now made of concrete. Legitimately concrete. when they put the thing on, they took out a package and dipped it in water. It was grey like concrete, and then it solidified on my foot. It's concrete. The thing is freaking heavy. like 8-10 pounds. It hurts like a fetch, and the pain pills give me stomach problems. So...I was off my foot with my comp at home for about a week and a half. He would leave me sitting alone by myself with my foot on a chair unable to walk (no crutches yet) to go to a computer shop and play video games. One day he was gone 9 hours. The Z.L.s who we live with talked to him about it, and then even the A.P.s did, but he just doesn't care. Turmoil started gripping my chest, even guilt, I started losing hope. I wanted so badly to help my comp, I felt I was failing the President for not fulfilling my purpose to my companion, and obviously my comp refused to work with ward missionaries and would leave to play video games instead. So I suffered deeply about the work...I just wanted the work to progress. I felt helpless...and I was.

This is when I learned to give it to God. I sat one day pondering deeply about what I could possibly do to help the situation. There was nothing I could do but pray. I was not in a good state of mind, I didn't even want to pray, but knew I needed to. I bowed my head and just plead for God's will be done for my comp, and to reveal the purpose of all these things happening so I could just try to help and contribute. I received a powerful revelation about my interaction with God's will, it was based off an analogy I gave in a workshop about obedience a few weeks past. Basically there are times where we just need to trust God, and even when we try to help we are just frustrating our progress. Sometimes we just need to let God handle it, and just ensure we are doing the basics instead of trying to interfere. It prompted me to submit, to give it up, to hand it over to him...which I did. I sat with silent tears running down my cheeks as I submitted my will to the father entirely for the very first time. I then discovered one of the reasons that all this was happening, I had made a true connection of trust with my father. These days since have been so much lighter, happier, filled with so much more light, even in such a depressing circumstance there are times I can't help but smile and realize that God's got it under control. Its such a relief, he took this burden from me.

This still does not help the boredom and loneliness, but God has sent angels to watch over me. One of my recent converts Ian has visited me almost daily. A ward mission leader named Francis comes over every now and again to play monopoly. These are unprecedented visits, but how needed they are. God is always with us in a darkest times, I know this, it has become truth, and I know that no matter what happens, I can just know that God's got it. Its hard to explain.

So zone con is on Thursday, we will be staying the night in a different zone for a special interview with the President on Friday. It will be interesting to see what happens. I find comfort in knowing God's Will, will be done.

 Seek God's will in everything, be grateful for what you have, I sent my dad an email today saying that even when times are bad, they honestly are still pretty good, so when times are good, they are really really good. Just appreciate what you have, and let God know it.


 I love you all, My mission means everything to me, and though trials may come, lets just keep calm and carry on

 -Elder Mace

Reconciliation (6)

January 2010's general epistle.

 It is named reconciliation, because that is what I am in dire need of after the last few weeks.

 I'll start with a medical update. As of now, January 31st, I'm out of my walking boot and cement cast and walking with a bandage. I'm able to work full speed again, I'm just taking it slow and not running or jumping yet.

So, I went into the office and had a great week of rest. I feel I did not fully take advantage of that time to study and rest to the fullest, but it was very necessary. I was going to stay till Friday but was abruptly taken home on Wednesday because the A.P. who replaced me wanted to visit his old areas. I was cool with this, especially because of the reports that my gamer addicted comp was not flying solo anymore, and showing signs of desire and fire. I was excited to get out to work, even though I was still on crutches. When I got there we worked for about 4-5 hours before I was having a hard time even crutching around, so we returned home. Almost immediately without many words he left me. He left me once again. And this pattern continued throughout the week. One night we returned around 9:15, we worked a full day, I was exhausted, sore, and in pain. I collapsed in a chair and Sudaria said "I'm going out, you can lock the door if your going to sleep cause I have a key." I began to argue saying it was late and he should just go to bed, but he left as I was unlocking my foot from the walking boot. I figured he'd be back around 10:30. surely no later than 11:00pm. I went to bed and locked the house. I woke up at 3:30am to see no figure in the bed next to mine. I went back to sleep rationalizing he was still at the shop. I woke up at 6:00am and he still was not home. I began to worry bad. What if something happened to my comp, I'm responsible, I'm senior comp, what if he's hurt or mugged or something. After 7:00am I went out searching on my crutches to the nearest computer shops. He was no where to be found. I went to my zone leaders in the city. The three of us searched till about 8:30, and then we returned home. The ZLs had not yet called the APs when Sudaria finally showed up around 9:15 for district meeting at 10. I couldn't believe it. I started laughing cause I was so shocked and relieved that he just showed up all nonchalant. I gave him a few words of rebuke, it was soft, he knew what he was doing was wrong. I simply said this wont happen again, and I will ensure that it doesn't, this is irresponsible and nigh reckless.

After district meeting he fell asleep while lunch was being made. Francis, a ward mission leader, came over. We tried to wake up Sudaria but he refused to work. He had not changed, he had no conversion. I took two giant padlocks and locked Sudaria in the house and went out to work with Francis. I was not going to let our investigators suffer for his choices. When we came back only three hours later to see if he was ready to work, Houdini escaped and had gone to the computer shop once again. He returned late that night. As the days continued, I found new ways of locking Sudaria in the house without him being able to escape, our work suffered deeply. We only ever got out to our really progressing investigators, and our companionship studies, prayers, and planning became non-existent. We talked, we were close I'd even say. We discussed our missions and old times, likes dislikes, members, investigators. I can say we were friends through all this, his desire was just gone.

And mine started to go with him.

As the week dragged on we discovered there was no transfer. Both of us expected one. I questioned if it was possible to continue like this for 6 more weeks of constantly babysitting my companion. I wrote the President after a very discouraging low day about it. I was getting to all time lows, and using my foot as an excuse not to work. These were all internal. Last Sunday was the deepest trench of how I've felt on my mission. Guilt, shame, and discouragement consumed my thoughts. I could not do this for much longer, try to teach while my heart and soul was in such turmoil over my own lack of faith and the obvious black hole that was my companion, sucking all light and life into his addiction and lack of care of anyone or anything. I questioned if I really could do it. After some intense study sessions and prayer and contemplation, I began to set goals and plans to work back up. Start with the basics, consistent study, waking up on time, praying often, all of which seemed to dwindle in importance. I knew fire and testimony started with these things so I made preparations. Hope crept into my heart as these things poked at my soul, saying to just convince Sudaria to study and do the same things. Two Elders moved into our home. I thought to myself, "Yes! this will help me and Sudaria get back into good habits." [but no. On the contrary, nothing changed. That same Sunday I lost all hope. I lost all fire. I had died inside. I felt absolutely numb. It was the first time on my mission that I had sat during Sacrament without a single stirring, a single impression, or any sort of movement to repent or ponder. I was a heartbeat, a breathing pair of lungs, my brain was pulsing with autonomous function, but that was it. That was the day I could no longer do it. It was that point that God intervenes because you really can't handle it anymore. I was complacent to go home, to sit for another transfer, or die. It may sound dramatic, but everything that I had been fighting for had passed in vain.] The next night, after sudaria had ditched Manlabe on splits, Elder Park and Elder Deguzman, our A.P.s arrived. They wore solemn faces, and were cordial at best. They walked into the room where Sudaria was sleeping. I heard this-- "President wants to speak with you" a moment of silence then Sudaria's voice...

"Yes President, thank you President."

 Park walked out on the phone and said we'll stick him with the zone leaders," than walked out the front door. He returned and said.

 "Your companion is going home, do you want to go for a drive?"

I nodded my head as my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach and failure seared guilt filled feelings through my core. I had failed my companion. I had failed my purpose to my ward and companion. I was devastated. My companion was ruining his life, and I let him do it.

I expressed these things to Park who told me it was not my fault. I told him I'm in need of repentance, and I need to get my act together and head on straight. Park then told me I'm emergency transferred to the Zone Leader's area, and will be in a threesome with them, while Elliot and Manlabe take my area. Devastation arose again as the missed opportunities with my amazing incredible progressing investigators was taken from me. What could I do... nothing. It was done. God had taken it from me because I could not handle the situation. Gratitude crept into my thoughts. Maybe this was supposed to happen, you can learn from this, grow from this, don't think it is time to slow down and give up. Now is your time of reconciliation. And so it is.

I want to commit to all of you to my return to obedience, diligent study, hard work, and deep faith in God. I came to serve, not be a pathetic ball of fail. Don't try to justify or excuse me of my actions because I had a broken ankle, God would not have given me a broken ankle through all this if I couldn't overcome both problems. I've got my head on straight now, and my eye on the prize. Just send me some prayers, maybe some letters, and all will be ok.




I love you all, my testimony has only increased through all this. I love you, I love you I love you. I wish I could express myself in person to each of you individually as your faces pass through my mind as I write this. God be with you. I love you.

-Elder Mace

Masipag - Hardworking (7)

Masipag means hardworking. Cause that's what we are! woohoo!

My prayers have been answered brothers and sisters. I've put my head down and dove into the work. I got made district leader after our old one got emergency transferred. And man oh man is the work good in Pagbilao.

I'll start with my boy Elder Alquizar. He is 23 and from cebu. He is the man, he's obedient, hard working, very self-sufficient. I have gone on splits with my district mates every Wednesday and come home to find new investigators and 4-6 lessons taught. What a stud. I have also left him with ward missionaries while I've gone to do baptismal interviews and come home after a long day to see the same thing. This Elder is a great example to everyone. He's humble and legit. and he's transferred.

NOOOO!!!! Today I found out my rampage with elder alquizar is being ended after just 6 weeks. but that's the way of the mission I suppose.

We have two incredible investigators beyond my comprehension getting baptized next week. Meann and Rosalyn Tsiosen (chosen). Fitting name, they aren't even members yet and last fast Sunday they both got up and bore amazing testimonies. I was blown away. The work is incredible here in Lucena, and I hope it keeps going forward with whatever comes my way.

Meann back-middle and Rosalyn back-right

Being district leader is a lot of fun, going on splits, discovering areas and meeting investigators. Getting to know my district mates is also way chill. I love to give workshops, it's almost a passion. I love to grab chalk and just discuss battle plans that come from our president and prophet in preach my gospel. So tight, I love to fire up my team for the work. Interviews can be pretty drama though, which is difficult to know how to act, mainly because their problems are really small and are ones they, for the most part just, need to deal with and get over. Not to downplay, and not saying I don't shower em with praise and words of council, it just reminds me of me when I was still young in the mission and I was crying that my trainer was listening to Babylon music. A lot has happened since then...wow. Especially cause I'm still young in the mission. haha.

I have had some incredible experiences interviewing investigators for baptism. Ive interviewed two separate families last week, and it is just such a stark contrast to most interviewees. They are so solid, so unified, so much more filled with love and katatagan or like...um...steadfastness? They can't be shaken by anything. It is incredible, and the Spirit just sings whenever they bear testimony. indescribable.

These 6 weeks have passed like a soft breeze, that is how the good times seem to come and go. Whatever does come though I have a much better outlook on whatever happens. Good or bad, tough or sweet, nothing's gonna bring me down. I can always find solace.

I've also found a better sense of identity these last few weeks, found out who I really am, what I am, kind of a deal, Ive been struggling a long time with this, but I think I've finally got it back...if I ever had it...I feel like my old self infused with more understanding, maturity, and comprehension of life, people, myself, the Gospel, God, just everything. I told my best friend in a letter I wrote him the other day that I wouldn't trade my mission for millions, not a suitcase full of Benjamins, not even a wheelbarrow of Benjamins. I'm learning what the purpose of life is out here, and it all is so inter-related. Social interactions, spirituality, leadership, contentions, disputations, trials, peace, love, distress, struggle, frustration, charity, faith, hope, you name it, it all ties in-together to form a perfect picture. And it is beautiful.

[Shortly after being transferred to Pagbilao, I took off the walking boot and was able to, painfully, walk again. I remember the feeling of teaching for a full day, being able to come home and be filled only with gratitude that my mind was focused on the work instead of myself or my companion's problems. I was so grateful for my circumstances, that I would be in tears every night at the foot of my bed for the blessing of health, work, and a hard working companion. At times, my emotion of thanksgiving was so strong that words were insufficient, and I prayed with raw emotion and feeling. This really helped me understand that the principle of suffering eventually equates to an opening of one's eyes to the plethora of blessings and tender mercies the Lord extends to His children. Every aspect of my life was enhanced and amplified a hundred fold simply because it almost felt foreign. That is why when an investigator feels the Spirit for the first time, it blows them away, whereas long time members are so accustomed to His presence that He often goes unnoticed. So it is with our blessings. Health, money, friends, food, any circumstance of life becomes such a "regular" thing that we often forget to recognize and acknowledge it, but when it is gone, Oh how we long for it. Thus, after the trial, we become appreciative, and the overwhelming power of gratitude sinks in and infuses us with the Spirit, sanctifying and preparing us to overcome the trials ahead.]

I love you all!

-Elder Mace