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