Tagumpay

Dear Family,

So this week as I focused on doing the work of the Lord I feel the biggest blessing/success this week was my own personal conversion.  There were just many experiences where I felt the Spirit strongly and had the Lord testify to me of the truthfulness of this gospel that we are out sharing.

One recent convert was struggling with stresses in her life and was reading through the Book of Mormon. She just happened to be in a spot that answered one of the questions she was asking perfectly.  She bore testimony of how God had given her an answer through her reading which was not what she had expected.  Then as we began to share, we were guided by the Spirit to share the story about the Brother of Jared.  She then related it to herself and was amazed how perfectly it fit her life.  I know that Heavenly Father inspires the hearts and minds of people today as He did in the past and that we can be guided by Him if we live worthy and seek His help. :)

I also was just overwhelmed with gratitude that I have the gospel in my life.  I thank my Heavenly Father and my earthly parents for raising me in this church where I was taught from birth true principles and how to return to my Father in heaven.  It breaks my heart to see those who don't have this gospel and choose not to embrace it. As I strive to help them understand and feel the Spirit, I am just so grateful that I already have the truth. I already know who I am and where I am going. :) It is such  a wonderful feeling with a perfect brightness of hope and a peace beyond understanding.

As for questions: 

So when it is burr over there, do people have fire places?

No. There are no fireplaces. But there are plenty of fires outside for cooking.  Mostly all the sheets/ curtains just get placed up in front of windows that are normally uncovered (no glass, so you cant close the window only cover it to keep the wind out.) and the electric fans don't get turned off. Some people start to heat water on the stove for their showers but mostly just endure the cold bucket. haha

Where do you shop for groceries?

Groceries are bought from.... a grocery store! :) Haha.  Yep, just a grocery store... but that is mostly for canned goods and our "fresh" (bought in a box off the shelf) milk.  We buy most of our meat, vegetables and fruits from the palangke cause its cheaper and fresher. I am in love with fried Tilapia and ocra. :)

 You haven’t said much about laundry – you still doing it by hand?

Laundry is still done by hand.  We buy the laundry soap in packets and we buy in bulk so I am keep wondering if I have bought my last laundry detergent... I could count it but I won't.. haha  We will just see. I am looking for a laundry place so I can take my jeans and sheets cause those are the hardest but I haven't seen one nearby yet so I will have to give in pretty soon and just do it by hand. haha

What is your favorite scripture right now?

Wow... that is a hard one...  I get like a new one everyday... but I will go with Matthew 28:18-20.  I especially love that ALL POWER is given unto Christ... but it is conditional upon our obedience which is why we must go forth "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." He is always there to help us as we share His gospel and strive to bring all men unto Him.

Do you leave a message after you eat at someone’s home?

The answer to this one is...sometimes. *sheepish smile*  But thanks for the reminder because we should definitely do that more often. :)

Well I would just like to bear testimony for spiritual thought this week.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church.  It has all of the doctrines and ordinances needed for our eternal happiness and is the key to our happiness here on Earth. The Holy Ghost is a precious gift that He has given us and we can always have His guidance as we strive to live worthy of it. Have a great week and don't forget to SMILE!

Sister Hamm