‎"Sometimes the pattern of life seems a little monotonous- and discouraging. It is like climbing a mountain and, after reaching the top, getting knocked back down to the bottom to climb it again; but I guess the fun is in climbing and not in arriving." Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Silaw. Liwang.

  Lately I have been missing Laoag. I am craving an empanada- the Filipino style pictured above. I miss walking near the rice fields in the far parts of the areas I lived in the city. I even miss the crazy, but convenient transportation. But most of all I miss my friends! I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be a missionary in the Philippines! I think about it everyday and have no regret that I chose to serve a full-time mission and very thankful for where the Lord called me. A part of me is there and a part of the PI is with me.

Preparing to Learn and Teach

Tuesday begins my 10-day seminary teaching experience. (it's actually 5 days because of how long the class period is) I am super excited to be back in the classroom with those kids! I have been working on lesson plans- asking the Lord and thinking about them and what they need. I learned many things from the first time I taught- from the students and from the experience of teaching. I am looking forward to this experience and what more it will teach me. This is the right thing to be doing right now. I am grateful to Heavenly Father for His guidance, care, and the experiences I am having. He has more than "my back"- He's got me fully covered! I love Him and will do what He asks of me. I am thankful for prayer- knowing I get to talk to Him anytime, anywhere, about anything gives me peace, happiness and direction. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

Mark's Visit

On Monday Mark arrived in Provo. He called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me he would be stopping by Provo on his way to Arizona for Spring Break. I was both excited and nervous to see Mark. Mark you will recall is one of the good friends I made while working in the AK. It had been a year and half since I had last seen Mark and until February it had been a year since we had any contact. It was fun having him here. We went to Cafe Rio for lunch, he went to campus with me (I couldn't miss Japanese.), we also went to DI, and than went for a walk around the neighborhood. He also came with to my ward's family home evening activity and later went to dinner. He left Tuesday morning for Arizona. He had a few questions about it and about the church in general. I am grateful for the opportunities I had while he was here to answer some questions and tell him more about what I believe and know. I am so grateful to know the truth! I am grateful to know God has a plan for me and that He has an active role in my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a part of my life- it is my life! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

I Know Heavenly Father Loves Me

 

Words of Mormon 1:7 

And I do this for a ^awise ^bpurpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord ^cknoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he ^dworketh in me to do according to his ^ewill.  

Nests

This is the tree with the five nests in it. I took it with my phone as I walked back to my car after classes. The sun was out, blue sky, and big, fluffy clouds. I just really this! Nagpapasalamat ako para sa aking mag-anak! Nagpapasalamat ako sa Priesthood. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

I Randomness

I want to see, be near, and talk with Cowboy.
I am craving Filipino food- adobo and sinigang na baboy to be more specific oh and a halo halo :)
I am thinking of cutting my hair- again.
I am excited for Spring Break- no classes, but most exciting Mark will be here from WA!
I enjoyed listening to New Kids on the Block as I made deliveries for work today.
I am ready for Spring- it's close I feel and I see it! This week I saw six nests in one tree.
I think I should go and take a picture of that tree.
I am going to ride my bike.
I am looking into a fun, new opportunity. (More on that another time.)
I am grateful tomorrow is the Sabbath day.
I love time with my family.

Happy March Excitements & Experiences Already

Today I had the opportunity to teach seminary. It was the first time and at the end of the month I'll begin the 10-day teaching process and be evaluated for student teaching. I feel like it went well. I had some good participation and enjoyed being with the kids today. Anyone who is unsure about the teenagers of today needs to some quality time with some of them. They are smart, fun, and loving. I am excited to teach some more!
Today was also an exciting day for my friend Talisa as she entered the MTC! I am super excited for her and the adventures and awesome experiences awaiting her! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)