Las Pinas- week 10..... Merry Christmas!

Maligayang Pasco!

I should say, Merry late Christmas but oh well :).  Thanks for the emails and phone call and the unexpected phone call too, hehe :)  It was great hearing about everything and sorry that I didn't tell you all everything... I forgot to mention to your question of how I get around.. I walk, I ride jeepneys, tricycles and Pedicabs and buses if I'm going long distances.... that's about it...  Christmas is always a fun time of the year. Here in the Philippines, it starts in September and then with each week that passes, it gets progressively more festive. It's pretty neat to see. The Christmas lights are really quite amazing and it's great that these people love putting up Christmas lights :).  I love it here in the Philippines and I love the lessons I'm learning every day. 
Yesterday, I had the phone call with you all in the morning, then I went to church. It's pretty great that some of our investigators were there. Afterwards, a bishopric member and his wife invited us over for a lunch so we accepted. Then we went back to our apartment and studied and then we delivered the gifts to the less-active families.. it was pretty great. God helped us out so much and for this entire week! We've had limited time where we could deliver these gifts, but He blessed us with speed and no misshaps happened. I could literally see blessing after blessing as were delivering the messages and gifts. It was a humbling experience. Anyways, then we went back to the apartment and we had an apartment Christmas party with the other two sisters that we share the apartment with. It was pretty neat and festive. We had a gift exchange too and I received some really great gifts. There's one that I love (I loved them all). It's a Filipino flute... Sister Santillian gave that to me because she knew that I played different instruments and it even came with instructions with telling me what note is what note... so I'm now learning a new instrument, hehe :)  It's really neat and very Filipino. Yes, at times, I have been playing the piano over here, in district meetings and whenever the ward needs a pianist so no worries about me not playing the piano... :)  Afterwards we shared spiritual messages and then we ate a ton of great food... it was a great experience. It's always a great time of the year to reflect on what Jesus has done for me and to recommit myself to do better so I can emulate His example all year long... it's a really humbling experience. The people here are amazing. They're so humble... they don't have a lot but the things they do with what they have, it's amazing. The food is delicious... The only thing I haven't tried is the the head of the food. For example, I eat fish, but I don't eat its' head, because the eyeballs are still attached... so I've avoided the head so far but who knows what the future holds. Apparently, the head is a real delicacy... but I guess I'll see in the future :).   haha  A couple of weeks before Christmas, they started to pull out some fireworks.. so that was all nice and loud, haha  It's all leading up to New Year's Eve and a few days after that... so I guess I'll tell you more about that next week. :)
Sorry if I haven't answered your questions... feel free to ask about them in your next emails and I'll respond when I can print them out next week or so... no worries :)  Thanks again for everything! Thanks for the Christmas cards too! I appreciate everything! 
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 9.....almost Christmas :)

Kumusta!

Thanks for the emails! This past week has been great as usual. We went out this past Monday to work and we couldn't do any appointments, they all fell... but then we visited a less-active family and God blessed us by letting us finally know the reason why this less-active family doesn't come to church... that helped us out a lot because now we know where to start off with this family. The reason is that they don't have a testimony. The only reason they had joined the church in the first place was that the Church built them a new house... so we're glad that we know the reason. God helped us out a lot.  On Wednesday, we went to work, as usual. It was great. We decided that we would go to Jesse's house. Jesse is 18 years old and is a former investigator of some previous missionaries a couple of years ago. Out of the blue, as we were walking, he called out to us and told us that he would like to learn more because it helped him out before.... that happened last transfer. But we have been busy so we were unable to go there and when we did, he wasn't there... so we finally went back there this past week. He was at work but his family was there and that was great! His mom has 12 children and his grandma has 15 children... so small amounts of children indeed. When we taught the family, it was the mom, grandma, the brothers, and a couple of sisters...so around seven in all. It was pretty cool, they want to know more and they're really good. The brother remembers some things that were taught to him years ago (he's around 16 now) and we're excited to work more with this family. On Thursday was our mission Christmas party (with the whole entire mission, except those on Palawan)... it was pretty much the whole day and it was great. We had President and Sister Stucki speak to us, then a gift exchange, then we ate lunch that was high quality. Afterwards, each zone did a few musical talents... it was pretty neat. President and Sister Stucki are so nice to all of us. They even gave each missionary an apron with our mission name on it... Yes, I just need to cook now, hehe.  Actually, I'm starting to gather Filipino Recipes because I want to eat these foods when I get home...so it looks like I might cook when I get home, haha  :)  On Friday, we went to Pulang Lupa (a mini-city, type complex) and we didn't get to meet with very many people...but we had the ward list with us so we were trying to find these long lost people in this area (the inactives). God blessed us by leading us to this one family.  The parents are not members but their four sons are. It was pretty exciting because they also agreed to come to Temple Tour this week (on the 23rd). So that was pretty exciting. God is blessing us a lot.... 
I guess some of you wanted to know a little bit more about the Philippines, food, etc... so I decided I would tell you about the common food joints here in the Philippines. Of course, I eat the normal Filipino type food but they have a lot of fast food joints all over the Philippines. The most common (besides 7-11, haha :)) are McDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, Dominos Pizza (which is delicious), Pizza Hut and many others... they're all over in the Philippines, not just in the city-city type area. I'm not sure what else to say about that....so anyways. Next week I'll tell you more about Christmas. They start Christmas in September but I decided I would tell about it in December to all of you :D  It's been raining a lot this past week and I like it. I love the rain... it was pretty great.  Also, on Sunday, they had a stake Christmas musical devotion. All the wards did a very good job. Then at the end, an elder from the seventies spoke.... I forgot his name but I really enjoyed it. Well, this seems longer than usual... hope you don't mind, haha...  Thanks again for everything!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 8.... exciting

Kumusta!

Salamat po!  Thank you very much again for the package with the tree, etc...  I loved it. I have to admit, I really love fruit snacks and the one thing that the Philippines doesn't have are fruit snacks... so I have to admit they were consumed in about one day :) hehe I stuck the laffy taffy's and chocolate in the freezer and they tasted great. I loved the decorations! Thank you so much!  Thanks for the emails... I appreciate it!  Things are getting excited as the time draws even closer to Christmas!  Mahal ko ang Pascol!!! 
Some of the less-actives came to church yesterday and it was so exciting. One of them is named Gilbert. He lives with his cousins and only the mom typically comes to church. Yesterday, he and his two cousins came to church with the mother. He also is going to work with us this week, he's around 22 years old. So we're pretty excited. We're still working at it and hopefully they'll continue to come to church.
Besides the miracle of seeing the LA's at church, we also had some investigators. One of them is Annabethina (Annabeth for short). She has three little boys all under the age of 4 (I think). The youngest is a baby and he's very cute. Well, she actually came to church yesterday and I was so happy when I saw her come in. We were sitting on the stand because my companion was conducting the music. She missed the Sacrament but she came right after it ended and she stayed for the Gospel Essentials class with her baby. She left her other two kids at home with the grandma. She's amazing. Her husband works out in the province, so she doesn't see him on a daily basis but she really wants to know more...  Sorry, I'm not good at telling these stories, but it's a start :) hehe  There's also exciting plans for the Christmas week next week! I'm so excited but I'll tell you all about it when it comes to pass :)  Sorry this is short but it will improve... with time. :S
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 7.... new charge given...

Kumusta!

Transfer meeting was pretty interesting... it was also a specialized training too, so it was longer than normal. The area presidency has given a new charge to us missionaries in the Philippines... we're now reclaiming the less active. No more tracting. By that I mean, that in the planner if you have an hour of no appointments, a lot or missionaries will put tracting and go out and find new investigators.... but not anymore. All open slots available will now be visiting the less-active. We're still finding every chance we can get so we can continue to find and baptize new people, but that's on the way to wherever we go. So pretty interesting and exciting... did you know that in the last 50 years, over 500,000 were baptized but over 400,000 are less-active... really high numbers. I already gave you some of the recent numbers in the last couple of years but I thought I would share about the last 50 years too... The area presidency has also directed us missionaries to be more bold in everything we do and do the jobs that the wards aren't doing and taking the initiative while still realizing that the Bishop is the leader in the ward and respecting his authority. But apparently, the area presidency is visiting all the bishops and stake presidents in the Philippines and telling them that the missionaries will be bold and direct with them so that's what they're going to be expecting from us... the standard has been risen and we're on a mission now to find those that are lost. All those baptisms and them turning inactive... Things are changing a lot over here. They're going to be changing the standards of excellence and now there's going to be a special report every week about the less-actives and new things are being added in the area book about them. We get to track they're progress in the church and if they come to church four consecutive times then they're not less-active anymore. They even changed the price of the quad scriptures to 77 pesos! That is extremely cheap and only in the Philippines... no where else in the world. This is so that the less actives can have the opportunity to have all the standard works in their homes. The church leaders are very concerned about this part of the world- in the Philippines and that's why missionaries are now being called to step in to stay close to the recently converts (so we can strengthen them even if they don't have a fellowshipper) and reclaiming the inactive now... I think the church is doing this also as a way to generate work in the wards and branches about fulfilling their callings... so it's getting to be rather interesting. We're teaching the lessons to the less-actives and make sure that they get to hear all of the doctrine... there are a lot of other things but I don't have time to write about all the changes that are over here... sorry but I'm trying :)  Thanks for the emails... I really appreciate them. Congrats on the baby!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 6... preparation day is today- hehe oops :)

Kumusta!

Today was transfer announcements and I'm staying in Las Pinas with the same companion. That's nice.... I don't have to pack up any luggage :).   My zone isn't really changing much this coming transfer so we were told our preparation day is today instead of Wednesday. But for Wednesday's transfer meeting, all missionaries are being told that they need to attend... apparently some big changes are happening. Pretty interesting...  Thanks for the emails... despite the day change :). I appreciate them!  It's amazing that in each transfer, I've learned so much and I'm still continuing to learn a lot. I appreciate the lessons I'm learning and in realizing more of my weaknesses more and more. God is so very merciful to me. Sorry this is short but I decided I would write all that have written me emails... but next week will be a longer email! 

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 5...... temple week!

Kumusta!

Thanks for the emails! I was a bit surprised with all the email and I really appreciate it! :) Today was temple day for me (hence why there was no email on Monday). And it was really great. Going to the temple really helped me out a lot and it's such a beautiful place!  Time has flown by and I can't believe that next week is transfers again! I'm not sure what is going to happen but it will be God's will and I'm excited. Next week my email will be on Wednesday again because of transfer week, by the way. This Saturday is temple tour for the city! Which means that the sisters who are in the province areas will come to the temple and teach our (all the city zones) investigators and recent converts who haven't gone to the temple. So that's pretty exciting. God is helping me out so much over here. We had a baptism this past Saturday and it went really well. Reultio (the one baptized) is 19 years old and will be going on a mission a year from now. I'm excited for him. I don't know.... baptisms over here vary, depending on the ward and ward mission leader. Our ward mission leader (and his family) are great. He just barely returned home from a mission in July and is pretty close to getting engaged.  Since just about every email every week asks me this... my Tagalog will eventually come. I'm learning this language in a variety of ways and I guess considering my major... it's helping me for the future. So yeah... but no worries. I can feel God helping me and that's what is really important. I love the lessons I'm learning every day and sorry this is short!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 4 (I think)................milk or juice?

Kumusta!

So it's been an interesting past week. As usual, I've learned a lot of lessons that I'm so grateful for. We found a lot of investigators and my companion and I are working even harder this week to help them become progressing investigators. Oh yeah, about a week and a half ago was the mission tour. Elder Ardern and his wife came to our mission to speak with us. It was incredible! They're from New Zealand and I learned a lot from them. They spoke about retention and other things. They said that the Manila Mission was doing well but he was speaking as the Philippines as a whole. The statistics were staggering. for example; around 15,000 people (give or take a few thousands) were baptized into the church in 2005, but of those 15,000, only 3,000 are active in the church. So he went through all of the years and the stats were staggering. Over 75,000 (more than this actually) converts from 2005 to this past years are lost, they're inactive.... that was surprising news for the missionaries who have come in within the past 6 months. There's lots of work to be done. Sorry this is short but I don't have much time. Before I forget, I bought my first milk this past week and it was terrible. It wasn't the worst but I would never buy it again. I was going to attach photos but I don't have enough time... sorry :) A lot of their milk, they keep on a regular store shelf. It's liquid but the shelf life expires within 4-5 months...you just need to put it into the fridge when you buy it... and it wasn't the best drink I've tried so I'm sticking with water and juice. Although, maybe if I tried a different kind that was already cold, but I don't know. I've really come to love drinking water and juice. There's this orange-mango juice that is delicious!  Also, Coconut juice/milk. That is very delicious! Thanks for all the emails! Sorry I don't have much time to respond to everyone!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 4......answers I suppose :D

Kumusta!

Since I've gotten emails complaining that I don't really answer many of the questions, I figured that I would answer them here. I don't know the most interesting food I've eaten recently... it's pretty normal for over here. I've eaten a crab that was the size of my hand, with the eyeballs, legs, etc... all still attached to it. Is that what you're looking for? It was pretty difficult eating it because the one that I had before was a tiny one and you could just suck out the stuff you eat. This one I had to figure out out to open the shell and what to eat inside. Then I was told I needed to snap open the claws and legs too and eat what was there. It was a pretty new experience for me, and the Bishop, his wife and my companion got a big kick at me trying to figure out how to eat it. It was pretty funny. I'm actually the average size (bordering on tall, but still average) for a Filipina. You just saw pictures of really short Filipinos and I get the opportunity to be their companions. It's pretty funny. The Philippines is rather large in land and with a lot of people. The map just makes it look small. Sure, it's small if you compare it with other countries but when you're there it's actually pretty big and crowded. I guess I'm spoiled this transfer. I have a shower in the nice apartment. No bucket showers, that's pretty nice but it was nice the other way too. I like what I'm learning and I'm learning a lot.
Sure, many people do speak English, I just happen to get the opportunity of meeting people who don't speak or understand English very well..:D I love the growth that I'm experiencing, I'm learning a lot and I'm so appreciative of these lessons.
I love it over here. I'm learning a lot about this culture and about other cultures too. I've learned about Samoan culture (not American Samoa), Indian culture, Pakistani culture, and of course... Filipino culture, not to mention about their different languages too. It's all pretty exciting. I've still got a very long ways to go, but I'm enjoying the journey as usual. I like my study hours, it's helping me a lot and our companionship. Our companionship is becoming stronger each day and we're learning a lot from each other. Our apartment is rather nice. Food is great. The work is moving forward and I'm striving to be better and working even harder. I'm pretty excited for this coming week. Sister Rodalia (the one I met in San Pedro.. that story I told you about) wasn't able to meet with us at all this past week so this week, we're going back there to teach her and it's the Plan of Salvation. That's coincidentally what I'm supposed to be studying this week... it's fate.  There are so many problems over here and it's exciting to bring the gospel to the people in creative ways and seeing their lives get blessed. I don't really remember what other questions you all had so sorry if I haven't answered them.

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Las Pinas- week 3......Happy Halloween!

Kumusta!

Thanks for the emails I've received. It's always a pleasure to hear from all who regularly send me emails   This past week has been a good week.  I've learned so much this past week and I appreciate what I'm learning. My companion and I set some high goals this week, (a bit more than the standards of excellence), and we're both excited about it. I'm going to be working so hard and we're both striving to be obedient. I know that we can reach these goals as we strive to be our best. Today is All Souls or Saints day in the Philippines, yes, it's on the day of Halloween for us but it's a different holiday. Apparently many people go the graveyards and spend many days there sleeping (at night) and having get togethers with their family while praying for their dead, since this is mostly a Catholic country. Lots of flowers everywhere. It's a pretty interesting place. I probably didn't tell what the holiday is exactly, but I just wrote what my companion told
me. My companion is really nice and I'm glad I get another opportunity to grow more.
Yes, Las Pinas (my area of it anyways) is massive. The statistics online about how many people are in Las Pinas are wrong, according to some people I've met. It's huge area with many people (one part of my area alone has close to one million people). Yeah... not sure the exact statistics but I share what I learn with you all
Sorry this is short but hopefully next week, it will be longer with some stories for all of you
Mahal ko Kayo!

Las Pinas- week 2..... God is blessing this work

Kumusta!

Things are great here. I'm learning so much every day and I can feel God helping me out so much. Las Pinas is a city. But it's a city like no city I've seen before. My area is shaped like a doughnut. The other sisters have the middle of the doughnut while my companion and I have the huge, thick outer ring of the doughnut. Our area is so huge! So many people! The population of San Pedro is nothing compared like this, although it was big too. One of our areas, alone has about one million people, and that's just one part of our area (not to mention that it's only a small part of the whole city of Las Pinas. God is helping us both out so much. We're both still new and we're learning things that we should and shouldn't do. She's a great companion. Sister Cuenca is really nice and humble. I'm learning a lot every day. Since you've asked for more story type things to be written, I'll share one. One reason is because it's a pretty cool story and another is that I don't have a lot of time to write it in my journal... so it's a win-win situation When I was in San Pedro, I contacted a lady on a jeepney on our long ride. I gave her a pamphlet and got her name and address down. But she lived in the Paranaque zone, Las Pinas CAA. So I gave the referral to my zone leaders who were supposed to pass it on but they didn't and the sisters never received the referral so all was lost for this investigator. Then about a week and a half later, or two weeks, I got transferred to this area and we were finding and I felt that we needed to go find her so we were able to find her because her address and name was written in my planner... and she's now an investigator with a baptismal date.. so I thought that was a pretty cool story. It's amazing how God loves us all so much and how much worth one soul has in the sight of God. She has a long ways to go but we're working with her and hopefully she'll develop a strong desire and testimony to continue.  I love this work and thanks for all the emails!
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- week 12?...........hello Las Pinas

Kumusta!

Yesterday was transfer announcements and today were transfers. I've been transferred to Paranaque zone, Las Pinas City, so not very far away from my old zone, hehe. The ward I'm going to be serving in is Las Pinas 1st ward. This ward used to belong to the Las Pinas stake, which is the Las Pinas zone. Pretty funny thing happened. On Monday night, I decided I would wash my clothes and as I was washing them I really wanted to stop. But there was something inside of me that told me to finish washing all of my clothes or just my tendacity to finish the menial task until it gets done :). Then yesterday, we went to district/zone meeting and I found out that I was transferring while my companion was staying. It was also an extremely hot day yesterday (more so than usual) and it was a great blessing because my clothes got dry. So I spent the day packing yesterday. At night, a family called us and told us to come over for dinner so we arrived at their house around 8:15 PM or so and were fed food. I love that family and all of the other families and people I've met here in San Pedro. Sister Elix, the mother in that family, said that she would drive me and my companion and the two zone leaders to Buendia for the transfer meeting. That was such a great blessing. Buendia is about an hour and half away and it's really expensive if you have luggage with you. This morning she came to our apartment and picked us up and we didn't have to pay for anything. She even gave us doughnuts for breakfast. God has blessed me so much and is continuing to bless me as I strive to become better. My new companion is my batch mate... which means that we arrived at the mission field at the same time (she came from the Philippine MTC). She's the senior companion and I'm the junior but she says that we need to share the power... 

This is going to be an interesting transfer, but I look forward to applying the things I've learned these past two transfers. I know that the Lord has called me to Paranaque zone for reasons I don't know yet, but I'm excited, as always, to go out and serve my God. I'm being stretched in many ways and I appreciate these lessons I'm learning. Thanks for the emails everyone. It's always great getting email; sorry if I don't respond because of time, but I appreciate it very much and Thank you. My companion is a native and I'll definitely will learn the language much better in this transfer. It seems like whenever you're around people who don't speak much English, you learn better. So I'm excited for this transfer. The apartment is pretty nice. The other two sisters in the apartment are a Filipina and an Indian (she's from India, not the American Indian thing). They all speak Tagalog of course and I'm excited for this opportunity ahead of me. Thanks again for the emails and I'll let you know in more detail on Monday (maybe, depending on time) about the questions you've asked.

Mahal ko Kayo!

Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 11.......I love Conference and apparently short emails :)

Kumusta!

Thanks for the emails and pictures! I appreciate it! This past weekend was General Conference for me and it was amazing. It answered so many of my questions about a ton of things! I went to the stake center to watch the Saturday and Sunday session. It was really what I needed to hear and it helped me out so much. I'm learning so many lessons every day and I'm so grateful for these lessons and experiences I'm having! Sorry this is short, but I don't have a lot of time.... and next week are transfers. I'm pretty excited for next week but my email will probably be short :S. It's been raining a lot here and I really do love the rain. Thanks for all that everyone does and hope you all have a nice week! :D

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 10.......wonderful weather :)

Kumusta!

I love the weather this past week. Yes there was a typhoon but that was north from where I was. We received a lot of rain and wind but that was about it. This past Tuesday was the heaviest day for that and all missionaries in Metro Manila (that includes me but I'm at the southern tip of that) were told to not work that day but use the time for extra study. It was a great study time. I learned so much. Rain is so amazing. It makes me happy every time it rains   General Conference... I didn't watch because it's not until this coming Saturday and Sunday for me. But I'm so excited to be able to go and listen to it and the end of the week :D.  A typical day I guess... would be that we study in the morning and then in the afternoon around 1 PM we go tract. We walk everywhere. Sometimes we take a trike or a jeepney but walking is the best. We live in the zone leaders' area and they live in our area... so that's pretty funny. I'm not sure what else you want in the description... There's so much potential in this area and I love it and the people so much! I'm working every day to be better and work harder than before!  On Sunday, for the ward's Relief Society, we watched the film about John Tanner. It's a great story, it's very inspiring. I learned a lot! We don't really have any investigators but our focus is finding this week. It will be great at working on improving my Tagalog and different finding techniques. The Philippines is very religious. I've never seen a place like this before. There's lots of religions, but the majority are Catholic. However, there's this church called Egliescion (?) Cristo. The Church of Christ. It's a pretty interesting and popular religion here in the Philippines but only in the Philippines.
P.S. They're not allowed to talk about their religion to other people because then the people might convert them to Satan's religion or something like that. Funny thing, the leader (from what I've heard) went to BYU and graduated but then I guess he wanted to be a prophet or something so he started this religion, hence why they're not supposed to talk about their religion to other people, especially missionaries pretty funny twist of irony. end of P.S.
They're not allowed to read the bible either... You hear a lot of rumors about different churches. It's a pretty hush hush religion, but people have talked and that's why everyone knows their basic beliefs. I'm sure I'll learn more about that religion as I understand and speak the language more later on. The extra study time is for the 12 week training missionaries only (unless it changes in the future). As far as I know that after transfers (around mid-October) I'll just have the one hour of companionship study. It's a shame, but there's reasons for everything and I know that this mission is being inspired to know what we need to do. The next few weeks will be kinda crazy... so even shorter emails maybe, and I'll probably won't be able to write them on Monday. I'm really grateful for what I've learned and still learning in this companionship.... I love the lessons and can feel myself every day spiritually changing. I love this work and I'm so excited for this week! Thanks for the emails! I appreciate them!
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 9.......

Mahal ko ang Ulan!  :D

Thanks for the emails everyone! First off.... hopefully there's not misunderstanding about my emails. Some of the emails I received were interesting. I love it here and I really love the lessons I'm learning. I'm not trying to portray a positive or happy attitude if the situation isn't that pleasant, I'm just writing how I feel and being honest. I really appreciate my weaknesses because they allow me to grow. I don't dwell negatively on them, but I am always trying on making them stronger. Same with situations. It's a great learning experience. I love it here and I love the rain! It seems that it rains really hard when I need to feel better or when I'm about to do something I haven't done before. God is blessing and helping me a lot! Thanks for the emails. I love reading them; however, I am unable to print them... so hopefully there's a way I can get a copy of all these emails that were sent to me during this whole time....  
I know my zone well. I guess it's kind of like Joseph's zone? We become close to the elders. We usually have an enjoyable time together. This transfer.... is a great learning experience for the zone.... so it's very good for everyone. The ward is great. They're willing to work with the missionaries. There's always room for improvement when it comes to things but this week should be more productive. We're finding people and what not... and I've run out of things to write about...  This week should be really exciting when it comes to work. My companionship is slowly getting stronger and I really appreciate what God is teaching me this transfer...  I love challenges and this has been a challenge so far. I've had a lot of realizations and I'm excited for the continuing of these lessons and the many more yet to come! Things are going good and I love it here in this area. There's a lot of potential! Sorry this is short but I'll have more to write next week! 
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 8.......love the temple :)

Magandang Hapon!

 

    Thanks for the emails!  Today is my preparation day because it was temple day. It's always great going to the temple! I love the spirit there. 

    So far this transfer has been interesting. I find it amazing how much God looks out after us and puts us in circumstances that allows us to grow and change into what He sees in us. It's been an adjustment having the two other sisters in the apartment but it's what I need to grow into the missionary I want to become. I'm learning a lot from my companion, especially patience and charity :D... haha  I'm really grateful for these growing experiences this transfer. I'll be so excited when I finally have learned the lessons but I like the growing along the way. I won't lie, this week has tried my patience and difficult at times but then I really appreciate the patience that God has with me :D.  He has helped me out a lot and I'm so excited for these challenges to overcome!  I have to say that it's a big blessing to have this type of growing experience now instead of gradually along my mission. I'm being blessed a lot with these circumstances!  This zone has been really different this transfer.... more Americans in it and it's kind of separated between the two groups. It's a learning experience for everyone and it's exciting that as we strive to become better and have more unity... what miracles will come. 

     This area is great.... if a person works really hard, then they'll reap a lot. There's always challenges but it allows a person to be creative with finding techniques. My companion and I have been adjusting to each other and I know that now as we work hard, we will see a lot of investigators in this area! For example, on Monday we found 15 people to teach in a short amount of time... The Philippines is a choice place but only if the missionary is really dedicated to working hard and doing their best. I've got lots to work on, especially these weaknesses I have, but I know that God is helping me and I'm really grateful for Him.

     The food is delicious.... I think I've already said that before, but I'll say it again. I love the food here, except for the Fried pig fat thingy mabobber. I've had rice, squid, crab, fish, shrimp, rice and a bunch of other food and it's all delicious!  The crab, I'm not sure about what it's supposed to taste like.... I don't think I figured out how to eat it out of it's shell, but the part I did manage to get out of its shell wasn't bad. I really love the rice, I have to admit.  The fruits and vegetables are amazing. But enough about the food  :D  

     In answer to some of your questions, some people have Christmas decorations up! It's pretty cool. I still have my area. I'm in SP1 and the other sisters are in the other ward, SP2. It used to have elders last transfer but this transfer they made it a sisters area. So the sisters are shotgun training that area.  We have a refridgerator because we have to keep the majority of our food in there or the bugs will eat it. We don't have a microwave but it's all good. I love it here.

     Time is short... so sorry yet again... but I'm trying :D  

Mahal ko Kayo!

Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 7...... new changes, new lessons

Magandang Hapon!

Surprise, surprise.... this is going to be another short email. I don't have time to respond to everyone so I'll write next preparation day but thank you for the emails! My preparation days are crazy! But next week, the email will be longer, no worries :D These past few days have been crazy because I've been trying to help my kasama and the other two sisters with everything and I don't know that much either! It's quite the adventure! I'm learning a lot of lessons and I love it!  The other two sisters are Filipina and a Samoan.  I'm meant to learn Tagalog in this transfer. Why?  Because my Kasama speaks Tagalog to me    P.S. When she speaks English, she has an even heavier accent and it's easier to try to understand her in Tagalog but she is learning English. no need to send me emails "comforting" me or other :)  I'm really great with this situation. END OF P.S  ....  I'm learning and I'm grateful that God is doing this for me so I can learn the language :D. It's pretty entertaining actually, she repeats herself until I understand. For her sake, I hope I can understand more each day :D  haha   But really, I understand quite a bit of Tagalog if I'm paying close attention. The speaking will come as I speak more :) I'm pretty excited for my language study plan. She is working with me and I'm very grateful for that. We had a service project on Saturday in another missionary's area, it was fun. I like to work. There's a lot of potential in my area and I'm so excited that I get to work hard! 
 There's already a big change between this past transfer and this current transfer...  One day, hopefully, I'll be able to fill you in on some things, but if not... please know that the thought is there  :D.  Merry Christmas by the way. September starts the Christmas "ber" months.  It's pretty cool. I love the Christmas music playing all around :). I love it here in the Philippines. Great place to be!
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- week 6.....transfer of changes

Magandang Gabi!!!

Thanks for the emails. Things have been crazy these past two days, no sleep!  But I learned a lot and I'm grateful for that. On Monday, we had to wake up around 1 and 1:30 AM to fix the apartment because our two person apartment is expanding to having four sisters in it! Then when we finished, we went and met Elder Perez (zone leader) and Elder Staples at McDo and then traveled to the mission office and they had to be there before 6 AM. It was a long bus ride Yes, the three missionaries (including my kasama) were going home because it was their time to go. I was assigned to temporarily work with Sister Nazir and Sister Newman in Makati until Wednesday for Transfer meeting. This was because there were no other sisters in my zone until now. On Tuesday, I spent the whole day at the hospital. Sister Newman was (and still is) having some serious problems and her nanay needed help too. Then late in the evening I was assigned to go home with a different set of sister missionaries so I could attend transfer meeting the next day. I didn't get much sleep so I'm kinda tired right now Kinda crazy! I hope Sister Newman gets better, she has a lot of people worried about her.

My new companion, my tita, my follow-up trainer is Sister Martinez. I was originally going to be assigned to work with another sister from Palawen but President Stucki prayed about it and sent Sister Martinez (who's also from Palawen) to be my kasama instead. Really interesting story but I don't have enough time to write it :). Yes, she's a native Filipina with another accent. She's really nice. I'm excited to learn more! Since she's new to the area, I get the opportunity to lead this area for a week or so until she gets familiar with it and the people... pretty interesting and funny since I'm still trying to learn how to get around and remember people's names haha  I'm definitely out of my comfort zone and I'm looking forward to growing a lot from this transfer. I'm so glad I get to stay in this area!  I love it here! There's a lot of potential in this area and I know that with hard work, this area could see a lot of blessings. My zone is experiencing quite the change. Half of the missionaries are leaving and the other half are training. I think only two sets of missionaries have the normal senior and junior companionship (one of them being the zone leaders). Then there are two follow-up trainers (one of them is my kasama). One of the zone leaders is new because Elder Perez went home. Then an area, SP2, that had elders has changed to having two sisters (they're shotgun training). Now there are four sisters in the zone and in my apartment. Lots of changes and lots of lessons I'll learn. It's going to be interesting and crowded to have four sisters but there's always a reason for things. I'll keep on learning and growing. Sound familiar, eh? :)

I have to say that I really do love Filipino food. It's very good. I just get busog a lot  :)  It's still raining and I love it. It makes me very happy when it rains. It brings such a peaceful and comforting feeling to me when it rains. On Monday, will be the normal Preparation Day... so if you have any questions, let me know! 

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 5........another short email :)

Kumusta!

As the title of this email states.... this is going to be a short email.  Preparation day was hectic yesterday and I don't have a lot of time today.  Next week will be another short email because it's transfer week and preparation day is on Wednesday. The baptism on Saturday was great. It was really unorganized but it was great that she got baptized. You could see the difference the spirit made and it was really exciting. Today I had sister's specialized training, and I learned a lot. It was great. This past week I learned so much! (I bet you all are not surprised). I'm just eating normal Filipino food and I love it. This week we have a dinner appointment every day.... kinda crazy. But I'm pretty sure it's because my Kasama is leaving next week to go home and I get my new trainer. I'm getting used to washing my clothes by hand. Crazy new experience but one day I will be an expert at it and it won't take me 5-6 hours to do   haha.  The ward I'm serving in
just got a new bishop this past Sunday. He's a nice guy. By the way there are four missionaries serving in the ward. The two sisters and the zone leaders. So we get to know the zone leaders pretty well   The one zone leader is also going home next week, so we'll get one new zone leader. So many lessons I'm learning and now I'm making plans to implement them in my life   So much work to be done but I'm so excited for it. I'm not in the city part. I'm in the province (my zone area is next to the San Pablo mission boundaries) but it's a squatter type city in the province. Really hard to explain but I thought I would try... to give you more detail   I walk, ride a trike, jeepney, or sometimes a bus (if we're going a long ways a way, like to the mission home or something). Mostly we walk, it's free not to mention great exercise I really like this area and I'm glad that I'm not serving in the city for my first area.... (I might explain in a later email if I remember). This transfer I've had a lot of realizations and it's helping me out so much.... sorry this is short but that's the way it must be   Thanks for the emails!
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- Week 4............ I love to see the temple....la la la la la la

Kumusta!

I've learned a lot this week. This is going to be another short email... oops. I'm just so tired right now but on Monday, there will be a longer email. Our preparation day is today because it's our temple day. I woke up
at 2:30 AM and left the apartment around 3:30 AMish and got to the temple for the first session... fun eh?  I love the temple. It really is a beautiful temple. Smaller celestial room(s?) and other rooms but it is a really pretty temple. Hung out with the whole zone as well. Pretty fun zone.
I'm a bit closer to my district and zone here than I was in the MTC. I'm learning a lot. I'm really am so  grateful for these lessons I'm learning. This companionship has been interesting. I learn a lot every day and still am continuing to learn. For this training program, the trainee is supposed to be with the trainer for 12 weeks (two transfers), however, my trainer is going home in a week and a half and so I'm the only one getting a new trainer for the remaining weeks and possibly some more... Interesting fact. Yes, it's monsoon season but it doesn't rain every day.... too bad   but it's still good. I really love it here in the Philippines. There's a lot of potential in my area and things are just about to pick up in the ward.
Thanks for the emails!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- week 3........technically 2 weeks :)

Kumusta!

Yesterday for preparation day, it was hectic. We had our usual 3 hour district meeting in the morning but then we traveled around an hour or two to our zone activity... it was really fun. I really like my district and zone! But we got back a bit late and had time only to email our President so that's why I'm emailing today :)  Today was our zone conference!  That was so neat! I learned a lot!  By the way, I give up trying to tell you all where I'm at because it's rather complicated. I'm not in Muntinlupa city but I'm close to it. I'm thinking that all the cities around it are kind of sub-cities of Muntinlupa or Landayan. Kinda like Manhattan, and Brooklyn to New York City. But these are huge sub-cities with lots and lots of people. I love it here.  I'm learning so much every day!  I think it was inspiration from God to come here during the beginning of Monsoon season too, because that makes me so happy! :)  My companion thinks it's hilarious that I love the rain so much and I think that it's funny that she doesn't because she's Filipina. :)  I love my companion!  She's a great example and very patient with me. We have a lot of laughs everyday, along with the spiritual growth! It's a blast!  I'm understanding a lot more Tagalog than I'm speaking but I'm working at it and I know that God is helping me.  Sorry this is short but there's not much time to finish the emails :) I think I must be part Filipina because I'm fine with everything here. I love the food. I tried fish and it was delicious! The only thing I tried that I didn't like was this Fried Pig Fat thing coated with bread (?)(chitt...something like that).  I don't mind using the bucket to wash... it's not a big deal. It also saves on the water and I really don't mind it at all. I could go on but there's not much time!  Sorry!  Thanks for the emails!

Mahal ko Kayo!

Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- end of Week 2...... love the cold water

Kumusta!

Thanks for the emails!  Things are great here!  I learn so much every day and I'm so grateful for that!  I love having cold water to clean myself with!  It's hot here and then it gets really hot after you exercise so the cold water feels soooooo good! Actually, time ran out last preparation day.... so I didn't wash my clothes but I am going to be doing it for the first time after I finish writing this email. I'm pretty excited to learn this new skill :D  I have to say that I'm loving the Filipino food. Sorry this is going to be short because today has been kinda hectic  :)  I have to say that I really do love the rain!  But then again, I've always loved the rain :).  Hope it rains more (but not until my clothes are dry) :D  This past week had interesting moments... my companion was sick for three days and so we didn't tract very much those three days.  I felt bad for her because I do know the feeling But it was great, we both learned a lot and I got lots of studying time (which I needed)  :)  It's great here!  San Pedro is the area. It's actually a really big area and the big city we're in is called.... something like Muntinlupa (?) city or something like that!  I'm still learning :)  I love my companion!  She's teaching me so much and I'm very blessed that God put me with her and in an area like this!  Lots of challenges and work but so many adventures (which I love all three) and I look forward to the day when I'm completely immersed in this culture! This coming week should be really busy as we're going to be working with our investigators, new investigators, less-actives, and finding more people and hopefully working with the members more and etc...!  Again, sorry this is short but I've run out of time and there's still so much left to do!  :) 
Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- week 2..... oh the joy of rain :)

Magandang Hapon!

        I've learned a lot these past few days. It's great here! By the way San Pedro is like an area... a rather large area. I think the huge city part is called Mun... I don't remember. Oh well, I'll know it eventually You
know... I didn't wash my clothes on Friday, I fell asleep :).  Blame jet lag   However, sometime today I will have to wash my clothes and my companion will teach me how to because I don' know how to wash by hand.  Great new experience! I love the rain!  However, I hope it clears up today because if it doesn't clear up then my clothes will remain wet for a couple of days and I won't have very many clothes left haha.  God has blessed me with this challenge in this area.  Apparently the elders that were last here left a really bad impression on the members and so the zone leaders are now working in the same ward as us because we're both new to this area. The zone leaders have to work hard to fix the reputation and we have to work hard too so that they can trust us and give us referrals.  On Saturday we found a new family and we taught them (well more like Sister Fabrigas taught them and I bore my testimony at the end). Funny story about that. My companion has had 11 companions and I'm the 11th. I'm her first and last American companion.  She's had seven Filipino companions, two Pakistani companions and one Canadian. She had a dream that she would get an American companion this transfer and that we were teaching at a house. Well, we were at that house
on Saturday. Pretty cool, eh?  This is the first time that I've heard of myself being in someone's dream/vision.  Pretty spiffy. There's a lot of work to be done in this area.  However, a general authority came last year
or sometime like that and made a prophecy to the Filipinos about their country. The prophecy was that within the next few years (during my time here and after!), the Philippines will see missionary work like it has never
before. God is causing His work to move really fast here and the general authority said that the work will go on with or without the Filipinos helping it.  Such a powerful prophecy. What a great blessing to be here during this time. I'm so excited and humbled that God sent me here. I don't know how to explain it but this land is so blessed. You feel it when you walk in the street and you look at the people! Also there's this feeling like on Andiamon (?) it's the feeling like something great is coming here soon and it will burst forth! It's so hard to explain. Yes, the Philippines is one of the poorest countries in the world (and you can tell right away), but it's amazing! Yes, there's a ton of work that needs to be done but like Amman and Aaron and their brethren,  God is moving His work here and it will increase in such a way that it has never been seen before!  Such a powerful prophecy!  So much work to do! I'm working at learning this language! I'm determined that I will speak this language no matter what!  I love it here!
I love it here!
          By the way, I think I will gain some weight here.... apparently they like to feed us, oh well, anything to help these people out, right?   I'm trying to find ways to serve and be more interactive with the ward but it's a step by step process and I really need to learn this language. Yesterday, the first counselor's family fed us (the zone leaders and my companion and me) and as I was eating I noticed a tiny little thing with eyeballs on it.... it was a fish!  I have to say that I didn't eat it... I put it under the chicken bones that I had eaten. I think I ate some of it without realizing (because it was mixed in a paste), but I had a hard time eating it after I noticed that it was staring at me and had its full body... hopefully, I'll acquire the taste   They have a Filipino girl who's working as their maid, named Sister Lis (Lis is her nickname), and she was going to be baptized on Saturday but she didn't follow through. She has some worries that we're working on.  But she has such a strong testimony! It's so incredible! She's so nice too and funny!  Apparently, I have Filipino humor, that's good... I didn't know that. They (meaning the majority of the Filipinos I come in contact with) laugh a lot at me and I laugh too at them and at myself! It's a grand 'ole experience! Hopefully they will get to trust us as we strive to be obedient and do the Lord's work! Please pray for their hearts to open and for the family we taught on Saturday and Sister Lis! Well I would write more but we have limited amount of time today
because of district meeting!  Thanks for the emails!

Mahal ko Kayo!!!
Sister Mohrman

San Pedro- week 1..... Whoa!

Kumusta!

I bet you're all surprise at receiving an email from me, but it's actually preparation day.  I guess it's been a crazy week, but they gave us today for our preparation day. But they're usually on monday.  I don't even know where to begin. I wrote a letter that gave some details about what I did for the first two days so I won't repeat myself.  I'm in the San Pedro area. There are 16 missionaries in our zone and only two sisters... my companion and me.  My companion's name is Sister Fabrigas (?) and she's Filipino.  She's also like a foot smaller than me, needless to say.. that doesn't happen much   I love it here already.  There's a lot of work that needs to be done, especially since they say that this area isn't growing very much.  Yes, I understand very little of what they say, but eventually I will speak and understand this language. My companion is nice and has a very, very strong Filipino accent.... great learning experience for me. Hopefully, I won't ask her to repeat herself soon..  This is her last transfer and then she goes home in September.  The group I came with into the Philippines are the first ones in this mission to be on the new missionary training program.  I'm here for at least 12 weeks because that's the new training program.  For these 12 weeks, there are 2 hours of  companion study every day and then after the 12 weeks it goes back down to one.  There's a lot more that this program includes but my brain isn't working very well right now
Words cannot describe this place or what I've been feeling....  I love it here already.  It's been of weird to have so many people stare at me, but then again I stick out with my white skin. For the first time in my life I
feel quite tall   Kind of a weird feeling... not sure how you people at home are used to it.  hehe  It's a culture shock, but I'm already learning a lot. Again... I really don't know how to describe this place, it's nothing I've ever seen in all the places I've been..... next email I'll say more when I have time to formulate my thoughts.  I think I'm slowly getting how to use the bucket when washing... soon I'll be a master! Also I had the experience of eating with my hands and riding in all sorts of vehicles. I love the experience here. The zone seems really great. We had zone meeting today and it was all in Tagalog because they all speak it... and I don't.
Not to mention that the majority of them are Filipino.  I understood a little bit of it but with time I should understand a lot more. Did you know that the Philippines has the most converts in all the missions in the world and I guess the highest numbers? (I'll look at my notes and correct myself if I'm wrong in the next email) And around 74% of all the missionaries in the Philippines are Filipino. The Philippines has over 90 million people and the church makes up .07% of the population. There are over 600,000 members
in the Philippines. It's pretty cool stuff. I get to be in the mission that was the very first one in the Philippines. All of the other missions have sprung out of this one. It's pretty cool. I love my mission president and
his wife!  They're really great! I've also have so much to work on but it will be a great learning experience.  If you have any questions let me know!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Safe Arrival to the Philippines (from Sister Stucki, mission president's wife)

Dear Parent(s),

Just wanted to let you know that your son or daughter has arrived  safely to the Philippines Manila Mission.  We greeted them at the  airport and brought them to the mission home for a hot dinner.  They  freshened up and went tracking  for 4 hours with some superior  missionaries.  Each of them are doing awesome.  They are dead tired;  so following their interview with the President, they have hit the  sack.  We are looking so forward to spending the next two years or  eighteen months with your son or daughter.
We promise to take the  very best care of them.  We love each of them dearly and want them  each to have a very successful mission.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Sister Stucki

MTC- week 9..... farewell to the MTC

Kumusta for the last time at the MTC!
     Thanks for everything!  I appreciate it! Thanks for the letters/emails. Today is not my p-day...tomorrow is.  However, I won't be able to get my email work tomorrow so the email is today as usual.  I've been in meetings all morning and will continue to be in meetings today until around 9:30 pm. The meetings are very helpful and useful. It's our "infield training". It's great.  I love the MTC.  I love the experiences I've had and still currently have. I love my companion.  She is so great and I know that we were placed together so I could learn from her!  She really is great. (in case you haven't already guessed 
      This week has been yet another great week. I became sick again on saturday and it lasted for a few days. I'm pretty much healed right now, though.  No worries. I learned quite a bit from that experience. I really am very appreciative of the lessons I'm learning and have learned here. I'm so excited to go to the Philippines.  I'm definitely not ready to go to the Philippines, but I'm excited to go.  I know that I will be helped so I can do the best I can. So it's all good.  Life's great! I've had a great time here at the MTC.  The best in my life, so far!  Every week has been great!
I'm excited to go serve the Filipinos!  The language is slowly coming.... lots of studying that needs to be done. But one day I will be able to speak this language! We took this language assessment test thing around two days ago. My scores weren't that great, so I'm determined that I will speak this language fluently, even if it kills me (although, it probably won't come to that).  The devotionals and firesides here have been so helpful and spiritual!  They're the best!  I love everything about the MTC!  Although, the food I really won't miss.     Sorry this is rather short.... but time is limited    Next email you get from me will be from the Philippines!
Pretty cool!

Mahal ko Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

MTC- week 8.... Big elders and slurpee land

Kumusta!

I bet you're curious as to the heading of this email... so am I, haha  just kidding.  Well during the week, I was playing sand volleyball (because the gym is shut down until next week) and I was in themiddle front position. I went up to block an Elder, who happened to be quite big, but I didn't get very far...  The Elder stepped on my left foot and it instantly halted any upward movement that I had.  In fact, I went the opposite    Down I went. I never realized how much an impact an elder could do if he steps on your foot!   It was quite funny.  I couldn't help but laugh.  (well after the moment was over, because before I kind of grunted with pain)  It was very funny.  No worries, I'm not injured.  I just have a bruise (that doesn't hurt) on my foot.
Also, I found out that one of the many places over in the Phlippines are a bunch of 7-11s.  Yep, they have a lot of slurpees over there.  Not that I would have much here, and probably not there.  I just thought it would be pretty cool to tell you all.  Why am I speaking about the Philippines?  Any guesses? ......  I GOT MY TRAVEL PLANS YESTERDAY!!!!  AHHHH!  It's pretty exciting. I leave on the 25th at night.  I fly to San Franciso on Delta, have a short layover and then fly to Hong Kong.  China!  That's pretty cool.  Then it's a three hour layover there.  Perfect time to see Hong Kong and its scenery... well the airport anyways   A Chinese airport!  Then we get to fly to Manila!  It's pretty exciting!  All the Tagalog missionaries leaving are split into two groups.  The other group is flying to LA and then to Hong Kong.  We all meet up in Hong KOng.  The 25th is a Monday.. and I leave at night. So I might have a box of stuff to drop off either to Tiffani
on Saturday night or mom that Monday, if any of you are there :).  Oh yeah, our Branch President told us we could call home at perhaps the S.L.C airport or San Franciso Airpor and the Hong Kong airport.  Are you up for it?  Let me know... because I'm not sure how the international call cards you got me work.... I don't know if they're set specifically for the Philippines or if I can call from the United States to Utah, or Call from China to Utah.
Anyways.. It's been another great week!  I bet you're not surprised    I really do love the MTC.  The devotionals and everything else are so amazing.  I'll miss the MTC quite a bit, but I'm SO excited to go to the
Philippines.    It's going to be the adventure of a life time!  God has hleped me out so much here and I know He'll continue to help me!  I love the gospel!  Our district decided to make this coming week the best we've had, so I'm looking forward to that.  I love all the lessons I'm learning! I'm so grateful I've been given this opportunity to grow!
Thanks for the package... I couldn't stop eating the treats..   My companion and fellow sisters and district liked it as well.  Thanks for everything!   I love the MTC!  I love the spirit!  Thanks for the letters/emails.  How are the Frenchies?  How's everything at home?  Things are great here, in case you were wondering. 
Anything you want me to say in my next email... just let me know.  By the way, letters are on the way.  Also, I figured out how to write these long emails    hehe

Mahal Kayo!
Sister Mohrman

Tiffani (who works at the MTC) seeing her sister Stefi in the MTC