Big Feet and the Power of Prayer

Sister Wood at the post office in Laoag

 

HI EVERYONE!

Another week has gone by! Whoa.

I don't understand how over in the states I can go from being told I look old to coming here and people thinking I am 14. Yes I repeat 14. Someone thought I was 14. Do I look like I am 14? Hahahaha I can't get over how hilarious that is. They say I have a "young face." Haha yet I could smash most of the adults here with my big feet!!! Speaking of feet, on last P-Day  we were at the mall and they had the Taylor Swift collection of Keds, so of course I asked if they had my size. Well, they only had up to size 9. In the whole mall. Joke right? Hahaha all I could do was laugh. 

 So I have really had to adapt to the food here. Everything that isn't supposed to be sweet is sweet, and everything that is supposed to be sweet isn't. That includes spaghetti. Their spaghetti is sweet! And I have really tried to be okay with that, but I finally came to the point where I had to make american style, and now I won't every turn back. :) I also eat peanut butter and jelly all the time haha it is the closest thing to home food! And reminds me of my mother. But yeah, it's my favorite. My favorite food here so far is dragon fruit. It is the most amazing fruit in the world I love it. And we have an investigator that has dragon fruit orchards :) So you best believe I love going there!!! :) Nah, she is super cool as well and speaks english!

The other night, we were walking home from the ward activity and a rat ran right by my foot. I screamed so loud and probably had a vert of like 40+ I jumped so high..... hahaha. AH the critters here scare me sometimes, but I still love it!

I have realized the power of prayer this week. I have always loved praying, but this week it is kind of like BAM. My companion and I were trying to really help people understand that prayer really is a conversation with God. And he wants us to communicate with him all the time. Well we went and taught these ladies that were so cool. Loved them. And we emphasized this topic really hard in our lesson. At the end we asked her to pray. We showed her how to do it and stuff, and at first they are always shy, but as she began to pray it was amazing.. the Spirit came into the room so quick. She continued praying and she got to the point where she couldn't anymore and we just sat there in silence with our heads down and arms folded. She couldn't continue. She had felt the spirit so strong that she began to be emotional and couldn't even continue her prayer!!! What an amazing thing. Sister Rico finished praying, and the lady just kept wiping back tears. How powerful!! She realized that prayer really is a conversation with God. Before going to bed, it is my favorite thing to do. It is the only time I have to myself to really have a 1 on 1 conversation with God. It is my time to pour my heart out to him, and it is so comforting knowing that I can. I challenge everyone to make prayer a priority and develop a good relationship with our father in heaven.

Have an amazing week. Stay safe, and know I am thinking about you all!

Love,

Sister Wood

Sister Wood and her investigators - He is standing on his tippy toes. Yep! She's tall ( we only get partially downloaded pictures from her, but its still so great to see her happy )

 

 

 

A Mouse in our Shower Bucket and LOADS of Frogs

Sister Wood in Rainy Laoag

 

 

Hello everybody!

Well that was the fastest week of my life! 

It has been raining so much the last few days. Actually it has never stopped. I think I finally got my feel for the Philippines when we were wading through puddles up to our calves this week! Haha awesome right? Well with water comes loads of frogs. Like loads. They are all over the roads, mostly splatted and guts all over the place from being run over, but yes lots of cool frogs. I tried catching some in my umbrella (taking after my dad). But with rain comes cool weather so it is the best thing in the world! Gosh I am not complaining! I would rather be wet and cool then sweating hot! 

We found some friends in our apartment this week, I mean not super bad, but there were 2 ginormous cockroaches and then we found A MOUSE in our SHOWER BUCKET!!! Yeah that really grossed me out. I refuse to use it haha. I will get over it sooner or later. 

We spoke in sacrament this week. All 6 of us sister missionaries, because yes we got a new set in our ward! Yay! But the funniest thing was that one of the conpanionships had a baptism this week so we all went to it. We go and they have us down for a musical number. So 4 of us (yes that includes me) goes up and sings a song that we picked right on the spot. Nearer my God to thee I think. Hahaha yeah it was great..... 

 

I mostly want to share with you all an experience we had this week right out of my journal:

" We made an appointment to teach mervina and her daughter. We went there to teach and she let us in and invited all the young workers (that we had previously taught) to stay and join. So they did, probably just cause they felt forced. They are troopers! Andyway, we were planning to teach about the BOM. All the workers were there, and then Mervina got up and left and said she had visitors. So we didn't think anything of it. We began and prayed, and sister Rico started introducing the BOM. Then finally in walks Mervina with some people. They went over to her kitchen table, so we just proceeded. As we started teaching about the BOM we could tell the people at the table were listening in. Then an older man from there walks over and sets a stool down to be part of it. Right then he began arguing against all the things we were teaching about the BOM. Come to find out, he is a pastor for Mervina's church and they had set up and made an appointment with their pastor at the same time. Don't worry though, nothing was going to stop us. There was a reason that Sister Rosell had chose to work with us (sister rico's trainer) cause she is fluent in Tagalog and used to be their religion ntil she read the BOM. She did most the talking. And even though the pastor was literally shouting and arguing with us, and saying things I won't write, the spirit never left the room. It was as if the spirit was screaming at them as we spoke with pure boldness. Sister Rosell bore the most incredible testimony about Joseph smith and the first vision. We never rose our voices, just spoke truths that were so bold. The spirit was so dense and I know the people felt it there. It was the most incredible experience for my faith and testimony. It strenghtened my whole being. While we finally got some silence from the pastor, we each bore our testimonies about the BOM. I bore mine last, and the spirit was so strong my heart was pounding. The spirit guided me on what to say, and I really don't recall what I said, all I know is I got emotional because of the spirit (which I haven't done the whole time being here)) AND THE FACT THAT i WANTED ALL OF THESE PEOPLE TO OPEN THEIR HEARTS TO THE MESSAGE OF THE RESTORED GOSPEL.  I have never wanted something so bad. The whole appointment I was saying a prayer in my heart that they would be open minded. By the end of our testimonies, the spirit was so strong and I know they all felt it. We just did the only thing we could and challeneged them to read and pray like said in Moroni 10:3-5. Sister Rosell asked if I would pray to  close, so we kneeled to pray and everyone refused to kneel. They just stood, so I began my prayer. All I can say is my prayer was completely guided by the spirit. The pastor and someone else began mocking the things I said as I prayed and I heard him and the things he said for a split second, but as I continued praying my heart out, it felt like us 3 were othe only people in the room. After the prayer we shook all their hands, left a BOM on the chair and left. That experience has already changed my whole mission."

I wrote a lot more with that, but because of time I just want everyone to know that I know the Book of Mormon is true, and the Gospel of Jesus christ is the only true church on the earth. I am so honored to be able to represent him and wear his name everyday.

Thank you all for all of the continued support.

- Sister Wood

PS: Filipino children are reading this letter over my shoulder as we speak. Yay for no personal space. :)

Exact Obedience

 

Sister Wood and a cow? She sent this picture to Lynn (her Dad) It's the only pic we've gotten since she's been there. Out of all the pictures she could send I think its so funny she sent this one.

 

 

HI MGA TAO!

So that week went by really really really fast. But that's okay, I guess it means we were so busy!

First things first, EXACT OBEDIENCE BRINGS MIRACLES. My testimony has been strengthened on that aspect. At first it was way annoying that we were doing everything on our schedule BY THE MINUTE, but as we have done that, the Lord has blessed our work. Yeah, it is awesome. There are slow days where we feel like we didn't have much success, but then as I stop and think about all the little blessings that the Lord put in our path, like really...miracles happen on this earth. So blessed. I know for a fact that the Lord is preparing people all over the world to hear the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have ran into people that were unexpected, and all they want to know is the truth. An investigator we found named Jason hasn't been very religious his whole life. As we taught him he was the one asking us questions about what was true. It was my favorite lesson by far!!! Loved it. He is the smartest kid in the world. He had never prayed in his entire life, so we challenged him to pray about our message this week so I can not wait to go back and see the answer he got. Geez this work is just exciting!

 

I got to see Sister UluAve and Sister Shrack this week from my district in the MTC. AH it was the best. Just a little bit of a boost at the perfect time I needed it. Heavenly Father really is watching over me. :)

 

Oh, so I bought a basketball. The workouts in my room were NOT cutting it. Yeah, anyways, so I bought a basketball and there is a court by our apartment. So we go and play in the mornings now. Hahaha believe it or not, people come out at 6:30 AM to just sit and watch us play basketball. When I saw them it was the most hilarious thing to me. Because none of the girls I am with play basketball, only me. So when we play 2 v. 2 I only use my left hand hahaha. Oh man. But yes, the basketball was a great investment. On the same line as sports, everyone asks if I am related to Tiger Woods. Haha really? I just say no, I am white. And leave it at that. :)

So we had a zone meeting this week. We get there and look at the program, and look who it is... Sister Wood saying the opening prayer. I look at the closing prayer, look who it is.... Elder Wood saying the closing prayer. They think they are so so funny. Hahah okay it was funny.

Everyone, my hair is getting so long! Just an unnecessary fact, but I am looooovin it. The vitamins really do help!

Also, just a little sentimental moment.... Dad bought me the insect repellant he buys when he goes out hunting and hiking and stuff, and at first, I was kinda like okay whatever... no big deal. BUT I use that stuff every single day. And I am the only one that has never gotten a mosquito bite yet.  But most importantly, when I put it on, it reminds me of my dad and when I walk into our storage room and smell all of his camping gear. :) And mom, I bought some hand lotion, even though I don't wear lotion, just because it smells like the kind you would have us rub on your feet. The basic clean smelling lotion. I love it. :)

Well, I think that is the basics of my week.

Oh and don't worry I am all completely safe here right now. I think they make everything sound worse than it really is. (typhoon wise) haha. Thank you for all of your prayers! I am the luckiest, and I know that this church is true. My testimony grows everyday.

Mahal ko kayo!

- Sister Wood

PS. Update on the language.... It has been going fine, besides the lady who we were teaching a short message and I was stumbling over my Tagalog words and she turns and says to me in English, "You don't even speak good Tagalog?" SHOT TO MY SELF CONFIDENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But who cares. :) I am over it.

Typhoon who?



No, this isn't a picture of a tie-dyed t-shirt. It is Super Typhoon Utor - Seriously though!! if you saw this right over the top of your daughter would you be worried?

This is strictly a MOM post today. On Saturday evening we received information that Monday morning a typhoon would be making landfall on the Philippine island of Luzon. The typhoon (a name they give a hurricane if it is in the pacific ocean) was headed in a North West direction and that the northern part of the island would get hit the worst. My heart sank! This is right where Courtnee is. My mind starting racing and going through every bad scenario that could happen. Flooding, wind and debris flying everwhere, would she be able to get to safety, what about food and water, is she scared?, she's only been there two weeks, I'm so glad we sent that water purifier........and on and on.
I wasn't planning on getting an email from her last night. I just figured she would be huddled in a church somewhere waiting out the storm. Well, last night late we got an email. She said that she was fine and that as they were emailing right then it wasn't even raining. What?.......... How could this be? We had tracked the storm all day and from what it looked like it was right over her.
I know for a fact that Heavenly Father loves and is aware of his faithful missionaries. A comforting Mom said, if she is being perfectly obedient she will be safe. If you read in her letter you will see what she said about, as she called it "exact obedience".
I'm so grateful for Courtnee and her decision to serve. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and I've realized that in times like that the only thing I can do as a Mom (who is half a world away) is pray and pray hard!! Being the Mom of a missionary is not for the faint of heart, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

CNN report on Typhoon Utor

I AM HERE!!

Sister Wood arrived in Laoag on Wednesday July 31. Her first assignment is in the Laoag Stake (close to the mission home) Her companion/trainer is Sister Rico from California. Unfortunately she couldn't figure out how to send pictures, but her letter is awesome and we were so excited to read it. Enjoy:

 



KUMUSTA ANG LAHAT MGA TAO!

I SEE THAT IT IS ONLY APPROPRIATE THAT I WROTE THIS EMAIL IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE I MEAN REALLY, I AM HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES. 

SINCE I GOT OFF THE PLANE I HAVEN'T STOPPED SWEATING. SO YEAH, THAT'S THAT. AND WON'T STOP UNTIL MY PLANE LANDS BACK AT HOME NEXT DECEMBER! I AM DRIPPING SWEAT AS I TYPE THIS EMAIL!

AS WE HAVE BEGUN WORKING, I HAVE ALREADY BEEN SO HUMBLED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES HERE. IT IS ALMOST INDESCRIBABLE THE LIVING CONDITIONS HERE. I KNOW I WAS SENT HERE FOR A REASON THOUGH, AND I AM ALREADY GETTING A TASTE FOR THAT REASON. THE LOVE I ALREADY HAVE FOR THESE PEOPLE IS INCREDIBLE. HAHA I DIDNT THINK I COULD LOVE SO MANY PEOPLE IN SUCH SHORT TIME. IT MAKES MISSIONARY WORK EVEN BETTER.

SO FOR THE LITTLE DETAILS HAHA, I SLEEP ON TOP OF MY BED AND THAT IS ALL. NO COVERS OR ANYTHING, WITH THE WINDOW OPEN AND FAN BLOWING ON ME!!! THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS I HAVE TO GET USED TO, AND ONE OF THOSE IS THE FOOD. I MEAN IT IS NOT HORRIBLE, PERRO I JUST GOTTA GET USED TO THE WAY IT IS. I NEVER REALIZED HOW MUCH OF A CLEAN FREAK I WAS (BUT I REALLY AM NOT) SINCE I GOT HERE. MESS JUST DRIVES ME NUTS!!!! I DO MY BEST TO KEEP MY STUFF TIDY.

 

 

Tricycle - Sister Wood's mode of transportation

 

 

OUR FORM OF TRANSPORTATION ARE LITTLE TRIKES, AND I DO NOT FIT IN THEM SO I HAVE TO BE ALL HUNCHED OVER AND EVERYONE JUST LAUGHS! AT THEIR LITTLE SHOPS THEY GIVE US GLASS BOTTLES FOR DRINKS, BUT THEN THEY TAKE THE BOTTLE AND DUMP THE DRINK INTO A LITTLE BAGGIE! AND WE DRINK IT OUT WITH A STRAW HAHA HOW AWESOME RIGHT? 

THE BIGGEST THING IS EVERYONE STARES AT ME. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE. THEY DON'T CARE EITHER!!!! LIKE I THINK THEY THINK I AM AN ALIEN AND DON'T SEE PEOPLE LOOKING AT ME, BUT I AM HUMAN, LITTLE DO THEY KNOW HAHA. GOOD THING I COULD CARE LESS, SO IT DOESN'T MATTER. BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN GUYS ARE PLAYING BBALL THEY LOOK AT ME LIKE I SHOULD BE OUT THERE PLAYING! (WHICH I SHOULD). PLUS WHEN WE WALK PASSED GUYS THEY THINK I AM BEAUTIFUL JUST CAUSE I AM AMERICAN, AND HALF THE TIME WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SAYING TO US OR ABOUT US, SO THAT'S GOOD. MY COMPANION IS SISTER RICO FROM CALIFORNIA. WE GET ALONG SUPER WELL. 

WE WERE IN A LESSON WITH THE MOST ADORABLE FAMILY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, OUTSIDE, SOMEONE STARTS BLASTING TAYLOR SWIFT. I LOOKED AT MY KASAMA LIKE HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FOCUS AND TEACH WHEN THIS IS PLAYING?!?!?! HAHA BUT I LOVED IT. I LOVE THE ELEGADO FAMILY.... AND THEY LOOKED AT THE PICTURES OF MY FAMILY AND LOVED IT. 

THE MOST "PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE" LESSON WE HAD WAS LAST WEEK WHEN WE WERE TEACHING A LESS ACTIVE LADY. THEIR HOMES ARE HARDLY ANYTHING, SO WE WALKED INTO WHAT WAS THEIR HOUSE AND SIT DOWN AND BEGIN SHARING OUR MESSAGE. WE SAT THEIR AT GAVE HER THE LESSON WHILE HER KIDS WERE RUNNING AROUND  WITH THEIR UNDERWEAR ON, THEIR GOATS WERE NEXT TO US EATING THEIR BANANAS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SAVING TO EAT, AND ANTS WERE CRAWLING ON ME!!!! I GOT A LITTLE FREAKED OUT. BUT ITS OKAY ITS OKAY. THE SPIRIT WAS STILL THERE AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS HAHA.

I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ALREADY FROM BEING HERE. I AM SO BLESSED FOR ALL OF THE THINGS I HAVE. 

EVERYWHERE I GO I GET CALLED ON BY THE PEOPLE TO GIVE THE OPENING PRAYER. I  FIND IT HILARIOUS. IN RELIEF SOCIETY AND EVERY SINGLE LESSON HAHA! IT WAS FAST SUNDAY AND I HADN'T GOT UP AND BORE MY TESTIOMONY IN SACRAMENT, AND THE BISHOPRIC LITERALLY CUED TO ME FROM THE STAND THAT I NEED TO GO UP HAHA I THOUGHT IT WAS HILARIOUS. THE  WHOLE SACRAMENT IS LIKE A ZOO OF LOUDNESS AND THEN WHEN THE TALL AMERICAN GIRL THAT HAD TO LIFT UP THE MICROPHONE TALL GOT UP, THE WHOLE PLACE WHEN QUIET. :) I LIKED IT. 

THE TAGALOG IS COMING SLOWLY BUT SURELY HAHA. THE LORD HAS BLESSED ME WITH THE POWER TO BEAR AN EXTREAMELY STRONG TESTIMONY IN ENGLISH, SO FOR THAT I AM GRATEFUL. THEY UNDERSTAND ENGLISH, THEY JUST CAN'T SPEAK. THE LORD IS BLESSING ME IN COUNTLESS WAYS ALREADY BEING HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

THOUGH I KNOW THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE THE HARDEST THING I DO IN MY LIFE, IT IS GOING TO BE WORTH IT, AND I REALLY AM HAPPY HERE, AND EVERYDAY IS BETTER AN BETTER!!! :) I KNOW THAT THE WORK WE ARE DOING OUT HERE IS REAL, AND IT IS A BLESSING. MY TESTIMONY IS STRENTHENED EVERYDAY.

SALAMAT FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT I HAVE RECEIVED IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME.  

- SISTER KAHOY (WOOD)

PS CHURCH IS NOW MY FAVORITE THING EVER. AIR CONDITIONING. I SIT RIGHT IN FRONT OF IT IN EVERY MEETING.