God will give His biggest battles to His strongest Soldiers

I just want to say that I'm sorry to hear about the tragedy in my community. I know they have set a standard for Christians ALL around the world. Even people here in the Philippines are joined in prayer for you. People here are moved from the courage in these beautiful people that would not Deny the Christ. "For behold, their wars are exceeding fierce among themselves; and because of their hatred they put to death every nephite that will not deny the Christ." "And I, Moroni, WILL NOT DENY THE CHRIST" I know that God is mindful of all of you (alma 29:37) and all of the family and friends that were affected. He is mindful of Douglas County. He knows each of us and our feelings. I know Christ suffered for much more than just our sins. He also suffered for our trials, our sicknesses, and every feeling that we can not handle by ourselves (alma 7:11-13). I know what Christ said is true when he said "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it". They will find eternal life. God will save them. For all of you that are suffering, i have two verses that always bring peace to my heart. :

D&C 121: 7-8

7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

and Siempre my favorite:

Helaman 5:12

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I hope you all find strength in these too. I love all of you and i know God is mindful and loves you.

Here in the mission, we are having miracles continue to happen. Transfer week is coming up and well...i've been here in Cabiao for 4 1/2 months. 1 more transfer would be great!

MAHAL NA MAHAL KO KAYO! Patuloy na magtiis hanggang wakas!

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/music-videos/see-you-on-the-other-side-shaun-canon

Sister Norman is a trainer!

August 30

 I was given ang anak ko (my child) this week! I'm a mom! Haha. I'm training. My new companion is Sister Cajefe. She's really sweet. She's from Tacloban. She's a survivor of Typhoon Yolanda. I'm really sad to say good bye to Sister Pluma but know that this is an opportunity to serve and to stretch and grow. Not much else to report on.

I got to see lots of my batch at transfers so that was fun. And I found out that my mtc companion, Sister Nuku is in my zone FINALLY! I'm pretty excited!

Well times up! but i love all of you! take care!

-Sister Norman

Sorry it's so short!

here are some pictures:)

Not much to talk about this week...Lot's of dinner appointments and someone got a new table..it was round...so I was all "we're knights at the round table..." they didn't get it...if you don't get it..shame on you..haha

This week was lots of working too! Finding new people that are ready to accept the gospel! Sorry no pictures..my memory card got all locked up so there probably won't be pictures for awhile...

This last sunday, 3 of our Recent converts received the Priesthood! I love that in this work, we help people, then in return they help more people! We had one lady who came up to us to Bible bash us but is now our new Investigator! We found a couple who are our new Golden Investigators! I really love this area! Cabiao is so progressing!

Speaking of areas....It's transfer week! I have no clue what will happen...but i know that God has a plan for me....if i do leave, i am excited to go help my brothers and sisters in other places. But if I don't...Great because i love it here..

Sorry it's so short! Mahal ko kayo!

-Sister Norman

Oh I just can't wait to be clean—July 6

    

So sometimes, here on the mission, I try looking pretty and i do my hair (not ponytail or bun)....maybe even wear some makeup if i'm really just going for it.....EVERYTIME i end up looking worse than if i just wouldn't have. If my hair is down, by the end of the day there are leaves and dirt in it....if i wear makeup, there decides to be a storm....I think for the rest of my mission i am going to just ponytail it. But that's another thing...l've decided i'm never going to feel clean...when it's hot (120+ degrees) and i'm walking all day, my feet are dust and, siempre, i'm sweaty...When it's a bagyo (stormy), it's muddy and i'm walking through puddles that have..who knows what..in them...It's kind of like camping for 18 months.

This week was pretty great. I saw and talked to 4 white ladies...it was so weird...they were from London so of course, everything they said sounded really smart and elegant....and here i am trying to speak english and it coming out really awkwardly and not exactly correct grammer. Ya...that oym was interesting...but ended really well! They are here volunteering and teaching people here how to be self reliant so we offered to help and to be translators for our service project this week and they accepted.

We also had an awesome FHE. I love fhe's with investigating families. this family, the parents sit in on the lessons (because they have to) but don't listen or participate..but during the fhe they were laughing just as much as the kids were.

We also have one family that i absolutely love; The Almodal Family. They don't make excuses..they just do it. my area, Cabiao, is pretty wealthy but the Almodal family is pretty poor. But somehow they figure out how to get to church, they are preparing and commited to pay tithing once they are members and they are willing to pay a fast offering to help those "who have it worse". They are amazing. As members of the church of Jesus Christ, especially those of us that were born into this church, we know that persecution comes with it. We saw it happen to Jesus and His followers; countless prophets of old; Joseph Smith and the pioneers; and to members right now. But for someone who has never even heard of this church, and is just starting to have faith and understanding in these things, i'd imagine that they wouldn't be ready or expect persecution. Rhea (the mom), expressed all the persecution she has been getting. She gets mocked and yelled at from friends, family, neighbors, and people she hasn't even met. A couple nights ago she shared what was happening with us. But she also shared her responses. When people mock her, she turns them to prayer or invites them to read the Book of Mormon, like she is, to find out for themselves. Her faith is unwavering. It's amazing because she hasn't even been baptized yet. Her and her family each already have strong personal testimonies. They stand for truth and righteousness and they don't change their standards or faith to fit in with the community or even their family. Their faith, testimonies,and courage is really humbling and i know they will be blessed.(3ne 12:10)

I love you guys and hope all of you are doing good! MAHAL KO KAYO!

ps...i will probably be frozen this next week..it's only 80+ and will get down to like 70+...........That is literally 40 degrees colder than I have been used to! Yay for rainy season!

Oh...and #murica

Let it go, Let it go! I'm one with the wind and...Rain ....and sun

June 29

Ya this week has been..CRAZY! Soo..diba...I have had about 2 1/2 weeks to learn the area but subract the 2 days S. Cutar was sick, A few half days from traveling, exchanges, and splits. it equals to about 1 week and low and behold....my companion Sister Cutar got Emergency Transferred (which i was realllly sad about) and i got a new Companion, Sister Pluma (which i'm really happy about). Sister Pluma is amazing and one of the sweeeeeetest people i have ever met.

Even though it's been a crazy week, there have been sooo many miracles. We decided that obedience has to be first in our priorities as missionaries and in doing that, we've had a ton of unexpected, but hoped for miracles in consequence of our obedience.

Ya...it's been suuuper hot alll week during the mornings (up to 120+) then in the night it gets down to 85 (which is super cold for me) and it pouuurrrs and is really windy. I don't believe in umbrellas though (too much to lug around all day)...i'm one with rain and wind now.

I have been reading a lot in the BOM about being one. Especially with a ward I don't know very well and a new companion, I felt like it was something that could benefit me. I love learning about it. I read in Alma 17-19 about Ammon and King Lamoni. I love it. there's one part that talks about Ammon, King Lamoni, and one Girl Servant that reminded of how missionary work should be happening; Ammon being the missionary, King Lamoni being the Bishop or Branch President, and The girl servant acting as a member. As they all worked together, they converted and saved many in the kingdom. That's how missionary work should be happening! 'So how many of you did my challenge for you last week? If you did it...GREAT! ...if not...DO IT! then after you do it, Give their names to the missionaries.... it gives the chance to people you love to find truth, peace, and eternal happiness!

Ok..that's all...MAHAL KO KAYO!

-Sister norman

No time to say hello, Goodbye..i'm late! i'm late! i'm late!

June  22

I studied Sister Clark's talk about loving one another. it led me to charity and love and just made me really grateful for all my past and present leaders, companions, and fellow missionaries. I am learning what it really means to love one another. a big step is serving them. Not thinking badly of them. Not saying hurtful things. Not being judgmental. It's helping people be their best selves. I think that's why i love being a missionary. The best way to help someone isn't through giving them money. You could be the richest or smartest, or prettiest, or pinaka-guapo but not be to the Lord's standard for you. The best way to help someone is through the Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for my calling as a missionary. But you don't need a calling as a missionary to serve others by sharing the gospel.

Here is my commitment to all my member friends back home:

1.Answer this question: What is one blessing you have received from being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and living the gospel?

2. Now think to yourself the answer: (specific name) Who is someone in your life that needs that specific blessing?

3.Pray: Tonight pray and ask Heavenly Father for courage to talk to them and share your testimony of the blessing in Q1. Then ask Him to soften their heart and open their mind to your testimony.

4. Share: Share simply to that specific person, the blessing and your testimony of the blessing and the gospel.  ASAP!

5. Tell me!: write and share about it to me by next week!

Here's my commitment to all my non-member friends

1.Find:Find a member and ask them what is 1 blessing they have from living the gospel

2.Ask: ask the missionaries to explain the restoration to you!

Love all of you!

Sorry! I don't have much time to write to day so i didn't really do any personal emails! :)

This week has been great...and realllly crazy....so. much. traveling. So traveling here isn't in a nice car with Air con...it's in a jeepney (look it up on google..) its like a big van but seats go along the side and what should fit like 6 people ends up fitting like 15 ppl on one side...and it's about 110+ degrees...it's great...a ton of opportunities to talk to people!

This week we got a visit from Elder and Sister Bowen. Elder Bowen is in the 70. We learned so much! We learned about loving one another, being one in teaching (members, companion, spirit), The importance of the Book of mormon, and from Elder Bowen, we learned about Who we are and how to act accordingly, false limitations and..uh...the Enduring to the end after the mission...aka 2nd mission. It was super powerful. It was a good reminder for me, that i am a daughter of a king. My divine heritage is important and i need to act accordingly now and in my future decisions. We also got 3 commitments to make our mission better! 1. Arise by 6:30 ( not wake up...be out of bed)   2. OYM (Open Your Mouth) and testify to at least 30 people a day ( normal is around 8 -10...)..  3. To take at least 30 to plan everynight.   I have a lot of faith we can do those things...we've only oym'd 30+ people once this week but i know it will get better!

I also had exchanges. It was great! it was with my ate (big sister) on the mission. It was really great. I learned a alot from her!

My investigator Daizy got baptized in Moncada this week!!! yay!

Sister Racheel here in Cabiao got baptized saterday!

I didn't know it was already father's day....Happy father's day! Special shoutout to Sean! Happy 1st Father's Day!

My companion got proposed to..yay..too bad she's still a missionary and doesn't really know the person that did it...

It's been flooding like CRAAAZZY. it's really gross when it floods because there are tonnnnns of dead frogs and rats on the roads, there's animal (and possibly human) ...uh bathroomy-ness all over the roads, and there's garbage....so when we walk, and there is no other way around the flood, who knows what I am walking through..

I played with a water buffalo this week..yay.

I love my people

June15

i love my people....i'm a Pino now.........i eat fish heads and kill big spiders.

here are pictures. enjoy:)

I’m not in Kansas Anymore

June 8

This week has been so crazy..My area was white washed with Elders   It's not the safest area there...daw.... but i know my investigators are in good hands. It does mean i'll miss another wedding.... And a few baptism:( BUUUUUT My new area and companion ARE AMAZING! My companion is ka-batch ko...or she was in my batch leaving the mtc, coming to Angeles Mission. and we were Zone mates for 2 transfers! she is incredible. We have some great investigators, recent converts, and prospective Less-active-returns. My new area is in Gapan Zone and my area is Cabiao. In Moncada, we have a really nice bath room with a shower head than in a whole different room we have the restroom with a toilet that flushes...here is a bit different..it's back to bucket showers and flushing by pouring big buckets of water....mmmm sanitary. ;)

Monday was...hectic. Tuesday was great. I worked with Elena who is a great ysa that spent the whoooole day working with me! she's amazing!! Wednesday...was hard..I found out that our area and Branch 2 were getting white washed! That meant i had to go teach some lessons and say bye to people, pack, clean, organize, leave extra sticky notes for the elders...i think i went to bed at like 3 am and woke up early to finish.  Wednesday's lessons were great though! Most of the lessons were about the Pagbabayadsala ni Jesucristo..or The atonement of Jesus Christ.  I like that lesson to the Salviejo Family most. The day before i felt prompted to use the Iron rod to the Tree of life as their lesson about how to Endure to the end. I don't know all the reasons they needed that lesson but they said they did. then Wednesday Elena and I shared about the atonement. It was such an intense lesson. They were probably the hardest family to say goodbye to. Thursday was just TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL eat some sandwiches TRAVEL MORE... and since i'm a foreigner...lots of getting ripped off! haha I got to my new house..NO KABAHAY :( but it's ok because Sister Cutar is great. I really miss Moncada already but I really love this new area too! The ward here is great. Their normal attendance is around 110 but yesterday it was 170+!! 

Friday-Sunday was just getting to know this area and the people. I really do love it here:) but..ya...that was about all that happened this week.

I also started studying about sacrifice this week.. I never knew how important Sacrifice was. Most importantly for us is the need we have to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit. I didn't really understand what that meant at first but i think alot of it has to do with ridding our selves of pride, being humble, being submissive, being repentant, being grateful..etc... It makes me more thankful for my Tagapaglitas (Savior) and His ultimate and eternal sacrifice for me.

:) I love all of you!

-Sister Norman

May25

May 25

Mhere are some cool tagalog songs that you should listen to...

Alaala- Sagpro Crew  (it's to the piano of The River Flows in Me)

Long Distance nga Ayat- (idk the artist..it's not tagalog..it's ilocano)

Mahal ko o Mahal ako - KZ (on of my favorites)

Ikaw- Yeng (another favorite)

Cool off- yeng

makabilang Mundo - Jireh Lim

Wala man sa iyo ang lahat- Myrus

Listen..and learn the ways of the philippines ;)

June 1st

Too much happened this week. We spent monday at the Salviejo Families house. We had a really fun fhe that mostly just consisted of eating good food. I love that family. They mean a lot to me. They are such a great example of charity. When they don't have enough, they still share what they have. Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty normal. Just work and such. Thursday we had a really great Community service project at a school. the schools here are so different. We had to clean it inside out. My group got a room that had think layers of dust on EVERYTHING! we had to scub the books, the desks, the tables, the floor...EVERYTHING. the floor is cement and there was only 1 fan in the whole room full of like 35+ desks. There were spiders and beetles everywhere...there was even a frog in the room! it was quite an adventure cleaning it up. I loved working with the youth though. My group had Mark Anthony, Jimboy, Rio, Monica and May. They are some of my favorites. Mark Anthony is a really silly youth. He teases us everyday. He's also leaving on his mission on like 25 days. Jimboy looks like a Filipino Rock Star so that's fun. He's really nice too. Rio is my daughter here on the mission. she's presh. Monica just got baptized Friday but was already completely involved in church activities and May i just got to know. She's really sweet but really quiet..buuut when she sings, it's GORGEOUS!

Friday was Angelique and Monica's baptism. They are 13 and 14 years old. They have been waiting since they were 8 to be baptized. we just barely got their moms to agree to let them get baptized about a week and a half ago. They have been so diligent. Even though they weren't members, they did service, continued in their Personal Progress for Young Women and shared their testimony frequently. They are what we missionaries call "Golden Investigators" They were well prepared. I don't feel like i did much. I'm just happy I got to be here for this part of their lives.

Sat. was supposed to be working with the members but after waiting at the church for an hour and a half for them, we noticed how dirty the chapel was so we started to clean it then by the time we were done we had MCM and then Choir. Sunday was really fun. We had ward conference where me and my comp were in the choir. We sang The Spirit of God and Guide us o Thou great Jehovah. Sacrament was especially spiritual. When we sang the sacrament hymn Jesus Once of Humble Birth i Felt the Spirit testify that Jesus really is my Savior. The words of that song really penetrated my soul. Then when the prayer was given, I heard it differently:"O God, the Eternal Father, I ask thee in the name ofthy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to my soul that will  partake of it; that I may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that I am willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and alwaysremember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given me, that i may always have his Spirit to be with me. Amen." It made me more thankful that I even have the oppertunity to partake of the sacrament and renew my covenants each week. Monica and Angelique also got confirmed during sacrament meeting. It was great. I'm so happy for them!

Then after church the ward missionaries worked with us. Monica worked with us too! then we went to Mama V's house for dinner. It was great to have a real meal!

I'm really excited for this next week! we have loads of stuff happening! This is my companion's last pday so we are having a HUGE water fight with all the youth and ysa from our ward and Branch 2 and my district! then tomorrow we have sister's conference and wednesday we have a lunch apt. at a really fun families house. i'm just really excited for this next week...buuut by next monday, i won't have a companion for 3 days. :( Sister laiti is going home!!  anyway...love all of you <3 :) Have a good week!hopefully you all have time to review Plan of salvation. Love you all. Let's make Grandpa proud..this week especially huh?! :) <3