There can be miracles when you believe.‏

Kumusta lahat!

Yes, there have been so many miracles that I’ve seen within the past week. Let’s just start with saying that Sister Ramada and I have doing a TON of tracting here in Legazpi. The people here are super sweet and very hospital! Within the last two weeks, Sister Ramada and I found a total of about 30 investigators just by tracting and praying for the Lord to guide us in our endevors to be productive with our time while waiting for our new area in Bulusan.

But… things changed. 

As I wrote about the Gonzsalez family last week, I never thought that family would change so much of my perspective of missionary work, the power of the spirit working through the Lord’s missionaries, and the power love has over those you give it to.

The Gonzsalez family is so special. Especially their cute little 10 year girl, who reminds me so much of my cousin London because she’s so sweet and polite and loves to cuddle me. It’s the best thing ever. All of them are Catholic, but are searching for something more. Especially Sister Gonzsalez. During our last lesson with them, we invited them to church and they said yes. Most past investigators usually say yes to coming to church but usually don’t end up attending, so I had no expectations. So comes Sunday morning, the morning after transfer announcements. The Assistants to the President said that Sister Ramada and I will be report to Bulusan the next Friday of this coming week. Sister Ramada and I honestly didn’t have a good feeling about leaving Legazpi after establishing our our teaching pool and becoming super aquainted with our new investigators. Nothing about the announcement felt right, but nevertheless we continued to press forward with our work here in Legazpi until the time came for transfer day. That Sunday morning, we went the Gonzalez family’s home to invite them to walk with us to church. To my surprise, Chealsea, the 11 year old was so excited to come with and so she hurried and got ready! Her mom of course was very supportive of Chealsea coming, but had a few things to do so she said that she wouldn’t be able to come. So Sister Ramada, Chealsea, and myself all went to church together. President Guanzon actually attends the Legazpi ward most of the time, and so when he saw us, he invited the three of us to sit with him. Chealsea was so well behaved and listened and sat still the entire sacrament meeting. Then we all went to primary together.. hahaha I miss primary. Primary is even more hilarious in the Philippines. After awhile, someone came knocking on the door of the Primary room, and low and behold it was Chealsea’s two sisters and her mom!!! 

It was the most exciting thing ever. I didn’t know they would come!

So we went with Sister Gonzsalez and her eldest daughter to Relief Society for the last hour of church. Sister Guanzon, President Guanzon’s wife was there and invited us to sit with her. It was a great lesson in Relief Society, but of course Sister Gonzsalez had many questions. Good thing Sister Guanzon was there because she answered every one of them.. hahaa. Sister Guanzon asked us how we found this family and I told her last Sunday while tracting. Sister Guanzon immediately said that it wasn’t a coincidence that we met. Sister Dizon and Sister Jemino said that they actually tracted her house and sister Gonzsalez wouldn’t let them in..

That really said something to me, and I felt the impression to ask Sister Gonzsalez if me and Sister Ramada could come back to her home later that night. She said yes.

So after all of this, Bulusan still didn’t make sense in my mind. I was so unsettled and wondered who would take care of this family spiritually if we are to leave. Why do we have so many investigators here? Why? Why? Why?

I cant really describe this feeling, other than an absence of peace. 

So I started a personal fast, and asked Sister Ramada to join me for a companionship fast. We prayed to know if Bulusan was our destined area if the Gonzalez family needed us here in Legazpi. I said to myself that if we don’t teach the Gonzalez family tonight and if they don’t accept the challenge of reading the Book of Mormon, I will take that as an answer to my question about whether or not we’re meant to help.

Kind of crazy thought, huh? But, if I wanted to if this family was serious enough, I really felt prompted to put all my money on the table. 

As we fasted and prayed, I had the impression to give her the Book of Mormon. The only problem was that we had only taught her once and she actually knew nothing about the gospel. Normally I would start to panic, but I felt the Lord’s strength the entire time. We arranged for a member to come with us to here home, but Sister Gonzsalez ended up cancelling at the last minute…..

NO! haha. Yes I panicked just a tad. But a thought came in my mind to tell her that I had a gift to give her and her children. Which was the Book of Mormon. She then said, ok, you can come over.

Hehe..

So Sister Ramada came over and we taught the entire restoration in 30 mins and finally gave them the gift of the Book of Mormon. To make things more interesting, I even used the picture book of church history my beloved grandma sent me and gave them each pictures of the Savior and a picture of the temple to remind them of the ultimate goal for them- to have their family sealed forever.

Sister Gonzsalaz was very in tune with the spirit and so were the kids. They all accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon and committed to church next Sunday.

My fast and prayers were answered.

President Guanzon has decided to allow me and Sister Ramada stay here in Legazpi as we endeavour to help this family in their journey in going to the temple.

All I know is that through this crazy, amazing experience is that the power of the spirit and the power of God is real. None of this was by my own doing. I know all the promptings came from God, and that He opened the doors for us to meet this family that means so much to me. I love my mission and everything it has taught me.

Life is challenging, but beautiful at the same time because God is allowing us to grow and become more like Him. The gospel is true and this work changes lives.

It’s changing mine.

Love,

Sister Delgado

So does "Wow" even describe the week I've had? uhm, NO.‏

Kumusta Lahat!

So, I got emergency transferred. Yep. Had to leave my beloved Gubat and didn't get to say goodbye to the members of the branch there. But I'm sure everything happens for a reason.

I would just like to say that Gubat will always hold a special place in my heart. Its a special providence where I came to know the face of God because of all the challenges, heart ache, yearning, happiness, joy, and everything else I felt. Through it all, God was with me the entire time, even when it didn't seem like it. There in Gubat, I know God shaped me to become different. Not perfect, but more willing to submit myself to His will. I think the biggest thing the Philippines teaches missionaries is the necessity to let go of your will and do His. To ask yourself if you'll be the one to follow Him and do His work even when you feel that what you're doing isn't good enough of progresses direct results. I've learned so much here in Gubat, I can't imagine my life without experiencing serving in Gubat. I'm forever changed and deeply love the people I left behind.

I was actually on an STL exchange with Sister Padre again, when the Assistants to the President called and told me I have about 3 hours to travel back to Gubat (about 45 mins away from Sorsogon) and pack all my things because I'm headed to Legazpi to train a new Sister Missionary. So, my new companion is Sister Ramada.

Sister Ramada is the sweetest sister and so willing to learn and grow out here on the field. She is a short term missionary and will leave after our training. She's from an area in our mission called Tabaco and she's excited to be here. How lucky am I to have her as my companion! 

Our original area planned for us to go to is Bulusan, under Bulan Zone. I haven't heard much about the area, but all I know is that I will be opening it with Sister Ramada. Meaning that everything there will be brand new. New investigators, and we will be finding the houses of the less active members and the recent converts. 

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, but there's no doubt in my mind that the Lord is always with me. And because of that, I have no fear.

One thing I'm teaching Sister Ramada right now as we proselyte with Sister Dizon and Jemino is that "Perfect love casteth out all fear" (Moroni 8). I especially need this foundation to be embeded in our hearts because we will be doing a TON of tracting. Sister Ramada truly understood this principle because I saw the holy ghost testifty to her how important this gospel is, and even more important that we feel genuine love for everyone we encounter.  Even now, we're starting to find some new investigators here in Legazpi and its the greatest thing ever. Its actually the happiest feeling ever when you walk around the streets your not familiar with at all, and you know God is walking right by your side because we hold in our hands a message worth sharing and a message that will help families be together forever- no matter what the situation may be. 

Actually, while tracting here in Legazpi, we found a family who was a bit busy at the time, but begged us to come back. So, we came back to teach them about how the gospel blesses families and it was the sweetest thing. The mother, Odette, really wanted her children to listen and engage in the message we had to share. It was crazy awesome. The only thing is that Odette really wanted to her kids to come to church with us and investigate, but she herself wasn't as interested. I know she really wants good values for her children and she wouldnt have invited us in if she didnt feel that our message was true. I plan on going back and planting a solid seed in that family because the potential is too great to ignore. Within just two days of being here in Legazpi, that happened. I'm just mind blowned with all that happened and sing praises of gratitude to the Lord Almighty. 

I will let you all know what happens to me and Sister Ramada as the days go by and keep you all in tuned. 

Life is so short and fast. Anything can happen within a blink of an eye.

I want to make it absolutely clear that I know this church is True. I know the gospel is restored and the Lord qualifies whom He calls. I'm not a native, and this all happened so fast with having the opportunity to guide Sister Ramada right now. Honestly, she's teaching me everyday as well. I see so much of myself in her when I first got here on the field. I know we were meant to be companions. I love this gospel and will stand firm in my belief in God forever. 

I hope you all take a moment to recognize how beautiful and wonderful life is no matter what happens, and be happy!

Just be happy. Life is too wonderful in a bigger perspective to feel otherwise.

mahal ko kayo!

ingat palagi

Sister Delgado 

saying goodbye to Sorsogon zone! :(...:)

lol Sister Padre and Sister Amparo's reaction to everything that happened.

Fitting all my things in the mission car was an experience. Wasnt it elder Hernandez? haha

Living with these STLs (sister Dizon and Sister Jemino) shouldnt be this fun... lol.
What is sleep anymore? .. joke! ;)

We take exercising super seriously. Mommy Guanzon would be proud. lol

My new companion: Sister Ramada and my old trainer Sister Padre.
We're just missing sister Dizon! We're all one big happy family. ;)

Something looks a little odd here.
Oh that's right, my hair is covering my nametag.
Oh hey, there's Elder Surio! 

Look at us being so good about wearing our retainers... #thestruggle.

Sister Jemino, Sister Dizon and Sister Ramada all made
 fun of me because of how wet I got after doing laundry....hahaha

Proselyting with my beloved Sister Jemino <3 <3

Prosleyting with grandma Sister Dizon <3 <3

ako at anak ko! Sister Ramada <3

Living with these STL's (Sister Dizon and Sister Jerino) shouldn't be this much fun...lol.
What is sleep anymore?...joke!;)

magandang umaga Mount Mayon!

Legazpi zone activity! 

Got to see my batch mates Elder Madsen and Sister Snyder from the Provo MTC!
Such a joyous occasion!

Legazpi zone sisters!  Ganda sila!

What Filipinos call "feelingrea". lol

Tri-sum...Meet Sister Magno!

Alot has happened this week...

We became a tri-sum! 

Super fun.

This week has been trying.

But well worth it.

I can assure you that I will never be the same person than who I was before I left my mission.

Love,

Sister Delgado

Aaaaaand meet Sister Magno!
 Short term missionary joining us!
Now a tri-sum! Now absolutely no english!! 

The business of our Relief Society President-- 

Selling Pork!!!

Sister Ilago has a thing for cold canned squid.......

and my sisters are casually eating Bolut... 

can't do it quite yet......

Hello everyone!

Hello everyone!

Tomorrow is our zone training, which basically means the zone leaders and stls (Sister Padre) will be giving us the new mission rules that President Guanzon has sent for all missionaries. Lets hope there's an increase in email time... haha. I heard that there may be a change in schedule because of how hot is has gotten here. They may instruct us to wake up earlier and prosleyte when the sun isn't so strong due to missionaries getting heat strokes and sick from the heat. I'm not sure exactly how hot it is right now, but where ever I go, I always use my cute New York red umbrella. haha

Sometimes I really miss America, but I just remember that I've been on my mission for FIVE MONTHS as of yesterday and only have a year and a month left. Really crazy to sink that in because I remember just entering the MTC January 7...I know my mission will end before I know it so I'm really trying my best to give the Lord all I've got for the next 13 months. 

Life is great.

I love missionary work.

The gospel is true.

More updates to come next week! :)

Mahal Kita

Sister Delgado

Package from home!

Makes me so happy!!!

So......Wow

Hello family and Friends!

Sorry for the late email.

Myldsmail was having technical difficulties and I wasn't able to open my email the whole day yesterday. But we're back in action!

Anyways, this week with Sister Ilago has been awesome.

We decided to track in a different area than we normally track and at the end of the week had 17 new investigators....... we normally get 9 or 10. Super stoked! 

Also, Sister Padre was originally supposed to be assigned in the Bulan zone, but due to changes in the mission, she's now a sister trainer leader here in Sorsogon. Lol I honestly thought I wouldn't see her for a long time, but now shes only 30 minutes and a phone call away. We actually had STL exchanges and Sister Padre and I served in Gubat AGAIN. haha just like old times. So basically I see her every Monday at Sorsogon and report our Key Indicators to her and Sister Amparo every week. Yeah, I'm laughing so hard too. 

The Philippines is so so so so soooooooooooo hot right now. Like any lack of fan, there is instant sweat.

An awesome experience I'd like to share is my experience with Sister Je. So, of course after our challenge of reading the Book of Mormon, she read 2 Nephi 31, Moroni 10, and the Introduction. She, of course, had her insights and issues towards having another book other than the Bible, but was yet receptive to the lesson. At the end of the lesson, it came down to her question of, "What is the purpose of these prophets here in the Book of Mormon? Why did they even write their records and what is the point of this book?"

Once she asked this question, my heart stopped.

My heart stopped because of the question she asked was exactly what I studied during my personal study in preparation for her visit. So many realizations occured to me in one moment. During my personal study, I studied in "Preach my Gospel", "the role of the Book of Mormon" and searched the scriptures because that same question Je had popped into my mind and urged me to search. Then and there I knew that the spirit was working through me and prepared me for something that Je needed to know.

So, all together we read 2 Nephi 25:22-30 in order to know the purpose of the records given from the Book of Mormon prophets:

22  Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written. 

23  For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

24  And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.

25  For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

26  And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

27  Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.

28  And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.

29  And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.

30  And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.

After we read this, the room was silent.

The spirit was present.

Je admitted that she couldn't deny the Book of Mormon was true. But at the end of the lesson, she said that she respects the Book of Mormon, but will always give priority to the Bible. Meaning that she knows the Book of Mormon is true, but just choosing otherwise. As a missionary, it's a hard thing to see someone choose something other than what the spirit is testifying. But for me, I will never forget this experience. My faith is not built upon the opinion of men. That moment was another testiment that The Lord is very invloved with His work and that the book of Mormon is true. With the Bible and Book of Mormon, we have the fullness of the gospel and no longer live in apostasy. We will continue to help Je, and share to her as long as she permits us. In which I'm grateful for.

Well, I sure love my mission and where I'm at with life.

God is good, and His gospel is true.

Mahal kita

Sister Delgado

Two Beautiful Views: Sister Ilago and the 5am sunrise. #blessed

I'm not really as tired as I look!

Back at it again with my best friend.  Sister Padre just can't escape me... haha

Sure love the Sorgogon STLS!!! dikit lol
(Sister Amparo, Sister Illago, ako, Sister Padre)

Sister Ilago made some new friends.

Baby Nephi's crib

I love Gubat! 

:)

Beautiful things don't call for attention.

Members of the branch.