Maayong gabii!
So, I was under the impression that all of the Philippines was like Tacloban. It wasn't until I came to Cebu that I realized that Tacloban was the poorest mission in the Philippines. admittedly, I was a little shell shocked when I got here. There are cars EVERYWHERE. It's crazy!
But, I'm really happy to be here. At first, I wasn't that excited or anything to leave Tacloban mission, but they have been taking really good care of us here. I really love my new mission president and his wife. Sister Schmutz took all the sisters that left their stuff behind to a huge 6 story mall and we got new clothes. She also made us dinner a couple of times and made sure that we have everything we could possibly need. She's really sweet!
During my interview with President Schmutz, he told me that the apostle Paul did his best and most important missionary work when he got shipwrecked. He also shared with me that he felt that I would become really important in this mission and would have a big impact. I hope that he's right. It's been kind of weird adjusting to new rules and different things, but It's been nice here so far. I'm getting transferred to a place called Toledo tomorrow. I guess it's 7 hours away from here, but on the same island. People are saying that it's super beautiful! so, I'm excited! I'm excited to get out of the city and back to work!
I got to do two sessions in the Cebu temple! I feel really lucky and blessed to had been able to go there. It's so amazing what the temple can do for your mood, spiritual level, and overall well being. I felt so much peace about my situation there. I was feeling kind of lost and kind of sad... But then, in the temple (all 3 sessions I got to go to), I felt my Father's love for me. I know that sometimes, life doesn't give us situations that we expect. Sometimes, life throws us a few curve balls. But, I'm so happy to have this new opportunity to start over in a new area and new mission and work my hardest. I know that the Lord is taking care of the sweet people on the Tacloban mission. I heard an experience of an elder assigned in Guiwan. In that area, 90% of the people died. Amongst the 10% that lived, all the active members of the branch there survived. How incredible is that? I don't think I've ever witnessed so many miracles first hand before in my life.
I know that sometimes life is hard. But, fortunately, the hard times don't last very long. And before you know it, life goes on with so much more amazing opportunities ahead.
Enjoy life. Enjoy your current situation (no matter what that might mean), and don't forget to Thank your Heavenly Father for all the goodness and mercy that he has abundantly blessed you with everyday.
Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers!
All my love,
Sister Bingham
Sister Pike and I at the Cebu Temple
Me and "My Batch"
Service for Tacloban
Some sweet missionaries that went shopping with us.
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