December 8, 2013

Family,

Our week has been full of miracles! Last Monday during my personal study, I was reading about faith and miracles in the bible dictionary (side note: the bible dictionary is my new best friend) and it lead me to read about all the miracles that Christ performed. Whenever I read about miracles in the scriptures, it reminds me of one lesson we had in Young Women's when I was a laurel. I think it was Sister Parks who said it, but it was along the lines of how miracles are still happening every day. They might be really amazing like Christ's miracles where they're too special or spiritual to share with others, or they might be smaller but we're either too preoccupied or too lazy to recognize them. And so, my goal this week was to not only have the faith that miracles would happen, but to try to recognize Heavenly Father's hand in our missionary work. And, it worked! Especially because when you focus on the miracles or blessings we're receiving, it's so much easier to forgot about the less than ideal things happening. 

So, short recap of the highlights of our week:

Miracle #1: T

He's already in 2 Nephi! Seriously, I know I talk about him every week, but it's because he's worth talking about every week. He's just an amazing example to me about the power of faith and truly how the gospel blesses a person's life. He's even already sharing the gospel to the tiyangge owner by his house! And yesterday, as we were waiting at the church for the elder's baptism, we walked into a room and there he was sitting at the table reading the gospel principles book and taking notes on a sheet of paper! The elders saw him, and they came up to us and was like "let's just baptize him already". I'm so excited for his baptism on Christmas.. I seriously can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas other than maybe skyping you all :)

Miracle #2: The G Family

So Brother and Sister G have been less actives for a loooooong time. They used to be really active in the church, he was in the bishopric, etc. But for the past who knows how many years, no change no matter how many missionaries would visit him. It's hard because he knows what he should be doing, but just won't do it. You can't try talking to him about the importance of scriptures or church, because he'll literally say to your face "I already know that it is important" But this past week, we went visited and he said "Sisters, we're going to church on the 15th this month" And of course, we don't really know what to say because we're trying to figure out what's happening. But he was telling us that his daughter has been trying for so long to get them to return to church, and that he finally promised her that he would. And then he was saying how missionaries have been trying to reactivate them for years, but nothing has been working. But then then he said that we found his weakness, because every time we visit, most of the time we would just sing and share a really short message. He said that our songs have been the only thing that's been softening his heart. So that night, we sang How Great Thou Art because he said it was his favorite, and he was a little teary afterwards and sister was mouthing along with us. It was such an amazing experience. I felt the Spirit so strongly and I know that I'm seeing a miracle happen right in front of me.

Miracle #3: Brother P

I'm not sure how much I've shared about him, but he's the dad of J and used to be very indifferent to our lessons. He would listen, but no sign of interest, not even curiousity. But he came to church this past week, AND he's been reading in the Book of Mormon, AND when he asks questions now, it's not because he's trying to debate, but it's because he's actually curious and wants to learn. I think we still have a long time before we get anywhere close to baptism, but his change in countenance has definitely felt like a miracle.

In other exciting news, we bought a Christmas tree! It's only a foot tall, and 63 pesos (about $1.50) but now our house feels all Christmasy! We created a little cove underneath our stairs for the tree, and we already have two presents because Sister Smith's package came this past week! And they cut some snowflakes to put on the walls. Merry Early Christmas! 

Overall, this week was really good! We got punted pretty badly on Tuesday, but that's just a part of mission life. I love you all and am so grateful for your support, letters and prayers. I'm especially excited to skype all of you in a couple of weeks!!! It's going to be here in no time and I'm so excited!

Love you!

xoxo

Sister Fitzgerald

The little girls that come to our English class every Saturday. They're adorable!

Sister Dean (a ward missionary who has worked with us for three months)!

Last week while walking back from Vista Alegre, the workers on the side of the road we're chopping down the sugar cane. They stopped us and asked if we wanted some, and of course we said yes, so they peeled off the skin with their big machetes and gave us each a huge branch! I guess I can now cross off eating sugar cane from my list!

December 1, 2013

Happy Late Thanksgiving! And as an early Christmas present to me... I'm not being transferred! and neither is Sister Luke! or Sister Davis and Sister Smith! So we'll all be in the apartment for at least another six weeks! We're all excited and we just found out because the AP's just walked into the computer shop and told us so we're all excited to spend Christmas and New Years together!

We've had another good week! Mostly because, we're not being transferred! And it was Thanksgiving... my first major holiday away from home. But the four of us celebrated together in our apartment. We made mashed potatoes, bought a lechon chicken (sooo good), we also made corn and carrots, and bought a Buko Pie, oreos, and some ice cream for dessert. It was as American as we could get. But so fun. We went around and said what we were thankful for, etc. and made it as homelike as possible. Now that we found out that none of us are being transferred, we'll be able to start decorating our house for Christmas! 

The mission work still continues.... some investigators are progressing, some are not.... the life of a missionary. But we had some really powerful lessons this past week. We also have had some preachers following us around, teaching three different families who are our investigators. But we're not too worried, because obviously we're the ones with the truth :)

T's testimony is so strong already it still amazes me every time we teach him. He is so excited for his baptism this Christmas. The change I've seen in him has been amazing, he truly has the desire to learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every night we go to teach him, he's there reading while he waits for us. Even in the afternoon when the elders walked by, they saw him reading! So basically, he's great.

This past week, we also were able to teach the J family again. They have four little kids and are so sweet. Literally, our first lesson with them, they told us how they've been searching for the truth, and how they'll let anyone who knocks on their door in, because they're searching for it. On our third visit, we were introducing the Book of Mormon. And after explaining a little  bit about it, Sister J turned to her husband and said "What if this is the truth, and it's already knocking on our door?" We have such a good feeling about them.  Right now they are another religion, but when you're open and have the sincere desire to learn, you will, so I feel like that's what will happen with them. I'll give you an update next week what happens!

Also, a miracle happened yesterday at church. Sister Luke and I were sitting up on the stand because I play the piano and she leads, and after the sacrament as we're starting testimony meeting, in walks in Brother P and his daughter F. I almost wanted to cry! I hope he had a good experience. On the Friday before, we had a lesson with him and it's always hard to read him because he asks questions or make comments where I don't know if he's trying to contradict us, or if he's actually being sincere. But we talked about the importance of families, and he was explaining how in the past, he hasn't really been one, but we emphasized how it's what he's doing now that's more important. So, we'll see what he actually thinks when we visit later this week.

For a funny story, both Sister Luke and I got pooped on in one sitting. Right when we were starting, a lizard pooped from the ceiling and it landed on SIster Luke's arm haha. And then after the lesson, I was holding A and A's little birds/chick pet things, and it pooped on my hand! So basically, it's true, when one thing happens to your companion, it's gonna happen to you as well.

Overall, it's been a really great week!  I love you all! And I am truly am thankful for all your prayers, support, love, and packages/letters you send me :) I got Maddy's happy note in the mail and I already sent the other back to you last week so we'll have to see how long mail actually takes to get to you.

xoxo forever

Sister Fitzgerald

November 24, 2013

Maayong Aga liwat!

It's been another good week, but also heartbreaking at the same time. On Tuesday morning D texted us about Sister Bendoy's family and it truly is heartbreaking. During our whole companionship study, I was a teary mess. But from what I've heard from D, Sister Bendoy is doing great. It doesn't surprise me because she's such a strong person. She also told us that Sister Manwaring's sister, who was Sister Bendoy's trainee before me, started a fundraiser for her and her siblings. That's amazing, especially when they raised $5,000 within 24 hours! I know she must be so grateful. We also have about 20ish missionaries who joined us from Tacloban! There's one in our district that we met this past week, and supposedly one or two more in our zone. It's also especially exciting because Sister Maleatoa is in our mission now. She was the companion that joined Sister Young and I for a week in the MTC because she had to stay for surgery. 

Overall though, our week was good! Missionary work is continuing to move forward, and I love it more than ever. Our time as a missionary truly is precious and  I want to take advantage of the limited time we have. But I feel like it's going by so fast... especially because this past week was my five months mark! Where has the time gone?! I love the Philippines and feel so blessed to have been assigned here. It truly is an amazing place.

Transfers are next week so this might be our last week with Sister Luke and I together :( I don't want to be transferred but I've been in the area a while now and President likes to switch trainers after six weeks... but we're hoping I'm staying. Especially because the four of us in our apartment want to be together for Christmas. 

Overview of the week:

1. We're continue to teach our investigator T. He's our last appointment most nights, literally the highlight of our day. Every time we come, he's waiting for us and reading the Book of Mormon. He's preparing for his baptism on Christmas and he truly has been prepared by the Lord to accept the gospel.  Every time we visit, you can just see the light of Christ in his eyes. 

2. We had our first English class this past weekend! The Elders taught the older kids, and we took the younger kids... it was a little iffy at first, but it turned out be a really fun experience and hopefully the kids had fun too.

3. We came home one night to six cockroaches in our apartment. SIX! I can deal with spiders, etc. but cockroaches are the nastiest insects. Sister Luke and I literally spent twenty minutes trying to kill all of them... and it doesn't help they have ten lives. We trapped one in the sink, and it still wasn't dead after having the faucet pour on it for five minutes. But, we survived. Before we moved in, they sprayed something that kills all of them during the night. I don't know how it works, but by morning, they're all on their back dead. We're now starting to collect them underneath the stairs.. we're up to five.

4. I'm now obsessed with Buko shakes. I don't know how to make them, or what even Buko is, but you should try making them at home. they're delicious.

I feel like nothing especially exciting happened this past week to tell you... but do know that I'm happy and loving the mission. Thank you so much for your prayers and support and letters each week. I truly appreciate them. I love you all.

Anyways, I love you all! 

xoxo,

Sister Fitzgerald

November 17, 2013

Family,

It truly has been one amazing week here on the mission, and I know I say that basically every week, but this one has probably been the best one yet. Every day this past week, I've truly seen the hand of Lord guiding and blessing the people here in the Philippines. Even this morning, Sister Luke and I were discussing during studies how blessed we feel to be here in the Philippines. I think of my life and those decisions and moments in my life that have led me to the place I am now, as a  missionary, and all I can think about is how thankful I am for you. Because no doubt, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the amazing examples I've had growing up. I feel so blessed to have grown up with the gospel in my life, and now I truly feel joy sharing it with others. It truly is the Lord's work, and it is so spiritually gratifying knowing that I'm helping Heavenly Father's work here upon the earth. 

This week, I've felt the joy that they always reference in the scriptures. There are so many people that are prepared to receive the gospel, and I feel so honored to be able to dedicate all day, every day, to finding and teaching those who will be blessed with the gospel in their lives. This past week we taught T... I don't remember if I mentioned him last week. We met him, talked for maybe 5 minutes, invited him to church, then the typhoon happened so we didn't see him. Then Sunday morning, there he comes walking in! It was a miracle. But since last week, we've taught him twice. Last night we introduced the Book of Mormon, and before we even explained what we have to do to gain a testimony of it, he was like, you need to pray about it. His testimony is already so strong, but I don't think he even realizes it. We invited him to be baptized on December 25, and he got so excited, he was even like, "I would be baptized on Christ's birthday, yeah!" This whole story might seem so corny, but it was truly the most spiritually gratifying moment. People truly are prepared to receive the gospel, and it just fills me with so much joy, knowing that people are changing and becoming closer to Christ through us. 

Other exciting news, Saturday we were trying to find this less active family that lives in our area. We have the street address so basically every few houses, we'll ask if they know them or where they live. After going down basically the whole street, nobody still knows them. But at one family, when we ask, they're like sorry we only moved in three months ago. So we're talking a little bit, they let us in, we share a little message with them, we invite them to church, and they said yes! Then we got to pick them up Sunday morning, and they're there, with their three teenager girls, all ready for church! It was so exciting. We're going back to teach them tonight and were excited. Those are those most exciting stories I have that happened during the week, overall it's been good and I feel like I'm finally starting to see progress. We have a lot of new investigators, and I'm excited to continue to teach, etc.

As for J, she still doesn't have permission from her dad for baptism. Every time we visit, she takes ten minutes just to explain what she read in the Book of Mormon. It's just heart breaking because she's so ready, yet once again, other people get in the way. 

We heard yesterday that Tacloban missionaries are coming. We think some might be staying at our house tonight... It's heartbreaking. The other day we saw an article talking about it and it had some pictures of the missionaries. Both Sister Luke and I recognized someone we knew in the MTC because the Tacloban missionaries were in our zone there. 

I love you all! I'm safe, and everything is back to normal here in Bacolod after the storm. We even got our water back so no more bucket showers from typhoon water! Life is good. I miss you all but am so glad to be serving a mission! Send my love to everyone!

xoxo,

Sister Fitz

November 10, 2013

Pamilya!!

Maayong aga! This will forever be known as the week that Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines... and definitely far from a normal week here on the mission. It all started on Wednesday, when we were finishing zone meeting, and the ZL's said that there was one last annoucement from President Lopez and prefaced it by saying "Okay, so don't freak out while we read this text from president" so we knew then something bad must be happening. So they read the message that a typhoon was heading towards the Philippines and that we need to get enough food to last three days, and to be prepared to stuck inside starting Thursday night until Saturday. Within two hours, we got another update saying we should have plenty of food, buy candles as well, and that starting that night, we'll not be able to head outside. That afternoon as well, our bishopric called us asking us to go to all our member and less actives, to warn them of the storm and to tell them that they would be able to evacuate to the church at anytime if they feel unsafe and that there would be water and food there if needed. So all day wednesday, we just went house to house. We came home wednesday night, prepared to be stuck inside for a long time. We were inside all day thursday, but other than a little rain, not much happened. We would get updates every few hours, but not that much information, we didn't know when we should expect it, or how strong. We waited all day Thursday, but other than a little rain, nothing. Friday morning is when it got stronger and heavier... and we were told that it would hit around noon, but that during the night it turned a little bit and was heading towards China and we would only get the tail part of it. At 11, the power went out and the it was hard to hear each other because of how heavy the wind and rain was. We finished our studies by candlelight and had PB&J sandwiches for lunch. It was weird being inside for so long... we were all going a little stir crazy, we definitely had cabin fever. We would have studies in the morning as usual, and then just spent the afternoon talking, lounging, etc. Friday afternoon, we got a text saying that we would have a CSP Weekend, and to be prepared to head out the next morning helping fix the damage caused by the storm. But there really wasn't that much, there was debris all over, and several trees fell over, but no major damage to any of the houses in our area. But on Sunday, when we went to church, that's when we learned of how much damage happened to other parts in the Philippines, especially Tacloban, entire baranggays just completely demolished. It' s crazy to think if that had happened here in Bacolod. I don't even know where you would even start to help/clean-up/rebuild an entire city. (I don't know if that made any sense but I don't have time to go back through so sorry if it's all over the place)

So it was definitely one crazy week. But most of Bacolod is okay, not too much damage that we've have seen. Our power came back on Saturday morning, but we still have no running water... we're back to taking bucket showers from rain water, which really isn't that bad but it's hard because we have no water to wash dishes or wash clothes.... So hopefully, it will come back soon. 

It' weird because the two days stuck inside the house, I was reminded of life back at  home. No agenda, no appointments, just a whole day to spend however you want... and it made me realize how easy it is to return back to my life before the mission, to just waste entire days lounging around, which isn't necessarily bad to do some days. But missions are really just a time to reprioritize everything in your life. My mission has helped me see everything so clearly. Everyday during studies, I think to myself "What was I doing with my life before the mission?" "what was I doing with all that time?" I think that's one of the blessings from serving a mission. I've realized what's really important in life, there's so many things that I've already learned from the mission that I don't think I would have learned any other way, or at least wouldn't have learned for a long time.I'm so grateful to have the gospel in my life, to have had the courage and faith to serve a mission, and to be here in Bacolod. And I'm excited, knowing that I still have over a year to continue serving, to continue growing, and to continue sharing the gospel, so they can feel that comfort and love from Heavenly Father I feel every day.

I love you all! 

xoxo,

Sister Fitzgerald

November 3, 2013

Maayong Aga!

It has been such a good week! So spiritually inspiring and so fun. Every week I feel like I was just sitting at the computer writing you, and I know that I probably say that every time, but it's because it's true.

I officially completed my second week as a trainer! Sister Luke is seriously the most inspiring and courageous girl I know. Her batch didn't waste anytime in the MTC because I feel like she knows so much of the language already. She has such a great desire to just head out each day and talk to everyone which I truly admire. At times I feel a little overwhelmed, especially in lessons just because I'm afraid I'm not able to explain something clearly enough for them to truly understand the importance of our message. Especially because everyone in the Philippines already believes in Christ. They already accept him as our Savior and Redeemer and understand how He should be the center of our lives. And that's a blessing, because of course people want to hear a message about Christ, but it's also our struggle, because they think what they're doing now is already enough, that they're already following Christ's example in their life, and that their church and religion is what they need. And it's hard for them to accept or understand about the Restoration, and about Apostasy, and about Priesthood Power, and I feel like maybe they're not fully comprehending that aspect because I'm not teaching it effectively enough. But I'm trying, and I know that what I lack as a trainer, as a teacher, and as a missionary, Heavenly Father will make up for it and help me strengthen those weaknesses that I have. 

On Friday, was Old Saint's Day (maybe Old Soul's Day.... not exactly sure) but all missionaries had the opportunity to proselyte in the graveyards. On that day, families go to the cemeteries to honor those family members that have passed on. So they pack up food/tents/etc. and spend the day on top of the grave of their deceased family members. Sister Luke and I were a little hesitant at first, because how do you just walk up to people as they're sitting on a gravestone, but I'm pretty sure we probably handed out at least 15 lesson two pamphlets about the Plan of Salvation. And we were fed at least four meals from random families we talked to. I've never been so full in my life. But it was definitely a fun experience.

On Saturday, Elder Anderson came! It was definitely an exciting meeting. And even though we were one of the last ones to walk in, they squeezed us into the front row! We got to shake their hands, and I definitely made eye contact with Elder Anderson several times and he would smile. The whole mission was there, all 234 of us. Both Elder Anderson spoke and Elder Clayton, focusing on missionary work and the Atonement. If there's one thing I learned from them and from President Nielsen visiting us last month, is how connected the Atonement is to missionary work. There's so much I have learned about Christ and the Atonement the past couple months on the mission, and I know that there's still so much I have yet to comprehend or maybe never will fully understand. But this much I do know, that Christ is there to help through every aspect of our life. Whether it's to be cleansed through the redeeming power, or be comforted during trials, or to be strengthened through his enabling power as we try to become more like our Savior. Often I feel unprepared or incapable of doing something, especially as I'm training and still learning the language myself, but then I realize that my trust and confidence shouldn't be in myself, but in Christ. Because when you put your faith and trust in him, it's easy to continue, because of course He's able to do everything, and of course he'll help me accomplish what he would do if he was here.

We've seen some progress in a lot of our investigators this past week. I never know what stories to tell you because it seems like they come and go every week, but we found a new family that we've taught twice this past week, and Sister Luke and I are really excited to continue to teach and see what might come of it. In other news, we taught J, the 13 yr-old we've been teaching for a while now. She is one of the sweetest girls I know and one the first investigators  where I've truly seen her become converted to the gospel. She has a testimony already that is so strong of the Book of Mormon and has that desire to be baptized. But the sad news is that this past week, she told us that her dad and grandma said before we ever started teaching her, that we can teach her and she can go to church, but that she can't be baptized. So that was our sad news this past week, but we're not losing hope. We taught about Heavenly Father preparing a way, and I know that as her testimony grows, and as her family sees her desire, that their hearts will be softened and eventually she'll be able to be baptized.

I love you all! And I received my Christmas package in the mail this past week.... do I really have to wait for Christmas? or is this just a Halloween/Thanksgiving present and you're sending another package for Christmas? :)

Anyways, thank you for all your support and love and prayers.

xoxo,

Cami

October 27, 2013

Family!

It's true, I'm training! The assistants called Sister Bendoy and I last Monday, we found out that Sister Bendoy would be transferred and I would stay in the area to train! Pretty much all day Tuesday and Wednesday I both wanted to puke and cry at the same time, but since actually meeting Sister Luke on Thursday, I've felt at peace and almost excited to train and be the one to help not only her but our area progress and grow. At times I definitely feel like I'm not ready, especially when I feel like I just finished training and still have so much to learn, especially regarding the language, but this gives us both an opportunity to learn together and become better and successful missionaries.

This week has definitely been eventful! Sister Bendoy left on Tuesday, I had a temporary companion until Thursday, Sister Luke arrived on Thursday, A was baptized on Saturday (!!!) and now it's p-day again! It's been an adjustment now having an American companion, because now the stares and comments have doubled haha, but it's been fun. This week we've really tried to focus on expanding our investigator pool, and we found the most precious family. We've taught her and her kids twice now, and we're really hopeful that she will progress, especially because she totally accepted the aspect of prophets, about Joseph Smith, and especially Thomas S. Monson today. I felt the Spirit so strongly during the lesson, I even teared up a little bit when Sister Luke was saying the first vision. In that moment, I truly just felt the power of the gospel and the conversion process, and how truly blessed we are to have it in our life. That it truly is for everyone, and as a missionary, I feel blessed to spend each of my days trying to help others realize what we already know. We also taught this older, retired couple last night. We were walking home, and this lady was opening her gate about to walk inside, so we stopped to talk to her. She invited us inside, and we ended up teaching her and her husband. And, the exciting news was that we could do it in English, which was a weird but really fun because I'm so used to teaching in Ilonggo. He had a lot of questions about the Mormon beliefs (maybe because he figured this would be the first and last time he would let the missionaries in) so the lesson was all over the place, but they were both really receptive and I could see their interest to know what we believe. I feel like a lot of the time, especially back at home, people just think Mormonism is just one big secret, but if they actually just took the time to listen, to read and to learn what it is we actually believe, they would realize the truthfulness of it. We're really hoping we have the opportunity to teach them again. J and F also came with us to church yesterday (!) which is always exciting

Now, to tell the story of A's baptism. So Friday, the district leader came to interview him. It was one big hot mess, because at first he wasn't home, so the DL's left, and then two minutes later he arrived home, so then they came back to interview him, and then I didn't bring his teaching record, so we went back home to get it, and then we came back, and almost didn't have the BR but thankfully we did. So he was interviewed and everything was set for Saturday. So then Saturday comes, and there was leak in the water, so the font had brown water... (which wasn't too bad), but then bishop said to wait for him to get there, so the baptism which was suppose to be at 2, started at 3:30....but in the end it was a spiritual and happy experience.  After he was baptized, he shared his testimony, and the Spirit really did testify to me that he was ready, and I felt that joy that I think comes when you know that you're helping Heavenly Father's work here upon the earth. That's definitely something I"ve been thinking about a lot the past couple days, because over and over again in the scriptures it talks about that joy that all these missionaries in the BOM feel while they're teaching. And that truly is what I've felt the past week, pure joy. I truly love being a missionary, and I'm so grateful that I decided to serve, and I truly can't picture myself anywhere else, than here in the Philippines at this time. 

I love you all! Anyways, send my love to everyone! 

xoxo,

Cami

 

Sister Fitzgerald and her new companion, Sister Luke

 

October 20, 2013

Pamilya!

It has been such an eventful and fun week... and although weeks seems to go by really fast, this one seemed to go by especially fast. Literally, yesterday I was sitting in this computer writing you all. 

Week Recap:

Tuesday- We had the earthquake! We were in the middle of our personal studies, and then it started shaking. I look up at Sister Bendoy, and we were like, "It's an earthquake!" and then she basically runs outside. It didn't last too long but I felt like I was still moving for the rest of the morning. It wasn't big enough to do any damage in Bacolod but it was definitely what everyone talked about at every lesson we had later that day.

Wednesday- Mission Tour! Four sisters slept over at our house who live farther away from the city so Tuesday night we had a sleepover, and it was especially fun trying to get eight girls showered and ready before 7 in the morning... but somehow we did it. For mission tour, President and Sister Nielsen visited. We had breakfast, then a separate sisters meeting with Sister Nielsen while there was a leadership meeting with President Nielsen. Then we had a combined meeting for the rest of the morning and afternoon. For the past month, we've been studying the talk "In the Strength of the Lord" by Elder Bednar, so President Nielsen expounded on that. It discusses how the Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us not only redeeming power, but also enabling power. That we can rely on the Atonement to not only be cleansed from sin, which is the redeeming power, but also to strengthened as we try to become better and more Christlike through the enabling power. It's a really good talk (read it!) and it gives several examples of stories in the Book of Mormon that help us understand how we can utilize the enabling power in our lives more effectively.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday- I'm trying to think if anything especially exciting happened the past couple of days... but I think it was just mission life as usual. We're still teaching A and his baptism is planned for this Saturday! We're also still teaching J, and she is just a doll. She's one of our first investigators where I can truly see her desire to learn. Just the other day during our lesson she had a highlighter out, marking her Book of Mormon. She truly has that desire and it's spiritually gratifying seeing someone come closer to our Savior. It truly is a blessing being a missionary and I'm excited I still have over a year to learn, to grow, and to teach and help others come closer to Christ. 

Sunday Night/Monday Morning- So yesterday, our water stopped working... and you don't realize how much you use water until it's gone. So, we wash our dishes from dinner from our bucket of rain water that's been outside for who knows how long. We texted the landlord... but no response. So then we wake up this morning, we still have no water so we can't clean, we can't eat, we can't wash, we can't shower... and we're still sweaty and smelly from yesterday. So basically we're just sitting around until 8.. when we are supposed to start studies. Then finally, the landlord texts us and basically tells us they can't fix it today. So, we ended up taking bucket showers from rain water we filtered through a shirt.... oh the joys of mission life. I'm just hoping we have water soon...

I'm glad that everything is going well at home! Have fun all of you together in Phoenix this week! Enjoy the sun and know I'm sweating too, just half way across the world! Transfers are this week and we should find out tonight if I'm staying in the area, or if Sister Bendoy is... I think I'm okay either way so I'll have to let you know next week what happens!

love you all! 

xoxo,

Cami

October 13, 2013

Family!

Another week has passed! Sometimes it feels like time goes by so fast and it seems like just yesterday I was at the computer typing a letter. I always loving reading your letters about what's happening at home.

Okay, so here's a recap of the week:

TUESDAY: My bag broke! Yeah, I know, I'm really disappointed too, especially because it was my beautiful, black fossil bag! The strap that attaches the sides of the shoulder strap to the bag came undone, don't know if that makes sense so basically it's unfixable unless you have a heavy duty sewing machine... but now I don't know what to do with it. Should I toss it, should I send it home, or should I just keep it until I fly home and try to fix it there? I feel bad because it was expensive! But I bought a bag from the mission for only 500 pesos and it's better anyways, and waterproof.

WEDNESDAY: We had companion exchanges with the STL's (sister training leaders). It was actually really nice to experience a different area and different teaching style. I went to Sister Sander's area (she goes home in November!) and we taught all afternoon, then I spent the night at their apartment, and we had studies together Thursday morning before we switched back that afternoon. I didn't bring any food with me, and she was low on support, so basically we lived off bananas, mangoes, and bread for the whole 24 hours we were together haha. If there was one thing I learned from her is that I just need to talk to everyone- to others on the jeepeney, tricycle drivers, people in tychangges along the road, everyone. She said that with only two months lefts, she feels like it's her last chance. So this week, I'm going to be more courageous. She also said that she wouldn't be surprised if I trained next transfer... I know that a lot of sisters have done that after being trained themselves, but I think I would actually cry for a whole 24 hours if I did. There's still so much I don't know and understand regarding both the language and teaching. But I know that if I am called to train, Heavenly Father will not only help me, but he'll qualify me for the work.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: I got your package! and in perfect time for general conference. All the missionaries loved me with my American candy.... and we might only have one bag left of sour watermelons haha. But thank you for everything, and I've worn my new nightgown every night since then :) 

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: An amazing two days listening to conference. They broadcasted it in our stake center. There were a ton of members for the Sunday morning session, but hardly any for all the others... especially Saturday. Pretty sure there might have been more missionaries in our chapel than there were members. But it was definitely a very spiritually uplifting experience and I can't wait for the Liahona to come out to study their talks further. Saturday morning, two of our investigators came with us. They are sisters. I might have mentioned them before. Her name is J, and she is seriously the sweetest girl. Hopefully she'll be baptized in November! She's so eager to learn, and always has so many questions, but openly and faithfully accepts everything we teach. She's been reading the Book of Mormon, and I know that as long as she continues to seek the witness and the answers she desires with faith, I know she will gain a testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel. We also have had the opportunity to keep teaching A. He was going to get baptized this Saturday, but this past week we learned that he's having surgery today, so we most likely will have to postpone his baptism for later depending on his recovery. But regardless, it's amazing to see people come closer to Christ, for them to learn of the amazing comfort that comes from the knowledge of the gospel.

This week we have our mission tour with President Nielsen! It should be really exciting. This is also the last week of the transfer. I don't know if I'll stay in the area or Sister Bendoy, but we'll find out next Monday!

I love you all. Send everyone my love! Especially Grandpa and the littles!

xoxo,

Cami

October 6, 2013

Mom and Dad,

I can't believe another week has past. Time is going by so fast. This week overall has been good. Some ups and downs but I'm doing okay now so hopefully it will stay that way the rest of the week. 

This past week we had follow-up training with everyone from my batch. It was so fun seeing everyone. I feel like there's almost a special bond between all of us, maybe because we're all experiencing the joys of mission life together, or maybe because we're all experiencing the struggles of mission life together but regardless, everyone seemed so happy, which is how it should be.

The Philippines also created a new requirement for our visas, so all of us Americans had to go the mission office on Saturday to get fingerprinted. It was basically a mission reunion because there was probably about 100 missionaries just talking, waiting to get fingerprinted.. But what was fun was that outside there was SportsFest for the youth in our stake, where they had their cheer/dancing competition. It was so fun to watch, especially because there's this boy in our ward and he's the one that choreographed and taught our ward, so Sister Bendoy and I have been wanting see him cheer forever, and then we finally got our chance.

Our missionary work is starting to progress more than it has in the past. This past week we've really focused on trying to find new families and investigators to teach, and one mom and her daughter even came to church this past week! A, the father of the YSA member in our ward who we've been teaching should also get baptized this month. He's come to church the past month and this past week during one of our lessons, he bore his testimony to us saying he knows that the church and Book of Mormon is true. 

We have general conference next Saturday and Sunday! I'm so excited. There's something so special and spiritual about conference. I think about when we were younger, and how it was just an excuse to have church in our pajamas on the couch, but every since freshman year, it's almost the highlight of my year. I'm so excited.

One funny story this past week, we were walking through one of the neighborhoods in our area, and there's this big group of kids just playing in the road. And then, they all start chanting/screaming "Cana, cana, cana!" which is short for Americans. So basically, I had to walk through a group of thirty kids, all screaming at me. It was funny.

I love you all. I never can think of what to write in these letters but know that I'm happy, and this next week I'll try to write specific things downs so I know what to share to you!

xoxo,

Sister Fitz

September 29, 2013

Family,

It's seriously the highlight of my p-day reading family letters. I love you all so much and miss you all, but I am so grateful to be a missionary right now. I find myself thinking all the time, even though I've been out for three months already, "How did I get here, is this real life?" It seriously feels like yesterday that they made the announcement, and I didn't even know if I wanted to go on a mission or not, but I seriously am so glad that I decided to serve. At least once a day, we'll just walking or I'll be in the jeepney, and my hand automatically goes to my chest, to feel my name tag. I feel so honored every day to wear Christ's name, to be a literal representative of him and a messenger of his gospel. Especially with Maddy already home, and my companion leaving in the next two months, I'm reminded how fast this time passes as a missionary. On our last day in the MTC, Sister Tamang shared her testimony, and she broke down explaining how she's no longer a missionary, how she no longer has the opportunity to wear that badge, and she tried to explain to us how great of a blessing and privilege it is to wear it. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, and I love being a missionary, and I truly feel honored and privileged to wear my nametag every day.

This past week was "family week", which is a big deal here. They've had activities all week at the government building, and special ward activities, etc. Oh my, I do not want to see those pictures from Family Week at the government building. It was raining outside so they moved it inside.... definitely too many people in one building. The place was packed, it was so hot, and after waiting for maybe 45 minutes, they had us sing... so I'm sure I looked like a hot, sweaty mess. But it was definitely a cool experience. We sang "Love at Home" in Ilonggo with the missionaries in our zone. Even though I think it sounded terrible, everyone enjoyed it. 

We've had another good week here on the mission. It hasn't rained as much as last week which has been nice. We continue to teach, and to walk, and to teach, but I don't mean that in a bad way. I love what we do as missionaries. Before the mission, I was like "how can I do this for eighteen months, doing the same thing over and over again every day?" But really, it doesn't even feel like that. I love it. Yes, of course I have bad days where all I want to do is go to sleep, and start over again the next day. Especially when I get frustrated with myself or with our work. But overall, I love being a missionary. Especially when you have a lesson, where your investigator shares her testimony or you can feel the Spirit working with them, and you know that's why you are on a mission.That's why I'm here in the Philippines. That even if it's hard, it's worth it.

Okay, I'm running out of time...

1. Yesterday, I had Pizza Hut for lunch, and McDonald's for dinner. A member after church was like, I have pizza in my car, are you sisters hungry?.... so of course we ate pizza. And then last night the first counselor of the stake president who's in from Sister Van Slooten's ward brought us leftovers and with it he brought us McDonald's.... funniest thing ever.

2. I'm not sick, nor have any sort of boils under my arms.. thankfully. Although I do have a ton of mosquito bites.. but that's kind of inevitable.

3.Seriously, I need a diet plan too. Whoever thought I would lose weight in the Philippines is crazy. I've never eaten as much as I do now.

I love you all!

xoxo,

Sister Fitz

Family Week at the Bacolod Government Building

Missionaries Singing "Love at Home"

September 22, 2013

Family!!!

Seriously, I might be tearing up a little bit looking at the photos of Maddy coming home. I saw them and was like "She would wear that on the plane..." and then read that she changed before meeting mom and dad. That's so exciting. All day Wednesday, I was like, Maddy's on the plane right now heading home, and then all day Thursday, I was like, she's probably already home by now. I seriously can't believe she's home and how fast it has gone by. Don't go too crazy :) 

I'm so glad that Grandma's funeral was so beautiful and that so many came. I truly feel so blessed to have had her in my life and to know that she will be waiting for us on the other side. This life isn't the end, and being on a mission especially, it makes everything so much clearer, to realize the eternal perspective of everything, rather than getting caught up with the mundane, trivial aspects that control our lives. I think that will probably be the hardest part coming off the mission, and something that Maddy's probably dealing with right now.

This week has been both good and bad. 

Monday: Such a fun a P-Day. We went downtown and went shopping at all the secondhand stores and found some cute cheap clothes. We might have also bought pastries and doughnuts for later in the week.

Tuesday: We seriously walked, and walked, and walked, and nobody was home. Out of our seven hours of proselyting, we only had two lessons. It was exhausting. But that night, four sisters stayed at our house for conference the next day, so all eight of us had  pillow talk on the mattresses spread out on the floor. And they're having us a keep the extra mattresses until after the mission tour next month, so we stacked them, and made a couch for the next month.

Wednesday: We had zone conference, and it was really good. I saw all the missionaries from my batch which was really fun, but it was also really spiritually uplifting and inspiring. I think I might have said this once, but President Lopez is seriously the funniest person and such a snuggle bug. 

Thursday/Friday/Saturday: There was a huge storm that would come and go. It seriously sounded like I was at the base of a waterfall, when the rain was especially strong. We got caught out in it one night, and my clothes seriously got soaked. Front and back was completely drenched. I have a picture, but it takes forever to load, so I can't send it this week. I need to buy a new umbrella because it's on the smaller side.... the members always make fun of me because whether I have it or not, I'll get soaked either way.

I love you all and am so excited to think that all three of you are together for the next couple of months. I miss you all, but I'm more grateful than ever to be on a mission. This week especially, I've realized how much I need to grow and I've seen so many things that I can improve and work on as a person. I know more than ever, that I was meant to serve a mission and am grateful for this opportunity, even though it's hard, and it's only gonna get harder.

I love you all!

xoxoxo,

Sister Fitz

Pictures from Zone Conference

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September 15, 2013

Mom and Dad,

It's hard to know what to say because of what's happened this week with Grandma and Grandpa. But I'm so comforted to know that you were able to be there, by her side as she passed. President Lopez called me Friday morning and told me and explained how she was talking about her missionaries up until she passed. My heart is so full of love right now. It's hard being away and not being able to offer that support that I know our family needs right now, but I know that Heavenly Father is by your side, strengthening and comforting you. I'm sending all my love to both you, our family, and especially Grandpa. I'm write him a letter tonight and send in the mail as soon as I can. Please express to him how much I love him, and how grateful I am to have him as my grandpa, and for setting that example for me. I love you all, send my love to our whole family as well.

Other than that, our week has been pretty good. Yes, Sister Van Slooten is training, so we have a new sister in our apartment! Six girls from her batch are training after just completing their own training, so now it's stressing me out because that could easily be me in six weeks... and right now, I'm no where near being ready to train. But I can definitely see how I've progressed in the past six weeks. It's still hard for me to understand them, and half the time they might not understand me either, but I'm trying, and I know that eventually it will come.

On Tuesday I got a package from Maddy and is seriously made my whole week. I might have cried. Seriously, I love our family so much. Especially with Grandma passing this week as well, it makes me realize how lucky I am and how grateful I am to have been given such an amazing family. Your examples, faith, love, and support are the only reason I'm the person I am now. In the little book she made me, there's a picture of us as family, and she wrote, "Relax, we have eternity." The Plan of Salvation is real, and I'm so grateful that we do have eternity together as a family. I might be gone for the next year, but that's nothing compared to that.

Sister Bendoy and I continue to have so much fun together. She actually might be the funniest person I know. The past couple weeks, we sometimes watch The District at night, and one night we decided to make our own video. So the past three nights, we "document" our day, the same way they do. We talk about our day, what we did, how our lessons went... they're so awkward, yet so funny to watch.

This past week our teachings have been good, and we had some investigators come to church which is always exciting. I gave a talk yesterday in sacrament meeting, and being the person I am, I stressed out and gave mostly all of it in English... so I don't think they understood any of it. But I learned my lesson for next time, give it in Ilonggo, even if it's only two minutes long. We also got fed a lot this week, which never happens. On Friday, four out of five lessons, they fed us. Which is usually exciting, if I wasn't already so full. Also on birthdays, they always have spaghetti and cake... we had spaghetti three times this week. So much for losing weight in the Philippines...

I love you all. I'm praying for you always, especially Grandpa right now. Send everyone my love.

xoxo,

Sister Fitz

p.s. HOW IS MADDY ALREADY COMING HOME THIS WEDNESDAY?! craziness.

Bacolod 2nd Ward Missionaries

September 8, 2013

Family,

Transfers are this week. The new batch from the MTC comes in this week. Where has the time gone?! Before I know it, I'll be Maddy with less than two weeks to go! Seriously, when I think of Maddy coming home, it blows my mind, I can't believe how fast her mission has gone by and the same thing is gonna happen to me now. 

We've had another good week here in Bacolod. It continues to be sunny, and then downpour, and then be sunny again, pretty much the weather is bipolar, but we use our umbrellas both when it's raining and shining, so it doesn't really matter. Yesterday, we were stranded at the church for two extra hours because it was downpouring and couldn't go outside without getting completely soaked, even with our umbrellas. We were fasting as well, and I could seriously feel myself getting weaker and weaker because I was so thirsty. But then we came home and feasted. Later that night, we went to go visit these two families, but then we came across this foot-deep puddle across the whole road with no way around it... so we turned around... that's how flooded it was. Usually there's rocks you can tiptoe across, but it was too deep for even that.

Also this week, at one of our recent converts house, two sisters from the YSA came with us and climbed the palm tree to get us coconuts! It was so funny, but they ended up getting five down, so we chopped them open and had coconut juice. It was delicious. Also, we visited Brother J, who is actually a returned missionary, but less active. But he's so nice, and his family makes Puto and sells them at the market. You bake them in banana leaves and they're delicious.  We call them rice cupcakes and he always gives us thirty every time we visit.

We haven't had exchanges yet, but this past week they called two new sister training leader's specifically for our zone, so once a transfer, we'll have transfers with them which should be fun, but also slightly terrifying because I still feel brand new to the whole mission thing. But I'm still surviving :) 

Also, please let Hannah know I got her two dear elder letters this past week! It was so fun to read them and that I'll try to write her back next week!

I still love the mission. On Saturday, the elders had a baptism and we were able to attend. It was my first experience of a baptism here in the mission, and it made me so excited at what's ahead regarding my personal missionary work. I love serving, I love teaching, I love the Philippines. Even though I miss you all, I know this is where I'm supposed to be. 

xoxox,

Sister Fitzgerald

September 1, 2013

Family!

It's September and Christmas Season has begun! Some people already have their Christmas trees up and decorated, we passed a by house covered in white twinkle lights, and yesterday for companionship study, Sister Bendoy and I sang all the Christmas hymns! I'm so excited for the next four months, my first Christmas in the Philippines!

The past week has overall been good. Granted we have our good days and bad days, but I'm focusing on the positive. We're having a hard time finding new investigators, but hopefully things will pick up this week. The girl I mentioned last week, C, she's practically a dream investigator. But we found out this past week that she's leaving for Iloilo this week to visit her dad who is sick, and she's not sure when she's coming back.... so that was a little depressing but she's definitely ready to accept the gospel, so whether it's by us, or by someone else, I think she'll continue meeting with the missionaries. 

The language is still difficult, but I'm trying not focus on it. Some days are more frustrating than others, but I just try to think of what I'll be like six months from now, and how much more I'll be able to understand and say. Also, have I mentioned that no one can say Fitzgerald. Seriously, I've gotten Sister Pit, Sister Switzerland, Sister Erald... that list continues. We also have a less active who calls Sister Bendoy and I, "elders" haha

Yesterday we had stake conference, and the church was packed! They had some RM's and those who have their mission calls, share their testimonies which was a really exciting. It was funny because when Sister A said she was heading to Temple Square everybody just gasped haha, it's pretty exciting news. I also found out that Sister Young was transferred into my district! It was so fun to see her and talk to her.

It's still hot, I'm still sweaty, but I'm still happy. Granted I can't speak the language, and everyone makes fun of my accent, but that's the joy of missionary work, right?- struggling, but growing and knowing you helping the work of the Lord progress.

I love you all!

xoxo,

Sister Fitzgerald

August 25, 2013

Family,

It's so easy to get caught up in my own trials, in my own problems or challenges I'm facing here in the Philippines. But yesterday I had the realization that this mission isn't about me. To stop focusing on what I'm struggling with and instead focus on others, our investigators, our ward members. Everyone has their own trials, their own struggles in life and that's why I'm here- to help them, to give them hope and courage to face them with faith. And then I sit here and read about Grandma and I'm crying, but I'm reminded once again of the trials we each face. It's so hard to hear, but that's the beauty of the gospel- the comfort the knowledge of our plan here on earth gives us. I'm truly am so grateful for Grandpa and Grandma's example in my life. I always love telling stories about them, they seriously amaze me. What they do each day on the farm, what they do each day for our families, they truly are an amazing example of living a Christlike life. Please send them my love. What's kind of funny is that on Tuesday, I was waiting to be interviewed by President Lopez so I was talking to Sister Lopez. And she kept repeating how our families are being taken care of at home, to not worry about what might happen and to just realize how they'll be blessed and comforted even though I might not be with them. And I was sitting there, and in my head I was like, my family is fine, everything is going okay, so what's gonna happen now... And then I read the email. But this is not the end. We're sealed as a family for a reason, and we'll all be reunited once again. I love you all, and I love the gospel.

The rain hasn't been too bad this week, except when we were visiting a family in our ward. It downpoured for about two and a half hours. They had on the news and it showed the floods in Manila. Oh my gosh! The roads were seriously four foot deep in water! Hopefully it never gets that bad here... But to your question on how I stay dry.... usually I don't, but we try.

I'm glad you got to see some pictures on Facebook! All four of us were definitely surprised yesterday to see President and Sister Lopez drive into our church's parking lot... because none of us knew they were coming. But he is seriously the nicest guy, so funny, especially when he was giving us training last Tuesday.

We had another good week with our mission work. Finding investigators is slow, but we're hopeful that things will pick up. President Lopez keeps repeating about how we should harness the power of the members, because they know who are ready to receive the gospel and those efforts are so much more successful than tracting. But within our ward, we definitely have the less active side... I can only think of three families that are actually active members in the church. But this past week we found a sister, C (17), and she came to church and actually read the pamphlet before we even taught the lesson! She's so sweet and so cute, so we're really hopeful that she'll continue to progress. Also, this past week Sister Bendoy had no voice for a whole day. As in she couldn't say a single word... basically the most terrifying experience of my life. Thankfully two sisters from our ward came with us because I'm pretty sure I would have cried because I still can hardly understand them. When they talk about church/gospel related things, I can usually understand them or get the gist of what they're saying, but the whole conversational aspect of Ilonggo... I'm terrible at it. I still usually have no idea of what's happening but I know that the language will come eventually so I'm trying not to let it bother me.

It's weird to think that on Thursday, I'll have been in the Philippines for a whole month! It definitely doesn't feel that long, missions go by so fast. Especially when I think that Maddy is coming home next month... pretty sure she just left. It just comes to show that we really do need to take advantage of every minute while on the mission, because it will be over before we even know it.  

Every day is hard, but every day is so rewarding. I truly love this gospel and I love seeing others come closer to Christ. It's so spiritually gratifying, especially when you see those members you visited come to church, or they say they've read the Book of Mormon between our visits. It seriously makes me so happy because I know how much the gospel can help each of us in our lives. It makes sense why nobody ever wants to come home from their mission, or they miss it, because missionary work truly brings you so much joy and happiness. What's better than helping others come to the knowledge of our Heavenly Father and His plan for us.

I love you all and am praying for each of you. Please send my love to both Grandma and Grandpa too. 

Love always,

Sister Fitzgerald

 P.S. Christmas season has basically begun already. Yesterday we visited a less active sister in our ward, and her Christmas tree was already up! I'm so excited. Here's to four months of Christmas celebrations!

Sister Fitzgerald with her companion and Sister Lopez

Bacolod 2nd Ward

Sister Fitzgerald and Sister Bendoy (her companion)  at a missionary training meeting

August 18, 2013

Family!

So that past week has been really good. The language is coming slowly, but I'm understanding them more and more each day.  We're continuing to teach investigators and visit members in the ward. Sometimes they come to church, and sometimes they don't... the life of a missionary. What's a little sad is that one of our investigators, A, who is really sick, couldn't come to church yesterday because of his health. But he's reading the Book of Mormon which is always exciting, because that's when you know they're really becoming converted. 

So we had a couple days of downpouring rain, and then three days where I'm pretty sure I've never sweated as much as I have in my life. Especially one night when the power went out so we had no fan in our room.... I was so sweaty and it was so gross. But the other day, we were walking home and it had been raining all day. A jeepney drove by, and I was standing right by a puddle--pretty sure you can predict what happened. I got completely soaked by the side spray. Basically what only happens in movies happened to me. The funny thing is that Sister Bendoy just hid behind me so she didn't get wet at all! That probably won't be the last time that it will happen though. I also have a ton of mosquito bites... I tried counting them last night and then gave up. They love my ankles! They're just all around my feet and ankles... not my arms or legs. But I'm trying to be better at using the spray each day. I can't tell if it's actually working or not. When the packet says to bring stuff for 18 months, it's ridiculous. You seriously can find anything you need here. Pretty sure they have more options for shampoo, lotions, face wash, etc. than we do. 

Saturday night we had a Ward Fireside. It was a musical fireside and it's amazing how strongly you can feel the spirit through songs and hymns. 

I love you all! I love missionary work and am really excited to be here in the Philippines. Things are really good with my companion and we find things to be excited for each day. I think it was Thursday, and it was just one of those days where it was just so hot, and nobody was home, and we're walking home... and then we go and buy ice cream--turned into the best day. Definitely what was needed. But I miss you all! I love this gospel and it's amazing how much my testimony grows each day. It's funny because I'm supposed to be teaching others, but in the process I'm learning so much. 

Until next week!

xoxo,

Sister Fitzgerald