*correction:

Sister Jolloso told me it is ulam, not gulam that we eat with rice.

Yeah.

I still don't know Tagalog haha 😂 

Hardest Thing I've Ever Loved To Do

People often say that the mission is the hardest thing they've ever done, but also the best time. I understand this now! It has been a very rough transition for me. I have a bucket shower, rice at every meal, bugs everywhere, a language I don't understand, and they teach differently here. I've been learning a lot more about what humility and faith means. I've been emotionally strained. However, it has also been so joyful! I can't say much in Tagalog, but I can say some. I can testify of Christ, and the Spirit can carry what I try to say to people's hearts. I have seen the gospel of Jesus Christ changing lives, bringing light to people's eyes. We have a baptism this week for Brother Celestino, and committed Sister Juliet and her husband and Sister Abi to baptism as well.

A miracle we had this week, besides the baptism commitments, was that we went to see Sister Abi. Her landlord was drunk and shouted at us, so we went to go a back way to Sister Abi. On the way, we met a family, and contacted them. They let us in, and heard the message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Brother Arnold, one of them, said he hasn't felt the Spirit in a long time, and he will read the Book of Mormon. I hope that they are able to feel the Spirit and change. I'm glad we could get yelled at so we could meet them. :D

My companion is Sister Cuevas. She is amazing, a superb example of a Preach my Gospel missionary. She is very obedient and a great example to me, and so bold. She is very patient with me as I learn and adjust. She's awesome.

So, more about my day to day life here, and random things in my day to day life... 

We have rice at every meal. We ride a tricy everyday to get to our area (I included a picture of a tricy), then we walk everywhere else. We live with another set of sisters, Sister Taneda and Jolloso. Someone served us a whole fish for dinner. The children follow me because I'm so white and a foreigner haha! We asked one of the girls following me where she lived and then went and taught her and her family haha! The children talk to me in English a lot too. Lots here know a little English, but definitely understand Tagalog better. There are street vendors all over, but there's also a store we buy stuff at. It's warm, but not the super hot season yet. 

I testify that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and through Christ we can become more than we thought possible. I know that God loves us and is very aware of us. He knows what we need and how to help us. He is there step by step with us. He sends angels to lift us up. He has strengthened me this week as I adjust and learn. He loves us. 

Love you all!

Sister Keeley​

We had Brother Celestino's baptism this week! It was so cool! You could see in his eyes his faith, humility, and joy. I am so glad he could enter in at the gate. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses lives!

This week was an adventure! I am still adjusting to living in a different country, but I know God is helping me. I am learning that my efforts, with God's help, are enough. I don't need to speak fluently or be perfect at everything for God to be able to use me. 

I know God is aware of each of us! Love you!

Sister Keeley