f75d8642-2959-425f-a82c-0372ee85278a Sister Hannah Haviland Back to Missionary Letters Kumusta Friends! Time is flying by here in the Naga Philippines mission. I cant believe that it has already been a whole week since I last got to email! This week Sister Morris and I did a lot of looking. Our area is a city area which means people are always busy working. However we were able to find a family this week! The Morada Family is super cute. They have three little kids, the oldest being around five or six and the youngest being seven months old. The only problem with teaching them is I understand less of what they say than most lessons. In my area, the people speak a lot of Bicol, another dialect of Tagalog. I thought learning one language was going to be hard but boy oh boy did that one throw me for a loop. Sister Morada had to leave for a second half way through our lesson, and after she had left Sister Morris leans over to me and said "She is speaking mostly Bicol so I am kind of confused because I am not really sure what she is saying." Sister Morris, welcome to my life here in the Philippines! haha, but it is great. Every day I am beginning to understand a little bit more than the day before. Lucky for me I can understand most of what Sister Morris is saying. In the middle of this very noisy lesson, sister Morris started to testify of the truthfulness of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The room was still very loud, but for me everything started to stand still. My Friends, we are truly so blessed to have the restored gospel here on the earth and I know that it is true with all my heart. If you have not had your own witness, I invite you this week to really read the Book of Mormon and ask God with a sincere heart if it is true. I promise that if you do this, you will receive a witness. God wants to bless us and God wants us to know of the truthfulness of his gospel. this knowledge brings so much happiness! This week we had ward conference which was fun. Ward conference here is a big deal for some reason. Everyone gets extra dressed up for church and most of them actually show up on time! adjusting to "Philippino time" has been a bit of a stress for me. Everything starts thirty minutes to an hour later than it is supposed to. It makes it hard to want to show up on time some times haha! But Sister Morris and I got to participate in the Ward Choir. They start their ward conferences of with the special musical number so that was interesting. We sang "I Feel my Saviors Love" which is one of my favorites! Our Savior truly does love all of us so much and shows his love to us through everything we see and receive. A funny story from this week. When Sister Morris and I walk down the street, we are very often stared at by like....everyone. This particular time however, we were walking down the street and a group of six or seven kids, probably around the age of ten, started staring and pointing at us. As we walked by them, one of the little boys started to talk to us (in English so I actually understood what he said) "HEY! I love your skin! I need your skin! Give me yours skin!" to which sister Morris responded "yeah well I need it more" and then the kids just laughed and continued to walk away. In hindsight, those comments coming from anyone besides a kid would actually be really terrifying. That's all for this week! I hope that you are all doing well. I love hearing from you all and I am so grateful for your support and love. Previous Letter Next Letter

Mesquite West Stake Mesquite East Stake

4a7069fb-3ca3-4c11-be0f-d8fbbacf5288 Elder Maurice Perkins Back to Missionary Letters Wednesday we traveled to Nampula. It was interesting. We went to the terminal where the chapas wait to fill up and we found somebody who said that they would take us. Thirty minutes later he pulls up close by our house we get in and we are in a chapa with the cobrador, and driver leaving Nacala. We did not stop at the terminals because apparently the cobrador was in a hurry to get back to Nampula so the first 45 minutes of the trip we are in a chapa and there is one other person that had gotten on. Usually doesn't happen. Afterwards the chapa started picking up people in the districts (the little villages/ towns outside of the big cities on the road to other big cities). The trip ended up taking around 4 hours and went pretty smoothly. We got in Nampula and stayed in the city with Elder Alapati. This week was pretty good On Tuesday we had a normal day visiting families and teaching. We were supposed to travel however the Zone Conference was moved because of some logistical problems that happened. Wednesday we travelled to Nampula. It was interesting. We went to the terminal where the chapas wait to fill up and we found somebody who said that they would take us. Thirty minutes later he pulls up close by our house we get in and we are in a chapa with the cobrador, and driver leaving Nacala. We did not stop at the terminals because apparently the cobrador was in a hurry to get back to Nampula so the first 45 minutes of the trip we are in a chapa and there is one other person that had gotten on. Usually doesn't happen. Afterwards the chapa started picking up people in the districts (the little villages/ towns outside of the big cities on the road to other big cities). The trip ended up taking around 4 hours and went pretty smoothly. We got in Nampula and stayed in the city with Elder Alapati. On Thursday we had Zone Conference. It was combined with the two zones in Nampula and so everyone was there. I got to see Elder Giauque, Elder Ingman and a few more people. The Zone Conference's theme was about The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The weeks following up to the zone conference we were challenged to read The Book of Mormon prior to the conference. I actually finished the night before the conference. I really enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon and testify of its divinity. I know that it is the word of God. As I read my heart was filled with the Spirit of God. It brought a new spirit to my life and to this work and I saw a significant difference. I testify with all my heart that it was true. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and it was translated by the power and gift of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I know these things because I pondered upon them, studied them, and then asked God, with faith in Christ, if those words really are true. By the power of the Holy Ghost, which filled my heart, I know that The Book of Mormon is true. Friday we ended up going back to Nacala, Elder Gava woke up and was a little sick but said he would be able to manage the trip. We got to the terminal at 9 and left around 10. We got to Nacala at 13. It felt like it went by faster, and once again we were able to sit in the front. After getting home Elder Gava wasn't feeling too good so he ended up sleeping. He slept from 13:45 and didn't wake up until 2 in the morning! After using the bathroom he went back to sleep and then woke up at 8 and we ended up going to a clinic. They said he doesn't have malaria but probably he has a bacterial infection. Make sure and keep him in your prayers! Thanks to some of the members we were able to get some food as well. We were able to attend church yesterday, I gave a talk and afterwards we went home. Elder Gava is still a little sick, however he has gotten a lot better. Hopefully he will be 100 percent in a few days so that we will be able to visit a lot of people this week. Anyways, that was my week. Eventful and not so much at the same time, however, I am getting used to it here in Nacala and am excited for next week! Estamos juntos! -Elder Perkins Previous Letter Next Letter

Mesquite West Stake Mesquite East Stake

94e8cee7-2777-4434-a403-20ad1d07196c Sister Kennedi Ludvigson Back to Missionary Letters Ang Katapusan awkward Well. This is my last email heading your way and to be honest I really don't want to write it because that means it's time for me to go back to America. I can't express enough of my gratitude that The Lord called me to serve a mission here in Cebu East Philippines. That He has allowed me to experience so many miracles and sacred moments. I love this work with all my heart and it wish I could be an elder so I could serve two years. I love the people and this gospel. To be honest I don't really miss my family (sorry mom.) But, I really have caught the spirit of missionary work and I don't want that to change even if I won't be wearing a name tag anymore. I am grateful that I have learned how to study, how to pray, how to hear the spirit, how to love, how to be obedient and in the process I have become a little more Christlike. That pure religion is following the first and second great commandments. This week I have been trying not to let myself think about what lays ahead because it scares me. I keep questioning myself if I have really gave the Lord my whole heart, might, mind and strength. This week I have truly come to understand the Lord's grace. I have made a lot of mistakes on my mission, but I gave it my best and I have faith that the Lord will make up for my weaknesses. Now I am just going to try not to cry everyday this week. THIS GOSPEL IS SO TRUE! OUR SAVIOR LIVES. HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS US AND LOVES US. WE HAVE BEEN SENT TO EARTH AT THIS TIME TO HELP PREPARE THE WORLD FOR THE SECOND COMING OF OUR LORD. I LOVE THE PHILIPPINES! Signing out for the last time, Sister Ludvigson *My homecoming is March 22 at 8 am in Mesquite. All of my people are welcome. See ya'll next Wednesday! tatay Pedro. who is very proud to own 4 bibles and now 1 "mormon bible" Previous Letter Next Letter

1bc9c511-1cdd-4088-9763-32258ed2e887 Elder Kaori Iverson Back to Missionary Letters This week was pretty chill. Not too much happened Funny moment: we had interviews with president on Tuesday. I asked him how I can put off a more confident first impression. He says: *you need to stand up straight with your chin up. I don't want to be culturally insensitive...but IDK if YOUR culture is always standing like this *proceeds to awkwardly stand in a bowing position*." He was completely serious and it was so hard not to laugh at him. I'm thinking in my head "he knows I'm from Nevada right?". Anyways it was super funny😂 Tuesday night I took a pretty hard tumble on my bike due to the rain and my bad angle taking a curb. I scraped up my knees pretty good and sprain my wrist. I still have to call my mission nurse😬. It hasn't slowed down my effectiveness too much. We've been teaching this guy named Johnny. He's progressing a lot and attributes all his happiness to the Lord. He's so cool We found this new couple this week who we taught a sweet first lesson to. I'm excited to see where it's going. The work is great. My wrist hurts. God loves y'all Previous Letter Next Letter

1cef6f67-e0cb-4bdf-a1e3-7bdd0c22acc4 Sister Jamie Bundy Back to Missionary Letters Quarantine Week 22: Last one Well hello. I can't believe it. This is MY LAST weekly email. This last week was the week of lasts. I had my last District Council, my last service project, my last Zone Conference, my last correlation, my last weekly planning, my last sacrament meeting, and today is my last PDay. I had my departing interview and I gave my departing testimony. And throughout it all I have had so many sweet moments that have brought me some closure, which is something that is really important to me. I've been asked numerous times questions like the following: "What's the biggest thing you've learned from your mission?" "Whats the biggest piece of advice you would give?" "What are some of the best experiences you've had?" "Whats the first thing you'll do when you get home?" "What are your plans for when you get home?" HAHAHAHA WHAT? I think it was just yesterday that I was telling people that I was still just a baby missionary and only a couple months out. Lol turns out that it was actually last year. I can't believe its all coming to an end. The time I have left to proselyte is LIMITED. I am seriously just down to hours now and every time I think about it, it makes me a little anxious hahaha. There really will be so many things I will miss about serving a mission and being a missionary. I truly have gained so much from this time and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am so grateful for everything I have been able to gain because of it. I am excited to come home though. Even though it does make me sad to think that its almost over, it also just feels right. I feel ready. Don't know if I'll be saying the same when I'm boarding the lane lol. President Dunnigan gave me a promise about 14 months ago that leaving the mission would rip my heart out....I have yet to feel that so I'm sure there will be more emotions to come hahaha. But anyways I guess I can give you some updates on how my week actually went. It was a really good one to end on. We were VERY busy and it was honestly the best thing ever. On Tuesday I had my last district council. This last district I've served in has been a good one and I've been so blessed to be a part of it. They are all great missionaries and I've had a lot of fun with them. I will miss them. On Wednesday we did some service pulling weeds. It felt pretty good to DO something for once hahaha. I got all sweaty and dirty and even got scratched up. Twas the best. The best part though was when the service coordinator couple were so proud of us and sent the picture we took to President Dunnigan hahahahaha we got rebuked for not wearing masks and because we had more than two companionships there lol. I would say that I felt bad and that I apologized and all that, but then I would be lying to you haha. So yes that's the most rebellious I have gotten on my mission. On Thursday we had a mission tour with Elder and Sister Basset and we had a Zone Conference with them. It was really good and I really enjoyed it. I also had been informed earlier in the transfer that I would be giving my departing testimony at this Zone Conference. So the whole time I was just anxiously waiting for when they would announce for me to go. But then they didn't hahaha. So I was pretty convinced they had either forgotten about me or didn't actually wanna hear my testimony lol. I honestly would not have been surprised for either one of those. On Friday we did some service for the last time at the Food Bank of Delaware and it was really good. I've been goin to that place for a long time so it felt kind of weird knowing that I probably would never see it again. We also had our VERY FIRST, I N P E R S O N N O N M E M B E R lesson on Friday with this SUPER sweet lady named Rosemary! It was amazing! It seriously felt so good to have an in person nonmember lesson. And it was so good for me to be a part of Sister Kent's experience with it as well. It was awesome. She was happy to receive a Book of Mormon and we....well...the other sisters, look forward to meeting with her again and I look forward to hearing about it and eventually attending her baptism. On Saturday I had my departing interview! It was good. YES! President Dunnigan did talk to me about marriage hahaha, which I had no problem with. It was good though. Glad to be ending on a good note. On Sunday I gave a talk in our Zone Church service where I spoke about some different experiences from my mission and then I also finally gave my departing testimony at mission devotional haha. I lucked out though because instead of only doing it in front of my Zone I got to give it in front of my whole mission hahahah just kidding I don't think that was luck because I was dang nervous and didn't know what I was gunna say. But just Heavenly Father always does, He helped me out and gave me the words to say. Well ya'll I think that about wraps it up. Thank you all so much for the love and support you have given me. I can't believe I've made it and I can't believe who I've become because of it. I am changed forever and I'm so grateful because of it. SEE YOU ALL SOON! Love, Sister JAMIE Bundy Previous Letter Next Letter

00ee6472-c24f-4040-a9f3-080ceadecab9 Sister Dantzel Park Back to Missionary Letters A Peruvian Christmas Hey everyone, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that you are preparing for a New Year! My week has been crazy but I don't have a lot of words for it. Let me explain… Bulletpoints ♤ Crazy divis with Primavera, they found a new house and a new pension in the day I was there and moved the next. ♤ Because of the season people just light off fireworks in the middle of the day here :) ♤ Divis with Bolognesi, I was with Hermana Lisintuña <3 She is from Ecuador and is a little ball of energy. I just love her. ♤ Divis with Parachico, I almost died. I got super sick and we had to spend all day inside, when we finally left… you could have found me lying in the middle of the road :) #HnaCastroEsLoLaximo #Ecuador ♤ Christmas, So for Christmas here they celebrate on the 24th until midnight! So we had permission from the President to stay up and see the fireworks. Of course I washed all the laundry in the extra 2 hours I had that night… ♤ It rained, I think this was the second time in my whole mission I have seen rain. I call this a miracle! ♤ A taxi driver told me my eyes are beautiful :) ♤ We sang Christmas Carols as a zone on Christmas eve <3 We went to an empty plaza and only members showed up. And we stood on this super awkward platform? It was super fun! ♤ We watched a bottle rocket fly into someones house… so we went into our and closed all the windows!! ♤ Alexander (a recent convert from Ilo). Found me and gave me a Christmas gift!!! It was so sweet and my only gift I received this year! Spiritual thought Today I am going to write about fireworks!! Fireworks are so beautiful, light up in different colors, can be seen from far away, and are used at night. Like our testimonies full of color and light. We light it with the desire of our hearts to share our knowledge. You can watch the fireworks shoot up in the air with the anticipation of seeing the colors burst into a beautiful shape. You can say the words but they don't burst until the spirit guides in what to say. The feeling of seeing the fireworks is the same feeling I get when I share my testimony. Showing the light of Christ that I know to be true even during the darkest of nights. Every time is just a little different but just as stunning and perfect in every way. I love you guys so much and I hope you can feel the savior's love for you. Have such a Happy New year!!! <3 Hermana Park Previous Letter Next Letter

808b0274-d945-41ec-a922-5618301a5b70 Elder Jaeger Lee Back to Missionary Letters 久しぶり！ Hi Everyone, sorry for sending so many emails. I'll try to tone it down a little. Anyway, I believe my last email was about my earthquake experience whilst on the toilet. I haven't had anything like that happen recently which is unfortunate, but I'm still doing good nonetheless. I was transferred after 3 transfers in Hibarigaoka to a place called Takao. It's technically part of a bigger city, and we just get the mountain part of it. It's quite beautiful. Since my last email I have had 3 more companions. Elder Dingle (Philippines), Elder Souza (Brazil), and now Elder McMillan from Utah. I'm guessing that this area will probably be my last. I have under 4 months left though, so who knows what can happen. I'm looking forward to seeing how this area plays out. Don't wanna bore you guys too much, so I'll end the email here. Mon 4/29/2024 1:42 AM Hi Everyone, sorry for sending so many emails. I'll try to tone it down a little. Anyway, I believe my last email was about my earthquake experience whilst on the toilet. I haven't had anything like that happen recently which is unfortunate, but I'm still doing good nonetheless. I was transferred after 3 transfers in Hibarigaoka to a place called Takao. It's technically part of a bigger city, and we just get the mountain part of it. It's quite beautiful. Since my last email I have had 3 more companions. Elder Dingle (Philippines), Elder Souza (Brazil), and now Elder McMillan from Utah. I'm guessing that this area will probably be my last. I have under 4 months left though, so who knows what can happen. I'm looking forward to seeing how this area plays out. Don't wanna bore you guys too much, so I'll end the email here. Here's my pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rMifwWVf62EWjwaL8https://photos.app.goo.gl/rMifwWVf62EWjwaL8 Previous Letter Next Letter

33ba38a9-3061-407b-8b45-66171eff8ded Elder Ethan Leavitt Back to Missionary Letters Buenas 🙌 welp here I am. Sending another email after like 6 months lol. I made it to Argentina great. I had 3 flights. I left Portland at 1 made it to to Atlanta in 4 Hours and then ran to the next gate because I was going to miss my flight. Was on the Plane for more than 10 hours, hardly slept lol made it to Buenos Aires fine, had a native who work for the church help us buy tickets and check our bags and so and so. My next flight for Buenos Aires to Córdoba was like 1:30 minutes. But made it here just fine haha can't believe I'm here. Definitely feel like I'm still in the US but no one speaks English and idk just weird. But yeah met my comp he's a Native Argentino. Doesn't speak English, has a thick accent and talks really fast lol. But I understand almost every thing he says so thanks to the Gift Of Tounges! Right now we cover 2 areas LAS FLORES Y HOGAR 3 it's pretty safe over here. The President suggests not taking your phone and any belongings with you when working because you will be robbed. My comp was robbed 2 weeks ago.... lol but that's because the thief saw he had a phone. So yea. The Peso to American dollar is like 100 or something but if you brought cash you can change it with these dudes standing outside the bank for over double the price! So I'm loaded now lol. But all is good 👍sad to leave my friends in the states and I hope they know I love them ! ❤ I hit a year in the mission in 10 days so that's exciting! Love yall 💓 lowkey prolly will forget to send a northern email for a while...... Previous Letter Next Letter