April 30, 2012
Hi Mom and Dad and Family -
It's been a busy week. Last Wednesday we woke up a 3 and went to the 6 am temple session, the first one of the day. I am not going to lie, not one of my better sessions. I was so tired. I usually am tired because we always go to the first, but this was a new level. I don't remember a whole lot. I just remember the very end, the Celestial room was nice, very relaxing... After the session we did various things and got home at 3 or 4 and straight to work. It was good though.
Friday we had interviews with President Stucki. Just the normal interview, he is a nice man. I wasn't sure what he meant by a few things though. He answered my quetions and gave me advice on things, but, I was a little confused. I wrote down some of it to look back on. President said something along the lines of, "I hear your Tagalog is good. Then so, you have been in San Gabriel for a while, 7 months now... Then said, "Well in a few weeks we will see what the Lord wants of you."
What is that supposed to mean? I don't want to transfer. I have only been in this area 2 months. Anyway, I guess we will see.
I just found that on May 22, Elder Russell M. Nelson will be coming and speaking to us. I will get to shake his hand. He is coming to rededicate the MTC here. That is so exciting! Hopefully I don't get transferred to Palawan.
Binan - it is great! The big thing right now in Binan are the kites or sarangolas. There are so many kites above our area. People just make them and fly them all day long. I think it is summer vacation right now. Weather wise - it sucks. It has been so stinkin' hot lately. Luckily there are lots of little tindahans (part of a house where they sell various things) where we can buy juice.
We are working with Raquel. She attended a baptism for an investigator of the other elders in Binan. Afterwords she said she is super excited to be baptized on May 12. She is progressing super well and we are continuing to teach her. We have gotten super busy and it is hard to keep all the commitments. This week should be better. Things are moving along great.
Fruits - So far, I haven't eaten a whole lot of fruit. Mangos are good, I just never get around to buying any. I think they are in season right now. Of course we eat bananas. I don't know why but we don't eat that much fruit. We have it if members give it to us but that's about it. As far as calamansi juice, none so far. Weird huh?
Mother's Day - It sounds exciting! Sorry for the scattered letter. This keyboard is super hard to press and it's being difficult. Elder Thurgood goes home in 2 months, today we went to the city to shop. It has been a long day. One elder from Elder Thurgood's group is from Mesa - Elder Hyde. There is a sister in our branch that is serving in Elder Pearson's mission. Her name is Sister Tating. She is the district president's daughter. Thanks for the email, and letters. I enjoy reading Elder Garrison's experiences. I hope you all have a great week.
Love, Elder Woolf
April 23, 2012
Hi Family -
This week has been pretty good - busy. We had a good temple tour on Saturday It want well. All is now good with our apartment and it is pretty nice. I like it. The Fabillar family didn't go to church. They had a neighbor die and funerals are a big deal, so hopefully next week they will come.
So this week we found two new less active part member families. One is the Espillardo family. A member told us to go visit them. They have two kids not yet baptized. The kids are 10 and 8. They are super smart and the whole family came to church on Sunday. So hopefully they will return to activity. I think they can see how important church is now. They are a great family. The other family is the Villanueva family. The mom and dad are the only members. They have 6 kids. The older three are boys and older than the rest. They are 16, 15 and 13. The younger three are two girls 6 and 4 and a youngest boy about 2. The elder's quorum president showed us their house and we taught them later. They are a good family. The dad and the 3 oldest went to church on Sunday. Mom was sick and so the younger 3 stayed home. We also taught them after church on Sunday. The dad is very thankful that we, the missionaries, and the elder's quorum president take the time to come and visit him and his family. They are super cool. Hopefully they will continue to progress.
This week should be good too. We our temple day on Wednesday and then interviews with President Stucki on Friday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIANNE AND ETHAN!!!
Have a good week and good luck on all your adventures this week. Love, Elder Woolf
April 16, 2012
Hi Family -
So today...we moved. Hooray! It was a long day though. We took 2 trips to the new apartment. We rented a jeepney from a member in Carmona. After the first trip and loaded up the second, the two missionary couples came. We cleaned the whole house and it was pretty dirty. It probably hadn't been cleaned for a year. It all worked out. It's a little sad because our new apartment still isn't finished. We just needed to be out of this one. Hopefully tomorrow we will finish up the new house and get everything set up on Wednesday. It is good to be out. Nanay, the landlady of our old apartment, who is a member, wanted us to repaint the whole house and other weird things like replace the bed frames. The missionaries have lived there for 12 years. Obviously there is going to be wear and tear. It happens with all houses.
Anyway, we are out now. Our new apartment is cool and will be even better when it is finished. It has 3 floors and is in a gated community with guards. Our new landlord is also a member, less active, but coming back. It is super quiet except for the roosters across the street. It is all good though. I like it and it will be good when all is settled and the renovations are finished.
Other than that exciting event, it has been a pretty normal week. Teaching lots of less actives. Searching for less actives that disappeared off the face of the earth. Teaching super great investigators who are super ready. Talking to lots of people. Dodging tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys and tons of people, and enduring the "hey Joe's."
The cool experience of the week: We are teaching a tatay (father), and his name is Salvador Fabillar. He is 56 or so. He can't read and he is waiting for his kids to buy him reading glasses. One son, Val, was baptized maybe a year ago. Then his wife was also baptized. On my first day in Binan another son named Jun was baptized and he is progressing pretty well. We are the first missionaries he has listened to. He hid from Elder Welch and the other Elders because he has sores on his skin from years of hard work. This week we taught about our purpose in life and then left him 2 Nephi 31 to read. When we came back he had reading glasses that Val had bought for him and he had read 2 Ne. 31. He said as he read about baptism he realized he needs to change. He smokes and drinks but he is going to stop now. He wants to be a better person now. It was super cool. He already has a baptismal date for May 5 but now he is getting closer to being ready for it. Cool stuff.
Missionary work is pretty awesome. Binan is fun. Lots of good work going on and lots of progress. The members here are way great. We have good branch missionaries and nice members who are ready to work. Hopefully the less actives will continue to return and we can grow the branch.
You asked about the strangest thing I've eaten: I haven't eaten anything that weird here in the Philippines. I generally don't search for those things and we have good members that haven't asked me to eat anything weird. I have eaten some new stuff like a whole fish, littlish ones. They are called "dying", a dried fish that is pretty salty. The head is a little crunchier but good. Then there is ampalaya or bittermelon. It tastes very bitter (strange huh?) and it leaves a very unique after taste that is gross. I have also eaten some weird chocolate rice porridge that didn't taste good. Elder Welch and I had to force it down and try hard not to loose it. No Balut yet. We only get that once before we leave.
Mom, I guess I didn't tell you that Katie West smuggled In-n-Out for me and my companion at the MTC? I thought I did. Thank you again Katie. It was really good.
Marianne and Ethan - Malapit na ang birthday mo. Excited ako para sa inyo. Ang susunod na lingo. Sasabihin ko maligayang bati sa inyong dalawa. Pero ngyon...Astig!!! Have a great week prior to your birthday. Just sharing some Tagalog.
I will try and send some pictures next week. I pulled out money Saturday so just check and make sure everything is good.
Oh and guess what, I guess that is another Elder Woolf in the mission. He is brand new and I don't know anything other than that his name is Kayden Woolff. So the office will be pretty confused and might mix up our mail. Well, I love you and until next week when we can talk again.
Love Elder Kevin Woolf
So today...we moved. Hooray! It was a long day though. We took 2 trips to the new apartment. We rented a jeepney from a member in Carmona. After the first trip and loaded up the second, the two missionary couples came. We cleaned the whole house and it was pretty dirty. It probably hadn't been cleaned for a year. It all worked out. It's a little sad because our new apartment still isn't finished. We just needed to be out of this one. Hopefully tomorrow we will finish up the new house and get everything set up on Wednesday. It is good to be out. Nanay, the landlady of our old apartment, who is a member, wanted us to repaint the whole house and other weird things like replace the bed frames. The missionaries have lived there for 12 years. Obviously there is going to be wear and tear. It happens with all houses.
Anyway, we are out now. Our new apartment is cool and will be even better when it is finished. It has 3 floors and is in a gated community with guards. Our new landlord is also a member, less active, but coming back. It is super quiet except for the roosters across the street. It is all good though. I like it and it will be good when all is settled and the renovations are finished.
Other than that exciting event, it has been a pretty normal week. Teaching lots of less actives. Searching for less actives that disappeared off the face of the earth. Teaching super great investigators who are super ready. Talking to lots of people. Dodging tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys and tons of people, and enduring the "hey Joe's."
The cool experience of the week: We are teaching a tatay (father), and his name is Salvador Fabillar. He is 56 or so. He can't read and he is waiting for his kids to buy him reading glasses. One son, Val, was baptized maybe a year ago. Then his wife was also baptized. On my first day in Binan another son named Jun was baptized and he is progressing pretty well. We are the first missionaries he has listened to. He hid from Elder Welch and the other Elders because he has sores on his skin from years of hard work. This week we taught about our purpose in life and then left him 2 Nephi 31 to read. When we came back he had reading glasses that Val had bought for him and he had read 2 Ne. 31. He said as he read about baptism he realized he needs to change. He smokes and drinks but he is going to stop now. He wants to be a better person now. It was super cool. He already has a baptismal date for May 5 but now he is getting closer to being ready for it. Cool stuff.
Missionary work is pretty awesome. Binan is fun. Lots of good work going on and lots of progress. The members here are way great. We have good branch missionaries and nice members who are ready to work. Hopefully the less actives will continue to return and we can grow the branch.
You asked about the strangest thing I've eaten: I haven't eaten anything that weird here in the Philippines. I generally don't search for those things and we have good members that haven't asked me to eat anything weird. I have eaten some new stuff like a whole fish, littlish ones. They are called "dying", a dried fish that is pretty salty. The head is a little crunchier but good. Then there is ampalaya or bittermelon. It tastes very bitter (strange huh?) and it leaves a very unique after taste that is gross. I have also eaten some weird chocolate rice porridge that didn't taste good. Elder Welch and I had to force it down and try hard not to loose it. No Balut yet. We only get that once before we leave.
Mom, I guess I didn't tell you that Katie West smuggled In-n-Out for me and my companion at the MTC? I thought I did. Thank you again Katie. It was really good.
Marianne and Ethan - Malapit na ang birthday mo. Excited ako para sa inyo. Ang susunod na lingo. Sasabihin ko maligayang bati sa inyong dalawa. Pero ngyon...Astig!!! Have a great week prior to your birthday. Just sharing some Tagalog.
I will try and send some pictures next week. I pulled out money Saturday so just check and make sure everything is good.
Oh and guess what, I guess that is another Elder Woolf in the mission. He is brand new and I don't know anything other than that his name is Kayden Woolff. So the office will be pretty confused and might mix up our mail. Well, I love you and until next week when we can talk again.
Love Elder Kevin Woolf
April 8, 2012
Hi Family -
So, you would like me to tell you some stories of what is happening here...let's see. We were able to baptize Joanna Pasion. She is 8 and her mom is less active. She is a cute little girl and she is super smart. She remembers the things we teach her and she is reading in 2 Nephi now. It is cool.
We have a family in one area called the Basa family. They are really nice. They have a girl staying with them whose name is Raquel and she isn't a member. She is our golden investigator. Her first Sunday at church was Fast Sunday and she said she felt that it was right, she liked partaking of the Sacrament. We have taught her only a few times and she loves the messages. She believes it all. When we gave her a baptismal date, she had a big smile on her face. She went to General Conference and loved the spirit she felt from the speakers. It is pretty freaking cool. She should be baptized on May 5.
So, Holy Week (the week before Easter) - People really like holy week, I think it gives them an excuse to party, sad when it's called "holy" week. There are lots of drunk people and lots of fights especially in the poorer areas. On Friday we went to one of our areas called Malaban. It is a poorer area. We went to a members house and the mom told us we should get out of Malaban because of all the drunks and fights. I guess just before we got to their house there was a fight. While we were there talking, her less active sister came home. She was way drunk. She made her way by Elder Thurgood and I and stopped. She looked at us and then she smiled and said hi. After saying hi, she started crying. Then she told us about how she is a bad person. It was a super weird conversation. She said she is a master drinker or something like that. She also said that our church has demons in it, because of plastic members or something. We talked to her for a while. We found out that she was offended by gossip. Elder Thurgood was very bold and forceful and told her that if she wanted to change, she needed to come back to church. It was a strange experience. She knew her English even though she was drunk.
On Friday we also went to the main square of Binan or Beyernes Santo. There were lots of saints and stuff on parade. We didn't see anyone nailed to the cross and we missed all the guys whipping themselves. Although on Sunday the main road going back towards our apartment had lots of mysterious spots on the asphalt. It was hard to get people to church because of all the Catholic things going on. But, now it is over for a year.
Conference was great. I liked Elder Hollands and Elder Uchtdorfs talks about forgiveness. I liked Elder Oaks talk about being grateful. Anyway, I really liked conference.
We should be moving out of this apartment this week. Our new apartment is complete on the inside, but the outside just hasn't been painted. It got stalled because of holy week. That shouldn't interfere with us moving in. This morning we started the big clean. I cleaned the bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in a long time...it was gross. We put some muriatic acid on the walls to try and get rid of some grime. Glad to be leaving soon.
You asked about our water, we have good filters here in the mission. In this apartment we have a stage 3 water filter that is good and reliable. Better than the 1 stage we had in San Gabriel. It isn't a problem.
Happy Birthday Saxon!!! - April 8.20 ka na!!!
You asked about finances, so the last time I pulled out money I bought 2 caribou belts and a wall of hollow block and cement. I just want to have money for souvenirs I find along the way. I don't foresee any more walls being built in the near future so I think I won't have to take out more money for a little while.
Keep me updated on how the family is doing. I wish I could see the video of Curtis, but oh well. I hope you have a great week and that you enjoyed my stories. I love you and wish Megan luck on the ACT. Dad, keep me posted on that lady in Rizal City. Wherever that is. Maybe I will go there someday.
Love Elder Woolf
So, you would like me to tell you some stories of what is happening here...let's see. We were able to baptize Joanna Pasion. She is 8 and her mom is less active. She is a cute little girl and she is super smart. She remembers the things we teach her and she is reading in 2 Nephi now. It is cool.
We have a family in one area called the Basa family. They are really nice. They have a girl staying with them whose name is Raquel and she isn't a member. She is our golden investigator. Her first Sunday at church was Fast Sunday and she said she felt that it was right, she liked partaking of the Sacrament. We have taught her only a few times and she loves the messages. She believes it all. When we gave her a baptismal date, she had a big smile on her face. She went to General Conference and loved the spirit she felt from the speakers. It is pretty freaking cool. She should be baptized on May 5.
So, Holy Week (the week before Easter) - People really like holy week, I think it gives them an excuse to party, sad when it's called "holy" week. There are lots of drunk people and lots of fights especially in the poorer areas. On Friday we went to one of our areas called Malaban. It is a poorer area. We went to a members house and the mom told us we should get out of Malaban because of all the drunks and fights. I guess just before we got to their house there was a fight. While we were there talking, her less active sister came home. She was way drunk. She made her way by Elder Thurgood and I and stopped. She looked at us and then she smiled and said hi. After saying hi, she started crying. Then she told us about how she is a bad person. It was a super weird conversation. She said she is a master drinker or something like that. She also said that our church has demons in it, because of plastic members or something. We talked to her for a while. We found out that she was offended by gossip. Elder Thurgood was very bold and forceful and told her that if she wanted to change, she needed to come back to church. It was a strange experience. She knew her English even though she was drunk.
On Friday we also went to the main square of Binan or Beyernes Santo. There were lots of saints and stuff on parade. We didn't see anyone nailed to the cross and we missed all the guys whipping themselves. Although on Sunday the main road going back towards our apartment had lots of mysterious spots on the asphalt. It was hard to get people to church because of all the Catholic things going on. But, now it is over for a year.
Conference was great. I liked Elder Hollands and Elder Uchtdorfs talks about forgiveness. I liked Elder Oaks talk about being grateful. Anyway, I really liked conference.
We should be moving out of this apartment this week. Our new apartment is complete on the inside, but the outside just hasn't been painted. It got stalled because of holy week. That shouldn't interfere with us moving in. This morning we started the big clean. I cleaned the bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in a long time...it was gross. We put some muriatic acid on the walls to try and get rid of some grime. Glad to be leaving soon.
You asked about our water, we have good filters here in the mission. In this apartment we have a stage 3 water filter that is good and reliable. Better than the 1 stage we had in San Gabriel. It isn't a problem.
Happy Birthday Saxon!!! - April 8.20 ka na!!!
You asked about finances, so the last time I pulled out money I bought 2 caribou belts and a wall of hollow block and cement. I just want to have money for souvenirs I find along the way. I don't foresee any more walls being built in the near future so I think I won't have to take out more money for a little while.
Keep me updated on how the family is doing. I wish I could see the video of Curtis, but oh well. I hope you have a great week and that you enjoyed my stories. I love you and wish Megan luck on the ACT. Dad, keep me posted on that lady in Rizal City. Wherever that is. Maybe I will go there someday.
Love Elder Woolf
March 11, 2012
Hi Family -
Wow. Looks like you guys are going to have a nice, busy week. Sounds like fun. I have always wanted to go to the arches. Maybe I will have to take a road trip when I get home. Anyway, awesome. Congratulations to Emily and congratulations to Travis on their marriages. Also, Happy Birthday to Grandma on the 17th. Good luck with everything at work Dad. I know that if the deal goes through or if it doesn't the Lord knows what is best for you. I encourage you to make sure you have some Book of Mormons whenever you go on your trips just in case. Always be ready and always search for those opportunities. Actually I encourage all of you to have a Book of Mormon and search for a way to share it. Pray and think about it. At least have access to it so you can give it out. You never know who God will put into your path. Just give it a try.
So Haley and Cole come soon. That is exciting. Have lots of fun. Tell baby Cole I say hello. Tell Connor good luck and have fun on his mission. Thanks for the update on Elder Haycock and Elder Garrison. That is some exciting stuff.
So San Gab. My companion is great. We get along great and have lots of good times. We are teaching well together. He helps me to keep speaking and gets me to the gym to play basketball. It isn't that I don't want too, but when I get a companion that likes that too, it makes things easier. We are still teaching some big families. The Quieta famiy is a mom and dad and 6 girls. They are one of my favorite investigators. They are progressing slowly but surely. Just making sure they are reading and working on getting them to church. Now the oldest has a job making her work until 8 or 9. So we teach mom, dad, and #3. The younger girls listen too. #5 reads all the time, she is 6 or 7 yrs. old. The other family I love in the Gacusan family. A nanay (mother) and her 3 or 4 children. #1 now lives in Bulihan with her asawa (spouse). #2 gets home form work about 8 so that is usually when we teach them. #3 and 4 read a lot. Nanay reads too and they love the lessons. We just have a hard time getting them to church. They are great families. Hopefully it makes sense. If not I will send some pictures and try to clear things.
Things are warm here. Today it is cloudy and a bit rainy. It is becoming summer. You asked about the creepy crawly things I've seen, I have seen some big worms. I have seen a really small praying mantis. That was cool. I saw a cool redish pink dragon fly. I saw some orange bug and I have seen lots of big cockroaches.
I hope you have a good week and I hope to see some pictures next week. love, Elder Woolf
Wow. Looks like you guys are going to have a nice, busy week. Sounds like fun. I have always wanted to go to the arches. Maybe I will have to take a road trip when I get home. Anyway, awesome. Congratulations to Emily and congratulations to Travis on their marriages. Also, Happy Birthday to Grandma on the 17th. Good luck with everything at work Dad. I know that if the deal goes through or if it doesn't the Lord knows what is best for you. I encourage you to make sure you have some Book of Mormons whenever you go on your trips just in case. Always be ready and always search for those opportunities. Actually I encourage all of you to have a Book of Mormon and search for a way to share it. Pray and think about it. At least have access to it so you can give it out. You never know who God will put into your path. Just give it a try.
So Haley and Cole come soon. That is exciting. Have lots of fun. Tell baby Cole I say hello. Tell Connor good luck and have fun on his mission. Thanks for the update on Elder Haycock and Elder Garrison. That is some exciting stuff.
So San Gab. My companion is great. We get along great and have lots of good times. We are teaching well together. He helps me to keep speaking and gets me to the gym to play basketball. It isn't that I don't want too, but when I get a companion that likes that too, it makes things easier. We are still teaching some big families. The Quieta famiy is a mom and dad and 6 girls. They are one of my favorite investigators. They are progressing slowly but surely. Just making sure they are reading and working on getting them to church. Now the oldest has a job making her work until 8 or 9. So we teach mom, dad, and #3. The younger girls listen too. #5 reads all the time, she is 6 or 7 yrs. old. The other family I love in the Gacusan family. A nanay (mother) and her 3 or 4 children. #1 now lives in Bulihan with her asawa (spouse). #2 gets home form work about 8 so that is usually when we teach them. #3 and 4 read a lot. Nanay reads too and they love the lessons. We just have a hard time getting them to church. They are great families. Hopefully it makes sense. If not I will send some pictures and try to clear things.
Things are warm here. Today it is cloudy and a bit rainy. It is becoming summer. You asked about the creepy crawly things I've seen, I have seen some big worms. I have seen a really small praying mantis. That was cool. I saw a cool redish pink dragon fly. I saw some orange bug and I have seen lots of big cockroaches.
I hope you have a good week and I hope to see some pictures next week. love, Elder Woolf
March 4, 2012
Hi Family -
I am sorry you are sick Mom. I hate being sick. I hope you feel better. I am glad that Connor is preparing to go on a mission. It is awesome. It definitely is one of the best decisions I have made. I have made friends with people I never would have been friends with. I am meeting people, teaching, and feeling the spirit so strong. There are awesome people in the church. It is hard to see so many less active members not come to church. To see people lose that light they had before is so heartbreaking. But to see people who become converted and who come back to the fold is such a happy, exciting experience. It is awesome.
Oh, and make sure to tell grandma I dunked one for her:) I love you grandma. I hope you are happpy and that you know I love you lots.
It sounds like Megan is going on some date and having fun. Congratulations on getting your license Megan. I wish you the best. High school is pretty fun and goes by so quickly.
So Dad, sounds like you are going to Canada quite a bit. How nice to go to the cool north, escape the heat. It is hot in Arizona and it's hotter here. I just hope I stay in the province for the summer because I won't be as hot.
Life is good. I just baptized Sister Eddielyn and Sister Leticia. They are a good family. I wish we could teach the husband. He works until 9 or so, bummer. Pres. and Sis. Stucki came to my branch on Sunday. He had lots of interviews to do for the Melchizedek Priesthood and for temple recommends, etc. We have a good branch. The sacrament hall was pretty full today. We need to improve in full tithe payers and temple recommend holders. We are doing what we can to encourage the less actives to come back and keep teaching our referrals and stay on everything. It is fun. Good work is going forth here.
I love you lots. I hope you can get a little feel for how my life is. I hope next time I can hear more about my siblings in the other states. I would love to get letters. Love you lots and hope you have a great week. love Elder Woolf
I am sorry you are sick Mom. I hate being sick. I hope you feel better. I am glad that Connor is preparing to go on a mission. It is awesome. It definitely is one of the best decisions I have made. I have made friends with people I never would have been friends with. I am meeting people, teaching, and feeling the spirit so strong. There are awesome people in the church. It is hard to see so many less active members not come to church. To see people lose that light they had before is so heartbreaking. But to see people who become converted and who come back to the fold is such a happy, exciting experience. It is awesome.
Oh, and make sure to tell grandma I dunked one for her:) I love you grandma. I hope you are happpy and that you know I love you lots.
It sounds like Megan is going on some date and having fun. Congratulations on getting your license Megan. I wish you the best. High school is pretty fun and goes by so quickly.
So Dad, sounds like you are going to Canada quite a bit. How nice to go to the cool north, escape the heat. It is hot in Arizona and it's hotter here. I just hope I stay in the province for the summer because I won't be as hot.
Life is good. I just baptized Sister Eddielyn and Sister Leticia. They are a good family. I wish we could teach the husband. He works until 9 or so, bummer. Pres. and Sis. Stucki came to my branch on Sunday. He had lots of interviews to do for the Melchizedek Priesthood and for temple recommends, etc. We have a good branch. The sacrament hall was pretty full today. We need to improve in full tithe payers and temple recommend holders. We are doing what we can to encourage the less actives to come back and keep teaching our referrals and stay on everything. It is fun. Good work is going forth here.
I love you lots. I hope you can get a little feel for how my life is. I hope next time I can hear more about my siblings in the other states. I would love to get letters. Love you lots and hope you have a great week. love Elder Woolf
February 27, 2012
Hi Family -
Time does seem to fly fast. I just try to keep working hard everyday. It has been lots of fun. Mom, I am glad you are starting to do indexing. Bringing the work of salvation to others through Family History. Yea, missionary work again! So Haley still has the power. That is cool that you guys get to hang out for two weeks. That should be lots of fun. When is that going to be? Good stuff, send pictures.
So on Wednesday we had transfer day. My new companion is Elder Thurgood. He is from Layton, Utah. He is tall. He is really nice and a good missionary. He has until the end of June before he goes home. We already get along great. It should be a good transfer. So this is my 2nd American. Well, Elder Kaka was a New Zelander so that is sort of close, anyway.
Health issues - I am doing good. My LBM is gone for now. Hopefully I am getting used to the food. The food here is good and I am trying to be careful. I pray lots. Don't worry. Eating 10 banana muffins was definitely a good idea. It was super funny. As far as weight goes...I have lost 20 pounds. so we will see if that is good or not.
So the mass wedding was held at a big covered basketball court and the mayor performed the marriages. You asked about the baptisms. The members give the talks and do everything. The Elders just baptize. We have a good branch. Good things will happen here.
Danao Family - So Sister Latecia and her daughter Eddielyn are ready to be baptized. They will have their interview on Tuesday and will be baptized on Saturday. I will be baptizing both of them. It will be very cool and I am excited. I just hope Sister Latecia remembers everything, she forgets things sometimes, but no problems of worthiness. Anyway, it will be good, they have come to church and they are awesome.
So this week it has been hotter than it was. I guess it is starting to become summer. There are lots of hills and some days I get super tired after going up and down all day. Some days we get punted from everything because people are busy and other days we teach all our appointments. The Filipino people are very nice and very hospitable. The only thing that bugs me some days are all the "Hey Joe's" that we get. I try not to let it bother me. Life is good.
Last night we went to Makati for a fireside. We got a ride with the Bulihan Branch. Sister Ann Dibbs spoke to us. I was 4 rows from the front and it was cool. She told lots of stories about her father the Prophet. She said that by telling lots of stories she could help us understand our Prophet better and gain a stronger testimony of him. It was really good. Some random stuff, but you could really feel the love and power of President Monson. He truly is a great man. Sister Dibbs was 9 yrs. old when President Monson first became a member of the 12. I have a greater love for the Prophet. He is truly called of God and he is truly an example of Christ. In all he does, he looks to the Savior. I am more excited for Conference. It is so close and that is crazy.
Anyway, I love you Mom, I love you Dad, I love you Rob and Marianne and Curtis and Heidi. I love you Lindsay and Ethan. I love you Haley and Sam and Cole. I love you Megan. I try to pray for you everyday. I hope you all have a great week and that you know that I am in the right place. I am where the Lord needs me. I love the Filipino people. They are great. I wish you the best. Love, Elder Woolf
Time does seem to fly fast. I just try to keep working hard everyday. It has been lots of fun. Mom, I am glad you are starting to do indexing. Bringing the work of salvation to others through Family History. Yea, missionary work again! So Haley still has the power. That is cool that you guys get to hang out for two weeks. That should be lots of fun. When is that going to be? Good stuff, send pictures.
So on Wednesday we had transfer day. My new companion is Elder Thurgood. He is from Layton, Utah. He is tall. He is really nice and a good missionary. He has until the end of June before he goes home. We already get along great. It should be a good transfer. So this is my 2nd American. Well, Elder Kaka was a New Zelander so that is sort of close, anyway.
Health issues - I am doing good. My LBM is gone for now. Hopefully I am getting used to the food. The food here is good and I am trying to be careful. I pray lots. Don't worry. Eating 10 banana muffins was definitely a good idea. It was super funny. As far as weight goes...I have lost 20 pounds. so we will see if that is good or not.
So the mass wedding was held at a big covered basketball court and the mayor performed the marriages. You asked about the baptisms. The members give the talks and do everything. The Elders just baptize. We have a good branch. Good things will happen here.
Danao Family - So Sister Latecia and her daughter Eddielyn are ready to be baptized. They will have their interview on Tuesday and will be baptized on Saturday. I will be baptizing both of them. It will be very cool and I am excited. I just hope Sister Latecia remembers everything, she forgets things sometimes, but no problems of worthiness. Anyway, it will be good, they have come to church and they are awesome.
So this week it has been hotter than it was. I guess it is starting to become summer. There are lots of hills and some days I get super tired after going up and down all day. Some days we get punted from everything because people are busy and other days we teach all our appointments. The Filipino people are very nice and very hospitable. The only thing that bugs me some days are all the "Hey Joe's" that we get. I try not to let it bother me. Life is good.
Last night we went to Makati for a fireside. We got a ride with the Bulihan Branch. Sister Ann Dibbs spoke to us. I was 4 rows from the front and it was cool. She told lots of stories about her father the Prophet. She said that by telling lots of stories she could help us understand our Prophet better and gain a stronger testimony of him. It was really good. Some random stuff, but you could really feel the love and power of President Monson. He truly is a great man. Sister Dibbs was 9 yrs. old when President Monson first became a member of the 12. I have a greater love for the Prophet. He is truly called of God and he is truly an example of Christ. In all he does, he looks to the Savior. I am more excited for Conference. It is so close and that is crazy.
Anyway, I love you Mom, I love you Dad, I love you Rob and Marianne and Curtis and Heidi. I love you Lindsay and Ethan. I love you Haley and Sam and Cole. I love you Megan. I try to pray for you everyday. I hope you all have a great week and that you know that I am in the right place. I am where the Lord needs me. I love the Filipino people. They are great. I wish you the best. Love, Elder Woolf
February 2012
Elder Welch and I with Sister Beverly and Sister Joyceln and another family member with lots of kids.
Elder Welch and I and the Danao family - Latecia and Eddielyn. They are awesome.
Elder Welch and I and the Quieta family. They are progressing. They are really nice and hopefully will get baptized soon.
Elder Thurgood and I
February 20, 2012
Hi Family -
Is it a holiday? That is cool. Thanks for the pictures. Heidi is so big. Curtis looks like he had fun hiking. Sounds like things are good in Camarillo. I am glad you got to take a break and go to California that is always fun.
So life here is good. Sorry I am emailing late...yesterday we had to go to a mall and get my comp a new camera. His broke and that makes two that have broken on Elder Welch during his mission. He might be able to get the one repaired, but it's all good. So after we got back from the mall we went bowling as a zone and that was pretty fun. Elder Welch is going to transfer to Paranaque so I will get a new companion. They said his name is Elder Thurgood. I have heard lots of good things, so I am excited to meet him tomorrow. After the zone activity we had an FHE and when we got home Elder Welch packed. So we are squeezing in the email now.
Tuesday we had two weddings. We got Sister Beverly married so she could be baptized and then we had Sister Danao married too. Sister Danao and her daughter will be baptized March 3. They need to come to church once more. The wedding was a mass wedding. There were about 30 couples. It was run by the GMA mayor. It took a long time and I was super tired. We had to wake up at 5. They talked about random stuff, the wedding took an hour and the rest took 2 hours.
Saturday, the day of the baptism, I woke up feeling sick. I had bad LBM. Something I ate was really bad. I don't know what it was, something. I got feeling better through the day, actually for lunch Elder Welch, Elder Cuch and I had a banana muffin eating contest. I only ate 10...it was fun. That night we went to the baptism. We got there are 5:45. The Bulihan elders had a baptism too. Beverly wanted to go to that one first so we didn't start until 6:30. I got to baptize Beverly and I did it in Tagalog. It was really cool! Elder Kaka and I found Sister Beverly and I was there the whole time teaching her and then I got to do the baptism. Pretty great!
So that is pretty much the exciting stuff this week. I love you. Thanks for patiently waiting for the email. I wish you safe travels home and a good week. Love, Elder Woolf
Is it a holiday? That is cool. Thanks for the pictures. Heidi is so big. Curtis looks like he had fun hiking. Sounds like things are good in Camarillo. I am glad you got to take a break and go to California that is always fun.
So life here is good. Sorry I am emailing late...yesterday we had to go to a mall and get my comp a new camera. His broke and that makes two that have broken on Elder Welch during his mission. He might be able to get the one repaired, but it's all good. So after we got back from the mall we went bowling as a zone and that was pretty fun. Elder Welch is going to transfer to Paranaque so I will get a new companion. They said his name is Elder Thurgood. I have heard lots of good things, so I am excited to meet him tomorrow. After the zone activity we had an FHE and when we got home Elder Welch packed. So we are squeezing in the email now.
Tuesday we had two weddings. We got Sister Beverly married so she could be baptized and then we had Sister Danao married too. Sister Danao and her daughter will be baptized March 3. They need to come to church once more. The wedding was a mass wedding. There were about 30 couples. It was run by the GMA mayor. It took a long time and I was super tired. We had to wake up at 5. They talked about random stuff, the wedding took an hour and the rest took 2 hours.
Saturday, the day of the baptism, I woke up feeling sick. I had bad LBM. Something I ate was really bad. I don't know what it was, something. I got feeling better through the day, actually for lunch Elder Welch, Elder Cuch and I had a banana muffin eating contest. I only ate 10...it was fun. That night we went to the baptism. We got there are 5:45. The Bulihan elders had a baptism too. Beverly wanted to go to that one first so we didn't start until 6:30. I got to baptize Beverly and I did it in Tagalog. It was really cool! Elder Kaka and I found Sister Beverly and I was there the whole time teaching her and then I got to do the baptism. Pretty great!
So that is pretty much the exciting stuff this week. I love you. Thanks for patiently waiting for the email. I wish you safe travels home and a good week. Love, Elder Woolf
February 13, 2012
Hi Family -
I am glad things are going good. Happy Birthday Arizona. It was hot this week and today it is raining a lot. I still haven't bought an umbrella. Oh well. Maybe I will buy one someday.
This week has been good. We had a zone conference on Tuesday. We had good messages and practiced teaching, inviting the head of the household to pray, and inviting less actives to go to church. I had fun and learned a lot. Sunday was weird though, we got to church and the Danao family and Beverly weren't there. They are to be baptized on Saturday. We went to their home and the neighbor said they were visiting a sick relative out of town. On the way we saw Joyceln Siapoc, who Beverly always goes to church with, but no Beverly. I was not feeling good then. We asked around a little more and found another less active member and got her to go to church with us. We missed the first block, priesthood, but made it to Gospel Essentials and Sacrament. Beverly was there, Hooray! We have one who will be baptized this Saturday. Danao will be baptized in 2 weeks. Oh and you know what? Beverly picked me to baptize her. So I will baptize someone for the first time this Saturday. Exciting stuff!
So this week will be a busy one. Tomorrow we have to wake up early. The Danao family and Beverly and her husband are getting married at the city hall. It starts at 6 am. Then Wednesday I have to go to Bulihan for splits and the baptismal interview for Beverly. Then Saturday the baptism. It is the last full week of this transfer. Busy!
I love you. I encourage you to keep reading the Book of Mormon. Megan that means you too. Every day. The Book of Mormon is important, pray, read, and pray. Think about Christ and relax a bit. All your studies will go 100% better. I know it is true. The Book of Mormon is amazing. I love it. I am in Alma 19 right now, and sometimes I don't want to put it down. I write down my thoughts and sometimes I fill a whole page. The only book with a true promise from God. I love you family. I wish you the best. love, Elder Woolf
I am glad things are going good. Happy Birthday Arizona. It was hot this week and today it is raining a lot. I still haven't bought an umbrella. Oh well. Maybe I will buy one someday.
This week has been good. We had a zone conference on Tuesday. We had good messages and practiced teaching, inviting the head of the household to pray, and inviting less actives to go to church. I had fun and learned a lot. Sunday was weird though, we got to church and the Danao family and Beverly weren't there. They are to be baptized on Saturday. We went to their home and the neighbor said they were visiting a sick relative out of town. On the way we saw Joyceln Siapoc, who Beverly always goes to church with, but no Beverly. I was not feeling good then. We asked around a little more and found another less active member and got her to go to church with us. We missed the first block, priesthood, but made it to Gospel Essentials and Sacrament. Beverly was there, Hooray! We have one who will be baptized this Saturday. Danao will be baptized in 2 weeks. Oh and you know what? Beverly picked me to baptize her. So I will baptize someone for the first time this Saturday. Exciting stuff!
So this week will be a busy one. Tomorrow we have to wake up early. The Danao family and Beverly and her husband are getting married at the city hall. It starts at 6 am. Then Wednesday I have to go to Bulihan for splits and the baptismal interview for Beverly. Then Saturday the baptism. It is the last full week of this transfer. Busy!
I love you. I encourage you to keep reading the Book of Mormon. Megan that means you too. Every day. The Book of Mormon is important, pray, read, and pray. Think about Christ and relax a bit. All your studies will go 100% better. I know it is true. The Book of Mormon is amazing. I love it. I am in Alma 19 right now, and sometimes I don't want to put it down. I write down my thoughts and sometimes I fill a whole page. The only book with a true promise from God. I love you family. I wish you the best. love, Elder Woolf
February 5, 2012
Hi Family -
I am glad to hear about life. Thanks for telling me about the super bowl. That is exciting. I forgot what time of the year it was. Sweet, Giants again. I am glad that Megan got to go on a date and now Dad gets to go back to Canada. Have fun in the ice, just don't slip, that would stink. Tyler Fletcher comes home soon? That means Jordan Frost should be home now from the Baguio Mission. There is a sister in my branch who was under him as AP. Also, Elder Garrison is close to his one year mark, times flies doesn't it!
You asked about P-days, we really don't do much. Yes, we are maybe 40 minutes to an hour away from Tagaytay and we can't go. We asked permission and President said it was too far. I don't understand the reasoning, but I follow my President. I really want to go though, it looks cool. We try and find fun stuff to do. Last week we climbed a mango tree on top of a hill. The hill was steep. We go out exploring and climb some of the hills around us.
We have a Zone Conference tomorrow. We go the Dasma Stake Center about 30 minutes or so away. We are really close to the zone boundary. It is closer to go to Dasma than to Binan and that is where our district center or stake center is. I don't have to go to Binan every week my district meets at my chapel. After Zone conference we have a FHE at a members home, that should be fun.
This week I went on splits with the district leader. His name was Elder Morris from Colorado. It was good and we taught some good lessons. Then on Fri. and Sat. we got punted from everything, even some meetings with members. We only taught one lesson on Friday and the same on Saturday. I am just trying to take advantage of the pday and zone conference to recover and refocus. Hopefully things will go better. We have two families to prepare for baptism. Next week we have two families getting married and then baptized. Hooray. So that is my life as a missionary. Life is good. Things are progressing and going forward. I love you and hope you have a great week. love, Elder Woolf
I am glad to hear about life. Thanks for telling me about the super bowl. That is exciting. I forgot what time of the year it was. Sweet, Giants again. I am glad that Megan got to go on a date and now Dad gets to go back to Canada. Have fun in the ice, just don't slip, that would stink. Tyler Fletcher comes home soon? That means Jordan Frost should be home now from the Baguio Mission. There is a sister in my branch who was under him as AP. Also, Elder Garrison is close to his one year mark, times flies doesn't it!
You asked about P-days, we really don't do much. Yes, we are maybe 40 minutes to an hour away from Tagaytay and we can't go. We asked permission and President said it was too far. I don't understand the reasoning, but I follow my President. I really want to go though, it looks cool. We try and find fun stuff to do. Last week we climbed a mango tree on top of a hill. The hill was steep. We go out exploring and climb some of the hills around us.
We have a Zone Conference tomorrow. We go the Dasma Stake Center about 30 minutes or so away. We are really close to the zone boundary. It is closer to go to Dasma than to Binan and that is where our district center or stake center is. I don't have to go to Binan every week my district meets at my chapel. After Zone conference we have a FHE at a members home, that should be fun.
This week I went on splits with the district leader. His name was Elder Morris from Colorado. It was good and we taught some good lessons. Then on Fri. and Sat. we got punted from everything, even some meetings with members. We only taught one lesson on Friday and the same on Saturday. I am just trying to take advantage of the pday and zone conference to recover and refocus. Hopefully things will go better. We have two families to prepare for baptism. Next week we have two families getting married and then baptized. Hooray. So that is my life as a missionary. Life is good. Things are progressing and going forward. I love you and hope you have a great week. love, Elder Woolf
January 22, 2012
Hi Family -
I am glad Dad survived Canada and he isn't a popsicle. Winnipeg sounds cold. Here in the Philippines it is still hot. It is all good though at least I am not in the city. I am glad Dad and Megan get to sing in the "Lamb of God". Singing is a great way to feel the spirit. It is also a great missionary opportunity. Make sure you take people to it. That is one of the easiest and greatest ways to share the gospel. Take non member friends to the performance and then talk for a little while after about Christ and the message.
So congratulations on your new calling, youth conference is great. I like that the focus is on the temple. I think getting everyone to always set their sights on the temple is super important. We need to keep the temple as our goal and it will lead us back to our Heavenly Father.
I got a letter on Friday from Bro. Walz and a letter from Wendy. They were great letters. Thank you. The Philippines is great. The food is good, the people are nice. We have 19 progressing investigators and our leaders didn't believe us. People actually read this week or they went on the temple tour with us or they came to church. We had 8 last week. Anyway, life here is good. We are finding new people.
I get to go to the temple again this Wednesday. Keep being awesome. Send me some pictures and letters. If you send me pictures I will send you some. Love Elder Woolf
I am glad Dad survived Canada and he isn't a popsicle. Winnipeg sounds cold. Here in the Philippines it is still hot. It is all good though at least I am not in the city. I am glad Dad and Megan get to sing in the "Lamb of God". Singing is a great way to feel the spirit. It is also a great missionary opportunity. Make sure you take people to it. That is one of the easiest and greatest ways to share the gospel. Take non member friends to the performance and then talk for a little while after about Christ and the message.
So congratulations on your new calling, youth conference is great. I like that the focus is on the temple. I think getting everyone to always set their sights on the temple is super important. We need to keep the temple as our goal and it will lead us back to our Heavenly Father.
I got a letter on Friday from Bro. Walz and a letter from Wendy. They were great letters. Thank you. The Philippines is great. The food is good, the people are nice. We have 19 progressing investigators and our leaders didn't believe us. People actually read this week or they went on the temple tour with us or they came to church. We had 8 last week. Anyway, life here is good. We are finding new people.
I get to go to the temple again this Wednesday. Keep being awesome. Send me some pictures and letters. If you send me pictures I will send you some. Love Elder Woolf
January 15, 2012
Hi Family -
I am doing good. So, church was good, we had 4 investigators there. 3 strong investigators and a newer one. Sundays are busy, our church is from 1:30-4:30. We have studies in the morning then PEC at 12. Before church we go encourage our investigators to come. We leave church at 5ish. Then we go teach two or three people and then go eat somewhere.
Last Friday we had an area meeting. We got to hear from President Teh, Elder Ardern and Elder Nielson. It was really good. The whole entire Philippines is now focusing on the less actives. Do you remember Jacob 5? The tree where the branches overcome the roots. Yes, that is the Philippines. We currently have 22% of our members attending. Our attendance stays about the same but we are good at baptizing. We need to make our branches stronger and get our members back to church. Once that happens wonders will happen in the Philippines. We need more active priesthood holders, adult members with temple recommends, more active young single adults, and more full tithe payers. One cool goal that was set is that every member should bring one person back this year. That would be awesome.
Our branch has a nice building. We share it with another branch. For priesthood we meet in a room that is too small. We have maybe 30-40 priesthood holders. 10 of them are young men. We always have 70-80 people, at least, to sacrament meeting. The members that come are awesome.
I thought I would tell you about our investigators:
Beverly Siapoc - Her conversion was helped because we had some awesome lessons with members. She is getting married on Feb. 14th and then she will be baptized on the 15th. She knows most of the lessons and tries hard to do what we teach. She is reading. She needs to continue to come to church. Her husband is busy with work so we haven't been able to teach him. They have 3 kids.
Latycia Danao - She is the mom. She is getting married to her husband on the 14th as well. She will be baptizd on the 15th. Her daughter Eddielyn, who is 15, is also progressing well. They come to church often. Again, the dad isn't interested in listening. Yesterday we built them two walls because the ones that were up before were made of whatever...and they were afraid of thieves breaking in and stealing stuff.
Ramos - Rejonan is 12 and he is awesome. He has come to church many times. We are trying to keep him reading. The mom hasn't come to church for a while. She is the reason Rejonan isn't baptized yet. The Dad asks lots of questions. We need to work on the whole family coming out to church.
Mary Ann - She is a neighbor of a less active. She is a good investigator. She has a baptismal date for February 11. We taught her the plan of salvation. She has come to church once. We are trying to get her to read the Book of Mormon, which shouldn't be too hard. We teach the lessons at the less actives house and are trying to get them all committed to coming to church.
Almarez Family - They were referred to us by a member. They have many challenges but we are working with them. The mom and dad are trying everything to keep the family together.
San Gabriel is a beautiful place. There is the main road then little streets that come off of it. Many of the streets drop down off the hill, they drop down into the valley and then go back up on the other side. Some days we have lots of hills to go up and down, but it is good. The members here feed us and help us teach. It is a lot less hot here than in the city.
This week is busy. Interviews with President Stucki on Friday and taking investigators to the temple on Saturday. Anyway, Love you lots, Elder Woolf
I am doing good. So, church was good, we had 4 investigators there. 3 strong investigators and a newer one. Sundays are busy, our church is from 1:30-4:30. We have studies in the morning then PEC at 12. Before church we go encourage our investigators to come. We leave church at 5ish. Then we go teach two or three people and then go eat somewhere.
Last Friday we had an area meeting. We got to hear from President Teh, Elder Ardern and Elder Nielson. It was really good. The whole entire Philippines is now focusing on the less actives. Do you remember Jacob 5? The tree where the branches overcome the roots. Yes, that is the Philippines. We currently have 22% of our members attending. Our attendance stays about the same but we are good at baptizing. We need to make our branches stronger and get our members back to church. Once that happens wonders will happen in the Philippines. We need more active priesthood holders, adult members with temple recommends, more active young single adults, and more full tithe payers. One cool goal that was set is that every member should bring one person back this year. That would be awesome.
Our branch has a nice building. We share it with another branch. For priesthood we meet in a room that is too small. We have maybe 30-40 priesthood holders. 10 of them are young men. We always have 70-80 people, at least, to sacrament meeting. The members that come are awesome.
I thought I would tell you about our investigators:
Beverly Siapoc - Her conversion was helped because we had some awesome lessons with members. She is getting married on Feb. 14th and then she will be baptized on the 15th. She knows most of the lessons and tries hard to do what we teach. She is reading. She needs to continue to come to church. Her husband is busy with work so we haven't been able to teach him. They have 3 kids.
Latycia Danao - She is the mom. She is getting married to her husband on the 14th as well. She will be baptizd on the 15th. Her daughter Eddielyn, who is 15, is also progressing well. They come to church often. Again, the dad isn't interested in listening. Yesterday we built them two walls because the ones that were up before were made of whatever...and they were afraid of thieves breaking in and stealing stuff.
Ramos - Rejonan is 12 and he is awesome. He has come to church many times. We are trying to keep him reading. The mom hasn't come to church for a while. She is the reason Rejonan isn't baptized yet. The Dad asks lots of questions. We need to work on the whole family coming out to church.
Mary Ann - She is a neighbor of a less active. She is a good investigator. She has a baptismal date for February 11. We taught her the plan of salvation. She has come to church once. We are trying to get her to read the Book of Mormon, which shouldn't be too hard. We teach the lessons at the less actives house and are trying to get them all committed to coming to church.
Almarez Family - They were referred to us by a member. They have many challenges but we are working with them. The mom and dad are trying everything to keep the family together.
San Gabriel is a beautiful place. There is the main road then little streets that come off of it. Many of the streets drop down off the hill, they drop down into the valley and then go back up on the other side. Some days we have lots of hills to go up and down, but it is good. The members here feed us and help us teach. It is a lot less hot here than in the city.
This week is busy. Interviews with President Stucki on Friday and taking investigators to the temple on Saturday. Anyway, Love you lots, Elder Woolf
December 2011 Photos
Our temple tour on Dec 17. Elder Welch and Sister Ramos, our investigator, and me
My zone with our investigators - everyone who came with the mission to the temple.
Awesome sunset in the Philippines.
Overlooking the river. Being on the hill gave a cool view.
We didn't have a Christmas tree so we drew one. Elder Cuch & Elder Jacinto needed presents so we got them something. We had to have a tree to put the presents under.
The Spencers are the missionary couple over housing, they are nice. They invited us all over on Christmas night. We ate lasagna and had cheesecake for dessert - so good!
Nov/Dec Photos
My Zone at the Christmas party. Elder Welch, my companion is on the bottom left 
Elder Cuch, Elder Jacinto, and I. Elder Cuch is my batch and Elder Jacinto goes home to Isabella Jan. 11
My district at the Manila Mission Christmas Party. Lots of fun with friends.
My first young coconut, Buko. It was good!
Tree of Life?? Just kidding. Walking home we passed this tree with cool white flowers. It was growing out of a basketball hoop. Only one branch on top was kept, the rest chopped off and converted into a basketball hoop.
January 8, 2012
Hi Family:
I am glad to hear you had a good time in Utah. It sounds like you had lots of fun. I am glad you are all doing great and are happy. Cole sounds super funny. I have awesome nephews and an awesome niece. I do miss the cold a bit. I like having changes in the weather. We have changes, it gets rainy and then you get wet, then you sit by a fan and it is pretty cold. Sometimes you will get lucky to cool off on the air con buses after walking a ways.
So this week has gone by fast. Trying to work as hard as I can. Transfers are coming up, I don't want to leave but I am ready to leave at a moment's notice. This week has been good. I had to teach every lesson which is part of my training program. I can teach well and if I focus I can understand most of what people say. There are a few words that confuse me but it is good.
San Gabriel is awesome. We have two investigators that need to get married. 5 or 6 that we need to get to church. We need to balance teaching less actives and investigators. There has been some misconceptions that the older converts can't go into the temple until they are endowed. One family that are recent converts have traveled to the temple 2 or 3 or times with the youth to do baptisms and they thought they weren't allowed to go in. We hope to change that and help them be prepared to go in also.
My companion is pretty good. We get along and teach well together. The other elders are good guys. We took one to the mission home. He goes home on Wednesday, he is from Isabela, up north in the Cauayan mission.
Love you lots. Keep being awesome. Good luck on the New Year's Resolutions.
Love, Elder Woolf
I am glad to hear you had a good time in Utah. It sounds like you had lots of fun. I am glad you are all doing great and are happy. Cole sounds super funny. I have awesome nephews and an awesome niece. I do miss the cold a bit. I like having changes in the weather. We have changes, it gets rainy and then you get wet, then you sit by a fan and it is pretty cold. Sometimes you will get lucky to cool off on the air con buses after walking a ways.
So this week has gone by fast. Trying to work as hard as I can. Transfers are coming up, I don't want to leave but I am ready to leave at a moment's notice. This week has been good. I had to teach every lesson which is part of my training program. I can teach well and if I focus I can understand most of what people say. There are a few words that confuse me but it is good.
San Gabriel is awesome. We have two investigators that need to get married. 5 or 6 that we need to get to church. We need to balance teaching less actives and investigators. There has been some misconceptions that the older converts can't go into the temple until they are endowed. One family that are recent converts have traveled to the temple 2 or 3 or times with the youth to do baptisms and they thought they weren't allowed to go in. We hope to change that and help them be prepared to go in also.
My companion is pretty good. We get along and teach well together. The other elders are good guys. We took one to the mission home. He goes home on Wednesday, he is from Isabela, up north in the Cauayan mission.
Love you lots. Keep being awesome. Good luck on the New Year's Resolutions.
Love, Elder Woolf
December 26, 2011
Dear Family,
It was great talking to you. I am glad that I got to hear your voices. Thank you to everyone I was able to hear. Thanks to Saxon for talking to me, that was way cool. Sorry I didn't pay attention to the time, when 39 minutes had passed, it went quiet, then nothing. It told me I have no more time. Anyway. I love you all!! Talk to you in 5 months.
This is the new address to mail letter and packages to. The mission office is moving. They built a new office by the Buendia Chapel, actually on the same land. It should save money and it will be good.
Philippines Manila Mission
P.O. Box 1997
0714 Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Merry Christmas and congratulations to Ethan and Lindsay. You are getting married so soon. I will think of you when I am in the temple. I am glad your Christmas was good. I ate so much food. Christmas is a wonderful season. love, Elder Woolf
It was great talking to you. I am glad that I got to hear your voices. Thank you to everyone I was able to hear. Thanks to Saxon for talking to me, that was way cool. Sorry I didn't pay attention to the time, when 39 minutes had passed, it went quiet, then nothing. It told me I have no more time. Anyway. I love you all!! Talk to you in 5 months.
This is the new address to mail letter and packages to. The mission office is moving. They built a new office by the Buendia Chapel, actually on the same land. It should save money and it will be good.
Philippines Manila Mission
P.O. Box 1997
0714 Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Merry Christmas and congratulations to Ethan and Lindsay. You are getting married so soon. I will think of you when I am in the temple. I am glad your Christmas was good. I ate so much food. Christmas is a wonderful season. love, Elder Woolf
December 12, 2011
Hi Family -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM... So I am glad things are going well. Thanks for sending some pictures of the family. So I am glad that you got to see Austin. Keep being his friend, he is a great guy. He will always be my friend. I wonder sometimes how he is doing. Also, have you heard anything about Michael, Dallin, or Saxon. I wonder how they are doing.
So the phone call. We get 30-40 minutes to call home on Christmas. So I think I will call on Christmas and it would be Christmas eve for you.
So, we had a district meeting in Binan, 40 minutes away or so. President Teh and his wife spoke and also President and Sister Stucki. It was really good, then we got to watch the Christmas Devotional. The devotional was one of my favorite things. The messages are so happy and awesome. I'm doing better at Tagalor, I can get me message across. It's getting more fun to teach. I love it when the people progress.
We have another temple tour on Saturday. We, as a zone, are taking our investigators and some recent converts to the temple. There we will teach them about the ordinances that are performed inside. They get to see the temple and feel the spirit there. We want to get people baptized so they can go to the temple. We are trying to get one family ready to be baptized in December. We will do what we can to teach and the Lord will help them as they are willing to keep the commandments and read.
I love you lots. Until next week, Elder Woolf
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM... So I am glad things are going well. Thanks for sending some pictures of the family. So I am glad that you got to see Austin. Keep being his friend, he is a great guy. He will always be my friend. I wonder sometimes how he is doing. Also, have you heard anything about Michael, Dallin, or Saxon. I wonder how they are doing.
So the phone call. We get 30-40 minutes to call home on Christmas. So I think I will call on Christmas and it would be Christmas eve for you.
So, we had a district meeting in Binan, 40 minutes away or so. President Teh and his wife spoke and also President and Sister Stucki. It was really good, then we got to watch the Christmas Devotional. The devotional was one of my favorite things. The messages are so happy and awesome. I'm doing better at Tagalor, I can get me message across. It's getting more fun to teach. I love it when the people progress.
We have another temple tour on Saturday. We, as a zone, are taking our investigators and some recent converts to the temple. There we will teach them about the ordinances that are performed inside. They get to see the temple and feel the spirit there. We want to get people baptized so they can go to the temple. We are trying to get one family ready to be baptized in December. We will do what we can to teach and the Lord will help them as they are willing to keep the commandments and read.
I love you lots. Until next week, Elder Woolf
December 4, 2011
Hi Family,
I am doing good. Life keeps on moving. So my new companion is Elder Welch. He has been in the field for a year and 4 months. He is one year ahead of me and is from Georgia. He is very positive and pretty cool so far. He speaks alright Tagalog, it's good, and he helps me to speak. I really like the Tagalog language. There are four elders in my apartment. Elder Welch, myself, Elder Cuch and Elder Jacinto. Elder Jacinto is from the Philippines and this is his last transfer. Elder Cuch's old Companion Elder Ward is now our zone leader.
So we have 9 progressing investigators. One is Sister Beverly Siapoc. She is the sister in law of a member, Jocelyn. Her husband isn't a member. Her oldest boys are 12 and 9, they are strong and come to church every Sunday. Sis. Jocelyn comes most of the time. We try to teach her husband but he isn't very interested right now. Beverly came on our temple tour. She reads almost every day. I think she knows that the Book of Mormon is true. Right now we are working on getting her married to her husband, they have 3 kids, then she can be baptized.
Then, there is Sister Jocelyn Ramos. She is married and they have one son, Reginon. He is 12. They have the desire to be members. Reginon came to church for 3 weeks and his mom for the past 2 weeks. They are receptive and willing to learn and keep commandments. The dad listens to us, but doesn't want to tray. I think he is scared to pray and isn't exactly sure how.
Next, there is the Almarez family. There are several in that family that we are teaching. Theressa has been working a ridiculous shift at the factory in San Gabriel and her shift changes often. The dad can't read. The last two nights we have taught everyone. They accept it well and we are trying to get them to read every day, and have someone read to the dad.
Last, the Danao family. Their daughter that is 15 is the most interested. Edylene loves to learn and to read. We are trying to get her to seminary. She is 15. She is kind of shy, we just need the young women to step up and fellowship her.
I got the packages you sent. I put them in my suitcase so I wouldn't be tempted. I also got a letter from Bro. Walz. It was good. I am sorry to hear about Rob and Marianne's accident. That stinks. Walang cotse. I think that means no car. The spelling is hard. Anyway, I am glad everyone is safe. Christmas is here. They play Christmas songs all during the "ber" months - September through December. There are Christmas trees in some homes. Most are small fake ones. Only the richer famlies have a bigger Christmas tree. On the 15th of December we are having a mission Christmas party. Everyone, except those in Palawan, will get together at the Buendia Chapel. Dad have you been there? It is the first chapel in the Philippines. It should be fun, lots of food, and a talent show. We also have a temple tour on the 17th and then a temple day some time.
So to end, I want to say, I finished the Book of Mormon. Hooray, now I get to start again. I just want to say that I know the Book of Mormon is true. There is nothing as good and fun as reading the Book of Mormon. I know it is the Word of God and that through it everyone can become closer to God. I encourage you all to keep reading. It makes the day better, it really does. Anyway, I love you all. I am excited for the 14th when I can start to open my package. I love you and I love the Philippines. I am doing better with the language and understanding more. As I have guided the area the past week and shown Elder Welch the way it has really built my confidence. I can do this work. I can teach and bear testimony. It isn't the greatest but people can understand most of what I say. I love being a missionary and studying for 4 hours a day. I am excited to talk to you in 3 weeks. I am focused, but I still pray for you. I know the Lord will bless me and you too. Thank you for supporting me. Continue to be awesome.
Love Elder Woolf
I am doing good. Life keeps on moving. So my new companion is Elder Welch. He has been in the field for a year and 4 months. He is one year ahead of me and is from Georgia. He is very positive and pretty cool so far. He speaks alright Tagalog, it's good, and he helps me to speak. I really like the Tagalog language. There are four elders in my apartment. Elder Welch, myself, Elder Cuch and Elder Jacinto. Elder Jacinto is from the Philippines and this is his last transfer. Elder Cuch's old Companion Elder Ward is now our zone leader.
So we have 9 progressing investigators. One is Sister Beverly Siapoc. She is the sister in law of a member, Jocelyn. Her husband isn't a member. Her oldest boys are 12 and 9, they are strong and come to church every Sunday. Sis. Jocelyn comes most of the time. We try to teach her husband but he isn't very interested right now. Beverly came on our temple tour. She reads almost every day. I think she knows that the Book of Mormon is true. Right now we are working on getting her married to her husband, they have 3 kids, then she can be baptized.
Then, there is Sister Jocelyn Ramos. She is married and they have one son, Reginon. He is 12. They have the desire to be members. Reginon came to church for 3 weeks and his mom for the past 2 weeks. They are receptive and willing to learn and keep commandments. The dad listens to us, but doesn't want to tray. I think he is scared to pray and isn't exactly sure how.
Next, there is the Almarez family. There are several in that family that we are teaching. Theressa has been working a ridiculous shift at the factory in San Gabriel and her shift changes often. The dad can't read. The last two nights we have taught everyone. They accept it well and we are trying to get them to read every day, and have someone read to the dad.
Last, the Danao family. Their daughter that is 15 is the most interested. Edylene loves to learn and to read. We are trying to get her to seminary. She is 15. She is kind of shy, we just need the young women to step up and fellowship her.
I got the packages you sent. I put them in my suitcase so I wouldn't be tempted. I also got a letter from Bro. Walz. It was good. I am sorry to hear about Rob and Marianne's accident. That stinks. Walang cotse. I think that means no car. The spelling is hard. Anyway, I am glad everyone is safe. Christmas is here. They play Christmas songs all during the "ber" months - September through December. There are Christmas trees in some homes. Most are small fake ones. Only the richer famlies have a bigger Christmas tree. On the 15th of December we are having a mission Christmas party. Everyone, except those in Palawan, will get together at the Buendia Chapel. Dad have you been there? It is the first chapel in the Philippines. It should be fun, lots of food, and a talent show. We also have a temple tour on the 17th and then a temple day some time.
So to end, I want to say, I finished the Book of Mormon. Hooray, now I get to start again. I just want to say that I know the Book of Mormon is true. There is nothing as good and fun as reading the Book of Mormon. I know it is the Word of God and that through it everyone can become closer to God. I encourage you all to keep reading. It makes the day better, it really does. Anyway, I love you all. I am excited for the 14th when I can start to open my package. I love you and I love the Philippines. I am doing better with the language and understanding more. As I have guided the area the past week and shown Elder Welch the way it has really built my confidence. I can do this work. I can teach and bear testimony. It isn't the greatest but people can understand most of what I say. I love being a missionary and studying for 4 hours a day. I am excited to talk to you in 3 weeks. I am focused, but I still pray for you. I know the Lord will bless me and you too. Thank you for supporting me. Continue to be awesome.
Love Elder Woolf
November 18, 2011
Hi Family -
Sorry I didn't email. We got to go to the temple and do a session on Wednesday. Then after, we went to the mall and to a place called Divisoria. It is the most densely populated place in the world and there are lots of street wendors that sell stuff cheap. Most, if not all of it, is face but it is cool. Elder Kaka is getting two custom suits before he comes home and other shopping. It all tood forever and my feet were dead. Sorry I don't have a lot of time for this email.
But I will tell you about some of the transportation. Trikes are expensive, like 16 pesos a person. Jeepneys are 8, if it is in the area. We only use buses to go to Manila. We take a jeepney to Alabang then a bus to Manila whenever we need to go. Buses are crazy. They go super fast. Half have no windows and the other half are normal buses with air conditioning. The open buses are the craziest. The other day on our way to the temple we kept hitting bumps in the road, fun, but scary. I think I flew a foot into the air on one bump.
Our apartment is good. We have a fridge, a bucket for showers, fans, no air conditioning. We eat lunch at canteens. It takes too long to make food and we have plenty of money. For breakfast we make something quick and for dinner we just have a snack. Lunch is the only real meal we eat in a day. We have a filter for our water. We just don't have very good water pressure. Some days it takes forever to fill up a water bottle. Laundry - we pay to have our laundry done, except our garments. We wash those by hand. Laundry eats up the p-day so we wash our garments early then we can have more time. We shop only on p-day, except for buying bread or something like that. We just pick something up from a little store on the way home at the end of the night. Love you lots. love, Elder Woolf
Sorry I didn't email. We got to go to the temple and do a session on Wednesday. Then after, we went to the mall and to a place called Divisoria. It is the most densely populated place in the world and there are lots of street wendors that sell stuff cheap. Most, if not all of it, is face but it is cool. Elder Kaka is getting two custom suits before he comes home and other shopping. It all tood forever and my feet were dead. Sorry I don't have a lot of time for this email.
But I will tell you about some of the transportation. Trikes are expensive, like 16 pesos a person. Jeepneys are 8, if it is in the area. We only use buses to go to Manila. We take a jeepney to Alabang then a bus to Manila whenever we need to go. Buses are crazy. They go super fast. Half have no windows and the other half are normal buses with air conditioning. The open buses are the craziest. The other day on our way to the temple we kept hitting bumps in the road, fun, but scary. I think I flew a foot into the air on one bump.
Our apartment is good. We have a fridge, a bucket for showers, fans, no air conditioning. We eat lunch at canteens. It takes too long to make food and we have plenty of money. For breakfast we make something quick and for dinner we just have a snack. Lunch is the only real meal we eat in a day. We have a filter for our water. We just don't have very good water pressure. Some days it takes forever to fill up a water bottle. Laundry - we pay to have our laundry done, except our garments. We wash those by hand. Laundry eats up the p-day so we wash our garments early then we can have more time. We shop only on p-day, except for buying bread or something like that. We just pick something up from a little store on the way home at the end of the night. Love you lots. love, Elder Woolf
November 7. 2011
Dear Family,
Life sounds pretty crazy right now. So Bro. Evans and Bro. Standage had heart attacks, and Bro. Shepard is sick? Wow, you never know what will happen next. But, we have the gospel so even in hard times we can receive peace and comfort. When I was in the hospital for my cyst it was hard on me. I wanted to be out working. It wasn't that big of a deal and it is silly to complain, but it happened. I loved my realization that Christ is always with us. Anytime we struggle or have a hard time we can pray, read, or listen to music and it helps. God is so wonderful to provide so many ways to receive peace, comfort, and strength.
My nieces and nephews are super cute. The Neiswender family looks like they are happy and prosperiing well. I am glad that Cole is getting bigger and stronger each and every day. Curtis makes an awesom bear and Heidi is a very cute pumpkin (Halloween). She has a great smile.
Life in the Philippines - it is awesome. We have lots of study time and we have plenty of people to teach. It is hard, but good. I am trying hard to participate in the lessons. I am trying to stay focused, but listening to a different language for 8 hours straight is hard. It is coming along though. I am working on learning 6 new words a day. This week Elder and Sister Arden, first counselor in the area presidency, I think, spoke to us. I learned we as missionaries need to focus on teaching better so we retain more members. We have a lot of less actives in our branch. That is why we are still a branch and not a ward. We learned that we need to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. We need to focus more on it because it is the key to conversion. One of the things I learned today at our district meeting with the teaching assistants, is to let the Book of Mormon speak for itself or let the Book of Mormon teach people and answer their questions.
Last Saturday we had a temple tour. We had 11 people come. A recent convert mom, Sister Siapoc and 3 of her kids, her husband's brothers wife, wo is an investigator and their 3 kids attended. Also Bro. Santa Anna and his 2 kids. We rented a bus as a zone. It was packed. It held 58 people or so and we had maybe 65 on the bus. The temple is awesome and some other missionaries taught about the ordinances that go on in the temple. It was in Tagalog and my companion and I were trying to keep the kids from distracting the parents. We did an ok job. Hopefully they will remember the spirit they felt there. At the end of the day after we had eaten it started to rain hard. Then the bus got stuck in traffic on its way back. It was a long day but good.
I think I am healing. There is a space still but getting better. My comp and I get along alright, Elder Kaka is awesome. He is one of the best in the mission. He is good at planning and teaching. He has been zone leader for about half of his mission. He helps me with Tagalog, maybe not as much as a Filipino comp. could but he teaches me about the people and the culture, how to find people, making lesson plans and setting goals. I am glad I have an awesome trainer. Luckily for the both of us he doesn't have to pack the wound. He just puts oitment on gauze and tapes it to the wound. The tape is the worse part.
So Tagalog is one of the easier languages. They throw in some english words as well. The hardest part is making sentences on the spot and having decent grammar. There aren't many words to describe gender. They just say brother or sister in english. I like it. It is hard but I know I can do it.
Thank you for your letters. I love you lots and wish you the best. I love to hear from you and how life is in Arizona/California/Utah/and Iowa. I love you lots and wish you another awesome week.
Love Elder Woolf
Life sounds pretty crazy right now. So Bro. Evans and Bro. Standage had heart attacks, and Bro. Shepard is sick? Wow, you never know what will happen next. But, we have the gospel so even in hard times we can receive peace and comfort. When I was in the hospital for my cyst it was hard on me. I wanted to be out working. It wasn't that big of a deal and it is silly to complain, but it happened. I loved my realization that Christ is always with us. Anytime we struggle or have a hard time we can pray, read, or listen to music and it helps. God is so wonderful to provide so many ways to receive peace, comfort, and strength.
My nieces and nephews are super cute. The Neiswender family looks like they are happy and prosperiing well. I am glad that Cole is getting bigger and stronger each and every day. Curtis makes an awesom bear and Heidi is a very cute pumpkin (Halloween). She has a great smile.
Life in the Philippines - it is awesome. We have lots of study time and we have plenty of people to teach. It is hard, but good. I am trying hard to participate in the lessons. I am trying to stay focused, but listening to a different language for 8 hours straight is hard. It is coming along though. I am working on learning 6 new words a day. This week Elder and Sister Arden, first counselor in the area presidency, I think, spoke to us. I learned we as missionaries need to focus on teaching better so we retain more members. We have a lot of less actives in our branch. That is why we are still a branch and not a ward. We learned that we need to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. We need to focus more on it because it is the key to conversion. One of the things I learned today at our district meeting with the teaching assistants, is to let the Book of Mormon speak for itself or let the Book of Mormon teach people and answer their questions.
Last Saturday we had a temple tour. We had 11 people come. A recent convert mom, Sister Siapoc and 3 of her kids, her husband's brothers wife, wo is an investigator and their 3 kids attended. Also Bro. Santa Anna and his 2 kids. We rented a bus as a zone. It was packed. It held 58 people or so and we had maybe 65 on the bus. The temple is awesome and some other missionaries taught about the ordinances that go on in the temple. It was in Tagalog and my companion and I were trying to keep the kids from distracting the parents. We did an ok job. Hopefully they will remember the spirit they felt there. At the end of the day after we had eaten it started to rain hard. Then the bus got stuck in traffic on its way back. It was a long day but good.
I think I am healing. There is a space still but getting better. My comp and I get along alright, Elder Kaka is awesome. He is one of the best in the mission. He is good at planning and teaching. He has been zone leader for about half of his mission. He helps me with Tagalog, maybe not as much as a Filipino comp. could but he teaches me about the people and the culture, how to find people, making lesson plans and setting goals. I am glad I have an awesome trainer. Luckily for the both of us he doesn't have to pack the wound. He just puts oitment on gauze and tapes it to the wound. The tape is the worse part.
So Tagalog is one of the easier languages. They throw in some english words as well. The hardest part is making sentences on the spot and having decent grammar. There aren't many words to describe gender. They just say brother or sister in english. I like it. It is hard but I know I can do it.
Thank you for your letters. I love you lots and wish you the best. I love to hear from you and how life is in Arizona/California/Utah/and Iowa. I love you lots and wish you another awesome week.
Love Elder Woolf
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