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