Aug-Sept

After the Dengue fever C.J. had to have more blood tests to ensure he was recovering. The AP's carted him around and it appears he was well taken care of. In addition to the fever, aches in the chest and back, he had rashes. He still calls it a mild form, but I think with the symptoms he had and the 104 fever it was ANYTHING BUT mild. But, it's nice he wants to save me from worry :/

They've had a number of baptisms over the last month and the teaching seems to be going really well. They've brought back a family that had refused to go to their ward for some time. They've decided that they want the temple blessings and there are a few preparing to go.

They've been practicing there for a type of mardi gras that they do in Bacolod. It's in October and we know now that he will be transferred before then and will miss it, but he's enjoyed watching the practicing cuz their dances and costumes are pretty cool.

Elder Ko, of the Seventy, came and spoke and then made a visit to C.J.'s apartment. He thought the whole visit was very cool.

So the crazy excitement this last week: A few weeks ago C.J. told us about a crazy man that lives on their street. The ward mission leader told them that he only pretends to be crazy so that he can get away with stealing. He told C.J. (while they were standing outside of a recycling plant) that he couldn't go inside because he wasn't Filipino and if he did they'd kill him. He decided then and there he was a nut case. Well this week the guy pulled a gun on him and pointed it at C.J.'s head and asked him where he was going. C.J. told him he was going home and the guy then took the gun away and said "Well, have a good night General." Apparently the guy used to be in prison and since he got out, he's been pretty crazy. So we are counting our blessings this week.

Time Flies-July

So, C.J. is still in Bata. Two transfers have gone by and he's still there which will make his Illongo pretty firm. He's now with Elder Scott (no pics yet) who was just made District Leader. The district was just divided and there are 6 missionaries in his district presently. It seem the favorite zone activity is bowling (see pic). I haven't been able to get out of C.J. any other favorite sports there. After refusing to take an ipod with church music with him (fear that it wouldn't be okay) he is now asking for CD's. He can't find a player there so now he wants a player. I think an ipod would be much easier. The missionaries listen to a lot of EFY music.

There have been ups and downs with investigators. One investigator said she'd prayed and prayed and didn't know if the Book of Mormon was true or Joseph Smith was true. C.J. encouraged her to pray about the Book of Mormon, and if she felt that was true, then it would follow that so was Joseph Smith. She did that, and had success and now is getting baptized. He also has a 13 year old boy he really likes, but his family has pressured him too much to stop with the discussions. When the boy told him, he was hurt so much he cried all the way home. He prayed, and felt the confirmation that the boy would receive another opportunity in the future.

He recently taught a girl that lives next to a baptist church. During a discussion the baptist minister came in and tried to stump the elders with questions. C.J. says "Elder Scott pretty much destroyed him." He finally gave up and left and the experience left the girl with a very distinct feeling. Unfortunately, her grandma has pressured her to quit the discussions and so she has. He's also been teaching a 19 year old boy that has struggled with Joseph Smith. Once again, he asked the boy to pray about the Book of Mormon and if he felt it was true, then it follows that Joseph Smith is a prophet. It worked and he's being baptized.

A few weeks ago I got C.J.'s e-mail and I was on the computer and messaged him right back and told him how much I loved him. He responded right away with a LOVE YOU TOOOOO!!!LLLLOOOOOVVVVVEEEE YYYYOOOOUUUULLLLOOOOOOTTTTSSSS!!!!. It made my evening, although I got pretty emotional.

Last week, C.J. told us in his e-mail that he'd been sick. It's hard as a mother to know that your child is sick, but you are too far away to do anything. I read his e-mail and cried. I felt pretty helpless. I guess it's times like this that you have to just trust in Heavenly Father. After all, he's there doing His work and it would be impossible that he would forsake him when he needs him, especially to continue to carry out that work. Anyways, he had been running a fever 104. He was throwing up, LBM's, backache, chest pains, etc. He was taken to the AP's apartment and spent three days at the mission home. I suspect he's doing better now. They did take him to the doctor and fortunately it wasn't Dengue. I'm chomping at the bit waiting for Sunday evenings e-mail so that I can be sure he's better. I could call the mission president, but he might send C.J. to Panay :) j/k

PICS: Family that was baptized, bowling with the district, the basement of a museum they were cleaning for their service project.

Week of June 21 and June 28, 2010

C.J.'s companion left and he went to stay with his district leader for a few days until the new companion came. He was able to get some language tips from the district leader and hopes his teaching will improve.

The deaf man: Apparently when he got home (I'm not sure where he was to start with only that where C.J. was teaching him was not where his family lived) he went MUTE. Hmm.

This picture is of the family that was baptized the week of the 21st. They are very strong and will make great members.

C.J.'s new c (and second) companion is American. Elder Scott. He says that they are very opposite, but doesn't elaborate. 31 new missionaries arrived and only 2 were Filipino. He was originally told that the Americans always have a Filipino companion. Apparently that's not the case. He says the mission is getting "pastey" (more whites than Filipino's). I know he really appreciates what he can learn from the Filipino's. The mission is due to be split on July 1st and it looks like he'll be staying on Negros Occidental.

Week of June 6 and June 14 2010

They're getting into the rainy season. I think now he's probably appreciating the umbrella that I had to practically force him to take. I sent C.J. a package-I had asked what he wanted and he'd said Macaroni and Cheese. So, I sent him about the equivalent of 10 boxes which he'd eaten in just a few days.

The Cebu temple was dedicated and C.J. watched it from the chapel. Church was cancelled in lieu of the dedication which meant investigators weren't able to come to church that week and this was a disappointment.

The zone went bowling for an activity (see pics).

C.J. says his language is getting so he can actually have conversations with people-as long as they aren't old (because the older people speak the deep Illongo which he's still working on). C.J.'s also been reading the Illongo Book of Mormon.

An update on the deaf investigator. He ran away. Well, he's about 73 so I don't know if you can call it that. He was supposed to be baptized the week of the 14th so that was disappointing. More update on him in the next post.

Week of May 24 and May 31 2010

"Palangga ko ikaw" is I love you in Illongo. The deaf man C.J. is teaching continues to be highlighted in his letters. It seems he's "golden."

They get to wake up every morning to a giant megaphone and roosters crowing from down the street, courtesy of the Catholic church.

His companion/trainer is getting ready to go home, so there's a few struggles. They had a companion fast and hope for a smooth transition.

The picture shows the Talisay ruins in Bacolod.

Apparently he's learning two types of Illongo. Deep Illongo is what the old-timers speak, and Hilgaynon is what everyone else speaks. So there's a lot of language learning going on.

May 16, 2010

So this week C.j. had a baptism (see pic). He also got chased down by a drunk man who thought he knew C.J. from a bar. When he realized he was mistaken, they talked to him and took down his contact info. He participated in a Mormon Helping Hands. I thought that was cool cuz we just did one of those recently here. It's cool that it's happening all over. They did clean up from the election.
C.J. expects to see some changes next transfer because his companion will be going home.

5/8/10

So this was an exciting week. At first I worried that I wouldn't get to talk to him for Mother's Day cuz he hasn't said anything about it. I got an e-mail at about 7:00 p.m. saying he'd call in 2-3 hours. So we read his latest e-mail and waited.
He stated that he interviewed with the AP at a district meeting. He was quizzed as to whether or not he had a girlfriend there. Apparently that was the problem with some of the other missionaries. He (and his companion during an interview) assured the AP and the mission president that he was girl-free. They also mentioned to him that after he gets comfortable speaking Illongo, they'll probably transfer him to a Cebuano speaking mission (that was his fear). But he said in his last e-mail that if that happens it's okay cuz he'll "Go Where He Wants Me To Go." That's his motto-and the song he and Krystin sang at his farewell.
They had 5 baptisms Friday and he and his companion sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." He said it was really good. I'm glad he has opportunities to sing, because he has the talent and enjoys it. He said everyone came to the baptism in jeans and t-shirts and they were the only ones dressed in a white shirt and tie. He was able to do almost all of the baptisms and 2 of the confirmations. He said Zebedee was supposed to baptize one, but couldn't get the words right and almost drown the kid, so C.J. had to take over. :( Poor Zebedee. C.J.'s been able to learn a lot on his mission about the priesthood and how the spirit speaks through one giving a blessing. I'm so excited that he's had that experience.
We finally got to talk to him! He had 40 minutes on his calling card and was allowed 45 min. to talk so he gave us the number of the member's home he was at so we could call him back when it ran out. We did-and I talked an extra 5 minutes. I think he was getting nervous cuz he is trying really hard to obey all the rules to the letter. I feel bad that I made him falter :( But I needed those last few words.
He likes Chicken Adobo and eats oatmeal for breakfast and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch and has rice or ramen or dinner. He says they don't have dinner appts because the people can't afford to feed others. They did once, but they paid the member for the food. He asked for macaroni and cheese. I sent him some the next day along with otter pops-he has a freezer. He washes his clothes in buckets and they have a shower but the shower head doesn't work so they wash themselves with buckets of water too. He says they have running toilets and toilet paper, which I think disappointed Taylor cuz he was looking forward to hearing about that experience. He says they have chickens and turkeys run through their yard sometimes and the only other pest has been fire ants that walk along wires that hang low by their apt. If he forgets it's there he runs into it and the ants fall on his head.Even though his area is just outside of Northern Bacolod, his apartment is in the city and he's about 15 minutes from the mission home.
He hasn't gotten sick at all and has adjusted really well. I'm very grateful for that. I'm sure other areas will be more challenging so I'm glad the Lord is breaking him in slowly.

5/02/10

We're FINALLY getting some info on where C.J. is serving. I guess it'll take a lot of letters and a phone call before we can get the real scoop. Their ward has 800 members! But only 75-80 are active :( Apparently his mission president has been there since last June. C.J. says that he's trying to clean up the mission. Some Elders were sent home because of disobedience, and some sent to Panay (that's the area that will be its own mission in July) I told C.J. I was gonna call his mission president if he missed another e-mail. He said not to, cuz he might get sent to Panay.
He says if he stays in this area of the mission, there are 2 areas that speak Cebuano. He's a little nervous about learning one language and possibly being sent to another.
Most of their investigators are teenage boys. He enjoyed doing splits with a new convert that's 17. His name is Zebedee

Got Two 4/26/10

So apparently last week C.J. tried to send us 5 photo attachments to his e-mail and it didn't send. Therefore, although it looked like we didn't get anything, it was sitting dormant in his email folder. That was rectified this week when he got rid of the pics :( and sent the e-mail on its way and then sent another after.
So CJ got his wallet stolen-fortunately all of the important stuff was in his missionary handbook in his pocket (he lost his Eagle Scout card).
He's put on a total of 20 pounds since leaving home.
Here's a picture of C.J.'s companion, Elder Labii, who's from northern Luzon and speaks Ilakano. His English is also pretty good.

So although I didn't get a letter from C.J. this week, the mission president did send a letter. He sent these pictures.

week 14

Didn't get a letter:(

Week 13

C.J. and his companion brought 12 investigators to church this last week. Without warning, the bishop announced that he and his companion were going to speak. He says he quickly decided to talk on the Savior's ministry, but then found out he was being asked to speak on the importance of the spirit in missionary work. It sounds like he'll be learning to prepare talks ahead of time just in case. So, he spoke for the first time in church on his mission, in Illongo. And after 2 1/2 weeks.
His mission area is kind of junglish, he says. and there is a volcano nearby. It sounds like they get their rides with jeepne drivers and trike drivers and he indicates that they often try to get him to pay more. I guess that's where a Filipino companion can really come in handy. He says the kids like him and they call him Joe or Brad. Not sure what that's about. I guess he could be seen as a young Brad Pitt :/

Week 12

C.J. almost had his first baptism. But, apparently it was postponed. He finally got to see conference, but missed the priesthood session due to some confusion on the time. They got 9 investigators to come. He seemed to understand a lot of what was said. From his letter, it sounded like the talk was given in either Tagolog or Illongo.

Week 11

C.J.'s been in the Philippines for almost a week. He is serving in an area just north of Bacolod City called Bata. His companion is Elder Labii, a Filipino from Northern Luzon. He is teaching in Illongo, which is not what he learned in the MTC. He's in a poor area with run down shacks and cardboard houses supported by bamboo. He and his companion are "whitewashing" which I'm still trying to understand the meaning of. They seem to have lots of people to teach, which should help his language, hopefully.

Week 10

We got to talk to C.J. 4 times as he travelled to the Philippines. He left on March 29th, but they are a day ahead of him, so with time changes, he lost a day. He first called from the SLC airport. Then, from LAX. He was anxious to talk to everyone and called Krystin at her play practice so that he could talk to her before he left LAX. I had sent him some snacks that he got on Friday. This was for his flight, in case he didn't have time to get something to eat. In SLC he said he was hungry, but his companion wanted to stay on the phone until the last possible minute. I asked him if he had the snacks. He said he'd already eaten them. No wonder he's gained weight. He also said that they have a lot of greasy food at the MTC and he had a lot of hamburgers and french fries. The 2 weeks before he left he started to have more salad. It was apparent that he had learned a lot of patience, because he was okay with not eating so that his companion could have more time on the phone. At LAX he seemed a little bit subdued. I think it was the recognition that he was so close to home. But, when he called from Taiwan he wanted a quick conversation so he could go eat. It was evident that if there was any homesickness during the flight, he was over it. Then, he called again from Manila. Luckily it was spring break for us so we were able to arrange our schedules so we were always home. In Manila, a church member picked them up and helped them get their luggage and weigh it (they had to pay for anything over the allotted weight). He took them across town to a smaller airport to fly to Bacolod. It took him about 3 hours to do all of that, then he called. It was only a short flight to Bacolod, and of course, we haven't heard from him since. I tried to give him lots of advice (like not drinking the water and letting the mission president know he'd been sick), but he kept saying that anything he needed to know he'd find out from the mission president and so I needed to stop worrying.
I have to say I felt a lot of relief after he arrived. I was feeling quite a bit of anxiety when he left LAX. I think knowing he was leaving the country was a daunting thought. It's hard to imagine him so far away. I know he's doing what he, the Lord, and us, want him to be doing. Now we go on faith and trust that the Lord will take care of him.

Week 9

CJ is with his Mission President, and Branch President. I'm not sure which is which cuz he didn't specify. This is C.J.'s last week in the MTC and he's excited to get out and serve. He sent us a beautiful letter bearing his testimony of the Book of Mormon. Elder Cook spoke to them and told them that the things that are going on in the world will humble people and prepare them to receive the gospel. He promised them that the righteous desires of their hearts would be granted. CJ has a lot of faith and knows that his own testimony and change of heart is a direct result of the Book of Mormon and he just wants to share that with others.

Week 8

Here's CJ with Mark Rosell. CJ says he's gained 15lbs (maybe more now) but he doesn't look it. This week he attended a fireside which he really enjoyed. He said that that he "regrets so much the opportunities I had to share the gospel with people when I was in school and at work because I failed to do so. I urge all of you to do your best to bring people into the Lord's true church. We are all sons and daughters of God and who are we to take the opportunity of hearing this gospel from God's children. Read Jacob 1:19. Please follow all the promptings of the spirit and do all you can to help bring others into the fold, everyone could benefit from having this gospel in their lives."

C.J. is enjoying mission life, although anxious to get to the Philippines. I'm not sure what this picture is all about, he just labelled it "Matrix."
Taylor says CJ has a scripture for everything and continually shares them with us. He wonders if he searches through the topical guide to find ones appropriate to the circumstance at hand. I don't know, but I'm glad that he relies on the scriptures to guide him, and us. His latest is Jacob 1:19 and he reminds us to take advantage of every missionary opportunity that comes our way. He regrets not having done that more.

Week 7

Finally! More pictures. CJ is excited to finally have two of his best friends to share the last few weeks with. CJ and Sheldon share gym time, meal times, and PDay so they see each other quite a bit. He says he gets to see Mark whenever too, cuz they are in the same building only a few floors between them. He says they get together sometimes at night and talk about life in the MTC.
I asked him about some things I thought he might need in the Philippines. These are things some other Philippine Missionary moms had suggested. Such as, a solar shower (they have cold water), a mosquito net (for rodents more than mosquitos), toilet paper, a camel back. He told me no to everything except the mosquito net (I don't think he cares for rodents given the experience that Elder Groberg had in Tonga). He says if the Filipino's can shower in cold water, so can he. Also, if they can live without toilet paper, so can he. He also things a water bottle is good enough. I think he'll find it'll be hotter than he expects, but I can always send it I guess.

Week 6

CJ keeps hearing that when he gets into the field he won't be using Tagolog, which is what he's learning. But, he knows that's what he's supposed to learn right now and is going on faith that it will benefit him. He had a mission conference and the MTC President talked about being completely obedient. This seems to be a subject constantly reiterated to the missionaries. CJ recognizes that strict obedience is necessary in order to have the spirit with him all of the time. I think this is a constant worry for mission presidents. I'm proud of him for taking everything he learns to heart and doing his best to follow all of the rules.
CJ constantly reminds his brothers to tell their mom how much they love her :) I like that.

Week 5

Alam ko na tagapagligtas si Jesucristo. Alam ko na totoong ang aklat ni mormon. Alam ko na totoong and propetang ni Josep Smith at ni Thomas S. Monson. Alam o na nagpakita si Joseph Smith ng Diyos at ni Jesucristo as sagradong kakahuyan.

This is CJ's testimony in Tagalog. I can't understand it. But I know he's happy to be there and he talks a lot of the importance of obedience in having the spirit with him. All I can say is I'm so very very proud

Week 4

So C.J.'s been about 4 solid weeks now. He says he's gained 15 lbs. I think that's crazy considering He's tried to gain weight before and never could. Seth Roberts got to see him last Thursday when he went to the MTC to help the missionaries practice their Tagolog. C.J. thought that was pretty cool. I asked Seth if he looked heavier, and he said yea, but not to worry cuz he'll lose it when he gets to the field. He said he's never seen a missionary go to the Philippines and gain weight. He also said C.J. made good small talk :) I hope that they get to do that again before C.J. leaves the MTC. So the next group has come in so he's not the newest anymore and I think he likes that. His companion has been sick so he got to give him a blessing and nurse him back to health.
The big thing C.J. learned this week was how to teach by the spirit and he's found that it's a pretty remarkable thing. He's also loving being able to go to the temple every week. I think the anxiety has worn off and he's getting used to things and still very anxious to get into the field.

Week Three

6 weeks left in the MTC. He says it's starting to feel, (as his cousin Dane pointed out to him it would) like a prison. But, he tries to think of it as more of a boarding school. He'd like to remind friends that they can send letters through Dear Elder for free and his mailbox number is 305. This week they heard from a member of the Seventy, Elder C. Scott Grove. He's trying to take advantage of all of the learning opportunities that are there and is looking anxiously forward to sharing the gospel with those in the Philippines.

Week Two

C.J. enjoys going to the temple which he does on his P-day, Mondays. He enjoys the "temple walks" that they do on Sundays. He's now able to bear his testimony in Tagalog. He says that they've received word that his mission will be split in July. The new missions will be Panay and Negros Occidental. He's hoping he'll get to serve in both areas before he's assigned to only one. He feels slightly frustrated that he's learning a language he won't be using in his mission, but is trying to take advantage of the learning opportunity he has right now. Maybe he'll retain some Tagolog and find use for it anyways. Elder Richard G. Hinckley spoke to them this week and that was a highlight.

Week One

C.J. enjoys his Branch President, President Smith. Apparently he tells lots of stories. His companion is Elder Gardner, who apparently likes to sing a lot. C.J. is learning to sing along, which isn't a problem for him I'm sure. He says the MTC is like being at EFY, only longer. He's disappointed that he can only introduce himself and pray in Tagolog. I think that's pretty good for less than a week.

MTC

CJ reported to the MTC on 1/27/2010 and embarked on the beginning of his new adventure..MTC PROVO. He was assigned a companion and attended orientation and meetings where he was able to sit just a few feet from Pres. Uchdorf and listen to his wise words of wisdom to new missionaries. The number one piece of advise from C.J.'s grandfather as well as others was "Be Obedient." And these are words that C.J. is determined to live by. Therefore, he has asked that we should forward his e-mails to any that want to read them, but he will only respond by written hand, as he has been counseled to only e-mail is family.

Before arriving at the MTC, we enjoyed time with family (and Seth) at the Outback in Orem. A walk through the University Mall was the chosen activity for the morning of, and the moments were made memorable as a young boy walked slowly by C.J., staring, then running to his mom saying "Mom, is that a missionary?"