Philippines Mission--Week 13: Area Leader, me?

My new companion, Sister Orzal , is on the left.

Kamusta mo! There are only a couple of days to tell you all about since last time I e-mailed was Wednesday, so this letter will be short.

So July 1st, Wednesday, was our P-day because it was Transfer Week. Sister Lagan and I went and emailed at the Market, and then took a Rela over to Sister Luz's house to have one last lunch with her and the Elders. :( It was the saddest lunch ever! After we had lunch, we took pictures and said our goodbyes to the Elders, and then left home and packed some bags. Sister Lagan packed up everything she had, and I had to pack up a bag to spend the night with Sister Bolo in Valencia. We then took a bus to Valencia, and I had to get off while Sister Lagan stayed on the bus to travel to the port in Tagbliaran, so she could take a boat to the Cebu island.

After I got off of the bus, Sister Bolo and I walked into her house and just sat on the bed and cried because both of our companions were transferring. We then wiped away our tears and decided to just focus on the positive, that we get to spend the whole P-day together. SIster Bolo and I got ready and took a bus back to Jagna and just did our shopping there because everything was pretty cheap to buy. It was really awesome spending time with Sister Bolo because she's so funny and weird like I; so we just clicked easily. I hope we can become companions soon. We would be unstoppable!

Then on July 2nd, Thursday, it was Transfer Day. Sister Bolo and I spent a third of the day together because we were waiting for her new companion and Sister Legaspi (our STL) to show up. In the morning, Sister Bolo and I walked down to the beach and just took some pictures and hung out. It was awesome just standing in the water looking out at the ocean, not having to think about anything.

Sister Legaspi and Sister Mangompit (Sister Bolo's new companion) finally showed up. We all got ready and headed to Sister Paz's (a member of the Valencia branch) to have some lunch! After our lunch Sister Legaspi and I were companions and all day; we just walked around tracting, (which is where you knock on doors and find new investigators) but here in the Philippines we don't knock on doors, we just yell, "Ayo!" haha. It's so fun! After we did some tracting for the day, Sister Legaspi and I took a bus back to her house and I packed up my stuff because the zone leaders were coming to pick me up with my new companion. The zone leaders finally showed up and my new companion got out. She is very... short, haha. But very outgoing and bubbly! I was very, very nervous meeting her, but now I'm not so nervous around her anymore. It just takes time to get used to her, but I only have 6 weeks to do it.

Then, July 5th was fast Sunday. My first Sunday with my new companion. It was very different being in the Jagna branch with a new companion. Since today was Fast Sunday, I got to bare my testimony. My new companion was very proud of me because I didn't just speak in English, I spoke a lot in Cebuano and she said that it was really good Cebuano. I seriously can't wait to be Bisdak! (which is where you're fluent in Bisaya/Cebuano).

This week has been a roller-coaster full of emotions. This transfer is weighing down on my shoulders because I have to lead the area and I'm very nervous! And to tell you the truth, I can't lead. With the Lord I can do anything! Just always rely on the Lord for everything in your life. Even if through the good times.

I love you all!

P.S. Happy late 4th of July America! I wish I was there to celebrate!

Love,

Sister Johnson