Jason & Elder Baiting (?) during a Zone Meeting

Sister Carlos said ... In Ilagan the missionaries were asked to simplify their teaching. After a period of time to plan, the door opened and in marched their "investigators." Children who had volunteered to work with our missionaries. It was really fun to watch the missionaries teach these darling kids.

04/24/2011

Hey so we had another baptism this weekend. It was great! She is such a cool lady. I’m a little mad how only 2 people came to her baptism - the bishop and another lady we asked to speak that was it. I’m not joking there was the two, me, my companion, and 4 other missionaries. It was pretty sad that that’s the kinda support we get being in a Ward. I thought it would be different but I guess not. Also the other person we asked to speak texted us an hour before the baptism saying he has to work. Why he didn’t text us a week ago or say something the numerous times we reminded him, I don’t know. Then I had to give a talk with a 2 minute notice before sacrament. Haha! I love the Philippines. I really do love it, I’m just telling you the mentality of the people haha. But ya anyways we have been having fun the same old stuff.

Yes my companion is Filipino and he’s from Lagos. It is way far from here. His Tagalog isn’t that great because they speak a different language there where he’s from. We are kinda close to the mission home it takes about 1 hr 30 minutes to get there or so.

I can’t wait to get home and go to dollar movies because it’s gonna be like going to the expensive ones for me! haha. Eric is starting a lawn mowing business? Why does he need a new lawnmower for it? Who is his partner in crime?

I have been really lazy with taking pictures. I’m sorry - it just doesn’t seem like anything new to me anymore so I rarely see anything too exciting. You need to tell me what kind of pictures I need to take so I know when to take them. Haha! You think you do the same stuff everyday haha missionaries are the most routine people on the planet! Haha! Nothing changes here. Also you should probably send me a whole letter about what I should write about haha because I haven’t got a clue anymore haha.
Are you guys getting excited to see Matthew again? Its crazy how soon it’s gonna be. Its probably not even going to wear off that he’s home and then I’ll be in the airport – haha!
Anyways love ya lots family! Tell dad hunt deadlines I know are sometime in June so get them done early before you forget!

Love ya
Jason

Easter in the Philippines

President Carlos said this about Holy Week ...

“Remember, this is Holy Week in the Philippines. That means many of the services (banks, stores, etc) will be closed at least Friday-Sunday. I doubt any ATMs will work between Friday and Sunday...Some will be closed all week. Plan your business needs early in the week. Be mindful of the local religious traditions pertaining to Holy Week – AND be respectful of their practices. In some areas of the Philippines, real live crucifixion actually takes place. If you see anything unusual, please be sensitve to the fact that to these people, these are sacred religious observances. Be mindful also that Catholics do not eat chicken, pork, or beef during Holy Week."

04/18/2011 - Letter to Andrea

I’m like 90 percent sure that’s what’s happening. President said Nov 30 like last week again so I think so. I’ll find out for sure sure in about 2 months then its gonna be crazy. It’s so close it feels weird that I’ll be home that soon! Anyways how’s everything going getting ready for the move and what not. Nothing really new with me. I cut my finger pretty bad the other day cutting rice for a service project. It was pretty gnarly - it cut my finger nail in half but its fine. I didn’t even go to the doctor. It’s still sore but it looks like its healing fine. I didn’t want to call our nurse lady and be like I cut my finger. That’s the most exciting bit I have to say haha!

But anyways I’ll talk to you later.
Love ya
Jason

PS: Don’t forget … figure something out with mom so we can talk in May alright - love ya jason

04/18/2011 - Elder Biating

Companion: Elder Biating - from Lagos Philippines

Okay so its gonna be short again! I’m sorry but anyways nothing a whole lot has changed. I have actually been sick all week but it’s kinda funny because now I got everyone else sick. I still have a runny nose but its getting better.

When I got transferred I got a new companion - Elder Biating so he is my companion for a while. Also we have some really good investigators one is getting baptized on Saturday and then 6 more should follow in the next 3 weeks. So we’re doing good.

Anyways all is great here - just living the missionary life. Yep Matt’s home in 2, I’m home in 7! Matt was a little surprised that I’ll be home only five months after him. I’m about 95 percent sure me and Elder Riner will be leaving the Philippines on Nov 30 so that’s soon.

Anyways love ya
Jason