Hello everyone. So there have been some comments on "hey i havent heard from you" Yes, I know. I haven't sent out a family email for the past two weeks now. I want you all to know that I am always thinking of you and love you guys. Dont ever question that. Its just that these past few weeks have been a little..... crazy. 

I told you guys a few weeks ago that I would be training. Im training a sister from provo utah her name is sister Evans. (I forgot my camera but I will send a pic next week) So obviously, we have been together two weeks now and I absolutely love it but Im not going to lie... I dont think that I have ever felt this much pressure in my entire life!!! The pressure to be the "fluent language speaker" when I have just barely reached my 4 months here in the Philippines and im not fluent yet. The pressure to be a full spiritual teacher... when im not. There are definitely times when the spirit is more blunt than others but I know that I still have a long way to come and that we can never be perfect in our lessons. I know that the spirit is the true teacher and is what it takes to soften a heart to His message. Even though there is this constant pressure of making sure that I am doing everything I can to help those around me and to be a good example on Sister Evans. I know that it is only by that good pressure that will push me to be diligent and become the missionary that I need to be. I want to let you each know that I am so thankful for each of your influences on my life. I have learned that this is the most unselfish work other than being a parent because you are spending all of your time serving those around you and trying to help them and a lot of the times... yeah.. sadly, its not very appreciated but when you find that one person out of the fifty that you have spoken with, who is ready to hear His message, that makes everything worth it. I DO appreciate everything that you guys have done for me. Please know that sometimes it gets overwhelming for me and I dont have that much time on here, but I do love you and thank you guys for your prayers. Love,

Sister Merrill

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Ok, this is just a quick email to let you guys know whats going on. Plan for a skype date next tuesday for you guys around 9;30 at night. I will confirm it next week.

Just so you know whats happening over here... this week has been so CRAZY with lots of things happening. Hahaha

-I got bit by a dog. Its not bad at all but its ironic the day I dont bring my stick, I actually get bit ha. 

-THe ???? are fully gone!! Woo hoo!!!

- I will go to the manila hospital next week after transfers 

-AND, the biggest most shocking news that i received last week..... IM GOING TO BE A MOM!!!!! Meaning, I am going to train! ANO BA YAN!! (what is that!?) I just got here haha. I definitely dont feel prepared but I know that the Lord really does call us in our weaknesses and He qualifies us for the work. I love you guys!!! See you soon ;)

Ok, so i am guilty for not writing an email to everyone last week. My bad. :) Mom, I have not had the surgery yet but I have to go to Manila in two weeks and thats when I'll get. All is well though. 

This week though.... boy was it a full blown ROLLER COASTER!!! There are so many things that I want to tell you guys but there is not enough time. So many amazing things happened and there were a lot of... not so amazing things. 

I feel like I have talked about this a bajillion times but I am just going to say it again about how stinkin grateful I am that we have the guidance of the spirit. 

There were a lot of occasions that happened this week were it felt like everything was going wrong and sister bagacina and i were trying not to get discouraged, we would stop and say a prayer and then bam! we were lead to those who have truly been prepared for the gospel. It is so amazing that if we just stop for a second to pray... it makes the most difference than anything else! It will give us the peace, patience, strength, courage, happiness, and whatever we need. So in this short short email, I just want to remind you all that its that simple. Just pray. If you are worried for school, your job, or need an answer or guidance... just pray. It is the most effective way to recieve what we need. I know that is true because I feel it and see it everyday when we need uplifting or anything. A short prayer is what makes that difference. I love you all!! I hope that your doing well. 

 

I will send pictures next week :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Well, we were finally able to watch general conference on saturday and sunday! WOW. What an amazing and refreshing time. I want to study the talks out a little bit more and then I will send my insight maybe next week. Because I want to talk about milagros (miracles) now. Before that though, I have some "funny" things that happened last week. 

1. We were teaching a lesson to the Ferrer family (they live in the middle of an open field with fish ponds and we have to walk about 15 minutes through a jungle like path). We started to open our lesson with a song and,..... the next thing i know... I felt something drop on my shoulder and then fell on my hymn book. I looked down to see what it was and it was NO JOKE a HUGE!! spider!!! I threw my hymn book and probably sounded like I was being killed because my scream was pretty loud. No doubt one of the closest contacts I have come to the spiders I usually just see and then they run away. There are a few other bug stories but I am just going to move on. haha

Now serioso. 

So, we talk to the man "Umberto"( he is Italian but is from Europe) when we finish lessons with a less active woman. Usually its just chit chat but a few weeks ago, we actually were able to set up an appointment to teach him. He is also atheist by the way. 

I just want to bare my testimony on the spirit and on the scriptures saying that we will NOT be confounded before men if we have the spirit with us. He had a lot of concerns and a lot of comments.He was actually studying to become a priest for his church back in the day but because of some awful things that he shared with us, he didnt want anything to do with religion. 

By the end of the lesson he was able to really open up, the spirit was there, and he started to talk about God. (before, we would try and talk about God and he would alwasy say "who? who?") but now, he was so willing. We left him some material and a book of mormon to read. We havent been able to teach him since because he is back and forth with traveling in the Philippines, but we have a return date to teach him, AND whenever we see him he is always drinking and smoking. The other day though, we saw him and he had no drink or cigarette in his hands and told us he has started to read "the word".

I want to testify to all of you guys that if you just so much as "experiment on His word" If you have so much as a desiour to know what is true (like it was said in conference) He will tell you the truth if you are willing to listen. I KNOW. That we are promised with an answer that this gospel is true if all we do is try it. He says in the scriptures to try him and see if he wont answer you. Try Him and see if he wont pour out his blessings on you. 

I love you guys so much and thank you for your love and yhour support for me while i am out here. I can not do this without your prayers because this is the hardest work I have ever had to do in my whole life. The things that we are required to do as missionaries is litterally exhausting. But I know that with our Heavenly Father we are able to be made stronger so we can bear those things that we are called and asked to do. 

I love you guys! Stay safe and trust in Him to go to Him everyday in prayer. Just talk to him one on one and in your families or with friends. It will strengthen your relationship with Him and with each other. Mahal na mahal ko kayo!!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Neighbors

2. our neighbors pets. No big deal

3. this is a HOUSE spider. Just imagine the ones I see in the fields :(

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

God's Hand

Kamusta lahat!! Kamusta araw nyo? At siyempre... kamusta mga buhay nyo? ;)

Well, I have a really funny story and then I will tie it in with the spirit because that is what missionaries do. dayba? (right?)

So, there was a baptism on Saturday and as we were getting things ready by turning on the water for the font.... walang tubig. (no water) just some brown mucky stuff and who knows what else. Dilemma ya!? Well, lets just say... good thing we are only 5 minutes from the ocean! Baptisms in the ocean. WOW. I have always heard of them or seen them on movies or whatnot, but an actual baptism of a family you love and then in an amazing scene of the ocean.... The spirit was so strong and feelings that I cannot even describe! What a beautiful moment for everyone. 

 I am so blessed to be able to serve these people here and most importantly, be in the service of our Heavenly Father. Of course there are so many roller coasters of a mission but they really are ALL worth it. There is no waste to anything that happens. I am so glad that a very smart person told me that I should recognize God's hand in everything!! And that same person promised that there would not be a day of disappointment. I can testify to that now! Yeah, some days it is a lot harder to look for the good in that day, but it is always found that there was a purpose to whatever happened.

I know that that is true for everything in our life. With school, our jobs, our friends, good and bad. There is a purpose behind it and God knows that purpose. We need to trust Him and His will for us. We also need to do our best to be humble enough to do HIS WILL. Not ours. 

I'm sorry that these are always short, but I gotsta get back out there. Even on P-days :) I love all of you and please send me pictures via email and just a short little update would be great if you guys have time. Mahal ko kayo! Ingat ah? 

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Alright family. I am trying to rack through my brain and figure out what to talk about. Its so funny because SO MANY things happen during the week where I say to myself "OH! I need to tell them this" and of course when it comes time.... I totally forget all of it. Shesh.

I read a scripture 2nd Nephi. "for we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

It made me think of a talk that I heard back in the mtc about the atonement. Of course God is merciful on us because, lets be honest. We sin every single day. Many times. But it really is more than that. The atonement was compared to piano lessons. Our parents pay for the whole lessons. And we are asked to practice, right? When we practice it doesn't pay back our parents for what they paid. It shows them that we are thankful and appreciative for what they have paid for. It shows that we are willing to improve every single day as well. 

Our Heavenly Father doesn't get back that time that He suffered for us when we are obeying. Rather, we truly are showing Him that we are SO grateful for what He has done for us. I know that this email is very simple and short (like always). But I know that the meaning of the atonement is so much deeper than how we treat it. I know that I forget what He truly did for me sometimes. Even as a missionary teaching people about the atonement everyday. Sometimes I need to really be reminded myself. We have been given the best and most beautiful gift that anyone could ever give us. Repentance. And through repentance we are able to become stronger, more willing, and we have the amazing opportunity to return to Him as a family. Who doesn't want that. Right? 

I love you guys and am so grateful for all of your examples and your support while I have been out here. Thank you for your inspiring words and your prayers. I hope that everything is going well for everything and that everyone is getting excited for conference!!! WOO HOO!! 

Maraming salamat talaga. Kasi, sobra blessed ako talaga. Mahal mahal ako kayo. Siyempre! 

p.s. I forgot my flash drive for pictures. Sorry!! Next week.

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Let people know they are free to email if they want. Thanks :)

Sige, so... this week I want to talk about a talk that we received. By Elder David A Bednar (The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality) I HIGHLY recommend that you read it. It has by far become my favorite talk. 

I want to quote a few things and then hopefully be able to load some pictures. Emailing our mission president every week takes up a lot of time. So I'm sorry for the short emails. Anyway... Here it is.

"I suspect that many church members are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming and cleansing power of the atonement than they are with the strengthening and enabling power. It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to ear to die for us- that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us- not only to direct us but also to empower us." 

The atonement is for EVERYONE. I love how it talks about when we have hard circumstances.... we don't ask for our circumstance to be changed, but we should ask for us to be strengthened.

Like Nephi when his brothers got mad and tied him up and planned on killing him. His prayer was " O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound". (1 nephi 7;17)

He didn't say "get me out of this situation". He didn't ask for his circumstance to be changed, rather... He asked to be strengthened.

"I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs..."

"And now it cam to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

I know that when we asked to be strenghtened so we can bear our burdens, rather than asking for them to change. I KNOW that he will help us so we can handle the things that are given to us. 

I received a letter from uncle James talking about pulling up your bootstraps and just doing it. That's what we need to do. Not complain about why we have hardships, but know that it is for our good and when we pray for help. According to our faith... we will receive it. It is a promise directly from God. I am so thankful for this message that I am able to share with everyone out here. It is hard 100% of the time. But it is worth it 100% of the time as well. I love you all and please keep the emails and pictures coming! I might not be able to respond every week but I will get there eventually. I love you all!! 

Remember, there are two pains in life, the pain of regret... and the pain of discipline.

P.S. It is allowed to email friends in this mission. Let people know they are free to email if they want. Thanks :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Thank you everyone for your amazing letters. I want you all to know that it means SO MUCH to hear from family and friends while your out on the mission. It really is a breath of fresh air. Mom, thank you so much for sending those pictures!! I couldn't help but to bust up with laughter seeing that cute little Spencer back in the day. Holy cow has he changed. For the better ;) 

Marianne, could I get a list of the Merrills emails? Mom, maybe some other emails from you of who wants to be added on. Thank ya much.

I will hurry and tell you about my fun thing that I ate this week. Ready for it....?? Cow tongue. Masarap siya!! (so good!) ok, not really... but Its the attitude that counts. Right?

This week has been really good with the work. We had so many people that were able to make it to church. It's really hard out here for a lot of people to make it because they live so far away and don't have money to travel so they have to walk. Which for a lot, its hard to walk that far with all of their kids... or if their older... but it is amazing the faith of those who come every week despite of no money or their 5 little kids. They walk to church anyway because they know that the things that their Savior has done for them and they want to give back all that they can. So inspiring! 

It is amazing to see the miracles that are around us everyday. Not just for us out here in the Philippines. But for all of you guys. We are given so many blessings in our lives. Please take that time to recognize them and then thank our Heavenly Father. 

I want to add pictures for you guys so this letter will be short so I can figure out how to upload ;) 

Thank you again for all that you guys do for me. Your love and your support and especially, Your prayers!!! Maraming maraming salamat. Mahal ko kayo!!

 

1; The home where we ate the tongue. Usually its black, but they soaked it in something. MMmmm...

2; Cow tongue

3; Typical house

4; Malicsi Family

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

GIVE YOUR ALL

Hello Everyone!! Lets see... not much time. Like always.... Pansensyia talaga! (really sorry)

Well, this week has been quite... heartbreaking but also inspiring. 

I have talked a little bit about the "Malicsi" family but I don't know if I had told you their name. It is a family of seven. Five little kids and then the mom and dad. We have been teaching them for a few weeks now and they are so amazing and sweet! This week we were able to do a service for them. Sister Bagacina and I decided that we would clean their "house". It is so humbling to see when a family has absolutely nothing but trash and rats in their home. The next day we were able to pick up the two little girls and take them to church with us. Again, so humbling seeing the kids eat their cup of rice with a little bit of salt to add some flavor. 

I want you all to know how hard it is to be offered a little bit of food, when you know that that is all they have. You kindly say that you have already eaten but they insist because they want to serve you so badly! That is a little bit of what I want to talk about right now. 

I have learned very quickly while being out here, that Filipinos will do everything they can do serve and give even when they have nothing to give. They will serve you and make sure you are comfortable even after working all day in this extremely hot and humid weather. 

I have learned that I need to be more like God's children in this part of the world. I need to ask myself at the end of each day... have I given everything that I can to those around me and especially... Have I given my all to my Heavenly Father who has literally given me everything? If I haven't, I need to make sure I say sorry and then work harder the next day. 

Are we doing everything we can to show our love for our Heavenly Father and to those around us? If not, I want to challenge everyone to serve more. Don't worry about the worldly things that can break and get dirty. Worry about the things that will last forever. The things that are eternal. I love you all and am sorry for spelling mistakes/grammar mistakes and for the short time.

I hope you all have a good day! Mahal Ko Kayo!! 

Those are pictures of the balut in california. And so much more out here :)

p.s. Dad, my mission president said the my "return with honor" ring that i wear everyday... Said that it is the best reminder that he has ever seen for a missionary. So thank you. 

Mom, thank you for letting me know your address. I have some letters to send you guys :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Fears and Getting Over Them

Ok wow! I have to respond to the pictures that I have received. Kylie's dress!!?? GORGEOUS!!! And not black ;) I cannot believe how big everyone is getting. I love jacob's valentines box. Spongebob is always the way to go. And Marianne! The kids really are so big!! I couldn't believe that that was Kallie or the little babies. Give them all hugs and let them know that I miss them so much! 

I have a few random things that I will put at the end of this letter, but right now I want to talk about some other things. Well first off, I have definitely been having to get rid of my fears. And that's what I will talk about. Being out here definitely MAKES me be more brave. Haha. For example, I am absolutely terrified of cows now. A couple of interactions that weren't so good has led me to that fear. However, I have to get over it because we have to pass them through the fields almost every day. Another good example is my fear of all of the huge cockroaches and even worse... the spiders and rats that are way... toooo... often found scampering across the floor during lessons. I'll tell you what, there is nothing worse to break my focus :/ Well.. there are a few other things that have happened while in lessons that are just WAY too good. I will have to save those for when I get home.

I want to talk about one of my biggest fears though that I'm sure your all aware of. Not being prepared and being.... yes.. being a perfectionist. Well. I have learned very well now that a lot of the times, the spirit will tell us to do something and we don't feel "prepared" to do what is asked. I've had to get over that. 

Also, Filipinos in the church LOVE to just call on you to give a lesson or teach a workshop, or even... During sacrament.... Bishop will get up and announce that you will be giving a talk. That's my favorite ;) 

I really am so grateful for these experiences though because it feels so good to just be willing now to do whatever is asked. We all need the attitude when it comes to doing what is right and when it comes to the holy ghost telling us to do something. We don't say "Well.... this person is better at that" or whatever else. We just need to do it. Even in the simple things. If the spirit says slow down while your driving. Slow down. It is those simple promptings that prepare us to hear and act on the bigger ones. I love you all so much and am so grateful to have your examples in my life. I hope that your all doing well and your in my prayers PALAGI!! (always)

Isabel; Could I get your tortilla recipe? Just a simple estimate of the ingredients

Kylie; you know that movie we use to watch with the trolls and the queen with really really long white hair? (whats that movie) because you know the part where the troll has its feet up and it has the super long toe nails!!?? Yeah.... I saw someone who basically had the same feet! I wanted to take a picture to show it to you but I couldn't be sneaky about it. 

oh and Ryan, you talked about the fruit with crab paste!! Filipinos eat the same thing! but its purple fish paste. I dont know what makes it purple.. but it is. They LOVE it on their fruit. haha 

I love you guys!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Hello again family! Lets see... There were some pretty funny things that happened this week. Of course there are things that happen everyday where it brings me to realize where I am really at in the world. FUNNY THINGS: As we had just finished a lesson and walking to our dinner appointment, we got chased by a cow on the dirt path. Rude right? Its all good though we got away safely but it was still pretty scary. 

THINGS I ATE: This weeks eating adventure was "Dinuguan" it is a thick soup like food that is... Pigs blood. With some nice insides of the pig as well. Masarap! (delicious)

Things are going well here though. Everyday I am taught something from the spirit and from the people here in the Lingayan area. This week we were able to go to a less actives home (the member who served us the blood) We were able to teach her about the importance of families and being able to be together forever. As her two daughters bore their testimony, the spirit was so amazing and strong! Guys, the youth are amazing here! They are so strong and they literally hold the church together out here. All of the leaders are super young! And are so strong in the church. They set such a great example to how the youth of the church really should be. They are the future leaders. And it really shows out here in the Philippines.

I want to also share my testimony on obedience from Ryan's letter. Obedience takes dedication and is not easy to be 100% obedient. It takes diligence and dedication. I know that when we have that dedication and drive to be obedient. That is when our faith grows and when we are able to have that faith turn into a knowledge. I KNOW that this gospel is the true gospel of Jesucristo and I know that when we are dedicated to Him. We are promised so much. I want to always have my family with me and to be able to have that faith. Faith is truly hoping for things that aren't seen. Those who say "I will believe once I see" That's not faith. Just like it says in the book of mormon and the bible. 

I am so humbled to be out here and to see the things I see and to learn this language.(try)

I love you all so much and want to thank you for the support that you all have given me. I love you guys!! 

-- 

I'm in the Philippines!!!!!

Alright family. I am finally here after much much!! travel. 

WOW. I seriously cannot believe that I am a missionary here. When I look around to see that I am here, it is seriously so surreal. The people are amazing! like everyone has said that they are. The cockroaches are HUGE!! like everyone said they are. We have about 15 pet lizards that live in our house and eat some mosquito's which is good. THE SPIDERS ARE AS BIG AS MY FACE!!! No joke. It is very unsettling to be walking in a huge field to a members home and know that there are spiders that could bite my leg and carry me off into their nest :/. We take our showers, wash our clothes and go to the c.r (bathroom) with a cute little bucket, and we walk everywhere. It is really hard to be very honest but all of that goes away when we walk into someones home who has literally nothing. They have one room with a dirt floor and barely any walls or a roof, yet they are so happy to have the missionaries over and to give what little food they have. It is heartbreaking to see these families who offer you little food and you can see that they are starving. I am just thankful that I have a filipina companion to tell them that we have "already eaten" and that we will just take a small portion so they will have some for their family. 

It is definitely not California out here but I would not trade it for the world. I want to share a quick, sweet experience that we had the second day I was here. We went to go visit a less active member at his home. He wasn't there but we were able to talk to these three sisters and taught them the first lesson. 

While teaching them on the dirt floor of a shack with dogs running around and a cow next to us, the spirit so sobra strong!! I cannot even explain that feeling that I had then. Those 3 sweet sisters who felt the spirit so strongly and have now committed to be baptized. Although I could not say hardly anything or understand anything... I know that they understood and knew that what we were teaching was right. 

I am so thankful to be here and to learn from these amazing and humble people. It is not an easy life out here but I would not want to be anywhere else. :)

I hope that all of you are doing well and that everyone is staying safe and healthy. I love you all!

Oh by the way, I am in an area called "Lingayan" its about 6 or so hours from Baguio. Just so you know where I am :)

LOVE YOU ALL!!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Hello everyone!! So... yes. I leave for the Philippines at 12:05 am. It is a 16 hour flight to hong kong and then a 2 hour flight to manlila. After arriving in manilla i will be picked up and we will go on an 8 hour jeepnee ride to Baguio!! I cannot wait!!!! I am really nervous to be flying solo but i know that i will be fine and protected.

I seriously cannot believe that the time has finally come. I have absolutely loved being able to be here in California but i am ready to go out there and take everything in.

 

I have been making sure to get some Filipino culture out here though. There is a family who is Filipino and so.... I mentioned that I wanted to eat "Balut" (half developed duck egg) and guess what!!! THEY GOT FOR ME!!! I have pictures that I will have to send later. (Sorry for not sending any pictures at all by the way. I will get on it.) The balut was not bad at all though. I was so surprised! You just cant think about it or really even look at it. You crack it open and drink the "juice" I dont know what the juice is... but it was good. And then you eat the yolk that had vain things all over it but again, it was good. and then.. You get to the chick. They were talking about how there is a white part that you dont eat and i thought that what I was, at the time.. disecting... the white part they were talking about. NOPE. that was the chick that I was supposed to eat next. So afer seeing the eyes and beak and different other parts.. I now needed to eat this bird. So I popped it in my mouth and again, it was good. The crunching of the bones and chewing on the beak is what got me a little bit but I pulled it together. :)

Good stuff right?

 

Well, that is my story and I need to go because its a holiday today.. there are lots of missisonaries. I love you all!!

 

I will talk to you when Im in the Philippines!!!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Trials and Blessings

Sige Pamilya ko. I am short on time BUT I do want to thank you mom for having most of the kids write a short cute little something. It means a lot to me to see those on here. Also, if you adorable people could forward these on to the rest of the family, that would be da best!

Well, I want to just tell you about my week. It has been super tough this week. Just a combination of a lot of different things. I have been praying so much that my knees are starting to go raw. :/ But thats what its all about. Just this morning after saying a prayer and asking for help.. I felt that I should pull out this paper that I forgot that I had. Here is what was on it.

 

"Like stones in the river we are tossed and turned. When the current moves so strong but stones in living water over time are shaped until the edges are gone. Polished and smooth thats what we will be if we put ourselves in God's hands. Each day of our lives is a gift from the Giver. To smooth all the edges like stones in the river.

The trials of our lives can work for our good if we let the Saviours love surround us.

-Doug and Sherry Walker.

 

D&C 122;7

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my child, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good".

 

I KNOW. That when we go through trials and hardships, that it is because our Heavenly father loves us that He has given us those trials so that we can learn and grow to who He knows that we can become. We have so much potential as children of God. We just need to realize it and to know that everything is for our personal growth if we recognize it as a gift from our Father. I love you all and I want you all to know that I am praying for every single one of you. I love you and I hope that you all have an amazing day and week!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Maligayan Pasko!! (Merry Christmas)

Hey Mga Pamilya at Mga Kabigan ko! (family and friends)

I dont have much  time because it is Christmas Eve and there is a long line of missionaries to write home. Mom, thank you for the package!! I have not opened it yet. Obviously and surprisingly... (Im getting better at waiting).

 

I want to share two scriptures with you. They are both in Matthew chapter 6. I know that they arent the usual christmas scriptures... but I like to spice it up sometimes. Sige. The first one is verse 21 "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." and the second one is verse 33. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The reason why I love these scriptures so much and especially during this time of year is because we get so caught up in all of the wordly things that we have been trained that that's what Christmas is about. Shockingly ;) Its not!!

I love these verses because it is so true that when we treasure something, that is where our heart truly is. When we treasure our families and friends... thats where our passion and heart is. I love the other one because again, we get caught up with life and forget that if we really want help and for life to be a more comforting... we need to turn to the Lord and He will be able to help us out. We have had the opportunity to teach a lot of people about the true meaning of Christmas and what they can do to be happy and to feel like they have a meaning on this earth and that there IS a plan. A perfect plan for them. It is so amazing to see that process in their minds and to have it click that in order to have these blessings of happiness and closness that God promises us, is to seek Him first and the rest will come. The small miracles that we see everyday are absolutely amazing! I want to invite you all to do something that I was invited to do by someone. I want you all to look for God's hand in everything that happens. Good and bad. Becasue it's true. Everything that God puts in our lives is for a purpose. (Kylie. This analogy is for you) Its like in books. When there is a character that is introduced in a book. That character is going to have a certain role in the story. There isn't a character that just passes by and is never talked about again. Thats exactly how it is here! Everyone has a purpose in our lives. I want you all to recognize those around you and to figure out what you can learn from that person. Whether it be to not judge, to give, to smile more... whatever reason. Look for it and recognize that God is so... aware of all of our stresses and all of our joys. And He is there for us. We just have to do our part and go to Him for guidance and thanks.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I LOVE YOU ALL

 

p.s. I need a picture of Kylie's engagment ring!! 
p.p.s Congrats on the new place kelsey sugar!!!
--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Alright, lets do this.

First week here in Cali!! It has been so awesome! I recieved my first
rejection when I was in the SLC airport waiting for the flight to
board but then sat next to this awesome guy and we were able to talk
to whole time.
It has been really interesting being out here in the world. And being
a missionary in the states. I have learned so..... much after just
being here a week. I thought that after being in the MTC for two
months and changing was fast... no way. One week and I already feel
like there is so much that I have changed in. My english is still not
that great because I have been in a trio with another Sister form Utah
and then a Sister from... Yep! The Philippines!!! And to make it even
more crazy, she is from the area I will be serving in! Needless to
say, we have been talking in Tagalog a lot! our other companion sister
Fulgham knows some pretty good words in Tagalog now :)

I have learned that Americans are pretty dang rude. Every now and then
we will get people who kindly say no, which is really nice. But it's
usually people swearing, throwing water bottles, or other things. All
is well though.
My prayers have been answered though. You all know that I have this
crazy passion about the spanish culture. Well, it has been so much fun
being here in California because we find so many people who are
spanish! California is a huge mixing pot. There are lots a vietnamese
Ryan. Just come over to Cali :) But seriously. I love going in the
back ways of the spanish neighborhoods and talking to the little kids
and singing songs with them. Of course when people are interested, we
have to refer them to the spanish elders but thats ok. I just love
being around them!
I have learned that God answers prayers and provides ways like crazy!
If we are willing. There have been lots of little prayers answered
where we will litterally open our eyes and it will be there right
before us. I want to let you know about opening our mouths. I honestly
LOVE going out and talking with litterally everyone I see. It is my
favorite thing because I get to go out and get to know everyone! Plus
we have a few investigators because we have been able to just have
that passion to go and speak with everyone we see.

I want to tell you all how much I love being a missionary. And how
excited I am to go and serve in the Philippines. I hear all of the
stories that sister Manzon has (Pilipino Companion) and it just is so
humbling. I walk down the streets and see poverty here in the US and I
can only imagine what awaits for me in the Philippines. I am so
excited to go and serve those humble people and to be here serving
these people I meet everyday. I love this work and I am so grateful
for the guidence that our saviour gives us if we are willing to listen
and to act. I love you all so much!
Spencer. I hope you got my letter from back in the MTC and are doing
what it said ;)
I love you all! I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well and staying safe.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

the mission address is 6500 E Atherton Street Longbeach California 90815
I will be transfered to the Longbeach east mission on tuesday!! More
spanish people to teach there!! :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Change Of Plans

Pamilya ko!!!
I know that this is different because its not martes.... pero... I found out some news! So, I will not be going to the Philippines with my district. I have been assigned to the......... Long Beach California Mission for one transfer (6 weeks) I am so thankful that I will not be staying in the MTC. Nine weeks is plenty enough thank you. :) Its really interesting though to see what the Lord has in store for me. I cannot wait to see the people I meet while there! Hopefully I get a Filipina companion or serve in a Tagalog ward.. because 6 weeks of SYLing (Speak your language) by myself... That doesn't sound too fun.
Pero, whatever happens is what is suppose to.
It's been so weird going through our last week here in the MTC. Getting ready to leave and actually travel to the outside world... I cannot wait!!

I want to let everyone know that I love you all and I hope that everyone is doing well. You are all always in my prayers. Dad and Mom, expect a phone call on Monday around 7am if you can get to the phone, please have it on so I can talk to you one last time before Christmas :) I want you all to know how much we are guided if we will listen and if we will act on those promptings that we get. If we have a feeling that is a good feeling, thought, or whatever... That is a prompting that we are given. That second, questioning thought.. That is not from our Saviour. That is us trying to talk our way out of it being a prompting or Satan telling us its not a good idea. Go with that first thought. I promise that we will be lead and when we act, we will be blessed.
I love you all! I will talk to you soon.

Ingat Po!!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Week Of Crazy

Alright family and friends. It is official. I sent in my new passport and then signed all of the papers for my visa.. but sadly... they lost my visa papers so I am officially not leaving with my district on lunes. (monday)

Once they had told me the first time that my passport was lost, I prayed and thought about it a lot. I was able to fast about it on sunday and knew that I would not be going with them. I didnt want to say anything until I had heard from the travel office but I knew I wouldnt be going. I have been told that I will be assigned to a temporary state side mission for about a transfer or two. (6-12 weeks) I have not been told where yet but I will hopefully find out soonish. I dont really understand why all of this has been happening but I am also comforted with the knowledge that someone somewhere here needs something from me right now. I pray every night that I will be lead to whomever that may be and that I will be able to do whatever the Lord needs me to do. Who knows... maybe I need to teach a deaf family or even a filipino family here in the states.

I have truly had my testimony strenghthened on the Lord's timing and His plan for not only us, but for all of His children. If I need to not go to the Philippines yet so I can share the gospel with those around me here, then so be it. :) I hope that all of you were able to have an amazing thanksgiving!!

Marianne, I absolutely LOVED all of your halloween costumes! Baby girl is a perfect snow white!

Chalisse, thank you so much for doing those pictures for me! I will send you my info a little later.

Mom, I did in fact send you a birthday letter to your new address... so you might want to see if it is there because I havent gotten it back and its been about a week now. So its waiting for you.

 

Just some travel talk real quick. I will be able to email again a little later this week, but If you recieve a weird number on your phone.. answer it. Because its me :) Dad, I dont have your number memorized, if you could dearelder it to me, that would be awesome!! The call will most likely be on Monday (the day I was suppose to leave and maybe still leaving for the new assignment)

 

Oh, just some info about packages when I am actually in the philippines. Dont send them. It is expensive because I will have to pay for how much you paid plus money to recieve it. And they go through it. haha Our teacher has a story about going to get a package and he opened it up and there were cookies that were eaten. He looked at the mail worker and they said "your moms cookies were really good". If you do send something, put Jesus and Mary stickers on it, say that it's a gift, dont put a price, and dont send anything new. We wont need to worry about that for a while though. :) I love you all!! Sorry this is so short but I have to go.

I hope that you are all staying happy and healthy during the holiday season.

Mahal Kita!!

Isabel, If you could dearelder me michael's address, that would be great! I saw him on His first day here! Plus a few times around. He is looking really happy!!

 

P.S Ryan, We did the temple bfast challenge this morning. I hope you know what that is. I was SO FULL!!!! hahaha

Love you all!!

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Eighth Week

Kumusta Pamilya ko!! Kumusta po ang Thanksgiving!??

I hope that all of you had an amazing day! I know that we all had such a great time!! We were able to do service kits for families in Africa and then..... Jeffery R Holland spoke to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing!! We were sitting there and Elder Campbell (In our district) and I saw him through a crack in the door and started to freak out saying "THATS HIM!!! ITS REALLY HIM IN REAL LIFE!!" I felt like Elf when he freaks out because he sees santa. "SANTA!!!". It was pretty epic. And of course, his talk was so amazing! He talked a lot about how lucky we are to be members of this church at this time. It really hit me when we watched "17 Miracles" later that night. It is about the saints traveling to Salt Lake City. I am amazed at everything the members of this church went through. How many people were killed because of our beliefs, how many people died traveling to a better place to settle down, and all of the trials that they were faced with. I think about it... and I dont know if I would be strong enough to endure all of that. I say that I would be strong enough, but then I think really hard about it and It makes me think about how much I would doubt if I were in their shoes. What strong members of this church. It only pushes me harder because I know that we dont necessarily have it easier because we are tryed in different ways... but we have so much freedom with our religion now. We are truly in the last days were we need to gear up and do all that we can do to serve our savior and ALL of His children. This is the time to prepare. Just like the scripture says... We cannot procrastonate. What a blessed people we are to be able to help prepare for His coming again. With China being opened now to missionary work and with all of these missionaries coming.... Wow. What an amazing time!

 

I am so thankful for this gospel and for the chance that we all have to be leaders for our families and friends. That oppourtunity that we have to be an example. I know I say this everytime.. But I truly love this work and all of the blessings and growth that it brings. We are so blessed to be out here and lead out all of these new missionaries coming in. OOH! I get so excited!

Thank you for the letters and for the packages! I am so blessed with family and friends like you all. I love you all and I hope that all of you are doing everything that you can to follow the teachings of Jesus. Be that example for others. Live with His example.

Mahal Kita!

 

P.S. MOM HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I sent you a letter to the new address. :)

P.P.S.. I might not be leaving the 10th of Dec. My passport was lost when I sent it in to the church headquarters and I just barely got a new one so... I dont know If my visa will be here in time to leave with my District. If it is though... I will get flight plans of FRIDAY!!! Pray that it gets here :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Seventh Week

Alright! I only have about 10 minutes so this letter will be even shorter. Pasensiya.

It has been a breakthrough week for me. I have finally not cared if I am saying everything wrong in Tagalog. I had no idea that I was kind of a perfectionist with languages. But! I have broken free of that. I am proud to say that while teaching one of our investigators... I said "Maramdaman sa pusa ninyo." (You will feel it in your cat) I then even said "Pasensiya. NAramdaman sa pusa ninyo" Which is still.... You will feel it in your cat but at least I put it in the right present text. :) puso= heart pusa= cat.  Hahaha later that day it was "I clean rich peoples lives" (buhay) meaning to say (bahay) Houses. This was while being "investigators". Gotta love learning different languages.

 

The MTC is getting us more and more excited for being able to go to the Philippines! We are all at that point where we have the weirdest sense of humor. We think the weirdest things are funny and we do the weirdest things to keep us from not going to crazy. It has been such a blessing though to be here with my district and with all of the new districs. It has been so amazing to work with all of the sisters and to get to know them more and more each time I talk to them. I dont know if most of you have ever been friends with any islanders, but they are seriously the sweetest people ever! I cannot believe how amazing our new sisters are.

I truely do love this work so much and I am so blessed to be here at this time. It was said in a fireside that we all need to be on top of this so we can  be the best that our Heavenly Father wants us to be because we were chosen for this specific time. We were the last ones who went out before that change of age was made. They told us that we will most likely be training six weeks into our missions. I cannot even begin to tell you my feelings on that one haha.

 

God has a plan for all of us. I have learned that it really does take practice to listen to the spirit. If we dont practice it.. well that's not good because we wont be able to hear it as often. I want to challenge all of you to really listen to the spirit. That first voice that is telling you to do something. Do it. Because that second questioning voice will come after and make you doubt the first voice. that is not the spirit. That voice is the adversary.

I love you all and I hope to hear from you all. I love getting letters from the family! It has been such a treat.

I hope that all is going well. I LOVE YOU ALL!! Oh and

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

--

 

ps, Spencer Merrill. I love you so much! Remeber that you are never alone and that all you have to do is pray and you will recieve guidence (?) and you will recieve comfort. Write me back!! :)

 

Mahal, Sister Merrill

Sixth Week

I cannot remeber what week we are on.. but I think that is right. It is crazy how I feel like I have already been here my whole mission but also, it feels like it has gone by so fast!

Lets see what happened... We did not hear from Elder Holland. Sadly.. but I hope to hear from someone on Thanksgiving. That's when it all goes down. Tama? (right?) Tagalog is coming slowly but each day I memorize one new word. :) Just kidding. Its more like two :) I am learning so much from our investigators!! Junjun, (the one who's wife died. And hulk smashed us into the ground on our una bisita/made us cry) yeah. He is doing amazing!!! His heart has been so softened over the time of us meeting with him! I seriously love him so much! He is definitely coming closer to trusting us and it's so amazing! He said the prayer with us and it was so beautiful! of course I started to cry because it was so sincere. I love seeing that understanding in their eyes and when they get so excited about your next bisita and what your going to talk about. Oh man is this work hard and trying and im not even out in the field! But it is the best thing that anyone could do. I say this because all of us should be opeing our mouths and talking to everyone! It can bless so many peoples lives when we open our mouth and just share a small testimony about our savior. He died for all of us. No matter what religion we are. We should be so over joyed about what He has done for us. He has given us literally everything! All He asks of us is that WE FOLLOW HIM. I challenge everyone to be better about expressing your grattitude for our savior. There are people out there who dont know about what He has done for us because he loves us. We need to let people know that because he loves each and every one of us.. he did that for you and for me.

 

I am so grateful for the holy ghost and the guidence that it gives us all. Ryan wrote me a letter testifying about the holy ghost and the power that it has if we will listen and then do what it is telling us. Even if it may seem random or weird. LISTEN. Ryan answered a really serious question that I had while in the temple this morning. I know that the holy ghost led him to tell me what he did. I am so grateful for this church. I seriously do not know where I would be without it. I hear all of these sisters from all over the world, talk about how they found the church and its truths. It is so humbling.  I know these letters are short and I am sorry. But honestly, I have more time if you send me a "dearelder" so I can write back. (www.dearelder.com) It's free for the MTC AND for the philippines when I get out there. Just put my name and then mission. "philippines baguio mission". I love hearing from everyone and I pray for everyone! I hope that all is well.

 

P.s. Please forward to family and whoever else.

Mom, if I could get grambo's address that would be awesome! Dad, could I get Yaya's too? Thank you!!

 

Mas Mahal Kita pamilya ko!!

Ingat po!! 

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Fifth Week

Kamusta!!
I cannot believe that we are staring on the 5th week. Almost half way done! (Ryan, I have no idea how you did it for three months!!) I seriously want to get out of here so bad and just go to work in the Philippines!
The language is getting a little harder. I feel like I have hit a plateau and it has been discouraging. I had a good heart to heart with heavenly father though and in the temple this morning, I was able to feel the comfort of the holy ghost that everything will be fine. I have decided that I am going to be even more diligent with everything!! My goal is to read the Book Of Mormon in 15 days. I am going to do it. I have come to realize how much faith you really need in order to be a missionary. You have to have faith in the Lord when He cuts you down so He can build you back up to how He knows you can be. I am in that process. Constantly being humbled so I can be teachable and learn how He wants me to be. I know that I find myself asking "Why am I not getting this!?" but I have truly learned that He knows me so well and He sees the potential in me! For whatever reason it is that I am struggling as much as I am... I know that It is because I need to learn something from this and I need to grow stronger from this. I think about how hard the devil is working on me because he knows what I will do for those people out there in the Philippines. And honestly, it inspires me. It pushes me to work that much harder against him and to be that much better of a missionary.
I need your help though. Please pray for the people in the Philippines. Pray for missionary work. I want to let you all know that I have truly gained a testimony on missionary work. We are always missionaries! Like Ryan said, "you are setting an example whether you want to or not". I have a strong testimony that we should always be that example! We should never be afraid to open our mouths and to just bare your testimony about our savior. Be an example of what a true christian should be like. Love everyone! Don't be hateful or judgmental. Always strive to follow in His footsteps. He has literally given us everything! And in return... He just wants us to live the best way we can so we can be happy and return to Him. Who doesn't want that?

I want you all to know that I love this work. I love this gospel! I love it so much!! Being a missionary is way harder than I ever imagined. I know that people told me that it was hard but I never really knew until I came here. And I am only in the MTC.
Cue, I thought of you the other  day. I was watching a little video clip about a man from Nigeria! Go on "mormon.org" and look him up! He is a singer and I think you would like his music, his name is "Alex Boye". He is a stud.

Please send letters! It makes my day when I get them. I need dad's and mama merrill's address. I have a letter for you! I want to leave a scripture with you all. It is in the Book of Mormon in Moroni chapter 7 verse 33.
"and Christ hath said: " if ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me".
I want to bare you my testimony on that verse and how true it is. I know that it is true because I have seen it. How else could I teach these people that I started teaching 3 days of being here, in Tagalog. It is because I have faith and through that faith, the holy ghost testifies to them that what I am trying to say is true. They feel it. I love you all! Mahal Kita!


--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Third week Oct 30 2012

Kumusta po Kayo mga pamilya!!

Alright, so i want to start off with apologizing for my english and spelling. My brain thinks tagalog now and it does not help when i am trying to say something and i say "pero" I mean, "pero"... UGH! no. I mean "but" haha. I guess that is good though. I have a funny story. Kasama ko and i (my companion) were in a lesson and I was trying to say commitment. I could only think of the spanish so i would say despuis. (I dont think thats spelled right) and the investigator would look at me and say "Pagatapos". I would look at him and say yeah ok. so... despuis.. haha he would look at me again and say "Pagatapos". Oh yeah ok. so... pagatapos... haha my brain cant sort them out! It goes from spanish to tagalog to english. Pero... (but) the more that im here.. the more it has switched to just tagalog.
This week was a lot better than the last. I am feeling more comfortable with the language and with teaching. We were able to watch an Elder Eyring talk on Sunday and it was PINIKA THE BEST!! I have learned so much from the mtc and from teaching. I cannot believe how much I have changed over this short amount of time. I have learned so much as well. It hits me so hard (every hour) that I need to be more Christ like. I need to turn out to others even in my own sorrows so that I can help and comfort others. Christ taught by his example and that is exactly what I need to be doing. Teaching by example. By His example.

I have some exciting news! I have been called as the "coordinating sister" for those of you who dont know what that is (Im not sure I even know ;)) It is like a zone leader but for the sister missionaries!! (so I take care of the sisters and go to tons of meetings. To sum it up ;))
We actually get 3 new sisters bukas!! (tomorrow!) I am so excited to get to know them!

Roger and Shauna, you and your families are in my prayers and in the temple prayers. I heard that Grandma Rigby's funeral was very spiritual. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys. I, as well as Ryan. Have truly felt the truthfulness of the Plan of salvation. Something about teaching others just makes your testimony grow ten times more about whatever the subject may be. What a blessing it is to know that we have that promise. That we WILL see our families again. It is not goodbye. I love you all so much and I am so thankful for all of the prayers and support that I have received.
I am so blessed to have you all in my life and Im sorry the emails are short. Please give me your addresses so I can write you a real personal letter.

Dad, I need your address. Send me a letter so I have it!! Also, it does take a lot of pananampalataya to remember pananampalataya ;)

Oh, and the rumor is that we will be hearing from Elder Holland tonight! Pray that it's totoo!! (true)

Mahal Kita!!

Write me! :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

Second Week

Alright, lets see how much I can type up with the time I have left.

So.... This week was so crazy!! Well actually, yesterday was crazy. We got our new investigator, Jun Jun. WOW. We met him while tracting and were able to visit his a little bit and get to know him. He is a doctor, has two kids, and his wife passed away two years ago. Keep in mind... This is ALL in Tagalog. The gift of tongues is real!!

My kasama (comapnion) and I were trying to see what he believes about God. He told us that he is catholic but that he doesn't really believe that there is a God because he is suppose to be loving and why would a loving God take away his wife? I wanted to cry!! How do you answer him in a language that you don't really even speak!? We did the best we could to show him a scripture and explain to him that God does love us. Sometimes he puts things in our lives that we dont understand why that happened but that God knows why that had to happen. He has a perfect plan for all of us and we need to have faith and courage so we can grow closer to God in these times of needs and so that we can better get to know ourselves as well.

Jun jun did not even care what we had to say. I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart started to ache for this man that I just met 10 minutes ago! I love him so much that I want him to know that God is there for him. He will see his wife again and he can live with her and his family for forever! Sadly, I wasn't able to communicate that with him well enough. The other sisters (sis. Duchene and sis. Bucais) went in after us and came out devistated as well. I told them that it litterally felt like we were hulk smashed into the ground and then spat on.

We went back to the dorm and all started bawling our eyes out! It was definitely the hardest day ever. I have never wanted to go home more. But, I was able to really think about what happened and realize that Jun jun needs us now more than ever. We will be going to see him mirikales (wednesday) to continue to teach him.

I know that we have these "investigators" (our teachers acting out investigators they had) for a reason. I would much rather have bad lessons here in the MTC so I can truly internalize the lesson and what my kasama and i need to do better. I am so grateful for the trial of pain and sorrow. I feel so much more humble and have so much more drive to help our Jun jun. I cannot wait to teach our other investigator tomorrow "Rizalita". I am so grateful for the gospel and I KNOW that if these people let it into their lives.. they will recieve more joy than they could ever even imagine.

I have never felt more desire to serve the Lord than I do right now. And I know that it will continue to grow.

Keep all of the missionaries in your prayers. We are all pretty sick here and trying to press forward :)

My prayers are always with you guys and I feel so blessed to have the love and support that I have from you all. Mahal Kita!!

my MTC address!

SISTER BREANNA MERRILL

MTC MAILBOX # 159

PHI-BAG 1210

2005 N. 900 E.

PROVO, UT 84604-1793

My bishops address

BISHOP NELSON A BURTON

OAKTON WARD

2907 HUNTING HILLS CT

OAKTON VA 22124-1752

I love you guys. Continute to turn to our father in times of need. He WILL answer you if you have "pananampalataya" (thats "faith" in Tagolog) Crazy right!!!? Got to go print off your reply's from last week! and go to choir!!! :)

--
Mahal, Sister Merrill

First Day

First Week

Kumusta Pamilya!

So, the first week has actually been SUCH a rollercoaster of emotions. I will say that you have no idea when people tell you that a mission is a rollercoaster until you have actually gone on a mission. I have cried so much in this one week than i have in my whole entire life!! Crying from happiness, laughter (My district.... PINIKA THE BEST!!) (that means the best of the best :)) crying from espirito santo while teaching our investigator Jed. Speaking of that, I dont know ANYTHING to teach someone who "only" speaks Tagalog. But, somehow.. well actually, its from the spirit, but my Kasama (companion) Sister Ward and i are able to teach him and able to have the spirit in the room. It is the best feeling to walk out of that room and know that he was touched by the spirit and all though you cannot explain anything... he understands perfectly.

One thing that I have learned so much in this week... is to be humble. I have been humbled SO many times in this one short week. I never thought that I could be humbled as much as I have been. I know that the lord humbles us with the language so that we can be broken down on our knees and come to realize that we cannot do his work on our own. We NEED him to be with us at all times. I know that the spirit truly works miracles.
This quote has been my savior over the past week.

"Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience... brings miracles."
I know that this is true. I know this because I have witnessed it for myself.
I KNOW that this gospel that I am learning to teach, is the full gospel of our Heavenly Father. I know that He loves us and that if we are obedient, we will receive blessings that we couldn't even imagine!
I love you all!!

Please forward this on to others. Please. :)


--
Mahal, Sister Merrill