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!!! :)

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Mahal, Sister Merrill