December 22, 2014

TO start, we got punted by all the members that we had planned to teach this week. We would go to their house and they wouldn't be home or they would say next week sisters. It was rough because our members were our main focus this last week. But what can you do. We are trying to help them rad the book of Mormon everyday as a family. It is so important not only are we reading individually but as a family to continue to grow together. I have such a strong testimony of that since being in the mission. Everything else just fits into your day if you put things that matter most first like scripture study and prayers. 

So we have this new investigator that was actually a referral from one of our older investigators. The first time we visited her she was very nice but told us that she was not really looking to change religions because she just wants to be catholic. WE just shared a simple message and then we taught the way Jesus Christ taught us how to pray. WE felt good about the visit but knew we would be able to tell more the next time we came, as in if she kept the commitments that we extended to her or not. We went back the next week and she told us that she felt so much better and more peace after she prayed the way we taught her. She also read the pamphlet we left with her and liked the part of how God gave joseph smith the power to re-establish God's church. And at the end of the lesson she committed to be baptized if after all she feels these things are true and she knows them. She was really open and was so grateful too that we gave her a Book of Mormon and that we are willing to help her find the truth for herself. there was just a very special feeling in the room and we felt so good after our lesson. 

We had our ward Christmas party and Santa showed up for the little kids. we have this members from our ward from England and he just married this woman in our ward. So her dressed up as Santa for the ward party. They also made sure that every little kid and every relief Society member had a gift to go home with. IM sure some of those kids were excited, especially those who may not have a wrapped gift on Christmas Day. it was a real blessing for our ward and it was very touching to see their willingness to give to the ward. 

Sorry, my week was kind of boring but Im sure I will have more stories this next week after Christmas. I hope that amongst the gift and cookies and the fanciness of Christmas, we still remember our savior Jesus Christ and how he is the gift to all the world from a loving Father in Heaven. I am so grateful to be a missionary at this special time and to be sharing this true gospel. 

MAHAL KITA!!!!

Meg.

December 14, 2014

This was a good week :) and got to end it with the Christmas Devotional. It was so good especially the music. SOOOO GOOD!!! It reminded me of being in Choir singing big numbers like the ones they sang.

 How was the good ole Encore?? Is Mr. Lapp still teaching? MAN sometimes I miss those days, but then I think that im glad and happy where I am haha.

 So this week I just want to share a few things that happened:

First, I was kind of having a rough time and a little homesick and feeling super bad for myself. We then went to an appointment and as we were sitting on the Jeepney when I saw the young boys, very dirty, sleeping on the side of the road, using on the backpacks they had for pillows and no shoes. That is when I thought to myself I have NO need or right to be down right now because I have a bed to sleep in, I have food, clean clothes and shoes. Sometimes we are so assessed with ourselves that we forget that we are so blessed. That was a humility check for me. We have so much to be grateful for, especially for the gospel.

Second I want to share a miracle of prayer. We have a recent convert in our ward whose husband has been a smoker since he was 9 years old. She shared with us how she has been praying so hard for him to stop ever since she joined the church. She told us, as we were visiting her, that one day out of the blue her husband told her that it was time for him to stop smoking and just quit, she told us she just felt so good because Heavenly father had answered her prayer. I know that God really hears us and answers us. Sometimes we don't realize how lucky we are to get to pray to our heavenly father who is all might and all knowing and can do anything to his desire. How truly blessed we are to know this.

Third, WE have been visiting a less active family, especially helping build the faith of the husband(I will attach the pic). He always tells us how weak his faith is and we always tell him that it is all through action that our strength comes back. But it has been weeks since and months since he had been to church. A miracle happened...their family came to church last sunday. It as so good to see him and he just looked so happy. Our true happiness really comes from the gospel. World happiness only lasts so long until be need spiritual happiness to fill the emptiness.

I am doing good.  I am doing better. 

Meg.

December 9, 2014

So as you heard, we had a typhoon come through our mission this last week. WE were all pretty worried because it was projected originally to hit our mission pretty hard. But I know that God heard our prayers from the mission and has kept us pretty safe. The storm didn't hit us too hard. it just rained for 2 or 3 days and pretty windy. We were evacuated to higher ground and stayed with some of the other sisters in our district. IT was fun to be with our sisters for a couple of days since we are pretty far spread out. Since all Monday we were confined to our home, we had a fun FHE that brought us so much closer together. My testimony grew that much more about Home evening and the power that it brings to our families. It brings us closer in ways that we cant even understand but it does. It was just so much fun. Played fun games and took fun pictures, I included them in the email I sent already. I hope that everyone can take this council and experience the power that comes from this blessed and inspired activity.

I went on exchanges with a sister names Sister Manu. she is from Tonga and is so great. We got bunted a lot but had so much fun OYMing and sharing the gospel. Sometimes I am still scared or timid when it comes to talking to random strangers about the gospel but she really helped me to just dive in and start talking to people. I felt so much happier afterwards. Mom, I challenge you this week to talk to one person about the gospel whether it is a neighbor, coworker, or random person. I promise you that you will feel so much joy as you do.

Friday we had MLC which is a council for all the missionary leaders. These are my favorite meetings. The Assistans gave a workshop about love, charity. We studies Moroni 7:45 and how we need to as missionary leaders have these attributes and love the missionaries around us. We need to take the time to see those that need us and to seek not our own. One of the Assistants said Leadership is not a position, it is an action. It is an action of love for Gods children. We must love those we serve, always. especially with Christmas coming us, this is our time to show our Savior that we love him by loving those around us.

I sent the package today so I don't know when it will get to you. Also I got Ang's and Gma's package that they sent. Tell them thank you and love them.

just thought I would share how much I love my companion. We have been through a lot together and I love her so much. So sad that she ill be going home at the end of This month.

Sorry this is so short, but I hope you know that I love you so much. Thank you for everything. MAHAL KITA!!!!!

Meg.

December 8, 2014

Dear Philippines San Pablo Mission Family,



I am happy to report to you that the core of the storm has cleared our mission as of this morning. Thanks to your fasting and prayers in our behalf, the typhoon was weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached our mission. We had considerable rain creating some localized flooding, but did not have the high winds associated with a typhoon. We will be experiencing light to moderate rainfall for the next 24 to 48 hours as the tail end of the storm travels across our mission.



As of this morning, we are beginning to return missionaries to their areas as weather permits. I have instructed your missionaries to email you as soon as the services in their areas allow them to do so. All of our missionaries are safe and came through the storm in good spirits. About 50% of our missionaries were relocated to chapels or other missionary apartments in preparation for the storm to ensure they were in safe shelters.



We are thankful again for your fasting, faith, and prayers. Thanks for sending Sister Mangum and I such amazing missionaries. We cherish this time we have to serve them and to serve with them. They are an inspiration to us and we love them! We pray that all is well with you and your families and that you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on the life and mission of our Savior Jesus Christ.



President and Sister Mangum

Philippines San Pablo Mission

December 9, 2014

December 5, 2014

From Meg's Mission President!


Dear Philippines San Pablo Mission Family,



You are probably already aware of Typhoon Hagupit, locally referred to as Ruby, which is off of the coast of the Philippines and headed our way. We have been tracking the storm for the past few days and have been working to prepare our missionaries for its arrival. The latest projections show it is tracking directly toward our mission and it will arrive sometime this weekend or early next week. The speed of the storm has been decreasing so it is difficult to estimate when it will reach us.



All of our missionaries have been alerted to prepare for the storm and have been given very specific instructions about how to prepare. We are working to relocate missionaries from coastal lines and areas that might be prone to flooding, mudslides, etc. We are being overly cautious and conservative in the approach we are taking to protect your missionaries.



Given the timing of the storm, you may not receive an email on Monday, which is your normal day to hear from your missionary. Don’t panic if you don’t hear from them. In July we lost internet service for a period of time following the storm and I assume we will have the same experience with this storm. I will allow your missionary to email home as soon as services have been restored. As soon as possible following the storm, I will send an email confirming that everyone is well and accounted for and give you a brief update.



Please continue to keep our missionaries and the Philippines in your prayers. Our hope and prayers are that the storm will weaken as it reaches us and all of our preparations will have been unnecessary. We are preparing for the worst while praying and hoping for the best.



Thanks for the amazing sons and daughters you have consecrated to the Lord’s service. It is Sister Mangum and I’s great privilege to serve them and serve with them!



President Mangum

December 1st, 2014

November 23, 2014

Magandang Hapon Po!

To start out, President pulled the other two sisters out of our area and shut their area down. Now there are just the two of us here. It will be crazy/fun/a little stressful to see what will happen. It was a little weird at first to just have the two of us in the house because I have always lived with at least 2 other people. But things are good now. We have a lot of work to do though in building up the ward and finding new investigators. Bauan has not had a very good tracking record, as in it is known as a very hard area. But we have received some awesome council from the Stake presidency from our stake conference and we feel ready and excited to work. This will be my companions last area and then she will be going home at the end of December.

WE had an awesome workshop in our last district meeting about following up on the commitments that we extend to our investigators and members, but they also talked about how we has missionaries need to follow up on our commitment we have made to our heavenly father. We always need to be checking our progress and making the necessary changes to become better, to become more like Christ. I have been thinking about this a lot, especially with Christmas coming up. I want to be more like him in all that I do. Every day we have been challenged to read the 4 gospels and I have some to know and see more attributes of Christ. He was perfect and I know I cant be perfect like him but I can do all I can to implement him and walk where he walked.

We had many little miracle with our one investigator names Jojo. He is the best! Finally after struggling to get the member's to work with us we had a member come with us to teach him and it was one of the best lessons. There really is a better, even greater spirit that comes into a lesson when a member testifies to an investigator. We had a really awesome lesson about our agency to choose to follow the Savior no matter what the circumstances. We shared 1 ne 16 when Nephi broke his bow. All of them suffered but Nephi chose to be obedient and follow the Savior. We all can do that too. We then went to his house to do service for him. We washed his clothes and had such a fun time serving him. He always talks about America and how things are so much better there. OH only if he knew that it is hard there too. AND, after 7 weeks he finally came to church again. What a miracle. We are praying and having the faith that he will be ready for baptism by December 27. We really love Jojo.

We OYMed this pastor one night and we felt as if we were fighting the devil. We were sharing and testifying and then over and over again he told us how wrong we were and that we should be mad at him that we are wrong. Oh we had lots of emotions but tried to keep our cool. but over and over he kept telling us how wrong we were. We will meet that man again on the other side and then see what he says haha. It is just sad when people turn down the truth.

I have been reading and studying a lot the Talked by President Uchtdorf from April 2014 conference called "Grateful in any Circumstances". No matter what we really can be happy and grateful for all that happens to us. It may not be fun but as we have an attitude of gratitude we will more easily see the blessings in our life. We can be grateful in ANY circumstance. This is the first step to becoming like Christ.

Well no more time. I love you so SOOOO much and you are always in my prayers. Say hi to everyone for me and share my love to them. Mahal na Mahal Kita!

Sister Meg.


Last district meeting before some of the missionaries got transferred to new areas.

November 16, 2014

First Exchanges!!!! I got to go on exchanges with my batch mate, SIster Kinikini, and we were trying to tract down a referral we have had for a month and every time we ask the barangay halls, they give us nothing. We decided to go one more time to find her. We went to the same place and no luck. Then at the last minute this guy runs up and tells us her address. Success but then we both had no idea where that is because we just both got transferred here. Then out of no where a member drives up in his tricycle, asks where we are going, and gives us a ride. He stopped a couple of times to ask where but before we knew it we were in front of this sisters house (our referral) and were able to schedule a return appointment. Had we left the house one minute later or planned to go at a different time to her, I don't know if we would have been able to find her. But the Lords hand was definitely manifest as we found a faithful sister ready to hear the message of the restored Gospel. Her daughter is a recent convert in the states so we hope to continue that tradition in their family.

We had zone training and as Zone leaders and STLs our workshop was all about keeping our commitments to our Savior. We as missionaries or even a members have made promises or covenants to God that we would do something or become something. But then sometimes we forget to check our progress: How well am I doing at keeping the commitments I made to Jesus Christ? Reflect and make changes so that we are always doing what we promised to do. As I reflected I remembered that I need to do better and as I help the sisters over my stewardship reach their potential I need to be doing the same.

This last week I came face to face with my weaknesses. I really took it as an opportunity to grow. Even if it was hard it is a time to look even more to my Savior and use his atonement to become and even better me. Alma 26:12

Meg


Yellow watermelon!!!! SO good!!









The cutest little boy that loves to take selfies.











Bauan, Batangas. THIs is one of the Provinces in the Philippines.

November 9, 2014

I turned one year in the mission!!!!! I cant not believe that I have been a missionary for one whole year now. It has gone by so fast and continues everyday to fly by. I was lucky to celebrate it with my batch mate sister Kinikini.. She was in my district in the MTC. Good times.

 This week was hard for me and very trying. WE only have  handful of investigators and they punted us all week along with everyone else and their dogs here in Bauan. I guess all of my areas have just been very progressing and the harder I worked the more miracles that I saw. But I have noticed that in this area even with lots of hard faithful work, there is still not a whole lot of progression. sometimes is it hard to stay happy after you have been punted all day and by your backups and no one wants to listen to the gospel. But I have realized that this is a trial of my faith. I know that this is heavenly father saying I need you to increase your faith in my son. This last week our President Mangum invited us to read the 4 gospels(Matt, Mark, Luke, John) before Christmas. I have started to do that and I can see my faith already building. That even if we do get punted or people don't want to listen, I can keep going because he endured the most pain for each and everyone of us. I know that in order for me to get to that next level of faith, a trial of equal value will come to help me grow to my potential. I can already feel myself being more mindful of my Savior everyday and a greater love and desire to share his teachings with the people. here. Keep on, don't ever give up. there are good things to come.

 I went to my first MLC which is a missionary leadership council with all the missionary leaders in the mission. It was fun. There was something that I learned from Sister Mangum that I wanted to share with you. She talked about the glow that some people have or the light that they carry into a room. She shared a quote from Pres. Monson that says if we want to help other shine we have to glow ourselves. We have a positive affect on others as members of the church and people can see it. I would encourage you to fear no man and share your light of Christ with all those around you.

  That was pretty much my week. Even though it was rough I learned so much and am striving and continuing every day to reach my potential and leave no regrets.

 thank you for your love and support. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH Mahal kita.

meg.

One year in the mission!!!

Probably the most developed balot that I have ever seen. Can you see the eye and the beak?

November 2, 2014

This was like the busiest, most tiring, best weeks of my whole mission.

First we were pleased to be visited by Elder Lynn g Robbins of the Presidency of the 70. He talked a lot about Agency and Responsibility. He sayed that people love the fact that they have 100% agency but don't want to accept the fact that they also have 100% responsibility for their actions. He said the moment we start to blame others or avoid, lie, justify is the moment that we lose control over ourselves. So true. WE have been made to be agents unto ourselves. We cant act for ourselves and must accept the consequences for those actions. It was really beautiful how he put it.

We then went to Mindoro!!!! ONe of the Islands in our mission. We took a ferry and had a great time on exchanges with the sisters there.

WE had little time to work in our area because we had 3 different meetings and exchanges and had early curfew one of those nights.

This last week Elder Oaks has been in the PHilipiines and last night there was a live broadcast from him and Elder Robbins. It was so great. Elder RObbins shared about how the things we fill inside whether good or bad, we will see in the people and the world around us. So true. IF our thoughts are sad and gloomy we wont want to see the good. I encourage you to be happy, see the good and how much Heavenly father blesses you every day.

Sorry not the best week. SO busy and I have never been so tired in my life, but it is so worth it. This work is the best and cant believe I only have 6 months to go...SO FAST.

October 26, 2014

It was a crazy week!!!
Ok so a sister training Leader is a calling over all the sisters in either one or two zones. It is like the equivalent to a Zone leader but for sisters. So we get to go on exchanges with all the sisters in our zone and one other zone. We are over 6 sets of sisters. This last week we went on exchanges and I went with Sister Ternora. It was so fun. I saw the beach for the first time in my whole life!! I learned that I am so grateful for my companion and that we can talk to each other and that we are in unity. If you don't have unity in a companionship, you cant teach by the spirit. We came back that night on a bus and we were so tired afterwards, and we still had to plan the workshop for the next day for district meeting. Haha lets just say that we are trying to be better at not procrastinating.
Thursday night we had a really fun FHE with an investigator and some of the members in the ward. The ward has been so welcoming and loving to them. Everyone has such a great time especially our investigator and her family. Missionary work is so much better with the members because they really set the tone for the rest of the time in the church. I encourage you to welcome and fellowship new members and investigators into the ward. They will feel welcomed and that they belong and continue to make progress. We went to that investigator a couple days later, her name is Rona by the way, and she wanted us to teach her about tithing and all these other things. It is exciting to see her faith grow and also so see her excitement for learning more about the gospel.
I had a major break down yesterday. I just felt to inadequate to be a sister training leader: these are sisters that know their stuff and are like the best missionaries. I just felt that I wasn't qualified and felt like I was the worst of a leader. SO of course I broke down. But I am so grateful for my companion because she was there to give me comfort. She had felt that way once and told me that I can do it. She reminded me that this is a time to become not a time to be perfect and then I reflected on what my mission president told me when he called me: he said that this was a calling that would affect the rest of my life. Its just a trial of faith. Every time we reach the next level of greater faith an equally trying trial comes to help lift us to an even greater level of faith. We must exhort all we can to not give in or give up. Just like joseph smith. When he prayed in the sacred grove a thick darkness came over him but he didn't give up or give in and neither should we. Trials will always come before greatness comes. Don't give in.
Hey sorry, not too much happened this week but next week will be more exciting. We have lots of fun meetings and 2 general authorities are coming tomorrow to talk to us.
Thank you so much for all that you do.
Meg.

PS can you believe that I will be home in like 6 months???!!!













Exchanges this week...I saw the Ocean for the first time :)

October 19, 2014

This was one of the best weeks in my mission. First my companion is the best. I am so lucky to have her and look forward to serving with her and learning more from her. First I guess ill let you know that with the help of general conference I have received my answer to schooling and lots of praying and pondering then visualizing,

K here is my week. Monday night we had an awesome lesson with our bishop and his wife about the Book of Mormon, AS he bore solemn testimony there was a moment that I felt the spirit so strong. It was like heaven on earth. I didn't want to leave because of how good that felt. Our homes really can be a heaven on earth especially as we read the book of Mormon. As we were walking home that night waiting for a jeep, this semi truck drive drove by, honked his horn and said hey sisters as he proudly waved his book of Mormon out the window with a big smile on his face. Wow, even on the job, he takes his time to read and devote some time to the Lord. That was one of our favorite moments that day.
We went to go contact a referral that we received from the mission office last week. His name is Johnny but he was sick when we went to visit, but his wife said she wanted to listen. Come to find out her mom had joined the church before she passed away. She then told us that she felt something was missing from all the other churches and as we shared our message about the Book of Mormon things were started to feel better. She is golden and we are excited to go back and visit her this week. Also we have been exercising out faith more by talking to everyone that we get the chance to. Because of that faith we had one day where so many people approached us and told us that they wanted to know about our church and what we believed, literally the minute we walked out the door someone asked us about our church. One man even told us that we had a powerful aura or glow about us that he couldn't explain but he knew we were messengers of God. Probably the best comment my whole mission. People really do recognize our countenance whether it be good or bad. There was one day I started talking to a girl on the jeepney and she freaked out, she literally screamed because I could speak Tagalog, hahahahaha the whole jeep was laughing. So funny.
This week I learned from the members that we must know the doctrine of Christ in order to stand strong when the winds and waves come. That strong conversion comes through the Book of Mormon. If you haven't been studying it every day, I would encourage you to make it a priority because that is what saves us when the waves come: our strong conversion in Christ. I have been reading it even a little before bed and in the morning when I get up. Such a big diference it has made, along with study in my personal study. That is where our strength comes from.
We have been running every morning to, IT IS THE BEST!
We went to a baptism of an 8 year old from the ward. She is so cute and was excited. There is a picture attached.
IT IS SO HOT HERE!!!!!!! Seriously, its gross.
Have a good week and continue to keep a good attitude, that truly is the key.

Meg.

October 12, 2014