Hiiiiiii friends & family.
This week has probably been the hardest week when it comes to the work for us because we have just been getting rejected left and right. But we have had some cool experiences that I would like to share. Ok. So We have a returned mission president in our ward. So Elder Smith and I were talking to him and asking him for advice because we weren't having as much success as we would have like to be having. He told us that we are entitled to specific revelation, and we were like OH YEAH! So this week during our daily planning, we have really been trying to involve the Lord. It's his work anyways right? Ha. Yeah, so we were really praying specifically. We are trying to get really good at recognizing the spirit. After all was said and done. We felt impressed to go to an area we had never been to before and tract there. So, we went. And guess what happened? Well, I will tell you. We had a couple of lessons that were ok i guess..... Haha. You thought I was going to tell you some thing amazing didn't ya. Ha. Well, sorry to disappoint, but let me get to the thing that's really important. We really don't know why we felt impressed to go there. We didn't meet anyone golden. We just had a couple ok lessons with people who could be potential, But here is the point. It doesn't matter what happens as long as you are satisfied because you know that you were following the spirit the best you could. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Don't get depressed because you don't see the fruits of your labors yet because they will come. Whether in this time or another, they will come.
Here is another story now. The day after that, we were planning to work in another area that we had not been to yet because its really far away. We took a jeepney to get there, but we missed the street to get off on, so we had to walk back a little bit. We decided just to walk down a street and try to find the street we were looking for cause we also didn't bring our map. Well, we started walking and as we got to an intersection, there was this girl just standing there and then she called out to us. So naturally, being a missionary, we went and talked to her. Long story longer. Turns out. She has been a member for 10 years. She moved into that area about 5 months ago, but she hasn't been able to find a local church. As we were talking she said that she just comes out on the side of the road and waits sometimes just for the missionaries to walk down the road. She said that all different religions of missionaries have walked down, but she had been waiting for the LDS missionaries. How cool is that? We were an answer to her prayer. It just shows that, you don't have to know that you have a spiritual prompting in order to have a spiritual prompting if that makes sense. All you need to be doing is following and keeping the commandments of the Lord as best you can and you will be following the spirit already. Look up Elder Bednar's mission story about the 20 mark note. Its a good one. I am so grateful to be a missionary. The work is so hard, but so rewarding. I know that the church is true and the Lord loves every single one of us. I testify of that too. I love you and pray for you everyday. May the Lord watch over you always. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Elder Butler
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sept 12, 2011
Ok here is the latest from the Elder in the Philippines. Well, it hasn't flooded as bad as it did last Sunday so that is good. Yup. Well that's about it. Talk to you next week! Haha joke. But really, I can't think of anything super cool that I want to share that happened..Ha. Oh joke lang. alright, so this week we had interviews with President Delamare. That was really good. He is an awesome man and I am grateful to have him as our president. And you know what was even cooler? He and Sister Delamare worked with Elder Smith and I for about 2 hours! Way tight! So, I don't know if you guys know, but my mission president served his mission in the Philippines. Cool huh? Yeah, and back then, every one here spoke English. But when he left, they changed it because the nation was worried that they were going to lose their Tagalog. Man how I wish it was still English....Ha. The language is coming. Slowly but surely. :)
Lets see what else. We had 15 more people at church which was really cool. This Ward is gonna explode. It's exciting. It's rough though, cause the ward isn't used to working with missionaries very much, but we are changing that. So things are good. We haven't been able to get in contact with that "Golden family" since we visited them last, but they will be baptized. hopefully. :) Ok what else? I went on exchanges last night with a Philippino. that was fun. It's really funny, our ward missionaries are like 20ish and 19ish so around our age, but they all make fun of me cause I don't understand a lot. Its great. They think that my little giggle is hilarious, and when I laugh just a little, they burst out laughing. haha I can't really describe it, but they are way tight, and we have a good time.
So yeah, this week was just a really slow week. Just working with a lot of less actives and such. OH! I can't believe I forgot! I ate balut! I have now just about had a full filipino experience! It's sobrang masarap. Super delicious.... Ha. It was nice.... yup. yeah, and my comp even has a video and pics of it. I would attach some pics, but as you know, I can't right now. Ha. Ok well, I think that's about it. Some things I have learned is that missionary work is not possible without the members. Members are so helpful when it comes to missionary work. So please work with the missionaries. They will love you a lot. I have a strong testimony about missionary work. Yesterday was the primary program in our ward, and yes, it's exactly the same here too. There are still the hilarious little kids who belt out the songs. Its so great. But I was very touched when they sang "We'll bring the world his truth." Why? well, let me tell you. Because, it took me back to when I was young and thinking about what serving a mission was like, and now I am actually here. It's a cool feeling. I'm serving the Lord. What could be better? Sure I miss a lot of things and people, but this work is so important, and in the real grand scheme of things, it is not even that much. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here on a mission. I love it and the gospel.
Bye for now! Mahal Kita.
Love Elder Butler
Lets see what else. We had 15 more people at church which was really cool. This Ward is gonna explode. It's exciting. It's rough though, cause the ward isn't used to working with missionaries very much, but we are changing that. So things are good. We haven't been able to get in contact with that "Golden family" since we visited them last, but they will be baptized. hopefully. :) Ok what else? I went on exchanges last night with a Philippino. that was fun. It's really funny, our ward missionaries are like 20ish and 19ish so around our age, but they all make fun of me cause I don't understand a lot. Its great. They think that my little giggle is hilarious, and when I laugh just a little, they burst out laughing. haha I can't really describe it, but they are way tight, and we have a good time.
Bye for now! Mahal Kita.
Love Elder Butler
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
So, the Temple, Woo hoo! That was really cool and really needed. The Manila temple is really small. But everything is the same. The gospel is the same where ever you go. It's always true. I think I am almost over the culture shock now Haha. We are still sleeping on the floor, but I am alright with it. It's kinda cool. Yes the appliances here are all half size. Haha.
Man, the weather the last couple days has been weird. The rain is bipolar. It will just down pour for about 5 or 10 seconds and the it will just stop. Or it will pour for forever! haha it's so sweet! OK what else. No more really crazy experiences this week. Haha but everything is still weird. I love it.
Ok, so this is what I'm up to right now. The work is going really slow, but we are still very close to making standard on all of our numbers which is pretty sweet. Our focus has been mostly on reactivating less actives, because that was bishops revelation on what needs to be done here the most. There are about 350 members in our ward and only 150 are active if that. Retention is the problem here in the Philippines, not baptism. But all is well, we have had some cool experiences. Man, I don't think I have ever walked so much in my life. It's awesome! I come home just dead tired and I LOVE it! Haha. Its so hard, but its really rewarding. We have taught one lesson by candle light. Most of our area is like squatter area. The people are super poor, its crazy. I am can already understand the language a considerable more amount it's pretty amazing. But I still have a long way to go. My Tagalog has gotten a lot better for sure. Thanks for the update on everything by the way. I like hearing about all that stuff so please continue to do so.
Ok, now to answer some more questions. There is never any hot water haha. The water is always just cold. It's not bad once you get in and get used to it. Our toilets flush so we are lucky. And we also have toilet paper so that is nice too. Balut is the fertilized egg fetus. My comp is from Moorepark, California. He is so tight. I love him. We get along so well. I can print out my letters but it is
expensive, and we don't really have the funds for it right now. Oh we do emails in computer shops that are just off the side of a street.
K, well that is all I have. O wait. We went to the mall today it was so sweet! It's like being in America. Its tight. Ok, now that is it. I love you all. Don't worry about me. I am in the Lords hands.
I have such a strong testimony. I have come closer to my savior. I know he is with me. I love my redeemer and I know that he loves me and everyone of you. I will not give up or give in. I will give of and give to others what I have. I love you all. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Love Elder Butler
Man, the weather the last couple days has been weird. The rain is bipolar. It will just down pour for about 5 or 10 seconds and the it will just stop. Or it will pour for forever! haha it's so sweet! OK what else. No more really crazy experiences this week. Haha but everything is still weird. I love it.
Ok, so this is what I'm up to right now. The work is going really slow, but we are still very close to making standard on all of our numbers which is pretty sweet. Our focus has been mostly on reactivating less actives, because that was bishops revelation on what needs to be done here the most. There are about 350 members in our ward and only 150 are active if that. Retention is the problem here in the Philippines, not baptism. But all is well, we have had some cool experiences. Man, I don't think I have ever walked so much in my life. It's awesome! I come home just dead tired and I LOVE it! Haha. Its so hard, but its really rewarding. We have taught one lesson by candle light. Most of our area is like squatter area. The people are super poor, its crazy. I am can already understand the language a considerable more amount it's pretty amazing. But I still have a long way to go. My Tagalog has gotten a lot better for sure. Thanks for the update on everything by the way. I like hearing about all that stuff so please continue to do so.
Ok, now to answer some more questions. There is never any hot water haha. The water is always just cold. It's not bad once you get in and get used to it. Our toilets flush so we are lucky. And we also have toilet paper so that is nice too. Balut is the fertilized egg fetus. My comp is from Moorepark, California. He is so tight. I love him. We get along so well. I can print out my letters but it is
expensive, and we don't really have the funds for it right now. Oh we do emails in computer shops that are just off the side of a street.
K, well that is all I have. O wait. We went to the mall today it was so sweet! It's like being in America. Its tight. Ok, now that is it. I love you all. Don't worry about me. I am in the Lords hands.
I have such a strong testimony. I have come closer to my savior. I know he is with me. I love my redeemer and I know that he loves me and everyone of you. I will not give up or give in. I will give of and give to others what I have. I love you all. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Love Elder Butler
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Cody's in the Philippines!
....Hey! I'm here. The best way I can describe everything here is
crazy. I will tell you what has happened since I talked to you last.
ok here we go.
We left Hong Kong at about 7:30 am. We got to the Philippines at
about 9:00. I walked outside and the humidity I thought wasn't that bad, but then it got bad. Haha It is SO hot. We met the members who were there to pick us up, and wow, what happened after that I will never forget. Picture this. Take away all traffic laws in Utah and that is what you have here. I seriously thought I was going to die. Everyone driving just goes where ever. They don't stay in the lines, its a free for all, but somehow they manage to not get in crashes, except for last night, but I will talk about that a bit later.
Ok. So we got to the mission presidents house which was good. We met the President Delamare and his wife. They are pretty cool. Very nice people. We got our companionships. My companion is Elder Smith from California. He is so tight! Way cool guy. Ok. So then we went to our areas.
We are in the city.
There wasn't enough room in the cars for everyone, so my comp and I and two other elders decided to go by taxi. After about an our of standing on the street with all my luggage we finally got one.
We got to the general area of where we live and then we started walking the rest of the way. Quezon city is SO Dirty and it is basically looks like complete ghetto. You would not believe it. So it was completely dark and I have all my luggage out on the street and there are sketchy people everywhere. Ha. I was a little scared. We finally got to the house and got settled. E. Smith and I got there last and there are only four beds. So we are sleeping on the ground. Don't worry, we have mattresses. That was a rough day.
Here's the next day. I had my interview with Pres Delamare and he is awesome. He gave me a lot of comfort. After that, we began tracting.
We are basically opening this area cause it got white washed. That means that every Elder who had previously been in this area got transferred out. No one who is here has been here before so it is like we are starting from scratch, but it is good. We tracted and talked to a cool guy. I can't understand anything...Ha I pick up tiny bits and pieces, but I am getting better. Our ward missionaries are the BOMB. They work with us a ton. They are tight. The Philippino people are so nice. Everything and everyone here looks sketchy, but once you talk to them and get to know them, they are so gentle and nice.
Anyways so we were tracting trying to get to know the area and we asked these people for directions. They got in an argument and started duking it out. I know that contradicts everything I just said,
but they are the exception. One day they will be Elders quorum Presidents. Haha. It is so crazy here.
We were in the bishops house and a rat decided to fall down the stairs. So far my trainer said that this has been the weirdest transfer he has ever had. None of these sort of things have happened to him since he's been here and he has been here for 18 months haha. I guess weird things are just happening around me. Also we saw a bakla. That is a cross dresser. So my first day of tracting was pretty eventful. I think I have had a whole Philippino experience already except I haven't tried Balut yet. Man, Philippino food is so good! Also it can be pretty bad. haha. But yeah. Sunday was super good. We worked with the Bishop and the ward missionaries. I'm sorry this email is all over the place. Its just been crazy.
Wow. What else. Oh, We had an investigator at church so that was good. Oh this new training program we are doing is tight. It's designed so that if needed, all trainees could be trainers by the end of 12 weeks. What? Crazy! Ha but that's the goal of the church.
Oh yeah! The crash we got in last night. We were in a Jeepney and he crashed into a taxi. both of the zone leaders I was with said that was the first time that has ever happened in their missions. They have been here for like 17 months. Man, I just got to experience the fun stuff my first couple of days. haha. It's pretty fun. I'm beginning to love it a lot here. It's pretty fun when the people are like "Hey Joe!" That's what they call Americans. Its great :)
The church is still true all the way over here in the Philippines. I know the Lord is caring and watching over all of us. I got to bear my testimony to my ward on Sunday. It was sweet. Trust in Lord and look to him in all thy doings. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Ingat po
crazy. I will tell you what has happened since I talked to you last.
ok here we go.
We left Hong Kong at about 7:30 am. We got to the Philippines at
about 9:00. I walked outside and the humidity I thought wasn't that bad, but then it got bad. Haha It is SO hot. We met the members who were there to pick us up, and wow, what happened after that I will never forget. Picture this. Take away all traffic laws in Utah and that is what you have here. I seriously thought I was going to die. Everyone driving just goes where ever. They don't stay in the lines, its a free for all, but somehow they manage to not get in crashes, except for last night, but I will talk about that a bit later.
Ok. So we got to the mission presidents house which was good. We met the President Delamare and his wife. They are pretty cool. Very nice people. We got our companionships. My companion is Elder Smith from California. He is so tight! Way cool guy. Ok. So then we went to our areas.
We are in the city.
There wasn't enough room in the cars for everyone, so my comp and I and two other elders decided to go by taxi. After about an our of standing on the street with all my luggage we finally got one.
We got to the general area of where we live and then we started walking the rest of the way. Quezon city is SO Dirty and it is basically looks like complete ghetto. You would not believe it. So it was completely dark and I have all my luggage out on the street and there are sketchy people everywhere. Ha. I was a little scared. We finally got to the house and got settled. E. Smith and I got there last and there are only four beds. So we are sleeping on the ground. Don't worry, we have mattresses. That was a rough day.
Here's the next day. I had my interview with Pres Delamare and he is awesome. He gave me a lot of comfort. After that, we began tracting.
We are basically opening this area cause it got white washed. That means that every Elder who had previously been in this area got transferred out. No one who is here has been here before so it is like we are starting from scratch, but it is good. We tracted and talked to a cool guy. I can't understand anything...Ha I pick up tiny bits and pieces, but I am getting better. Our ward missionaries are the BOMB. They work with us a ton. They are tight. The Philippino people are so nice. Everything and everyone here looks sketchy, but once you talk to them and get to know them, they are so gentle and nice.
Anyways so we were tracting trying to get to know the area and we asked these people for directions. They got in an argument and started duking it out. I know that contradicts everything I just said,
but they are the exception. One day they will be Elders quorum Presidents. Haha. It is so crazy here.
We were in the bishops house and a rat decided to fall down the stairs. So far my trainer said that this has been the weirdest transfer he has ever had. None of these sort of things have happened to him since he's been here and he has been here for 18 months haha. I guess weird things are just happening around me. Also we saw a bakla. That is a cross dresser. So my first day of tracting was pretty eventful. I think I have had a whole Philippino experience already except I haven't tried Balut yet. Man, Philippino food is so good! Also it can be pretty bad. haha. But yeah. Sunday was super good. We worked with the Bishop and the ward missionaries. I'm sorry this email is all over the place. Its just been crazy.
Wow. What else. Oh, We had an investigator at church so that was good. Oh this new training program we are doing is tight. It's designed so that if needed, all trainees could be trainers by the end of 12 weeks. What? Crazy! Ha but that's the goal of the church.
Oh yeah! The crash we got in last night. We were in a Jeepney and he crashed into a taxi. both of the zone leaders I was with said that was the first time that has ever happened in their missions. They have been here for like 17 months. Man, I just got to experience the fun stuff my first couple of days. haha. It's pretty fun. I'm beginning to love it a lot here. It's pretty fun when the people are like "Hey Joe!" That's what they call Americans. Its great :)
The church is still true all the way over here in the Philippines. I know the Lord is caring and watching over all of us. I got to bear my testimony to my ward on Sunday. It was sweet. Trust in Lord and look to him in all thy doings. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Ingat po
Friday, August 5, 2011
Aug 5th, 2011
Hey Family!
So yesterday we got our travel plans! Woo hoo! Except it's gonna be a long one.... Haha ok Here it is. On August 16th. I will be on a plane to San Fransisco, then I will be on a plane to Hong Kong arriving August 18th. That is like a 15 hour flight.....Oh joy. I will be on a plane from Hong Kong and arriving in the Philippines on August 18th. Sounds like an adventure to me! Haha. I'm so excited!
Alright, um so bad news is that I am sick again, but recovering. You wanna hear about a little miracle? Ok I will tell you. So I finally got to perform the song I auditioned for back on week 2. haha. The only bad thing was that I came down with this sickness right before it. I was so bummed. And usually I don't have a problem with singing when I get a little cold or something, but this was a chest cough and it was affecting my voice. So I had been getting progressively worse that day ( this is on Wednesday), but I just kept praying to the Lord. Here is the Miracle. I sang. It wasn't as great as I would have liked it to be, but the Lord helped me get through it. Right afterwards, I basically lost my voice. The Lord blessed me to be able to get through the song before losing my voice. I have never lost my voice before, so this was kinda interesting. I have always wanted to for some unknown weird reason. So the fun of not having a voice lasted about a day. Now I really want it back haha. Yesterday was a kind of a downer cause my companion got sick too. We stayed in our residence all day and just slept and read. It was awful, but spiritually enlightning. We didn't even get to go to the temple today cause we want to make sure we kill the sickness so we can be healthy and strong before we go to the Philippines. I am feeling much better today, and for the most part I think I am on the rise of this rollercoaster.
So yesterday we got our travel plans! Woo hoo! Except it's gonna be a long one.... Haha ok Here it is. On August 16th. I will be on a plane to San Fransisco, then I will be on a plane to Hong Kong arriving August 18th. That is like a 15 hour flight.....Oh joy. I will be on a plane from Hong Kong and arriving in the Philippines on August 18th. Sounds like an adventure to me! Haha. I'm so excited!
Alright, um so bad news is that I am sick again, but recovering. You wanna hear about a little miracle? Ok I will tell you. So I finally got to perform the song I auditioned for back on week 2. haha. The only bad thing was that I came down with this sickness right before it. I was so bummed. And usually I don't have a problem with singing when I get a little cold or something, but this was a chest cough and it was affecting my voice. So I had been getting progressively worse that day ( this is on Wednesday), but I just kept praying to the Lord. Here is the Miracle. I sang. It wasn't as great as I would have liked it to be, but the Lord helped me get through it. Right afterwards, I basically lost my voice. The Lord blessed me to be able to get through the song before losing my voice. I have never lost my voice before, so this was kinda interesting. I have always wanted to for some unknown weird reason. So the fun of not having a voice lasted about a day. Now I really want it back haha. Yesterday was a kind of a downer cause my companion got sick too. We stayed in our residence all day and just slept and read. It was awful, but spiritually enlightning. We didn't even get to go to the temple today cause we want to make sure we kill the sickness so we can be healthy and strong before we go to the Philippines. I am feeling much better today, and for the most part I think I am on the rise of this rollercoaster.
Oh, Real quick, we got to host the new missionaries on Wednesday too. That was fun. Tearing away missionaries from their sobbing families and such. I remember those days. haha. Jk. but it was fun.
Ok. what else. Gusto ko pumunta sa Pilippinas ngayon! (I want to go to the Philippines right now!) That is awesome about inviting two people to come see the show. Thanks for being an example to me of a life long missionary. For that is what we should all be.That's pretty awesome. And you all made it home safe?
Hey so I don't know if you guys know... but the Church is True. I just thought I would tell you, ya know since I am a missionary and all that, it's kinda my responsibility. So there you have it. I have said it, and I will not deny it. By the way, Joseph Smith is the man. Along with all the other prophets and apostles. I love this Gospel with all my heart. There is nothing else that I would rather be doing right now. Something you should all do is look up "The Fellowship of the Unashamed" By President Henry B Eyring. As latter day saints we should all be like what he describes. Read it. It's sooo good! Elder Brady Johnson sent it to me and it has be come one of my favorite things ever. The Church is true and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Love Elder Butler
Ok. what else. Gusto ko pumunta sa Pilippinas ngayon! (I want to go to the Philippines right now!) That is awesome about inviting two people to come see the show. Thanks for being an example to me of a life long missionary. For that is what we should all be.That's pretty awesome. And you all made it home safe?
Hey so I don't know if you guys know... but the Church is True. I just thought I would tell you, ya know since I am a missionary and all that, it's kinda my responsibility. So there you have it. I have said it, and I will not deny it. By the way, Joseph Smith is the man. Along with all the other prophets and apostles. I love this Gospel with all my heart. There is nothing else that I would rather be doing right now. Something you should all do is look up "The Fellowship of the Unashamed" By President Henry B Eyring. As latter day saints we should all be like what he describes. Read it. It's sooo good! Elder Brady Johnson sent it to me and it has be come one of my favorite things ever. The Church is true and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Love Elder Butler
July 29th 2011
The Lord is Amazing
- July 29th
Hey guys!
Communication is SO important in missionary work, and if you and your companion are not getting along, then the spirit will not be with you. If you don't have the spirit, then you "Shall not teach." (D&C 42:14 Read it). It's not saying you shouldn't teach, it says you SHALL not teach. that is a commandment. So just know that communication and getting along and loving everyone is so important. Sorry for that little soap box dealio.
Ok, we got a new district this week. They are pretty tight. There are 8 Elders and 2 sisters. All are going to Quezon City. BOO Ya! Can I just tell you all something? Ok,Thanks, I will. Being Zone Leader is quite a humbling thing. The blessings that have come from it are just amazing. To be in this position and know that other missionaries are looking up to you as an example is a scary thing. However, I am so grateful for the opportunity. Elder Farnsworth and I have had some amazing experiences with some elders in our zone who have been having a tough time. The Lord truly guides us and cares about us. I know this without a doubt.
Communication is SO important in missionary work, and if you and your companion are not getting along, then the spirit will not be with you. If you don't have the spirit, then you "Shall not teach." (D&C 42:14 Read it). It's not saying you shouldn't teach, it says you SHALL not teach. that is a commandment. So just know that communication and getting along and loving everyone is so important. Sorry for that little soap box dealio.
Ok, we got a new district this week. They are pretty tight. There are 8 Elders and 2 sisters. All are going to Quezon City. BOO Ya! Can I just tell you all something? Ok,Thanks, I will. Being Zone Leader is quite a humbling thing. The blessings that have come from it are just amazing. To be in this position and know that other missionaries are looking up to you as an example is a scary thing. However, I am so grateful for the opportunity. Elder Farnsworth and I have had some amazing experiences with some elders in our zone who have been having a tough time. The Lord truly guides us and cares about us. I know this without a doubt.
We didn't really have a celebration for the 24th. We did have a cool fireside though. It was Stephen B. Allen. He is Hilarious. He showed us a bunch of homefronts with some pretty good one liners that the church has produced. It was pretty awesome. On Tuesday we had a devotional from Elder Dennis E. Simmons. That was a super good Devo. The main thing I learned is that the mission is a process of sanctification. While we are helping others come closer to Christ, We are also sanctifying our selves and becoming closer to Christ. Its awesome.
I GET MY FLIGHT PLANS THIS THURSDAY! I have about 2 weeks left here. So stoked. But I also love it here! Everyone in my district is going to Quezon city except for one. He is headed to Laoag.
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