The Deal has been Sealed

I love to do some word play sometimes...... Well, maybe many times. And just so you know, my dear friend, there is  a (not-so) hidden message behind the title of this post. And if you are smart enough to figure it out, well I have a great news to tell to you then. But if you still haven't, I will share the answer to you anyways.

I will let the picture speak for their self. And besides, a picture can paint a thousand words, right? On this one, perhaps a couple of thousands will give it then.

And I would like to add up another photo in this post.

TA DAH!! There we go, let the pictures speak for themselves. It's not that I am not interested in telling you the story on how we got to that point. But I am actually planning to tell you some of the paths we took for us to get to this point.... being married!

But I must say, it is sure one heck of a preparation that we had to make. Sure, we have to work out the marriage certificate and other what knots, we had to shop for the clothes and ring, finalize the wedding guest list, and set up the finances for the food and decorations. But what we thought about is how more important the temple sealing is to us. A wedding won't be much of a wedding if the marriage is not centralized. I mean, a lot of people focus on the details of the wedding that they tend to forget about the marriage itself. AND THAT'S PREPOSTEROUS!

I remember how May (my fiance then, now my wife) would be so mad at me for not giving a crap about the wedding. But even before we get to that point, I would always tell her that I am more concerned with the temple marriage rather than stress myself with the wedding details. It's just not that all fun ahahha!

To make my final point, I think that there is no other way to become happier than actually getting married. I may be saying it because of my current estate. But it's all coming from what I have come to learn in life- from my parents and siblings, friends, colleagues, and ecclesiastical leaders. And I can't agree more on how happy I am in life right now.

Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/04/article-2572915-1C06CAEA00000578-502_964x635.jpg

Now, a celebratory picture of Mr. and Mrs. Potatohead's wedding to commemorate our own. Ahahahhahah!

A Piece of Advice To Those Thinking of Serving a Mission

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and as someone who is what we call a "priesthood holder", I feel that it is my sacred duty to help as much people as I can to come closer to the Savior. And as I also fill my responsibility as a Missionary Training Center teacher, I would like to a few thoughts on what it is like become a missionary, how it feels like to be in the mission, and share a few advise how to make the most of your missionary experience. And since there seems to be some surge that I feel that is happening as what the prophets have seen in our days: "hastening the work".

This may sound pretty generic as per many return missionaries would almost say the exact thing that a lot of them would advise. But I would like to make a focus more on what does it mean to have a purpose when you are actually set apart as a full-time representative of Jesus Christ.

"My Purpose- the Doctrine of Christ"

As an MTC teacher, it is very essential for all the missionaries to truly understand their purpose. Within all the things we train the missionaries for, it is always related with the "Doctrine of Christ". Some may ask; "What is the Doctrine of Christ?" Well, the answer is pretty simple. Let me site you the purpose of a missionary:

"Our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ & His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, & enduring to the end." - Preach My Gospel, p.1

Basically, the Doctrine of Christ is also known as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is comprised of the 5 basic principles of the gospel. First, faith in Jesus Christ, second repentance, then baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and lastly, endure to the end.

But there is something more than to teaching and preaching the gospel. It's actually learning how to love people that you come along with. The Savior has said that as we have love Him, we should love one another.(John 15:12) And the moving force for this work is basically that love you have for the Lord and for others.


"Therefore, what?"

We live in a world where we want to learn so many things in life. But very seldom do we utilize those knowledge to become wisdom by putting things into actions. And many things we learn are not being used. Even if it is used, it's done for the right reason. Nevertheless, the doctrine of Christ is used to help others open heaven's blessings to be poured to them by keeping commandments, making covenants, and living a righteous life.

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh.." And with that freedom, it gives us so much opportunity to know what are the consequences as we try to choose the correct choices that we get to see in our lives. "For behold, this is my work and my glory; to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of men."

Conclusion

I don't want to make anyone feel that there are too many things that would make you want to give up or back out on anyone's desire to go on a mission. But let me make this sure: You never go on a mission for you, for your family, your friends, or even your ward. You go on a mission because first, you love the Lord. Second, you love "your neighbor as thyself" that you want what is best for you. And with all honesty, a mission is hard. But having the regrets on not serving because of petty reasons is even harder, And with much preparation, fasting and prayer, scripture study, and acting in so much faith, you are called to the work.

When It Rains, Bring a Bucket!

(C) http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2013/03/Kori/rain-bucket-outside.jpg

So this past few days, it has been raining like crazy. Not to mention, starting from May, it's basically the rainy season. In lieu of this blissful season, I would like to focus on a different type of rain that has been occurring to me for the past few months. And when I am saying about rain, I don't mean to put it in a negative way, since a lot of people would have such mindset towards it because of the bad effects that may do to some of the people.

Since the time of my departure from my previous employment, many have commented towards my rush decision. I must admit, it only took me one night to finalize my decision. And without having a second thought, I stepped my foot down to tell my immediate head of my planned departure. They tried their best to make stay, but one thing that I have shown is that when I make a decision, it is what I want. It wasn't really much about the pay, or even with the people I am working with, but it's more of a personal choice to make a turn into my career path.

Just a few weeks after my chosen act, I have received a highly unexpected phone call. The phone call actually came from that one place I dreamed of always working in, the Missionary Training Center- Manila. Though it's a typical R.M.'s (returned missionary) dream career, it was actually a fulfillment of one of my goals before I went home from my mission. And now, I am about to become a facilitator in the MTC Manila.

Another part of the "glorious rain" that just got poured to me was with much dating and meeting with
the opposite gender, I was so blessed that there is someone who still recognizes the potential that is inside of me. I will not disclose any names yet, until that we (Yes, we) will confirm about our relationship status.

To show you some brief history of how we have met each other, I will spill some things on how we came about and knew each other. Basically, we met at an activity that was organized by a couple YSA's (Young Single Adults). I wasn't really planning on coming, but since some of my friends were persuasive and EAGER (I put an emphasis on it since they were more excited for me to find a date than I do) in order for me to find a nice girl that I can meet. So with all the persuasion, I went with them.

And so we were at the activity with a lot of people coming from different stakes (a unit of area determined by geographical location). And so I was partnered with "this girl". We got to know each other, and then we exchanged numbers (As far as I remember... or maybe not). But we didn't basically date until a few events happened. I was basically experiencing the darkest hours of my life before we started dating and getting to know each other. And after a brief moment, we started to date- inviting her over for a Family Home Evening, and going to the temple.

We had some time that we were not dating, but we still keep in contact. She went back to her hometown, and I stayed here in Manila. But we would talk every now and then. Until we had a talk that really hit us hard. We gave it another shot on dating and until we make some decisions... And so we will wait for the next story to come.

Basically, everything that are coming are so unexpected. And I just love some things come into the right way though it took some time for those things to come about. It may have taken longer than expected, nevertheless it still came all at the right time too.

So to put things in perspective: Never give up on waiting! You'll never  know when the things you deserve will come. So just keep on waiting patiently, and trusting and believing it will come.

Life is Funny Sometimes

Do you find yourself in an awkward situation? Well, truth be told, I am always in one. And luck would always find it's way to bring me into those "highly anticipated" moments in life. And by highly anticipated, I mean the most awkward situation you have never expected to be in. Just right after those moments happen, I have nothing else to do about it, but to just laugh, shake my head, and probably do a quick face palm and ask: "Did that just happen?!"

Let me tell some of my most memorable events that happened in my life since childhood.

The Boy who Cried... He just did

If I am not mistaken, it was my 1st year in grade school. Most probably, 1st grade. We just finished our primary class (This happened in church). And all the primary kids started running out to the halls and to the rooms where adults would have their 3rd hour block classes. (Most likely Relief Society and Melchizedek Priesthood classes)

And right after arriving outside, there were no people outside. Thinking that everyone left, including my parents, I started crying. Other kids just stared at me with confusion on why the heck was I crying.

Then the most embarrassing thing came, my mom showed up, and followed by the rest of the adults and the teenagers went out to the common area, the foyer and hallway. Then after, my mom looked at me with confusion then giggled because she found out I was crying because I thought everyone left without me.

Oh how that memory is just too hard to forget.... because that may be the very first most embarrassing thing I have ever done in my life. (Don't worry, there is more to follow)

AH! The Freshman Year

My high school classmates and friends will totally agree on this. I mean,  the whole school year was just a series of comical events. And I was like, 13 years of age. I was at the pinnacle of stupid and foolishness. And let me tell you, I have done things that are far from normal.

One of which is the time when it was wash day. (We had to wear uniforms, which is nice sometimes) I was just wearing my pair of jersey shorts because it was the heat of summer, and my body cools down too slow.

It was one of those chill days when we have no classes but we were required to go to school because we are preparing for some incoming school event. And all high school students were staying in one room to make stuff of which don't remember what we were making. I had a classmate (who is a chick) kept teasingly pulling my shorts to see my underwear. Out of annoyance, I shouted: "You know, you can always ask me to pull down my shorts to see my underwear!" And I pulled it down...... It was one of those times where I asked myself "Why the heck did you do that, you moron?!" 

I must say, chicks knew then that I have quite the "self-confidence" to be proud of my body. 

Disclaimer: I regretted every crap I did in the freshman year.

"Oh, Is He Your Grandson? No, He's My Son."

I served briefly in the Philippines Quezon City North Mission while waiting for my visa to come. Four months, to be exact. And within those period, I had 3 areas (ward boundaries) that I got assigned in. And the last area before I flew to Salt Lake City was called Lagro, somewhere in Fairview, Quezon City.

I was with Elder Hansen and Elder Ramos, who thankfully endured my zany personality. We were in one of our areas where we were about to get introduced to some people that were being taught by Elder Hansen and his previous companion. So it was me and Elder Ramos who were new to the ward.

We got to one of the houses that we planned to visit, and it was an older couple who were less-active member. And we went there and got to their place. The sister was carrying a baby that time when we visited over.

Of course, me trying to strike a conversation, I basically asked something about the baby she was holding. So this is how the conversation went:

Me: What a cute little baby! What's his name?
Sister: His name is ____ (I can't remember the cute baby's name)
Me: How nice! How old is he?
Sister: He is 4 months old. (This is a guess since it's been more than 2 years now)
Me: Aaawww. Oh, is he your grandson? (With innocence)
Sister: (Stared at me and glanced to her husband) No, he's our son.
Me and my companions: (Awkward silence)
Me: I am so sorry! I didn't mean to say that in a wrong way.
Sister and Brother: It's ok.

I face palmed myself right after we went out of their house and dragged my feet with regret that those words came out of my mouth. But of course, it was one of those things I had to pray for and repent about it..... I hope that couple will someday forgive me for my stupidity and ignorance.


There are more things that I have done that I would like to say but I am not sure to the fact that I might bore you guys in reading. But I may share more sometime soon. We'll never know.

Bottom line, we all make mistakes. And many of those mistakes will just make you giggle about it in a month or so. It's just too inevitable , and we make good memories on it. (Except for pulling down my pants)

And at the end of the day, we all will get a good laugh out of it.

Photos (Memes) courtesy of Jypsy Casia

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

There has been so much time that I have not put into (this) my blog. There has been just so many things that happened lately. And of course, I should not put it into any excuse about how things have gone in my life.

And it's been like a little or more than  year since the last time I made a post, of which I am truly sorry to say that I have been very slothful and mindless towards  my passion... to write what I feel. But you know what they say, we all have weaknesses, and strengths. And the only thing we can do about it is to become better people.

For the betterment of the people to feel better about my blog, here's a picture of me trying to look like a person from the past... say about around 1800's

Last transfer (or cycle) in my last area, Kodiak Island, 2015 around January or February

Feel better yet? No? Well, it was a good try ahahhahahah!

A Life in a Box

Considering the fact that I haven't been too active in blogging, I still think of it quite often. The only problem that I currently have in regards on updating my blog, I have no idea what to write on. Not to mention, it's like my journal already.... but I still keep a real paper journal just in case that when I get old, I have something to pull out to my grandchildren, and read some of the weird things that I have done in my youth..... I am not sure if it's supposed to be that way when you hang out with your grandchildren though. Oh well, I will just have to summarized the series of events that happened to me last few weeks.


Unemployed

As fate would have it, things are not getting well with what has been happening. I had to settle things out. Since I was working as a customer service agent, I made a decision to resign out of my job. It took me a lot of prayer, pondering, and consultation in order for me to get to that conclusion.

A lot of people thought I left the company due to the amount of compensation I got, but I basically applied for the job to gain some work experience. There is only one thing I can say regarding of such event, I have grown more mature than I was expecting. And for that, I am thankful for that experience.


Weight loss

Yes, I lost weight. How, you asked? Basically, it's easy! Get sick consecutively. If there is anything that I am very good at, it's at getting sick, and catching something that would cause me to become really ill. But hey, it gave me a leeway to shed some weight, and actually try to look fit (for some parts) with regaining my old beautiful physique. After losing some, I brought back some minimal amount of pounds so that I won't look sickly, as I looked like after recovering from sickness.


Reunion

If there is any description for my family, it would be that we are transient. We get out of the country (Philippines) a lot to work. First part was that my dad left to head to Saudi Arabia, then we headed there right after a few years of tenure-ship in his work, he was able to bring us with him in the Middle East. Not to mention, we go around places a lot too. But since, we moved back here in the Philippines, a lot of plans were made. To say the least was that my dad decided to go back to the Middle East to work, but not in Saudi Arabia anymore. He moved to Kuwait. There, just a few months after, my sister (oldest in the siblings) decided to move there as well. I, on the other hand, was my way to the mission field, though I had to stay for awhile due to some visa reasons And after 2 years and 4 months, I got to get reunited with my younger siblings. But of course, our reunions aren't really complete. Right after my brother stayed with us for awhile, he left immediately to work in United Arab Emirates, in the city of Dubai, where my dad was at.

And to cut the story short, my sister flew all the way from Kuwait, and my dad came back here in Manila to work some stuff here for awhile. It's great to have both of them here back for a little while. And I miss both of them, since it's been like 3 years from the last time I saw them.


So, I guess that is the gist of the events from the last 3 months that just came by. And now, off to veg out!

A Working Title

After a long time of not being active on updating my blog, I felt like part of me died.... just kidding!!! Ahahhahahaaah caught your attention, didn't I? Well, I have been thinking a lot of things lately. And I have come to realize how busy of a man I am. But hey! We find ways, right?

So anyway, me and my cousin have been talking about this idea of making a blog consisted of his artwork, and my literary skills (Yeah right?!). We are talking about making a Tagalog blog. But my brain is totally out for a vacation right now, so I would need some help from you guys.



Calling all Tagalog speakers (or wanted to learn Tagalog at least), I need some help on what should I title the new blog we are going to make.

Comments would be really appreciated. :)

"Welcome to the Reality of Life, Dear Jypsy!"

So lately, I have been in the process of getting employed. Since, I haven't worked things for my school, I finally decided to find myself a job. I have tried applying in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) under the employment of the Church. Thus far, I have no reply from them. It's all good though. So it seems that the job is not meant for me yet.

While browsing through the world of Facebook, I have come across some job advertisements, but it seems that a lot of them will either require me to have at least 2 years of college, or an experience in those certain fields of job. But lo and behold, I found a job that doesn't require me of both credentials. Without any idea of being hired, I gave it a try.

And with a very minimal confidence on myself, I still proceeded on doing the application. As I had submitted my name, I got a call from the company a day after. They asked me about my working experiences, and educational backgrounds. It seems that they were somehow accepting about my situation. And then, they scheduled me for an assessment test and initial interviews that would test my proficiency in the English language, and also asked about how loyal can I get when I actually start working. And so, I made it to the final interview. Somehow, when being interviewed for the account that I was going to be in, the operations manager was a little bit apprehensive due to the fact that I just woke up from a nap, and I was acting somehow a little bit weak in talking, and I was not energetic when I was answering his questions. But after doing a lot of prayers, the assessing manager informed me that I was hired, together with the other guy who I went to apply a job with.

After a couple weeks of waiting, I had the chance to have a job orientation and job offer, and the finale, the contract signing. Now, I am officially an employee to a company. And my job position is a customer service representative for a credit card company.

Well, many people have welcomed me into the demanding, and awfully stressful world of being an employee in the country. I should welcome myself then into it.

Welcome to the world of employment, Jypsy!!

I am in Love

Don't you just have that feeling when you think of that person who you really like and you think of being with them for eternity? And then suddenly, you just feel that that person is the right one for you? I always get it when I think of that lady who has been a best friend to me for years. Over time, I have come to ponder about it, and I sure have developed that love for that person.

But let me tell you a story on how we met, and how I fell in love with her.

It started when I first moved back to my home city, Makati. A wise bishop advised me to move to a different ward, since I live in Makati again. I moved into my home ward. And this soon-to-be-friend moved into the ward at the same time I did. We didn't really start getting to know each other until we attended Young Single Adult activities. The first one that we went to was a Valentine's activity. I was referred to her sister, and she was my Valentine's date. I had the chance to do a musical number, and I sang a Paramore song, and playing a guitar. I passed by their table, and she said that we should have a collaboration sometime. And so we did. Another YSA activity came, and we had something what we call a "Family Home Evening", since a lot of single adults have no family close by (parents and siblings). Afterwards, a sister who initiated another hang out time after the previous activity. We had a dinner in a restaurant with a karaoke bar. We stayed there until at least 3 o'clock in the morning. We laughed, we sang, and we had so much fun. Of course, with me loving music, I never back out on a karaoke. And for a lot of times, we sang a lot of duets together. And we sure blended like heck! It was lovely to the ears. We continued to attend activities until such time that we started hanging out just the two of us. We would go out to some plaza's, eat out, do a lot of random stuffs, and most especially- go to the temple. There came a time when we are both serving in the Youth organization for the church. We would go with the 12 year old's to 18 year old's men and women to find what they want to do in life. It was a fun experience, and definitely a learning experience for both us. There was more to handling youth people than actually caring for them and learning to love them as if they are your little brothers and sisters. We had so much fun for that.

As you all know, I served a Mormon mission. We both made a goal to go on a mission. We promised that we will do our best to return with honor, and become better people. And so we did prepare on doing so. I prepared myself, and so did she. I got called to Alaska, and a month after I got my assignment, she got her's as well. She got called to one of the provinces in the Philippines. It was truly a relationship that strengthened us each other without making any unnecessary commitments. And so, we had somehow an informal relationship. I actually didn't realize that I have feelings for her until such time that I actually left to serve for awhile in a nearby mission around Manila. I think the saying "You will never know that you love until you lose it beside you" is true. I was hurt for a moment because I can't see her for a span of 2 years. Apparently, it went longer than expected. The first 4 months were really hard for me. Knowing that I am only a bus ride away from both home and her, it was clearly a test of faith for me. But of course, I made a promise, first to the Lord, and to her that I will be ever faithful in and on my mission. And thus far, I did pretty good.

Afterwards, the Provo MTC made a big turnaround for me. Knowing that my mission didn't start until such time that I have entered the MTC, it felt long somehow that I still have 2 years left until I can get to see her again. But I still have the promise in my heart and mind that I will do all that I can to finish my mission with honor. There was no time for homesickness, no time to be idle, and most definitely no time to become disobedient. And so, I did all that I can to become that missionary I needed to become. We still kept in contact through email and letters. But on the last transfer that I had, I was impressed to ask in prayer on what I need to do when I get home, and if I needed to get married, who should it be. I focused mostly on the who part of my prayer. (Disclaimer: I was and still am focused on my mission when I was doing the prayer). And many times with those question, it would always come out as "Go ahead and she will be the one of which you need to be married with in the temple."

Well, if that is what I need to do, then like Nephi in the Book of Mormon, I shall say " I will go and the things which the Lord has commanded". Apparently, I just need to do something about it in order for me to really show my love for her, and most especially, to become more obedient.

Now, off to do some loving actions!

Now What??

Now that I am home from my mission, there is a multitude of things I really want to do. But first things first. And I have to be honest, I don't know which one I should do.

I am a huge goal maker. I love making goals and plans. But now that I just got home, it appears that I don't have any plans for next few months or so. So, I would like to ask some few suggestions on what should I do within this coming weeks and months that are ahead of me.

Where in the world did I go?!

I have been gone for about 2 and almost a half year.
Well, Jypsy. Explain yourself!

It's pretty simple. I went on a mission.

What? Did you join the military or the FBI or CIA??

Well, not exactly. I went on an ecclesiastical mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also well known as the Mormons.

What does that supposed to mean?

To put it simply, I went out to go teach the people about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Meaning to say, I was wearing the black name tag with a name of an Elder _____ (and of course, mine was Casia), together with the name of the Church.

I was assigned, as previously posted, to the Alaska Anchorage Mission. But on the side note, I was held here in the Philippines for awhile due to some delays with the arrival of the letter for my visa. While waiting for it, my stake president (a lay minister who oversees on the bigger geography on a  city or clusters of cities) was inspired to request from the Area Presidencies to assign me immediately on a temporary assignment. And alas! I was assigned in the Philippines Quezon City North Mission. For the span of 4 months, I was waiting for my visa and all that jazz in order for me to enter into the US. A lot of prayers was rendered by me and fasting in order for me to get out to my assigned mission. I'm not saying that I didn't like being here in the Philippines. I was just more excited to go on my original assignment. But I have to admit, I sure learned a lot of things while serving in that mission. Not to mention, I was assigned to 3 different areas. My first area was in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. In that area, I was there for about a good 3 months with 4 companions. Next one was at Camarin, Caloocan. In there, I was about 2 companions for a month. And my last area in the Philippines was Fairview, Quezon City. Perhaps, that is the shortest time in an area that I have been to. Well, maybe one of the shortest. There, I was with my last 2 companions, and I was near the mission president, his assistant's (who are also missionaries), and the office missionaries. And after a week, and almost a half, I flew to Salt Lake City to head to Provo for my training in the Missionary Training Center. There, I was with about more than 9,000 missionaries who are going through their training before heading to their field of labor. There, I was trained with the fundamentals of what we teach to people.

Then I went to Alaska!
If I wasn't a missionary, I would have considered it a vacation.
Why is that?
Let me tell you.

My first area in Alaska was Ketchikan, the fishing and salmon capital of the world. I have spent about 4 and a half months in there. In missionary terms, I was there for 3 transfers. Then the next stop, the Tongan area in Anchorage! I love serving in the language areas. You go beyond the city limits sometimes, which I love to do. I was in there for only a month and a half, 1 transfer. And then, I got thrown in Dutch Harbor, . I would honestly say that perhaps, Dutch Harbor was the place where I struggled, and grew in the knowledge of the gospel. I was there for about 2 months, and we left back to Anchorage  in the middle of the transfer, putting me in the Spanish branch for about 3 weeks before the transfer ended. That was pretty brief, but I sure had fun learning Spanish at the same time. It's funny because some Hispanics were shocked to see an Asian kid speak Spanish to them. No later than expected, I got transferred to another language speaking area, which I wasn't really desiring to do. I got thrown to the Hmong branch, where I have stayed there for 7 and a half months straight. But included in that time was when I trained a new missionary. Afterwards, I was assigned somewhere else in Anchorage with a limited boundaries, and limited mileage at the same time. I was sent to the Turnagain ward, near the Turnagain straight. There, I was called to train another new missionary for 3 months, putting it into a 2 transfer cycle area. Then after, I got transferred to the ultimate Filipino area, Kodiak islands. There, I finished my last 6 months in that island, working with a lot of Filipinos, and actually using my mission language (which is Tagalog) to teach the Filipino people. I thought that having an island fever for 2 to 5 months was bad, 6 months was a bit too much for me! But hey! It was all worth it. I did all that I can, despite the challenges that came to our companionship, area, and people that we are teaching.

Sometimes, it's hard to admit that you had a successful mission due to the fact that you see a lot of success of a missionary through how much baptism's they had, or how many people they have reactivated to come back to church, or how many families you have witnessed to get sealed for time and through out all eternity in the temple. But now, and with a lot of testimonies of so many people, I have planted the seed of the gospel  into their hearts. Now, it's up to them what they want to do with it. And several times, the Lord has answered my prayers that I have done well. Even a member of the mission presidency and my mission president himself were the answers I got.

I can never describe my over-all experience as a missionary. There are so many things that has truly changed my life for the better. But of course, I shall never forget the root of all the good things that I experienced in my mission: my family. I have seen how the gospel has helped them. It's my turn to help the people receive the gospel.

Oh man, I love my mission so much!

Wanna join the club?

Getting Closer to the Edge

Well, starting today, I only have 15 days left before I head to the MTC, which I would be having my training in Provo, Utah. And it's getting near on wearing that  famous black name tag, not to mention that awesome name that starts with Elder.

Brace yourselves to see me wearing that black name tag!

I still wonder how would be my first feeling when I get to have my own name tag, always wearing that plain white shirt, and always having a companion with me by my side at all times. It would be pretty much weird at first, but I'll be getting the hang of it in no time!

Anyways, I'm still under the preparation period where things are still on their way, not to mention the waiting part on our approval visa letter from the Headquarters. But patience precedes me after receiving my own ordinance in the temple just last week. And I can never forget how happy I was to receive that ordinance.

Now that some have been done, we should start doing the other important things.

A Long Time Longing

So now I have my mission call, what now?

OF COURSE! WE CELEBRATE FOR THAT!!!

And by celebration, I mean to do nothing of a sort.

Apparently, I am way too busy to think of going partying. Not to mention, I have to process a lot of paper works pertaining to my mission travelling needs. That includes my passport, visa, plane ticket, flight schedule, Yaddah Yaddah Yaddah.


But since I'm doing all things are done now accordingly, all I need to do is to wait for good results.

And now........ we wait!

"Called to Serve"

For all those who are searching for the Hymn #249 in Google or wherever, don't blame me you ended up in this blog of mine! It's just how I roll, baby!

Anyways, back to the real thing.

So yeah. Last Tuesday, June 19, 1:00 pm, I was proof-reading my PB (Patriarchal Blessing) and editing the misspelled words, ungrammatically arranged sentences. Then my bishop sent me a text message that he has received my mission call. You would probably have an idea what I did when I saw that text. If you don't, I was jumping my butt up and down the kitchen floor, until I ended up going to the room and jumping up and down again. And after that, tears started rolling out of my eyes....mushy? Yes, it is.

After a few weeks of waiting, the long-waited call is here!! And I am about to touch it!!

So, I still have to attend my institute class. And since the teacher in my Religion 130 is my bishop in my ward, he has my call.

And a planned Family Home Evening in our chapel has been done, except my expected people who were supposed to be there weren't. It's kinda sad, but it's still good. I have my call, that's what matters most to me. Many had made their guesses on where I would be assigned. Even my  bishop gave out his guess even though he knows where I will go. AND NOW, THE OPENING OF THE MISSION CALL!!

Excuse me for my hideous shoes, they're for my snowy first area.

And now, the reading of the call:

Alaska Anchorage Mission.

Yep, you see it right! It's all the way to Alaska. And I didn't even imagine to be assigned there. Not to mention it's going to be a snowy, cold, frostbitten area. But I'm guessing I can stand it.

Bottom line, I still can't believe I am serving at the Lord's errand. To be a part of the Great Army to preach the Gospel.

And now... We wait

A Tribute to the one Named "Dad"

SO, I've been pondering lately. And I can't help but to think of what is about to come. I have been thinking of Father's Day. It's a day to give tribute to all dads out there who has done so much for their family. A day that reminds me so much of my father who, through-out the years, has stood with us as we face the challenges in our lives.

Me and my dad in the orthopedic department while getting a cast on my legs

I'm basically the type of person who is not passionate at people who I get to see everyday. I'm also that type that is not sweet to others, because I'm not a mushy type. But unfortunately, I feel that I need to say it and express it in a brief, and short few words:

Happy Father's Day, and I love you!!

THERE!!! I SAID IT! And it was hard to say that! But I know to myself that he could be dying to hear that from one of his children. Especially, when the times that I was there to be with him in times of a need for a listener, an immediate companion, and an immediate friend as well. 

My dad has been with me from the time I first went to school. He was with me the time I got really sick, and drove me to the hospital. He was the one who acted both roles at the same time when we lost on part of the family. He also acted out as a sibling if ever there is a need for it, in special cases, he would try to be a prick to be a sibling. He was there to support me, always. He has been a role model to me, and to my family. He has done so many great things that he need to sacrifice some things behind him for the good of the family. He is one of a kind. He is something no one could ever replace. A role not easy to  fulfill, but not hard to love. 

A stolen smiling shot of his face behind me

Even though people thought that I was actually older, or of the same age with you, I still, and really love you. No force on this planet could ever change that, unless I get hit by a bike and kill my toenails. Just kidding!!!

You don't deserve anything that would be gone in time, but you deserve an eternal gift where you could use the blessing not only to make yourself happy, but others as well. You are a super hero to me, and someone who could do many things in life. To this day forward, I salute you for all the good works you have done!

Let's not forget who were those people with us, who stood with us, and who has loved us all the way. An eternal role is a calling no need for releasing nor sustaining. It is a calling of a lifetime. Someday, I hope to be a good one. I hope that I find myself having a family of my own, doing a lot of great things with them, through  good times and bad times. 

To all Fathers out there, I raise my glass and salute you all!

Still Waiting For *That* Miracle

So, the month is over. And it's more than a month since I last passed them application form. And I can't help but to feel kinda left out after seeing some of my friends leaving for their mission.

On my sitch, I haven't even received it yet. And the more I don't think of receiving it, the more people are reminding me when I leave.

To be honest, I feel envy now. But as far as I can do, I have to remove that feeling. Because I know for myself that that feeling would lead me nowhere but trouble.

But still, I devoted my time and talent over working with the missionaries and magnifying my calling as a Youth leader. No disappointment would stop my diligence and kasipagan on doing my priesthood duties and responsibilities that may come and go to me as I magnify my callings.

I love the Church no matter what happen. I know the things that I know are true, and only myself would be accountable for anything that I deny or something I would do wrong. (Hopefully, none of these would happen)

I sure hope that the *miracle* would come sooner.... like today or something, I don't know. I'm no manghuhula.

I'm Inactive

If you're actually thinking I'm church inactive, then your mind is just that demented. And there is NO WAY I'm becoming church inactive.

As a matter of fact, I have never been this active in the church for the past 16 years of my life. But since I'm referring to a different inactivity, I'll stop with this then.

Anyways, since I have been busy from the past few weeks of my life, not to mention I have been currently been leaving my house every once in awhile, I have been going out with the Elders in our ward in preparation to my mission. No, I have not been going out with them to have unnecessary fun, but we have to propagate the work of the Lord in our ward, though.

I've been doing a lot of stuffs that had made me busy to go a post anything either on facebook, twitter, in this blog, or even tumblr. But I'm still going on facebook and trying to catch up with some of my friends from every parts of the world.

But anyways, I'll do everything I can to catch up with  the things around the internet, and try not to be a bum as much as I was before.

Now, off to my life again..... I think.

Nerve-racking, teeth-grinding moment

So, I basically can't wait to get my mission call. I just can't wait. And the pressure already coming into me without noticing. What more when I get my mission call? It will be sooooo pressuring and much more.nerve-racking.

But anyways, I have to do it. I'm the one who wants go anyways, so no sweat and stress.

Except when you are in the mission field, you'll know the stress, discouragement, disappointments, disagreements, and many more dis-words coming as you enter it. But never fear, the time is far spent, I have work enough to do.

Well, I guess going on a mission would be totally worth it. Actually, much much more worth going to. We will see in the next few months and weeks.

Now.... Good luck to me on where I would be serving my mission.... Whereever that is.

Ain't I a Cutie Pie???

Admit it.... I'm cute

Can't believe it?? I don't care! I know I do! LOL!

I'm WAY far from being Normal than you Think

4:57 AM Philippine Standard Time Friday April 13

It's been a few hours since I last felt tired and about to fall asleep. And I need a decent sleep... for real! 

And I'm hungry.... need some grub!

5:36 AM

Still hungry... too lazy to get up to cook ramen. And still doing my laundry.

I don't usually do this... but when I do, I do it for very long time and with no sleep at ALL! For the past few days I've been puzzled with dilemmas about many things. One of which is me passing my mission application papers right away. As far as I am concerned, I don't want any delays. But ironically, I'm kinda delaying it myself.

6:27 AM

I just finished doing the laundry... still hungry though.

And that's how my life goes... pretty abnormal :D