Welcome to Mangaldan

Elder McDonald's first lesson

October 15, 2018
Hey guys! It's been a while... I was robbed a PDAY haha. Anyway I made it to the field!

Let's start off with my companion: there's really only 2 things you need to know about him.

1. He's been here 12 weeks

2. He's white

His name is Elder Weaver, and he's from Colorado. In my interview with the Mission President, President Espinosa told me my Tagalog was really good and had proper grammar, that's the only reason I feel like he gave me an American companion. Anyway, he's taught me a lot already but for the most part we are learning together.

Next, my zone: Mangaldan. I'm in an area in my zone called Mapandan. It's one of the more Urban area in my Mission. To you guys, it would be a city that you would probably avoid going to at all costs. But it's pretty nice!

Here's a list of things I can do now that I'm in the field;

1. Introduce myself, and wait for the laugh. Then laugh with them after they make a joke that I don't understand.

2. Wave at the Filipino's and smile when they yell, "hey joe!"

3. Get into homes easier because everyone loves an American

4. Bear a very short testimony when my companion gives me the signal

5. Take pictures with everyone (americans are celebrities here)

6. Give high fives to the little kids. (MY FAVORITE)

I know very little about the mission so far. But I know I will learn eventually. The experiences here are already very uplifting. There's a young Filipino girl here that we are teaching, and she's investigating our church and another church. But she knows in her heart that our church is the true church. I think it's so cool that even though my companion and I hardly know the language, she knows what we're teaching is true. It was a huge testimony builder.

I am told every day that I'm very Pogi, which means handsome. People stare at me alllllll the time haha. Since me and my companion are both American we have like superpowers when it comes to getting people to let us share a message with them. Some Elders say there's a 14th chapter to preach my gospel, which is flirt to convert lol. And in the Philippines, it really works haha. Although I know I won't be doing any flirting; I'll leave that to my companion.

Here's a quote that has kept me going thus far: "Work as if it all depends on you; pray as if it all depends on Him..." Scott Nielsen shared this with me about a week after I reported to Provo. Make sure he knows I'm very grateful that he shared that with me.

I love you all! Keep me in your prayers! I need all the help I can get lol.

Elder McDonald

I have more pictures, but they're not so important anymore. Let me know if you still want them and I'll send them next week.

FUN FACTS:
- I traveled by bus (5 hours) and then from the mission home on a jeepney and trike

- The temperature is mid 90's, even in my apartment. There's no ac so we just run fans all day.

- My apartment is probably 300 or 400 square ft.