First weekly email in a while

Well, this is the first weekly email I have written in a while. Its the first day I have had that I feel like taking the time to write it. One thing I learned about myself is that I would way rather talk in-person to people than write tons of emails- haha. So that's why every week I read a few emails and then just call and chat with the fam. I think that's kind of how it should be. A good friend of mine mentioned how important that unit of families are in the church and I second that. They are the most important unit in this world. A good strong family is the best way for gods children to return to him. He's happy to send his children to a good strong family because he knows that child is much more likely to come all the way back to him. I sure feel lucky to have the family I do. One thing about the world I have found (at least in my neck if the woods right now) is that satan sure loves to shatter families. I have seen so many your women pregnant here and fathers that leave and families that have multiple marriages and there are just so many hardships that come from that. I want you to all know that Satan is good at his job. Gaurd your self continually. Stay close to God.

Well, this week has been awesome! Things are picking up each week! I feel like every day I run out of time. Time keeps speeding up and there is just too much to do in a day. It's so much fun too! I see many times missionaries somberly going throughout the day and it's kind of sad. We all need a little smile, a little color, a little passion in our lives. When we have that passion, we then turn it into action (Afleekon) and then can really make things happen. Become who we want to become and most importantly become who God wants us to become. I've loved each day trying to beat the clock. Ask ourselves this. How much good can we do today? How much fun can I have while doing good today? How can I be a tad better than yesterday? This is part of gods plan. To have joy, to improve, to do good. Live, laugh and love. Life is good folks. 

We have some way awesome people we are working with. This is a quick cool experience. Sister Ginging is our pal. She rocks. We go to teach about the Word of Wisdom. Girl loves her coffee. Tells us how it's her love. We look at each other and tell her about how its something we iwasan (avoid). She laughs and says, seriously?? We talk for a second and laugh at the situation. We extend the commitment to follow the word of wisdom. She doesn't even hesitate and says yes. I'll throw it all out tonight. Boom. Spirit hits me like a wall seeing her dedication and love for God and her trust in us and her respect for gods commandments. Got me thinking. How much are we willing to sacrifice to the Lord? That's a hard question. If the church came out and said we are adding sugar to the Word of Wisdom, could we do it? I hope so. (That's a joke. Chocolate is still ok... for now) Anyways I thought that was cool and wanted to share. 

Well, I'll share a little thing about daily life. Yesterday we had 2 dinner appointments. Great time talking to members and past missionaries.  I love hearing peoples stories. Anyways after 2 dinner appointments that wasn't enough for my eager brain. 1 week ago I bought stuff to make peach cobbler.  So last night I creatively used the rice cooker (no ovens in the Philippines) to make peach cobbler. It didn't work. Don't try it. But if you do and it works, send me the recipe and let me know how to make it. Maybe I just sucked it up. Anyways it wasn't terrible but it wasn't all that good. I had a good laugh about it. We called it rice cooker cobbler. 

Well, that's about enough of your guys time today. So you know what time it is. Time to turn off your cell phone and go talk to someone! Go do some service or play outside. But don't waste your time here on your phone. Haha

Really, things are going great here! I'm thankful for all my family and friends! Love y'all! Make it a great week! 

Elder McAllister