Hangin w/ the Boys

Week 12 (June 9, 2019)

YO Family and Friends. Wow this week has flown by again. When you're busy, it goes so much faster. Hope all of you are doing super swell back home, or wherever you may be!

This week was jammed pack with stuff going on, but we still managed to get some good work in. We had District Council, Exchanges, 4-week follow up, Music Devotional, and a Baptism!!! Such a good week

But yeah, we started this week off with District Council with Exchanges right after. I went with Elder Fielding, one of my kabahay's. If you ever meet him, He's the happiest, and smiliest guys I've ever met. Our Exchange was super short though because of the 4 week follow up. We still went out and worked as best we could for a 7-hour exchange. I really learned a lot from him. It was the first times it really hit me that I needed to open my mouth more. At first here in the field, it is really easy for anyone to get comfortable with not saying anything during lessons. I mean, I was saying things during lessons, but it wasn't enough. The only way I'm going to learn is through making mistakes. So, I've really been trying to work on that, and I've seen the difference it makes.

On Wednesday we had a 4-week follow up for my batch. I got to hang w\ the boys. It was so good to see all my buddies after a month of hard work. We talked for hours and shared the crazy experiences we've all had. I don't think I've ever laughed harder in my life. Plus it's nice, like half of my batch is in Candon, so I literally see them every week. Candon is so lit.

Thursday and Friday wasn't anything new.

SATURDAY. I had my 1st Baptism! We baptized Zayjohn and he's the cutest little kid ever. I was able to Baptize him, and the Spirit was so strong. I was able to feel the love our Savior has for all of his children. I know He was so proud of Zayjohn's decision. Later that night we had a Music Devotional. I wasn't too sure how it was going to turn out, especially during our practice. We did not sound good lol. But surely, the Lord blessed our voices, and It turned out really well. It was super powerful during some songs, so dope.

Well anyway, hope all you are doing super good! Miss you and love you! Don't forget the Church is true!

Love,
Elder Haws

Repairs and Exchanges

Week 11 (June 2, 2019)

YO family and friends! Another week here in Santiago has flown by. Hope all is well back home!

It was a good week. Solid week for learning and enjoying the work. Even though we had a couple of speed bumps, I still managed to enjoy it.

We started the week off with exchanges, and I was with Elder Rennie. He only has 14 days left here in the Mission. SO I guess you could say he's a little trunky lol. Anyway, I was the one leading the area on Tuesday. To say the least, I was definitely a little intimidated. But in all reality, It turned out just fine. We got punted for the first 3 lessons. Then we decided to do a ton of finding. Elder Rennie also made me try some chicken head and some grilled blood. So good (lol just kidding, only alright). Then we had a lesson with the Sales family. During the lesson, a huge storm rolled in. And since everyone's roofs are made out of tin, It was SO loud. In their kindness, The Sales family gave us some Barbie & Hotwheels ponchos. I'll send pics.

This week also threw in some bike repairs. I had to get a new seat post because it literally snapped in half while I was riding it, and Elder Christensen's pedal and crank are super stripped that it just falls off. So, we just had to walk this week. It's not so fun when it's blazing hot haha. I got a new seat, but Elder Christensen's bike still has problems. Hopefully, we can get that fixed today.

Yesterday we were able to pick some Mangos. We got a whole bag full. SO GOOD. You guys literally haven't lived till you've had a mango here. I could live off of them.

Honestly, this week was such a good step up from last week. It was one of the first times I really started to enjoy the work. We had lots of cool experiences with the Lord guiding us, and giving people second chances. The Sales family is still doing really good. Slowly, but surely, we are increasing their faith. This week we got to go back to an Investigator this week who Elder Christensen dropped a 2 months ago. Her name is Maricell, and she's super cool! She called Bishop on Wednesday night and asked "Why did the missionaries stop coming? I want them to come back". When we went back, she told us life hasn't been the same, like something was missing. We gave a fire lesson about the doctrine of Christ. It was so good. We also have Baptism planned for Saturday! Its for a 9-year-old boy named SayJohn Locquioa, His family are members, some of them Less active, but yeah he's ready for Saturday and were so excited!

This gospel is so true. I know that it blesses the lives of those that live it. I can see the difference it makes. Missionary work is the best. I love every minute here.

Love yall! Have a great week!!

Love,
Elder Haws

The Floating Week

Week 10 (May 26, 2019)

HELLO FAMILY AND FRIENDS. It has been another week here in the Field. I can't believe how fast this week has gone. Time flies when you're working hard.

This week was good. Elder Christensen and I worked hard this week, but it was a pretty normal week for the most part. For me, I definitely learned a lot this week.

We tried hard this week to strengthen the People that were teaching because we weren't having much success with finding this week. The Sales family is still doing really well. We were able to help them with building an extension to their house. It was a good way to do some service. We didn't get to see Michael Sheson much this week. He was super busy with Family Matters, but we were able to teach him yesterday about the Word of Wisdom. I really feel like the lord had been preparing his heart.

It was a floating week. Which means I kinda just drifted along this week. I didn't feel like I wasn't receiving the spiritual guidance I wanted. I wasn't able to say the things I wanted to say. My Tagalog didn't really progress this week. The Lord truly humbled me this week. It was a great learning week, and I just have to be patient in all things.

Sorry, this letter was super short because nothing really happened this week. But I know that the Lord has really helped me learn this week. Our Savior Jesus Christ lives, I've really felt him in guiding me along this week. And I wouldn't be here without him

Love y'all. Have a good week!

Love,
Elder Haws

Dogs, drunks and a whole lot of fun

Week 9 (May 19, 2019)

Hello Po Friends and Family! I cant believe its been week here in good ole Santiago!

This week was pretty good. The work is going well, and Elder Christensen & I are working hard.

We have been focused with the Sales Family, and Michael Cheson this week. We really feel like their conversion is deepening, especially with Michael. He has a light in his eyes, and wants to learn more every time we teach him. He has already been trying to change his habits, and we haven't even taught the Word of Wisdom. Hope fully he continues to progress. The lesson have been really good with The Sales Family. They're probably the kindest family I've ever met. We invited them to be baptized again last night, but they said they needed more time. We'll work with them more this week, and hopefully we can continue to deepen their conversion. We've really focused on teaching repentance, and agency. Sometimes people here aren't very motivated to change, and we've been really frustrated about that. We realized that these people need to understand Agency, and help them realize the gravity of our message. They can literally choose to have Eternal Happiness, only if they choose to. I know I just have to have faith in Gods Plan, and have to be patient.

About drunks, Their really funny haha. They always find a way to interrupt, whether its a game of Basketball, or a lesson. Its a great time. During like 2 lessons this week, some drunk guys interrupted our lessons. They tried to offer us some Gin, but we declined and continued with our lesson. It always makes for a good laugh.

About dogs. So last Tuesday, We were heading to our last lesson of the day with the Sales Family. We were biking down the road when I heard some dogs start barking. Its pretty normal to have dogs bark, because they're everywhere in this country. But anyway, We kept riding past the house where they were. Then when we past the gate, 3 dogs bolted out at us and started chasing us, which is also pretty normal lol. Then one grabbed onto my pants, and I was shocked cause that ain't normal lol. But anyway I was able to kick off of me. I checked me leg if it bit me (cause rabies is hindi mabuti) and luckily it didn't get to my leg. So every time I hear dogs start barking, I'm on full alert lol. Good times

This week really tried my patience, and it was a little more difficult. I found myself down because I cant communicate with the people I love. I'm starting to understand the better now, but I still cant speak worth a dang. Its so hard when you cant say how you feel. But I know its only going to take time. It will come only if I will rely on my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has given me so much strength this last week, to continue to press forward. I know that is true in our own lives, when we rely on Jesus Christ, and Our Loving Heavenly Father, all things will become possible. We will find more Joy, and more Happiness in our lives. We'll be able to do things we never thought possible.

I love you all so much. I am so grateful for all of you! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Haws

Start of the new life

Week 8 (May 13, 2019)

Hello friends and family! Its been a minute since I have last talked to you. So much has happened in the last 1 1/2 weeks that its gonna be tough trying to explain everything that has happened!

First a foremost, I am finally in the field! My area is called Candon, and I'm in a city called Santiago. Its a great big farm country where I'm at. Plus whoever said the Baguio Mission is colder, is a complete liar. It's blazing hot here. Whenever I move away from a fan, I start dripping sweat. Its a great time.

My trainer is Elder Christensen! He's from Payson, Utah, and hes a complete baller. He's a work horse, and I'm trying my best to keep up with him lol!

So my first day here, I got to unpack for 30 minutes, then we got straight to work. I have never felt so lost in my life. We had a couple of lessons that day, and after I was just done. Missionary work is tough, Especially in this weather here.

These last couple of days have been a Whirlwind. I have never felt so inadequate to teach in my life. Tagalog is something else when you finally get to the field. For the most part, I don't understand about 90% of whats being said. Occasionally, I can understand quite a bit, but the hardest part is actually talking. Its rough. I've only been able to say a few phrases, and bear my testimony in every lesson. But I've realized one crucial thing while  I'm learning, Its not about the language, It's about the spirit you bring into the lesson. My Tagalog is far from perfect, but in these last few days, I never felt the spirit so strong while bearing my testimony.

We have about 3 main investigators right now. The Solez Family, The Soria Family, and Michael Chezon. The Solez family is an amazing family, and I'm sure well get them baptized soon. They came to church on Sunday, and Elder Christensen & I were hyped! We get to go teach them later today and our goal is to invite them to be baptized again. The Soria Family is great. The mom has a baptismal date for June 1st, and were working with the Uncle on the Word of Wisdom. Both of them seem to be progressing very well. Michael Chezon is a store owner, and its tough sometimes to get lessons with him. He has a good heart, and probably the most humble person I've met. We check back with him today, and I'm excited to follow up on his reading.

These last 6 days of my life have probably been the hardest days of my life. I've seen things that I will never forget. Back home I took everything for granted. These people here in the Philippines sometimes have nothing. But they're probably the happiest people I've ever met. We truly are blessed in America, and since its day to day life there, we don't realize the blessings we truly have. I've learned lots of things this last week, but the biggest thing I've learned is that God loves all of his children. No matter how poor we might be, we are everything to him.

This gospel is true. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I have never felt his presence so much in my life while serving him. The Spirit is real, It truly guides us when we listen to its promptings. I've seen miracles this last week because of following the Spirit. This Gospel blesses us, and our families. I can testify that its the only way to true happiness. We just have to have a willing and humble heart, and rely on our older brother, Jesus Christ.

I love you all so much! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Haws

Mabuhay!

Week 7 (May 2, 2019)

HELLO EVERYONE!

As you probably know, I have finally landed in the Philippines! I'm definitely not in Utah anymore.

The plane ride was the best part! (jokelang). It was a whopping 15 hours and I skipped a day. Probably the longest 15 hours of my life, but I got some good sleep in so that was nice. As soon as I stepped of the plane, the humidity hit me like a wall of bricks. This place is very hot, and humid. But its literally my favorite place ever. Driving to the MTC was a shocking experience if i'm being honest. Roads are free for all. Its a great time lol.

My group is going to be at the MTC here until next Wednesday, and I'm honestly so grateful for that. Jet-lag is definitely real, and you definitely don't realize how little you know the language until you land in the country. The plus side to not knowing Tagalog is that Filipinos are probably the nicest people I've ever met. Their faces light up when you speak Tagalog, and they are so encouraging. A few of them told me that I hardly have an accent (which is probably very untrue). It's so much easier to learn a Language when people aren't judging you for you Tagalish.

The MTC here is beautiful! Were also just across the street from the Manila Temple, and were going to do a session today and I'm way hyped. It is also a lot smaller than it looks in pictures, nonetheless its a gorgeous temple. The food here is UNREAL. Its so much better compared to Provo (no offense, provo, I still love you). I haven't had anything weird yet, but every meal is rice, meat, and veggies. Super good. Also the fruit here is 10x better than any fruit you'll eat in the U.S.

In the 3 short days that I've been here, My love for this place has grown immensely. Every morning I wake up, I look out the window and I get a jolt of excitement to be able to be here. There's nothing better being able to share the joy I feel to others because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I've been able to feel his love for me, and especially for the people in the Philippines. They are a ready people.

I had an amazing experience this week at the Airport this week. While I was waiting in LAX for a 6 hours, we got to wait for the Plane with all the Filipinos going back to their homeland. I got to talk to this Filipino Woman, and she wanted to read the Book of Mormon. Elder Park gave her his Tagalog Book of Mormon to read during the flight. She said "I might as well read it, It must be a sign". After we told her how much happiness the Book of Mormon has brought into our lives. After the flight we weren't able to find her again, but we hope were able to plant a seed that'll hopefully sprout into her conversion. It was a great experience to throw ourselves into the mission field.

Next week I'll be in my mission. I'm so excited to begin my adventure and my life in the Philippines for the next 2 years. I love you all, and I'm so grateful for all your support.

Love yall, Have a good week!

Love,
Elder Haws

Ang Wakas sa MTC

Week 6 (April 26, 2019)

HELLO FRIENDS AND FAMILY. It is week six, and that means I'm finally leaving the MTC on Monday! I'M SOOO HYPED.

Anyway this week was the same week as the last, nothing much goes on here lol. But for all of us that are leaving, we've have just been so excited this week that its just been a good week.

Everyday is all the same, for the most part. Its full of classes, studying, and eating. Its real repetitive, and boring. But I'm still learning so that's a good thing.

On Monday we got our travel plans. I leave with my group from the MTC at 10, and we have a flight from SLC to LA at 3 p.m. Then we got a 6 1/2 layover in LA. Our flight to the Philippines in at 10, and we get there on Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. So I guess you could say I'm in for a trip. Woohoo.

Tuesday we had a Devotional with Dale G. Renlund. I've been so blessed to be able to hear from 2 Apostle while here at the MTC. It's such a special thing to see a Disciple of Jesus Christ in person. He talked about the Gathering of Israel. He really focused on our responsibilities pertaining to Missionary work, and Gathering Israel. Man it was so good, It was a great boost for me going into the Mission field this next week.

I cant believe how fast time has flown here, its truly weird how days drag, and week fly by. Its crazy to see how much progress I've made these last weeks. The Gift of Tongues is real, and it was made apparent to me this week. I had few experiences this week, where I've thought in Tagalog instead English. Even though it was for a few words, It truly humbled me to know that I am being guided along the way by a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. As time goes on, I know that the Lord will bless me to speak. It may take some time, but we need to be patient in all things

I want to leave you with my testimony. Jesus Christ lives. He loves us. He died for us. He took upon himself every pain and affliction that mankind has ever felt. I love him so much, and I'm so thankful for him The Book of Mormon is true. I've read it nonstop while at the MTC, and I love it so much. It gives me daily strength to get through the day. It blesses our lives when heed to its words. Russell M. Nelson is a Prophet of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to lasting joy. sa pangalan ni Jesucristo, Amen.

Love yall, have a good week

Love,
Elder Haws

Breaking out of the MTC and Pananampalataya kay Jesucristo

Week 5 (April 19, 2019)

The Bois

HELLO FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Once again it has been another week here at the MTC, but Wednesday marked my 1 month mark, which is CRAZY. I leave for the Philippines in 11 days, and I couldn't be more excited and nervous to finally be able to serve the people that I love so dearly!

Its so cool to look back a month ago, and see the progress I have made. In a month, I can now carry out a conversation in Tagalog. I'm not perfect at Tagalog by any means, but I'm now capable. It has been a testimony builder of the Gift of Tongues. The Lord really blesses us with what we need, and he truly is there for every single one of us. I'm so thankful for him.

We haven't done much else besides what we usually do every week lol. Everyday consists of studying, eating, and classes. It gets repetitive sometimes, but it helps to look forward to the little things to get you through the day.

My companion, Elder Houston, is a professional Yo-Yo-er (if that's what you call it? I'm not sure lol). I don't know why I haven't told you guys earlier about this but oh well. Its unreal what he can do with a Yo-Yo. And because of that, I'm getting pretty good with it. It's pretty beast. I'll try to get a video of him.

On Wednesday, I got to host the new missionaries who arrived. It's always so fun to be able to help them out. I hosted this Elder from Samoa, and he had to some extra things before he could go to class. I had to take him all over the MTC, and then I had to take him to the BYU Health Clinic. So in sense, I "broke" out of the MTC lol. It was so SICK. Even though I only went across the street, it was so different being back in the world haha. Anyway, every missionary on the first day is always so in shock, but they are so happy to be a missionary. I can testify of that. Everyday that I'm a representative for Jesus Christ brings me closer to him, and makes my life so better. The Gospel is so good.

This week for me has been really focused on Jesus Christ, and putting faith in him. The Gospel starts with Faith in Jesus Christ. Its essential part of everything we do. Especially with it being Easter this Sunday, I've really been reflecting what Jesus Christ has done for me, and for what he has done for everyone that has ever lived. Its incomprehensible to think about what he did for us. He took every pain, affliction, sickness, and infirmity that we've ever felt upon himself, in order to know how to succor us. He understands us completely. He descended below us all, because of the love he has for each one of us. I love him with my whole heart. Let us remember the real reason of Easter, which is our Savior. I know that when we put faith our faith in him, we will be blessed beyond measure.

Love y'all! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Haws

General Conference and the Man from Manchester

Week 4 (April 12, 2019)

HELLO FRIENDS. Its week 3, and I'm halfway through the MTC!

Although my schedule was the exact same as the last 2 weeks, This week was definitely more busy than usual.

First off, GENERAL CONFERENCE was SO good oh my heck. If any of you didn't watch it, GO WATCH IT. Man once you get out on the mish, General Conference is just a whole other level of excitement. Its basically Christmas. It was definitely the highlight of my week. Everyone was so excited for the "changes" that were going to happen. All the missionaries that were hoping for 18 month missions were all disappointed haha. Or like any person thinking they were going to change the Word of Wisdom, y'all are whack like who would even think that? Anyway, Go watch conference, it truly blesses your life.

Monday we had another TRC. I mean I did better than last time, but still have a long ways to go.The Older Districts left to Manila as well. Its crazy how close you get to them in 3 weeks

Tuesday we had a Devo with Bonnie H. Cordon. She talked about the Missionary Purpose, and her experiences she had on her mission. Super good. She made me realize I just need to be patient with the language. It will come eventually. I just need to be a Missionary first, and serve the people.

Wednesday was my 3 week mark at the MTC. Its crazy how fast, and slow it has gone. Time is really weird here. I also got to host some new missionaries. Its funny how much you learn in 3 weeks, and you feel so much older than the new missionaries coming in LOL. I only have 3 more week here, and I'm getting so excited to get to the field.

Nothing on Thursday to report

If you're wondering about the title, our zone has gotten into the habit of talking in accents all the time. My British accent is so good now, that I have the other Filipino zone convinced that I'm from Manchester. It's hilarious, they think its so cool, so i'll feel bad if I tell them lol.

I want to challenge y'all you to do something: when you have time, I want y'all to read Jeffery R. Hollands talk he gave on Saturday. It is about the Atonement, and the importance of the Sacrament. Once you read it, do what he says. Make the Sacrament the most important part of your week. It will truly bless your life. This is the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we have Prophets, Seers, and Revalators on the Earth today. I'm so grateful for the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. They truly are Prophets and Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ

I love you all, Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Haws.

Out with the Old, in with the New

Week 3 (April 5, 2019)

HELLO friends and family. Its been a whole week since you have last heard from me. But if you were wondering, I'm pretty much the same guy from last week, but I've a little more Tagalog.

On Monday, we had our first TRC. Its basically where you teach someone who's a member of the church, but not one of your teachers, and it has to be 20 minutes long. So basically I was mad stressing the whole day before it. But I found out we could just speak a few words in Tagalog and then speak the rest of it in Tagalog. We taught this college student in the first lesson and she gave us Krispy Kreme donuts after so it was pretty sick. But in the second lesson, we taught this old Filipino woman. Let me tell ya, I'm definitely not learning Tagalog if she was speaking Tagalog. Lol.

Tuesday night we had a Devotional by Elder Takashi Wada, from the Seventy. He talked about being able to open our mouth in no matter situation. He also talked about Ammon and King Lamoni. an how we can be a servant of Gods children. SO good.

Wednesday we had a service project in the Morning. Every time  we have to go to another residence (R4) and clean stuff. So we cleaned bathrooms and took out garbage. I'd never thought I would this say this but, shout out to Midas Creek to teaching me how to clean. I literally felt like I was in my zone lol. Later on I met up with Elder Reinhart, and he was cleaning the vending machine room. So when I walked in, he looked like he was about to throw up. I asked what was wrong and he said "I have to clean the plate in the microwave and its so nasty". So of course I had to look how bad it was and ill just say that Elder Reinhart is the biggest wuss here haha. There was literally like 2 pieces of caked on food on top of the plate, and he couldn't stop gagging when he was cleaning it. Oh my it was too good. Still love him to death though.

Thursday was just a boring day. Class & such.

Today we went to the temple and did some laundry. Good ole p-days

Anyway side note. Our zone is SUPER into 4 square. Its so intense let me tell ya. The only reason we wake up in the mornings is just to play 4 square. Its a jolly good time.

I just wanna end with a scripture

Alma 18:17

"I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings are so great? Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do."

Ammon is a great example of serving the children of God. He is so humble enough to bring him before the lord, and King Lamoni that he is willing to whatever either ask him to do. I hope one day that I can be as willing to serve as Ammon was.

Love y'all! Have a great week

Love,
Elder Haws

Hindi, at Kaloob ng mga Wika

Week 2 (March 29, 2019)

Howdy y'all

Its been a week and a half here at the MTC. Its a great time and i'm so thankful to be here

If you're wondering about the title, it means "No, and The Gift of Tongues". Allow me to explain.

So we have one Elder in our district named Elder Riden. Hes this nerdy kid that makes stuff out of paper clips. It way cooler than it sounds haha, i'll have to send you a picture of his masterful work. Anyway any time any person talks to him he just says "hindi" which means no. But he has this voice that just makes any person laugh, so we die anytime he says it. We think he's fluent in Tagalog already, but he wont say anything else hahaha.

Anyway this week has just been the same thing over and over basically. Study, Class, Study, Eat, Study, and Class Hahaha. Honestly nothing that exciting has gone on this week. Learning Tagalog is still hard, but I've felt the gift of tongues like none other this week.

So here at the MTC, on the first day you get this little pamphlet called the Basic Core. It goes over 6 key topics that you need to know to have a gospel related conversation. In only 9 days here, I've got all 6 down for the most part. I cant speak perfect Tagalog, but I can have a very basic conversation. Its crazy to think how much progress I've made in 9 days. Last week I could hardly say Kumusta. God is good, and he truly does love us.

I finally met Sister Mittens, the famous MTC cat. I was so hyped when I met her haha. Kinda had a mini panic attack.

sorry friends. It cut out like the end of my email and sent it. This computer sucks.

Anyway Elder Rasband came on Sunday to the MTC for a devotional. He talked about the Rome Italy Temple and its construction. SUPER Cool. Anyway as soon as he walked in, the spirit was like a brick wall. I knew he was an apostle of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was later on talking about the Apostles Peter and Paul, and how they were thrown in jail. He then went on to say "I hold those keys too", meaning that he holds the same keys that they held. As soon as he said that, It made me realize that truly is an Apostle of our Savior. I've always known that the apostles held those keys, but it The Spirit confirmed to me that the Apostles truly are disciples of Jesus Christ.

I just want to let you know Jesus Christ lives, He is our Savior, and our Greatest Friend. I couldn't have made it through out this week if didn't feel the love that Our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ has for us. Everyday that I have to be Missionary for Jesus Christ is a good one. I'm so grateful for the 2 years I have to represent him. I love you all, Talk to yall soon

Love, Elder Haws