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