Tag Archives: Philippines

Tanza Philippines Update – February 16, 2014

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Hello everybody from the Philippines!

Elders Burbidge and Doloritis getting around!

Elders Burbidge and Doloritis getting around!

This week has been really beneficial to me. I’ve learned a lot and have felt the love of a lot of people in the branch where I’m serving. I’m starting to notice the general kindness of people here in the Philippines. It’s a good example to me of how to become more Christlike, WHICH SHOULD BE A GOAL FOR EACH ONE OF US.

I want to elaborate on this a little bit more. Yesterday, we were teaching one of our investigators, and as it happens a lot of the time, somebody else starts listening in. But this time it was a little 9 year old kid. He had just popped out of nowhere. We had just finished teaching the 10 commandments to the investigator and I asked her why it is important for us to follow these commandments. Before she could answer, this little 9 year old boy chimed in, “So we can become more like Jesus Christ”. I didn’t understand him at first, so I started asking the question again to the investigator, but I didn’t finish. I figured out what the boy had said, and it was exactly correct. That’s our purpose in following the commandments and the laws of God. It’s so we can become more like our Brother and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We always need to strive to follow these commandments. Whatever our situation is, we can follow them. God will NEVER give us a trial, commandment, or answer that we cannot overcome, obey, or act upon. I’m thankful for my Savior. I’m thankful for His atonement. Use it in your life. If you don’t know how, read the scriptures, talk to the missionaries or a friend, and find out. We need it to return to our Heavenly Father again.

I hope everybody has a good week. Always strive to do your best and be helpful to everyone you meet. It will pay off and you will lead a happier life!

Beautiful Philippines Sunset!

Beautiful Philippines Sunset!

 

-Elder Burbidge

Getting Closer to the Mission Field!

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Following is a summary of what life is like in the MTC!  This week has been just like the last three:  The food is about the same, and so is the schedule. We wake up at around 6:00-6:30 a.m. depending on our ability to sleep (which is sometimes difficult). Then we go to our classroom for a 30 minute district devotional or personal study time. Sometimes we watch Mormon Messages, which can help us through our struggles and are pretty amusing to watch as well.
Hunter's district on the Provo temple grounds.

Hunter’s district on the Provo temple grounds.

After that we go to breakfast at 7:30.  A district favorite, out of a slim selection of breakfast items, is biscuits and gravy.  We have also decided that they are the root of all evil, causing all sorts of digestive problems!
After breakfast we hustle back to class for a three hour block of “progressing investigator” (a type of teaching lesson unit), companion study, gospel fundamental study (which covers different aspects of missionary work), and language instruction.  Right after class we do more personal study for an hour.  It’s really crucial in our busy schedule to kind of sit back and take in the scriptures to strengthen for ourselves.
After that I go get mail for the district, which is always a fun occasion.  Mail is always a highlight of the day.  After that we have lunch, which is usually some type of burger or pasta, as well as some leftovers from breakfast.  After lunch we have a couple of different schedules throughout the week that consist of an hour of language study, as well as another three hour block of classes, and usually gym time, dinner, and then lights out at 10:30.
Elders Burbidge and Salisbury sniffing a tree that "smells like cream soda!"

Elders Burbidge and Salisbury sniffing a tree that “smells like cream soda!”

I’ll have to say goodbye to some friends that I’ve made here tomorrow as they’re leaving for the mission field.  I’m excited for them and excited to be the oldest “MTC” age group here in our zone!  I’m actually second oldest among the elders in our zone!  It’s amazing how the new age change has thrown a twist in missionary work.  I’m outta time so I’ll write again next week!  Love to all my family and friends who are reading this blog – I miss you but am excited to be doing this important work.
Love,
Elder Burbidge and Elder Salisbury smelling a tree that “smells like cream soda!”