Hello everyone – it has been an interesting week here in Lucena, Philippines! First of all I should tell you that I’ve killed “marami malaking” (Tagalog for many large) insects in my apartment. We accidentally broke the insecticide spray bottle so there is no longer protection from the creepy crawlies. no worries though! Also, I am down 30 lbs. since August 14th!! Don’t worry! I’m healthy but I feel like a little child because I am swimming in my shirts. it’s ok though, I’m happy =)
The biggest news is that we received missionaries from the closed Tacloban Mission! I am now in a “tri-panionship” (as opposed to a companionship) with my relatively new companion that I got last week and now this new Elder from the Tacloban Mission. We travelled to the mission home today to receive him! A new companion and basically leaving the area was tough, but it helped me get lost in the work. I am still fond of home, but I’m growing to love it here! The people are so understanding and so kind to me even though I’m not that great at speaking their language. We have one investigator, Brother Hermie, who is 67 years old. He is the first investigator that I have grown to really love with a Christ-like love. He is so great! He is so converted to what he knows to be true and is an incredible human being. He struggles with some things, and it kills me to see him fall, but I know that he can become better and through diligent faith, he can become even happier than he is now.
I’m learning how to adjust to different situations more than ever before. I’ve never been open to change. Ever. However, now I’m beginning to embrace it. When things change, we have a new chance to start over and to begin anew. It is such a blessing to have the ability for change and progression. I’m running low on time, AGAIN this week, but I love you all and I want you all to know that we can get through whatever comes our way. No matter what, we can always keep going. NGUNNGU di ba??? Alam ko po na mahal po tayo ng Diyos at meron po siya ng plano para sa atin. Nandito tayo dito sa mundo dahil kinakailangan po natin na nagtutoo. That’s probably not perfect, but I want you to try and figure it out haha love all of you!
Elder Tyler Burbidge
Tyler Burbidge's Mission 