Is it really September?

I cannot even begin to think that the reality of this year mark is coming in... feels like yesterday I was trying all this crazy food for the first time and now I'm on what they call the "down hill".... But thats the longest I'm ever going to think about that again :)

 

So this week has been busy and really fun! We got to go to Cauayan and have splits with the Assistants. My companion for the day was a great Elder named Elder Monilla. He's Filipino but grew up in Saudi Arabia and he is one of the awesomest elders I've ever met! I met him back in Tuguegarao and he's the coolest nerd ever haha! But he is probably the best teacher I've worked with so far in my mission! The way we taught the investigators and recent converts that day was incredible! He has a gift of helping people understand in such simple ways, and he uses stories and examples from their lives to help them more fully understand the gospel of Christ and I felt like a sponge trying to soak in as much as I could from working with him. But we really had a good time that day! He called me earlier today to check for something and then told me that all the investigators we taught that day came to church!! That was fun to hear as well! But the way he taught really reminded me of the way the Savior taught.. It wasnt just pure doctrine in a memorized, recited phrase of belief, but rather it was according to the needs and understanding of the people. When the Apostles asked the Savior why he taught in parables, his response was this " 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should beforgiven them.

Thats how I desire to teach.. the way the Master does!

Then on Friday we had splits again with Elder Canencia. And he's another missionary that I really admire. He really has a desire to change and become a better missionary! And the Lord has given him some new assignments that have helps him do that! I love the gospel that it gives every person the chance to change and be better! I know in my time here I've definitely learned and seen so many weaknesses in myself that I must repent and change as well.

 

So yesterday we had some of the ward missionaries work with us and one of the recent converts here in Baluarte is named Karen. She was baptized just last may and ever since has been faithfully keeping her covenants! And she's a really shy sister and so I assumed it would be me and the ward mission leader doing most of the teaching... but when we got into the lesson, she was like a rockstar of a teacher! We were teaching the Natividad family (a part member/less-active family that has really sparked an interest in the gospel again) and we were teaching about the Book of Mormon and when we gave her some time, she taught and bore one of the most powerful testimonies I've heard on my mission. The spirit was definitely there and we were just so excited for her and the investigator!

 

This Natividad family is really progressing! They have been reading the Book of Mormon together and sister really really wants to learn if its true. They are an awesome family and I hope that one day Brother will come to realize that all those things he learned in primary were true as well as sister for the first time.

 

Well... I love you all and hope everything is going well over there! I did hear sad news that Boise State lost... but we know that all things will be worked out in the Second Coming so thats alright.

 

The God of Israel Leads This Mission!

Elder Navarro

p.s. we're still out playing basketball when the chance comes! :)