So I really don't have that much time! But here's just a little update about the week. One word to describe this week... BUSY! Holy cow we were busy this week! There were times where I would think to myself, "gosh why does it have to be so hectic and crazy!" but then take a step back and I would realize that I wouldn't have it any other why honestly.
But we got to go back to Cauayan this last week for the new missionaries and trainers meeting! Great meeting. I received a lot of revelation on how I can be a better more obedient missionary and how I could better help those around me! Then of course the food was AMAZING!
But our recent converts progression is awesome! She texts us almost every day saying how she's set up an appointment with one of her friends to meet with missionaries or she's bringing people to church every week ! And these people in turn ask if we could come visit with them! She also has a nasty cold, but still came to church yesterday. I was as shocked as anyone with all she's doing, but it was a manifestation to me of the truthfulness of Lehi's experience with the tree of life. I kept thinking this last week that what she's doing and what we're seeing is nothing short of a miracle. I have no doubt.
Progression in the ward is also great! Our new bishop, Bishop Panopio, is on top of things! Yesterday we had a Ward Council Meeting establishing when, what, and why of all the meetings and discussing people and the salvation of souls. Yesterday there were also 3 members who came up to us with referrals of people to visit, one of them who was at church and wanted to become a member! We have a lot of appointments this week with a lot of really interested and PREPARED people! Its humbling to see and witness the hand of the Lord quite literally hastening the work. Sounds cheesy but its true!
Haha got a little surprise this last week! We went to a FHE with the Articulo Family (both the husband and wife served with my dad in Davao Mission) and that day people were acting really weird like "Elder Navarro you better get some good sleep because you're going to be really happy tomorrow" and "Elder enjoy your night!" And I was thinking what the heck are you guys talking about? Then when we got there the family said they had someone to introduce to me. And it was my tito and tita (aunt and uncle) Hernando! haha funny stuff! They were here visiting family or something and just stopped by Tuguegarao I guess. Weirdest thing was being able to understand them speaking tagalog and being able to converse with them in the language haha but it was good.
Well no time. But I love you all! I know this work is true and is led by Divine forces! Jesus is the Christ and the Scriptures and Prophets testify of Him and His Divine role. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! Keep the faith!
Elder Navarro
Monday, May 25, 2015
Monday, May 18, 2015
Busy Week
Well this week has been busy!
I'll start off with our baptism! Which was hectic! It was Friday night and the baptism was supposed to be on Saturday and we still couldn't a hold of our Ward Mission Leader to help organize a program and what not. So I was getting a little worried so we went ahead and assigned speakers and kind of made a program. Then the next morning he finally called and we got it all organized in time! Pheww! But the service was awesome! There were a lot of the Single Adults there which was perfect! And it just was a really nice service and the spirit was definitely felt! There's something that just feels really good when someone makes a covenant with God and just bears pure testimony! But anyway.
But this week has been jam packed! We had interviews with President and Sister Rahlf this week! So they came into Tuguegarao and its always nice to get some 1 on 1 time with the mission president and his wife! I feel like a lot of revelation can come at opportunities like that! And then the little treats they give are really nice too! We also had our Ward Conference and a reorganization of the bishopric. I've noticed a huge them here has been sustaining our local leaders. I feel like every talk by our Stake President is about that haha but its so true. All our leaders are called of God for a purpose. Maybe its for them to learn maybe its for someone specific that only they can reach, but theres a purpose.
Gosh theres been like a mini hastening in Tuguegarao ward 4! I feel like we're meeting just a ton of prepared people! Brother Ruel is one of them. So it had been a while since we've visited him just because he's been an investigator for a long time, and we thought he was on vacation with his wife (member) so we hadnt been over there for a while, then a few days ago, his mother in law came up to us, who is a member and asked us why we hadnt been over to see Ruel in a while. Anyway we scheduled a visit with him yesterday and he was unusually excited to see us... It was kind of cool! And then we taught him a lesson about faith and obedience and just took some time to read and discuss from the Book of Mormon in 1 Ne. 3 and 4. Gosh it was cool and the spirit strong when Brother talked about his desire and testimony of the gospel and then his wife bore her testimony as well about her conversion. He told us the only thing holding him back from setting a baptismal date is he still has a few questions about the Book of Mormon. And we started answering them, but ran out of time. So we're heading back over there on Tuesday and he said he wanted to have more time to ask and for us to help answer his questions.
Another is the cousin of an active family in the ward! Sister Angelie. So she's 13 years old and has been coming to church with this family for a long time! So we went over to their house and talked about it and she told us how much she wants to join the church but right now she cant because her mother wont allow it right now. We're going to just keep praying and seeing how this could work out.
I would write more but this is becoming a biography of our investigators so I'll stop. But yeah this week has been busy busy busy! I got to play the piano for our ward choir and now I get to play again for the youth in stake conference this week! And those who know my piano skills, I'm not THAT good haha but just like the gift of tongues, if I practice and have faith I think I can do this! :)
But thank you for the support! I know this work is true and we are all brothers and sisters! Our leaders are inspired and I have a testimony that they are called of God. Especially our prophet Thomas S. Monson. I support and sustain him as a living prophet of God!
Keep the Faith!
Elder Navarro
Monday, May 11, 2015
Mother's Day
First off I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to everyone! I'm thankful for my wonderful mother! She's sooooo awesome! :)
But this week has been awesome! Went on a few splits this last week. One with Elder Padol and then another with Elder Larona our zone leader. I learned a ton! But one thing I really took away was a big reminder of how significant the First Vision was! Here we find the answers to a lot of the confusion of soooo many years! 1) God answers prayers! It may be in different kinds of ways and different timing, but He does answer. 2) God the Father and Christ are two separate beings with perfect Resurrected bodies. and 3) God has called a prophet in our time! Gosh so cool!
But this last week we got a lot of rain! And the one day I decide to wear my dress sandals (dont worry they're allowed) it rains like crazy! So my feet were completely soaked that day! But that same day we had a lesson with Sheryl Domingo, one of our investigators who is really concerned why there are so many churches and which one is right.... perfect situation right? :).. so we decided it would be a good time to watch the Restoration video about Joseph Smith. And after it was over she just told us how amazed she was and felt exactly how Joseph Smith felt! We then testified that just like Joseph, she herself could receive just as strong of an answer to her question! We had one of the young men from the ward with us and he also testified of his conversion and coming to know of First Vision, and the spirit was soooo strong in that lesson! Gosh I'm so excited!
There's also Erlinda Durwin, and she has a baptismal date on May 16, and so naturally, because its getting close to that date, she's beginning to see some challenges. And so last night we talked about Enduring to the End and the covenant of baptism, and gosh it was just so awesome to see her testimony! She's knows these things are true because she's acted on her faith by reading, praying, coming to church, living the commandments! And even though she's nervous she knows its what she wants to do! Even her sister commented on how much positive changes she's seen in her little sister as she's been doing these things! This is so true! Holy cow!
But yeah! There was supposed to be another huge storm coming here, but we just got a lot of rain and some pretty strong winds, but nothing too big. All is well here in the Phils.! But I just know that this work is true! I also have a testimony of the callings of people in the church. We had a change in our bishopric yesterday and I just know for a fact that whomever the Lord calls, He qualifies. And we have an opportunity to sustain and support our leaders who are being guided by Jesus Christ himself.
But have a great week and again Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers! We love you!!!!!!!!!
Elder Navarro
But this week has been awesome! Went on a few splits this last week. One with Elder Padol and then another with Elder Larona our zone leader. I learned a ton! But one thing I really took away was a big reminder of how significant the First Vision was! Here we find the answers to a lot of the confusion of soooo many years! 1) God answers prayers! It may be in different kinds of ways and different timing, but He does answer. 2) God the Father and Christ are two separate beings with perfect Resurrected bodies. and 3) God has called a prophet in our time! Gosh so cool!
But this last week we got a lot of rain! And the one day I decide to wear my dress sandals (dont worry they're allowed) it rains like crazy! So my feet were completely soaked that day! But that same day we had a lesson with Sheryl Domingo, one of our investigators who is really concerned why there are so many churches and which one is right.... perfect situation right? :).. so we decided it would be a good time to watch the Restoration video about Joseph Smith. And after it was over she just told us how amazed she was and felt exactly how Joseph Smith felt! We then testified that just like Joseph, she herself could receive just as strong of an answer to her question! We had one of the young men from the ward with us and he also testified of his conversion and coming to know of First Vision, and the spirit was soooo strong in that lesson! Gosh I'm so excited!
There's also Erlinda Durwin, and she has a baptismal date on May 16, and so naturally, because its getting close to that date, she's beginning to see some challenges. And so last night we talked about Enduring to the End and the covenant of baptism, and gosh it was just so awesome to see her testimony! She's knows these things are true because she's acted on her faith by reading, praying, coming to church, living the commandments! And even though she's nervous she knows its what she wants to do! Even her sister commented on how much positive changes she's seen in her little sister as she's been doing these things! This is so true! Holy cow!
But yeah! There was supposed to be another huge storm coming here, but we just got a lot of rain and some pretty strong winds, but nothing too big. All is well here in the Phils.! But I just know that this work is true! I also have a testimony of the callings of people in the church. We had a change in our bishopric yesterday and I just know for a fact that whomever the Lord calls, He qualifies. And we have an opportunity to sustain and support our leaders who are being guided by Jesus Christ himself.
But have a great week and again Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers! We love you!!!!!!!!!
Elder Navarro
Monday, May 4, 2015
Kamusta
Hey Everyone!
This week was been great! Really loving it!
So the hype of this Pacquiao fight was pretty big! I was actually surprised a little though! There were quite of few people we met that were cheering for Mayweather! I was thinking, "What are you thinking!?" But all good. We were a little afraid that because of the fight there wouldnt be a lot of people at church, but we were wrong! :)
This last sunday was really awesome! The youth in our ward just finished something called Youth Camp, and as a result, a ton of youth got up to bear their testimonies about their experiences and the things they learned at the camp. They talked about a big hike they did that was apparently super hard and shared spiritual experiences from testimony meetings and just little things they learned. And while I was sitting there listening (freezing my butt off, because the air con was blasting our faces off... ha) It reminded me so much of our experiences from trek when we did our trek a few years ago! I couldnt help but get up and share a little experience from our trek when we climbed up a super super steep hill! And then especially about when people who had reached the top came back down and helped those who hadnt made it yet. Gosh I'm sooooo thankful for that opportunity that we had and for all those other youth camp outs, scouting trips, and even rushing last minute to get my eagle scout..... jokelang. haha But really those who are youth right now, gosh, enjoy it! There are so many great things that happen when your 12-17 and many of them are literal Heavenly Father preparing us for something! Many times we don't even know whats its for. But He does!
The work has also been going! We've really focused on helping the ward fellowship some of our investigators that have been coming to church. So we have a Preach My Gospel class with all our ward missionaries (mostly RM's) So awesome!
Then today, we had a ward missionary activity that we were invited to this morning! We went jogging, had breakfast, and had a big of water balloon fight! And with how hot it was... that was one of the best feelings in the world! :) Super fun! But I love being a missionary and I hope that things are going well with all of you! Just keep pressing forward! If you ever think you can't.... I know you can! Because you have the help of a loving Father in Heaven!
Love you! Have a great week! Keep the Faith!
Elder Navarro
This week was been great! Really loving it!
So the hype of this Pacquiao fight was pretty big! I was actually surprised a little though! There were quite of few people we met that were cheering for Mayweather! I was thinking, "What are you thinking!?" But all good. We were a little afraid that because of the fight there wouldnt be a lot of people at church, but we were wrong! :)
This last sunday was really awesome! The youth in our ward just finished something called Youth Camp, and as a result, a ton of youth got up to bear their testimonies about their experiences and the things they learned at the camp. They talked about a big hike they did that was apparently super hard and shared spiritual experiences from testimony meetings and just little things they learned. And while I was sitting there listening (freezing my butt off, because the air con was blasting our faces off... ha) It reminded me so much of our experiences from trek when we did our trek a few years ago! I couldnt help but get up and share a little experience from our trek when we climbed up a super super steep hill! And then especially about when people who had reached the top came back down and helped those who hadnt made it yet. Gosh I'm sooooo thankful for that opportunity that we had and for all those other youth camp outs, scouting trips, and even rushing last minute to get my eagle scout..... jokelang. haha But really those who are youth right now, gosh, enjoy it! There are so many great things that happen when your 12-17 and many of them are literal Heavenly Father preparing us for something! Many times we don't even know whats its for. But He does!
The work has also been going! We've really focused on helping the ward fellowship some of our investigators that have been coming to church. So we have a Preach My Gospel class with all our ward missionaries (mostly RM's) So awesome!
Then today, we had a ward missionary activity that we were invited to this morning! We went jogging, had breakfast, and had a big of water balloon fight! And with how hot it was... that was one of the best feelings in the world! :) Super fun! But I love being a missionary and I hope that things are going well with all of you! Just keep pressing forward! If you ever think you can't.... I know you can! Because you have the help of a loving Father in Heaven!
Love you! Have a great week! Keep the Faith!
Elder Navarro
Monday, April 27, 2015
Tatay na Ako
Well transfer week is over and I have my new companion! His name is Elder Claudio from Cagayan De Oro and he's an excited new missionary! I can already tell that he's willing to work and be obedient which is such a blessing! Transfer week also brought a lot of surprises and super happy moments!!! On transfer day, we got to Cauayan and I was just talking with some people when I heard a voice call out my name! I recognized it and it was Elder Larona!!! (who I found out the day before was coming to TUG South! and was one of the first missionaries I met here in the mission and was my zone leader in Solano) Gosh I was soooooo excited to see him! And then I also saw a bunch of people I knew in Solano! Elder Larson, Saguire, Eudela, Cabaliza, Sisters Koncurat, Akau, Mariano... It was like a super joyous Solano family reunion! It honestly felt like an Alma and the Sons of Mosiah moment I was so happy!
And then also with Elder de Guzman going home I got a call from President that I would be replacing him as the district leader here. So things are getting busy over here!
The work is going well! Here are a few miracles from the week: This whole week I've been having a super strong feeling that we needed to go visit one of our less active members named Nanay Baggay, and we hadn't had time all week until last night! And when we went over there, we shared about prophets and how much God wanted her to go come back to church. She then shared a bunch of experiences from her life and the feelings specifically that she had been having this week that she needed to come back. And when I heard her say that, it was like an instant confirmation of why I had been feeling so strongly that we needed to go visit her! We shared how much we loved her and wanted her to come back. The spirit was sooo strong at that moment!
I also learned how important members are in helping new people feel comfortable at church! We had an investigator come to church yesterday with a lot of little kids. And they had been coming to church for weeks, but for some reason this time, she got really offended at something that one of the youth said or did, I dont know. But then she texted us expressing a lot of sorrow and anger at her experience... We're going over there tonight to kind of help her understand that its really sad but people arent perfect! We all make mistakes sometimes, but its so important to hold on to whats really important as we all try to become "true saints who arent perfect but continue to try to be" as we learned in General Conference.
Anyways. I know that this church is true! And that sometimes people arent perfect, but the worst thing to do when maybe people do offend you is leave the truths that we love and cherish! I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior! He and Heavenly Father want us to understand them in a world where there are sooooo many different views of Diety. The church was restored through Joseph Smith! I know it!
Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Navarro
And then also with Elder de Guzman going home I got a call from President that I would be replacing him as the district leader here. So things are getting busy over here!
The work is going well! Here are a few miracles from the week: This whole week I've been having a super strong feeling that we needed to go visit one of our less active members named Nanay Baggay, and we hadn't had time all week until last night! And when we went over there, we shared about prophets and how much God wanted her to go come back to church. She then shared a bunch of experiences from her life and the feelings specifically that she had been having this week that she needed to come back. And when I heard her say that, it was like an instant confirmation of why I had been feeling so strongly that we needed to go visit her! We shared how much we loved her and wanted her to come back. The spirit was sooo strong at that moment!
I also learned how important members are in helping new people feel comfortable at church! We had an investigator come to church yesterday with a lot of little kids. And they had been coming to church for weeks, but for some reason this time, she got really offended at something that one of the youth said or did, I dont know. But then she texted us expressing a lot of sorrow and anger at her experience... We're going over there tonight to kind of help her understand that its really sad but people arent perfect! We all make mistakes sometimes, but its so important to hold on to whats really important as we all try to become "true saints who arent perfect but continue to try to be" as we learned in General Conference.
Anyways. I know that this church is true! And that sometimes people arent perfect, but the worst thing to do when maybe people do offend you is leave the truths that we love and cherish! I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior! He and Heavenly Father want us to understand them in a world where there are sooooo many different views of Diety. The church was restored through Joseph Smith! I know it!
Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Navarro
Monday, April 20, 2015
Transfer Week... at napakainit!!!( too hoooot)
Well, just like last cycle, this transfer day is going to bring quite a few changes! First of all, almost half the people I know here in Tug are being transferred or going home! And then last Monday I got a call from the AP's that I'll be training this cycle! So I'll meet my "anak" on Wednesday! This will be a new experience but I'm excited! I know I'll be learning a TON these next two cycles!
But the work is going so awesome here!!! We're definitely starting to really see some miracles and people are really progressing in the gospel! In fact, yesterday one of our investigators who has been coming to church these past few weeks brought 4 friends with her to church! She has been so awesome! She loves the church! She is developing a really strong testimony in this work! Last week we taught the word of wisdom to them, and she drinks coffee quite a bit but after the lesson she committed right away to live it along with her siblings! Such awesome faith! But the fact that she brought 4 people to church with her yesterday shows me that the gospel feels natural to be shared! We didnt tell her to do anything but its so natural for us to feel a desire for others to taste of the blessings that we have had the chance to receive! Just like Lehi's dream of the tree of life in the Book of Mormon!
Another cool testimony building experience was yesterday. A couple days ago I was informed I would be teaching the Lesson in Elder's quorum about Joseph Smith. So naturally, I prepared a lot, even though I was a little nervous about teaching a full lesson like that in Tagalog. I'm pretty confident in the language, but still I was a little nervous. Then on Sunday, our Elder's Quorum President was late so we ended up combining with the High Priests Group. I admit I was a little bummed I had prepared that much to not even teach... but I had spoke too soon. Our WML leaned over to me and said I was going to teach in Gospel Principles about a completely different topic! I was supposed to teach a few weeks ago, but because of the storm it got cancelled. So this was actually the week I would be teaching! I prayed so much that I would be able to do it and know what to say! So when we started, I got up there and all of the sudden, I felt super super super calm! It was indescribable! Then before I even knew it, I was teaching! Somehow the it just came! The tagalog, the questions, the doctrine, the examples to use, when to read, when to ask someone to explain something, everything! And at the end of the lesson, I just felt the greatest feeling in the world! Not because I did those things, but that it was literally given to me. I have no doubt in my mind that it was the fulfillment of that scriptural promise that if we prepare and "treasure up in [our] minds continually the words of life, ... it shall be given [us] in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."
This is the work of the Lord. I have no doubt. I love being a missionary and treasure every second as much as I can! The people here are amazing and I really couldnt ask for much more! And its okay that sometimes its hard.. makes it that much more worth it! :)
Love you all and keep the faith!
Elder Navarro
(p.s. I dont think I've sweat as much as I have today! haha it. is. hot. :) )
But the work is going so awesome here!!! We're definitely starting to really see some miracles and people are really progressing in the gospel! In fact, yesterday one of our investigators who has been coming to church these past few weeks brought 4 friends with her to church! She has been so awesome! She loves the church! She is developing a really strong testimony in this work! Last week we taught the word of wisdom to them, and she drinks coffee quite a bit but after the lesson she committed right away to live it along with her siblings! Such awesome faith! But the fact that she brought 4 people to church with her yesterday shows me that the gospel feels natural to be shared! We didnt tell her to do anything but its so natural for us to feel a desire for others to taste of the blessings that we have had the chance to receive! Just like Lehi's dream of the tree of life in the Book of Mormon!
Another cool testimony building experience was yesterday. A couple days ago I was informed I would be teaching the Lesson in Elder's quorum about Joseph Smith. So naturally, I prepared a lot, even though I was a little nervous about teaching a full lesson like that in Tagalog. I'm pretty confident in the language, but still I was a little nervous. Then on Sunday, our Elder's Quorum President was late so we ended up combining with the High Priests Group. I admit I was a little bummed I had prepared that much to not even teach... but I had spoke too soon. Our WML leaned over to me and said I was going to teach in Gospel Principles about a completely different topic! I was supposed to teach a few weeks ago, but because of the storm it got cancelled. So this was actually the week I would be teaching! I prayed so much that I would be able to do it and know what to say! So when we started, I got up there and all of the sudden, I felt super super super calm! It was indescribable! Then before I even knew it, I was teaching! Somehow the it just came! The tagalog, the questions, the doctrine, the examples to use, when to read, when to ask someone to explain something, everything! And at the end of the lesson, I just felt the greatest feeling in the world! Not because I did those things, but that it was literally given to me. I have no doubt in my mind that it was the fulfillment of that scriptural promise that if we prepare and "treasure up in [our] minds continually the words of life, ... it shall be given [us] in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."
This is the work of the Lord. I have no doubt. I love being a missionary and treasure every second as much as I can! The people here are amazing and I really couldnt ask for much more! And its okay that sometimes its hard.. makes it that much more worth it! :)
Love you all and keep the faith!
Elder Navarro
(p.s. I dont think I've sweat as much as I have today! haha it. is. hot. :) )
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| a part of the other elders area |
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one of our dinners with the Calabazaron family |
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| our monkey friend |
Monday, April 13, 2015
General Conference
This week has brought a lot of blessing for sure! The work has been full of miracles, surprises, and blessings! This last week we had the chance to extend several baptismal dates! And I think all of them were people that were almost literally brought to us! There's been a lot of focus on finding in our mission lately and there have been a lot of people "found" but its amazing seeing how the Lord has been preparing people in His time. One sister came to General Conference this last weekend! I was a little worried that she wouldnt be able to understand all of the messages that were being said (because it was english) but I trusted that the Spirit would testify to her that what was being said was true! Another miracle was the Inan family! We found them just sitting and started talking to them. Eventually were able to share a short message. Then another sister came in in a later lesson and expressed how she had been taught by missionaries a long time ago, and wanted to be taught again! She then started asking about church services and baptism and living day prophets. We testified of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, of Thomas S. Monson and of the love of God for all of us. She responded by expressing to us that she wanted to be baptized. And that she believes.
This last General Conference was really amazing! I just need to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!! Many of the messages spoke to me very personally! Some of my favorites (and from what I hear the favorites of many) was Elder Anderson's the music of the gospel. So true that sometimes we can get lost in the dancesteps! Another was Elder Causse about if the Gospel is still wonderful to us. Elder Holland about the role of the Atonement for all of us. And Elder Ringwood about being truly good and without guile.
I honestly dont know what to say right now. But I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is true! God listens to our prayers and knows each one of us individually! I know that for sure because a lot of my prayers were answered in listening to the messages of General Conference.
I have seen my weaknesses more than ever on my mission and especially in these last few weeks. Never has Ether 12:27 meant so much to me. I am so thankful for the enabling power of the Atonement. So many times in myself and in others have I seen that power helping people get through struggles and challenges!
Thank you so much for your examples to me. I wish I could be like you for real!
Elder Navarro
This last General Conference was really amazing! I just need to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!! Many of the messages spoke to me very personally! Some of my favorites (and from what I hear the favorites of many) was Elder Anderson's the music of the gospel. So true that sometimes we can get lost in the dancesteps! Another was Elder Causse about if the Gospel is still wonderful to us. Elder Holland about the role of the Atonement for all of us. And Elder Ringwood about being truly good and without guile.
I honestly dont know what to say right now. But I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is true! God listens to our prayers and knows each one of us individually! I know that for sure because a lot of my prayers were answered in listening to the messages of General Conference.
I have seen my weaknesses more than ever on my mission and especially in these last few weeks. Never has Ether 12:27 meant so much to me. I am so thankful for the enabling power of the Atonement. So many times in myself and in others have I seen that power helping people get through struggles and challenges!
Thank you so much for your examples to me. I wish I could be like you for real!
Elder Navarro
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