Sundays...

Sunday's.  It's a mad rush getting all of the natives spit shined and polished before heading out the door to church.  I can remember when the natives were little, The SM, was at meetings before church, and me at home getting them all ready by myself.  Years of getting baby natives out the door by myself.  I would literally have an assembly line.  I'd throw all of the boys in the tub, grab the spray nozzle, and hose them all down.   I'm amazed I kept going to church!  There were so many Sunday's by the time I'd get to church and plop down in my bench, I would sit there in a daze.  Don't ask me what was taught, don't ask me what was sung, who knows!  I was too busy in a daze feeding cheerios and what not to the natives to keep them quiet and felt myself accomplished if I'd gotten myself dressed and actually remembered to zip up my dress before heading out the door!

I would have to remind myself time and time again, I'm not going to church for me right now, it's about the natives.  I'm going to church for them because darned if I was getting anything out of the meetings at that time!

That's life though isn't it?!  A lot of times, it's about doing the right thing regardless of what our bodies and thoughts and what nots want us to do.  We push through!

Sunday's.  I love Sundays.  I admit, I didn't use to!  As I see my natives grow up in the church though, I'm so glad for Sundays.  I'm so glad my parents taught me what comes first.  I'm so glad as I sit back and watch my natives take off on their own putting others and service of our God first.  Not to say they are perfect.  We aren't.  None of us are.

There is still a lot of monkeying around.  Lots and lots of monkeying around, and laughter.  I like the laughter the mostest.  And winning.  Man, I sure like to win!  And when I don't........  I pout, and then I say, BEST TWO OUT OF THREE!

P.S.  Did I mention naps?  Sunday naps are the best.  There's a reason Henny Penny isn't in any of these photos.....

Today's Letter From The Philippines!

Still no idea what the photos are about.  I can guess what some of them are but others..... we'll just have to guess.

Obviously on a bus going to................. with whom................. ????  Who knows????  But isn't he just the cutest???

 Im so sorry for missing you!!  I went to the hospital this morning to bless a member who is having problems.  I love you so much!  I truly hope to catch you next week!  (Mom note:  Normally we get to email for a few minutes back and forth.  I waited up last night until 11:00 PM my time and then went to bed.  So, we missed our 'chat' time.  Boo for me!)

To begin the weekly sadja gid!  I would like to say that I am feeling so much better!  I am completely whole again and up on my feet!  Thank you so much for the prayers that you have given in my behalf!  I could seriously feel the strength from everyone.  It has been a very spiritually uplifting experience.  This week has been incredibly flooded.  We had the typhoon come in around Thursday night and most of Friday.  It was incredible!  I was wading in water easily up to mid calf.  It was so much fun!  I even caught a few fish passing through the streets.  Just today the sun finally showed itself.  We havent seen the sun in almost a week till this morning.  There are so many homes flooded as well.  It was kinda interesting teaching lessons in the water.  The people here are such awesome sports though.  Almost all the people team up to help each other.  It has been very special to be a part of that.  Before the storm on Thursday, I had the special opportunity to have splits with a brand new missionary.  Due to so much rain though we spent most of the time under a roof trying not to get swept away in the rivers.  Pretty darn fun I must say.  

Flooding!

For those wondering about how the Language is coming.  Its coming!  I can speak alright.  I just have a very hard time expressing myself.  I still have a hard time with small talk but I will get it for sure before I leave this area and have to learn the next language.  

General Conference was as you all know, a blast!  The Philippines receives DVD's of the Conference a week later but it was amazing non the less!  Everyone meets at the stake center (church building) to watch the videos.    Choosing a favorite is pretty well impossible for me so Im not even going to try.  And just as awesome, we had 8 of our investigators come to at least one session of General Conference.  That was awesome!  Most of them should be baptized within the next month.  It is going to be a glorious end of the year!  

Another member passed away recently. She died of a pretty horrible disease.  From what I got out of the conversation, there was something terribly wrong with her kidneys and both of her legs rotted out.  They were not able to save her and after a days of pain she passed away.  We visited her family and husband on Saturday to try to give them comfort.  They are a older family.  Tatay Chutilla, the husband, is well into his 60s.  He is one of the stronger members we have here.  His faith is incredibly bold.  He showed me his books that he has from the church.  He doesnt know where they came from but he reads them everynight along with the standard works.  He taught me a few lessons I will never forget and somethings I will want to do in my older years.  

"Pet" fish caught in the flooding.

This week has really taught me just how lucky of a person I am.  To be born the States is truly a major blessing, especially with the modern technology and medicine that we have.  I am so thankful for so many of the blessings that I have been so very blessed with.  And the most important one I feel is my family.  I love them so much!  Things really do not matter.  What we should truly treasure is those things that are forever.  For those treasures shall God preserve.  I truly wish I could truly tell you everything I am learning and experiencing. I am so weak.  Im only one little person in the Philippines.  But the Lord has lifted me up so high!  I can only write so little and like Nephi, (ancient prophet in the Book of Mormon) I am not mighty, not like unto speaking, for he/she that speaketh by the power of the Holy Spirit can speak wonders.  The only thing I can say with the little time is Endure.  Trust in the Lord! He can lift you to achieve your true potential! You are loved!  You have a purpose here in life!  Rely on Him and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ in your life.  Choose to follow the Savior now!  I promise you this day that He will help you if you let him.  He wants to help you but we need to allow Him to do just that.  How has given us tools in this life to help us.  Prayer.  Scriptures. A church to go to. Fasting for times of dire need.  Family Home Evening to protect the family.  And above all, the Temple.  Go to the temple if you can.  Often!  It is the very house of the Lord! If you cannot go right now because of whatever reason, remove that barrier.  Seek help.  The blessings are so worth it. I plead with all within my reach, use these tools!  They are all free for OUR benefit.

Teaching Filipino family during the flooding.  Love the look on my natives face.  Glad to see he's still got his goofy sense of humor!

In final, I say unto all, God lives!!  And He loves us all so much that He sent His very Son to die for us so that we could return triumphant.  Use the tools He has given us.  If we do I promise you peace now and in the life to come.  God has a plan for you personally!  And His plan is flawless!  I testify of these things as a representative of Jesus Christ in the very name Jesus Christ, Amen.  

The Philippines. A Week Late. Better Late Than Never!

Dear Native of mine,

Thank you for the photos!  Ummm, Next time, care to explain what is in them??  Inquiring minds (your mother!!!) wants to know!

Painting?  Cooking with flour?  White on the faces because??  Who knows!  Regardless, seeing my babies (he'll always be my baby, hush) face makes me very very happy.  Especially when I see that smile!  Laws!  I miss that smile!!

 Well, if I can say anything about this week its sick. And I still am! Ive mostly just been sick with fevers and something else. I have no idea what it is really, my skin looks pretty cool with all these red spots and marks. Its been a very trying week for me. I spent all of Wednesday in bed which was really lame. Umm...yeah! I cannot believe it is October already! Time flies by so fast in the mission field! And everyone keeps telling me that it will only go faster which kinda scares me. Next thing I know it will be Christmas, then 1 year, then homeward bound. Haha, speaking of Christmas, Filipinos love love love Christmas. My companion is counting like crazy and all the stores around here are filling up with decorations. It actually started on September 1. Which feels like yesterday. So yeah! Crazy fun stuff! Thursday we went to work and taught a few of our investigators. I was so tired by the end! I barely made it though daily planning before crashing onto the mattress. Friday was Interview Day with the Mission President. It was alright. I was still exhausted from the day before. It was simply a keep doing good and let me go back to work. We only taught one lesson that day due to me being sick and needing rest. That one lesson though was definitely a big one. We met Brother -------- just on the way home last week and he seems to really want to hear more. We hope to teach more of his family as well. Saturday was a funeral. It was very interesting. One of the members passed away due to old age two weeks ago. I was asked to speak at the funeral. Haha, I really don't like public speaking. But thats what we do! It doesnt really matter what I like or dislike anymore. Ive really learned to just jump right in! Sunday was Fast Sunday which is always a awesome opportunity. Fasting is really such a blessing in our lives. I like to call it the super prayer. I always feel so much better when I fast for a good purpose. Well, thats really about it. All I can say is keep praying! Keep reading the scriptures! And keep doing good! Sounds so simple but does so much good and keeps us protected from the devil and his minions. Ive had so many wonderful things happen to me and I feel so blessed!

I love you so much mom!

Elder Rubow

I am assuming this is a path to someone's home.  The foliage is gorgeous!

Business As Usual

Once upon a time, there was a mum who's dog she was training was attached to her hip.  She realized it had been awhile since her puppy had used the facilities out in the back yard so took her puppy out to take care of 'business'.

The mum walked out the door, walked into the yard, looked up, and was breathless by what she saw.  The heavens were on fire and their brightness was reflecting off of the mountains and the fall colors of the leaves that could be seen even from a distance.

The mum stopped her puppy mid 'business' and ran her back inside to grab her camera as she knew moments like these are but fleeting.  She tossed (not literally) her puppy in it's kennel and began snapping photos knowing that she wouldn't be able to capture what she was seeing with the naked eye and feeling but wanted to attempt capturing a piece of it.

The moment has passed, and thankfully, puppy waited patiently with crossed eyes and legs for the mum to take her back outside to finish.  Some things, you just have to grab at the moment and pray others and puppies understand.

60 Days

Zoe, Levi's dog and I have started on a new adventure.  A dog trainer named, Ty Brown is in the process of filming a DVD series called, "Transform Your Dog in 60 Days".  Guess who one of the dogs is?  Yup!  Zoe!  For the next 60 days, Zoe and I are working on this project and being filmed in the process.

The dog trainer made a joke saying that from now on, Zoe would need to work for her food.  She needs to earn it! I measure out her food each morning, put it in a pouch that I carry at my waist, and as Zoe works and earns it through out the day, I give her food as a reward.  This makes sure she gets the right amount of food and I'm not just feeding her treats all day making her a fat and sassy dog.  

Yesterday while outside 'working', I made her this sign and sent this photo to the dog trainer.  I told him when we started that I hoped he had a really good sense of humor, not just because he'll need it because of my ineptness but because I also enjoy doing goofy stuff like this to our dog.  Poor Zoe!  See what she has to put up with??

Her training has been coming along nicely.  We've been at it for a few days.  I knew it was going to be hard work but knowing and actually experiencing are two different things.  Right now, Zoe is tied to me.  All. Day. Long!  She has no freedom.  She's grounded!  That's right!  You heard me!  Don't roll your eyes at me!  You're grounded missy for the next couple of weeks.

Wait, a minute.  Who's grounded??  I'm grounded.  So, whilst Zoe is attached to me, we are working on all sorts of things and as we work, she gets rewarded with food and I get rewarded with..... You know, I think I need two pouches.  One pouch for Zoe with her dog food in it and another pouch for me with chocolate in it!

An Object vs. Real

Image taken from this site.  

My eldest son and I went into a bike shop.  Needed to get some parts for his bike.  As we walked out, he started to chuckle.  I asked him what was so funny.  He proceeded to explain to me about chest implants for men and how you could tell that the salesmen had obviously had implants in his chest.  Oh.  Consider myself educated!  To have muscles in your chest that big, your arms and shoulders need to match.

I saw some t-shirts recently that were being sold at a doctor's office.  A doctor who does plastic surgery.  No, I'm not getting plastic surgery.  The t-shirts were plain white with some words in black across the chest that said, MINE ARE BETTER THAN YOURS.

I was seriously offended.  Your fake are better than my real........ wow!  Awesome!  Glad you feel that way!!  Awwriiighty then!  I'm just gonna take my real saggy nursed a whole tribe of natives full of stretch mark boobs and have a pep talk with them and tell them they are just fine the way they are. I mean, I get it!  I used to stuff my bra for heaven's sake!  Remember??  Remember this post??  Thankfully I came to terms with my appearance.  It's about believing in your own self worth.  Realizing that being an object isn't real.  Having your body altered so you fit the mold of what you think society thinks you should look like, isn't real!  You've played into the system and become an object, or at least parts of your body!

I went to the mall yesterday and a male sales person was ringing me up and all I could do was stare at his implants!  Okay.  So, if it hadn't been for my son telling me how you can tell ......  Anyway, I'm looking at his chest and all I can think is, can I touch it?!  I wanna poke it!  I wanna poke it so bad!

His chest had become an object to me.   Think about that for a second..... or two......  or three......

My natives are growing up in a world where being an object is the norm and reality is not!  Not cool!!  Where sexualization is starting at a younger and younger age!  Don't even get me started on trying to buy clothes for my daughter!!

I for one, have a problem with all of this.  Do you?!

More From The Philippines!

Elder T. Rubow calls this his ghetto gym!

Elder T. on the left, a convert in the center, and his companion on the right.

Elder T. Rubow with a Filipino family.

This week has been a bit slower then most but pretty good non the less!  We have had a lot of success with some of our investigators!  And one of our investigators is no longer a investigator but a recent convert!  Yeah!  Sister ------  has been so strong already in following the teachings we have given her. Her testimony is very strong as well.  She bore her testimony after her baptism and apparently her husband had been very sick and was not able to work for their family.  She prayed one day that she would do anything for him to get better.  That was when we showed up!!  The Lord really does prepare these people!  We just need to be in the right place at the right time.  She is a mother of two children.  They are adorable kids!  I seriously love the kids here!  I cannot go a barangay without being attacked and become a human play ground.  Its so much fun though!  I am super famous here in Lapaz apparently.  Cant go anywhere without hearing Elder Rubow from a group of kids.  So much fun!

So it was also transfer season so we have some new Elders in our apartment complex.  Elder ----- and the new trainee Elder -------.  It was like seeing a super young me.  I could not believe that was me at one time.  I didnt even realize how much I was like 'Ano Ina'? (Whats that) It will be awesome to see how he grows.  

Spiders....I really dont mind bugs, insects, cockroaches, spiders and so forth.  But the two spiders I have seen this week were huge!! Easily bigger then my outstretched hand.  So gross!!  And when you step on them you can feel them crunch.  And they dont fear you!  They will charge you if you get too close.  Dumb things.

Saturday was Family Day!! All of the stakes in the Central and North Iloilo zones get together for games and a bunch of fun.  We elders helped facilitate the games and so forth.  Both members (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints) and nonmembers loved it! We could only stay from 7-11am though so we only had a few hours to be there.  Twas super fun!

Lastly I gave a talk in church this last sunday.  I gave it off of the General Conference talk "Safety for the Soul" by Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  I strongly exhort everyone to watch it.  (Click here for link) Not only read it.  The testimony of the Book of Mormon is so strong!  Without the Book of Mormon our church would mean nothing.  The Book of Mormon is critical for our salvation.  I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is true!  For any who read this, do watch the talk by the living Apostle of Jesus Christ, then read the Book of Mormon. It will help you in these the Latter days and when it times get rough, the Book of Mormon is there to help us.  

I love you all!  Thanks again for all you do!  You do more then you realize!

Elder Rubow

(Mommy note)  I add my testimony to Elder Rubow's that I too know that the Book of Mormon is true.  It is another testament of our Savior Jesus Christ.  It was written for our day by those who lived here on the American Continent at the same time as those we read about in the Bible.  I know that God lives.  He loves us.  We are his children.  He hears and answers our prayers.  I know that by reading the Book of Mormon daily and other scriptures (the Bible) that I draw closer to our Father.  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.