Week 19 - December 11, 2018 (Camalaniugan, Philippines)

Pizza, letters, and bed- Welcome to Laoag!

Hey everyone, hope your week has been wonderful. It's a quick entry from me today, but I'm excited to give an update on our wonderful Christmas Con the past two days. We were up in Laoag, we all went to a huge resort called Fort Ilocandia- it was such a wonderful time. They had tons of stuff- we visited their zoo, did archery, golf, pool, went to the beach, there was an obstacle course. The best part of all though was probably the hot shower- that was the experience of a lifetime, haha. We had an awesome program, some great dances and stories and talents shared, good to see all the other elders and sisters. 

We had a great training, tons of stuff learned- and I was very happy to see we are getting a new schedule which will maximize our work hours. Also, now I'm officially out of training- Elder Larona got transferred and my new companion is named Elder Nielsen, from Utah. I'm excited to work with him, and lead in our area (which I am a bit nervous about, but more happy because it is an opportunity to further rely on the Spirit). That is one thing I have found, or am finding out, about the mission- as soon as you start to feel comfortable, you'll get something thrown at you to remind you of your dependence on Heavenly Father, and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to stay humble through that.

Fort Ilocandia- The biggest resort I've ever seen-
 Christmas Con
This was like one of eight giant buildings like this!

Anyway, sorry this is a real short entry, I've got very little time so I must be going. I hope you all are wonderful this Christmas season, have a wonderful next half-ish week!

Elder Mark Griffitts

We thought those crocodiles were fake
but they were real

Sister Peterson read us all a bedtime Christmas Story

The batchmates

Home again Home again with Pfefferkuchen,
my hat, and a new comp- Elder Nielsen