It is Good to be in the Ocampo Ward

Sun, Feb 23, 2020

Hello you beloved folks!

I may not be able to write much, but the area has been good! To give you an idea of what this ward is like, we have about 426 members, but only about 50 come to church on a regular basis... But we have yet to give up, Heavenly Father gives us so many miracles. Even if 2nd grade boys spit at you and give you the cold shoulder, it is amazing nonetheless. Even though it is a little hard, there has always been tender mercies :) One of these tender mercies are all of your emails! I absolutely love to hear from you! Feel free to communicate with me on facebook messenger, google hangouts, or email. Thank You all for helping me feel the Spirit each week :)

Ingat Po Kayo!

Elder Morata!

p.s. Love ya all

I snuck this picture of my trainer ;)

                                                                 

As you can see, they cleaned me up with the Filipino fade on the top of a Trici! hahahaha

We found a new studying spot!

My good-looking kabahay's 

So... Our Kabahay's decided to pull a fast one and lock us out, hahahaha

It is Good to go through the Refiner's Fire

Sun, Feb 16

Hello Everyone! 

Thank You all for keeping me updated on everything that has been going on! It is so beautiful to hear from you all.

This week, it has been a lot of adjustments. Now while I am nowhere fluent in Tagalog, this transition period has been better. I had the opportunity to talk with one of my good friends from the MTC, and he was telling me what helped him best adjust to the mission. It was so awesome because he helped me realize that even though I am adjusting well, I should remember to be uncomfortable. Because, as we know, "There is no growth in the comfort zone, and there is no growth in the comfort zone." Quick story: Never look backwards while walking on a Palayan (rice field) because you will end up knee-high in water and mud :') But, man, it is fun here. 

Love you all!!!

Elder Morata

p.s. These are some old pictures. Also, if I could, I would challenge you all to look back at the notes you have taken from various places (Like General Conference or whatever it may be), but you would be surprised how it can bless you to this day. 

Hello

My friends

He lifts!!!

I miss ya Elder Elam

I am the one with the green tag, hehehe

(missionaries I met in Manila MTC that are also from Las Vegas)

It is good to be on the field

Feb 10, 2020
 

Hello everyone!

Wow, a lot has happened.

But it has all been a good change. I am not going to be able to say a lot, but I promise that next week will be more of a fulfilling email. But I love you all. Man, I really cannot say that enough, haha. But it has been fun, but definitely culture shock. I can proudly say that I know how to shower and use the restroom with a bucket :) I am so grateful for the love people have here. Such a kind, humble place. My companion/trainer, Elder Harris, is so helpful. There is a lot of rice fields and trees. Quite beautiful. Anyways, I love you all. Please keep me posted and send pictures! I love seeing everything that you all are doing. Also, please read the scriptures. 

Mahal Ko kayo,

Elder Morata