11 Months In The Field

View from our apartment

Me and My Companion

An awesome restraunt we ate at which is filippino traditional native food and culture! 

It played michael buble music and I was at home! I loved it so much! :) 

So, another month mark is coming up! Tomorrow is my 11 month mark in the field. I can't believe time has gone by so fast! I feel like it's only been weeks! I remember my first week emailing home, feeling like, "This is the beginning of 18 more months!" Now I feel the end is coming! I just want to be a missionary forever! Maybe I'll extend, haha! :) 

Well, I have some great experiences to share with you from this week! 

First we have 2 baptismal goal dates now, not just one! Yahoo! We are so happy!  We have 6 investigators instead of the one we started out with. All in all, a happy ending to this transfer. We are so excited to see where things will go here in Barra! 

Well, This week we had stake conference.  Saturday night nobody really showed up. It was 20 members and the missionaries. For the whole stake! So Sunday morning, we weren't really thinking and left at 9:20 when it started at 10. We got there to find the place packed! We found a member to sit by and she said that she had been their since 8 but she was clear in the back! 

We were in the overflow, on the 4th row to last. We were okay though, because we could still see... but as soon as the meeting started, we realized the speakers in the back didn't work, so we couldn't hear a word. After an hour of members chitchatting in the back and children running around like crazy because there was no sound, they set up huge speakers. So then we could hear and just in time too, because our President was next to speak. Before they let him speak though, they took the mic attached to the big speakers and tapped it against the puplit speaker. It was so loud and we all laughed. What a crazy experience! 

I finished the Book of Mormon in Tagalog this week! All 777 pages of it! Whew! Now I reading Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. I'm finding that I understand most of what is said now I'm pretty happy! :) 

I also taught Sister Vaka Yoga and Singing. As if I know how to do either of these, haha. But she asked me to teach her what I knew, so I did. It was fun and we sung the Sound of Music song to learn. (We got rained in one day and because it was flooding in Barra we were stuck in doors almost all day so that's how we spent it.) 

This week I read Jesus the Christ and learned that Christ also had to go through the veil of forgetfulness! He, just like us, had to learn through the spirit and gain through the spirit the knowledge of who he was before. He was tested and tried just as we were, but unlike us, he never made a mistake. It's more incredible to me now than ever that he came to this earth, and although he had the veil of forgetfulness over his mind, he preformed the atonement! I am so grateful for my savior and his perfect life and example for all of us! 

There are many cultures here on this earth! ( Philippino, American...) But we all share one common culture- the gospel! Christ is our savior and through him, we can be perfected and return to God.

I love you! Keep smiling and sharing the gospel through example and word! 

-Sister Beaumont 

3 New Investigators

My dear family.  What a week! We've had some crazy experiences here in Barra! Somethings have been really good and others have been really weird to say the least. 

The good news, we have 3 new investigators! We are so happy for them. They are all former investigators and we are so happy that they are opening their hearts up to us. One is this wonderful family. They have been taught 3 times before, in each of the places they used to live before moving. They are now in Barra and we have found them! I fell in love with them as soon as the mother said, "I believe that your church is true. Why else would God keep putting missionaries in my life?" We are going to follow up with them about praying to receive an answer. I'm so excited to see their progression. 

We also found another former investigator that just shines with the light of Christ. I love her so much and I can't wait to see her growth in the lessons. She invited us in before she even knew who we were and immediately fed us. I remembered what you told me dad, about the house of Israel. I looked on her porch and sure enough, flowers! So that's exciting! Her husband is less active so we might be able to hit two birds with one stone. 

Our first investigator is doing great as well. She is clear in Mosiah! I'm so happy that she loves the book of mormon! She reads it everyday while her children do their homework. Our only challenge is getting her to come to church. She feels overwhelmed with her children and her husband. (He doesn't like the church but allows her to go and is okay if she is baptized.) Anyway, we hope that all will go well with her and her family. 

Well, like I said, we had some weird experiences as well. We arrived in Barra on to find EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE at the basketball court. One of the popular radio stations here in the Philippines was doing a big raffle, singing contest event. It kind of put a damper on our plans if you can imagine. No one was at their houses for us to teach. We finally sat down on a ledge and started to talk about what we should do. That's when a woman came up from behind us and said, "Mormons?" We were so excited. This was an answer to our prayers! Or so we thought. We started to talk with her a little and she asked us what we believed. Even more eager, we began to share. She seemed really receptive, until suddenly we realized she was crazy. Like, literally, she was crazy. She tried to show us a mark on her leg by pulling down her pants and kept talking about how beautiful I was because I looked like the people on tv. Then she ranted about Elizabeth Taylor for a while and told us her whole history. Every once and a while she would laugh like some insane woman. 

I guess Heavenly Father knew we just needed a laugh. 

Anyway, I love you! Thanks for your support and emails! 

I pray all is well with you back home! 

With Love,

Sister Beaumont 

Halloween in the Philippines

Hello my dear family! Sorry about the short email last time... I can always trust my mother to remind me when I need to make my emails a little longer. 

Well, Halloween here in the Philippines is a very different experience compared to America. 

I felt like I was walking through a marte grade parade all day long. 

There were tents and canopies all over the cemeteries and people were literally having picnics ON TOP of the tombs of their loved ones. 

I guess it's some sentimental way to share lunch with the dead. We set aside that day to contact people only because we had an early curfew. 

Some people were really chill and nice, others were a little irritated. The main road was closed down and there were dozens of souvenir stands everywhere. 

The only taste of American style Halloween that I saw was a booth that was set up to look really "Halloween-ish" with people that held axs and sceletons. 

People would pass by, take a picture at the booth and then move on. All in all though, it was a good day. 

We were actually really grateful for our early curfew, because on the way home, the other sisters in our apartment saw someone murdered. 

It was really scary for them. (In case I haven't told you before, the two other sisters are Sister Japus and Sister Oldem. They are both Filipino and really cute! I love them so much!) 

In answer to your question, I have been switching off with another girl who plays out of the easy hymn book. 

She is learning piano and she does really good! I almost taught piano once, but the appointment was cancelled because they never showed up. 

I have never taught English but I always wish I could. It's sounds so fun! 

Well, this week I saw many miracles in the work.

We found some wonderful investigators and one even came to church and brought her husband with her! It was such a happy surprise. 

We also got to have a special meeting in San Pablo with Elder Robbins from the Seventy. 

He talked mainly on taking responsibility. He said that if we have 100 percent agency, then we also have 100 percent responsibility. 

It was so great to have him in our mission! We also got to see a broadcast with Dallin H. Oaks where he spoke to the whole Philippines. 

He talked about how the Philippine Culture is wonderful culture of Beautiful smiles, Modesty, and family centered beliefs. 

It's all very true! Everyone is so friendly here and smiles at you, even if you are strangers in passing. 

They are very modest and hardly ever do I see cleavage or other parts of the body that should be covered. In fact, if ever a girl bends down, 

she will hold her shirt to her chest with one hand just to make sure nothing shows. 

And despite the attacks on family in many parts of the world, the Philippines is so strong in their desires for a good strong and happy family! 

I just love these people! 

Well, that's it! Times up! 

Love you all! 

-Sister Beaumont 

The Book of Mormon is our greatest Tool

Hello, hello family! 

Well it's another great week in Barra. To answer mom's questions...

1. My area covers Barra, (about the size of our neighborhood/ ward 1's neighborhood), a little town on the way into Barra, (about the size of our neighborhood,) 

and Ransohan the island, and a far off place called Talo Talo that we haven't gone to yet because it's a little dangerous there and we have been told to focus closer to the church. 

2. It is just a branch, but the branch is really strong and I feel like I'm in a ward... except for the fact that there is half the people at church. The church here is about half the size of our church at home. 

3. I love the branch so much! This is a really great area, even if we are starting on a different step of the ladder with them as in my other areas. They are wonderful, loving people. 

Well, we've had a good week! We found two new investigators... (one isn't as interested as the other though) and I feel like I've really gotten to know all the members. The maze of Barra is no longer 

puzzling and I know where I'm going! We didn't spend as much time at the beach this week- which is great because that means that we had more time in lessons. 

I'm happy and content in this area and I know this what God wants for me! I have learned so much from being here in this area already! 

Always remember that the Book of Mormon is our greatest tool! Use it in your everyday lives and you will never go wrong! 

(Sorry, no more time!)

With love,

Sister Beaumont 

My Brother Is Such An Inspiration To Me

Well, this week I want to start out with a special shout out to my dear brother, Trevor. He is such an inspiration to me!

My companion and I really have applied so much from his letter last week. He's the best! What a way to deal with disappointment! 

So, this was my first full week in Barra. Barra is still connected to the main island, but it is in it's own little gulf. 

There happens to be a small Island called Ransohan in my area, but we are no longer allowed to travel there. 

(The last time Sister Missionaries tried, the boat almost sunk.) Too bad. But we are on the beach line. Like, 

literally, from most of our members houses, it's 5 feet and you are on the beach. I love it! I never go a day without seeing the ocean 

and going to the beach.... Paradise! 

In order to get to our area, because we are 45 minutes away, we have to take a 3 trikes. Whew. Then we arrive to this cute little fishing village

where all the houses look the same and there is bamboo fencing and narrow street ways, (wide enough for only one person) everywhere you look. 

We struggle sometimes with being able to get investigators because basically all the village of Barra has been taught before, or at least knows us 

because it's that small. Very few people are receptive, UNLESS referred by a member because it's harder to reject your next door neighbors. 

If it ever rains hard, we can't go to our area because it gets really flooded. So we just have to wait it out at the house. I always feel like an anxious

puppy when this happens. It's too weird to just sit during the day. We have to be doing something. 

That's all I can think of about the area. If you have any more questions, just ask. 

I love collecting seashells here, because we do live on the beach. When we get too tired of being punted over and over, we call a five minute break 

to pray inwardly and seek guidance from Heaven on what we should do next. We go to the beach and I pick up seashell after seashell. I'm pretty sure I have 

nearly 100 now. I'm going to send some home to you, so look forward to that! 

The little children always love to help me pick them up. As soon as I pick up one, suddenly there are ten children rushing up to me, seashell in hand saying, 

"Ito, ata! Ito!" (This one, sister! This one!) It's so cute and we always give them candy for their help. Which is actually, probably why they are so anxious to help, haha. 

We have only one investigator right now. Before there were more, but they were all children and our mission president doesn't want us to teach children anymore. 

She is really amazing though! I love her so much. She knows, really knows it's true. She needs to be married before she can be baptized, and her marriage date is

the 8 of the Dec. Her baptism date is the 20th. We are so excited for her! (I sent you a picture of her kids last week)

Sister Vaka remains the funniest companion ever! I love her so much! We have too much fun laughing and joking. I told her that I must be Tongan in spirit, because my 

best friends on the mission are Tongan! 

Three funny stories from our companionship:

1: We decided to start praying in the street when we get punted (people give us excuses) or when we are worried about a lesson. (Thanks again to Trevor's awesome example) On one such occasion, my companion and I were standing in the 

middle of a really narrow walkway and this person came unexpectedly. We had to both shuffle over, eyes closed, heads bowed, and press ourselves up against the gate. Those moments, haha. 

The best part was that my companion just kept praying making it even more awkward. I couldn't hold it in and totally snorted with laughter just as the guy passed by. I hope Heavenly Father understands, haha.

2. We were praying after our daily planning one night. Sister Vaka has this thing where she has a really, REALLY hard time holding her pee. She usually starts squirming in her seat, rocking back and forth and I just know she 

has to go. Well, she was doing that during our planning, but she insisted we close first. I started the prayer, and I could hear her rocking back in forth on the floor. I was really trying hard not to laugh. Suddenly and out of

desperation, she kicked her feet like a fish against the tile, trying to hold it. I snickered and without waiting for me to finish the prayer, she jumped up and exclaimed, "Sorry! Amen! Amen!" and waddled like a penguin off to the bathroom. 

3. We were eating casava cake at a members house this week because it was her Birthday and the member had homemade it for her. She was talking to me, fork in hand with a big piece of cake on the end. Suddenly, one of the chickens 

inside flew right into her face. We were freaking out and screaming, trying to understand what just happened. That's when we realized her cake was now gone. The chicken had swooped down and stolen it! We laughed and laughed forever! 

The best part was that the next time we went to that members house, she was cleaning some chicken meat. When we asked her where the chicken was from, she just laughed and pointed at Sister Vaka and then motioned "kill" across her

throat. She actually killed the chicken because it stole her cake! Too funny! 

Well, I love you all so much! 

Till next week! 

-Sister Beaumont 

New Beginnings

Well, this past week has felt like three weeks in one! One week was in Sto. Tomas with Sister Maagad.... and then I was TRANSFERRED!!!!!!!!!!

So the second week was in my new area Barra, with Sister Vaka as my companion! Yes, it is THAT Sister Vaka. My old housemate! The OTHER one that Sister Williams trained. Crazy, right? 

Then of course, the third week was General Conference which was awesome! I loved it! My favorite Talks were by Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf. I feel like General Conference gets shorter and shorter the longer I'm on my mission! It used to feel like 12 hours per session, now it feels like 12 minutes! I wish it could be longer! It's far too short! :) 

So... here's the details about those three weeks. 

First, Sister Cox left after completing her 18 month mission. Dang, I'm going to miss her so much! She is such a fun housemate. And because she left, I became companions AGAIN with Sister Williams. (We were in a threesome for 4 days). It was so fun! I loved every minute of it! We have both changed so much in our teaching styles- She is such a good teacher! (Haha, not like she wasn't before.) I really learned alot from her... again! 

So, work was really good in Sto. Tomas and our investigators were all progressing toward baptism when.... I was transferred! I was literally stunned when I got the call. It was 50/50 between Sister Maagad and I transferring, so I wasn't so surprised that I transferred, just where and who with! I never thought Sister Vaka and I would be companions, but we are so happy and have loved every minute together. 

Barra is on the other-side of the mission. I took a three hour bus just to get to the zone boundary. I feel like I just crossed borders and entered a new mission. It's so crazy! I've never been this far from the mission home before. Barra is a very small little fishing village in the middle of nowhere. We live 45 minutes away from our area because the water isn't safe in Barra. The houses are all made of bamboo wood and they literally live right up against the ocean. When I saw the ocean for the first time, I went running toward the beach... only to be caught in a wave hitting the beach. My feet up to mid calf were soaked! :) I walked around with sand in my shoes for the rest of the day, but I didn't care.It was so worth it! 

Only after did Sister Vaka tell me that their are insects in the beach water that bite Americans like crazy... don't worry, I wasn't bit. 

Everyone calls us Sophia here. I finally asked Sister Vaka why. She told me that there was an American nun who came to the Philippines and then ran off with a tricycle driver. She said that they think we are Sophia "in disguise." So that's great. :) 

Well, overall I love my new area and I love my new companion.

And I love you all! Hanggang sa muling makikita! 

(Till we meet again!)

-Sister Beaumont 

"Maybe God Knows Something We Don't"

My dear family,

This time IT IS NOT MY FAULT. I have spent the last 1 and 8 minutes trying desperately to get a computer that would allow me to email. :( Sometimes, I really dislike computer gamers. They take the Internet speed. 

But, at last after tears, stress, and three computers, I can email! 

Yay! I hope that what little I am able to send in the next 7 minutes is enough. Tell everyone that emailed me I'm really sorry and I'll email them next week. And please tell Trevor that I'm excited for his adventures in Hungary! 

Well, we didn't watch conference yet, that is next weekend. We do get it a week late here. But I have watched the Women's Conference and I loved it. In case you are wondering, yes, the temple video montage in the conference did have some Tagalog. Everyone gave a little Whoop! when we heard it, haha. It was toward the last and had a clip of a family sitting on mats in a house.... if that is helpful. 

Well, because I only have 4 minutes left, Here is what I sent to my mission President. 

We have had a great week, despite it being an unusual week. What with sickness, companion trios, and the Women's Conference we are really missing a full day of work right about now. :) We have looked forward to this week with the hopes that we will be able to dive back into our area and "thrust in the sickle with all our might". However, I have come to learn that the harder you have to work to "work", the more you appreciate it. And of course, the harder anything is, the more you learn. 

This week I have truly come to understand that God really is all-knowing and all-powerful. I loved the statement from the talk given by Elder Uchtdorf at the Women's Conference. He said, "I think that maybe God knows something we don't." Though humorous, it struck me to the very core. I realized that God's commandments, His plan, and His direction in my life come because, "He knows something I don't." God is in fact, SMARTER than me! Who am I to pick which commandments to follow, or dispute his direction and guidance? From just that simple phrase, my entire outlook on my missionary service and even my life was changed. He knows better than I what is best for me. I have been praying since that day that I can follow His commandments with exact obedience and lay upon the altar all the petty things that don't matter to his work. I have realized that if I follow Him, I will in fact, be happier! It's so simple, but it has taken me 20 years to figure it out. :) 

As far as our area, we were unable to see most of our investigators this week. We hope and pray that they will have strength to continue keeping their commitments. We did have the opportunity to visit our Part Member father. He is really changing his life. I don't even recognize him anymore! This week, when we asked him why he accepted the invitation to be baptized, he responded, "Because I read in the Book of Mormon that we must repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost. I want that." 
We are so excited for his baptism next transfer! He will be a strong convert, because of his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Well, that's a part of it anyway. I'm sorry again. I love you all! Pray really hard that all the computer gamers will get sick and not be able to email next week! :) (Just joking!)

Mahal na mahal kita,

Sister Beaumont