Pushing Through

Wow, this week flew by as well as dragged on. This area is tough! There is a lot of hard work to be done. It's so different from the area that I have come from. The people here are a little wealthier and they don't have time for us. It makes me think about the General Conference talk about our Heavenly Father not being a "comfortable God". Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not convenient, but it's worth it. Sometimes when people have everything they need, they forget about the only thing they actually need. Right now our days are long and involve lots of walking back and forth in hot sun and rain storms. I'm thankful for my companion though. She's shy, but sweet. The work would be so much harder if we didn't get along. I'm thankful for her cheerful spirit and willingness to keep working hard. And at the end of the each day we take turns rubbing achy shoulders. She's pretty great. We know that there are good things to come from Deparo, we just have to be exactly obedient and show Heavenly Father that we deserve the blessings.

Have a wonderful week!

Sister Cork

 

 The only one willing to listen to me this week. 

 A rainbow over Rainbow Village!

 My new favorite friends. On Friday we caught tadpoles together.

 My neighbors.

Welcome to Deparo

So I have to admit, for the first time in my whole mission I'm feeling homesick. Not for Georgia, but for Fairview! I miss my old area, I truly loved the people there so much. It's been hard to switch. After a few days in Deparo I quickly realized there is a lot of work to be done here. The teaching pool has barely any people at all and after looking through past records, I see that it's been that way for a long time. Church on Sunday was interesting, the welcome was pretty cold. I will say though I was pleasantly surprised as I stood at the pulpit that the things I desired to say came to me quickly in Tagalog. I wasn't nervous or anxious at I expected, but simply spoke from my heart. That was truly a miracle. The ward members aren't really friends with each other and there is a bit of an empty feeling. Our ward mission leader is a very nice guy who is willing to help us, he just needs some help to know what he is supposed to do. At first I was disappointed to leave such a strong ward to come to Deparo, where the fellowshipping is pretty non-existent. But, the more I try to look at the bright side of things, the more blessings I recognize. We walk without teaching most of the day, but hey, I could use the exercise. We pass through crowded areas with lots of people which provides many opportunities to open my mouth and practice my Tagalog. The Relief Society and visiting teaching program here is really struggling, but we have planned to serve them and help them to grow closer. The auxiliary leaders don't really work together, but maybe the missionaries will be the key to help everyone realized that we all have the same purpose. Despite the work being really exhausting and hard and at times seemingly fruitless, I am excited for the challenge. I know Sister Resurreccion and I have become companions in this area for a reason. I know that through prayer, fasting, studying, and effective planning we can hasten the work here in Deparo II. Sometimes we feel like hanging our heads and going home, but we know that people here have been prepared for us and we have promised that we won't give up until we find them. I'm thankful for this opportunity to grow and stretch my abilities. I know the Lord has lots for me to learn here, I'm ready for it.

Love always,

Sister Cork

My beautiful new house, Rainbow House.

The generally accepted "ten commandments"... I think they forgot a few...

Last Days in Fairview

 

Sister Baby and Nini. She is 68 years old and has Down Syndrome, I love her!

 Saying goodbye to Buddy and DinPaul.

 Sophia was so upset with me when I told her I was moving that she wouldn't even look at me.

 The Bonayon Family

The more on the bike, the more fun to be had!

 The Bonayon Family

The Candelario Boys!

Last Night at the Lampong's House

Dinner at Kyle's House! No forks or spoons, just hands. It didn't take long to become best friends!

Bro.Florence & Sis.Jessa in Sunday School

Change is in the Air

Rainy season is finally here. It's so nice to escape from the hot weather for a little bit each day. The big, loud thunderstorms bring heavy rain and flooding. I'm in for quite an adventure. 

And, the big news, I'm transferring to my second area! My new companion will be Sister Resurreccion in Novaliches Stake, Camarin Zone, Deparo 2. I'm excited for the change, but it will be hard to leave Fairview. The people here have truly become my family. I went last night to the Lampong family to tell them all the news. We decided to tell them after we taught so they would pay attention. Holding back tears, I explained to them that I would be moving. After some protests and more explanations to the kids, we knelt together and prayed. As these five sweet children snuggled up to me as I tearfully prayed for Heavenly Father to watch over them I thought my heart would burst. We hugged and promised long letters. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to love them. 

Although it will be hard for me to leave Fairview, I know all of those I have grown to love are in good hands. I'm a little anxious about the move, but excited to make more room in my heart for a new companion, new kabahays, a new ward, and new people. It's amazing how there is no limit to how much or how many people we can love. How hearts always have room for more. 

Being a missionary is pretty exhausting in every way, but the fruits of our labors are so sweet. I love it more with every passing day, which are really starting to add up!.I am eager to see what I have to learn and how I will grow in Camarin.

Mahal,

Sister Cork

Good Things to Come

On Saturday, my entire mission gathered together for a conference, presided by Elder Craig Christensen. All 215 missionaries filled the chapel. It was fantastic. We’re so lucky to have such powerful, wonderful leaders. Their words filled my heart and inspired me to work harder and better each day. Speaking of hard work, my wonderful companion and I have added 27 new people to our teaching pool in just three short weeks. At the time our days seemed fruitless and harrowing. But needless to say, good things are to come in Fairview. We’re excited to invite these children of Heavenly Father to come unto Christ.

This Sunday I was at stake conference and I saw a little girl tap her sister and sign to her, "Look! That girl has yellow hair!". I signed back to her, "Yes! I'm an American". The look of shock and happiness on her face was priceless. After the meeting was over she pulled my hand and led me to her family. They have two blind sons and a deaf daughter, all adopted. Their story is absolutely beautiful. We sat and chatted for a long time. It was just a joyful moment. I loved it. I'm so thankful for any opportunity to use my American Sign Language here. She used Filipino Sign Language, but we can still understand each other. It was such a sweet experience. We'll never forget it. 

This morning my companion and I took a trip with our kabahays to Wawa Dam. We left at 4:30AM and watched the sun peek over the beautiful green land. It was such a wonderful way to start our morning. What a loving Heavenly Father we have to create such a beautiful earth for his children to inhabit. Swerte tayo (lucky us)! Being a missionary is the greatest. This week I’ll start my sixth month in the Philippines. I’ll probably be moved to a new area in about three weeks, but that’s okay. I have room to grow and improve and I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me here.

Love always,

Sister Cork

Pictures!

 

Beverlyn and Sister Cork at Church

 Oh I love the Lampong kids!

 

Five hours of thunderstorms, we were soaked but happy.

 My new friend, Deanne. She is deaf and has two blind brothers. 

 Hiking at Wawa Dam. Beautiful!

 Wawa Dam

Taho for breakfast, yum!