Elders Can Be Pigs

Dear Fams,

We get emergency Transferred to Lapulapu 1st.  We are assigned in an elders area.  Our area Cebu 5th that I reopend and then it got closed again after two transfers since some elders went home and they needed to close an area.  We had trainers training and while eating pizza President asked to interview us before we left.  He asked about support of the area, and our investigators.  The next day the assistants to the president called us and told us we would be transferred to Lapulapu the next day Saturday.  The transfer call was made.  This is my third open area on the mission.  It's super tiring since we have no clue about the area.  At least the area is way cleaner.  I can't see the ocean but at least there is a breeze!  

To quote my letter to president...

PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again.  We came into the apartment shocked.  Luckily we didnt have time to look around since we went straight to work with the zone leaders.  We luckily went to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there.  It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom.  Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side.  We thought it was pretty ironic!  Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.  We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house its a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!!  Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD.  I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so often.  I think it has something to do with their mattresses.  When I took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale.  I dont know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.  When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black.  Then next rinse cycle the water was brown.  Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!!  I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover.  I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed.  Its not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.  Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the mattress.  We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house!  At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house.  Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house.  Ahh the life of a missionary.  Maybe that's why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transfered into elders apartments.  I hope that this will bring a smile to your face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission feild president I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key.  Thats when you know your in for a big surprise!!

The apartment was way worse than the other apartment that we were in last transfer....  Elders!

I STILL NEED TO NEW ADDRESS OF YOUR HOUSE TO GIVE ON MY TRUNKY LETTER TO THE OFFICE!!  Thanks.

Life of a missionary its full of surprises.

Love you

Sister Bruno 

Hardness of Heart

Dear Family,

I made history this week by being the first sister of my time going on sister companionship exchanges.  It was a great experience.  I really loved my time with Sister Camarillo.  We laughed the whole time, and we had amazing spiritual lessons.  I hope that since we were the guinea pigs that we can continue to do companion exchanges as sisters on the mission.

Today I just got my trunky letter!!  A trunky letter is when they send you a paper asking about what airport you go home to and the correct information, and also it gives my date of release as 26 April 2012!!  By the way I need the new address to give to the office for my travel and such.  Its weird because I will be coming home soon.  I am not sure if I am ready I was really hoping that I could extend, but I think that it will not be possible now.  

Today I went with my district just to tour around.  We didn't do much, but it was also fun.  Making memories that's what the mission is about.  I only have a short time to make the best of the mission.  The time is far spent!

We had zone interview this week, and president call us all to repentance.  I really agree with him though.  He talked about one of the steps of repentance is restitution, and if we don't repent now it will be hard to make a restitution after the mission.  He talked about not following the false doctrine of the mission.  We all love President Schmutz so much.  He is such a bright person.  He is definitely called by God. 

We had a hard lesson this week with an inactive member, and I ended up crying in the lesson, because I felt such sorrow for the hardness of his heart.  I just testified, and then we left.  He wouldn't even give a prayer at the end.  He was Muslim once, and we believe that he is returning to those thoughts.  My only regret is that he restricts his wife from attending church. Its sad to see someone who once was a faithful member of the church, and that went on a mission have to be victim to her choices.  I hope that one day brother will change.

I love you all and if you want to write you better do it soon because I come home in APRIL!!  Haha

Love you

Sister Bruno

Through the Trials Come Many Blessings

From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Date: Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Subject: Week 2
To: cebumissionoffice@gmail.com


Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been interesting.  We just went to the doctors this morning to run some tests that the doctor suggested for Sister Taylor.  She has been getting swollen hands and feet. She has been getting many trials this week.  I remember my first transfer on the mission I also had many trials and  thoughts of going home, but I got through it and I know that she will get through it too.  We are fighting a rough battle, but we will overcome president. 

We had an opportunity on P-day to just sit in the temple waiting area for a few minutes before going back to work, and there Sister Taylor and I had the chance to talk about many things.  I think that Sister Taylor is a little bit sad that she is missing so many things at home like her brother getting engaged, but she understands she is here for a reason, and I am not worried about her because those feelings are natural.  She isn't extremely depressed or anything so I think she is just adjusting.  I was happy to see earlier this morning when we rode the dyipney she I2Led the people sitting next to her, whereas, in the last few days she has been too shy to try.  I can really see the progression of her language and knowledge.  I really am glad that this new training program has come out, because I can see if you are diligent to the study program then the progression is substantially greater compared to when I was trained on the mission. 

Sad to say though our work has been slowing down, because people were busy for the new year's holiday so we got punted a lot!  I have been having problems making the stats, but we have been working hard going out everyday on time working until curfew so I have no guilt just concern for the area.  We have been diligent about the studying and training plan which I find effects the amount of lessons we can get in one day.  I have only made the stats one week the whole time I have been assigned in the city.  I don't know if its because people are busy or if its the training program, and also most days we get punted so we only have one lesson for that day.  It can be frustrating seeing the rest of the district making far above the stats.

President Hansen once said "through the trials comes many blessings", and I have to agree.  We have found another less active family the Recla family that we have started teaching, and they agreed to come back to church this week.  Also while I2Ling we found a man who said his wife is a member and previously his kids would attend church but they have stopped going.  He wants us to come to his house and continue to teach his family.  We also just received a referral from a member for a family of eight.  They have listened to the missionaries before, and they have just moved into the area and they want to continue to listen to the discussions. 

The Alpitche family has come back from vacation, and we are happy to say that brother is cutting down his smoking.  We are helping him slowly go off of cigarettes.  He has gone from 8 to 5 a day now.  We will continue to help him until he can quit smoking.  We have high hopes for their family getting sealed in the temple one day. 

Jeff and Clay are still in the process of planning their wedding, and we found out that they are living in the same house now.  We have encouraged them that if they don't live apart at least don't sleep in the same room.  They have been having some problems with planning their marriage, because although they would like to get married and they have all the requirements the family of Jeff is opposing the marriage.  They are disappointed because they wanted him to go out of the Philippines to work before he would get married.  So they have been having problems getting his parents to sign the marriage papers since his is only 22 years old he needs parents consent.  We will continue to pray for him that they can get married for the sake of the child, and the sake of their family.  We will continue to keep you updated with their progress. 

Sister Jandog is almost at her one year.  She is preparing to enter into the temple.  Bishop advised her to go through the temple preparation class before she is to go through the temple.  It is a 6 weeks class and she is willing to do it in order to enter into the temple.  She is a shy type of person that is faithful in coming to church every week, and I see her testimony growing every day. 

We will continue to strive to do better everyday, and find those in need.  I am also glad of the opportunity to have met your family they are all so kind.  I enjoyed talking with them, and helping in what little ways I could for their stay in the Philippines.
  
Being a trainer allows me to reflect on the feelings I once had as a new missionary, and especially since one of my trainers Sister Williams was the MTC teacher of Sister Taylor.  I never feel frustrated as a trainer.  I just continue to have high expectations for Sister Taylor.  I hope that she will feel that I am a good trainer, and not compare my weaknesses with others strengths in the future.  I only hope I can remain in her memory as a friend. 

Thanks President Schmutz until next week,

Sister Bruno
 

Overcoming Adversity

Dear Family,

 This week has been pretty rough because it was a holiday and no one was home. Either they were not home or they were busy with cooking for Christmas or New Years! We had many trials this week but that's what makes the best stories. So this is what happened my companions feet have been swollen since she got here and the other day her hands were huge and swollen she looked like the Michelin man! We are going to see the doctor today to see whats going on with her. I think it is probably an allergy. We think she might be allergic to the bug repellant which is ironic because its supposed to protect you from sickness not cause the sickness. Anyways we are going to the doctor today which is going to kill our P-day but what can you do sacrifices must be made. We bought new curtains for the apartment which should have been nice but we accidentally bought two different kinds for the living room so they don't exactly match perfectly, but they are okay. I finally bought a pillow after not sleeping with one for a month Ah the simple things in life!!


I FINALLY GOT MY PACKAGE. Thank you for the cookies. Well I bought butter which is pretty expensive here and we don't have an oven or a cookie roller, but I devised a plan to use the toaster oven!! Success! We made cookies last night which takes forever baking them in the toaster over because we can only cook two at a time, but I finally got them cooked. I will most likely frost them tonight. It was fun making them though that's for sure. It made for a good memory. How to make cookies on the mission step one. Use the pots used for boiling water because we don't have a big bowl. Step two make cookies. Step three roll the dough out by pounding it with your hand. Step three cook in the toaster over... Easy bake :) Good times.

We are digging a septic tank for our csp. It brings me back to the time when I would dig in the dirt as a child. We are digging a hole that's our purpose. We didn't get that far last week, but we are going back this week and we aren't sure how long it will take, but its fun.... For new years eve we ate at a members house. We went to bed at 10PM but woke up at 12 because of the fireworks going off outside of our window. It was like a war. The fire works went off until about 2AM. Here for Christmas and New Years they shoot off fireworks, and all of the little kids buy fireworks. You know the saying don't play with matches well I dont think they have ever heard of that saying here. there were 4 and 5 year olds just lighting fireworks and chucking them every way. You have to be on guard as to not get hit by one. Actually we were passing by and I go nailed in the foot with one. It was just a little fire cracker so it wasn't too bad. So we woke up to the boys yelling happy new years. We said happy new years and went back to bed!! Haha the life of a missionary.

We have been teaching Jeff and he and Clay should be married this Jan. His baptism will probably be in February but we aren't sure because he now works on Sundays. He is looking for another job so he can get off on Sundays, but he is pretty new at his job now. I hope he can find another job. Everyone was out of town this past week so we had hardly anyone at church this week.

Our stats crashed and burned, but at least we tried our hardest. I am pretty sure that its because its Sister Taylor's first week. I know the first transfer on the mission is the hardest. Satan really tries to make you quit. We made it through, and Sister Taylor is really trying in the language. I make her teach the first lesson whenever we teach the first lesson, because we have studies it and I have written sentences for her. So the expectation is high because she could train in 12 weeks. The new 12 week training program they want the greenies ready to train after 12 weeks. So I am trying to prepare her for that. Training isn't the easiest, but its a learning experience. I just hope I have one more area, because you how much I love the city! I love you all have an awesome week and if you ever want to write just you know do it before I come home!!

Sister Bruno

Praying for the Missionaries

My dearest Elders and Sisters, As many of you know, Sister Schmutz and I have been blessed this Christmas season with a visit from our children. First our son, Ian, arrived from his mission in Brazil. I think most of you have met him at our conferences. It has been such a blessing to have him in our home for more than a month. Then about a week and a half ago, our three older sons arrived with their wives, Mason and Ashley, Colin and Marissa, and Cameron and Rachel. They brought our two little grandsons Bennett (Mason's boy) and Cooper (Colin's boy). Only our eldest daughter, Lindsey and her husband Jake and their four little apo are not with us. So we have been playing parents to our children and it has been a rich blessing and a joyous time for us. We have taken some time away from the Mission home and visited Bohol and some points in Cebu Island. Our children love the Cebu Mission. They will be here until Friday. I hope you will all understand that we will be your parents in the mission for 18 months or 24 months, and you are so very special to our hearts all our lives. We will also be parents to our children forever and for the short time they are here, we want to spend time with them. We returned to Cebu Tuesday afternoon. Because we have been away I have not had access to the internet and have not been able to write letters. So please forgive me that for the last two weeks you have not received any personal letters. I am trying to write back to a few of you that have had special questions or needs, but the rest of you are receiving only this letter. I hope you understand and know that I love you all. Next week, I will start back writing to all of you. Please write to me this week and let me know how you are doing and the experiences you are having this last week. I hope you are all working with your hearts and minds to bring to pass the work we have been given, to rescue the inactive members in our areas -- to find the lost sheep and bring them back to the fold. I have been thinking about the power of our testimonies. Strengthen your testimonies through study and the prayer of faith, and share your testimonies as often as you have the opportunity. The bearing of testimony by the servants of the Lord is a great blessing to those who share their testimonies "for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you." (D&C 62:3). It is also a great blessing to those who hear, especially the inactive members because sometimes there is "no way that [we] might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony". (Alma 4:19). I want each of you to know that I kneel down multiple times each day and thank the Lord that Sister Schmutz and I have been blessed to receive this call to preside over such wonderful young men and women. Truly we love you as our children. I see such goodness in you, such willingness to sacrifice, such desire to do the right thing for your God. We feel that we are blessed mightily of the Lord. We feel that of all Mission Presidents in the world, we have the richest blessings. And it is because of you. So, I want you to know that your President desires your happiness and joy, your safety from harm, and your protection against the Adversary. That is why I pray for you all the time and think about you in my daily thoughts continuously. Be good. All my love, President Schmutz

Overflowing Font

Dear Family, This week as you all know was Christmas and I have yet to receive that package, but they go to the post office tomorrow so I am hoping to see it then. Its about the thought that counts Thank you all!! My area is Cebu 5th. The temple is my area, and we spend a minute or two in the mission office chatting with the missionaries if we happen to be at the complex. I am back to being informed about everything happening with the other missionaries. But you know me I would rather be in the middle of no where climbing a mountain than in the city. This week was an adjustment getting used to training an American! Sister Taylor! Sister Williams my "trainer" was American but she was Samoan, and this is the first time while I have been on the mission that two white American sisters are together. They say that its because I know the language well. I think it just happen to be destiny. :) Well I thought I would like it which I do, but its a major adjustment. I thought I was training last transfer, but this is really a challenge. I now have to speak English which I have decided I dont like to do now. It hurts my head. I have discovered though it is no longer about me progressing, but rather trying to make history with my greenie! It turns out though that Sister Williams is Sister Taylor's MTC teacher what a small world right! I guess I was mentioned in a couple of classes. One of the greenies that came into the batch with Sister Taylor said that she read my blog. Interesting. Maybe I should try to be more witty or something... well if I had time :) You know You Know never enough time.... So at the baptism of Sister Salve Vismanos the ward mission leader wasn't paying attention to the font, and during the lesson of Sister Monarez the font over flowed! The water swept across the floor and Sister continued her talk. When she was finished Bishop Thelmo and Brother Dover mopped up the floor. After we had a successful baptism. When they said amen all Sister Salve had to do is bend her knees and she was under the water. They hardly needed to put her under the water was so high. For Christmas I got the news that Gen had a baby! Wow was I ever shocked. I guess when you are on the mission your family just kind of forgets about you and assume someone else told you the news!! Can you all send me pictures please! Yey its a boy!! I am so excited to see him when I come home, and Chiara got so big!! She talks now. I love you all, Sister Bruno

A Rat as Big as A Cat

Dear Fams, How are you all?!? I am good still haven't gotten the package but I'm not worried. I'm expecting to get it probably in a month I will let you know. We have transfers again tomorrow and I will be training again. This time for real. I'm not sure who I will train but the odds are I will be training a American! We shall see! I'll let you know next week. This week has been rough in terms of our investigators. Our investigator who was supposed to get baptized this coming Saturday told us that his girlfriend is Prego!! But he is getting married in January so he will at least still be able to get baptized. Its just sad because his girlfriend is a member and they really wanted to get married in the temple. Now they will just have to work things out to be sealed in the temple. its just sad is all. At least we have hope for them since they are getting married and they want to stay close to the church. We shall see what happens. One of our inactive members opened up to us and told us that her step father is a peeping tom and that he threatens her life, but she wont open up to anyone else about it. they tried before to go to the barangay but nothing was done. I just suggested that she talk with bishop, but for now she wont even go to church. We will continue to help her resolve this. CAN YALL SEND ME SOME MUSIC LIKE LDS ROCK OR CHURCH MUSIC... you can probably just send it through an attachment in an email!! Thank you in advance. We have Sister Salve's baptism this Saturday at 10AM I am excited for her! I saw a rat yesterday as big as a cat it freaked me out!! YUCKS! Every companionship in my district will be training this transfer its kind of interesting! Im excited to see what will happen tomorrow!! I love you all See you on SKYPE!! I think maybe Monday morning we will skype but be on Sunday my time just in case either christmas eve or Christmas day DONT FORGET!! Love you Sister Bruno

Mission President Instructions for Training Missionaries

Dear Elders and Sisters, This is an unusual week. We are completing transfers two days early and changing the preparation day. The reason for these changes is that the Missionary Department of the Church moved dates in order that travel didn't conflict with Christmas. There are 16 new missionaries coming into the mission tomorrow. We are at the highest level of missionaries we have seen since I arrived on the mission. With this transfer we are reopening four new areas for missionaries. If we include the last three batches of missionaries, we have more than 45 new missionaries either being trained or who will complete their training tomorrow. That means about 75% of our missionaries are involved in training right now. I am told by the Area Presidency that we should expect further growth from new missionaries. This means that we NEED each one of you who is willing and desires to be prepared for training, prepared to raise a righteous generation of missionaries. I am grateful for your willingness to be diligent and set a good example for your companion and for the other missionaries in the mission. the only way we can accomplish the purposes the Lord has for this mission is for the entire force of missionaries in Cebu Mission, each one of you, to set a new standard of obedience and enthusiasm for the work. I sincerely hope you have made that decision and commitment in this work. I recently wrote a letter to one of our missionaries to explain my feelings about the importance of training a new missionary and the qualifications needed. I am pasting a portion of that letter here so you can see my feelings. Please ponder this as you perform your missionary labors. Thanks. Here it is: "I believe with all my heart that we have a sacred responsibility to train new missionaries in the Lord's way, so that they will have an example of faith, great diligence, strict obedience and love. Training a new missionary is the most important calling in the mission. The way a missionary is trained will have eternal consequences. In this mission, in the past, I think there has been a false attitude that a new missionary fresh from the great spirit of the MTC needs to learn that it is different in the field and we don't need to be strictly obedient to the white handbook rules or the morning schedule. Unfortunately, this attitude is a deception of the devil and it can destroy the spirit of a new missionary. The brethren have given us a 12 week training program to be used with all new missionaries. That program requires the trainer to be very diligent and hard working. He must carry out a two hour per day companionship study that thoroughly teaches the new missionary how to teach PMG by the Spirit. It is necessary that the program be faithfully followed. It is very hard work. A trainer cannot be trunky even in the least because it takes away the ability to train by example. I know that many missionaries have a great desire to train, so they can have an son in the mission. It is a way to leave a legacy in your son or daughter. But the opportunity to train is not for the benefit of the trainer. It is for the benefit of the new missionary. Too many times, we have had poor trainers leave a very bad legacy in their anak. When a new missionary is told that he or she doesn't really have to be obedient in everything and diligent and hard working every day, then the missionary becomes deceived, confused and often depressed. Too many times the new missionary, decides that the PNC (Pwede Na Current) is okay, and it can ruin his or her opportunity to become a missionary that truly pleases the Lord through faithful obedience all the days of his mission. The missionary that lives according to the higher law of strict obedience and standards of excellence, is happy and is led by the Spirit. Missionaries who are willing to set aside the personal desires and personal laziness, and who are willing to serve God with an eye single to his glory -- TRULY -- are missionaries that will do anything and everything He has asked them to do through his servants. These missionaries are the ones that are converted for life, permanently, these are the ones who receive and carry the Spirit with them at all times. Disobedience at any level, even in small things, deprives the missionary of the constant companionship of the Spirit. Training is a GREAT HONOR and privilege, but great honors and privilege go to those who are greatly faithful, greatly obedient and diligent and who are willing to sacrifice. So, if you really desire to TRAIN, and not just to have a son or daughter in the mission, you must prayerfully ponder upon the following questions: 1. Are you willing to obey EVERY RULE of the white hand book to the best of your ability? 2. Are you willing to arise at 6 am EVERY morning with no exceptions? 3. Are you willing to show by example that disobedience will not be tolerated? 4. Are you willing to follow the study program, every day for the full time, without exception? 5. Are you willing to live to the higher standards.? 6 Are you willing to repent of any disobedience in the past? I hope you will also ponder these thoughts and feelings and use or incorporate any part of this into your missionary life. Thanks again for all you do. All my love, President Schmutz

Reactivating A Family

Dear Family, It seems another transfer is past and gone. Transfer call comes again this coming Monday. Its clear that I will have a new companion, and most likely train again. Same area. I hope though that I have one last area before I come home. I still have 3 transfers after this December. Christmas is coming again and I plan to Skype on Sunday around 7-8AM my time or if not Monday 7-8AM my time. See you all on Skype then huh. So get on all of you and we will figure out everything!! My companion Sister Pangue is super cool. She is only with me for one transfer but she is hard working. She is still learning like any greenie. I wish I had the chance for a short term mission before the mission its an awesome opportunity. She is now prepared to train hehe. We finally got our rice cooker. I have been learning how to cook rice on the stove. Many new skills for when i come home... Except I will probably just use the rice cooker hehe you know American still. We had a zone activity today and we did a play/ dance act. It was fun we played a game you have to blow the flower out of the cup to get the Peso at the bottom... Pictures to come. Brother Alpitche came back to Church this past Sunday his whole family is active now!! All 8 of them its like we just had a new baptism a whole family, but its a better feeling to reactivate members, because I want them to get sealed in the temple!! We will work on it until I get transferred! This past Sunday I was asked last minute to give a talk about the blessings of tithing. I accepted the challenge and then gave a very clear talk. Guided by the spirit! We had many investigators attending church and its a hard topic especially when I know there are many people in the ward not paying their tithing. I am glad that the spirit guided me through the talk and hope that it inspired some to pay their tithing. Last Thursday Dec 8 we had a Christmas devotional. it was way cute. We had some people giving the narration of the Christmas story then we all sung Christmas songs. Our district gave a special musical number. I played the piano... Well I tried hehe We also had a CSP at the High School we taught about 25 students in one class then 25-30 students in another class. We taught about Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom. We commited them to follow the WOW and LOC. It was way fun. That's a recap of our week. Hope you are all doing good. Love Sister Bruno

Training A Short-Term Missionary

Dear Family, It seems another transfer is past and gone. Transfer call comes again this coming Monday. Its clear that I will have a new companion, and most likely train again. Same area. I hope though that I have one last area before I come home. I still have 3 transfers after this December. Christmas is coming again and I plan to Skype on Sunday around 7-8AM my time or if not Monday 7-8AM my time. See you all on Skype then huh. So get on all of you and we will figure out everything!! My companion Sister Pangue is super cool. She is only with me for one transfer but she is hard working. She is still learning like any greenie. I wish I had the chance for a short term mission before the mission its an awesome opportunity. She is now prepared to train hehe. We finally got our rice cooker. I have been learning how to cook rice on the stove. Many new skills for when i come home... Except I will probably just use the rice cooker hehe you know American still. We had a zone activity today and we did a play/ dance act. It was fun we played a game you have to blow the flower out of the cup to get the Peso at the bottom... Pictures to come. Brother Alpitche came back to Church this past Sunday his whole family is active now!! All 8 of them its like we just had a new baptism a whole family, but its a better feeling to reactivate members, because I want them to get sealed in the temple!! We will work on it until I get transferred! This past Sunday I was asked last minute to give a talk about the blessings of tithing. I accepted the challenge and then gave a very clear talk. Guided by the spirit! We had many investigators attending church and its a hard topic especially when I know there are many people in the ward not paying their tithing. I am glad that the spirit guided me through the talk and hope that it inspired some to pay their tithing. Last Thursday Dec 8 we had a Christmas devotional. it was way cute. We had some people giving the narration of the Christmas story then we all sung Christmas songs. Our district gave a special musical number. I played the piano... Well I tried hehe We also had a CSP at the High School we taught about 25 students in one class then 25-30 students in another class. We taught about Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom. We committed them to follow the WOW and LOC. It was way fun. That's a recap of our week. Hope you are all doing good. Love Sister Bruno

Philippines Cebu Mission Christmas Letter

Dear Elders and Sisters, Sister Schmutz and I want to wish you all a merry merry Christmas. We hope and pray that you will feel the joy of Christmas in your hearts and feel the Savior's love for yourselves and for all the precious children of God that are here in our mission. We are so blessed to have revealed knowledge about our Savior and his atonement, the reason for his birth. Even though we are far away from the snow of Christmas that whitens the fields and rooftops of our home, we have received a marvelous blessing of joy to enjoy this first Christmas in the heat of Cebu. Even though we are far from our home and family, we feel as if we have our family all around with the many many sons and daughters that we have found in the mission. Thank you for your love to us, and your prayers in our behalf. We really feel it. Two Thousand Years ago, an angel announced to Mary that she would be blessed to be the mortal mother of God's own son. Her heart leapt with joy at that great news. When the time came that she was with holy child and knew that the Savior of the World was growing in her womb, she needed to share her joy with another person and so she traveled to share her joy with her cousin Elisabeth, who was also carrying a godly child, John the Baptist. When the two women greeted one another, and Mary saluted Elisabeth, the babe who was John "leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost." Mary exclaimed, "MY soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47) The two women rejoiced together at the wonderful experience they were sharing. I think in some ways it is the same today. When we greet others with the news of Jesus Christ, those who are prepared will be filled with the Holy Ghost and filled with joy as was Elisabeth. And we rejoice together in the news that the Lord has restored his church and brought revelation back to the earth. This is his gospel. We love sharing it. At this time of year, i want to express my great love for Jesus Christ, who so long ago came to earth as a holy infant in swaddling clothes. He brought joy and the hope and promise of resurrection and eternal life. How special it is to know that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that all who might believe in him and keep his commandments can have life enternal in his righteous kingdom. I feel that He is smiling down upon our mission now, a resurrected perfect God. He has accomplished his work, and his work continues to roll forth. This mission is a part of his vineyard. I feel blessed to declare his word and bring his love to those in need. All our love to each of you in this Christmas season. We are so excited to see you for the Christmas program. Until then, All our love, President and Sister Schmutz

Going Home Early From A Mission

HAHAH Mom told me of the Christmas BOX!!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH I LOVE YOU ALL. I will let you know if it comes in the next month hahah it always takes FOREVER!!! The mission is great. We just found out that one of the Elders in my batch going home will be going home soon because of a heart problem. I have been talking to my companions about what it would feel like to have to go home early. Most have said they would be okay with that hahah!! Well I definitely would not be okay with that. I would only hope that I serve the fullest here on the mission with no regrets and until the end. I would hate to miss the going away parties haha!! We had district activity today, and bought a cake for Sister Gumayao's birthday which ended up in a small cake fight. We are children I know but it wasn't out of control so I feel that it's okay :) Shhh dont tell President in case thats not okay. I have realized on the mission it's about personal worthiness. We have agency. If we used the agency wisely the mission is an amazing adventure. If we use our agency incorrectly the mission is full of guilt and regret. I am glad I am having a blast on the mission. I am starting to adjust to the city, but hope that i will have one last area before coming home. The time is far spent you KNOW!! The elders in my going home Batch are counting down the days and the time is soon approaching, but don't worry you still have some time to make some coming home posters and plan my PARTY...!! Speaking of party its soon CHRISTMAS!! THAT MEANS SKYPE!! I plan to skype on the 25 DEC but Im not exactly sure yet. But plan it to be 25 DEC. It might be 26 DEC whatever I will let you know next week probably. We have a baptism coming up soon. We postponed it for his family to attend. Brother Jeff is what I like to call a Golden Investigator. He has so many awesome questions is amazing how great his faith and testimony is. i feel that rather than us teaching him he is teaching us far more. I like to use his comments in lessons when I teach. He makes everything so clear. I am excited for the transfer. It will be on 21 DEC. It's early this month so it wont be so close to Christmas. I will be getting a full time companion, and will train for two transfers so I will most likely have one more area my last transfer!! I love you all for your sacrifice for me to be on the mission. Keep enduring and living your covenants. Love Sister Bruno PS PLEASE UPDATE ME WITH ALL OF YOUR LIVES!!

Interesting Questions from An Investigator

Dear President Schmutz, I continue to have a positive experience with Sister Pangue. She is willing to work hard even though she is not a full time missionary with no training. I feel this has not only been productive for the mission, but it has also helped her to be ready for her mission. Brother Jeff has decided to move his baptismal date until the first couple weeks of January so that his parents can attend. I feel this is the best decision for him. I believe that he is ready to be baptized, but I am glad we have more time to prepare him for the covenant he is about to make. He has many great questions, and we are sometimes shocked at his knowledge of the gospel and his testimony. Sister Salve is starting to open up. She is not yet ready for her baptism so we will move the date back. At least we see her progression. Sister Neil Jean Alpitche has a great desire to be baptized. Her parents are inactive, but are slowly coming back to church. We feel that she should not be baptized until she has support from her parents. Although she is not a convert baptism she is still someone we have been focusing on. We are teaching her father on the weekends when he is home. They are excited for our family home evening this Saturday at 7PM. If you are available President and would like to attend just let us know. We are happy that Sister Alpitche came to church last sunday although brother did not come with her. She took the leap of faith, and brought her six children with her. She walked with six kids two of them being small children. I feel that brother is soon to follow to come back. We taught the Banono family. The father has been inactive for a long time. He has a problem with drinking and smoking, but we feel this will easily be given up once he once again gains a testimony. It will take time and effort, but we can't let his family try to go alone. I am grateful for the new program it has changed my outlook on the work. I can tell the increase of knowledge. I am grateful for the new questions and concerns of inactive members. I feel this will only strengthen me for when I go home not to become inactive!! I am excited for what next transfer will bring with the new companion. I have enjoyed the time with Sister Pangue training. I will continue to help the work progress here in the Cebu 5th area. Although we had very low stats president this week we really did try our hardest. It takes much more time trying to convince inactive members to let us teach them. I find sometimes we are only getting one or two lessons, because we don't feel it would be appropriate to teach. We have been trying to build trust of the inactive members to open their hearts. We though will not force them to listen to a message if the situation does not warrant. For example we visited the Banono house and brother was passed out drunk. We talked to sister, but we did not teach a lesson. Things like that where there will be no spirit. It also seems we get punted a lot more lately, but it does not frustrate us we just continue. Thank you President for your testimony of the Savior. I have a great hope for my future not only tomorrow or after the mission, but in the life to come all because I know that without a shadow of doubt that Christ lives. He is our advocate at the judgement. Sister Bruno

Cockroaches, Scotch Tape and Serving in A Temple Area

Family, I am reassigned to the Cebu 5th ward. You know when it has a number after it then its a city mission jud! Our area is the temple! At least I still have a place to go every morning to go running. We are working here across from the temple. If we don't have many converts then I am definitely doing something wrong, because I am in the shadow of the temple. We are reopening an area! Did I mention I don't have a companion. Instead I am making history. At the transfer call I had no idea what was going on I was not very well informed. At the transfer meeting I found out that I will be training a district missionary. She has received her call for her mission, but has not been to the MTC yet. She can still talk to her family and such because she has not been set apart and she is still preparing to go on her mission, but I am basically training her. I am her MTC teacher. Her gospel doctrine teacher, and trainer!! We arrived at the apartment yesterday and the floor was covered with cockroaches! No one lived in it for a transfer (6weeks) and it was an elders apartment before so you can just imagine. Luckily earlier that day we all decided for district CSP they would help us move in and clean up the apartment. It was a wreck! It's okay because now its livable. We spent the last two days fortifying the house with scotch tape plastic bags and paper to cover holes where the cockroaches can get in. We are scared to wake up with a cockroach on our face! My companion woke up the first night because she had a nightmare there was one on her face and they were crawling up the walls!! I now sleep under the blanket wrapped like a pig in a blanket tight as can be so I don't wake up with one on my face. They still get in the house so we will still fortify it tonight! Pray for me that I don't wake up with on on my face!! Sister Robison already told me a story of that happening to her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our first day of real work was yesterday. We had people come with us from the ward to show us the area so we were lucky because the area book is no help! There is no maps or anything useful!! The elders fail! Its a challenge but I know it will just take getting used to! Loving the work... You know Working hard and hard working its super serious here in the city so you know... Nahigugma ko kaninjo! Sister Bruno Pictures to come I forgot my card reader to send pictures sorry!!

S.M.I.L.E.: Run Run Run

S.M.I.L.E.: Run Run Run: Once upon a time in High School I took a PE class. For the most part it wasn't too bad. We did fun things like badmitton, and volleyball, an...

Taking On Another Challenge

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org>
Date: Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 1 Nov 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net

Dear Sister Bruno,

Thanks once again for a wonderful report on your progressing investigators. You reminded me of how important it is to keep track of our investigators and recent converts -- "and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer" (Moroni 6:4) and especially to prepared against trials and tribulations that might keep them from accepting baptism.

You have been blessed to have Sister Canoneo as a companion. She is a wonderful sister, and I know that she feels blessed because of your companionship with her. Now it is time to move to another assignment. We are asking you to take on quite a challenge, but we know that you are up to it, and by relying on the strong arm of the Lord, you will be equal to the task. I hope you feel you have been blessed by your time in Baclayon. I know you have blessed the members there.

Stay strong, and seek to purify your heart for the work. (D&C 112:28). I am very proud of you.

Love,
President Schmutz

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Admonishes Missionaries This Is Deadly Serious Business

Dear Family, The chismis or gossip here on the mission is that I will be opening another area and training the transfer call hasn't come in but President says that my next area is going to be challenging which means I am going to be 100% stressed out... I heard I am going back to the city but I have prepared my self for the worst hehe.. At least if I train this transfer I will have one more area! If I go back to the city hopefully that means my last area will be Bais or I will return to Bohol! President told me to stay strong in his last email that means that this next assignment is going to be extremely hard arg... Okay I am willing and ready for anything BRING IT ON!!

Hehe well this week we have been mostly looking for dentist for Sister Canoneo because her wisdom tooth came in and she was in real pain. Thursday we looked for a dentist then by Saturday we found one that was a reasonable price, and we got an X-ray then Monday they took out the tooth. I watched them but I couldnt really see anything because I didnt stand right over them when they took it out but I did see the blood and tooth pieces being sucked up the tube. I convinced her to take the tooth home as a mission memory hehe. She didnt want to at first but gave in at the end. It was not long but rather fat... YUCKS JUD...ANYWAYS We were in the house all day on Monday and Tuesday after. I know that she is in serious pain we don't know what the next two days will be like, but Friday we will be going to Cebu most likely I will be transfered and she will take trainers' training..

So dad wanted me to send him the 20 October 2011 notes from the Elder Holland talk well here goes:

The first presidency and apostles have high expectations for the missionaries. There is no compromise--what is expected is to be happy and successful-- almost seems unfair but accepted call to serve the Lord. Don't take for granted that you are serving. We don't do icons people want to convey what church is... what is symbol of the church? Salt lake temple? What is more known is two latter-day missionaries--symbol of who we are. Ultimate image Savior but missionaries are those the people know. Bear responsibility of adoration and trust.People feel that you are perfect--You have no right to compromise that image... In this dispensation you missionaries stand next to Samuel Smith- 23 march 1830 book of mormon published 3 days before organization of the church and Samuel already was taking the Book of Mormon to the world... You have 200 years standing beside you.

Don't be anything less that you can be. We stand by our colors be part of that devotion. This is DEADLY SERIOUS BUSINESS. We do everything we can to change you over night. We are opening the entire kingdom for you missionaries we give that to you at 19 or 21. ;Accept it with generosity. Make sure you are hearing this! We know we expect a lot from you and we do not apologize;for age expectation or the pressure we put you under. Be kind of missionary your family thinks you are.

Preach my Gospel- background... It was a bold and daring move it requires a finer missionary. You now need to go to their level and not try to make them come up to your level. It can't be your way its about their way. ;John teaches Nicodemus and he doesn'tunderstand... Why? Literalism- if you say birth you mean birth. Women at well doesn't understand either because takes it literally. Don't expect them to be at your level. Find out who they are. He is going to teach everyone. Why cant I? You talk to everyone because that's what He did. Be persistent- Wallace Torranto story... You have to know the gospel. Basic scripture etc.

Be believing and obedient to have to spirit of the Lord in your life. White Hand Book--We signed on to do it His way. Don't whine about the rules or break them. This is the BIG time so square and stiffen your back and Be obedient. Obedience= Devotion Don't let people off the hook for not keeping commitments. ;We can not make any commitment slide because one day they are going to make temple commitments and they really can't slide on those. Teach with Power and Authority. They need to know that you know even if they don't know. Sizzle them right down to their Adidas melt their flip flops.

The power of conviction! Power of the still small voice will melt them. Spirituality not theatrics. -prayer - Scripture -Longing - know to be better missionary than Elder Holland Be better prepared and knowledgeable. If you are struggling with your testimony you hang on to mine!! This is the truth. Not a fable. That is the truth and I wouldn't tell you a lie.

Awesome talk!!

Nahigugma ko kaninyo!!

PADAYON LANG

Sister Bruno

Sister Missionary Elect Lady in Kingdom of God

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: 2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org Date: Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 4:43 PM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 11 Oct 2011 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Sister Bruno, Time is flying by so fast. It seems like we waited forever preparing for Elder Holland's talk, and now it has come and gone. I hope you were prepared and that you felt inspiration and revelation from the Spirit during that meeting. It was such a beautiful blessing to sit and learn at the feet of an apostle and prophet of the Lord. As Elder Holland talked, I watched the faces of the missionaries and I felt that you were being taught from on high. All your faces were lifted to the pulpit and filled with light. What a marvelous experience. It's been a couple of weeks since your last letter so I am interested to know how your investigators are doing. You are having so many wonderful experiences as a missionary. These experiences are helping you to grow step by step in the way of the Lord. You may not realize this, but you are becoming an elect lady in the Lord's kingdom. You are preparing to be a wife, mother and angel of mercy to all who surround you. Keep striving to be a great missionary, and in the process you will become a great person. We love you and thank the Lord for your service here President Schmutz

Rejecting the Book of Mormon: Missionary Sadness

President Schmutz, This week I reached my one year mark. It has been the 'best year for my life' for sure. I have learned how to overcome weakness. I have learned how to live with another person for 24 hours straight. I have come to appreciate every blessing from Heavenly father. I have grown to love the Filipino culture, people, and food. My taste, desires, and life has changed on the mission. We are excited for this month, it's going to be busy, but it will be very enjoyable. We just got done with general conference, and then this Saturday is zone interview, and then district conference, and then the 20th of October we will have the once in a life time chance to go to listen to Elder Holland. If you didn't know before Elder Holland is my favorite speaker. I prayed in the MTC that he would be a guest speaker, and he ended up coming twice to speak. This really is a blessing to be once again in his presence. He is an awesome motivational speaker. In the MTC he spoke about if we ever wanted to go home or be disobedient to remember that we are examples to the younger generation, and that his grandchildren look at the missionaries as examples and that if we ever got lazy remember his grandchildren and that not to disappoint them. I still remember his words after a year here in the field. Here on the mission everyday is like a new chapter in life. Anything could happen! The mission is an adventure we can not guess what will happen. For example we were really excited about visiting a new investigator Sister Panga yesterday. We visited her just before lunch. &Because of the storm that was going through Bohol it was rainy and overcast. We reached her house mud speckled our legs. Sister Panga came out of her house holding the Book of Mormon and the restoration pamphlet. She explained that she and her husband had been fighting and that she wanted to work it out with him. She explained that he did not approve of her listening anymore. Our hearts just dropped. Our last visit she had been asking questions and told us she had talked to her husband. He had met us on a pjeepney before and said it was okay for us to visit. I just thought what had changed in those few short days. She wanted to give back the Book of Mormon. We testified. No change she insisted that we take the book back, because her husband told her to. She was kind about it and asked us to respect her decision. Sister Canoneo told her she could hide the Book of Mormon. Sister Panga was afraid if she kept the book that her husband would find it and be angry. We testified that one day her husband's heart would change and if ever that happened not to be shy to give us a call. Sister Panga did this in a very dignified manner and we were not annoyed or mad that she gave us back the Book of Mormon, but rather saddened and our hearts hurt. Walking away we just sang at the same time "magpadayon ta!" (we will continue) and laughed. The storms of the mission can either get you down or lift you up. I'ts a choice and we decided to count our blessings rather look at the disappointments. ;We treated ourselves to Payag restaurant, and got back to work. It was raining all day yesterday, and by inspiration Elder Fisher our fearless district leader sent a text that morning and I quote "Hey team! padayon sa inyong pagkakugi, hinumdumi ng ur effectiveness as a missionary is based on ur effort to find, teach, and bap... so go find dem souls! 'love Elder Fisher & Elder Narvasa'. " (Hey Team! Continue your diligence and remember that your...) His text was inspired because of the rain we were punted all day, but we continued in faith. Thanks to the encouragement of Elder Fisher. Despite being punted we taught Sister Jessie yesterday morning, and she seems to be progressing. She asked when her baptism was. ;Before she said that she wasn't ready for baptism. We also ended the night by having and FHE with the Ugboc faily and Brother Nelson about the Book of Mormon. Our investigators are progressing. The marriage of Sister Margie Casquejo is upon us. We are not sure of the exact date, but we plan that it will be 22 Oct. We will continue to follow-up. Sister Charity Ondoy is very excited for her baptism the 22 Oct. We can see that she really does has a testimony. All of our other investigators seem to be on again off again, but we will use your advise and return to restoration Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. The work is progressing here in the Philippines and we are working hard to stay worthy to be blessed. Sister Canoneo has shown great leadership and has also been a great example. I am grateful for her up beat personality. For her words of encouragement, and for her small acts of kindness. I am enjoying the work. Sincerely, Sister Bruno

Florida Jacksonville Mission Solo Facebook Page: New Social Media Pilot Technique

On Sunday 2 October I read an interesting entry on Sister Marilyn Barry's Facebook page:

Hello Family and Friends, Thank you all for the friend requests. I loved seeing faces of so many people that I love and miss. Our mission is doing a pilot program for the church to see how effective missionary work is on Facebook. We were asked to close out our personal facebook accounts and open a missionary facebook devoted exclusively to teaching the gospel to investigators, keeping contact with local members and keeping contact with our missionaries who have gone home. Though I can't accept your request to be 'friends' on facebook know that our friendship status is alive and thriving in my heart. I love you all and hope all is well in your life. Love Sister Marilyn Barry

I found this interesting and wondered just how they would implement it.  I suspect they would create a Facebook group where they will allow current Facebook missionaries, investigators, and former missionaries to join.  I noticed a new Facebook group for the mission and made the first request to join the group on Sunday.  I clicked on like for  Florida Jacksonville Mission page but so far I have had no response to joining the group.

Just for fun I am going to the invidual missionaries pages to see what they have to say about the change.

Elder Caleb Crites didn't mention it. Yesterday in his last FB message he wrote: "It just so happens that I can track the number of views on the blog I share. And the last post I wrote hasn't had any views! If there be any who wish to hear from me, they don't get any more untill they read what they've got!"

Elder Chad Craig, Elder Christian Bezzant, Elder Cody Jacobs, Elder Cody Maxfield, Elder Colton Wadsworth, Elder Dyerly, Elder Evan Robison,  Elder Garrett Bushman, Elder James Graham, Elder Kenneth Hinton, Elder Matthias Neville, Elder Michael Johnson, Elder Nik Allred, Elder Parker Grant, Elder Riley Day, Elder Robert William Reid, Elder Sawyer Barnes, Elder Trevor Larsen, Sister Amy Surtees, Sister Chelesia Prettyman, Sister Joan Fitu, Sister Martha Liljenquist, Sister Stephanie La Jeunesse, doesn't say anything about the change on any of their Facebook pages or blogs. Several of the missionaries have posted on their individual Facebook pages this week so maybe they will close their accounts out next week.

This is the third mission to close out Facebook pages. The Michigan Lansing Mission did it in a limited way last year reducing their missionaries to only those on college campuses. The Baton Rouge Louisiana Mission dropped Facebook and blogging totally and only put up Mormon.Org profiles. I don't know if this affects blogs too for the Florida Jacksonville Mission.  I wonder how they will be able to assess its effectiveness but it will be interesting to see. It will be sad to not see their individual comments but it might have better responses. I don't know how they will handle blogging but I like the way the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Mission put up a solo blog for most of their missionaries Good Mormon America.  The blog has become somewhat inactive the last month but it was a nice source for missionary input.  I like the way Michael Hemingway and the missionary committee are trying different approaches and commend their efforts.

Purifying Our Hearts

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been successful. We had fhe with an inactive member and half of the branch was in attendance including the branch presidency.

Brother Noel and brother Jeffrey decided to do Home Teaching every Sunday to all the inactive members in the branch which is a big help to the work.

Sister Margie's seminar is nearing.

Sister Charity is still excited about her baptism.

All of our other investigators though are not seeming to be able to keep their commitments. We are following up, and have been teaching that their are blessings when they read their assignment, or when they go to church.

Sister Canoneo is still amazing. She is so kind I fail in comparison to her. We are both excited about the Cebu trip this coming Oct 20th. Elder Fisher gave an inspiring workshop for district meeting about preparing ourselves for the conference. Sister Canoneo and I am working hard to encourage each other to purify our hearts for the coming of Elder Holland.

I see the work progressing here in Baclayon. Sister Canoneo and I always talk about how people say that Bohol is hard, but we know that is not true. Bohol is the same as any other area it has its challenges, but there are so many people that have been prepared for us.

Thank you President,

Sister Bruno

Building Houses

TRANSFER WEEK!!

We still havent heard yet about the transfer call, but its exciting. We have no sisters coming in so there will be an area closed and a threesome. We dont know what to expect because we figured out that almost all the sisters in the mission will be training this next few transfers November and December. We are not sure though who is all training but its going to be literally almost all of the seniors. Sometimes I hope that I dont train because its sooo stressful, but it would be a fun expierence. What ever happens I know that I will grow from it. All of my companions I have loved in different ways.

Speaking of companions I LOVE LOVE Sister Canoneo. We are Besties!! She is amazing. Seriously we have so much fun together. Teaching lessons, tracking, or P-day. We have an adventure on the mission. I hope that all the rest of my companions can be as cool as she is.

Last P-day we had zone activity. We played games it was fun to see all the zone. We had a fhe for the elders going home Elder Gubb and Elder Diguidoy. They are way good elders. We are going tomiss them here on the mission kay elder gubb was our zone leader and he was the bomb.com but it was a way good FHE it made me realize I am not ready for the mission to be over. We also played charades it was way fun too..

For district meeting this week we played categories. Our district this transfer is way fun and funny. We laugh all the time. For categories we were super loud but no one got mad or anything we just laughed because the elders in my district play off of eachother. Our district all have chill attitudes so we all get along.

We have a CSP every monday and we have built a whole house from the bottom up. We are almost done. We painted the roof this past monday.

We had a FHE with a new investigator brother John Rey he said its way more fun than bible study and he plans to do it with his family more often.

We have an investigator who lives with her relatives who are members. Charity is 13 years old and her parents said she could get baptized so her baptismal date is this October!! We are excited for her because she has support since she will be living with the Delfins for a couple of years.

The mission is fun. We work hard, and play hard. Its not only about being serious but its learning how to be happy in life. It doesnt always have to be serious. There is a time to be serious and a time to have fun.

I love you all and am glad we are going to be together forever!! Dont lie you are too :)

Nahigugma ko kaninyo

Sister Bruno

The Sting of the Scorpion

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland to Visit Phillipines Cebu Mission

Dear Elders and Sisters,

We have been traveling with leadership meetings and district conference all week, so I am not able to write each of you an individual letter. However, we have a very special event to discuss.

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, we will receive a visit with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Tad R. Callister of the Presidency of Seventy, and Elder Michael John U. Teh of the Seventy. Elder Holland wishes to meet with the Missionaries from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. All missionaries are invited from each island. We will be using our preparation day for this visit, so we will be working on Wednesday and taking Thursday as our preparation day. Those traveling from the off islands will need to preserve their travel money to make sure they can pay the cost of transportation to Cebu. The meeting will be held at the temple complex stake center.

Elder Holland has requested that all missionaries are seated in their seats by 3:00 p.m., one hour early. We should quietly be reading the scriptures and pondering on things of the spirit. Missionaries should sit with companions.

Sister Schmutz and I desire that all missionaries are spiritually prepared to receive all the Lord would have us receive from Elder Holland, Elder Callister and Elder Teh. Therefore, I wish you to begin preparing now to purify yourselves and prepare your hearts. Make a commitment to be obedient in all things starting now. Study the scriptures and be prayerful to receive the spirit at the time of this meeting. There may be an opportunity to ask questions, so please give prayerful thought to any questions you might wish to ask. The questions should be sincere and respectful. Please fast on the day of the meeting. Those who are traveling please try to arrange to do all travel on the Thursday, the day of the meeting, if possible. Please work with your zone leaders and the assistants to travel together as much as possible.

This is such a wonderful blessing and rare opportunity to sit at the feet of our prophets and apostles. We are very excited that we were permitted to invite all missionaries on all the islands, but it is important that you sacrifice your preparation day on Wednesday for this purpose.

We love you and wish you a wonderful week. We look forward to seeing you on the 20th!

President and Sister Schmutz

Planting Seeds on a Mission

Dear President Schmutz,

We have really seen the blessings in our work this past Sunday. We are working hard every day and come home so tired!! When we work our hardest that's when time really flys. We are enjoying our companionship, and we are enjoying our area.

President Badana is a great help in the work. He has many great ideas we are excited to implement into our work.

Brother Noel has really taken the time to refer all of his neighbors and friends and family members to us and he even likes to kuyog us to lessons.

Sister Jessie is slowly progressing and she was at church this last week.We have had Sister Ugboc fellowship her and it really has helped her progression.

We have done a lot of planting this past transfer and soon will harvest.

Sister Margie is getting married this October 15th and then in the afternoon baptized. I'm sure it will be the best day of her life.

Enjoyed the time you and Sister Schmutz joined our CSP. Thanks for the memories.

Sister Bruno