So, I had a buddy from my mission in the Philippines that did a sort of learning experience list from each companion. I decided to mimic what he did but also memories from each area.
I spent time first in the MTC with two separate companions: Elder Brown and Elder Hansen.
I spent time first in the MTC with two separate companions: Elder Brown and Elder Hansen.
This picture of Elder Brown was taken on our first night in the MTC. We were awkward, but sort of anxious. I learned to study hard, be diligent and caring with Elder Brown.
Elder Hansen was my second MTC companion and although things were a little weird at first, we learned to have fun and enjoy our time. The MTC is seen as this time where all you do is study, but I learned from Elder Hansen it can be a lot of fun also.
This picture was taken near Christmas in my first area of Cauayan City in Branch 2. My Tatay, Elder Paco taught me so much. He taught me how to love, work hard, obedience, and overall, how to become a good missionary.
My second companion in Cauayan City was Elder Fangupo (Fangwapo) who is holding a pig head. He is a person that I just love so much because of who he is. Elder Fangupo taught me how to utilize my resources and time to become a more effective missionary. He made me look at missionary work in a whole new way.
Elder Laudenorio was my third companion in Cauayan City, a companion that taught me patience, taught me how to enjoy my mission, taught me how to smile even during stressful times.
My fourth companion, first companion in Cordon, Isabela taught me patience and endurance. Elder Talusig was a fun companion and he also taught me how to stay determined. (Sorry, no picture. SD card was lost)
Elder Mataipule was my fifth companion and second in Cordon, Isabela. He taught me to relax in times of stress. He taught me the importance of change and cleanliness. Most of all, he taught me to have fun, but stay focused.
In my third area of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Elder Urgelles, my sixth companion, taught me to love the people and love the area. He taught me how to become close with the members.
In Solano, my fourth area of two weeks, Elder Blancaver taught me friendship and having a positive attitude even during hard times.
In my return to Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, I learned with Elder Alimagno, patience. I learned to not become affected by small grudges. I also learned sacrifice in leaving an area, knowing I needed to leave for the area to grow.
In Mabini, Gamu, I was reunited with Elder Ellis, an Elder from my MTC batch. I learned from him how to remember and move past things. I learned a lot about caring and being united in all things.
In Solana, Cagayan, I learned how to lead, but also not take complete control. Coming into a new area I wasn't familiar with, I had to allow Elder Galang to lead in many aspects.
In my last area, Caliguian, Burgos, I learned with Elder Apin to, in essence, run through the rain. I learned a lot about rationing supplies and keeping track of things.
With Elder Molino, I learned to endure, to walk the long road and how to introduce new ideas to members. We became very hardworking with the help of members.
My final companion, Elder Lisaca taught me how to smile at the road behind me. He taught me how to share the burden, rather than trying to hold all responsibilities. He showed me how to love the people, the area, the friendships and the hard times. Elder Lisaca taught me how to find beauty in the small things and enjoy each moment.