Word of the week: Scandalous

We are having technology issues with Wade in his new area.  He could see and hear us last night but we couldn't see or hear him.  So we talked to him and he typed his answers back to us.  Here are some pictures and highlights from his week:

• He said they spent a good portion of the week putting out fires.  They had some disobedient missionaries that were calling Sisters in their mission at midnight. Thus the subject of this post.  He said they had to some some transferring and re-arranging of companionships but everything is all good now.
• They had 2 investigators come to church so he was excited about that.
• He said the weather is getting very hot and it hasn't rained as much lately.
• He is still sleeping on a mattress on the floor in his apartment.  He said there are big cockroaches everywhere that they have to kill.  He's just grateful there aren't rats and snakes in his apartment.  He has seen rats in people's houses when they have taught investigators.  He hates rats!
• He said they did get rocks thrown at them once during one of the elections there.  But he didn't take it personally because they weren't throwing them "at them", but were just throwing them at anyone and everyone.
• He loves his companion, Elder Buan and gets along so good with him.  They have lots in common.
• He's excited for General Conference, especially because they get to watch it in English.
• He said he's freaking out because he only has a little over 3 months left.  Time is going by fast!

This river is close to his apartment.

This is how the kids get around the village.

He thought this sign was funny.  Especially the one thats says "Drink...Don't Drive."

Wade found a store that sells NBA jersey's for super cheap.   He picked up several but this one is his favorite. 

MLC and Borongan Zone

We got to video chat with Elder Holmstead again this week.  Here are some highlights:

• He was transferred to the Borongan Zone.  He really likes his new companion, Elder Buan, and his new area.  After 7 months he said he was ready for a change.
• They speak Waray-Waray in Borongan so it's taken some time for him to get used to speaking that language again.  He is starting to feel more comfortable with it.  He is still pretty lost in his area but he's starting to figure out where things are at.
• He asked us to pray for his investigators:
• Ricky and Gemmalyn
• May Ann Capones
• Francis Capones
• Lyra, Pauline, Angel
• Dominic is still progressing also so he asked us to keep him in our prayers.
• He and Elder Buan travelled up to the Dolores Branch which is at the top of their zone.  He said he doesn't look very far on a map but it's a 3 hour drive.  They rode in Jeepney's.  He said they are full of people and roads are very bumpy so it's a rough ride.
• He and his companion haven't had time to shop at all since he was transferred so they were planning to hit a grocery store on p-day.
• He said there are 150 members in his branch.
• He had a great birthday and appreciated everyone who sent him an email.  He said the Filipino's try to guess his age and most of them think he is 30 or 40 years old.
• He found a store that has some sweet NBA jersey's so he's planning to pick up a few.
• He said the temperature there all week is supposed to be 80 degrees!

Baptism and Video Chat

Wade didn't get a chance to write a group email this week.  However, we did get to video chat with him for awhile so we loved that.  He was excited about the baptism they had last week of James Carlo.  Transfers are this week and he thought he was going to get sent to a new area.  He has been in Sogod for over 7 months so he is the "oldest" missionary in the zone.  I got an message on FB from a member in Wade's area and she said that he will be transferring this week to Borongan, Samar.  In her words, "Elder Holmstead is going to his next area now  after 7 mos, we will definitely miss him   He's been a good missionary and a friend/brother to us...my children will miss him too.  We are blessed to know your son.  God Bless you and your Family. -Francisco Family

Also, Wade's birthday is on the 13th so send him a birthday message if you get a chance.  He would love to hear from you all!