Sunday, July 26, 2015

Family

Hello, hello, hello! This week flew by as usual! Despite the challenges with everything here, this lifestyle is becoming a part of me. I am finally getting accustomed to lifestyle of a missionary. Take brownouts, for example. Brownouts are pretty commonplace now, so every few days the power goes out and it's like nothing happened. We continue whatever we were previously doing, but just with flashlights and without fans. One of A cat got into my bread again on Tuesday, so that was a real bummer (but honestly it was pretty hilarious considering it happened not even a week earlier). On Wednesday we took a two hour bus ride to Naga for a Trainers' training workshop. Let me tell you. That was probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. I had three boxes and a backpack on my lap for this two hour trip. It was awful. But on the bright side, two days ago, I was also engulfed in a HUGE group of 4-8 year-old kids, maybe 12 or 13 of them, who had the strongest urge to give us high fives and hug us. That happens frequently actually. Kids in the Philippines are SO nice, it kills me. The kids here are super funny. Earlier this week, we were sitting on the water front of the this dock. We heard a crowd of young voices approaching us. So my companion and I turned around to see about 15 young boys running to the lake. Not a minute later, they all jumped in and had a grand old time. Worry-free and full of joy. Oh what I would do to be a kid again.

This week I truly learned the importance of the role of families. Here in the Philippines, no matter who it is you're talking to, you call them by some family title, such as Tatay, Nanay, Ate, Kuya or in English, Dad, Mom, Older Sister, Older Brother. It's remarkable. Everyone here is family, even if they aren't truly related through blood. Embedded in this culture is family. My family is awesome. I can't express how thankful I am for them. Families were crucial in my upbringing, literally. I truly wouldn't be here if they were not here. They are your support system in times of need, struggle, and hope. I can honestly say that I took my family for granted at some points in my life, but never have I ever been more grateful for them until I started my mission. There are times here when I think to myself "Man. I am SO glad my parents taught me how to do this." Family is everything. Really. They are there for you when you fall and never fail to love you with every bit of their being. 

So that's all for this week everyone. I hope your week was fantastic! I love you all and I'll catch you next week! 

-Elder Bondoc

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for another letter Elder Bondoc. We pray you every day. Keep them coming. I love reading them.

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  2. I admire your insight-yes, families are the support system we all rely on. You are blessed to have a strong, loving family. I admire your mother for turning out to be a great mom considering she grew up without a mom herself!

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  3. I admire your insight-yes, families are the support system we all rely on. You are blessed to have a strong, loving family. I admire your mother for turning out to be a great mom considering she grew up without a mom herself!

    ReplyDelete