Sunday, November 1, 2015

Hard Work and "Failure"

Hello!

This week we were able to meet new people who seem very receptive and open to what we have to share with them. The people here are awesome. This week we had the chance to experience (partially) what they call here Ang Araw ng Mga Patay, or the Day of the Dead. They celebrate it on the day of Halloween, but it's not really like Halloween at all. On October 31st, people join together at the local cemetery to remember their loved ones who have passed away. Some even choose to sleep over at the cemetery. Houses lined on the streets have lit candles on their front porches or windows if they don't get the chance to go to the cemetery. It's amazing how different cultures in the world are. This week was also probably one of the most tiring weeks of my entire life. We worked as usual, but this week we literally pushed ourselves to the limit physically. This week we attempted to get to every potential appointment that we could. Obviously, things don't always go as planned. That's just how life goes. But we pushed through, walked about 5 billion miles and eventually went home to plop ourselves on our beds and restart the process the following day. But it was incredible week. 

Anyway, this week something that I've learned is the value of hard work and the even greater value of "failure" if we even choose to regard it as such. So we worked hard this week and we expended every ounce of energy to teach and share with people. It's hard when people blatantly don't want what we share and it's even harder when people deny us right before we can even get a single word out of our mouths. But despite that, I choose not to call situations like that failures. They're just attempts that ultimately end up differently than expected. At the end of the day, I can truly say that I did my best. I value that and will cherish every attempt that I have made. I can't say that it's the easiest of things to just get right back up and keep trudging on, but I can say that it is the most fulfilling feeling to actually do it. I love you all and can't wait to hear from you again next week! 

-Elder Bondoc

Sunsets are a cool thing. 

4 comments:

  1. Someone who tries is never a failure. It's good you understand that concept. Not everyone is willing to commit to the Gospel-the important thing is that, as a missionary you tried to share the Gospel message. Hopefully, someday these people will remember the impressions they got from you and would be willing to hear more from other missionaries. Keep up the good work-praying for you daily!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Someone who tries is never a failure. It's good you understand that concept. Not everyone is willing to commit to the Gospel-the important thing is that, as a missionary you tried to share the Gospel message. Hopefully, someday these people will remember the impressions they got from you and would be willing to hear more from other missionaries. Keep up the good work-praying for you daily!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Someone who tries is never a failure. It's good you understand that concept. Not everyone is willing to commit to the Gospel-the important thing is that, as a missionary you tried to share the Gospel message. Hopefully, someday these people will remember the impressions they got from you and would be willing to hear more from other missionaries. Keep up the good work-praying for you daily!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Someone who tries is never a failure. It's good you understand that concept. Not everyone is willing to commit to the Gospel-the important thing is that, as a missionary you tried to share the Gospel message. Hopefully, someday these people will remember the impressions they got from you and would be willing to hear more from other missionaries. Keep up the good work-praying for you daily!

    ReplyDelete