What a Wonderful World!

 Another week come and gone! What happens to the days out here? I remember one thing my dad told me a couple of months ago (wow has it really been months?) He said on a mission the Days are long (very true) but before you know it you are going home (I'll take his word on it for now) But from what I've seen both statements are very true! I am just so blessed with this precious time the Lord has given my to serve his children. God loves us! 

We had another really good turn out at church on Sunday! We had 6 investigators and a load of less actives we visited come! It was super gratifying to see them there. Not for us, but for them. :) Church is great, I invite you all to go ;) We were able to find some really cool new people to teach, some young families to older couples. The people here in the Philippines are so amazing. I love them. 

   The house is still.... fighting back at us. There is a mosquito war going on but currently we have the upper hand (sort of). I have taken care of (mostly) the rat/mice problem. The drainage and water is still on top though. I'll keep the fight going there ;) But when all is said and done, life is still great and work is still getting done. 

I love you and miss you! I will most definitely keep you in my prayers! Know God understands and loves you too. Till next week!

love,

Elder Payne 

Rain, Glorious Rain

Let me start off by saying Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers out there and syempre a special shout out to my Dad. You’re the best dad Love ya! 

I'll follow that up with saying I love the rain! Which is pretty fortunate seeing as we got poured on last week! I had a blast! It wasn't blistering hot and we were able to meet some really great/nice people. It made for a great week.

We got fed by one of my favorite members out here this week. Brother W. hooked us up with some exotic dishes... We got some snail soup and frog adobo! It was actually super good. A little difficult to eat but delicious! It was also fun cause the way to get to him and some of our investigators was replaced with a new river! A river that just barely showed up this week cause of all the rain! I kinda really loved it haha 

It has been a little difficult having to absorb another area and then training while in a threesome but it has been really fun too! I feel like I'm learning those lessons that God has in store for me. At least I'm trying to ;) Being a missionary is honestly the best! Not because it is easy, but because it is hard. (Shout out to whoever got the quote) But all jokes aside... God loves us and he gives us opportunities to grow. One of the best places to grow is on a mission. God loves us!!! 

That's all for this week, love you all and wish you the best in all of your endeavors ;) Stay happy and humble, God has a plan for you. 

love,

Elder Payne

Wild Week!

This week was a little crazy with transfers and reorganization of the mission! First announcement, The whole mission mission is getting washing machines! Washing by hand is a thing of the past! As soon as the washing machines come in... But they are coming! Then Elder B. graduated his 12 weeks! Regular training missionary na siya! Then we found out we are going to be a threesome in our house, that means I am going to pick up the trainee of Elder M. and finish his training :) My family is getting big here in the mission! haha It'll be fun, a pure Filipino house is going to be a blast! 

One more thing, I found out I'll be a district leader here in Santa Maria. I'm excited to serve the lord in a new capacity! I'm a little nervous but I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. I'll give it my all that's for sure! We have 7 missionaries in my district and they are all super cool. Our district is going to be awesome! 

Well, that's all I got for now, I love you all tons and miss you! Please do me a favor and watch Jurassic World 2 for me, I'd really appreciate it ;) 

Love,

Elder Payne 

All Smiles in the Philippines

Crazy that it is already Monday again! No matter how hard or easy, fast or slow, it always seems to be Monday again :) This week was full of joy and challenges, nothing new to the life of a missionary, and my joy definitely came from the opportunity to serve others! We were able to serve at Dunuman West Elementary School. Painting walls, cleaning the grounds, and doing other random chores. It was a blast! They just started the new school year today so now they have a bright school to attend now! 

   Then we were able to serve at a members house chopping wood for them to sell and use to cook. It was honestly so fun. I guess I'm still a child when it comes to being able to work with a machete... haha It was hard work but super satisfying! At the end we were able to pick some coconuts off of their tree using a super long bamboo shaft with a metal hook on the end. It was super adventurous for me haha After we got the coconuts we hacked them up with our machetes then stuck a straw in them and just dug in! It was honestly so good! 

   Sorry, i'm really out of time but wanted to let you know I love you and miss you! I really am grateful for all the roles you have all had in my life, you guys are the reason I am who I am today! Love you! and take care this week :)

Love,

Elder Payne

Drinking fresh coconut milk straight from the source