House Hunters - Philippines Edition

Dear beloved fam,

this week has been a real tough one. I say that because 3 investigators came to church. There are times when I feel like I worry too much about it, but we have about 15 active investigators, and only 3 came. hopefully, those 3 will be able to continue, because they are greatly improving. just need to continue to help them and work hard, while also slowing down. sometimes, if I am not careful, the stress can build up. I was NEVER this stressed in school, but I sure am now 😅. I have ways to combat stress, though, so all is well.

just another week here in sta. Margarita. we will soon be moving to a new apartment that is actually in our area! probably tomorrow, and I am pretty excited. The owner has renovated it really well, and the rent is pretty cheap. I think it is a nice house. All the doors are pink, which is a little funky, but still a nice house. We will be moving in tomorrow. pretty excited all about that. I felt like I was on house hunters: Philippines edition or something. pretty nice opportunity, means we can get more things done! 

I did receive the package from the ward, and it was amazing! I loved reading all those things from everyone! made my day. 

the sister who will go on a mission is still progressing, and she invited us over for FHE with the fam. she was the only one in the family who went to church. She is trying so hard. I did indeed order a PMG for her. hopefully, we get that soon so she can start studying. Brother J has also been praying about if he should go on a mission, and so far, the answer is YES! we will be getting one PMG to him soon as well. other then that, this week, we sort the wheat from the tares. many investigators aren't progressing, so, we will be limiting visits to them and focus on progressing investigators. WE CAN DO IT!!!

to Tyler, real proud. Mom says you are getting better everyday. Keep doing it! at bountiful high, if you take a charge, you get a special pair of basketball socks. keep it up, bro. See you in 1 1\2!

a quarter of my mission is gone, and it feels so strange. I will be transferred the second week of February. where I go, no one knows.

Elder R is still progressing. his language is way better then mine when I was in training. just need to help him with some other things, and then he will be a fine missionary.

Just a short one today, but still lots of love to you all

-Elder Kuehne

Reactivating and working hard

Dear beloved fam,

this week was really nothing special overall. we go to work everyday, we work really hard everyday, find people, try our hardest to follow our plan and hit our numbers, things like that.

Last week, We visited with a less active family. one of them, an 18 year old girl, has been reactivated, and comes faithfully to church, reads every night, and prays less like a prayer, and more like she is talking with God. we visited, and after the lesson, she asks where she can buy a Preach My Gospel. Naturally, I asked why, and asked if she is looking into serving a mission. She says, maybe next year, after I save. How great is that? she was LA, busy all the time, and now, she has rekindled her desire to serve the Lord and do all he asks. Couldn't be prouder of her. Now, she really wants her family to read and go to church with her.  We will be doing all we can to help, but, She will spearhead that. As missionaries, there are times when we need to step back, and realize that though we want to just go and teach, sometimes, there is a different way to do things, and usually, that's the better way. So, we will work with her to help her family.

We visited a new investigator, BB (that's a nickname, because his name is really long.) one of his relatives as she passes by - just kinda asks "why are you here again?" we say why, and she says, rather Nonchalantly "oh, okay. You aren't really serving the Lord. no need for offense." then walks out.  Well, I wasn't offended, but I was indeed cut to the core. People have said it before, but this time, it really hurt. I don't take it personally, because I know that as a missionary, If they deny me, they deny the Savior. so, We started talking about the plan of salvation, and as we shared, I truly felt the plan was real. All scripture points to it being real, the spirit has confirmed the plan is real. In the book of Mormon, Aaron, one of the sons of Mosiah, was talking with some apostate Nephites. He opened the scriptures to teach them and to confirm his words, and they just openly mocked him and refused to listen. some refuse to listen to even firm, sound, scriptural truths, and even though they don't believe it, I do. I know it is true, and if others choose not to open their hearts, Then I have done my part, and we move on. I hope that as we all look to the scriptures, the words of prophets, and other reliable sources, that we will work to receive a testimony that it is true, that the gospel is the plan of the Lord and that through it, we will return to his presence. 

good to hear everyone at home is good. hoping good weather to you all. 

Everyone here knows the big names of basketball. We had one member and we talked about the NBA. he said his favorite player was Patty Mills (ask dad). kinda funny to see all that. Ty would be in heaven here at the Basketbolhan (court). real good time for everyone. ball is life/

Hi to ty, love you bud. I heard you're pretty good at basketball. We'll have to see when I get home, huh? practice hard, have a good time out there.

Dad, love you. Working hard, doing all I can to be obedient and successful. so far, I think I am succeeding.

With love, I will see you all next week

Elder Kuehne

Just a nice little photo we took

Happy New Year 2017

Dear fam,

Happy new year! another year, another chance to improve and serve the lord on his errand!

For December 31, January first, and today, we are to be in our apartment at 6, on account of the partying and drinking. many times, as we walk by, people offer us alcohol. No thank you. our neighbor offered, we said we don't drink, so he came back 5 minutes later with soda water and chips. Those, we did graciously accept...  We catch up on studies, sleep, exercise, just hang out with the zone leaders and anyone else who is staying with us. we went to Tacloban for a Christmas devotional, followed up by food and singing. I have a couple photos, you will enjoy those.

this week was a good week. We have 7 new investigators, and I think they are all quality investigators too. Our friend who loves coffee, we found out he stopped. Just like that. He stopped! He is changing his life really quick, and he is such a wonderful kid. if ready, he may be baptized this week, and if not this week, for sure, next week. Really excited for that! he improves, and we see the fruits from our labors.

This time of the year, Calbayog sounds like a war zone. Fireworks, big and small, go off all the time, and every kid hand makes a big cannon out of canned food that makes a ridiculously loud BANG! I still jump sometimes.

the mission created a new zone, and they selected my district leader last cycle to be the new zone leader. He was not excited in the least. I don't blame him. his first assignment as zone leader, and he is going to lead a new zone! however, whom the Lord calls, he qualifies. It may be hard, It may be a real struggle, but he can do it, and I know it. the Lord knows it too.

We were given a book of Mormon, and told to read it, marking every reference to Jesus Christ, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his words to us. It is a unique challenge, but I love it, And I learn more and more about the importance of the mission of Jesus Christ. He really is the focal point for everything, and to think he gives all the credit and glory to his father is absolutely mind-blowing! He is the picture of humility, obedience, and Integrity, and I want to be like him.

Elder R doesn't like to talk to people, especially not in Waray. If the person even tries to talk to him in English, he assumes he can talk in English. I am going to try to help him with that. I'm no Elder Dela Cruz, But i'm sure trying. 😅

So great to skype. Everything looked in order, the house wasn't burned down, so that's good.

When I get home, I think playing with dad would be amazing, Whether I am playing with or against him. I miss little things like that. However, I might play like a Filipino, and NOONE is more terrifying to play basketball against then a Filipino. He better start practicing...

that's really it. Love you all, Happy new year, and here's to a good week!

Elder Kuehne

pictures: all the elders from my batch in Samar. They are amazing, and it's wonderful to see them all again.

Me, Elder R, and Elder E with SANTA!!!!

the last district photo of the cycle. This is our cycle in a nutshell. The more you look at this photo, the funnier it gets

I couldn't help but zoom in and add one more picture - just cause he looks so happy!!

Christmas Skype!!

One week until Skype!

Dear Fam

Good to hear from you, as always. Sounds like a lot of change is happening with surgeries, therapies, and all that jazz. Change happens so much, and it can catch us off guard. Many of my friends are Terrible at adjusting to change, I am glad to hear that you all are doing all you can despite what life throws at you. Please continue to do so.

I got some news about a friend from high school who went to Africa on his mission. He lost 60 pounds in one month, and is sick beyond all sickness. He is going home for a season so they can get him feeling better. More reason to not get sick and take care of myself, I guess.

The full swing of Christmas is finally here. everyone is getting ready for the special day. how do that do that, do you ask? they drink. they party. it's a very different kind of celebration. but, that's how they do it here. when they are drunk, their english is perfectly fluent.

We have been having a drought with investigators coming to church. We only have one right now, he comes to church every Sunday, prays, and is in alma right now with his reading. The plan is to have his baptism the 31st of December, and so far, that looks very, very likely that that will happen.

Elder R and I are doing much better. We can talk and teach together much better, we are figuring out all the little things we need to do to be successful. so far, lots of challenges , but we are still working as hard as we can, and that is the sign of our success.

Lot's of people here are catholic, but they are a EC church goer, which is Easter and Christmas church goer. it strikes me as very odd that anyone could be so passive in their beliefs. I personally know this church is true in part because We have to DO something about our belief, not just say I know it is true, we must show the Lord that we believe it is true. An idle mind means the adversary can do his tricks. If we are active in the gospel, then we can start to see how much better our lives are when we follow the gospel.

We visit lots of less actives. One family is now reactivated in the church, and comes regularly. Some just need a little more time and faith to better develop their desire to go to church. until that happens, we can only do so much but visit and do all we can to share our knowledge with them.

later today, we have a Christmas concert in Calbayog. We will be singing and having a good time sharing with them our Christmas message. then tomorrow, we go to Tacloban for a little Christmas celebration/meeting. Pretty excited, except we have to get up at 2 AM to make it there in time. Not super excited for that, but the meeting will be fun. I will get to see Elder D, so I am pretty excited about that. He was great!

sounds like we may have to stay where we are apartment wise. If we move, then our zone leaders need to as well, because It is pretty expensive to live where we are. We will just have to see how all that goes

Got the email about the info for skype. Super excited about that! We said Monday at 9AM, Filipino time. may have to do the math to figure out when that is for you.

Excited as can be for that chance to call. Love you all.

Elder Kuehne

He did it, but hopefully NEVER again!

Dear fam,

just want to start by saying I have officially eaten Balut. It's nothing special, and tasted just weird to me. won't be eating that again hopefully.

One thing I have learned is that everyone has a chance to participate in the work of a missionary. Whatever can be done to help them, take that opportunity. 

This week is, to be frank, killing me. Elder R has been sick, so we haven't visited Sta. Margarita most of friday, and all of saturday and sunday. It is worrying me so badly. We did get to go to sacrament meeting, where 2 investigators and 5 Less Actives, 35 in all, were with us. we have 8 investigators with a baptismal date, yet only 2 came. Prayer can do many things, But I unfortunately cannot pray away someones agency and schedule, As much as I wish I could. 

Training is Rough. this sickness means not a lot of time for training or anything, and not a lot of chances to speak the language. Elder is a pretty Independent person, and has been having a hard time adjusting, especially to food. But, I continue to want to help him, If he ever decides to let me.

Health hasn't been a problem. I eat lots of food, though strange, yet I also work out and walk all day, so It just doesn't stay. I may have to start eating more to counter too much weight loss. I was sick for a day, but every missionary is when they first get here, so no problem. Other then that, no complaints there. the food is really delicious, though odd and usually simple. 

The weather is same old. Hot, Rainy, and Hot again, but the rainy season will be ending soon. sometime in January usually. 

We went with President V to go and look at a new apartment that is actually in our area. It's a nice apartment, and we are waiting for President Maurer to check it out. Should be nice to actually live in our area. I would love that. 

3 days stuck in the apartment has really changed me. before, I loved the work and the people, but now, I am really CRAVING the chance to go and teach and visit everyone and get them on the track to eternal life. I study the scriptures hard. right now, I am reading the Book of Mormon, as well as a little old testament. Never read it before, but it has been very interesting to do so. 

I don't know anything about the whole situation with Skype. It may be best if you make one and send the info to me. That may be helpful to do that. 

Make sure Tyler and Morgan know that I love them, and can't wait to talk to them. Morgan didn't send an email, she's slacking on me :)

short this week, but perhaps next week will be a bit longer, hopefully. 

Love you all, 

Elder Kuehne

Butt Kicking Week

Dear fam,

This week has been a real butt kicker.

We only had 1 investigator at church, and the rest of them all were busy. We had far less lessons. all the new investigators were busy and couldn't have a return date. It really sucks. but, I am trying to continue looking on the bright side. We had 5 less active members at church, and it was amazing to see that! we are still working on some of them, and we are going to have to make some changes to how we do the work here to better accomplish our work here. I am just trying to continue looking at the good things that are happening, but I won't lie, that is real tough some days. we are going to continue to work and change to try to get some more life into this area.

but, we have lots of great things to talk about. Firstly, Brother J. He is AMAZING! he missed church yesterday, But that is because he was stranded in a different part of Samar and couldn't get a ride back in time, so that is ok. He passed his teaching exam, so he can be a teacher next year. He is so happy about it, and tonight, he invited us to dinner to celebrate. He reads, he prays, his questions are profound, he is a great, great person with a real conversion. He is currently trying to talk with his family about the church to see if they can be converted also. Doctrine and Covenants says that people receive amazing joy if they bring but 1 soul back to the presence of Heavenly Father, and I certainly feel that joy! 

I have lost about 7-8 kilos so far, which is about 15 pounds! I had to cut my belt down so I could cinch it up! it is amazing to see how much better I feel when I work out and eat differently, and that is my reward. It is such a great blessing to see me do that. I always wanted to, so maybe if I go and work hard for Heavenly Father, He will help me temporally and spiritually. 

my area is actually 9 little areas, or Baranguay's, that we go and visit. in order, Burabod, Cautod, Monbon, Cagsumje, Solsogon, Lambao, Palale, Napuro, and Inoraguiao. our church is in Solsogon. we live in Calbayog, which is west of all of this. This is one branch, mind you. we usually spend about 110 pesos per day in travel funds. little expensive, but we do lots of travel, so that is expected.

the issue here is less actives. President V says that we have about 350 baptized members, but our sacrament attendance is 45 or so. he asked us to help do some reactivation, so we have definitely done that. it's going pretty well so far, but lots of less actives mean we have to stretch ourselves a bit. We will certainly do all we can to get people back, while also doing investigators. It is so hard to not think there was something more you could have done in a lesson or otherwise. it's rough.

Haven't played basketball in a while. I really want to. Elder D gave me a jersey, and I really want to try it out, but, Elder R isn't big on basketball, so we have other ways to exercise. Still, I'd really love to play ball. really badly. SUPER BADLY.

this week, We have exchanges with our district leader in San Juaquin. We'll see how that goes. We travel December 20th to Tacloban for zone training. another long travel day. oh boy, excited.

now the exciting part. I received news about when to skype home! I can do it the 24th, 25th, or the 26th (Filipino time). I am coordinating with Elder R to figure out the best time. so far, we think Monday 26th, 9 AM or, for you all at home, I think that is December 25, Sunday night at 6PM. please double check if that is right. 

looks like that is all for this week. love you all, and I will be sure to talk more next week. 

Elder Kuehne.

The photos are from a district meeting. we have some missionaries that have an investigator that came. I was outside talking with some people, and one of the missionaries comes out and says to me, "Der! we have an investigator who would love a photo!" so, I complied. I got an email from this investigator with the pictures. not sure how she got my email, to be honest. probably from one of the missionaries.