SIATON, NEGROS-PHILIPPINES

Companion: Elder Taylor, Highland UT

Hey,

So i am pretty much here in the Philippines and everything is crazy. I have seen security guards walk around with guns, women breastfeeding just out in the open, Some people welding a metal gate in shorts and sandals, and just the most random things. So here in the pinnes all of the missionaries get called "Joe". Its pretty funny because they will just yell hey Joe! so onto more important things... My trainer/ companion is American. His name is Elder Taylor from Highland Utah and is way cool!! at first i wasn't sure if i wanted an American companion, but it is way awesome. if i have a question about the language it is easy for him to explain instead of there being a language barrier. My area is on the island of Negros, and it is called Siaton. There is a nice church building here, and on Sunday we had 53 people attend sacrament with 3 investigators. Oh dang i totally forgot but i didn't get to my area until Saturday. we had a baptism like 2 hours after we got there, and i was able to perform the baptism. Her name is shane villagantol potente, and she is 9 years old. Super cute little pinay. It was so spiritual being able to help her come closer to Jesus Christ and go through the gate of baptism.
But it is so beautiful here on Negros. I am falling in love with the food, and more so the people. There is a family in our branch who feeds us dinner almost every night. They are the Garcia's, and just love the gospel so much. tatay garcia was talking to me about himself, and said he is happy to be poor because at least he is rich spiritually. these people really understand how important Christ is. So yeah they are just so amazing, and nanay garcia cooks some bomb grilled isda (fish). I love it.
So we have been tracting up in the bukid(mountain) area, and in the past 2 days have found 7 new investigators. Our area is about to blow up with baptisms and church attendance. It is so awesome feeling how much the spirit really does touch peoples lives. It is the most important thing in my entire life, and i am starting to realize it more and more as i study and teach. I love being here. My companion couldn't count how many times through the day i say "This is crazy!!" because i am still in shock that i am really here in the Philippines. I'm so grateful for this experience.
My mission president is way cool, and i can feel his love whenever he teaches or anything. But yeah he has given me comfort that the language will come in time, and that through these experiences i will grow to be a better disciple of Christ. So if anyone has any questions about anything shoot me an email back!!! i would just love to tell all about the culture and people even though i am still learning about it.

WELL, I love you all with everything i can possess.

-Elder DeSchepper

p.s. the streets here are crazy!! no rules!!