Sept 16, 2025 Pinagkakaabalahan Provo Week 4

This week has been quite a fever dream. It started off with Elder HoChing and I receiving another kasama (companion). His name was Elder McMurtey and his first name was Golden which was kinda cool. The reason why I say was is because broski got moved out to another companionship the day after he was put with us, so that was depressing cause he was lit. Aside from that, this week has just felt like a really long day with some quick naps in between.

Tagalog:

We did an English fast yesterday as a district which was just such a blast as none of us can formulate corrected sentences, but we did in fact try. Tagalog is just a blast-- it still feels like I'm trying to get my mouth around an entire watermelon while I'm speaking but I am learning, I think. Word of the week is Pinagkakaabalahan which essentially means "keeps busy," as in what keeps you busy. So we are learning and crying internally over the day to day words that I will be using just to schedule appointments.

On another note, I did in fact finish the Aklat ni Mormon (The Book of Mormon) which was chill, so I'm back into first Nephi. I have also been studying the New Testament more and I came across something that really impacted me this week. I never had any questions of Joseph Smith being a Prophet because I had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, so by extension he was a true Prophet because God wouldn't have had anyone who wasn't a Prophet translate it. So basically, I was reading in Mathew10:22 and it says, "Ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake." Now there's also a footnote on the word 'Hated'. So, I went to the notes and read the two words that they associated with this word and they were persecutions and Martyrdom. In that very moment, it was witnessed to me by the spirit that he was a Prophet of God. I'm not sure why I needed to have that experience, but the Lord gave it to me for a reason so, I guess we'll see. 

We have a week until we leave for the Manila MTC and the whole district is getting kinda antsy to get out of here. The idea of a tropical climate, awesome people, and good food is just too appealing to not think about it. I'm grateful that we don't have to be reassigned. There are a lot of missionaries getting reassigned in a district that's all going to Peru and they did a draft pick for their reassignments. It was honestly a very positive way to get those reassignments. 

It's kinda crazy, I look back two years ago and I was just starting Junior year. I can't even imagine that I'm going to the Philippines for the next two years. I never thought I would make it to this point. 

I love the Lord, He has done much for me and can do much for you. Read your scriptures, or meditate, whatever helps you feel peace, it is of God and it's a wonderful thing.

Love, Elder Shill

Alex's Googe Photo Album