Families Can Be Together Forever

Dear family,

My title says it all.

Families can be together forever.

This week we taught a family, a beautiful family. They are members and are trying their best to return back to church again. I LOVE them. I love them so much. Their daughter came back to Palawan to visit for Christmas- she lives in Manila for work right now- and the DAD, he came back to Santa Monica from work in Coron! (Coron is another part of Palawan) Usually it is just the Mom and the son who are here in Santa Monica, and so it was definitely GREAT to have EVERYONE all together for this Christmas season. Sister always talks about how wonderful her daughter and husband are, so it was amazing to get to see them as a whole family!

Can I just say...how beautiful it is to see families together forever? How beautiful is this gospel? How much peace does it bring into my heart, knowing that I have a forever family, and that one day I will have one of my own as well?

When we sat down with this family for our lesson, we sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" for our opening hymn. The minute we got going, the daughter starts crying. And then the mom starts crying. And then I start crying. And then Sister Lockwood starts crying. And then the Dad starts crying too. (The younger brother...he's a boy. He didn't cry. But Sister Lockwood and I still LOVE him! He is 14 years old and the epitome of a teenage boy.) The whole room was in tears. It ended up being Sister Lockwood who was the only one singing through her tears because the rest of us were just crying. It was perhaps the most spiritual experience that I've had since being here. I cannot describe why I began crying. All I know is that there was this overwhelmingly warm feeling that swallowed my entire being, and before I knew it, I was in tears. I knew so strongly, then and there, that FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER. I loved seeing this family together. I love that they have a goal to be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. I know that God works in His own time and will. But one day, one day for sure, this family will be sealed forever.

I love you all! So much. Mom, Dad, Gladys, Krystal. I have the BEST family in the world! Thank you Mom and Dad for raising me the way you did. I know I wasn't the most pleasant always....okay maybe I wasn't the most pleasant half the time......and I wasn't the most perfect teenager. But thank you for raising me with the values that both of you strive so hard to protect. You are doing a wonderful job with Gladys and Krystal. I know that they are growing up to be such wonderful young women because of you. I also know that arguments take place. But guess what? It's all good. Unfortunately...just kidding, FORTUNATELY, we are sealed for forever....soooo.....ain't nobody going anywhere!

I love teaching families. We had this family (that I just wrote about) as well as the ENTIRE LOPEZ family come to church this last week! WHAT! Two whole families?!??!?! And we had one reactivation this week!!!!!!! The work with our less-actives is going really well! I am so happy! We are so blessed. We will keep working hard.

In other news,

Is it possible to burn vegetables? Because I swear I burnt vegetables. Um...to be fair, I probably spent 0.00000001% of my 18 years of life cooking, soooo.......I can be excused! Haha, no, but, I will definitely keep working on my cooking skills. Watch out 2016! Kimberly Teo is going to come home and know how to COOK.

People are starting to ask, more and more, if I am Filipina! This makes me so happy. Most of the time people ask if I'm Korean. No. I'm not Korean. I am Singaporean. I think it is because of my glasses, but I always get Korean. But it's okay. I love Koreans. One of my favorite people- Betty- she is the BEST Korean I know! Korean represent! No but, I get asked if I am Filipina! Hooray! That makes me so happy! I can finally start to remember that I am actually half-Filipino. This mission is so good for me.

We did three service projects in two weeks! So imagine this- Sister Teo (me) chopping at bamboo with a long knife. Literally. Chopping at bamboo with a knife, and then burning all of that. Also- Imagine Sister Teo (me) digging at dirt to pluck out weeds. FUN, RIGHT?!?!??!?!?!?!??!! What I would give to see myself from another's eyes! This mission is teaching me to be tough too. And I have loved it. Everytime I start feeling a little hesitant to get in the dirt, I look at Sister Lockwood who is always so ready to work, and I think, "Okay, if she can do it. So can I." And then I GET INTO IT! And I NEVER want to end, each time. I KNOW that service makes you happy. I think that is why missionaries are so happy! We have so many people to think about that we have no time to be sad and think of ourselves! I LOVE service. Mom, Dad, I promise I won't be lazy by the time I get home. Watch me clean up the whole house ;) Haha. SERVICE WORKS! So GO SERVE SOMEONE TODAY!


I LOVE YOU ALL!

Shout out to Sanskruti, too! I love you! You were always a friend of Gladys' that I LOVED and respected so much. You are a good girl with a good head on your shoulders. Hugs all the way from the Philippines!


With love,
Sister Teo

P.S. This week I am halfway through my 12-week training. Tomorrow is Transfers Day. I hope no one in my district gets sent out! I love them all!

Happy Monday!

     I get to call home on Thursday! I am so excited beyond words! I miss you guys so much. I can see why they limit communication between missionaries and their families during these eighteen months that we are out. So many emotions run through us missionaries when we know that we will get to speak with our family! And these emotions, if not kept properly, have the ability to distract us (alot). But no worries! All is good here on Palawan. My heart is settled!
This Christmas will be the first of it's kind. My first Christmas away from everyone that I love. All from when I was 1-17, my Christmases were with you guys- my family. When I was 18- and this was a beautiful Christmas- I spent it with Ether and with the Tams. Now I am 19, alone on an island, away from family, Ether, and my friends, about to celebrate my humblest Christmas ever.

     Since being here I have come to appreciate the simple things in life so much more. Money really isn't everything. I am learning this lesson more and more each day. At the start it was an adjustment to make, walking in the mud, in the rain, in the heat, living in conditions super different from what I've been used to my whole life. But now that I've been here for a month, I can safely say that those things don't matter. I look around me all day and see a people who are so humble, so satisfied with the simple things that they have. Sometimes all I want to do is run to the store and buy them all the food in the world. Sometimes I just want to give them all the money I've got. But I know that that isn't my purpose.

     What us missionaries can give them will feed them for life. It will feed them spiritually, forever and ever.  And mine is the blessing to bring this "bread of life" to them.

     Brown-outs happen alot on the island. (Brown-outs = black-outs. I don't know why they call them brown-outs here in the Philippines!!!) Electricity gets cut every now and then. And sometimes people have to be in the darkness for a while. But what this gospel can offer them is light. The light of Christ. The light that I know has helped me. This light is real. It is so real. I have seen this light change my life. God's light is real.

     Also, just real quick - and I will talk about this more in my future emails- but the work has been a little slow with our investigators. Our less-actives, on the other hand.....GOD IS HELPING US! I cannot stress how important it is to save those less-active as well. "Less-active"- I don't even like that word! It has seemed to become a stereotype, in our Church, that these people are...I don't know, way lost or way off the path. But they are not! They are all wonderful people as well. And while Sister Lockwood and I are still trying our best to bring NEW people into the gospel, we are having success with bringing less-actives back to Church! Win-win!

     Anyhow, Sister Lockwood and I are looking forward to making this Christmas one to remember for the years to come!!!!!!!!! I am so blessed to have her here with me during this season! I love her so much. I know that we were put together for a reason, and I know that this friendship I have with her will not only carry through to when we are both back at BYU, but even until after graduation! I love her to pieces.

     We had a Palawan Christmas party for all the missionaries last week! I have a LOT of pictures for you guys today. Usually I look like a sweaty, sort-of messy missionary, but for the party, I looked like my normal self. "Normal self". :) SO! I had to take pictures! And you guys get to see them! Hooray! :)
I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH! CAN'T WAIT TO TALK TO YOU GUYS IN THREE DAYS! I'll send a separate email with instructions!

With love,
Sister Teo

P.S. Gla & Krys- I sent you guys birthday cards this past week! It'll probably reach you in about a month..............BUT! Read them when you can! I love you guys!

P.P.S Ether I sent another one out for you too :)

P.P.P.S. Annabelle + Valerina + Gaetana- check your mailboxes in a couple week's time as well!

+ Pres. Ostler & Sis. Ostler

+ District Christmas Party

+ Sisters are sisters (the other pair of missionaries in the house)... but we are also still 19 and 20 year old girls!!!! We had fun taking pictures in our Christmas hats last night :)

Do I Trust God Above Everything Else?

KUMUSTA PO KAYO PAMILYA?!?

     Another week has gone by here in Santa Monica! The days are fast yet slow. I'm not quite sure that I can fully wrap my head around the concept of time quite yet. One year ago this time I was in Utah. Fast forward a year later and here I am in the Philippines! On Palawan! On an island! Two years ago I was still in high school. Eleven years ago I was an eight-year old in Singapore. Where does all the time go?

This week was interesting on so many levels! Sister Lockwood and I did alot of walking for the most part, mainly because everyone was either hiding from us or not telling us the truth (.......) or busy and not at home. It was so bizarre! No kidding - so many people would see us coming and then run away. I can't even! It was so funny! At one point I couldn't even open my mouth to speak because I knew that if I did, I would burst out laughing. Sister Lockwood and I are harmless, we promise! Maybe just the words of God would hurt them. Or pierce their souls. We don't know! Either way there was alot of hiding! Alot of people would tell us they were going for a walk in five minutes and so we couldn't teach them. To believe, or not to believe? That was our big question this week........So in short- we got turned away alot. But that's okay! We are trying our best. As long as I know that I've put in MY effort, I know that God will be pleased.

Some other funny experiences - since I don't think I tell you guys about mission life enough:

1) Sis. Lockwood and I were walking to a less-active's house one night, up this big hill/roadside, when all of a sudden this motorcycle with two guys comes up from the other direction, passes us, and then the driver puts his fists in the air and says "Sisters, sisters!" In a CHANT. He was chanting "Sisters! Sisters" while he was driving by. Sis. Lockwood and I just burst out laughing. We had no idea who he was or how he knew that we were sisters. Maybe he has seen us before since we go to that area frequently. But STILL! People chanting "Sisters! Sisters!" out of nowhere? It was hilarious.

2) Another night when Sis. Lockwood and I were walking to another less-active's home, a group of boys (kids) were walking right by us and all of a sudden they ALL burst into an applause. A full-out applause. Clapping. HAHA. What?!?! The Philippines is so fun! Clapping and chanting? Hopefully they were helping God show us that He is cheering for us too. Those two moments were definitely much needed moments of comic relief. It was hard being turned away by so many (more than usual! Because usually people let us teach them! But like I said, this week was so weird.) and so having some moral support from complete strangers boosted our morale!

3) So...you have to understand that Sis. Lockwood and I are two REALLY young missionaries (young in age and young in the mission) who have been put together on Palawan island. Even though I am technically half-Filipino, Mom, I have no idea about most of the Filipino traditions here. And so here's where the story begins.

This week we "kind of" attended a funeral. Well, all we did was say hi and offer condolences, but! Sis. Lockwood and I were at such a loss about what to do! The first time we went into the house (we were looking for this one brother that we had contacted on the street one day and he had told us that his mom had passed away) we were as awkward as it could get! Should we share a message about the Plan of Salvation? Would that be kind of rude to interrupt their "mourning period"? What do Filipinos usually expect from visitors at funerals? We didn't know! And so we just shook hands and exchanged a couple of words and left. And as we walked away, Sis. Lockwood and I just looked at each other and said, "Was that rude? They offered us drinks and had opened up bottles of Coke and we had said no. Is that considered rude in the Filipino culture??" We had no clue. No clue at all. Two foreigners. Trying to figure out Filipino people.

So....WE WENT BACK!!!!! And brought with us bananas, a bag of bread, four tiny packets of cookies, and...a Plan of Salvation pamphlet. To this day Sis. Lockwood and I still aren't sure which meeting was more awkward. The first one, or the second one where we went BACK and handed them the foods and the pamphlet and still didn't teach. It was...confusing. Luckily he invited us to come back AFTER the actual funeral. And luckily we also bore quick testimonies about where his Mom is right now. So maybe it wasn't that bad. BUT EITHER WAY! This funeral thing was another one of our neat experiences this week. (I promise this story is way more interesting than it sounds!)


ANYWAYS! As you can see, the title of my email is "Do I trust God above everything else?" This was a question that stuck with me throughout this entire week. Being on the mission has really tested my obedience and my humility and willingness to submit to the will of God as well as President Ostler. Much of this thinking caused alot of internal discomfort/emotional distress- Ether knows how much thinking goes on in my head when I dwell on an issue for too long- as I tried to battle it out in my head if I should/should not obey/disobey certain rules. Don't worry- I'm not talking about anything major! It was just something REALLY small. We were told that we aren't actually supposed to chat with people during our emailing time..........which...........is...........hard.............but......I will do it. I will obey. Even though a million reasons exist for why I could probably continue even if I wanted to...........for example, I know of other people who do, whether it be parent-child communication or friend-friend communication..........I WILL NOT COMPARE MY SITUATION TO THEIRS! I. will. obey. And I know this sounds like something really small, really minute, but....it was a big thing I struggled with internally. The days leading up to today, leading up emailing today, were hard! But luckily I have built up enough resolve since then, since five days ago when the rule was officially laid down. So: I will obey.

I trust God above everything else. I know that He has a plan for me and I know that exact obedience brings miracles. I believe that exact obedience WILL bring miracles. Yesterday I had the sweet opportunity to receive a blessing, and the words said during the blessing gave me greater strength to believe that everything will be okay. Everything will work out. This week didn't see alot of lessons taught but next week will. I mean, the blessings HAVE to come! God promises us blessings when we are obedient. And so obedient I will be. (As hard as this rule is.) I trust in God. I trust Him above everything else.

I am so excited to Skype home next week! Mom/Dad, you guys should have seen the email by President Ostler by now. I'll get to skype you two for 30 minutes each individually. Yay! That's better than just the 40 minutes that most people will get. I can't wait! As of right now we still don't have alot of information about what will happen, but I'm sure you guys will be

notified!

ALSO, BIG SHOUT-OUT TO GAETANA!!!! Gaetana Wilson! I love you!!!!! Mariana is SO beautiful. Also I have a letter coming for you, so watch out for it! You and Kyle are going to be the BEST parents!!!!!!!


Here's to another week of being in the refiner's fire! Let's all do this together!

With love,
Sister Teo

Blessings, blessings, blessings!

Dear family and everyone that I love,

So remember how last week was really hard? Well this week flew by in the blink of an eye. Thank you for all the prayers said and the fingers crossed and for every good wish you sent my way here on Palawan. I have felt strengthened beyond my own capacity this past week and I KNOW, with all my heart, that it was through the help of Heavenly Father and of course because of you guys' love that I have been able to work well and work hard this week :)

     TYPHOON RUBY...didn't hit us. First of all - THANK YOU FOR YOUR EMAILS OF CONCERN! Especially you Ether!! But don't worry! There is nothing to fear. I don't know where this typhoon/hurricane went but it definitely didn't hit our area here on Palawan. You guys' prayers must have turned the storm a different way around or something! We didn't even get rain! It is all blue skies and good weather right now, which is SO anti-climatic! We were expecting the worst (throwback to Typhoon Yolanda that hit last year) but LUCKILY we are all safe and sound and happy. Palawan is so beautiful. And we are so lucky that we have bee protected from this natural disaster.

     The Filipino culture is the best. I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love it here. Who knew that we could visit people whenever we wanted? We just show up at people's houses and they let us in. I love it. I'll probably drive everyone crazy doing that when I go back to Utah. Just showing up at people's houses without letting them know in advance and expecting them to let me in. Ahhhh I am definitely going to know what it means to be Filipino by the time these 18 months are over!

     I cooked. Curry. Twice. This week. There is a Filipino saying that once a girl learns how to cook, it means she is ready for marriage. Hmmmmmmmm.......I'll let you think about that, Mom, Dad. (P.S. How do we tell when chicken is cooked......? I'm assuming when there isn't anymore blood, yes?)

     It is so wonderful being a missionary here on Santa Monica. Our branch president, President Sabido, has got to be one of the greatest men on Earth. He is so young. Early 30s? Young family. Works in the day, studies at night. Branch President of a YOUNG branch. Plus he fed us dinner a few weeks ago and is going to feed us again this next Sunday. What! How does God create such great men? Looking at him made me think of President Coffin back home. How grateful I am to serve among such wonderful people. Dad, it has made me appreciate so much more all the wonderful things you have done for your callings in the Church. It blows my mind that you actually get to work with the religious affairs bureau in Shanghai and talk with them about our church. You are setting the foundation for our CHURCH IN CHINA. That's such a big deal. Thank you for all you do.

     We teach a lot of less-active members here, probably more than or as much as we do investigators. I have come to realize that every soul is precious in the sight of God. And I have come to love these less-actives so much. I don't even really like this term, "less-active". I think that everyone is active in their own way. Some people have more troubles than others and the paths we walk are all different. But it is so important to love all. And that is something I am working on really hard. To love everyone. It is easier said than done, this act of loving. But....HOLD YOUR HORSES! When I come home from my mission I will love EVERYONE. And be more charitable. Things we learn on the mission...priceless.

Here's a quote for you guys that I read this past week:
     "Some of you may feel that you can't rise above the polluted pond, that your circumstances are too difficult, your trials too hard, your temptations too great...Remember, the stalk of the water lily grows in adversity, and as the stalk lifts the water lily, your faith will support and lift you." - Mary N. Cook, former 2nd counselor in the YW's general presidency

I know that this gospel is true. I know that this Church is true. I believe it with all my heart. I would not be who I am today if I did not know and live and believe in the principles and beliefs and teachings of the Church. I KNOW that God is at the head of our Church. He helps His missionaries. He blesses His missionaries. I know that I am safe in His hands.

"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me." (D&C 38:7)

I love you all!

SKYPE CALL SOON! Not sure how it's going to work yet but I'll let you guys know ASAP. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!


With love,
Sister Teo

P.S. Annabelle/Valerina/girlfriends - your Christmas letters are probably going to come late because they won't get sent off until in about two weeks or so! I'm sorry! But don't worry! I love you guys and still remember who you are!! I may be on an island in the Philippines but I promise I still love you all just as much :)

P.P.S. The pictures are proof that I cooked the chicken.

Dear family and everyone that I love,

These past couple of days have been a little rough. Okay, I know, what a sad, depressing way to start an email. But do you want the truth, or do you want sunshine and daises for every week of the 18 months that I am out in the field?

It's been hard because I am so frustrated that I can't speak the language. I know that every new missionary says this and it shouldn't be surprising because I've only been here for two weeks, but...WHEN DOES IT GET BETTER?!??! When does the language come? There is so much I want to tell my investigators that I know I'd be able to in English, but when I want to in Tagalog, it always comes out choppy. Sometimes I'm not sure if I want to just remain silent and let Sis. Lockwood do all the talking instead. All I can do fluently is to bear my testimony. Is that enough?

I keep thinking about what President Ostler told me - that although I may not be able to speak the language well, I brought with me here to Palawan a different gift. Maybe not the gift of the language, per say, but... the gift of love. He told me that I bring with me the gift of love.

With everyone that we have met with and taught, I always smile. I smile so much. I try to love. I try to ask the usual questions, "How are you?" (Kumusta po kayo?) or "How was your day?" (Kumusta po ang araw nyo?). I try to tell them that we love them and that God loves them. I try everyday to love these people. And it works. I do love them. I love them greater and greater each day. I guess the reason why I want to be good at the language is because I love hem. I want them to understand me. I want them to understand what I believe in, to understand what I want to share with them. And I can't help but feel really useless sometimes when I can't say what I want to say.

It is frustrating. I won't lie. I've been trying really hard to be in better spirits.

And while I'm still working at it- here's the solution I've found.

To work.

Said President Hinckley, "The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for depression is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired."

I am trying so hard to lose myself in the work. It is not easy. But I know that if I keep trying, I will be able to do it.

ANYWAYS. ON A HAPPIER NOTE- here are some interesting things from this past week!

1) First tropical storm that I've experienced here passed by on Friday! My shoes were so dirty but it's okay because I bought super cheap rubber shoes to wear that I don't mind getting all muddy. It was AN ADVENTURE! Imagine Sister Lockwood and I- two foreigners, 19 and 20 years old, trekking through the jungles of Palawan in the rain. Made for a really good memory :)

2) Mormon missionaries meet Baptist missionaries- AWKWARD! We were on our way to an investigator's home-well, actually we were just right outside, and someone comes out and says, "Sorry, she can't meet with you now. The Baptist missionaries are here." HAHA. That amused me :)

3) My belief in angels exponentially increased this past week. Long story, but it'll be enough for me to say that S. Lockwood met an older lady with the surname Tau-Tau, and a week later we BOTH meet a younger lady named Tau-Tau who says that SHE is the ONLY Mrs. Tau-Tau around. But the cool thing is that the OLDER lady that S. Lockwood had met had TOLD her to come back again! And when we did, we found out that only a younger Tau-Tau exists? What! Angels are real. S.Lockwood talked with that older Tau-Tau. I KNOW that she led us to the younger Tau-Tau.

The life of a 19-year-old missionary is interesting. As hard as it is right now, I don't think that there is anywhere else I'd rather be. By the end of the 18 months, by the time April 2016 comes by, I hope to say:

"Wow, what a ride."

I pray for you all everyday. I love you all so much.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!! DONT FORGET THAT WE WILL GET TO SKYPE EACH OTHER!!!!!


With love,
Sister Kimberly Teo

Out in the field: Island of Palawan

Dear everybody!

Guess who is on the island of Palawan? Guess who SWORE that she wasn't going to end up on Palawan but guess who did? Guess who was hoping she would only be on the mainland? Me, me, me. But God knows best. God knows most. And I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have tried to wish for things to go my way, but God has stepped in and showed me a different plan. Why? How? Why me? I don't have all my answers yet. But it is okay. I am here on Palawan, and I probably will be for 6 months. Or 4-ish months. But definitely a minimum of 4. Palawan will be my home for 1/3 of my mission. Can you imagine that?!

     As usual I have so much to say. I am not quite sure if I want to cry or laugh at where I am right now. Perhaps let me first start off by saying that I love the Filipinos. I love my area. I am serving in the Santa Monica area (Nope, not Santa Monica, California), Puerto Princessa Stake. The Church is so young on this island. It has only been around for as long as I have been alive. How fortunate am I to  be part of the pioneer stages? I am the luckiest.

     I live and work among poverty almost all day long. Imagine Grandma and Grandpa's area in Pangasinan, but more remote. That's where I walk around all day. I serve people who live in houses made of bamboo and tin roofs. But I am so happy. I cannot remember the last time I was so happy to walk in dirt and mud and have my white shoes get all dirty. Also, can I just say...props to me for going with no makeup??!?!?!?!?!??!?! Can you believe it? Um- Kimberly Teo?!?! No MAKEUP?!?!?!??!?!?!?!? HAHAHAHAHA. I amuse myself. But yes! No makeup! Because the work is bigger than I am! Because the people are more important than I am! Because I am here for the Lord, and I know with all my heart that if I put Him first and if I put the Filipinos first, He will take care of the rest. Plus everyone here thinks you are beautiful even if you look like death. So....whatever. Being a missionary is the best thing in the world. So if from now on the pictures that I send don't really show my face that clearly, or you can obviously tell that I am a million shades darker than my original skin tone...you'll know that IT IS BECAUSE I AM MAKE-UP FREE and still camera shy because of that, but....ITS ALL GOOD! :)

I don't know where to start with all that I have to say!

     OH YES! MY TRAINER! MY FIRST COMPANION! SISTER LOCKWOOD! SISTER LOCKWOOD!!!!!!!!!!! FROM THE CANNON CENTER! Okay so Sister Lockwood goes to BYU and she was there when I was there! We bumped into each other at the Cannon Center and talked for like, five minutes, but!!!! We ARE COMPANIONS!!!!!!!!!!

     ANOTHER THING- I was the only person out of the 10 new missionaries entering the field to be sent to Palawan. Other missionaries (the older ones who have already been in the mission) were sent here too for transfers, but how amazing and wonderful is it that of EVERYONE who entered the field, I was the only one sent here? When President Ostler told me the news, I burst out into a laugh. Not a rude laugh, but I literally laughed. And then I clasped my mouth with my hand and the laugh started to turn into a sob. And then I started crying. I couldn't believe it. That moment in President Ostler's office will always be a special one to me. The moment President told me where I would be going. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live. And when he told me who my trainer was going to be- Sister Lockwood- I laughed again and some more tears were shed. God was putting me with a FRIEND, basically. How am I so blessed?

     Sister Lockwood and I have been doing really great as a companionship. She is the best trainer that I could have and I learn from her example daily. She ONLY JUST finished HER training, and she was ALREADY called to be a trainer! Can you believe it? Our training lasts for 12 weeks. So if you think about it, SHE just finished HER first 12 weeks, and now she's training ME for the next 12 weeks! We are having a blast. We know when to have fun and when to work hard. Having a friendship in this companionship helps so much. Her Tagalog is AMAZING, too, by the way, and I pray that I will be able to get to her level by the time MY 12 weeks of training is over. It'll happen. Please pray that I will have the gift of tongues? That's my request for the week, and for the next 12 weeks. Please pray that I can specifically have the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues. Please and thanks!

     This gospel makes me so happy. I can be teaching in the heat; I can be teaching with a billion mosquitoes biting my legs (don't worry Mom/Dad- no dengue). But it is all worth it. I know that Heavenly Father sent me here to be humble. To learn what it means to BE a missionary. And I am taking it all in! Life is good.

Also - any ideas for meals? I've basically been eating cereal and crackers this week, and bread too. And rice occasionally when we get fed by members (which is rare). GIVE ME IDEAS!!!!!!!!! Oh but yes! Went grocery shopping today and had to budget so that I wouldn't overspent. ALSO ate at Chowking but tried my best to get something cheap. Mom/Dad, by the end of the mission I promise I will know what money is worth. I will know how to budget. It's hard! It's so hard. We were at the mall for groceries and lunch and I wanted to shop...but! I know, I know. I am a missionary. And I will LEARN to be a missionary and prepare myself to be a good mother and wife. This mission will help me so much. I pray it will.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! I will send more pictures :) They will be pictures from the MTC and pictures of Palawan and where we serve and of Sis. Lockwood and I.

TAKE CARE! I PRAY FOR YOU GUYS ALWAYS! I am so happy and I know that you guys are, too. Keep the faith. Stay strong. April 2016!

+ Sister Muller and I at the MTC

+ The road right outside our apartment (with all the trees and forest-looking scenery)

+ The roads we walk to get to our investigators' homes

+ Sister Lockwood and I at the water's edge after our morning run- PALAWAN IS BEAUTIFUL! (Although we don't actually see beaches anywhere where we are at)

+ Me and SIster Lokubalasuriyage who was supposed to be my original companion in the MTC

With love,
Sister Teo

Dear family,

This week has been MARVELOUS. Read my letters and you will know why.

In the meantime, here's an excerpt from my journal that I didn't take a picture of but that I will type out for you guys to read:

     "This Church is true. The gospel is true. The gospel has brought me so many blessings in my life. I am who I am today because of this gospel. The knowledge I have of the Plan of Salvation has given me hope for all the tomorrows to come. And I am so blessed to have gone out proselyting today. My in-field kasama was Sister Garcia, and she is a cool cat. I envied how good she was at Tagalog, pero (but) she has already been out para sa isang taon (for one year). Hopefully I'll reach her level when I get to my 13-month mark! Guess time will tell, because there is exactly one more year to go till I get there! Pero, in all seriousness, today was a good experience. I will admit that I failed miserably at OYM-ing (Open-Your-Mouth) and ITL-ing (Invitation-To-Learn), and even during the lesson we taught all I did was bear my testimony, but I am happy. It was nice to experience what my mission field will be like, and I think that THAT was the greatest thing I got out of all this - to know some of the sisters already serving there and to re-affirm to myself that Manila is where I need to be. When we were driving back to the MTC over the highway, I saw all the tall, metropolitan buildings in the distance and my heart just REJOICED. I thought about how wonderful it was that my parents decided to move our family to Shanghai, because living in China has immensely prepared me for serving a mission here in the Philippines. Everything definitely happens for a reason.

     I found out today that the mission standard of excellence that Pres. Ostler has set is to OYM (talk) to TEN NEW PEOPLE each day. THAT'S ALOT OF PEOPLE!!! But I have made it a goal that when I get out into the field, I will accomplish that goal.

     Also, just earlier we taught Sis. Rina Lopez, a less-active member who is feeling a bit heartbroken at the moment and therefore finding it hard to go to church. This experience with teaching her was definitely another way that God humbled me. After the lesson was over, Sis. Lopez said that she felt like we had come off too strong and that we were chastising her. I'll be honest- I was a little cut by that. I had borne testimony to her that faith without works is dead, that we can all sit around and talk about our pain, but it would do no good to anyone. That really was how I felt!!!!! But I suppose...okay, fine, I'll admit, I guess my words were a little too strong, in some ways. I sat there and heard her feedback and was a little resentful, but then for some reason...I made the connection in my head that this. was. a lesson. to. be. learnt. God is trying to teach me to get rid of my pride and truly love people. Not just new investigators, but even the less-actives. This gospel is one of love. It was a good experience. I've been getting many good epiphanies recently. Cool, cool!!!"

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     I LOVE YOU GUYS! Honestly though, read my letters. Many cool things happened this week (diarrhea, blessings from security guards, leg cramps.....you'll find out).

     TAKE CARE! The next time I email home, I'll be OUT IN THE FIELD!!! I CAN'T WAIT! This is where I'm supposed to be! :)

With love,
Sister Teo

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EVERYONE THAT I LOVE!

As usual, I wrote letters to you guys throughout the week and I have uploaded them as pictures along with this email. Dad, very funny - that joke about my handwriting. It's not THAT bad! But guys thank you so much for emailing me. I love you all SO much. ALSO ANNABELLE, I GOT YOUR LETTER THIS WEEK! I think it came later than it should have because it was sent to my field address and not the MTC address, but I GOT IT!!!!!! I am so happy :) I have the best family and friends in the world. Thank you guys. It gives me so much strength to hear from you all every week :)

So before I get started can I just say that I read ALL of you guys' emails. I know that sometimes it's tough to reply to all of what you send to me, but please know that I read everything. So from what I can remember, here's what I have to say:

Mom: Thank you for sending me those emails. Yes, Sister Lousi IS going to Quezon!!!!! I'll let her know. She is one FUN, FUN sister missionary and Auntie Eloy and Mariel and Marianne are IN FOR A SURPRISE! She is the best. I love Sister Lousi. There is another Elder here going there too- Elder Ezekiela. He is also the bomb, like Sister Lousi is. I'll let both of them know. But Mom, thanks for saying all of those encouraging things. Hopefully I WILL be "refined" by the time the mission is over. I will have you know that I hand wash my clothes successfully, even though I'm here at the MTC! I do them in the sink and just hang them up to dry in the room. Not quite sure how CLEAN-clean they are......but.........I do my hand washing! Also I sweep the floor. And pick up hairs on the ground. Ew. I hate picking up hairs. But I do it. Think I'll be a good wife/mom in the future? Hopefully so!!!

Dad: Thanks for letting me know about lao-yi. I'm sorry that she passed away. I hope I'm thinking about the correct one, too...Was it the really old auntie? The one with the thick glasses? She will be missed. I will pray for her and if ever you want to send me her details, I'd love to help her out in the temple. Except...well, we can only do ordinances after a year of their death, yes? So maybe we'll wait till then and then talk about it. But she was a STRONG lady. Her will to survive- POWERFUL. I always think about the stories you tell us of her. Her life was hard. Mine is too, but in a different way, and I shouldn't complain.

To Mom AND Dad: I am so grateful that I was born into the Church. I was just telling a leader you guys' conversion story earlier, and it made me realize how blessed I am to be born into a family that has taught me all the values and beliefs that I hold close to my heart. Thank you for you guys' examples. I know I wasn't the easiest teenager to raise but you two stuck with your jobs and here I am today! Gladys and Krystal are blessed to have you two as their parents.

To everyone: PROSELYTING WAS AMAZING! Yes it was scary to talk to people on the streets, but I did, a few times. I'll do better this next week when we go to MANILA! But DAD- HAHA- yes, you were a great missionary. Like father, like daughter? I will try to be half as good of the missionary you were, or maybe even better. I'll let you know when 18 months is over and done with!

Krystal and Gladys: MISS YOU TWO!!!!! I wrote a bit to you guys in the letters I just uploaded. Read them.

THE MTC IS GREAT!!!!!!! We have 12 more days left here, and then we go out into the field. I feel sad thinking about leaving behind the friends that I have made here, but I know that everything will be well. We are missionaries of the Lord and He will protect us and bless us. I believe that with all my heart.

So I know Taylor Swift's new album is out. It hasn't played anywhere here that we've been................praying that God will send me a tender mercy and I'll hear a song of hers when I'm out and about in Manila.

I LOVE THE PHILIPPINES SO MUCH. I love, love, love it. The Filipinos are the best. Sometimes I wonder what it would've been like if I'd been sent to Taiwan, or...I don't know, somewhere in America but Mandarin-speaking, and then I think...Nah. The Philippines is where I'm meant to be right now. I know that God is a God of plan. Everything happens for a reason. Everything that happens is meant to help us grow. I'm almost a month down! 17 more to go!

I LOVE YOU ALL! I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

With love,
Sister Teo

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Dear family, friends, EVERYONE-

This week I tried a different method of writing to you guys. Because I never have enough time to say everything within the 60 minutes that we get to send out emails, I decided to write you LETTERS throughout the week and just take pictures of them (awkward moment if I accidentally upload the letters that are supposed to be for Ether..............)

I LOVE YOU ALL! Pictures will come in a separate email :)

With love,
Sister Teo

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P.S. The food is great, the friends are great, my learning is great, my experience here is great...God blesses me so much. I love you all! I KNOW that He is watching over all of you guys as well! :)

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OH! BY THE WAY! MOM, DAD, I GOT THE CAMERA CORD! THANK YOU SO MUCH! LIFESAVER!!!!!!! (p.s. it wouldn't hurt to get handwritten letters from Gladys/Krystal, thanks, love you, hint hint)

   EVERYONE!!!

How did the last week just fly by like this?! I cannot believe that we are into our second week now. I don't know where all that time went. The first week was definitely SOOOO long and sooooo challenging, but this week has been a good one. I received so much strength and comfort from reading you guys' emails last week and I thank you all so much. As usual, we have an hour of emailling and as we all know, that is not enough time to say everything, but here are some of my highlights of the past week.

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SISTER MULLER IS GOING WELL. I am so, so happy about this. So, so grateful. The first week was a little tough because like I said, we aren't the same person, but after going with her to the temple last week and being able to laugh with her and be more of ourselves, we get along well now. I've been praying alot about this because I wanted to be able to develop a relationship with my companion, and God truly answers prayers. Can't stress how important that is and how amazing it is to know that there is a Heavenly Father who answers my prayers. We had our first companionship inventory this week and it went really well. We tol each other things to improve on as well as things we liked about each other. It was a neat experience. For all you guys who know me....I HATE talking about my feelings. (Ahem Ether) It takes me FOREVER to say what I am thinking, and so before we began the inventory I was sooooo scared. But...you know, that was a new moumntain I conquered, and for that I am grateful!!!! Can't wait to tell you  more about Sister Muller and I as these next weeks go by.

TEO HOUSEHOLD, REPRESENT!!! First in line to eat, first to speak in sacrament meeting on my FIRST Sunday?!?!?!?! For real though, the elders and sisters in my district always laugh at me because I am always the first to get food. And on Sunday, it was whoever-gets-called-up-by-the-President-gets-to-speak, and GUESS WHO HAD THE BEST LUCK IN THE WORLD (sarcasm)?! ME!!! Good thing I went prepared and that they picked me to talk on the topic I had already prepped myself on. Wonderful! :) The MTC is great. I LOVE THE MANILA MTC SO MUCH. It is so small and that means you basically know everyone. Well, almost everyone. What a blessing. I surely wouldve felt SO lost in the Provo MTC. I guess all things happen for a reason!!!

SO I FORGOT TO SAY LAST WEEK, I AM A SISTER-TRAINING-LEADER! Speaking of last week though, I was honestly SO out of it. Started crying immediately when I opened my email. This week I'm doing good, so....not a whole lot of tears :) Although I definitely still miss you all so much!!! BUT UMM, YES! I am an STL. Sister-training-leader. How cool is that? It's a funny story, pretty long one that I won't get into right now, but basically there were like 2 times that I thought they would release me from being an STL. And both times, NOTHING! President Beck (MTC President) said that he wanted me to keep being an STL. Sooo...I'm an STL! Our jobs aren't too hard. Not as hard as being District leader or Zone leader. STLs just look after the sisters and report to the meetings every Sunday. It's pretty cool stuff :)

WENT TO THE TEMPLE AGAIN TODAY! So blessed to be right across from the Manila temple. Went with my entire district and it was the best. The peace and quiet that I feel when I am in the temple...can't beat that feeling. Especially since missionary schedules are so packed, 24/7 (aside from sleeping), being able to have quiet time is AMAZING.

WE ARE STILL TEACHING PROGRESSING INVESTIGATORS THIS WEEK. One is Adam Pascua and the other is Janny Dela Cruz. I love them so much and want them to know of the happiness that I know of and feel. It's tough learning to prepare for the lessons, especially since I have to speak in Tagalog, but...you know! It'll come along. Still trying, still learning- that's the key, right?!

WE SAID BYE TO THE SENIOR BATCH OF MISSIONARIES ON WEDNESDAY, BUT WE RECEIVED NEW ONES TODAY! Largest intake of the year. 120 missionaries in total. It was HARD saying goodbye to the missionaries on Wednesday, especially to the Filipinos. I know that I probably won't ever see them again and I just felt so...proud of them, seeing them go out into their missions. But today we welcomed the new kids and I cannot believe that I was just in their shoes 2 weeks ago. How insane?! I'm trying to be as welcoming as possible. They are definitely in for a ride!!! The first week will be tough. But I am excited to grow with my new friends and help them feel at home.

I love you all so, so much. I think of you guys often and it drives me. It motivates me. Families can be together FOREVER. I KNOW that. I feel so blessed to be sharing my beliefs with the people of the Philippines, WHO, by the way, I am starting to love SO much. Also, filipino food is the bomb dot com. Gotta learn to cook.........!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE! Dad, thank you for your email. I definitely think of your own mission experience alot. It always brings tears to my eyes when I think of what you had to go through to serve for 2 years. If you could do it, then I can too. Mom, thanks for being worried about my jewelry being snatched off. Don't worry, I'll save my bling just for the MTC. When I go out I'll wear less bling :)

Gladys and Krystal- MISS YOU GUYS' PRETTY FACES!!!!!! STUDY HARD IN SCHOOL! I promise you won't regret it.

EVERYONE ELSE- UM SEND ME HANDWRITTEN LETTERS?!?!??!?! It is hard to read everyone's emails in one hour...and I'd love some snail mail :)

BUT I LOVE YOU ALL! I Pray for EVERYONE always.

With love,
Sister Teo

P.S More pictures in separate emails!

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P.P.S Sorry these pictures come in separate emails!!! This email thing only lets us send 15 MB pictures at one time.......grh.
P.P.P.S I thought I would miss technology. Like my iPhone and everything.....but...I'm doing well! No withdrawals :) Maybe music withdrawals, but I solve that by singing with my district :) We're a cool bunch :)

Pictures:

FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
     At the time of me writing this I have not yet opened up ANY of you guys' emails! I don't want to yet because I have so much to tell you all and honestly, when I turned the computer on I didn't even know where to start with telling you all that I love you and miss you. I HAVE SO MUCH MAIL IN MY EMAIL INBOX I LOVE IT! Also because I am a crier, I am legitimately crying as I am writing this email. I miss you all so much and I feel like I am getting free time out of jail or something! Well, just kidding. The MTC isn't prison. But you guys get what I mean! I LOVE YOU ALL! I LOVE THESE 60 MINUTES OF EMAIL TIME BECAUSE YOU BET I AM HITTING AWAY AT THIS KEYBOARD!!!!!!!!!!!! FRANTICALLY HITTING AWAY! And also weirdly sobbing in front of this computer.
      BUT LETS GET STARTED.
      KUMUSTA PO?!?!?!?!??!?!?! How are you guys?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!
      SO MANY THINGS TO SAY, NOT SURE IF I HAVE ENOUGH TIME. I WROTE AN ENTIRE LIST DOWN BUT NOW IM TOO AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO WASTE TIME LOOKING AT IT AND THEN THINKING IT THROUGH. I AM LITERALLY SO HAPPY TO WRITE THIS EMAIL AND I AM JUST GOING TO TELL YOU ALL ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT COMES TO MY MIND.
     FIRST THINGS FIRST ---- although seriously though, guys, I am so happy to write to you. Lots of tears being shed among the sisters now. We are an emotional group. But I love them all ----
     GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GREAT. My MTC District is the greatest. We are the NEPHI District (GO NEPHITES!) and I am the only Chinese girl here for MILLLLLLEEEESSSS. No kidding. I kid you not. Everyone else here is Filipino, or Polynesian (but from New Zealand/Australia), or Micronesian, like my companion. I am the only Chinese girl here and I guess I feel...special?!?!?!?!? Just kidding. The Lord loves us ALL no matter what. But YES!!!! Best MTC district. We have bonded so well over this last week and I don't even know where to begin. There is a great unity and I can feel it. I am so blessed. On Tuesday (or Wednesday...I forget which day) each of us sisters were feeling SOOOO down and homesick and we all got a blessing from the only 2 elders in our district, Elder Brunt and Elder Clark. They blessed us so beautifully and in my own blessing, Elder Clark said something that stuck with me so deeply that I want to share with you all. He said, "God knew that this would happen and so He blessed you with a sisterhood of unity. We bless you to be able to draw strength from this sisterhood."
     SAY WHAAA? God knows us, yes? He does. I testify of that. That blessing I got was so powerful and gave me strength to keep going. I know, I know. Only the first week and already needing blessings? Well, who doesn't? We should always remember that the Lord is there to give us guidance and comfort whenever we need it. His love is unconditional.
     THE LANGUAGE IS TOUGH TO PICK UP, BUT I'M GETTING THERE. Something way cool, though, this last week we taught our first investigator here at the MTC, and I think it was after our second lesson...but Sister Muller (my companion) came out of the room with me after we were done and she just looked at me and said, "How did you say all of that in Tagalog?" I was shocked. I couldn't even remember what I said, but I KNOW that I was talking. It was amazing, realizing that the gift of tongues is real. Because it IS. Because that whole lesson, I had no idea what to say. But I tried my best. I prayed so hard. Sister Muller prayed so hard. And the words just came, I guess. I pray so hard everyday that I will be able to get the language down. Because I WANT to be able to teach the Filipinos. I know that teaching happens through the Holy Ghost, yes, I know, but...you know, I've got to put in my effort to get something in return!!!!!!!!!
     SO IF YOU GUYS THINK THAT THE CHINESE DRIVE CRAZY, WAIT TILL YOU GET ON THE ROADS HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES. The first night I got here, the driver that took me to the airport was a CRAAAAZZZZYYYYYYY driver. It was INSANEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Also he played music really loud so...you know, tender mercy of the Lord right there because you BET i was jamming to music on the way to the hotel!!!! I mean, not like in a crazy, non-sister-missionary-like way, but...still jamming nonetheless. So thankful that the Filipinos love music. Can't wait for Christmas to come around!!!! They'll be singing karaoke all night longggg!!!!!
     I'M NOT SURE IF I'LL BE ABLE TO SEND YOU GUYS PICTURES TODAY :( MOM/DAD/ anyone at home, did I have a camera cord when we bought the camera????? The SD card for the camera doesn't fit into anything at this computer and so....until I am able to get a camera cord to connect it to the computer...I have nada pictures :( And I AM SO SAD ABOUT THAT!!!! I took a lot of pictures!!! Wanted to send them all :( But.......we'll see. Maybe next week. Don't worry! I am still healthy. Not gaining any weight because I control my food portions, and also we have rice like every meal and I LOVE RICE AND I KNOW HOW TO CONTROL MY RICE PORTIONS. SO it's all good. But YAAAA be rest assured, I'll have pictures for you when I can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And please if you find a camera cord back home.....probably in the box or something but I'm not quite sure.....CAN YOU SEND IT OVER!!! Like DHL it or something to the MTC address:

Sister Kimberly Teo
Philippines Manila Mission
Philippines Missionary Training Center
13 Temple Dr, White Plains Ave
Greenmeadows Subd, Quezon City
1110 Metro Manila
Philippines

PACKAGES AND MAIL ALIKE CAN BE RECEIVED AT THE PHILIPPINES MANILA MTC. JUST SAYING.
     I love you all so much, I would tell you every single thing but now I realize what people mean by the saying that "A MISSION IS YOUR BEST KEPT SECRET."
     Keep praying for me, because I pray for all of you. It is SO hard. So, so hard. Sometimes I wonder why I even came out here. Some days are harder than others. Sometimes I go to sleep at night crying. Yesterday I had the WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO ESCORT MY COMPANION, SISTER MULLER, THROUGH THE TEMPLE and when I got into the Celestial room i just BAWLED my eyes out. I was so humbled and so strained down by this last week that I just cried to my Heavenly Father and begged Him to help me do this. Because I don't know that I can, alone. But I know that WITH HIS HELP, and through the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I will be able to.
     I LOVE YOU ALL AND I MISS YOU ALL AND 1 HOUR IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY EVERYTHING THAT I NEED TO, BUT I LOVE THE PHILIPPINES AND I AM TRYING MY BEST, EVERY DAY. Every day I wake up and tell myself to keep going.
     I got this here. Take care of yourselves and know that I pray for you guys ALWAYS. (Starting to cry again)
BE SAFE. Pray. Love God. He is good. and He is great.

With love,
Sister Teo
P.s Looks like there won't be pictures this time...I apologize :( NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!

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      No time!!!!! but here are some [pictures] hopefully they send through.
      MOM DAD I REALLY NEED A CAMERA CORD BECAUSE WE ARE ALL ONLY SHARING CORDS AND IT SUCKS BECAUSE THERES NO TIME FOR US ALL; TO DO IT.....what should I do!??!?!?!?!?!??!?
      Ok but um while the pictures are loading I'll keep typing ummmm.....
     Lets see...what other cool things...
     Oh so my original companion's name is sister lookubaloosooriyage.............but she didn’t show up :( i pray that she is alright though and that heavenly father is still watching over her ever if she is just back home now but um yeah but companion NOW is Sister Muller from Micronesia. We are definitely not birds of the same feather but I LOVE HER and I am trying my best to love her and be a good companion myself.
      What else...
"Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy:
      I know this is so true. I am so grateful for the plan of salvation and grateful for the fall and grateful for everything that has come to pass in the eternal scheme of things. I know that heavenly father is wise and knows what he is doing. I may not entirely know what my purpose is here in the Philippines yet but I am trying. I am trying so hard. I know I’ve said that a lot now but I really am. I say a prayer literally every hour, in my heart, because sometimes I don’t know how I’m going to get through it. The mtc is SOOOO tiring. But so fun. Especially because I have a good district to work with. I have good friends. And that is blessing I am so thankful for.
      I bear my testimony that I KNOW this church is true. I KNOW that there is a god who loves his children.
     Today we teach a new investigator and I pray that the spirit will guide us.
      SO MANY STORIES GUYS.
     Also yes i see that the pictures are sending through. sorry there are only those few but ummmm i will send some more next time.

I LOVE YOU ALL BYE!!!!!!!!

With love,
Sister Teo

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     EW I JUST REALIZED I SENT UGLY PICTURES....HAHA JUST KIDDING WE ARE BEAUTIFUL SISTERS.
     Um I promise I have more flattering photos though but the email only lets me send 15 mb of pictures each time!!!! urgh!!!!! Okay next time next time.
     UNTIL THEN!!!!!!!

WITH LOVE,
SISTER TEO