My Tagalog Lessons

I am in awe of our missionries who have conquered tagalog. Let me tell you it's really a very strange language. Today I wanted to say, I know that Joseph Smith restored the true church. This is how you say it in Tagalog...Alam ko na ipinanumbalik ni Joseph Smith ang totoong Simbahan. I was so proud when I figured out how to say it. And then I asked my tutor if he thought the members would be able to understand me. He paused and then said, "Probably not, because of your accent." He tried to encourage me saying that the more I listen to natives the better my accent will become. That was really encouraging!

Just ask your missionaries serving in the Philippines about ang, ng and sa words. You won't believe how complicated it is to comprehend it all. My goal is to be able to ask a few general greeting questions, pray and bear my testimony. I know I'll panic if a filipino starts answering my questions!


Anyway, I am so proud of any nonfilipino who can speak tagalog!
Sister Carlos

It's raining in Cauayan!

We have been very concerned the past few weeks about the drought in the Cauayan area. We've heard that the farmers are worried about a food shortage, the famous Banaue Rice Terraces are being jeopardized, the brownouts (blackouts to us) are happening throughout the region and the weather is hotter than usual. I know that the members and missionaries have been praying for rain and we joined with them and offered many prayers in their behalf.

I just got news that yesterday during zone conferences the heavens opened and it rained and rained and there is more rain in the forecast. This is blessed news!

Sister Carlos

A Great Bishop

This week we received an email from our bishop expressing his love to members of our ward. He also asked for prayers in our behalf that our home would sell. That is the last of our unfinished business and we were so humbled that he cared that much about us and our situation. With all the great folks in Sioux Falls 1st Ward praying, we have no doubt that all will be well before we leave. What a blessing it is to have so many supportive brothers and sisters. I love that about this great gospel!

Sister Carlos

Conference Weekend

We just returned from General Conference in Salt Lake. The church was gracious enough to send us tickets. We were seated in a section of other newly called Mission Presidents and had so much fun meeting many of them going to Poland, Chile, Tri-Cities Washington, Orlando, Mesa, Japan, etc. We soon found out that we share many of the same feelings of extreme excitement and trepidation! We couldn't help but feel their beautiful spirits and were humbled to think that we are numbered amongst them.

We also had the opportunity to meet Elder Edwards and his wife. He is the Area President for the Philippines. They live in Manila. They are wonderful and we can't wait to learn and serve with them.

The Conference talks were so powerful. So many focused on the role of parents in protecting their children from the evils of the world. As I think of all the missionaries we will serve with, I am grateful to wonderful parents who have prepared these sons and daughters to be worthy of the calling of missionaries. I also remember how tender my heart was to send my sons off to a foreign land. I want the mothers of our missionaries to know that I will vigilantly look after their sons and daughters. We have been looking at their photos and already feel so much love and respect for every one of them.

Sister Brenda Carlos