"Christ Is There"

Hello family! i have to say sorry right now because i am at a loss of words! we got to come to baguio again for p day and get some things we need so it's been kind of stressfull and i can't even think of what went on this week haha. but i'll do my best. first off i'm really glad you enjoyed your birthday mom! i thought the sand would be a nice idea haha. i was worried you wouldn't get it cause sometimes it doesn't work but all is well! so this week went by so fast i can't even believe it! we are started week 4 of our this transfer! can you believe it already week 4!! i've only got 2 weeks left with my companion, it's been a great two transfers and he's heading home so we will see what next transfer brings. I do want to share with you my testimony this week of how much our heavenly father loves his children. i feel like i felt the saviors love for me and our area this week more then ever. just like every week there are some bumps and challenges and i was feeling the weight of the pressure and just felt worn out and kinda down in the dumps. well i probably prayed harder then i ever have and i testify that god is there and listens and answers to our prayers. it was amazing. the spirit was in our work and truly softened some of the hearts of the less actives and one experience that happened yesterday that almost brought me to tears. so yesterday was church and so earlier in the week we taught one of our investigators and he his an old man and has a slight case of parkinsins disease. it's not too bad yet and they have it under control sometimes but still it's hard for him to walk. so we were telling him about church and invited him to come. he said " well elders i dont know if i can make it because of my condition" and he went on to tell us about some of the problems he has with this disease and so he didn't think he was going to be able to make it. my companion and i were both prompted to tell him that nothing was impossible with God and that if he put is faith in him and come to church his condition would get better so he could come to church. it was a powerful lesson and the spirit was so strong. well that was like on thursday and so when we got to church i couldn't believe what i saw. He was there!!!! and he was really early which is surprising here in the philippines haha. anyways words cannot describe the joy that i felt and i literally was "cheesin from cheek to cheek" oh and so i was sitting by him and we had a fellowshipper for him and it was amazing. i got called to bless the sacrament and i was just in awe at some of the less actives we saw at church! it was truly a amazing day and one that i will never forget! so i was praying so hard that this man would feel the spirit and just listen to some great talks haha well it was kinda funny because the talks were on "fasting" "tithing" and "patriatical blessings" haha i was just thinking oh man this poor man is probably so confused. then in sunday school the lesson was on family history and they showed a movie in straight english so who knows if anybody really understood hahaha. i did my best to try and explain to him what was going on haha but it was amazing experience and the lord really blessed us this week. I think one thing that i have really been learning the past couple weeks is to really rely on the lord and despite our challenges in life just to stay positive, smile, and be happy! i'm so grateful for this misison and there is no other place i would rather be! i love you guys so much and hope you have a enjoyable week! nagmamahal Elder Machen