"I Don't Think Maps Exist Here, but We Don't Get Lost..."

Hello my most wonderful family and friends!

Sorry about no letter last week—we had a brown out right as I was literally about to click the send button. Welcome to the Philippines.:)  Anyway, I hope you all had a great week!  Monday was great last week because we found out that on November 2, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be coming to our mission to speak with us! Is that not the best birthday gift or what?! I’m so excited!!  

(Mom's note: November 2nd is Sister Dixon's birthday!!)

Tuesday we had district meeting and then went to the huge government building in Bacolod City to sing. It was family week this week in the Philippines so they had a lot of celebrations throughout the week. We were asked to sing “Gugma sa Balay,” or “Love at Home.” It was so neat to stand in front of all these Filipino people and bear our testimonies about home and loving families through song. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many Filipinos in one area. It was pretty neat! They all sang their national anthem, which gave me chills. I just love these people so much! I was also grateful for the guidance of the Spirit that day. In the Philippines, I don’t think maps exist. I’ve
tried to find one with no success. You just have to ask how to get to certain places. It was a two jeepney, one tricycle ride to the government building, and I had no idea how to get there. I was completely calm, however, as we traveled through the crazy traffic because I knew the Lord would direct us to get where we needed to go.
As a missionary, I can feel his arm of protection and guidance in everywhere I go. If I were to do this not as a missionary, I’m about 98% sure I’d get lost. Haha I know for a fact that the Spirit guides us to where we need to go each day, and in safety, as well. Plus the fact that Filipinos are so kind and everyone is willing to
help us get where we need to. :)

Wednesday was kind of a punt day, which was a bit rough, but in the process we found Disneyland! Haha You know Adventure Land in Disneyland? Well we found an area that made me feel like that, only it was a billion times better! We were trying to find a former investigator, and I had never been to this area before (because our
area is HUGE). It was such a pretty area and what I imagined when I
found out I was going to the Philippines. We found the Sentecieva family, but the wife wasn’t home, so we weren’t able to enter and teach. But at least we know where they live now! Also in the process of finding this family, we found where Fera Jane Pedroso moved to! The area where they lived is being demolished for a hardware store to be built, so they had to move. I just knew the general direction of where they moved to, but didn’t know details. Well, while looking for the Sentecieva family, we passed Dexter, her little brother, who was
heading home from school, so we went with him to his house! Again, I know Heavenly Father is guiding us and helping us to know where to go, even if it comes in the most unexpected ways.

Thursday was great because we taught Angie. You can’t have a bad day when you teach Angie Lobaton. :) We’re teaching her the new member lessons so we reviewed the Restoration and she bore her testimony of the Spirit. She said Sunday, after stake conference, she went to her friend’s church because she invited her. She said the whole time she felt confused and didn’t like it. On the way home on the jeepney, she heard a whisper keep entering her mind to, “read the Book.” That night she kept hearing the same words, so she pulled out her Book of Mormon and read three chapters before she went to sleep. It was neat to see how the Spirit worked through her to help bring comfort of the truth back to her mind. She also told us her mind wants to run faster to learn everything about the Gospel. She is so hungry and just wanting to feast so much on the words of Christ, but she can’t learn fast enough! Haha She is amazing. She told us she wants to name the next, “Paue,” either Nephi Gabriel or Sariah, if it’s a girl. :)

Friday we had weekly planning and then visited a few families including the Potato family. They have a lot of kids, so to keep their attention we told the story of Nephi and Laban as excitedly as we could. They were so cute as their little eyes just watched us and their mouths parted open as we got to the part of Nephi slaying Laban.
We related to them how keeping the commandments will help them receive help from God in everything they need to do as well. Like school and in their everyday life. We committed them to read Helaman  56 about the
stripling warriors. I think the boys will like that story. ;)

Saturday we had a few lessons with some potential investigators and then met with Dexter since he didn't have work. Angie shared another story about the Holy Ghost guiding her in just little everyday life things. She went to a second hand store and saw some shorts she liked, but someone had beat her to it. She was disappointed she hadn't seen them just a few minutes earlier to get them, but she found another pair she liked. Then as she was leaving, she had the thought to go back. She went back to the store and the person had left the pair of
shorts she had wanted. So she left with two pair of shorts. :) I think it’s so neat that she was able to recognize that the Lord is looking out for her, not just in big decisions in life, but in little details like having a pair of shorts she wanted. It was a testament to her and to me that God loves His children and brings tender mercies to our
lives, something as little as having a pair of shorts, to show us His love and guidance through the Spirit. She also got teary as she expressed her gratitude for Heavenly Father in bringing the missionaries to her family. Thomas Solquilio, their boarder, told her the story of Christ as the Shepherd and how He goes out to find the one lost sheep. She knew that she had been a lost sheep, but that this was the time for her to be found and she expressed such great gratitude for her Savior in sending the missionaries to find her, the lost sheep, as well as her family. Dexter also expressed such great gratitude for Christ and how he wants to have his family always
centered on the teachings of Christ so they can always grow closer to Him and return to live with Him and our Father for eternity with our families. At the end of the lesson, Dexter gave such a sincere, heartfelt prayer. It’s been amazing to see the incredibly fast spiritual growth in this family. I wish so much for every one of our
other investigators to see and feel the importance of this Gospel like the Lobaton family has. They are so amazing!

Sunday was the Primary program in Sacrament meeting. Oh my goodness, when Filipino children sing, it’s just the cutest thing ever! They sang, “A Child’s Prayer,” and it just filled me with the Spirit so much. Their talks were so simple, but so sincere and true. Brother Cordero, the second counselor, also gave a talk from last conference
(I can’t remember who it’s by) about how a singing child is a happy child (remember that one? It’s a good one :) ) and it’s so true! These little children who sang were just so happy and filled with the Spirit. :) After Sacrament we had the baptism of Sarah Boli boli, Ma.Lyn Jurada, and Cassey Joy Granton. This mission is teaching me a lot about patience. There was a brownout earlier in the day, which means the water won’t flow, so we had to wait a while for the water to fill the font and for the elders to get to the church with the jumpsuits since our ward doesn't have any that will fit kids. People were starting to get a bit restless, but despite all that, the baptisms were very successful and I’m one step closer to obtaining the attribute of patience. ;) The girls were good sports about waiting too and said that they felt, “nami!” after they were baptized. :)

All in all it was a pretty great week! My studies get better and better each day and I’ve learned so much this week on the importance of following the promptings of the Spirit and listening to those I teach with the Spirit to understand their needs. I’ve learned a lot about fervent prayer as well, and have seen that as my prayers become
more fervent, the Lord draws nearer to me in guidance, comfort, and everything else. He wants so much to help and guide us and he’s just waiting for us to turn to Him. Sister Russon is doing so well and sometimes I forget I’m training because she’s just so natural at this. It’s been fun to be with her and we’ve had some pretty neat studies and lessons together. She is very in-tune with the Spirit. She is just so awesome!

I hope everyone has a great week. I felt extra grateful this morning for my family and friends and leaders back home and just want to express to you how much I love all of you! Thank you so much for your love, support, and prayers. They mean the world to me. I truly have the most wonderful family and friends. :) Palangga ko kamo!! xo

Love,
Sister Dixon


Sister Dixon said she was unable to send photos this week. We are so grateful that her mission president, President Lopez, takes photos and shares them with us. Here are a few from her experience singing at Bacolod City Hall.

This is a photo of the missionaries singing in Hiligaynon, "Love at Home" for Family Week.

Sister Dixon is standing close to the top of the first flight of stairs. 

Bacolod City Hall

Sister Dixon and Sister Russon

Brownout!

We received this from Jessica at 1:37 a.m ( I may or may not have been somewhat awake worrying about her). This would have been 3:37 pm her time!

Hello Everyone--
"So sorry!! Right as I was literally moving the mouse to send there was a brownout!! I slightly freaked out cuz I knew there wasn't a way to tell you and I knew you’d probably be freaking out.  (I (MOM) wasn't freaking out--just moderately worried is all--she knows me too well)!

And then, when I came back to send it later in the day when there wasn't a brownout anymore, I found out my email didn't save. It was a long one too! 

This mission really is teaching me a lot patience. I'll try writing a handwritten letter of what happened this week. But I still have to do laundry, so we'll see. At least I got to send you an email to let you know I'm okay.

 Love you all!! xoxo"

We did see some photos on Facebook this week from her Ward Missionary Page and from her Mission President. So, we know she had Family Home Evening with a family in the ward and that she attended Zone Conference. Feeling blessed that we at least received these this week.

I can just hear that laugh! Love it!!

Go Sister Dixon

Looks like lots of yummy food

Looks like Family Home Evening is fun in the Philippines!

Zone Conference--leading the singing

What beautiful Sisters!!

We also received a hand-written letter this week! A scripture she suggested that we read is John 14:27 which says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  She said that scripture has given her a lot of comfort to know that Heavenly Father is there for us every step of the way and He has a perfect plan for each of us.
(Brownouts included, I guess)!!

Have a great week everyone, and we will hope to post a letter next week!  Thanks for your continued prayers and love for our sweet missionary. We love you all :)

Transfer Call...

Hello everyone!

Wow, what a week! So much has happened that I almost can't think straight!

 Monday we got a call from the APs that Sister Canimo would be going to Talisay and I would be staying in Alijis to train. It was crazy...for the little time that I've been here myself, and with how much I'm still learning each day, I felt at such peace.

 Tuesday we went to Galo so I could meet with my temporary companion while we waited for our trainees. I was with Sister Madrid. She is Filipino and just so so sweet. She's going to be an excellent trainer. I could just tell from the two days I was with her. One day it rained SO hard that we couldn't hear each other in our lesson with the Potato family. So instead we just sang Hymns while waiting for the rain to settle down. :) It brought the Spirit so much..probably even more than if we had taught a normal lesson.  

Thursday we went to the Galo chapel to have our trainer's training and then we met our new companions! My companions name is Sister Michelle Russon from Lehi, Utah. She is very sweet and such a hard worker! I can tell she's going to be an excellent missionary--she already is! She remembers all the people's names and places already and picks up Hiligaynon so quickly. She could basically be training herself! It was fun because her first lesson was with Angie. They actually ended up speaking in English to us since now it's two Americans. haha Imagine that...Filipinos speaking English to two Americans and the Americans responding back in Hiligaynon. Pretty great. :) haha Anyway, we also had a lesson this week with Nika Jane Gokong. She really opened up to us and pretty much told us her whole life story. She's gone through some pretty rough times and intense things in her life. We listened for a long time and then shared with her the story about Alma the Younger and his change of heart. She's an amazing woman and I know the Gospel can bless her life so much to find happiness and peace and live free of guilt. 

Sunday was great because Angie Lobaton received the gift of the Holy Ghost! We didn't get to actually witness it because right before she was to be blessed, Pawi had to go to the bathroom, so I ended up chasing Angie down to tell her to go up to the stand and that I'd take Pawi to the bathroom. haha but all is well! She received the gift of the Holy Ghost and told me that she felt such peace when they laid their hands upon her head. :) 
 

I hope this week is a good one, and as they're starting to say here in the Philippines, Merry Christmas!! 

Love, 

Sister Dixon

PS The Filipinos so far have asked Sister Russon if she is from Russia. :) 

Lunch time-- before meeting new companions

The batch of missionaries Sister Dixon knew in the MTC

Sister Russon and Sister Dixon

New companionships

                                                             

Twenty pair of cute little eyes stare at us...Become as a little child.

Hello everyone! How's life? :) 

I hope everyone is happy and healthy! Here's the scoop for this week:

Monday we had FHE at the Bishop's house with Sister Ang and Sister Bushman. They had a training the next day so they stayed at our house and came to FHE with us. We had an awesome object on Faith and played some games. Oh boy, when you get Filipinos playing games and laughing, it's a hoot! So fun! 

Tuesday I met a senior couple...the Neffs. They are almost 80 years old and since Elder Neff can't drive they take jeepneys everywhere. Jeepneys!!! I couldn't believe it at first. They are such troopers. I thought, goodness, if they can do this at their age, I definitely can. They are such amazing examples to me, and they are so so sweet. I hope I can do that someday with my future spouse. They are incredible!! We went with Elders Farner and Orlanda to Angie's for her baptismal interview and she did great! Afterwards we taught her and her neighbor, Nika Jane Gokong. She is actually from Cebuano and so I couldn't understand a things. Sister Canimo doesn't know Cebuano either, but she has this amazing gift of discerning people's needs and she was able to understand everything she said, despite the language barrier. Amazing!! We were able to build our relationship with her as she told us a pretty intense life history. She probably won't be able to get baptized for a while because of a few things, but we'll definitely keep working with her. She's very kind and open to our message. 

Wednesday we had an awesome zone leader's training, and my trainer, Sister McIver did part of the training because she's a new Sister Training Leader! I'm so proud of her. :) It was a really good training on obedience, repentance, and loving your companion. We also talked a lot about using the Book of Mormon in our teaching, which Sister Canimo and I applied as best we could for the rest of the day and throughout our week. There really is such power in using the Book of Mormon. It's only through reading the Book of Mormon and sincerely praying about it do we receive the confirmation that the Church is true and that Joseph Smith is a prophet. So we've been doing our best to help our investigators read the Book of Mormon daily and pray to know it's true. :) We taught the Boliboli family this day as well. They are a part member family and the Father, his kids, and his grand kids all live together, so there's usually a LOT of kids listening in our lessons. It's so cute! About 20 pair of cute little eyes stare at us and enthusiastically answer, "OO! (pronounced oh-oh)" to our questions. :) One of the grand kids, Deu, has a word of wisdom issue, but we committed him to keep the word of wisdom and he stopped smoking and drinking. Right then and there. He hasn't done it since! It's amazing. They are such a fun family. :) 

Thursday we taught Angie again and she told us about how she had a discussion with her friend of a different religion and she explained all about the Plan of Salvation--where we came from, the purpose of why we're here, and where we're going. She even gave her a Restoration pamphlet. She's already a missionary and she's not even baptized yet! She also takes her Book of Mormon study very seriously. She says that if she reads something, she wants to study it otherwise there's no purpose to it. She had some good questions from her reading. She's just a solid investigator. I love her so much! 

Friday after planning we taught the Boliboli family again. It's funny because the kids LOVE to pet my arm. They are amazed that I have arm hair. hahaha and the fact that it's a different color than my actual hair. Anyway, 2 of the kids present weren't part of the Boliboli family. The little girl, maybe 3 years old, would NOT stop following us until we followed her to her house. She wanted to be taught too!! We've taught her mom before, but she has no interest in our message. It makes me sad that the kids want so much to do what's right--they KNOW what's right, and they want to follow Jesus Christ and hear about Him, but their parents don't. :( I read this week in Mosiah about becoming as a little child. I can totally understand that scripture here. The kids are so pure and just want to listen and hear about Jesus Christ and His word. It's sad as we grow older and our hearts become harder. We can learn so much from little kids and their pure and sweet hearts to follow our Savior. 

Saturday we went to teach Fera Jane but they are in the process of moving. It made my heart cry because the government is demolishing their living area in October. They already have so little, and to see them take down the little they have brought tears to the brim. They're just moving down the street, but it's still so very sad. :( But I know that as Fera Jane continues to stay strong and go to church, read, and pray, she will be blessed. Later that day we went to teach Angie and Dexter but Dexter was already outside with Thomas Soquilio (their boarder) with 3 copies of the Book of Mormon (English, Ilonggo, and Tagalog), and they were having a study session together! I love it! We let them finish as we taught Angie and started teaching Nika Jane about the Restoration. Soon Dexter joined and we talked about the Doctrine of Christ. Nika Jane is a very very fast learner and she just soaked it all in. She came to church the next day as well! I can tell she's going to progress quickly, but her boyfriend is Muslim and they aren't married. So it might take some time before she can be baptized, but I know with the Lord's timing, all things work out how they're supposed to. :)

Sunday was a wonderful day! Chennie Angel was confirmed and Angie Lobaton was baptized! She was baptized with Sheila, an investigator of Sister Sefeti and Laulu. They both gave very heartfelt, tear-filled testimonies, and were all grins. Angie looked so very happy. I know I say this a lot, but there's really no way to explain the joy of missionary work. Helping bring souls to Christ is one of the best feelings ever. :) 

Well, later tonight we get transfer calls...so I guess I'll let you know next week what happens! I am completely at peace, however, knowing that the Lord has a perfect plan for me in where I need to be, who my companion needs to be, and who I need to teach. I have complete trust and faith in Him. The experiences I've had so far on my mission have truly showed me that when I have faith and trust in Him, He won't let me fail. He is there and He loves me. 

I hope everyone has a great week! Happy birthday to Uncle Wade and Kira this week...hope it's a good one!
I love you all so much. Stay strong. I know Heavenly Father loves us so much. We are truly His children. :)

Much love, 

Sister Dixon

PS when we go to the grocery store, when they call us ma'am, I always think they're saying, "mom." Took me a while to get used to that one.. :)

"FHE at Bishop Pacatang's house with the Moyani family and Sisters Bushman and Ang."

"3 Noblezada sisters...Chennie Angel, Angel, and Angelica"

"Washing my clothes...."

"Beautiful tropical flower"

"Boliboli family" :)

"Walking to church with Boliboli family"

"Angie's baptism!!"

"Elder farner is too tall to fit in the tricycads.."

"lunch with delavega family after baptism"

"Cute Pawi." :)

"FHE at Thomas Soquilio's home with Angie, Dexter, Nika Jane, Osmund, and Sister Atison"

"The apartment. It's MUCH nicer than our last one." :)

Her apartment is immaculate!! She said "thanks to Sister Canimo---she cleans every day. She's an even more neat freak than i am! haha I don't know what I'm going to do if she leaves or I leave! She's honestly the one that does most the cleaning."

Crazy We're This Close to Christmas...This Mission is Perfect for Me in Every Way :)

Hello Family and Friends!

 Happy September! Crazy we're this close to Christmas! Here in the Philippines, they start celebrating Christmas in September (this mission is perfect for me in every way ;) ), so I'm sure excited! Anyway, this week was pretty great! Here's the lowdown...

Monday we had ward family home evening. We brought the Jurada family with us. They are a part member family and so so awesome. Marielyn is 11 and an investigator. She is very smart and so sweet. Leonor, 17, is quiet and likes to cook (she always makes us dinner when we go over...so sweet of her!) She reminds me a lot of Savanna. Denis is 21 and has had a bit of a rebellious streak, but he's very good to his sisters and his mom and super hard working. Teresa is 25 and the breadwinner of the family. Since she's the one that provides most of the money, she got to decide what color the house was....pink. the couches are pink and the walls used to be too until she decided she liked mint green too. :) she's very into fashion and is just funny and she's really nice. Josephine, the mom, works all week in Handumanan and comes back on Saturday. Their dad left them a while back so it's just the five of them. They're all less active except for Marileyn. We've been teaching Marielyn this week and she just soaks in everything we teach her. It's been good to have her as an investigator because the whole family gets in on the lesson to help teach her, which is awesome because I think it reminds them of when the missionaries taught them at first and how important this Gospel is. It's been neat especially for Denis since he's a prospective missionary. They all came to church on Sunday, too! I feel fairly certain that this family will be reactivated, especially with us teaching Marielyn the lessons. They are such an awesome family. I wish you all could just meet them to know for yourselves!! :) 

We focused a lot this week on Chennie Angel Noblezada. She goes by Angel. She is 9 years old and so adorable. Her mom, Analie, has THE biggest smile, despite their very poor living conditions and trials. She definitely passed on her beauty to her children. Angel comes to church every week even though her mom can't because there's usually a sick child. Angel also is very helpful to her mother--very mature for a 9 year old. She's pretty shy, but she understood everything we taught her. :) Such a sweetheart. She was baptized yesterday, and things went a lot smoother than our baptism with Fera Jane. ;) It was a nice service and she looked so pretty dressed in white. :) 

This week Angie Lobaton told us some sad news. Dexter's work isn't paying them overtime, even when they work it, so they aren't able to save enough for all their expenses. They're thinking they might have to move across town to live with her mom in a squatters area. :( Thomas Soquilio, the member who is also their boarder (and is really fellowshipping them), was super nice and said they could have one month free rent. He told Angie that Satan is doing all he can to prevent her baptism this weekend. We asked her if she had been reading the Book of Mormon and she said she hadn't the night before because she was too upset. We told her that in times like this, when we turn to the Lord in prayer and scripture study, He will always guide us. We left her 2 Ne. 32 to read. Later in the week she texted us and they are staying for the month while figuring out what to do. Dexter wasn't able to get work off for Sunday, but decided to come to church anyway. :) It was fast and testimony meeting (and it was a really good one too). Afterwards he said the entire meeting he just had the strongest desire to have the same burning testimonies as these members. He just felt that this Church is true and he wants to be baptized on the 15th. :) He also plays basketball with Thomas and some other ward members during the week. Before they start they open with prayer and a scripture. He thinks it's so cool that they can just read a scripture and expound and he wants to be able to do the same thing. He said he was so grateful he let us come to his home to teach his wife, because now he knows this Church is true. :) The tender mercies of the Lord are incredible. I love this work! 

On Friday I'm pretty sure we had a typhoon. It was the hardest it's EVER rained here. Luckily we had weekly planning and by the time we finished our planning the rain had stopped too. It was sad though because the downpour left Fera Jane and other's houses filled with water to their knees. The water drained eventually, but it just made my heart sad. :( Later in the day we taught Marileyn Jurada. The rain started to pick up again so Sister Canimo said in the opening prayer that the rain would stop. Immediately after she said that, the rain stopped. I heard Marielyn give a gasp. It was so awesome!! After the prayer it continued to rain but not as hard. It was the neatest little miracle and I'm glad Marielyn was able to witness the power of prayer. :) 

Saturday we visited a member named Rica. Her daughter has epilepsy but she said she's been the greatest blessing in their lives, despite how hard it is. I'm so amazed every single day of the faith and lives of these people. They are so amazing! Sunday we had Relief Society exchanges and I was with a Sister who didn't know very much English. It really forced me to speak Hiligaynon, which was SO good for me. I realized that I actually know a lot more than I thought I did. Even though I was nervous at first to split with someone non English speaking, it was a tender mercy for me to know that the gift of tongues is real and Heavenly Father really is helping me with this language. I also found out that the man who translated the Hiligaynon Book of Mormon is in our ward! Alex Lecciones. He went to Utah and everything to do so. How awesome is that?

Anyway, it was a good week! This week is the last week before transfers, so I guess we'll see what happens next week! Thanks for all the prayers and love. And happy birthday to little miss Rach on the 3rd! I miss your hugs, Rachey. :) Hug my sisters for me, k? And good luck to Elder Dixon this Wednesday! You are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be amazing and bless the lives of so many in Spain. Love you!

Hope you all have a great week and I'll 'see' you next week!

Love, 

Sister Dixon 

PS The best way to explain the Word of Wisdom to the Filipinos is 'sakit,' which means 'sick.' S-siagarellio, A-alak, K-kape, I-illegal nga druga, T-tsaa. I'll let you figure out what each means. ;)

Sister Dixon loves the children, and I think the feeling is mutual! 

Laundry Day

Sister Dixon's back yard. Can you spot the goat?

Sister Dixon's shoes made for a great bed for Mr.Toad

Sister Dixon and her companion had to cross this river. She said it went to their thighs.

I wonder how she did that in a skirt?

I am sure he has lots of legs!

We asked Sister Dixon in an email what her daily schedule was like. 

 She told us hour by hour, and said at 10:00 pm she washes her legs--they are muddy EVERYDAY from all the rain, rain,rain... and walking and walking and walking!!

Sister Canimo holding the plate to keep the water in the font for last week's baptism. Sister Dixon said that the water does come out brown and rusty--even in the font.

Pink cupcakes on a pink couch :)!!

YES...the lizard was on the egg in the fridge! 

Karissa wants our fridge to be like that.

Beautiful, beautiful children of God

Angel's baptism

The Alijis sister missionaries 

Walking along a bridge--what a CHAMP!!!