Happy New Year from Cebu!

Happy New Year from Sister Sawyer in Cebu! Hi Mom! Happy New Year!!!!!!! We went to Toledo last night and watched Monsters University and some of Wreck it Ralph. Before we got there we had 2 lunch appointments. My word! I can't eat anymore! Nanay Ponteras, our mother here, said she wouldn't let us go to Toledo on an empty stomach. We told her that we were eating at the Ginigans before and there was going to be pizza in Toledo, but no. She wouldn't take it. We can't refuse because it is really rude, so we had to stomach it all. It was painful. But she is very kind. Oh at the ginigans we ate goat. It's pretty good. Then we went to Toledo. We even had a gift exchange. I got the catholic picture thing that changes pictures when you move it. It's pretty great. Maybe I'll bring it home. Hahah the Elders who brought the catholic things for their gifts thought they were so funny. Hahaha it was a good time. Then we spent the night with Sister Lupien and Sister Bingham. We didn't have a morning schedule...we could wake up whenever we wanted. I woke up at 630. Then tried to fall back asleep till 8. Then we came home and dropped our stuff off and came to email. Not a fan of the whole no morning schedule...haha Funny Story. We were sitting there watching the movie and all of a sudden our ZL, Elder Blount, starts doing a dance and steps on something. There was a cockroach in his pants!!! He had on his pj pants and ripped the side open cuz it was in there! It was so funny and gross! It was a huge one too! So, the baptisms! We asked Cherry who she wanted to baptize her and she was so excited that she got to choose. She asked if Elder Somerfeldt would. Elder Cube baptized May Ann. The spirit was very strong. Cherry's husband came and began to cry. He wants to get baptized as well. We have tried to set a date with him, but is struggling with the word of wisdom. He has quit smoking, but still drinks on occasion. He did not tell us that until a few nights ago...pastilan! But we know he can do it. We always tell him to ask for help from Heavenly Father. Our Father in Heaven always wants to help us. We need to humble ourselves and ask for his help. They read the Book of Mormon and the Liahonas that we have given them. They are an amazing family! How much does it cost to come to the Philippines? We set another baptismal date with Romio Labastida. The man that just showed up to church 3 weeks after we invited him on the street. January 25th, but one of our branch missionaries told us that he was smoking. What in the world Romio? He, or his relative, has a caribou...they said we can sit on it! I have been dying to sit on one! Hahaha so one of these days we are going to go sit on it. We'll make one of them sit on it first just to make sure it won't start running or doing anything crazy. Don't worry we'll pray before! ha So, Sister Hutchings and I are staying here another transfer! We were a little surprised we stayed together since she is done with the 12 weeks program, but we are excited to continue serving together. What a great opportunity it is to open the new year on a mission. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. This is one of the hardest things I have every done, but one of the best things. I have come closer to my Father in Heaven and Savior. I love to see other people come closer to their Father in Heaven and Savior too. It is just amazing to see the change in people's lives. At the talent show. Elder Uata and I were the judges for some dumb thing we did. Oh kiki! How is the party at Bev's? I asked her what they are doing in Philippines-People were out drinking and singing. Now it is raining and they are all hiding from the rain or sleeping their hang overs off. Haha There were quite a bit! Not too many though. People don't have money to buy them. One member told us that it use to be crazy, but now walay cuarta. They don't like the rain. Even the littlest sprinkle. It is pretty funny. They always say "Ulan sisters!" It's funny. Sometimes I just want to say Mao diay or claro lang, but I don't. It is funny. On Monday it poured too. We had to walk to the dock where the jeepney for balamban was in the rain. We were SOAKED! I hope you have a great week and a Happy New Year!!!!!! Don't get caught doing fireworks! Love you and have fun! I like walking better. Haha I think rainy is till February, apan ambot! Love you so much mom! See you next week! Love, Sister Sawyer