Hello everybody!! Man this week really was way crazy, I
can't even think where to start. I made a list so I'll start at the top, this
email might just be all over the place as I try to fit everything in. First
off, last night we had a goodbye party for and elder in our ward that's going
home, and we had this frosting fight that was hilarious and so much fun!!
However then they made me eat balut again...and it wasn't quite as bad as last
time but I still don't think I like it very much! Also this week, one night we
were walking home and there's a certain area we walk by that there's a lot of
kuyas (just look up the word kuya) ha but they all know us, and so we're
walking by and then I start hearing my name being yelled from some house, and
then another one like turns and bows at us as we walk by...hahaha I get some of
the funniest responses here being american. But don't worry about it, I'm
totally safe mom :) Then today was WAY fun! Because there are lots of people
going home we went bowling
Now I want to talk about Tacloban though. That was where the
huge typhoon was...(Oh and I found out Sister Mabini's family is all ok,
however they're now struggling with food. But no one died so I was SO
relieve!!) However there's a few stories I want to share. This week I've seen
so many images and heard stories that have just ripped my heart out. There's an
elder here who lost every single member of his family and his home. He of
course is staying here because he has nothing to go home to, but it is SO so
sad..I just wanted to cry for him, I actually served with him in Baliwag and he
is only like 2 transfers into the mission. I just want to cry right now talking
about it..he's SO so so great and I feel so bad. Also, Elder Howey's
companion's brother was there (all the missionaries are being transferred in
the Manila mission, Quezon City, and ours) and so they got to go talk to his
brother and others at the MTC while they were staying there. He told me one
story about a sister who said that they were right in the center of the storm,
but when it started they went to the top of their house thinking they'd be safe
from the floods. Within 10 minutes the water was up the stairs and there was no
way out because most the windows here have bars over them. They literally
thought they were going to die..so they knelt and prayed, then noticed a small
space in the wall covered by a wood plank. The sister was samoan, so she ran at
the wall and busted it, and then they all clawed (I say that because Elder
Howey said she showed him her bruised and scabbed hands from literally clawing
out of the cement walls) and they all managed to get out as the water rose and
swim to safety... I can't even imagine. I just here these stories and see on
the news how terrible it is. I know if I were at home I'd feel bad, but then
move on with life. Here it's my people now. I can understand what they're
saying when they're heartbroken and wondering if their families are ok...or if
anyone is even still alive. I'm sorry I don't want this to be a sad email, it's
just really effected me, and I've realized how to really be humble and
appreciative of all we have. I've learned so much being here, I couldn't be
more grateful. Family I love you so much! Remember that this is the One true
church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, and that we have a living prophet
leading it today. Stay worthy and ready, you never know what could happen. I
love you all with all my heart, and I am LOVING it here so much!!! I'm in love
with missionary work :)
LOVE,
Sister Benesch
PS This is me and my awesome friends bowling and eating at
the asian place with the COOLEST asian ever, Elder Wu who's going home :(
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