Elder Austin Russell Cook Philippines, Legazpi Mission 8-2016 thru 8-2018: My first time serving as a missionary in an actual ward and not a branch

Hey kids, my new area is great! Here in Daraga is my first time serving as a missionary in an actual ward and not a branch. It's weird getting used to the fact that we have an actual bishop here, but it's a good change to get used to! Oh, and my new companion, Elder Faka'osi, is the greatest! He's from Tonga and is truly one of the kindest, most loving companions I have had on the mission. I have yet to hear him say anything negative about any circumstances we have been placed in so far, and he is also very obedient to the mission rules, which is a huge weight off of my shoulders. (also he's a giant)

The gang is all here. Elder Peterson to my left and comp to my right

We also have two other Elders staying in our apartment, and one of those Elders is Elder Peterson! We were rooming together back in the MTC days, so it's great to have him back as a roommate.

So my new area, Daraga, is actually a pretty big city (I think it's like the second biggest city in our mission? Not sure) But our area, fortunately, is mostly out in the mountain areas, so we are doing a lot more walking than we used to. In Masbate, our area was about the length of two or three football fields, so this area is giving my feet a little more of a work out.

I've only been in the area for less than a week, but I see infinite potential here: both in the members and in the investigators. It's going to take a lot of dedicated work, but we can do it! Elder Faka'osi is 100% ready to help and get the work going faster than it has gone before, so we are just so excited for this transfer!