Week 80 (travel Manila to Home)

Hello all! Maayong hapon! 

I want to thank those of you who have read just one page to those of you who have followed my experiences over the course of my mission in Bacolod, Philippines. I hope that there was something on any day that was able to uplift your spirits and help to bring you closer to Christ, as that is the true purpose of this blog.

Sister Hostetter, Sister Clarke, and Sister Burkhardt and I traveled to Manila together with the other missionaries who were going home. We were able to visit the Manila temple and to my surprise, my trainer, Sister Soriano, along with some other missionaries, including Sister Tamo and Sister Ignacio (past companion), were there waiting to welcome us! My trainer had even brought me some authentic Filipino snacks :) Walking into the temple felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders that I didn't realize I had been carrying. I felt so much peace and love to be able to walk into the House of the Lord.

After the temple, we along with Sister Dapena went back to a hotel until our early morning flights the next day. We were able to take the first hot shower we've taken since we left the Manila MTC. It was a weird feeling. Sister Hostetter was on a different flight than the 3 of us, so we said goodbye to her in the morning and went to the airport. The original plan was I would be flying the connecting flight from Tokyo to Oregon by myself; however, our flight was delayed and there was some reshuffling so then Sister Clarke and Sister Burkhardt were put on my flight! I was relieved. 

On the flight from Manila to Tokyo (almost 5 hours), I sat next to a woman who I learned was on a business trip. She travels a lot for her work and visits Manila every 3 months. She told me that she had already been to Manila a little bit ago and shouldn't have had to come back for another 3 months but something came up so she was called back. She asked what I was doing in the Philippines and I started to explain about missionary work, and that opened up a conversation about the gospel. I am so grateful for her openmindedness and willingness to voice her thoughts and concerns. She told me she was Baptist but we had a common faith and desire to know more about Jesus Christ, and we had a wonderful discussion about the Plan of Salvation when she opened up about her father passing away when she was young. We talked about the diagram of the two things holding us back from returning to our Father's presence and how Christ's sacrifice and His gospel are what allow us to return back. She laughed a little and said it was interesting how she being older and more experienced in life than I am, had so much she learned from me, a 20-year-old, about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before we went our separate ways, she hugged me and thanked me for talking with her and allowing her to voice concerns she hadn't talked about in a long time. I know that Heavenly placed us in each other's paths so that we could help each other. I was able to help her understand more about the Church and Heavenly Father's plan and how we are saved by Christ's Atonement and by obedience to His gospel. This conversation showed me how important it is to talk to everyone, even if I'm no longer a missionary with an assigned area. It helped me to realize that people in America need the gospel of Jesus Christ just as much as the Philippines do and that there are people who are willing to humble themselves and listen and learn.

I hoped to sleep the second flight so I would be alert and awake when we landed in Portland, but I was only able to lay with my eyes closed haha. As we began to see the line of pine trees, my eyes filled with water. Happy to be home, sad to have left a place where, even now, most of my heart remains. And very very tired. After customs, I said goodbye to Sister Burkhardt and see you at the Y to Sister Clarke, the next time I see her, she'll be Eliza again, and I'll be Caitlin. I got on a bus to take me from an outer terminal to the main terminal. Right after I entered the doors, before I even realized they were there, I started to hear Keara making whoop whoop sounds. I smiled as I came in direct view of my family. My mom held out her arms and I ran to hug her as tears began to fall. I can't explain the joy that I felt in the moment that I could hug my family again and see their faces and talk and laugh with them. 

In the days since being home, I have come to feel and understand the true definition of bittersweet. I am so happy to be with my family again, but my heart is still left with those I came to love in Bacolod. People I taught and served and came to know so well. I was with them in their homes, on the streets, and watched them experience life's greatest trials as well as experience great joy, especially through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The members of the Church that I came to know and love and admire because of the strength of their testimony, and how their testimonies continue to strengthen with each trial that comes their way. Serving in the Philippines Bacolod mission taught me so much about the world and life and about the gospel and how great the need truly is for each person to internalize the gospel of Jesus Christ and follow Him. For that is the only way to true and lasting happiness in this life and eternal life and happiness in the world to come.

 I guess this is my last post. I have been released as a set apart full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. However, I know that doesn't mean I am released as a disciple of Jesus Christ with the responsibility to share His gospel with others. It is the most important thing we could ever learn and apply in our lives. I know that without a doubt. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's Church upon the earth today. I know that He speaks to us through our living prophet Russell M. Nelson. I know the Book of Mormon to be true, without question. It has helped me to become who I am today as I have studied it and followed its teachings.

Thank you so much for all you love and support over the past 18 months. I have appreciated it all so much, especially the prayers you sent my way, for I know that helped the miracles to happen. Love you all so much!! 

Sister Bingham  Caitlin