Letter dated September 23, 2009
So, we watched a car go up in flames right next to the bank and went to go help- but right when we got there the police and ambulance came roaring in- everyone was fine- and we left- I think it was a plot to blow up the bank.... :) okay, maybe not!
We have A's baptism tomorrow! Yay! :) He's so excited and can't even wait! What a great blessing! On Saturday we had the annual Spanish Festival which was a big hit!!! Lots of different food, dance, and music from all over South America!
Alright, time is up- I'll write more next week. Love you tons! Keep the faith and keep on smiling!
Monday, September 28, 2009
All Things Take Time
Letter dated September 16, 2009
We just found out that on October 15th we'll be having Elder Kenneth Johnson from the Quorum of the Seventy touring our mission! :) Yay! He's going to randomly choose individuals or companions to teach him the Restoration or the Plan of Salvation in 5 minutes- so we better get our A-Game on! So exciting!
What an incredible week we were able to have! The members worked so hard along by our side this whole week and went with us or opened up their home for practically every single lesson- miracles! I marvel to think how much our ward and area has grown since we first got here back in March- let's just say it was quite challenging. But to see how far our ward has come now and how much more united they are and pumped up about missionary work puts a great big smile on my face. Miracles in all shapes and forms do happen- and this has been amongst one of the greatest miracles in my mission to have seen this great transformation take place. All things take time... plant the seeds and cultivate the earth.... and wait for the garden to grow! :)
Oh yeah, A is getting baptized on Thursday, September 24th and will be confirmed on the 27th! :) I love my mission and the gospel and the blessings that it brings to everyone!
We just found out that on October 15th we'll be having Elder Kenneth Johnson from the Quorum of the Seventy touring our mission! :) Yay! He's going to randomly choose individuals or companions to teach him the Restoration or the Plan of Salvation in 5 minutes- so we better get our A-Game on! So exciting!
What an incredible week we were able to have! The members worked so hard along by our side this whole week and went with us or opened up their home for practically every single lesson- miracles! I marvel to think how much our ward and area has grown since we first got here back in March- let's just say it was quite challenging. But to see how far our ward has come now and how much more united they are and pumped up about missionary work puts a great big smile on my face. Miracles in all shapes and forms do happen- and this has been amongst one of the greatest miracles in my mission to have seen this great transformation take place. All things take time... plant the seeds and cultivate the earth.... and wait for the garden to grow! :)
Oh yeah, A is getting baptized on Thursday, September 24th and will be confirmed on the 27th! :) I love my mission and the gospel and the blessings that it brings to everyone!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Love Handles
Letter dated September 9, 2009
Alrighty, I'm reviewing over this past week and am picking out significant events- let's see......
....... (still thinking)...... :) .... oh yes, Hermana M and I got counseled by two different members saying "estamos un poco mas gordita que antes".... in other words, we're getting a little to happy with the Hispanic food and those love handles are really starting to show their love if you know what I mean! :) Yep, Hermana M and I just laughed our heads off because Hispanics are just so darn honest and innocent.... (then we vowed that we would go on a diet... after we finish the Chimicangas in our freezer :) )
What else happened? Oh yeah, we got invited to go to the "playa" (beach) for the day with one of our investigators :) ... we had to kindly turn him down and keep from laughing hysterically! (You can tell I've been on my mission for awhile now- my sense of humor is completely gone and things that never seemed too funny before are now hilarious! Ay caramba! :) )
Exciting news- this Saturday we're having Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy coming to speak to the Richmond area!
We're coming into contact with lots of people to teach once again :) ..... it seems like it's always men, men, and more men! (Considering the fact that the majority of the Hispanics here are men coming here to work and support their families.) Nevertheless, the Lord is blessing us tremendously in this work and helping lead us to those who are seeking to find the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the guidance of the Holy Ghost we could not do this work. Continually we was call upon the powers of Heaven to assist us in this work every step of the way.
Well, I love you all! Got to run because we're going shopping for the rest of our P-day with our new recent convert E.... who knows what for... maybe I'll by a new pair of nylons or knee highs! Shazam! :)
Alrighty, I'm reviewing over this past week and am picking out significant events- let's see......
....... (still thinking)...... :) .... oh yes, Hermana M and I got counseled by two different members saying "estamos un poco mas gordita que antes".... in other words, we're getting a little to happy with the Hispanic food and those love handles are really starting to show their love if you know what I mean! :) Yep, Hermana M and I just laughed our heads off because Hispanics are just so darn honest and innocent.... (then we vowed that we would go on a diet... after we finish the Chimicangas in our freezer :) )
What else happened? Oh yeah, we got invited to go to the "playa" (beach) for the day with one of our investigators :) ... we had to kindly turn him down and keep from laughing hysterically! (You can tell I've been on my mission for awhile now- my sense of humor is completely gone and things that never seemed too funny before are now hilarious! Ay caramba! :) )
Exciting news- this Saturday we're having Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy coming to speak to the Richmond area!
We're coming into contact with lots of people to teach once again :) ..... it seems like it's always men, men, and more men! (Considering the fact that the majority of the Hispanics here are men coming here to work and support their families.) Nevertheless, the Lord is blessing us tremendously in this work and helping lead us to those who are seeking to find the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the guidance of the Holy Ghost we could not do this work. Continually we was call upon the powers of Heaven to assist us in this work every step of the way.
Well, I love you all! Got to run because we're going shopping for the rest of our P-day with our new recent convert E.... who knows what for... maybe I'll by a new pair of nylons or knee highs! Shazam! :)
Campout
Letter dated September 2, 2009
Let's see.... what's been going on this past week.... One of my companions, Hermana B, had a colonoscopy done, so she took some time to recooperate- as a result for the missionary work a lot of members went out to teach on splits with us (we were very fortunate), and we got a lot of paperwork done and putting things in order that we needed to get done. No worries, Hermana B is doing well (boy, she's tough!). She has some health problems that she's trying to pin down and figure out what it is and how to control it.... so she's just waiting for the results.... waiting..... hmmm..... isn't patience such a Christlike attribute? PATIENCE.... we could all use some more of that, in ALL aspects of life- especially in being patient in the Lord's timing and what He has in store for you. Exercise patience with others and the Lord will smile down on and bless you. I promise!
On Friday and Saturday our ward had a big ol campout. Yay for outdoors, and the smell of campfires, and good grub! :) What a party! We went up for lunch on Saturday and brought our investigator A who is scheduled for baptism on the 26th of September. Awesome fellowshipping activity! During this time it made me realize how KEY and VITAL the members are in missionary work. WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!! Really, we're here to assist you with your missionary work- shocked? You shouldn't be- IT IS THROUGH YOUR HELP AND YOUR FAITH THAT WE WILL SEE GREAT MIRACLES HAPPEN AND THE LORD'S CHURCH EXPAND HERE UPON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH. Yep, you're all pretty much amazing and have quite a calling and task ahead of you. Live up to it and fulfill it!The Lord is calling in His forces and needs your help!....... oh yes, and I was also reminded of how much I LOVE being outdoors.... Aren't we so blessed to have had the Lord create such a beautiful world for us to enjoy? Love it, embrace it, HUG A TREE! :)
Today I was invited to go to a Mission Council Meeting with our Mission President, President M and all of the Zone Leaders. WE ARE SEEING GREAT MIRACLES HAPPEN AND BEGINNING TO TAKE PLACE! Wow! Having gone to that meeting helped elevate and lift my sights of how the Lord wants His missionary work to be done. There's just a few glitches that are holding us back from rising to the top where the Lord wants us to be. The same with us in our lives. Evaluate ourselves. See where you need to make changes and improve. Get on your knees and plead for the Lord's help. Then get up and get to work! :) The Lord doesn't work until you do. He loves you and will support and bless you in all things- take the steps to let those miracles happen and take place in your own lives.
P.S. It's starting to chill off here.... Wahoo!
Let's see.... what's been going on this past week.... One of my companions, Hermana B, had a colonoscopy done, so she took some time to recooperate- as a result for the missionary work a lot of members went out to teach on splits with us (we were very fortunate), and we got a lot of paperwork done and putting things in order that we needed to get done. No worries, Hermana B is doing well (boy, she's tough!). She has some health problems that she's trying to pin down and figure out what it is and how to control it.... so she's just waiting for the results.... waiting..... hmmm..... isn't patience such a Christlike attribute? PATIENCE.... we could all use some more of that, in ALL aspects of life- especially in being patient in the Lord's timing and what He has in store for you. Exercise patience with others and the Lord will smile down on and bless you. I promise!
On Friday and Saturday our ward had a big ol campout. Yay for outdoors, and the smell of campfires, and good grub! :) What a party! We went up for lunch on Saturday and brought our investigator A who is scheduled for baptism on the 26th of September. Awesome fellowshipping activity! During this time it made me realize how KEY and VITAL the members are in missionary work. WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!! Really, we're here to assist you with your missionary work- shocked? You shouldn't be- IT IS THROUGH YOUR HELP AND YOUR FAITH THAT WE WILL SEE GREAT MIRACLES HAPPEN AND THE LORD'S CHURCH EXPAND HERE UPON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH. Yep, you're all pretty much amazing and have quite a calling and task ahead of you. Live up to it and fulfill it!The Lord is calling in His forces and needs your help!....... oh yes, and I was also reminded of how much I LOVE being outdoors.... Aren't we so blessed to have had the Lord create such a beautiful world for us to enjoy? Love it, embrace it, HUG A TREE! :)
Today I was invited to go to a Mission Council Meeting with our Mission President, President M and all of the Zone Leaders. WE ARE SEEING GREAT MIRACLES HAPPEN AND BEGINNING TO TAKE PLACE! Wow! Having gone to that meeting helped elevate and lift my sights of how the Lord wants His missionary work to be done. There's just a few glitches that are holding us back from rising to the top where the Lord wants us to be. The same with us in our lives. Evaluate ourselves. See where you need to make changes and improve. Get on your knees and plead for the Lord's help. Then get up and get to work! :) The Lord doesn't work until you do. He loves you and will support and bless you in all things- take the steps to let those miracles happen and take place in your own lives.
P.S. It's starting to chill off here.... Wahoo!
Wedding, Baptisms, Transfers
Letter dated August 26, 2009
As I wrote last week, we had O's baptism last Tuesday, which was the highlight of my mission thus far. Incredible experience! We also had been running around like crazy, getting everything in order for E and A's wedding on Saturday. Yay, they did it! They finally were able to get married! (What a crazy process with papers, passports, legal stuff... the whole works!) They are so happy! And then, what is even greater, E was baptized on Sunday. :) Happy face! It's so awesome to see how much more happy and relaxed she is- the Gospel of Jesus Christ eliminates the stresses in our lives if we let it. She is greatly anticipating receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday and is doing well. We're so happy for her and her cute little family!
So, we got transfer phone calls last night.... and yep.... I totally called it..... we're all staying in our trio here.... but I feel like my time here with Hermana M and B is coming to a close......... we'll see what the Lord has in store for next transfer. As for now, we're going to give every day all that we've got and I'll make sure that I do all that the Lord expects of me here in this area. The other day we set A for baptism on the 26th of September and his confirmation the following day. He read the entire Book of Mormon, including the guide in the back! :) We're teaching a lot of men right now, but we're praying to find and teach more families. The Lord knows who He's preparing.
As I wrote last week, we had O's baptism last Tuesday, which was the highlight of my mission thus far. Incredible experience! We also had been running around like crazy, getting everything in order for E and A's wedding on Saturday. Yay, they did it! They finally were able to get married! (What a crazy process with papers, passports, legal stuff... the whole works!) They are so happy! And then, what is even greater, E was baptized on Sunday. :) Happy face! It's so awesome to see how much more happy and relaxed she is- the Gospel of Jesus Christ eliminates the stresses in our lives if we let it. She is greatly anticipating receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday and is doing well. We're so happy for her and her cute little family!
So, we got transfer phone calls last night.... and yep.... I totally called it..... we're all staying in our trio here.... but I feel like my time here with Hermana M and B is coming to a close......... we'll see what the Lord has in store for next transfer. As for now, we're going to give every day all that we've got and I'll make sure that I do all that the Lord expects of me here in this area. The other day we set A for baptism on the 26th of September and his confirmation the following day. He read the entire Book of Mormon, including the guide in the back! :) We're teaching a lot of men right now, but we're praying to find and teach more families. The Lord knows who He's preparing.
Precious Moment
Letter dated August 19, 2009
Okay, I'm reviewing the events of yesterday and cannot stop smiling! :) Yep, I just tried.... wasn't successful.... there goes the smile again!
As you all probably know, yesterday was the baptism of our investigator O, as well as his 23rd birthday! Talk about a fiesta! Let me give you a briefing up until this point...
We met O the first week that we got here in March. His Mom and sister are members, and he and his brother M had been taught by a lot of different missionaries before. When we first met O up until now, he's changed so much- for the better. He used to hardly ever smile and always seemed depressed. But now, he's completely the opposite- he always has a HUGE smile on his face, joking and laughing, and he's filled with this magnificent light. He has gone through a lot of rough times and a lot of changes. Even though the adversity played on him really hard, his testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was strengthened in the process. He has been such an example to us of having a humble and personal relationship with our Father in Heaven. He has expressed over and over again how the Book of Mormon, prayer, and this Church have helped him and his family and has brought them such great peace. THE GOSPEL IS TRUE AND TRULY DOES BLESS AND CHANGE THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO ARE WILLING AND READY TO RECEIVE IT!
Moving right along.... (sorry, I get distracted)..... O had been preparing for his baptism for over a month (he was ready sooner, but he really wanted to wait for his birthday). His dream was to be baptized on his birthday, and surprise his mom and family because they didn't know- to have them show up to go to a random baptism and they'd see him there, all dressed in white. CLASSIC! O got his wish!
Yesterday was his BIG day! We had an incredible turnout for his baptism- more people at a baptism than I'd seen in my entire mission- there were so many we had to move to the chapel! :) His mom and family showed up, thinking that someone they didn't know was getting baptized and were there to support them. When we were almost ready to start the baptism we pulled his family aside and asked them to come with us because we had a problem. His mom was saying how sad and upset she was that O wasn't there and going on about other things. (Sunday at church they announced that there was a baptism and she broke into tears in every meeting and even when talking to the Bishop afterwards. She was so sad that they were having a baptism and that it wouldn't be her son.... she had no idea what was going on :) ). As she continued walking down the hall and went to turn the corner, she suddenly stopped...... and there she saw O, all dressed in white. It took her a minute to figure out what was going on.... but when she realized what was happening she broke into tears and could hardly even stand. In between sobs she cried out his name, and ran towards him and threw her arms around him, expressing her great joy, and they both were crying. That moment, to see them as happy as they were and to feel the Spirit so powerfully, was worth every trial and hard day that I've ever faced in my mission. That baptism and the joy that that family received through the blessings of this Gospel was the most precious moment of my entire mission. If I wouldn't have done anything else on my mission, that moment was entirely worth it. Later on in the baptism he and all of his family bore their testimonies, and the Spirit reassured me once again of the power and the truthfulness of this Gospel. This Gospel changes lives!
And yes, we had tres leches (birthday cake) after and sang and all that jazz! It's not a party without food! :)
Okay, I'm reviewing the events of yesterday and cannot stop smiling! :) Yep, I just tried.... wasn't successful.... there goes the smile again!
As you all probably know, yesterday was the baptism of our investigator O, as well as his 23rd birthday! Talk about a fiesta! Let me give you a briefing up until this point...
We met O the first week that we got here in March. His Mom and sister are members, and he and his brother M had been taught by a lot of different missionaries before. When we first met O up until now, he's changed so much- for the better. He used to hardly ever smile and always seemed depressed. But now, he's completely the opposite- he always has a HUGE smile on his face, joking and laughing, and he's filled with this magnificent light. He has gone through a lot of rough times and a lot of changes. Even though the adversity played on him really hard, his testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was strengthened in the process. He has been such an example to us of having a humble and personal relationship with our Father in Heaven. He has expressed over and over again how the Book of Mormon, prayer, and this Church have helped him and his family and has brought them such great peace. THE GOSPEL IS TRUE AND TRULY DOES BLESS AND CHANGE THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO ARE WILLING AND READY TO RECEIVE IT!
Moving right along.... (sorry, I get distracted)..... O had been preparing for his baptism for over a month (he was ready sooner, but he really wanted to wait for his birthday). His dream was to be baptized on his birthday, and surprise his mom and family because they didn't know- to have them show up to go to a random baptism and they'd see him there, all dressed in white. CLASSIC! O got his wish!
Yesterday was his BIG day! We had an incredible turnout for his baptism- more people at a baptism than I'd seen in my entire mission- there were so many we had to move to the chapel! :) His mom and family showed up, thinking that someone they didn't know was getting baptized and were there to support them. When we were almost ready to start the baptism we pulled his family aside and asked them to come with us because we had a problem. His mom was saying how sad and upset she was that O wasn't there and going on about other things. (Sunday at church they announced that there was a baptism and she broke into tears in every meeting and even when talking to the Bishop afterwards. She was so sad that they were having a baptism and that it wouldn't be her son.... she had no idea what was going on :) ). As she continued walking down the hall and went to turn the corner, she suddenly stopped...... and there she saw O, all dressed in white. It took her a minute to figure out what was going on.... but when she realized what was happening she broke into tears and could hardly even stand. In between sobs she cried out his name, and ran towards him and threw her arms around him, expressing her great joy, and they both were crying. That moment, to see them as happy as they were and to feel the Spirit so powerfully, was worth every trial and hard day that I've ever faced in my mission. That baptism and the joy that that family received through the blessings of this Gospel was the most precious moment of my entire mission. If I wouldn't have done anything else on my mission, that moment was entirely worth it. Later on in the baptism he and all of his family bore their testimonies, and the Spirit reassured me once again of the power and the truthfulness of this Gospel. This Gospel changes lives!
And yes, we had tres leches (birthday cake) after and sang and all that jazz! It's not a party without food! :)
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