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! :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
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! :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Baptisms, Baptisms, Baptisms
Letter dated August 12, 2009
Hope all is well in the land of wherever you may reign.... always be yourself and be true to the Lord. He loves you!
Last week we had Zone P-day- all 17 of the Spanish speaking missionaries in the mission got together and played my new favorite sport.... dun dun da dun.... soccer! Our Mission President also gave us permission to watch The Incredibles on the projector.... in yes, Spanish! Yay for Espanol!
These next few weeks are going to be jam-packed-full. We have O's baptism, a wedding we're planning for our investigator E, and then she's getting baptized the following day, and we may possibly have S's baptism on the as well! I love August! I love the Gospel! Happy face :)
Not much to say- just that when you're looking in the face of adversity and don't know what to do, just think of Joseph Smith and all the adversity he faced. Then think of our Savior Jesus Christ, and all that he suffered and went through, and did not utter one word of complaint or demonstrate one act of disbelief. Always look to the Savior as your example and your guide.Keep on smiling, be happy, and make this world the kind of world you want it to be.... fill the world with His Gospel.
Hope all is well in the land of wherever you may reign.... always be yourself and be true to the Lord. He loves you!
Last week we had Zone P-day- all 17 of the Spanish speaking missionaries in the mission got together and played my new favorite sport.... dun dun da dun.... soccer! Our Mission President also gave us permission to watch The Incredibles on the projector.... in yes, Spanish! Yay for Espanol!
These next few weeks are going to be jam-packed-full. We have O's baptism, a wedding we're planning for our investigator E, and then she's getting baptized the following day, and we may possibly have S's baptism on the as well! I love August! I love the Gospel! Happy face :)
Not much to say- just that when you're looking in the face of adversity and don't know what to do, just think of Joseph Smith and all the adversity he faced. Then think of our Savior Jesus Christ, and all that he suffered and went through, and did not utter one word of complaint or demonstrate one act of disbelief. Always look to the Savior as your example and your guide.Keep on smiling, be happy, and make this world the kind of world you want it to be.... fill the world with His Gospel.
Greenie
Letter dated July 29, 2009
Two weeks ago we had transfers- yep, Hermana M and I are still here in our incredible area.... also, we received a new greenie (a new missionary in the field), Hermana B from Illinois, and yes, we're in a trio! Yay for the power of trios! President M asked me to be her trainer, so I'm striving every day to better myself and be the example for her that she needs. I'm definitely not perfect! I'm so grateful for my flaws and weaknesses that humble me every day and help me see that I'm only human and need to use the Atonement just as much as everybody else. Our weaknesses can become our strengths if we confide in the Lord. But having Hermana B here is such a blessing and I have learned so much through her example and willingness to work and meet the needs of the people. She and Hermana M are the greatest!It's been a crazy week here in the mission field- sick companions, people dropping baptism dates, and fatal tragedies in our ward..... but all is well and the Lord's work continues forth. There is opposition in all things, but things always work out. The events within this past week have made me realized how very dear and precious life is and the great importance and eternal significance of families.We're teaching some great new families and the Lord is blessing this area tremendously and pouring His love abundantly upon the people....This is His work.
Two weeks ago we had transfers- yep, Hermana M and I are still here in our incredible area.... also, we received a new greenie (a new missionary in the field), Hermana B from Illinois, and yes, we're in a trio! Yay for the power of trios! President M asked me to be her trainer, so I'm striving every day to better myself and be the example for her that she needs. I'm definitely not perfect! I'm so grateful for my flaws and weaknesses that humble me every day and help me see that I'm only human and need to use the Atonement just as much as everybody else. Our weaknesses can become our strengths if we confide in the Lord. But having Hermana B here is such a blessing and I have learned so much through her example and willingness to work and meet the needs of the people. She and Hermana M are the greatest!It's been a crazy week here in the mission field- sick companions, people dropping baptism dates, and fatal tragedies in our ward..... but all is well and the Lord's work continues forth. There is opposition in all things, but things always work out. The events within this past week have made me realized how very dear and precious life is and the great importance and eternal significance of families.We're teaching some great new families and the Lord is blessing this area tremendously and pouring His love abundantly upon the people....This is His work.
A Reflection of Life
Letter dated July 22, 2009
A series of events in the past few months have led me to greatly ponder and reflect upon the value of life itself as well as those things in which we hold most dear. Where does your heart lie? What is it that you most treasure? My hope for you all is that you'd each echo in reply that those things that you hold most dear are that of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as your families- for these are the only things that we have of an eternal nature. Where do our priorities lay? Where do we make our stand? IT IS ONLY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND LIVING AND ABIDING BY ITS PRINCIPLES THAT WE WILL ACHIEVE ETERNAL HAPPINESS. The Lord has promised, "whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word... it shall be eternally bound in the heavens." (D&C 132:46) FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER. FAMILIES ARE MADE ETERNAL THROUGH THE POWER OF THE EVERLASTING PRIESTHOOD AND THE LORD'S HOLY TEMPLES. If you are seeking for greater joy and meaning in life, if you are missing something that you lost, CENTER YOUR LIFE ON THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND YOUR FAMILIES. I testify to you all that He does love us. He does hear and answer our prayers. He does have a plan, a most beautiful, for each and every one of us. Decide now to change and act on it. Once again, I want to reiiterate the truth to you that your Father in Heaven knows and loves you, and is aware of the trials that you face and the burdens that weigh heavy upon your shoulders. Let Him lighten your load, and feel the comfort and joy of His great peace and infinite love wash all over you. I love you all dearly and leave this testimony with you, in the name of our Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
A series of events in the past few months have led me to greatly ponder and reflect upon the value of life itself as well as those things in which we hold most dear. Where does your heart lie? What is it that you most treasure? My hope for you all is that you'd each echo in reply that those things that you hold most dear are that of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as your families- for these are the only things that we have of an eternal nature. Where do our priorities lay? Where do we make our stand? IT IS ONLY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND LIVING AND ABIDING BY ITS PRINCIPLES THAT WE WILL ACHIEVE ETERNAL HAPPINESS. The Lord has promised, "whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word... it shall be eternally bound in the heavens." (D&C 132:46) FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER. FAMILIES ARE MADE ETERNAL THROUGH THE POWER OF THE EVERLASTING PRIESTHOOD AND THE LORD'S HOLY TEMPLES. If you are seeking for greater joy and meaning in life, if you are missing something that you lost, CENTER YOUR LIFE ON THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND YOUR FAMILIES. I testify to you all that He does love us. He does hear and answer our prayers. He does have a plan, a most beautiful, for each and every one of us. Decide now to change and act on it. Once again, I want to reiiterate the truth to you that your Father in Heaven knows and loves you, and is aware of the trials that you face and the burdens that weigh heavy upon your shoulders. Let Him lighten your load, and feel the comfort and joy of His great peace and infinite love wash all over you. I love you all dearly and leave this testimony with you, in the name of our Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
Don't Doubt, Be Positive, Take Action
Letter dated July 15, 2009
If you're not smiling, you should be, because the Lord knows and loves you! Share a smile with everyone you pass, and you'll be amazed at the incredible results- a simple smile goes a longgggggg way! :)
Right now we have four people who are on their way to being baptized! :) Yay for the Gospel and how it completely changes lives! The first is E- we've been working on her for awhile, trying to get her birth certificate so we can get her a passport and married first- long process. She'll be baptized and confirmed A.S.A.P (as soon as we can get the papers and everything processed)- we have her set for August. Also, we've been teaching a mother and son, and they have prayed about it and want to be baptized- we're helping them set a date and they're thinking in August as well! :) We also have O who's mom is a member and he wants to be baptized on his birthday- in August! But he wants it to be a surprise for his mom and family and surprise them on the day of his baptism :) - so we're keeping it on the low-key. WE'RE SO HAPPY!!!!It's amazing to me as long as you work hard, love the Lord, and do all that you can to serve Him, He will bless you and your efforts immensely. Doing this 40 day fast has really been such an incredible blessing and we know that the Lord is pouring blessings out upon those He's prepared for us to teach, and that He's helping to make us more effective servants in the building up of His kingdom here on the earth. Sacrifice brings about great blessings- in every aspect of our lives- whether you're a missionary or not.
The other morning I was studying in 1 Nephi Chapter 16. In this chapter it explains that Lehi and his family are traveling in the wilderness to find the promised land. Because this family had been obedient to the commandments of the Lord, they were receiving great blessings as a whole. The Lord blessed them by sending them the Liahona, a guide and compass for them to show them in which direction to travel as they were in the wilderness. But the Liahona only guided them in the right direction and the more fertile parts of the land if they were faithful and diligent. During their travels, Nephi (the son of Lehi) went with his brothers out hunting to obtain food for their families. As he did so, he broke his bow and his brothers were extremely angry with him, and all they could do was complain and murmur and focus on the negative. They kept dwelling on their hard situation and felt sorry for themselves, and continued to murmur against their brother Nephi and the Lord. As a result, they weren't receiving blessings and couldn't obtain any food. Of course, Nephi is frustrated as well, and is also receiving a lot of "heat" from his family. But he decides to pick himself out of this rut and face this opposition with a good attitude. Instead of focusing on how bad it was or how diffucult the situation was, Nephi decided to do something about it. He didn't lose hope or faith, and he took action. DON'T DOUBT- BE POSITIVE- AND TAKE ACTION! He was a problem solver and constructed a bow on his own, and had his father pray to the Lord to know where to go to get food. The Lord blessed him and He will bless us as well, according to our desires and our faith. He loves us.
If you're not smiling, you should be, because the Lord knows and loves you! Share a smile with everyone you pass, and you'll be amazed at the incredible results- a simple smile goes a longgggggg way! :)
Right now we have four people who are on their way to being baptized! :) Yay for the Gospel and how it completely changes lives! The first is E- we've been working on her for awhile, trying to get her birth certificate so we can get her a passport and married first- long process. She'll be baptized and confirmed A.S.A.P (as soon as we can get the papers and everything processed)- we have her set for August. Also, we've been teaching a mother and son, and they have prayed about it and want to be baptized- we're helping them set a date and they're thinking in August as well! :) We also have O who's mom is a member and he wants to be baptized on his birthday- in August! But he wants it to be a surprise for his mom and family and surprise them on the day of his baptism :) - so we're keeping it on the low-key. WE'RE SO HAPPY!!!!It's amazing to me as long as you work hard, love the Lord, and do all that you can to serve Him, He will bless you and your efforts immensely. Doing this 40 day fast has really been such an incredible blessing and we know that the Lord is pouring blessings out upon those He's prepared for us to teach, and that He's helping to make us more effective servants in the building up of His kingdom here on the earth. Sacrifice brings about great blessings- in every aspect of our lives- whether you're a missionary or not.
The other morning I was studying in 1 Nephi Chapter 16. In this chapter it explains that Lehi and his family are traveling in the wilderness to find the promised land. Because this family had been obedient to the commandments of the Lord, they were receiving great blessings as a whole. The Lord blessed them by sending them the Liahona, a guide and compass for them to show them in which direction to travel as they were in the wilderness. But the Liahona only guided them in the right direction and the more fertile parts of the land if they were faithful and diligent. During their travels, Nephi (the son of Lehi) went with his brothers out hunting to obtain food for their families. As he did so, he broke his bow and his brothers were extremely angry with him, and all they could do was complain and murmur and focus on the negative. They kept dwelling on their hard situation and felt sorry for themselves, and continued to murmur against their brother Nephi and the Lord. As a result, they weren't receiving blessings and couldn't obtain any food. Of course, Nephi is frustrated as well, and is also receiving a lot of "heat" from his family. But he decides to pick himself out of this rut and face this opposition with a good attitude. Instead of focusing on how bad it was or how diffucult the situation was, Nephi decided to do something about it. He didn't lose hope or faith, and he took action. DON'T DOUBT- BE POSITIVE- AND TAKE ACTION! He was a problem solver and constructed a bow on his own, and had his father pray to the Lord to know where to go to get food. The Lord blessed him and He will bless us as well, according to our desires and our faith. He loves us.
40 Day Fast
Letter dated July 8, 2009
Hermana M and I are officially on a 40 day fast as of July 1st. We're fasting from the things that we absolutely love (not including missionary work :) )- like CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE MILK, CHOCOLATE GRANOLA BARS.... did I mention CHOCOLATE? Oh yeah, then the other fun stuff like pop, desserts, sweets, etc. In the last week, suprisingly we had four birthday parties- all of which had scrumptious Tres Leches (something that's more magnificent than Birthday cake by far).....Diablo.... No- it's been great! Oh yeah, I forgot to say our reason for fasting for 40 days. We're fasting in behalf of seeing great miracles happen here in our area and throughout the mission- especially dealing with helping to strengthen and fortify our ward as a unit. As a result, we know that the Lord will bless us in our efforts and we will become more effective missionaries, being greater instruments in His hands so that we may help in every capacity that we can. Sacrifice brings about great miracles. Within only eight days we've already seen little miracles take place! We're excited to see what the next 32 hold! :)
Did I ever tell you all that we had 2 baptisms? Yay!!! It's such a comfort and a blessing to know that these men followed the promptings of the Spirit and chose to enter into the first door to obtain their eternal salvation.
Hermana M and I are officially on a 40 day fast as of July 1st. We're fasting from the things that we absolutely love (not including missionary work :) )- like CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE MILK, CHOCOLATE GRANOLA BARS.... did I mention CHOCOLATE? Oh yeah, then the other fun stuff like pop, desserts, sweets, etc. In the last week, suprisingly we had four birthday parties- all of which had scrumptious Tres Leches (something that's more magnificent than Birthday cake by far).....Diablo.... No- it's been great! Oh yeah, I forgot to say our reason for fasting for 40 days. We're fasting in behalf of seeing great miracles happen here in our area and throughout the mission- especially dealing with helping to strengthen and fortify our ward as a unit. As a result, we know that the Lord will bless us in our efforts and we will become more effective missionaries, being greater instruments in His hands so that we may help in every capacity that we can. Sacrifice brings about great miracles. Within only eight days we've already seen little miracles take place! We're excited to see what the next 32 hold! :)
Did I ever tell you all that we had 2 baptisms? Yay!!! It's such a comfort and a blessing to know that these men followed the promptings of the Spirit and chose to enter into the first door to obtain their eternal salvation.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Transferred Again!
Letter dated July 1, 2009
I am back here now in my old area once again- they just can't seem to let go of me :) As you all know I was sent to to work in a zebra companionship working with two English speaking sisters. But, the Lord had other plans for me- I was only there for a week and a half. Sister Maughan and Sister Mora (my Spanish speaking sister missionaries) were here still. However, Sister Maughan went home on medical leave on Monday- No worries, she'll be fine. So now I'm back here once again with Hermana Mora! :) I can tell you one thing- I sure am getting good at my packing and moving skills- you can all put me to work some day- (but I still can't beat the "Nature's Sunshine Packer" :) he, he )!
I love the madness and the craziness of missionary work! So many random changes and you're always being thrown something new! What we have in mind is not always what the Lord has in store. Isn't it beautiful?! None of us know what the future holds, but as we put our faith and trust in Him we need not worry, because He'll help and guide us. Plus, His plan is always far better than our own- He knows us better than we know ourselves for goodness sake, and knows exactly what we need to learn and grow.
While I was gone Fernando was baptized and confirmed!!!! Yay!!!! :) I'M SO HAPPY!!!! Also, I was able to take part in the baptism of Mike while I was away- wahoo! Incredible men who have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let its powerful effect change their lives completely.
Though my week and a half away was short, I feel as though I just about learned more during that time than in my entire mission! So many things I have taken back here and together with Hermana Mora, plan to apply in order to lift and elevate the missionary work here. Big changes are in the air- I can feel it! I'm excited to carry through!
I love you all dearly and hope you all know how very special you are. Keep on praying, reading your scriptures, and going to church--- you will be greatly blessed. The Lord loves you and will continue to guide you. Always have a smile on your face and spread sunshine wherever you go. Do as the Lord commands. I love you all!
I am back here now in my old area once again- they just can't seem to let go of me :) As you all know I was sent to to work in a zebra companionship working with two English speaking sisters. But, the Lord had other plans for me- I was only there for a week and a half. Sister Maughan and Sister Mora (my Spanish speaking sister missionaries) were here still. However, Sister Maughan went home on medical leave on Monday- No worries, she'll be fine. So now I'm back here once again with Hermana Mora! :) I can tell you one thing- I sure am getting good at my packing and moving skills- you can all put me to work some day- (but I still can't beat the "Nature's Sunshine Packer" :) he, he )!
I love the madness and the craziness of missionary work! So many random changes and you're always being thrown something new! What we have in mind is not always what the Lord has in store. Isn't it beautiful?! None of us know what the future holds, but as we put our faith and trust in Him we need not worry, because He'll help and guide us. Plus, His plan is always far better than our own- He knows us better than we know ourselves for goodness sake, and knows exactly what we need to learn and grow.
While I was gone Fernando was baptized and confirmed!!!! Yay!!!! :) I'M SO HAPPY!!!! Also, I was able to take part in the baptism of Mike while I was away- wahoo! Incredible men who have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let its powerful effect change their lives completely.
Though my week and a half away was short, I feel as though I just about learned more during that time than in my entire mission! So many things I have taken back here and together with Hermana Mora, plan to apply in order to lift and elevate the missionary work here. Big changes are in the air- I can feel it! I'm excited to carry through!
I love you all dearly and hope you all know how very special you are. Keep on praying, reading your scriptures, and going to church--- you will be greatly blessed. The Lord loves you and will continue to guide you. Always have a smile on your face and spread sunshine wherever you go. Do as the Lord commands. I love you all!
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