Letter dated November 10, 2009
Hola Familia! Thank you all for a wonderful birthday and for all of your thoughts and prayers! You all are truly incredible and I love you over and over and over again! (times infinity and again) :)
What an eventful week- we started out with E still set for baptism at the end of this month, and also two more of the Lord's children, L and S, accepted the invitation to enter into the waters of baptism and be confirmed in the Lord's church at the end of this month as well. :) The Lord is blessing in so many ways- He always pulls something out of His hat! :) But on the contrary, the Adversy doesn't want those good things to happen and will do all that he can to double his efforts and throw some wrenches in the works of things (go figure!). Long story short, E dropped us and is no longer getting baptized. Of course we were devastated- but over many tears and many prayers and following the Spirit, we know that the Lord has a plan for every single one of His children. E will come around again. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. Our mission president always says, "Opposition faced with Optimism always brings about great Opportunity" - the 3 O's - that is our personal creed. Despite adversity in our lives, the Lord always blesses and brings opportunity. It's all in our attitude. Don't ever get discouraged. The Lord loves you.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Zone Conference
Letter dated November 4, 2009
We had the most amazing Zone Conference yesterday with President M and all the Spanish missionaries. We're all cracking down the whip and set some goals for our zone- we're going to have 28 baptisms in the month of November- and at least four of those are going to be on behalf of our efforts! We've got lots of work to do, but we're so excited to redouble our efforts and know that the Lord will continue to bless us as we give it our everything.......... :) Happy face! We're excited to see all the miracles that will take place through our combined faith and works!
Keep on smiling, believe in yourself and others, and don't let little things get you down. You can do hard things!
We had the most amazing Zone Conference yesterday with President M and all the Spanish missionaries. We're all cracking down the whip and set some goals for our zone- we're going to have 28 baptisms in the month of November- and at least four of those are going to be on behalf of our efforts! We've got lots of work to do, but we're so excited to redouble our efforts and know that the Lord will continue to bless us as we give it our everything.......... :) Happy face! We're excited to see all the miracles that will take place through our combined faith and works!
Keep on smiling, believe in yourself and others, and don't let little things get you down. You can do hard things!
The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways
Letter dated October 28, 2009
Just wanted to share a quick experience with you all. A few days ago we were all going about doing missionary work, but all of our plans and back-up plans kept on falling through (which isn't too much of a surprise in Hispanic culture). We hadn't eaten in a long time and decided to run to Wendy's and grab a bite. While we were there we ended up contacting and sharing the Gospel with a lot of English people and were able to pass them on to the English Elders. One young man named D even came out to talk with us during his break and we had a powerful lesson with him there in Wendy's. Come to find out the English Elders had talked with him a day or two earlier and were arranging an appointment with him- he was definitely ready and prepared to accept the Gospel. After we left, we had a few more minutes with our dinner time and were driving down the road and decided that we might as well fill up on gas. As we entered the store we met a man from El Salvador and his family standing behind us in line and our conversations turned to the Gospel. We now have this wonderful family that we're teaching! Come to find out, the wife had been seeing the missionaries for a year back in her country and was almost baptized.... we're still investigating the situation..... but nevertheless, they are prepared! It's amazing to me how the Spirit guides you when you don't even realize it. It's also such a blessing to know that as you open your mouth to share the Gospel with everyone, the Lord will place in your path those who are more willing to accept the Gospel into their lives. I love this great work and know that the Lord is at the head of it all. I love you all so very much and pray for you daily.
Just wanted to share a quick experience with you all. A few days ago we were all going about doing missionary work, but all of our plans and back-up plans kept on falling through (which isn't too much of a surprise in Hispanic culture). We hadn't eaten in a long time and decided to run to Wendy's and grab a bite. While we were there we ended up contacting and sharing the Gospel with a lot of English people and were able to pass them on to the English Elders. One young man named D even came out to talk with us during his break and we had a powerful lesson with him there in Wendy's. Come to find out the English Elders had talked with him a day or two earlier and were arranging an appointment with him- he was definitely ready and prepared to accept the Gospel. After we left, we had a few more minutes with our dinner time and were driving down the road and decided that we might as well fill up on gas. As we entered the store we met a man from El Salvador and his family standing behind us in line and our conversations turned to the Gospel. We now have this wonderful family that we're teaching! Come to find out, the wife had been seeing the missionaries for a year back in her country and was almost baptized.... we're still investigating the situation..... but nevertheless, they are prepared! It's amazing to me how the Spirit guides you when you don't even realize it. It's also such a blessing to know that as you open your mouth to share the Gospel with everyone, the Lord will place in your path those who are more willing to accept the Gospel into their lives. I love this great work and know that the Lord is at the head of it all. I love you all so very much and pray for you daily.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Letter dated October 21, 2009
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! YOU'RE ALL SO SPECIAL!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, LETTERS, PRAYERS, AND FOR BEING YOU!!!!!
So, we had the great privilege to have a Mission Conference as well as Stake Conference with Elder Kenneth E. Johnson of the Seventy come and visit us and be counseled by his word. What an inspiring and upbeat man- so full of life and excitement! He really got me to thinking how very precious each and every day of life is and that we should be excited and anxious to live it. He talked of waking up every day by jumping out of bed and cheering because of the breath that you have been given to live, and to recognize each and every tiny detailed blessing that the Lord has given you. Be grateful! Be happy! Live with passion and enthusiasm! Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ! One thing that he said that really stood out to me was this-
"Are you happy? Then tell your face about it!"
May we never forget to smile and to focus on the countless ways the Lord has entered into our lives to make us happy. You are loved and blessed, and don't you forget it!
I love you all and pray daily for your happiness and success. Keep on smiling, support and love one another in all things, and do all that you can to keep moving forward and love every step of the way.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! YOU'RE ALL SO SPECIAL!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, LETTERS, PRAYERS, AND FOR BEING YOU!!!!!
So, we had the great privilege to have a Mission Conference as well as Stake Conference with Elder Kenneth E. Johnson of the Seventy come and visit us and be counseled by his word. What an inspiring and upbeat man- so full of life and excitement! He really got me to thinking how very precious each and every day of life is and that we should be excited and anxious to live it. He talked of waking up every day by jumping out of bed and cheering because of the breath that you have been given to live, and to recognize each and every tiny detailed blessing that the Lord has given you. Be grateful! Be happy! Live with passion and enthusiasm! Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ! One thing that he said that really stood out to me was this-
"Are you happy? Then tell your face about it!"
May we never forget to smile and to focus on the countless ways the Lord has entered into our lives to make us happy. You are loved and blessed, and don't you forget it!
I love you all and pray daily for your happiness and success. Keep on smiling, support and love one another in all things, and do all that you can to keep moving forward and love every step of the way.
New Companions
Letter dated October 14, 2009
Has it been a week already?! Hope this letter finds you all well and living your lives as happily and productively as you allow yourselves to- go above and beyond and "Aim High". Involve the Lord in all of your plans and take action- He'll help make them happen.
What a wonderful week! Last Thursday I received my two sweet new missionaries fresh from the MTC- Hermana B from UT and Hermana V from California. I don't know how I was so blessed to receive such hardworking, diligent, optimistic, and incredible missionaries! While I may be their trainer, it seems just the opposite- I am learning more from them than they could ever imagine. This has been such a beautiful and humbling experience. In this past week I have felt so strongly the constant companionsip and unity of the Spirit. In this past week we have witnessed countless miracles and have felt what it really means to let the Lord guide in this work. As long as you are working as hard, smart, obediently, effectively, and cheerfully as you are capable of doing then the Lord will bless you accordingly... we have seen just that. We have met and began teaching so many different new investigators (families- yay!) that the Lord has placed in our path. I testify that as a missionary, if you will talk to and teach as many people as the Lord puts in your path in your day to day activities, He will bless you with those who are more valiant and ready to eagerly receive the gospel. One family in particular that we are going by to teach for the second time tonight is the C family who were a media referral through church headquarters. They had ordered a Finding Happiness DVD, and upon our first visit said that they had seen the Restoration video and were anxious to learn more about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon..... the Lord has prepared and is preparing His children to greater receive the truth. My heart is so full right now and is in supplication of giving thanks to the Lord for pouring out so abundantly upon us His Spirit and His blessings.... this only being one of the many experiences that I have mentioned. God is real. He lives. Our Savior Jesus Christ lives and is the head of this church. Trust in the power of prayer. Trust the Lord in all things and He will guide you. I love you all and leave this testimony with you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Has it been a week already?! Hope this letter finds you all well and living your lives as happily and productively as you allow yourselves to- go above and beyond and "Aim High". Involve the Lord in all of your plans and take action- He'll help make them happen.
What a wonderful week! Last Thursday I received my two sweet new missionaries fresh from the MTC- Hermana B from UT and Hermana V from California. I don't know how I was so blessed to receive such hardworking, diligent, optimistic, and incredible missionaries! While I may be their trainer, it seems just the opposite- I am learning more from them than they could ever imagine. This has been such a beautiful and humbling experience. In this past week I have felt so strongly the constant companionsip and unity of the Spirit. In this past week we have witnessed countless miracles and have felt what it really means to let the Lord guide in this work. As long as you are working as hard, smart, obediently, effectively, and cheerfully as you are capable of doing then the Lord will bless you accordingly... we have seen just that. We have met and began teaching so many different new investigators (families- yay!) that the Lord has placed in our path. I testify that as a missionary, if you will talk to and teach as many people as the Lord puts in your path in your day to day activities, He will bless you with those who are more valiant and ready to eagerly receive the gospel. One family in particular that we are going by to teach for the second time tonight is the C family who were a media referral through church headquarters. They had ordered a Finding Happiness DVD, and upon our first visit said that they had seen the Restoration video and were anxious to learn more about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon..... the Lord has prepared and is preparing His children to greater receive the truth. My heart is so full right now and is in supplication of giving thanks to the Lord for pouring out so abundantly upon us His Spirit and His blessings.... this only being one of the many experiences that I have mentioned. God is real. He lives. Our Savior Jesus Christ lives and is the head of this church. Trust in the power of prayer. Trust the Lord in all things and He will guide you. I love you all and leave this testimony with you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Transfers
Letter dated October 7, 2009
Wow! Tomorrow is transfers and I was surprised to receive a phone call last night from our Mission President. We have three new Spanish speaking sisters coming in (until a week or so ago we thought there'd only be two) and what our Zone Leaders had talked with us about is that probably Hermana M, Hermana B and I would be split up in three different companionships and each being paired with a new missionary and being sent to one of three places- here, my first area, or Virginia Beach (new area for sisters). I'll be honest, I was convinced that I was leaving.... but I guess that's not what the Lord had in store for me.... President M said that we're only going to have two companionships of trios, one here and the other in my first area. He said that he'd prayed about it for a long time and felt strongly impressed that I train two of the new sister missionaries and that we stay here, and Hermanas M, B, and one of the the new sisters go to my first area. He said that I'll be the first in the history of the Virginia Richmond Mission to train two new missionaries but that I have his full trust and confidence as well as the Lord's. Let's just say that I was a little shocked and couldn't help but feel quite inadequate for the task at hand! I am so grateful that the Lord is at the head of this work and that we're never expected to do it alone. Just be obedient, work hard, and give it everything you've got and He'll make up for the rest. I'm so excited for this opportunity that I have to be training, and together with the Lord and my companions, to help to continue to transform this area and to thrust in our sickles with all of our might and reap the harvest. The Lord has great things in store........ and I'm PUMPED!!!!!! :)
Wasn't General Conference amazing?! I love that you get out of it whatever you put into it. What an incredible opportunity we have to be instructed by the Lord's servants and to have this incredible form of guidance in our lives. Apply what you have learned! Act on the things that you thought and felt! I loved how our Prophet Thomas S. Monson focused on losing ourselves in the service of others and remembering that when we are in the service of our fellow being we are only in the sercvice of our God (Mosiah 2:17). Go and do something good for someone else today and do not let opportunities pass by! Every one of us has a part to play- Play it well!
Wow! Tomorrow is transfers and I was surprised to receive a phone call last night from our Mission President. We have three new Spanish speaking sisters coming in (until a week or so ago we thought there'd only be two) and what our Zone Leaders had talked with us about is that probably Hermana M, Hermana B and I would be split up in three different companionships and each being paired with a new missionary and being sent to one of three places- here, my first area, or Virginia Beach (new area for sisters). I'll be honest, I was convinced that I was leaving.... but I guess that's not what the Lord had in store for me.... President M said that we're only going to have two companionships of trios, one here and the other in my first area. He said that he'd prayed about it for a long time and felt strongly impressed that I train two of the new sister missionaries and that we stay here, and Hermanas M, B, and one of the the new sisters go to my first area. He said that I'll be the first in the history of the Virginia Richmond Mission to train two new missionaries but that I have his full trust and confidence as well as the Lord's. Let's just say that I was a little shocked and couldn't help but feel quite inadequate for the task at hand! I am so grateful that the Lord is at the head of this work and that we're never expected to do it alone. Just be obedient, work hard, and give it everything you've got and He'll make up for the rest. I'm so excited for this opportunity that I have to be training, and together with the Lord and my companions, to help to continue to transform this area and to thrust in our sickles with all of our might and reap the harvest. The Lord has great things in store........ and I'm PUMPED!!!!!! :)
Wasn't General Conference amazing?! I love that you get out of it whatever you put into it. What an incredible opportunity we have to be instructed by the Lord's servants and to have this incredible form of guidance in our lives. Apply what you have learned! Act on the things that you thought and felt! I loved how our Prophet Thomas S. Monson focused on losing ourselves in the service of others and remembering that when we are in the service of our fellow being we are only in the sercvice of our God (Mosiah 2:17). Go and do something good for someone else today and do not let opportunities pass by! Every one of us has a part to play- Play it well!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Don't Let Appearances Fool You
Letter dated September 30, 2009
Yay! A.V. was baptized last Thursday and confirmed on Sunday! We've taken him out with us to teach this week and he is an amazing missionary and has such a strong testimony--- (we've got high hopes for him in a year when he can put his papers in....) I'm just so grateful that the Lord directs this work and that it's done in His way- He knows much better than we do. When we first met A we found him in the house of one of our investigators who wasn't progressing too much. He appeared to be what many would believe as a "punk teenager" with long, straggly hair, gangster clothes, and a big old spike through his chin.... but that's something I've learned- do not let appearances fool you- only the Lord know the hearts of His people. We started talking and he'd actually been taught before in Mexico and even had a baptismal date set... then came here and lost touch with the church. He read the entire Book of Mormon in a few weeks and is now on his 2nd or 3rd time round- we were flabbergasted and had never had an investigator do that before! It's been incredible to me to watch how the power of the Gospel has helped transform and change him and how, over time, his testimony has been fortified. It truly has been a miracle to me to watch the process of this change within him and to literally see him radiating and beaming with the light of Christ more and more with each passing day. His baptism and confirmation was a beautiful event of which I will never forget. I am so grateful for his choice and for the way that the Gospel has an effect on our lives.
Well, we have transfers next week and I feel like I might be going- we'll see. We thought we were only having two sisters coming in, but they surprised us the other day and said that we now have three. We're super excited!
Learn from one another and continue to live each day with a smile. Rejoice! Everyone take the opportunity to watch and listen to conference this weekend- incredible opportunity!
Yay! A.V. was baptized last Thursday and confirmed on Sunday! We've taken him out with us to teach this week and he is an amazing missionary and has such a strong testimony--- (we've got high hopes for him in a year when he can put his papers in....) I'm just so grateful that the Lord directs this work and that it's done in His way- He knows much better than we do. When we first met A we found him in the house of one of our investigators who wasn't progressing too much. He appeared to be what many would believe as a "punk teenager" with long, straggly hair, gangster clothes, and a big old spike through his chin.... but that's something I've learned- do not let appearances fool you- only the Lord know the hearts of His people. We started talking and he'd actually been taught before in Mexico and even had a baptismal date set... then came here and lost touch with the church. He read the entire Book of Mormon in a few weeks and is now on his 2nd or 3rd time round- we were flabbergasted and had never had an investigator do that before! It's been incredible to me to watch how the power of the Gospel has helped transform and change him and how, over time, his testimony has been fortified. It truly has been a miracle to me to watch the process of this change within him and to literally see him radiating and beaming with the light of Christ more and more with each passing day. His baptism and confirmation was a beautiful event of which I will never forget. I am so grateful for his choice and for the way that the Gospel has an effect on our lives.
Well, we have transfers next week and I feel like I might be going- we'll see. We thought we were only having two sisters coming in, but they surprised us the other day and said that we now have three. We're super excited!
Learn from one another and continue to live each day with a smile. Rejoice! Everyone take the opportunity to watch and listen to conference this weekend- incredible opportunity!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Robberies, Bank Explosions & Baptism
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!
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!
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!
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