February 24, 2014

Sam didn't say much about her week in this email.  It was all about feelings and fairly personal so I am not sharing it today.

She did tell us that her comp is a bigger diva than she is and is having some problems settling into missionary life and blew up at Sam last week.  She says they have moved past it and all is forgiven but I think there is still some tension and Sam's self esteem is a little bruised.

She is thinking about going to BYU when she finishes her mission.  We are very pleased to hear this  news.  She thinks she will be soo old starting college after her mission.  I told her not to worry because 21 isn't as old as she thinks and people of all ages go to college.

Isidro is getting baptized next week.  YAY!

February 17, 2014

You all want to know what's up with transfers?  Okay, drum roll please...........dum dum dum dum dum TING!  I'M NOT GOING.....ANYWHERE!  5th transfer as a Desert Bloomer, baby! Con la Hermana Abernathy.  We're getting 2 new elders, though.  One happens to be Elder Robison (new district leader), who I served with for 3 transfers back in Ensign.  He was my zone leader back then.  Funny thing is, I'll probably only have 3 areas on my mission because after this transfer, I only have 3 more.  

The baptism on Saturday went swimmingly.  I'll attach pictures for you.  Jorge and Aracely are great. Jorge was in tears during his testimony.  We stopped by for a visit Sunday night after their confirmations and they both look 10x happier and are just glowing!  They say they feel very different inside. Such a miracle to see how the Gift of the Holy Ghost works in people.  They're suddenly so confident and know without a doubt that this is the true church and that they're on the right path.  They went to the temple to walk around yesterday, too and are all excited about making that their next goal and doing the work for their family members.  Jorge told us that just 2 months ago he never imagined him where he is now.  By the way, did I ever tell you how he thought I was Cuban one day?  He told me I remind him of a friend he knew in Florida once who was Cuban and even apparently looks just like me.  He told me that sometimes when we come over he starts talking with me in a Cuban accent without realizing it.  Haha.  I thought that was quite funny.  Aracely and Jorge are from Bolivia, BTW.  

Janet came to church again yesterday.  She got a blessing of health from the elders last week and started crying as soon as the elder said, "amen."  She is such a sweetheart.  She said it was hard for her to come to church yesterday because her granddaughter didn't want to come and she wasn't feeling really well, but she told herself, "yo tengo que ir a la iglesia! Me voy a sentir mejor si lo hago!"  And she sure did. :)  Our last lesson with her she told us that before we came by, she was so depressed that she thought about killing her self all the time.  But since we've been coming over and teaching her about the gospel, happiness has come back into her life and she doesn't think that way anymore.  Just knowing that I get to be the lord's instrument in helping her feel of His love and change her life is such an honor.  I never knew I could love so many people so much at one time!  It's almost ridiculous!  Haha.  Isidro didn't come to church, but we're seeing him tomorrow.  He's doing good, though.  Yesterday was Juliana's birthday.  She had to work and wasn't able to come to church, but we went by and gave her a gift.  One thing we included in the gift was a framed copy of "The Living Christ".  or "El Cristo Viviente".  I'm pretty sure it made her day, because she didn't get any presents and had to work toda la manana y tarde.  

I'm grateful that I have another transfer here.  If confirms to me that The Lord still has work for me to do.  I feel like a big part of that has to do with helping Isidro and Janet progress towards baptism...but it's nice to know that the Lord trusts me here.  

I love you all with my whole soul!  Time is rapidly passing.  I'll see you soon...mothers day!  Ha.      

            

photos

Hermana Veazy, Ana, Martin, Hermana Smith

Sam with the RS president, Hermana Lopez, who she refers to as the bossest RM ever.

February 10, 2014

Hello, hello!  It's really interesting because it seems like every other mission in the world is focusing on less-actives, but we recently had a Zone training meeting and they told us to stop focusing on less-actives.  Also, our branch goal is 40 baptisms this year.  Ha.  the work is seriously hastening, it's so exciting to be a missionary at the front lines of it!  I'm very grateful!  

Yes, I did get your Valentine's box today.  Thank you so much!  I also got my new license today!  Whoohoo!  I can drive again. :)  Transfers are coming up in a week.  I will probably be transferred, just because I've been here for 4 transfers...:(  We'll see where I'll be next.  Possibly English...let's hope not.  haha.  

Bishop Bangerter read my letter in sacrament meeting about Isidro?  Which part?  I hope he could read my handwriting... 

So we are officially going to have a baptism this Saturday at 6pm!  Aracely and Jorge.  We sat down with them last night and boldly told them that we know they're ready.  We already screened them for baptism and were de acuerdo con todo!  It was really cool because Jorge was like, 'Well, can't we move it back one more week," but Aracely was like, 'I don't think we should wait, honey. We shouldn't wait to be filled with the Holy Ghost.'  And Jorge was like, 'you want to get baptized this Saturday then?  Ok.'  So yay!  We just had our ward (branch) conference yesterday and in relief society they talked a lot about baptism and the Holy ghost, which I think really touched Aracely's heart and made her realize the importance of that gift of the Holy Ghost.  We're so excited for them.  They have been so prepared by the Lord, He just needed to use us as the instruments to give them that push.  

We stopped by Isidro's house this morning by surprise.  He was in the garage reading his BOM.  He looks like a totally different person.  Not only is his leg healing rapidly, but he just has a happy glow about him.  You can see both the physical and spiritual growth since day one when we first stopped by!  did I tell you he's always on my butt about wearing my coat?  He chews me out if I'm not wearing it and whenever I do wear it, he makes a big deal.  It was funny the other day because Jorge and him were both outside and Jorge shouts, "Que milagro!  You're wearing your coat!"  I don't know how he even knew that was a thing because he's hardly ever present for our lessons.  It must be a topic of discussion or something.  Haha.  So don't worry, grandpa Isidro's watching out to make sure I don't get a cold!  

We watched the Joseph Smith movie with Juliana the other day.  The hour long one about his whole life... afterwards she let us know that she does in fact know all of these things are true and she does want to work towards baptism.  She's just a little scared of the unknown, but she'll get there.  She told she doesn't know why, but from day one she felt an overwhelming sense of trust towards us.  She considers us like her best friends.  She even told us that she's noticed that when she prays and reads the Book of Mormon, she's somehow able to do things she didn't know she could before - like have the energy and strength to even get through the day without breaking down.  We love her bunches!  She didn't come to church yesterday, though, because her youngest baby boy was throwing up.  We're going to try to get someone over there to give him a blessing.  It will be good for her to see the power of the priesthood in action as well.  Did I tell you about how she got a new couch?  If not, let me know.  It's a really cool story, but I can't remember if I told you or not..

I love you all very much and am excited that you will get to come meet these people who I've come to know and love over the past year.  This place will always have a special place in my heart.  We haven't heard from Marcos in a while... I'm not sure what's up with him. 

...She told us that Juliana's husband took the couch with him when he left them and she had been saving money for some time to buy a new one.  One day the Hermanas got a call asking if they knew anyone who could use a couch.  They made arrangments for the couch to be delivered and Julianna got a couch, love seat and a bunch of pillows - all very nice.  She was very excited and said that now the money she had been saving could be used to buy a table and chairs which they also needed.  Sam said that she knew that the Lord was mindful of Juliana and it was not a coincidence.  

Sam also told us that Elder Bishop is very proud that he has a black belt.  She doesn't know what form of martial arts he studied but one of the ones that wear every kind of padding available and don't actually make any contact with their oponents.  He seemed a little scared of her when she told him that she was a Yoshukai black belt and that she excelled at full contact sparring.  HAHA  That's our little bruiser.  

She is working out in the gym every morning bright and early and she looks good.  I am going to attempt to add some photos here...

yup

February 3, 2014

Happy Monday!

I sent you some pictures because I figured you're beginning to forget what I look like.  Also, these are Christmas pictures... we went to a members home to act out the Nativity because Elder Dahneke's family does it every year for family home evening and he thought it would be fun if we did it, too.  The group picture includes the Rodriquez/Garcia family, Lopez family and the Peralta family.  Eliza (13 year old recent convert) is the one in front with white sweater and hat.  Fun times.  

This week was a really good one.  We currently have 4 investigators with a baptismal date.  Aracely and Jorge are set for the 15th Feb, but we might have to move it back a week or two, we're not sure yet.  They already know a lot about the church to where they teach us sometimes, but they seem to think they're not "ready" still.  Tonight we're going to go over the baptismal interview questions with them to show them what the actual qualifications for baptism are and hopefully assess whether or not they truly are ready based on those qualifications.  Also, we're going to commit them to pray to know if they can be baptized by the 15th.  I have no doubt they will be baptized, it might just happen later than we had originally thought.  A similar thing happened with Zaida Ortiz, though.  We committed her to pray to know if the date was right for her and the next time we saw her, she had received her answer that in fact it was.  I have faith in the spirit working through them.  If they're open to it, they will recognize an answer when it comes.

Also, Janet and Isidro both have baptismal dates!  Whoo!  Janet's is for march 15th and Isidro is March 8th, though we might actually move his earlier.  :)  Janet came to church for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed it.  This Sunday was such a blessing.  We had 9 at church again.  (Technically 10, but we didn't want to count the 10th because he was a 10 year old who we've never met before.  He came with Janet.)  Isidro, Janet and her sister, Aracely and Jorge, and the Ventura family!  The Venutra family consists of the parents Francisco and Alma and their 3 kids, Patty (16), Sarah (12) and Heaven (7).  Really awesome family.  Alma was actually crying by the end of sacrament meeting.  A lot of the youth got up and bore their testimonies, which I think really touched her because she has 2 teenage daughters and really wants them involved in good programs, like the ones the church provides.  That was extra awesome because Alma is kind of the toughie in the family.  The girls LOVE going to church and are excited about going to mutual, but the mom is the one who's always working and not always there when we go by to see them.  It was a huge blessing that the whole family came yesterday.  Afterwards, Alma gave me her bracelet randomly because I said I liked it.  It's purple!  Haha, I feel bad because I sometimes can't even compliment people without them being like, "here!  A gift!"

I think it's so awesome to see Janet and Isidro with dates.  Janet is the SWEETEST!  This gospel has been such a blessing in her life and she knows it!  I was so happy to see her at church.  She ran up to me and gave me the tightest hug ever.  I'm so proud of her for taking this leap of faith even if she might not have a perfect knowledge of all things, she knows in her heart that these things are true.  It's kind of the opposite with Aracely and Jorge. They want to gain more knowledge and have a perfect grip on the doctrine before baptism.  We're working on helping them understand that it's more important for them to trust in the answer they receive through the Holy Ghost and act on that prompting they receive, the moment they receive it.  And then once their baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, more light and knowledge will come with time.  A lot of things will be more clear to them.  

Isidro accepting the baptismal invitation was one of the coolest experiences on my mission.  I'm not going to say too much because you'll be getting a letter from me this week explaining more in detail.  In the middle of the lesson, while we were talking about baptism, he seemed hesitant still, saying things like, "I need to go to church more and do this more...blah, blah.." but when it came time to commit him to a specific date, without hesitation he's like, "Yes.  I will be baptized on March 8th."  We were speechless because a majority of the time, we have to reemphasize the fact that we're here to help prepare them for that date and also, Isidro usually doesn't get it right away when we ask him a very direct question.  So I was just impressed to see that the spirit must have communicated my words very perfectly to where it made sense in his mind and impacted him to boldly accept.  The next day we came over and he was still excited about March 8th.  also, we pulled out a little mormon.org card and had him shout "Soy Mormon" a few times to get excited.  Haha, I love Isidro.  He's so awesome.  He understands the Book of Mormon like a boss.  He never ceases to amaze me.  

I'm glad to hear all is well.

Love you all sooo much!