Pictures!

​We went shopping for a white shirt and tie with a reactivating member. We're getting him ready to go to the temple to do baptisms for the first time. Funny part: he chose the grey plaid tie I picked out. :)

​Beautiful posole and taquitos. Gracias familia Deloya! 

Hard week, but lots of tender mercies too.

1. How are you increasing in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man?"

I'm getting to the point where everyone realizes I'm finishing my mission soon. The members are already saying goodbye to me. Other missionaries are counting down the days for me. As for me, I just keep going. I don't keep track of the days. I don't think too much about home. Ever since I left home it feels like I'm on another planet, and it still feels that way. I'm so thankful that throughout my mission I've worked and focused in a way that I can get almost to the end and not feel "trunky". It's a lot easier that way.

2. A spiritual experience you had this week?

For me, it was the "emergency lesson" we had with Enrique (name changed). We stopped by his apartment one more time (3rd attempt that day) and found him outside, standing by a half finished 6-pack of beer. We expressed our disappointment as well as the hope we had for him. We taught him about the power of prayer to fight temptation. We all shared experiences about how prayer/the Atonement gave us peace when we were sad, angry, or afraid. I shared an experience that was near and dear to my heart, the start of my true conversion. The Spirit was really strong and we recommitted him to live the word of wisdom. Enrique offered a kneeling prayer, and I know he will remember that moment forever. And he happily let us take his remaining beer and throw it away. It was so satisfying to smash those beer bottles against the inside wall of the dumpster...

3. What successes have you had in reaching your weekly goals?

I don't know about successes in reaching key indicator goals, but we definitely had some successes. 

Firstly, we took our less active/new member to get a white shirt and tie. It was fun and he really appreciated us being there for that little milestone. He is well on his way to being a fully active member. And I'm so grateful that we can go with him to do baptisms for the dead. We've been there for every spiritual milestone in the last few months (for example he insisted that we come up with him to the stand when he gave the bishop his first tithing) and I wouldn't miss this one for the world.

And it was interesting how we made our weekly goal for 2 member homes. It was sunday evening and we didn't have anything planned in order to have that 2nd lesson in a member's home. Then we went to our 7 PM appointment with a new investigator. We found him walking out to his car, dressed up to go to a party. He must have forgotten our appointment... We caught him just in time and we were talking about church. The idea came to my mind to offer to give him a church tour. He seemed to be interested in that. My companions were scheduling a time to do that later. And before I could think about what I was saying, I said "It just so happens we have the keys to the church (we usually don't since we have to borrow them from the elders). We could show you the church right now if you want." Surprisingly, he said yes! The tour went really well and we got to teach about baptism, the sacrament, and the Holy Ghost, and show him the baptism font. The Spirit was strong and he seemed touched/intrigued. I am so glad we did that. If not, I think he would have just turned into yet another no-showed appointment. I'm excited to see what happens from there!

4. Have you experienced any disappointments and how did you overcome them?

This week was one of those odd weeks where we did our best and worked hard but the results didn't show it. For example, we had 5 exchanges and only had 2 lessons with a member present. We had plenty of plans but most of them fell through.

Also, our 2 investigators with a baptism date moved just outside of the mission. Literally, on the other side of the street. I'm reluctant to turn them over to the Dallas missionaries. We decided to keep teaching Enrique until his baptism date and just meet with him somewhere other than his apartment, but that never worked despite all the calls and texts and looking everywhere. And the one time we did find him, we found him with a 6-pack of beer... And he didn't make it to church. I don't think Enrique's getting baptized on the 10th... At this point I'd just be happy to find him again.

Though on the bright side, this is only one week. I've seen worse. I've had entire transfers like this before. I endured through that and I'm stronger for it. And every day, the Lord gives us little tender mercies to keep us cheerful and optimistic.

Fwd:

Me, my companions, and a member we had dinner with.

revised letter to mission president

1. How are you increasing in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man?"
This week, I have realized a lot how much I actually have grown. On monday we picked up Hna. Fotu. It's been interesting seeing how I influenced both of the companions I trained. It's comforting to know that I gave both of them a good start. Also, I have started working on my final letter (a fancy handwritten letter I have to write to President Ames before I end my mission), trying to sum up everything I've learned in the last 18 months. There has been a lot of growth just in the act of attempting to sum it all up. I have realized even more that I wouldn't trade the world for the experiences I've had, good and bad. In district meeting, our district leader Elder Hendricks shared a quote with us from a Martin handcart company survivor: "The price was worth it to be acquainted with God". That's exactly how I feel about my mission.

2. A spiritual experience you had this week?
This week it was the lesson we had with a reactivating member to help him feel worthy to enter the temple. He is the sort of person to worry about literally everything and want to be perfect in order to start anything and has a lot of regrets about how things have happened in his life. So we taught him about worthiness and exactly what he need to go to the temple. It was very spirit driven and according to his needs.

3. What successes have you had in reaching your weekly goals?
Both of our investigators with a baptism date came to church! It really does look like we're going to make these baptism dates happen! Also a member, Jose, that's getting reactivated just got his limited use temple recommend on sunday! It's a big step in reaching my personal transfer goals: 1 more baptism, and to go do baptisms for the dead with our member that is going through the 90 day program. I think it really will happen. It will take a lot of work but I am determined to end my mission on a high note.

revised letter to mission president

**names have been changed

2. A spiritual experience you had this week?
Where to begin... Here are some of the highlights.
 - Santiago came to church. Here's how we found him. We were looking for a former investigator in a body shop where he supposedly worked. We didn't find him, but we found Santiago, Jose, and Andres working in the shop. We initially didn't plan on spending a lot of time there since it wasn't the right shop and we didn't want to take away time from their work. But they offered us water and asked lots of questions about the Church and really opened up to us. Santiago said he wanted to come to church. We left our contact information and set a return appointment. This is a perfect example of being guided by the Spirit to be in the "wrong" place at the right time. I feel bad for this, but I didn't take Santiago seriously when he said he was going to church. After all, we invite everyone to go to church and they almost never show up, especially not if we've just barely met them. And when we went to church, Santiago showed up! He didn't even have his own car to get there, but he made it! It makes me think about my own faith and what I would do in that situation. If I weren't a member and had just met some missionaries a few days ago, would I make that much of an effort to go to church?

 - We taught Enrique the Word of Wisdom. It went really well and the Spirit was really strong, and he committed to live it. We brought a 17 year old member with us who was planning on going on a mission. We didn't think too much of it since we missionaries are relatively used to experiences like that. But later that night, the girl who came with us sent us a text thanking us for taking her with us and helping her feel the Spirit so strongly. It was a great reminder that when we take members with us to appointments, it not just for the investigators. It's also for the members.

3. What successes have you had in reaching your weekly goals?
Well, almost everything has been a success! We had 6 people come to church! I've never had that many people come to church before. It blew my mind and it's another one of those moments where I have to wonder "what did I deserve to receive so many blessings?" I really can't attribute it to anything that I did. The glory is not mine, but the Father's. As always, I feel like I'm a spectator to the success we experience. We also contacted nearly twice as many people as we planned, got twice as many new investigators, and gave out twice as many Books of Mormon. I really am so happy to be here in Lewisville and witness this in a place that I once thought was "dead" or "slow".

4. Have you experienced any disappointments and how did you overcome them?
We found out that Juan is going to be moving next week. It's sad because I really did think he would get baptized in the near future and I would be there when it would happen. But I trust that God cares for him much more than I do and that the missionaries will find him in Mexico. But on the bright side, our last lesson with him wasn't contentious or tense like the last couple lessons. He didn't bring up his doubts fueled by anti-Mormon material. And I have more compassion for him now that I understand that he didn't understand the doctrine as well as we thought.

Here's what happened this week!

1. How are you increasing in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man?"

I'm also really excited to be in Lewisville for my last transfer. It will be a new experience being in 1 area for 7.5 months, but I'm also excited. In Denton and Temple, I didn't stay long enough to see most of the fruits of my efforts, even though I was there for 4.5 and 6 months respectively. But now I think I'll be able to stay and see what happens. We have 2 baptism dates and I really do think I'll be able to see them both get baptized! What a satisfying way to end a mission!

2. A spiritual experience you had this week?
One experience was studying for Juan (name change). In response to the fact that he keeps running into anti-Mormon information in his genuine search for truth, we wanted to teach him that there has always been opposition from Satan (because he knows it's true too) in the restored church, ever since Joseph Smith. I read all of Joseph Smith-history and the opposition is so apparent. It strengthened my testimony of the restoration to remember how much opposition this church has experienced from the beginning. No one seems to care about any other christian church (except for Catholics, maybe). There isn't a huge wealth of anti-Presbyterian or Methodist or Pentacostal information that I know of. Just for Mormons. It's evidence to me that this gospel is so true.

It was also amazing setting our other baptism date with Jose (name change). It's been a joy teaching him because he is so childlike despite being in his 30s. He's so humble, excited to learn, and every time we teach him something he didn't know before he says "Wow! Really?". When the opportunity to set a baptism date for 8/9/14, he responded with the same childlike enthusiasm. It's beautiful and shows me why we need to become like little children.

3. What successes have you had in reaching your weekly goals?
We did well considering we didn't have our car this week, and it takes forever to walk to anyone we're teaching. While it's hard, I do like how going car-less forces us to rely more on members. It really showed in the fact that we had 6 exchanges and 7 member present lessons.

4. Have you experienced any disappointments and how did you overcome them?
Satan's working overtime to make sure that Juan doesn't get to church. And despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to teach him this week. This is making me nervous... And no one came to church. What more can I do for this part of the vineyard??

Revised letter to mission president

1. How are you increasing in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man?"
I'm getting a little bit better at teaching my companion like I teach the investigators. It's about time since I'm almost done training her...
She's been feeling really inadequate and scared that she's going to be training next transfer. She's scared that she won't be able to continue the work here in Lewisville without me. I think she feels pressure to do everything I do and know everything I know which isn't fair at all since I have a lot more experience. There have been a couple companionship studies where she was so nervous she couldn't think straight and I took the time to teach her that God never gives us more than we can handle, and that even though God's will is often different than our will and tends to stretch us to the limit, God will always give us peace and comfort if we ask for it.
That and I have a slightly better idea of how to correct her. Even though she knows that we go to bed at 10:30, and I always go to bed at 10:30, she kept going to bed later. She was mostly obedient and honestly didn't see the difference between being mostly obedient and exactly obedient. She told me she got a bad impression of "exact obedience" from one of her companions in the MTC. They didn't get along and she was obedient to the T and enforced her interpretation of obedience on everyone else. She also got the impression that the missionaries that are "fun to be around" are not exactly obedient. I really hope she understood when I told her that I don't want her to be exactly obedient because I'm micro-managing or trying to be her mom. I want her to be exactly obedient because obedience is the first law of heaven, and a prerequisite to miracles. I want her to be exactly obedient like the stripling warriors because like them, we need all the help we can get. She wasn't too happy and thought I was worrying about stuff that didn't matter, but at least she knows what I think. She was honestly surprised when I told her that it makes me nervous when she doesn't get to bed on time. It makes me think "what did I do?" or "what did I neglect to do for her?". She didn't understand that in a way, I feel responsible for her and how she turns out. I guess this is a little taste of what parenting is like.  

2. A spiritual experience you had this week?
We had a miracle (yet again) with Juan (name change). After interviews, we went with President Pratt (one of the mission president's counselors that speaks spanish) to go teach him. We taught about the Atonement and the spirit was really strong. It was one of those lessons where we felt like spectators to the Lord's work and we were all following the same direction from the Spirit. All 4 of us said just what he needed to hear or understand. President Pratt related baptism to the atonement, the other member (recent convert) we brought with us talked about her experience having a baptism date, and my companion testified that it would be hard, but so worth it. As all 3 of them talked, I had a strong prompting to set a baptism date, over and over. I did it. Usually I'm pretty awkward about setting baptism dates, but this time the Spirit told me what to say and it came out of my mouth easily. And the miraculous part? Juan said yes! We had invited him to be baptized several times before, but this time he offered no resistance and he knew that was what he was supposed to do. He knows what he needs to do and how he's going to get there. Wow!

Chalk doodle

So... lately we've been trying to start an English class and people have shown interest in coming but no one has showed up. So while we were waiting, we called people and doodled on the chalkboard. For you non-spanish speakers, it says "Why didn't anyone come?"

​

Testimony and the obtaining thereof

Preface: I've been thinking about this for a while and couldn't really put my finger on how I got it. So I thought I'd write it down to get my thoughts organized. Enjoy!

How did I gain my testimony?

I was born in the church to goodly parents, and have gone to church since I was a baby. The vast majority of my family/extended family are active members too. I am familiar with the doctrine, traditions, procedures, etc. but all that wasn't and isn't enough to have my own testimony. I can't think of any one moment when I knew for myself that it was true. It grew over time.

At first, I found my testimony in the fact that it the church/gospel is good, and has blessed my life. Then I realized that it intellectually makes sense. Then I based my testimony on the fact that it has also blessed the life of many others. As I read the scriptures, every once in a while, I found a scripture that resonated with me and was just so…true! Either that or every once in a while I would be in church and the talks or the classes resonated with me and felt right.

When I was a teenager, I lived in Virginia, where the vast majority of the kids in middle and high school weren't religious or appreciative of sacred things. I was one of about 6 members, and we weren't exactly a tight knit group. It was in that time that my testimony was strengthened because it was questioned and ridiculed all the time. Every time I defended my beliefs, I realized more and more that I actually do believe this and it would be a HUGE mistake to throw it away. I wasn't very good about personal prayer or scripture study, but I did cling to church and youth activities even though I didn't really have friends there. It was definitely divine providence that I was called to be Beehive, Mia Maid, and Laurel president so I felt obligated to come to church and activities even when I didn't feel like it or have a good support system with the youth.

Also, in the online communities I participated in, it was common for people to ask "If you're so smart, why in the world are you Mormon?". I felt obligated to prove to them that the church was true and show how it makes sense. But that didn't work, and I started to realize that you have to know by the Spirit, not my logic alone, that it is true. I eventually learned that I am not obligated to prove anything, because all the physical/intellectual evidence in the world isn't enough. What a relief!

The next thing that cemented my testimony/was the start of my conversion was studying the scriptures and praying on my own on a regular basis. Sure, I studied the scriptures in seminary and was pretty familiar with them, but it hadn't turned into a habit. I kept finding scriptures that helped me in my life and came to know that I actually could talk to God about what was going on in my life. That culminated into a few amazing experiences to help me not only believe, but know.

The other thing that helped immensely was going to college. It was the best decision I had made up to that point to go to BYU-I, a spiritual sanctuary where "all things are spiritual" no matter what the subject is. It's ok to pray in class and talk about the gospel. It also required a lot of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual independence. I had to set my own spiritual routine, eg. How often to go to the temple, when to study the scriptures, how often to pray, how to keep the Sabbath day holy. It was also in that time that I learned the meaning of the word, "grace". In all the times that I was faced with a project and not enough time or strength to do it, I learned to rely on the Lord and experience His grace or empowerment. I had a testimony of everything but the most basic part, Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer, and the one who can strengthen me in all things because He has already experienced it all. He is the one who carries me when I am weak, and heals me when I am feeling broken and dysfunctional.

All of these experiences strengthened  my faith to the point that I could go forward with faith and act even though I wasn't entirely sure where I was going. It was that trust that the Lord wouldn't let me go astray if I was keeping the commandments and doing my best that led me to send in my mission papers. I hadn't seen a light from heaven telling me to go, but after I got started, I knew more and more that this is the best decision I ever made.

The mission is/has been really hard, for more reasons than I expected getting into this. But it has strengthened me even more. Now I cling to my covenants and God's promises for dear life. I see miracles on an almost daily basis. The gift of tongues is real. I have seen the power of the gospel to change people (myself included). I can see a glimpse of what God has prepared for those who wait on him (Isaiah 64:4).

I've pretty much always had a testimony but as of the last few years, I can feel that knowledge changing me. I can honestly say that my first convert is myself. I'm a lot happier and optimistic than before and feel ready to face whatever the Lord sets before me to strengthen my faith even more. The future is so bright you need sunglasses.

I know that this is Christ's church, and that through Him, we can be clean and free to progress. I know that God restored this church through Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon is the beautiful evidence. I know that we are children of God with incomprehensible potential, and that if we trust in Him, He will lead us there.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Letter to the mission president, and then some

1. How are you increasing in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man?"
Lately I've been reading my scriptures only in Spanish. Why not? I'm at the point where I can understand it almost as well as I do English. It's been a great experience and I like how I get to look at the scriptures in a new way when it's in a new language.

2. A spiritual experience you had this week?
I was so proud of my companion, Hna. Jensen this week. She invited an investigator to be baptized for the first time! The Spirit was really strong and it was great to see her feel the spirit as she invited, and affirm to her that this is what the mission is all about, preparing ourselves so we can feel the spirit, and get those we teach to feel the Spirit and act accordingly. It's about leading people to baptism and beyond. It's moments like this that remind me "This is what it's all about". I feel the same way when I go to baptismal services, take the sacrament, go to the temple, and overall do what my Heavenly Father would want me to do.

3. What successes have you had lately?
Well, I'm not exactly proud of the number of lessons we had (I don't understand why it's so hard to find and teach people here), but the ratio between member present lessons and other lessons was more like what it should be (4-3). And the lessons we did have were high quality. And a less active member came back to church for the 2nd time and it looks like he's going to start coming on a regular basis! He really liked it and he really wants to be sealed to his family, serve a mission with his wife one day, etc.
Also, we have been working more with the members, particularly the spanish speakers in the english wards in our stake, since we don't have too many members to work with in our area.

4. Have you experienced any disappointments and how did you overcome them?
Another of our solid investigators dropped us. This time it hurt more than any other time when an investigator dropped us because I loved her so much, and she was saying such terrible things about most of the things I hold dear and sacred (like Joseph Smith, temples, church leadership, Book of Mormon, the role of women in the church, all sorts of anti-Mormon misinformation). At the time I was so angry I didn't dare say anything because I knew I wouldn't have said anything nice (not that she would have let us get a word in anyway). So I was just sitting there while Hna. Jensen was crying and bearing an incredible heartfelt testimony in broken Spanish. But, on the bright side, every time we lose an investigator we have more time to find other people who are more ready. And luckily for me, I always feel better, calmer, and more optimistic after taking a nap. Life goes on. This was one of those times where I was glad that I am more detached by nature. I don't let things bother me much. But at the same time, sometimes I want to care more or cry when people expect me to cry but I just don't. Like an old dysfunctional car that just won't start. But oh well.

Oh, and here's a little piece of trivia. In Mexico, Mother's Day is May 10. I totally forgot that it was Mexican Mother's Day until it was evening and we just couldn't find anyone to teach. No luck whatsoever because everyone was either about to go to a party, was not home, or was at a party with blaring mariachi music and lots of beer. Yep. Mother's day is a big deal.

Sunday was good too. In the last few sundays, everyone has been recruiting me to play the piano. Even for a last minute mother's day primary program. I guess people really trust in my sight reading skills. But I am getting a lot better since I'm stretching myself (I used to pick the hymns I wanted to play beforehand, but not anymore). It's been stressful but I love it at the same time. Thanks for teaching me piano, Mom!

Life is good!

It's been a good/crazy week. The weather has been better. Let's go through the list.

 - So... in our mission we get a weekly email from the mission office with a bunch of key indicator data (how many lessons, baptisms etc) and I found out that 2 people got baptized in Temple, my old area!! Most likely they're people I've taught before so my mind is spinning thinking about who might have been baptized. It doesn't get much better than the euphoria of seeing or hearing about someone you taught/helped getting baptized. D&C 18:15-16 case in point.
 - Got in a car accident. It's nothing huge to worry about since it didn't involve another car and no one got hurt (beside the car). No worries, I wasn't the one driving. But yeah. There's a huge scrape on the side of the car, and it's probably going to go into the body shop soon so we might be doing a lot of walking/getting rides...
 - on friday, I had one of the most jam-packed days of my life. 2 service projects, 2 lessons, 1 exchange, and 1 awesome day. I've never been so happy to go to bed at 10:30.
 - People came to church!!! That hasn't happened here in the last few months! A whole family came to church and they liked it. They all even got haircuts just to go to church.
 - we have some amazing members here. For example, yesterday we had dinner with a family that joined the church 3 years ago. They're super active, have been sealed in the temple, have so many desires to help us with the work, and the gospel is definitely the center of their lives.
 - I turned 13 months old on thursday. Time is going too fast and I still have a hard time seeing myself as one of those "seasoned veterans" I looked up to not too long ago.
 - awkward moment of the month: We came for a teaching appointment with one of our investigators. She invited us in and we soon found out that we were stuck in a 2 hour sales presentation for a $1200 juicer. No joke. I felt so awkward there because we couldn't teach, and we couldn't just leave. And we couldn't possibly buy anything. And to make the whole situation more surreal, it was all in Argentine spanish (the sales reps were from Argentina, pretty interesting accent). But at least we got free serving spoons!
 - new food of the week: Rayas. They're sauteed strips of poblano peppers with corn topped with a creamy sauce. I'd recommend looking it up. Pretty yummy healthy Mexican food.

February update

Here are a few things that happened in the recent past:

 - I finished an enormous journal of 340 pages (started in May last year)

 - got transferred to Lewisville! It's interesting since I get to go to church outside of the mission.

 - walked a TON. It's a great stress reliever.

 - started eating a lot more fruits and vegetables

 - discovered the beauty of Croc flats. Cute, comfortable, cheap, and they don't even look like Crocs!

 - learned how to make enchiladas, avocado boats

 - discovered the beauty of hispanic supermarkets. Lots of mariachi music, really good food, lots of produce, and lots of chaos. :)

 - zone conference!

 - I've officially been a missionary for a year! I've grown in so many ways and I've changed a lot. Serving a mission is the best thing I've done so far and the rewards are endless! This is the best cause in the universe.

Pretty Interesting Person Profile (1/2/14)

Well, on the mission, we meet all sorts of interesting people, for better or worse. They keep life interesting. I'll introduce you to one of the people I've met. His name is Jack (changed for privacy).

We found an odd kid. His name is Jack. We went somewhere to go contact some potential investigators. He was playing around on his scooter in an empty parking lot across the street. About 9 years old, chubby and blonde, and VERY curious. He told us to keep an eye out for a police car and/or a stray dog without a collar. ...ok. He asked us who we were and what we were doing. We told him we're missionaries and asked if her knew of any hispanic people on that street. He pointed out a few houses and stood and watched on the other side of the street. After every house we knocked, he asked us how it went. Then he absolutely insisted on taking us to visit his friend nearby. He practically did the door contact for us. He knocked on the door and was talking before we even had a chance to breath about us "church people". Needless to say his friend was weirded out... Then he insisted on taking us to meet his family. We resisted a bit saying that we needed to get going. But he said, "Come on, I know you have the time." Well ok... His dad answered the door and was definitely not happy to see us. Probably gave the poor kid a tongue lashing for bringing Mormon missionaries to the house. Then Jack followed us back to our car and wanted to see our materials that we use, our Books of Mormon, Libros de Mormon, pamphlets, cards, everything. We left him with a "Gospel of Jesus Christ" pamphlet.

Yep. That's Jack for you.

Giant update for the month of January 2014

Hi! It's been a while! Not that that's anything new...

Since last time, lots of things have happened such as...

 - I turned 11 months old in the mission! It's a crazy thought to think I'm on the way out. But haven't been freaking out too much about the fact that I don't have too much time left. Some missionaries are freaking out and scared to leave behind missionary life and wish they could be missionaries for 14 years like Ammon. Others are counting down the days and getting "trunky" and ready to go home. As for me, I hope to be well adjusted and in the middle. I'm so eternally grateful for all I've learned and all the good times, all the personal growth and the opportunities to invite others to come unto Christ, but also excited about everything the future has in store after the mission. I'm especially excited for this chance to live life better and fuller, and as a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. That's how I see things currently and I hope I stay that way even when I'm almost done with my mission.

 - Transfers! I'm going to miss Belton a lot. There are so many amazing members out here in the middle of nowhere and they have my heart. There are also so many awesome investigators that are soaking up the Gospel like a sponge.

 - the first New Year's Resolutions I'm actually going to take seriously.

•  read the Book of Mormon in Spanish
• read the Doctrine and Covenants in English
• run 1 mile (or at least 15 minutes cardio something if my companion won't run with me) every day (even after the mission) (Pardon the parentheses)
• look for an opportunity to serve each day
• Higher quality prayers
• wake up and start over if I find myself getting drowsy
• pray to be filled with charity every day
• to talk to God about how things went that day and ask Him for help with the things that were left undone/not done well

El Plan de Salvacion

I made a giant diagram of the plan of salvation to put on the floor. Especially good for people with lots of questions, the chronologically challenged, the visually impaired, the easily distracted, and for children.

Christmas Day in the Relief Society Room

Yep. We opened our Christmas presents as a district in the Relief Society Room after having breakfast in the kitchen. Fun albeit unusual stuff!

The Full Christmas Story according to President Ames

Hi everyone. On the 19th of Decenber we missionaries had a Christmas devotional with President Ames. It was a great experience (albeit odd to go to a meeting meant for ourselves, not so we can teach our investigators better). One of the things I enjoyed the most was the reading of the full Christmas story. Not just Luke 2 but the big picture. As I listened I was filled with wonder and awe and I'm sure you will be too. It makes me so grateful for the restored gospel and all the insights that we receive and the big picture we have regarding God's plan for us and especially the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It really is amazing. Without further ado...

____________________________

The Full Christmas Story:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 
(John 1:1-4)

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God , and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
(Abraham 3:22-25)

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
(Revelation 12:7-11)

26 ¶And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
(Genesis 1:26-28)

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. 
(2 Nephi 2:25)

6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
(Moses 5:6-7)

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?
15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.
16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.
19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!
20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.
21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.
(1 Nephi 11:13-23)

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive,and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
(Isaiah 7:14)

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Luke 2:1-20)

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
(Luke 2:42-52)

23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, 
(Luke 3:23)

16 ¶And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
(Luke 4:16-18)

32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
(Moroni 10:32)

Crazy happenings this week

 - I had ceviche for the first time. It's raw fish (usually shrimp or tilapia) that's "cooked" in lime juice for 45 minutes and combined with tomatoes and onions. I really like it! Nice and fresh and filling and especially good with cilantro and hot sauce.

 - I'm doing better with sight reading than ever. It surprises me every time I play that I'm more able to just keep going and keep playing christmas hymns even though I only know 2.

 - I'm getting bolder than ever. There's been more times where I've been able to tell people clearly and frankly that there's not a single church with authority from God except for this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every day I'm more and more grateful for the opportunity to say stuff like...

 - I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have glorified resurrected bodies

 - I know that Jesus Christ descended below all things so He can lift us up.

 - I know that this is the only church with authority from God.

 - I know that we don't worship la virgen Maria or Guadalupe

 - I know that God's name is not Jehovah, and that Jehovah is the premortal Christ.

 - I know that you don't have to pray to saints to make sure God will listen to you.

 - I know that you can truly talk to God. He doesn't want memorized prayers or rosaries (even though these have good intentions). He want to hear your thoughts, feelings, desires, hopes, and dreams. He wants a relationship with you.

 - I know that the Book of Mormon is not the Mormon bible, but another testament of Jesus Christ, an evidence that God talks to us yesterday, today and forever. 

 - we had a hodgepodge thanksgiving. We had thanksgiving dinner with a less active member and her family. The food was part Colombian, part Puerto Rican with one random dish from Pakistan. Yep. And it was a reminder that no matter how much my social skills improve, parties still give me a headache. I couldn't hear anyone clearly with everyone else talking and the music going and I was still at a loss for what to say and after 1.5 hours I was glad to leave. But lots of good people and decent food.

 - I'm almost done reading the New Testament (I started in 2 Corinthians and am wrapping my way around). I happen to be in Acts right now. The boldness of the apostles (particularly Peter) and the other disciples amazes me. So many miracles and examples of missionary work and I believe it's still possible today.

"What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?"

So... my mom asked me some thought provoking questions. This is a shout out to the introverts, the shy, the timid, those who wonder if they have it in them to serve a mission or just get out there and serve those around you. Questions in bold.

 So, about you...In your last letter, you mentioned compassion and investing in folks. I can imagine that it's exhausting for you. Yes but not nearly as much as I thought. I don't even realize it anymore until you bring it up but I've been given so much strength on the mission. I have more energy for people and I'm not as uneasy around people as I used to be and I have almost no underarm sweat due to social nervousness ever since I started the mission. Nothing short of a miracle. Now I just hope that it continues after the mission. It would be hard to go back to who I used to be. It is for me, even though I love people and feel for them. I fear it will be harder for me after the mission when I can't devote all my energy to people like I can/do now. But I know that grace is real and that with His help I'll figure it out.  

What do you do to help break the ice with people and show compassion - especially when you don't have months to develop a relationship with them? As for breaking the ice, I still rely a lot on my companion to do that. I've been really blessed to always have companions that are more personable than I am. As for showing compassion, I do my best to listen, and tie what they say back to the gospel. I testify often of the Atonement and how there's always at least one person (Christ) who understands even if I don't. I make myself comfortable in their often poorer circumstances (I think they think I look like a rich girl, which I am relatively speaking). Also, I think that the fact that people can feel the Spirit when we walk in the room leads them to develop a relationship with us and tell us more than they might other people. So sometimes all we have to to is be sister missionaries and people will tell us their life stories, members and investigators alike. 

What strategies do you use to understand and be understood by your companions? 

I don't know if I call them strategies since I don't really have much spare time/alone time to strategize and sort through my thoughts. It helps a lot just to recognize that we're different and embrace it, and almost expect that we won't understand each other perfectly the first time. We take time to enjoy each other's strengths. I cook and help Sister George remember where scriptures are. She talks to everyone and asks lots of questions. We also have "companionship inventory" every week where we have a designated time and place to talk about our relationship and how we can strengthen it and what we need to do better. It's a good idea and I'd definitely want to put it in practice with my eternal companion.

Also, we had a zone conference this past friday. It was a great experience as always. But the one thing that stood out to me was a piece of stainless steel with the question "What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" Background information: One of the things that mission president Ames often says, ever since he went on his first mission is "Fire burns wood but tempers steel. I am made of steel." One year for his birthday, his wife gave him a piece of steel with that question engraved in it. He brought that piece of steel to the zone conference for everyone to look at.

That question brought a lot of clarity. It was scary but invigorating at the same time. The answer to that question would include my top priorities, the things I need to do to improve, my greatest yearnings. Really, I have no choice but to seek for and work for all these things. I invite whoever reads this to ask themselves the same question, write down a couple answers to that question and act accordingly. 

And just today, I happened to read a scriptural example of this. I happen to be reading about the stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon and discovered that the reason why they were so powerful is because they never doubted. They didn't even imagine they could fail because they knew the Lord was with them. They attempted and achieved something great (fought an army larger and stronger and more experienced than them and won with 0 fatalities) because they knew they couldn't fail. 

Crazy birds, baptism, culinary adventures, OH MY!

So... my companion asked someone what's with the crazy amount of birds and supposedly that's just what happens this time of year. They're all screaming at each other over the cramped real estate on the power lines and roofs. I think I now know where Alfred Hitchcock got his inspiration... Either that or this is where Pixar got their "Birds" short from. Twang!
 
And I've had a few culinary adventures. I made some sweet potato fries, and some eggy cheesy almost scone like pastries.
And one of the members gave me all the ingredients for chocoflan (chocolate cake with flan on top). It turned out really good, even though it was my first try. Believe it or not, you pour in the flan mixture and the cake batter all in the same pan and it separates as you bake it!
 
And on a more serious note, Aricela got baptized yesterday! She's so ready and she seems like she's already been a member for the last few weeks. The rest of her family is next. :) She reads more than anyone else I've ever taught combined. She's currently in Alma 22. Just like the last baptism back in June, it felt weird/wrong when people would tell us "congratulations!" or saying it was "our baptism". I am perfectly happy and content giving the Lord all the credit, because it really is His. God works in mysterious ways through imperfect people. Even me. And thank goodness! Becuase if he didn't, things would be pure chaos and we wouldn't grow nearly as much. Enough said.
 
There have also been lots of miracles/mind blowing experiences this week. One thing that I don't think I'll ever forget is talking to (or more like listening to) Rene. He was a referral we got from a neighbor and it seemed like we were meant to find him, because he really needs the beautiful message that is the Gospel. He shared with us pretty much his entire life story. He's only 51 years old but has experienced more like 3 lifetimes of trouble and heartache. He had gone through so much, growing up in the southern California ghetto, having so many family problems, having 2 sons in jail for life for murder, being a police officer, his constant efforts to do good and support his family, and not seeing the fruit of his labors most of the time. Through all of that he has such a strong belief in God and knows that Christ has carried him through it all. It was so sad to see him cry and say things like "They say a family that prays together stays together. I have done that all my life and why isn't my family together?" and "I'm tired. I've been through enough and if God told me it was time for me to die, I'd say thank you. I'm just so tired." My heart was going out to him and I was crying too and would have given him a hug if I were allowed to. His sorrow for his sons and for all the other people he sees making terrible choices made me think of God and how He must feel about us when we don't choose Him. Afterwards I was reading Moses 7:26-44 and it has more depth and significance to me now, just seeing God's infinite compassion and how he feels about us, His children. He is so happy when we follow Him, and follow after the nature of happiness (Alma 41:10-11) and so sad when we make bad decisions.
 
Every now and then I think of reasons why I specifically am supposed to serve a mission in this specific place. I think one of them was so I could develop more compassion. Before the mission, I didn't really feel for people. I had/have a hard time expressing my excitement for people when they're excited/happy and was relatively apathetic when people make bad decisions. One one hand, life is easier that way, but on the other, it isn't as rewarding when you don't care/aren't invested. But now, I care more than ever.
 
Anyway, I know that this is God's work and that He's working on both me and those I serve. I know that God loves us so much and that everything He does is so we can come back to live with Him. I know that this gospel is made to help us fulfill our highest potential, and that it's all just so true. I'm not the type to cry when I bear my testimony but I am one to think about it as certainly and concretely as I can say "the world is round".
 
Love you all!
 - Hermana Jarvis