Yeah, I can't believe it either. The real countdown begins. And the 30
days I have left, I'm doing a new diet, called the 30 day fast. They
say not to do it like Jesus did, so I cut it a little bit shorter. I
have faith.
Today we went to the nice country club here. some members invited us,
and it was really nice, we had a nice time with them. There are good
people here, thank goodness.
We decided that we actually need to help the members here. Not just
spiritually, but temperally as well. I mean I've always had to do
service and such, but I'll tell ya what, I haven't done so much service
in one area before. Theres a lot to be done with these people. one of
my favorites that we did, was paint a house. but not just any house, a
house that people moved out of, and the people that own it are
members, they weren't paying so they kicked em out. and when they
left, they spray painted some nice words and signs in there for the
members to tell them how grateful they were for kicking them out.
hahahahahahah my comp didn't know what they meant. which is for the
better. But we did learn a lot about this family, and I'm pretty sure
we gained their confidence. which is always a good thing to have.
We've had a bunch of meetings with the stake president here, as well as
our branch president, because they are actually really worried about
the area here, and so they've decided to pick up their game, and
actually help us. Honestly, we saw so many miracles this week. not a
lot happened, but in that little that did happen, God poured blessings
over us.
Stiven, is a youth that is 12 years old, when we first met him, he
said he wanted to get baptized, but when his uncle got home from his
mission. in 2 years. so that was a bummer. but we have been supporting
his decision, but also helping him learn the things he needs to.
yesterday, after sunday school, he asked us to talk to him, and he
told us that he wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. God let him
know that NOW is the time. he will be baptized the 6th of sept :)
Also, Jimena, the daughter of a member, has a goal to be baptized
before I leave as well, but she says she needs to have a better
relationship with her mom, and not get angry with her family so fast.
she says she needs more patience. so she and her mom made a deal that
when she can do that, she can get baptized. hahaha
I was like, don't
worry we all go through that phase. I'm sure I've been worse than
you are. So don't worry, you will see a change if you try to change.
and she's really excited to be baptized.
We also got a reference from a member yesterday. and he showed up to
church alone because the member that was gonna bring him was sick. He
showed up, really likes the church, and is really open to learning
more. he accepted a date to be baptized the 13 of sept. and he has a
desire to change his life around, and during gospel principles class,
he was answering all the questions, and was asking questions when he
had them. He's golden. and he stopped drinking coffee already. which is
a lot easier for us. haha
We started looking for more inactives to bring back to church, and we
were in an area that we havent ever been to, and we started knocking
on doors, asking if they knew one of the members, and we got to one
house, and they said, yeah he lives here, but he's not here right now,
but you can come in and share something with us. We were like, uhhh ok
cool. we can do that. They aren't members, only the brother of this
person is. and when he got back, he told us that he hasn't been to
church in about a year and a half because nobody really visited him or
had any friends. His brother that we were talking to before, was
like, hey these missionaries are really great, lets go to church, I'll
totally go with you..... we heard a lot of crap about that area, the
people saying that no body will even look at you if you aren't
Catholic. But look what happens when we actually make an effort, and
not listen to the dumb things that people say.
I've gotten a lot of advice from many people for my last few weeks
here, and the thing I get out of it, is work my hardest. Love the
people. and give it all I have. And the Lord will bless me. I can
already see those blessings and I'm not gonna stop. I know the Lord has
prepared people for me to meet and help them come unto Christ, and
that's what I will do. And as long as I have the spirit, nothing can
stop us!
Acts 26:18
love ya long time.
Monday, August 25, 2014
August 18, 2014
The first baptism in a year happened on Saturday here
in San Rafael. It was realllly funny. He doesn't have a leg, so he was
really nervous about being able to get out of the water after they
dunked him, so they had to try it 5 times. hahahahah SO FUNNY. But it
was good. hopefully it wakes this branch up a little before I leave...
Actually we had a nice chat with the stake president and the branch
president. and honestly, we had to talk really straightforward and
strong with the branch president cause nothing has changed in the 6
weeks I've been here. Hopefully things start happening. We had
our first branch council yesterday and it was nice to let them know
what needs to happen so they can actually be a ward and not a branch
for the rest of its existence. Which has happened for the past 28
years.
Anyways. on Tuesday I saw some youth from Liberia, and they
were ones who never ever ever wanted to go on a mission, and they
actually turned their papers in this past week. I was sooooo happy.
how a heart can change with a testimony :)
We had a nice reunion of hermanas and we talked about how we should
work, but along with that learn, and all together, we should have fun.
They tied it into the Christlike attributes, and how we can
develop diligence, humility, and love if we apply the other 3
principles into missionary work. It was cool. I realized that I
have a lot more to learn, but I need to work my hardest, but as well
have fun. I'm always doing that, but I have a lot more to learn than
anything. hahaha
We had a multi zone conference with president this past week, and it
was really awesome, I always love conferences with president. what I
learned out of it, is that God is our leader here and we we should
trust in him. and we shouldn't complain because this is the work of the
lord, and we have leaders for a reason, to teach us and guide us, and
how we are called of God directly. through prophets and apostles. I
honestly love the mission and its such a sacred calling, and I couldn't
be any more happy for this time I have here. It's tough, but all I need to
do is trust in the lord, and he will help me through. but we can also
apply to our lives, that he will help us through it, if we just trust
in him. and do his will.
We met a nice girl named Maria. She has A LOT of family
problems, and is definetly looking for the truth, and honestly I could
feel a spirit about her. all she needs to do now, is accept the
message that we have for her, and trust in God, and her life can
change :)
I've got a new comp. from Cali. her name is hermana Carpenter. She's
really cool. I know we will get along really well :) she only has 3
months in the mish, but she has a strong testimony. I'm really excited
to see miracles here with her!
Acts 20:19-24,35
in San Rafael. It was realllly funny. He doesn't have a leg, so he was
really nervous about being able to get out of the water after they
dunked him, so they had to try it 5 times. hahahahah SO FUNNY. But it
was good. hopefully it wakes this branch up a little before I leave...
Actually we had a nice chat with the stake president and the branch
president. and honestly, we had to talk really straightforward and
strong with the branch president cause nothing has changed in the 6
weeks I've been here. Hopefully things start happening. We had
our first branch council yesterday and it was nice to let them know
what needs to happen so they can actually be a ward and not a branch
for the rest of its existence. Which has happened for the past 28
years.
Anyways. on Tuesday I saw some youth from Liberia, and they
were ones who never ever ever wanted to go on a mission, and they
actually turned their papers in this past week. I was sooooo happy.
how a heart can change with a testimony :)
We had a nice reunion of hermanas and we talked about how we should
work, but along with that learn, and all together, we should have fun.
They tied it into the Christlike attributes, and how we can
develop diligence, humility, and love if we apply the other 3
principles into missionary work. It was cool. I realized that I
have a lot more to learn, but I need to work my hardest, but as well
have fun. I'm always doing that, but I have a lot more to learn than
anything. hahaha
We had a multi zone conference with president this past week, and it
was really awesome, I always love conferences with president. what I
learned out of it, is that God is our leader here and we we should
trust in him. and we shouldn't complain because this is the work of the
lord, and we have leaders for a reason, to teach us and guide us, and
how we are called of God directly. through prophets and apostles. I
honestly love the mission and its such a sacred calling, and I couldn't
be any more happy for this time I have here. It's tough, but all I need to
do is trust in the lord, and he will help me through. but we can also
apply to our lives, that he will help us through it, if we just trust
in him. and do his will.
We met a nice girl named Maria. She has A LOT of family
problems, and is definetly looking for the truth, and honestly I could
feel a spirit about her. all she needs to do now, is accept the
message that we have for her, and trust in God, and her life can
change :)
I've got a new comp. from Cali. her name is hermana Carpenter. She's
really cool. I know we will get along really well :) she only has 3
months in the mish, but she has a strong testimony. I'm really excited
to see miracles here with her!
Acts 20:19-24,35
August 11, 2014
Welp. My companion went home. I'm with a mini missionary. Her name is
Flor. A youth who is planning on going on a mission and so we are just
doing divisions for 10 days until transfers. She's cool. She's Tica, and
it's kinda hard not having like a real missionary because we don't teach
like a companionship because she's not use to it, and she's kinda shy
still, but she's great. It's like I'm training again, but not really.
hahaha thank goodness for that.
Well we didn't end up having our baptism this week because the man was
drinkin coffee. Seriously, THEY ARE ADDICTED HERE!!! but we are
praying and fasting for this Saturday...
Ok. So not gonna lie. This area is soooo dead... they aren't ready for
missionaries here. The members especially. They act like we don't even
exist. I hope that this was just a trial run to see if they were
ready, but I think the area will get closed again. Because honestly,
the people don't recive us in their houses and even people on the
street when we just wanna talk to them, just shut us down. It's so
weird being in an area like this. I've never had this happen. But
seriously, it's been tough, and even Flor is super discouraged, she
thought it was gonna be a good time! HAHAHAHAHAH. welcome to the
mission, its TOUGH., But i love it.
Honestly, I don't know what else to say, I'm just not tryiing to get
down and discouraged because satan works even harder. D&C 29:39.
Hebrews 6:10
Here is the start of 6 weeks. I'll be home sooon. can't believe it!
I love this work, and this gospel, this has honestly changed my life.
thank you for all your support and words and love. God Bless you all :) xxooxox
Flor. A youth who is planning on going on a mission and so we are just
doing divisions for 10 days until transfers. She's cool. She's Tica, and
it's kinda hard not having like a real missionary because we don't teach
like a companionship because she's not use to it, and she's kinda shy
still, but she's great. It's like I'm training again, but not really.
hahaha thank goodness for that.
Well we didn't end up having our baptism this week because the man was
drinkin coffee. Seriously, THEY ARE ADDICTED HERE!!! but we are
praying and fasting for this Saturday...
Ok. So not gonna lie. This area is soooo dead... they aren't ready for
missionaries here. The members especially. They act like we don't even
exist. I hope that this was just a trial run to see if they were
ready, but I think the area will get closed again. Because honestly,
the people don't recive us in their houses and even people on the
street when we just wanna talk to them, just shut us down. It's so
weird being in an area like this. I've never had this happen. But
seriously, it's been tough, and even Flor is super discouraged, she
thought it was gonna be a good time! HAHAHAHAHAH. welcome to the
mission, its TOUGH., But i love it.
Honestly, I don't know what else to say, I'm just not tryiing to get
down and discouraged because satan works even harder. D&C 29:39.
Hebrews 6:10
Here is the start of 6 weeks. I'll be home sooon. can't believe it!
I love this work, and this gospel, this has honestly changed my life.
thank you for all your support and words and love. God Bless you all :) xxooxox
16 Months, 21 years old. Partyyyyyyyyyy August 4, 2014
Hey there heyyy.
So yeah, thanks for all the birthday wishes, it was fun. I mean as fun
as it could get on the mish, but whatev. next year fooo shooo. or we
could just celebrate when I get home.
The branch actually threw a nice get together for me, we ate, and ate,
and ate... nothing new goin on here. but they are really nice, just
not the support that we need. Haha hopefully they'll learn soon what
service they should really help us out with. but I did enjoy the
little mermaid cake. Also my district leader let everybody know I was
turning 19 years old. Everybody was confused. We just let them be
confused.
I'm gonna tell ya a little story. The first day we got to our
new area, like a million years ago, I was talking to this lady, and
the bus ride was seriously like 2 hours long, so we pretty much talked
about everything. I shared with her about the gospel, obviously, and
left our number with her before we went our seperate ways, she said
she didn't have time to listen to us, but maybe one day. On my birthday
we were walking home, and I got a text message from a number I didn't
recognize. and it said "happy birthday and keep doin what your doing,
spreading the word of God, and he will bless you, you are great, and
thanks for your spirit". I was like, "hey thanks, who is this?" and
she was like "Gina from the bus the first day you got here". It honestly
touched my heart, first that she would actually remember my birthday,
and second that her heart is opening up. I know one day she will be
open to hear and accept the true gospel.
Also, I got a nice phone call last week, from my convert Roger in
Liberia. he was like hey happy birthday and guess what, I recieved the
Melchizedek priesthood on Sunday. I was soooo happy!!! he only got
baptized a month ago! He was so prepared, and he really understands
the power and authority he has as a holder of the priesthood, which
makes me feel so good about how the spirit works in each and every one
of us!
Seriously, even though we didn't have a lot of success this week with
my comp still being sick and all, I did see a lot of miracles... not
just here, but from my old areas as well.
Claudia from Concepcion, the lady that we were working with so that
she could enter the temple after like 15 years of not being able to
enter, she called me and let me know she got sealed to her husband
about 2 months ago, and wanted to thank me for helping her in her
spiritual needs durning the difficult times that she has had. And that
she goes every Saturday to the temple because she understands the
blessings that she can and will recieve. we cried together. she's the
one that reminds me of my mother :)
One night, before going home, we decided to go to the super market to
buy stuff to make breakfast the next day, and as we were standing in
line, there was this man infront of me, and I caught him lookin at my
name tag, and I looked at him and smiled, and he was like, are you
elder? uhh no, I'm a sister, but yes there are elders, and he was like,
haha yeah I know, just kidding, I'm a member. but inactive, but you can
come visit me maybe one day when I have time, so just call me. I was
like, uhhh oh ok sounds good. he will come back, I know it.
ok, so every night when we have to call the elders to give our numbers
of the day, we like to tell jokes, and I'm gonna share one with you
right now. you'll die. I'm still dying.
"WHAT ANIMAL HAS 2 FEET THAT ARE GREY AND 2 THAT ARE BROWN???"
An elephant with diarrhea!! hahahahahah
you are welcome.
So yeah, thanks for all the birthday wishes, it was fun. I mean as fun
as it could get on the mish, but whatev. next year fooo shooo. or we
could just celebrate when I get home.
The branch actually threw a nice get together for me, we ate, and ate,
and ate... nothing new goin on here. but they are really nice, just
not the support that we need. Haha hopefully they'll learn soon what
service they should really help us out with. but I did enjoy the
little mermaid cake. Also my district leader let everybody know I was
turning 19 years old. Everybody was confused. We just let them be
confused.
I'm gonna tell ya a little story. The first day we got to our
new area, like a million years ago, I was talking to this lady, and
the bus ride was seriously like 2 hours long, so we pretty much talked
about everything. I shared with her about the gospel, obviously, and
left our number with her before we went our seperate ways, she said
she didn't have time to listen to us, but maybe one day. On my birthday
we were walking home, and I got a text message from a number I didn't
recognize. and it said "happy birthday and keep doin what your doing,
spreading the word of God, and he will bless you, you are great, and
thanks for your spirit". I was like, "hey thanks, who is this?" and
she was like "Gina from the bus the first day you got here". It honestly
touched my heart, first that she would actually remember my birthday,
and second that her heart is opening up. I know one day she will be
open to hear and accept the true gospel.
Also, I got a nice phone call last week, from my convert Roger in
Liberia. he was like hey happy birthday and guess what, I recieved the
Melchizedek priesthood on Sunday. I was soooo happy!!! he only got
baptized a month ago! He was so prepared, and he really understands
the power and authority he has as a holder of the priesthood, which
makes me feel so good about how the spirit works in each and every one
of us!
Seriously, even though we didn't have a lot of success this week with
my comp still being sick and all, I did see a lot of miracles... not
just here, but from my old areas as well.
Claudia from Concepcion, the lady that we were working with so that
she could enter the temple after like 15 years of not being able to
enter, she called me and let me know she got sealed to her husband
about 2 months ago, and wanted to thank me for helping her in her
spiritual needs durning the difficult times that she has had. And that
she goes every Saturday to the temple because she understands the
blessings that she can and will recieve. we cried together. she's the
one that reminds me of my mother :)
One night, before going home, we decided to go to the super market to
buy stuff to make breakfast the next day, and as we were standing in
line, there was this man infront of me, and I caught him lookin at my
name tag, and I looked at him and smiled, and he was like, are you
elder? uhh no, I'm a sister, but yes there are elders, and he was like,
haha yeah I know, just kidding, I'm a member. but inactive, but you can
come visit me maybe one day when I have time, so just call me. I was
like, uhhh oh ok sounds good. he will come back, I know it.
ok, so every night when we have to call the elders to give our numbers
of the day, we like to tell jokes, and I'm gonna share one with you
right now. you'll die. I'm still dying.
"WHAT ANIMAL HAS 2 FEET THAT ARE GREY AND 2 THAT ARE BROWN???"
An elephant with diarrhea!! hahahahahah
you are welcome.
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