10.14.08
Hello my Dear Family...
Ok on Wednesday of last week I got three letters from mom, grandma and sister Sarah. Then today I have one from brother and mom. E-mails I have from pops, Sister Jessica, and my dear Grandma. Grandma I am getting your letters, dont worry. I think it just took a little bit longer this week because of a festivo. I loved your letter and the history that you sent of my ancestor. She was a very strong woman and I felt close to her as I read about her life. Im excited to read more. I love you so much!
Well I guess I will start with letting you know about the big changes. On Wednesday my companion is leaving me. Im sad! We have become really close. But we are already planning on her coming to stay for a little while after the mish. She leaves early in the morning and then I hang out at the tren station with the Elders and then my new comp. comes a couple hours later. I will only be with her for three weeks to teach her the city and then we get two new hermanas. One will go to her and then H. Truscott that served with for a little while in Santander will come here to be with me. President decided to make it a four hermana city. Im excited to see what happens with more help. We have such a huge area to cover that its hard to really work and focus in one area. We have investigators spread out all over the place. To walk to the other side of our area is about 45 mins. to an hour. We also do a lot of work in some pueblos that are about 30 minutes away in bus. Ive been studying the map with the district leader and it is up to he and I to divide the city up. Yes, everyone I started to use maps and sometimes I know where Im at but that doesnt mean I ever know which direction Im going. I was a little stressed trying to figure out how to divide everything up but I think no I know our minds were guided in how to do it. It makes sense how we have it now and I know it wasnt my mind that was able to divide it up.
There will be four hermanas in the piso now and Im a little worried about that. Sometimes its scary enough with two girls together 24/7. I wish girls would just beat each other up and get it over with, when they have a problem with each other. Oh well we will see how it goes. I have a lot to clean and organize before they come.
We have zone conference this Saturday and Im really excited for that. I always learn so much and feel inspired to do better. A General Authority will be coming and President asked me to sit in on the leadership meeting that they will have before conference. Im really nervous! I dont know what Im doing. I pray that at least the meeting will be in english but we shall see. There is so much growing to do in the mission, in more ways than one.
We have met with Carmen a couple times this week. She just prays for us and we show up. Its like her name just pops into my head and we happen to be close and we stop by. Then she always tells us that she was praying for us. Her way of having us come by is a lot cheaper than having to use a phone. Her husband left her this week for another lady that lives above them. I guess its been going on for a while. We sang with her and read about the Atonement. I gave her a big hug before we left. We have been trying to help her find a way to move her stuff. She reads the BOM like crazy, its always with her. She has a really strong testimony of the book. She always turns to it when she needs help and guidance. The missionaries have been teaching her for a while but she has never come to church. I hope I can find a way to help her progress. I feel so comfortable in her home. I know I really am finding and meeting the people that were talked about in my fathers blessing before I left.
We have been eating like crazy again because H. Garcia is leaving. We had a fun dinner at Santiagos house again with 2 of our investigators. Also a girl that showed up at the church that is from Texas. She is here all alone and I invited her to come and eat with us too.
An investigator this week said something really interesting that I want to share with you. When ever we have a visit with him its always late, after we have been in the streets all day. He always tells us how tired we look and seems confused by why we do what we do. Every time we come we ask him if he has read and he says no with an excuse. We read a little bit with him and bore our testimonies. He finally said I think I know how you feel. Its like when I know Im right about something and my friend tries to tell me Im wrong but I really know Im right, there is no doubt in my mind. EXACTLY! That is why we keep coming by, even when you havent done your part and we are so tired. We know we carry with us the most important message in the world that is true. When we testify there is no doubt in our mind that what we are telling you is TRUE! We know that if you do your part that the blessings we promise will be given to you. Thats why we keep coming back because we want you to have what we have. I know he understands when we teach and has had the Spirit testify to him on more than one occasion that what we teach is true. Finally the other day I just asked him Andy you know what we teach is true but your scared to change arent you. You dont want to read or pray because your scared to have the truth confirmed to you. He looked at me and didnt deny what I said. I pray that I can help learn to not have fear but to trust in God.
I know that I am a missionary for my Savior Jesus Christ. I love to love people and serve them. I know thats what Christ did when he was on the earth. This is Christs Church there is no doubt in my mind.
Thank you for loving me and praying for me.
Dad-thank you for your inspired letter. I translated it the other day for my comp. because she was having a really hard day. She just cried and cried, it was exactly what she needed to hear too, minus the iron part. Her Dad isnt a member and sometimes she feels all alone. Thank you for your guidance, love and prayers. I know you and Mom are blessing the lives of so many people in Pueblo. Im looking forward to helping you when I get home.
I love you all!!!!!!!
Love,
The Sister
Monday, October 13, 2008
Logan - Valencia Week 20
10.14.08
Well first off buisness... I recieved letters from Mom, Jenny, and Audrey today I was pretty excited. They were all great and Audrey thanks for the pictures they were great. Jenny I want to see you class project preiview so send it!
For the next package whenever you do send it I would really appreciate a new brush to my electric tooth brush brand:Oral B Vitality. I hope you can find it. Second I have been cutting a lot of hair and I would like a short book on that so I can do a better job and maybe start charging. Lastly that body language book that you said you were sending I would appreciate that. There is no hurry for these things just whenever its convienet.
This week has been amazing, today we went and explored ruins of an old castle with the whole zone. We had a lot of fun and I just really felt greatful to be here in Spain seeing and experiancing so many new things. So many times in life we are always just looking for whats next instead of just enjoying right now. Like president Monson said last week. I am very content and happy to be here.
I had an intresting experiance this week. Our recent Convert Nelson from venezula speaks russian and english as well. We somehow ran into a member from russia and for obvious reasons had trouble communicating with her. We called Nelson and he came over and translated a lesson we gave her from spanish to Russian. She then asked us for a blessing of comfort. I gave her a blessing in English while Nelson translated it into Russian. It was a very neat experiance and I always feel the spirit so strongly as I exersize the priesthood power. The church is true, I have been studying like crazy lately everything and the more I learn the stronger my conviction of the church grows. Our church is not just another sect. It is the same church Chirst formed while he was here. We have the same authority that christ gave his apostles (LUKE 6:1-9) and I am so greatful for it. Just from the logical standpoint its true and then we are blessed enough to have the Holy ghost confirm that truth through feelings and thoughts that are not your own.
We had a rather exciting experiance this week also when a snake tried to get us. We call the girls snakes, ones that show too much intrest in us even though they know we are missionaries. There is a Women in the ward that is 26 or somthing and she likes the missionaries. We make sure we always take another male to her house just in case anything happens. Its a misison rule to always have another male with you in a womens house just in case anything were to happen they can testify in court. Well this crazy lady called us and said she had made us some food and she wanted to give it to us. We said we would stop by and pick it up. We show up to her house and the door is open and I peek in. She has candles lit all through the house, a wall of different fragrances hit me in the face and, soft music was playing. When she came to the door and tried to get us to come in I was just like are you kiddding. She knows clearly the rule that we have. So I just said NOOOOOO we are fine its aganist the rules. So she gave us the food very angrily and slammed the door. It was rediculous.
We also had a man visiting form japan at church this week and he spoke englkish so I was able to translate the meeting for him. I feel like I am fairly dewcent at translating I am able to listen and speak at the same time. Its hard to explain but I feel like I am developing the skill. I have started memorizing a scripture everyday to use in lessons and to develop a photogrphic memory. Its going well so far. I have 10 masterys memorized and am able to use them frequently. Thanks for everyones letters and prayers. I lvoe you all so much, have a great week.
Elder G
Well first off buisness... I recieved letters from Mom, Jenny, and Audrey today I was pretty excited. They were all great and Audrey thanks for the pictures they were great. Jenny I want to see you class project preiview so send it!
For the next package whenever you do send it I would really appreciate a new brush to my electric tooth brush brand:Oral B Vitality. I hope you can find it. Second I have been cutting a lot of hair and I would like a short book on that so I can do a better job and maybe start charging. Lastly that body language book that you said you were sending I would appreciate that. There is no hurry for these things just whenever its convienet.
This week has been amazing, today we went and explored ruins of an old castle with the whole zone. We had a lot of fun and I just really felt greatful to be here in Spain seeing and experiancing so many new things. So many times in life we are always just looking for whats next instead of just enjoying right now. Like president Monson said last week. I am very content and happy to be here.
I had an intresting experiance this week. Our recent Convert Nelson from venezula speaks russian and english as well. We somehow ran into a member from russia and for obvious reasons had trouble communicating with her. We called Nelson and he came over and translated a lesson we gave her from spanish to Russian. She then asked us for a blessing of comfort. I gave her a blessing in English while Nelson translated it into Russian. It was a very neat experiance and I always feel the spirit so strongly as I exersize the priesthood power. The church is true, I have been studying like crazy lately everything and the more I learn the stronger my conviction of the church grows. Our church is not just another sect. It is the same church Chirst formed while he was here. We have the same authority that christ gave his apostles (LUKE 6:1-9) and I am so greatful for it. Just from the logical standpoint its true and then we are blessed enough to have the Holy ghost confirm that truth through feelings and thoughts that are not your own.
We had a rather exciting experiance this week also when a snake tried to get us. We call the girls snakes, ones that show too much intrest in us even though they know we are missionaries. There is a Women in the ward that is 26 or somthing and she likes the missionaries. We make sure we always take another male to her house just in case anything happens. Its a misison rule to always have another male with you in a womens house just in case anything were to happen they can testify in court. Well this crazy lady called us and said she had made us some food and she wanted to give it to us. We said we would stop by and pick it up. We show up to her house and the door is open and I peek in. She has candles lit all through the house, a wall of different fragrances hit me in the face and, soft music was playing. When she came to the door and tried to get us to come in I was just like are you kiddding. She knows clearly the rule that we have. So I just said NOOOOOO we are fine its aganist the rules. So she gave us the food very angrily and slammed the door. It was rediculous.
We also had a man visiting form japan at church this week and he spoke englkish so I was able to translate the meeting for him. I feel like I am fairly dewcent at translating I am able to listen and speak at the same time. Its hard to explain but I feel like I am developing the skill. I have started memorizing a scripture everyday to use in lessons and to develop a photogrphic memory. Its going well so far. I have 10 masterys memorized and am able to use them frequently. Thanks for everyones letters and prayers. I lvoe you all so much, have a great week.
Elder G
Monday, October 6, 2008
Logan - Valencia Week 19
10.6.08
I recieved letters from Emily, Madre-2, and Ashley. Thank you for the letters they mean a lot. If you were listening closely in confrence you would have heard he commitment to be writing and supporting the missionaries that are out. I hope I get a lot of letters in the next two weeks.
Well we had a great week every monday I can hardly remember what even happened. I do remember eaten with our Africian recent converts which was a very intresting experiance. In spanish when a souviner in a recuerdo like somthing you remember. WEll occasioanally we smell somthing as missionaries that remind us of home or somthing of the past. Like the other day I smelt shampoo and it took me back to river surfing with Aaron. He must have used to same kind because it was vvery strong and distinct smell. Anyways when we walked into these Africans house I had another smell recuerdo and it took me back to the pueblo zoo unfourtanetly. The reason it was unfourtanate was becasue the odor was coming from our plate of food. IT was called Ban-koo, You pretty muct roll up a ball of stick mash potatoes in your hand, dipp it into a pile of gunk and then swallow it whole. It was suprisingly pretty decent but we could harldy work after. I told The African man that it was very heavy in my stomach and he said in Africa we eat to live. Lol .
COnfrence was amazing this weekend. Saturday Night we watched one session and then all sunday we watch the rest. The members are tougher here. We had all four sessions on Sunday. I really enjoyed it though and took notes the whole time. Some many of my questions were answered and I felt the spirit so strongly throughout the whole thing. I cant imagine being apart of a church that dosent claim priesthood authority or have a Prophet. I know Tohomas S. Monson is a Prophet because as I raised my hand to sustain him 6 months ago in the MTC with 2,000 other Elders I felt the fire of the Holy Ghost tell me right then and there that he was the Prophet. I really anjoyed all the confrence talks and I cant remember which one it was but They were talking about how some of Jospeh Smiths Prophecys had been fulfilled or were being fulfilled. It reminded me of a scripture in Romans I think chapter 8 but it says that you can know if a prophet is true if his prophecys come true. Joshpeh Smith Prophisied of the missionary work that we are currently aengaged in. He said that ift would go forth boldy and nobly until Chirst comes again. We can see that happening as we have sent out over 1000000 missionaries to all parts of the world. This church is true. Anyone can come to know that if they will just humble themselevs and ask with real intent. Meaning that they are willing to change if they do recieve an answer. Not just asking to know if its false or not. Everything is going well. I am truly greatful for the oppurtunity to be part of such a great work. Love you all
Elder G
I recieved letters from Emily, Madre-2, and Ashley. Thank you for the letters they mean a lot. If you were listening closely in confrence you would have heard he commitment to be writing and supporting the missionaries that are out. I hope I get a lot of letters in the next two weeks.
Well we had a great week every monday I can hardly remember what even happened. I do remember eaten with our Africian recent converts which was a very intresting experiance. In spanish when a souviner in a recuerdo like somthing you remember. WEll occasioanally we smell somthing as missionaries that remind us of home or somthing of the past. Like the other day I smelt shampoo and it took me back to river surfing with Aaron. He must have used to same kind because it was vvery strong and distinct smell. Anyways when we walked into these Africans house I had another smell recuerdo and it took me back to the pueblo zoo unfourtanetly. The reason it was unfourtanate was becasue the odor was coming from our plate of food. IT was called Ban-koo, You pretty muct roll up a ball of stick mash potatoes in your hand, dipp it into a pile of gunk and then swallow it whole. It was suprisingly pretty decent but we could harldy work after. I told The African man that it was very heavy in my stomach and he said in Africa we eat to live. Lol .
COnfrence was amazing this weekend. Saturday Night we watched one session and then all sunday we watch the rest. The members are tougher here. We had all four sessions on Sunday. I really enjoyed it though and took notes the whole time. Some many of my questions were answered and I felt the spirit so strongly throughout the whole thing. I cant imagine being apart of a church that dosent claim priesthood authority or have a Prophet. I know Tohomas S. Monson is a Prophet because as I raised my hand to sustain him 6 months ago in the MTC with 2,000 other Elders I felt the fire of the Holy Ghost tell me right then and there that he was the Prophet. I really anjoyed all the confrence talks and I cant remember which one it was but They were talking about how some of Jospeh Smiths Prophecys had been fulfilled or were being fulfilled. It reminded me of a scripture in Romans I think chapter 8 but it says that you can know if a prophet is true if his prophecys come true. Joshpeh Smith Prophisied of the missionary work that we are currently aengaged in. He said that ift would go forth boldy and nobly until Chirst comes again. We can see that happening as we have sent out over 1000000 missionaries to all parts of the world. This church is true. Anyone can come to know that if they will just humble themselevs and ask with real intent. Meaning that they are willing to change if they do recieve an answer. Not just asking to know if its false or not. Everything is going well. I am truly greatful for the oppurtunity to be part of such a great work. Love you all
Elder G
Emily - A Coruna Week 10
10.6.08
Oh my Family...
I have so much to tell you that I dont even know where to start. First I would like to tell you thank you for your prayers. I know you are really praying specifically for me and I can tell you that its really helped me this week. I have emails from Dad, Sarah and my trainer. I also got a snail mail from mom. I am so blessed to have you as my family.
I had a couple really neat experiences this week that helped remind me, why Im really here. On Saturday morning we went to visit a less active member that lives in a pueblo. About six months ago her son was going to be baptized but couldnt because the dad wouldnt get permission. We actually had put her name down to go see her but kind of as a back up plan if our potentials list failed us. We pressed her timbre and aksed for an investigator and she was like she doesnt live here who is this. We told her that we were the missionaries and she said this is Veronica come up and see me. I know that it wasnt a coincidence that we accidentally knocked her door. We went up and she just let everything out. It was like she had been waiting for us to come all morning or for months. She bore her testimony to us of everything and I couldnt figure out what was keeping her from coming to church. Then, she told us about her X husband and a mistake she made many many years ago. She of course loves her children and is a wonderful mother but is suffering from a mistake she made when she was a lot younger. Her X husband keeps them from enjoying the blessings of the gospel. I could see in her eyes how much she is suffering. I just told her how much God loves her and that the mistake she made years ago can be forgiven. I told her that she is a beautiful and wonderful mother. I told her how mindful God is of her and how thankful I was to be with her. I could feel Gods love and Christs mercy for this women that I had just met. I did my best to let her know what I know They wanted her to know. I was crying because I just felt overwhelmed by how much she needed to hear that someone loves her and that she is forgiven. She was crying to and I just gave her a hug like she was my long lost sister.
This week we also had a visit with our friend Rosemary from Brazil. She comes to church with us every Sunday. We are her best friends here in A Coruna and she loves spending time with us. Anyways we taught her about the plan of Salvation. We didnt have a bunch of time but I knew that I needed to focus on HER purpose, Gods love for HER personally. I told her that He knows her by name and He loves her so much. Tears welled up in her eyes and the only thought that came to my mind is I wonder when the last time was that she heard someone tell her that they love her and really mean it. She left home when she was about 16 because her mother died. She doesnt really have any strong family attachments.
Yesterday after conference we went and visited Katherin and Jakelin. They are from Uruguay and she got baptized when I first got here. Anyways they werent able to come to conference and I wanted to tell them a little bit about it. I was really touched by President Monsons talk that he gave Sunday morning. Its through the stress of life that we forget what is really important which is the people around us. I feel like Ive let that happen a couple times on my mission now. Through stress of the numbers, maps, area book, planning, schedule and everything else I forget sometimes whats really important and that is to share my love. I am so blessed to have so many people that love me. I know that my purpose here in Spain is to invite people to come unto Christ. I have felt so much better this week as I have shared my love with members, non members, inactive people and so on. After I told Jakelin and Katherin a little bit about the Prophets talk I told them how much I love them. They always invite us to come in and they always give us heated up hot chocolate and cookies. They are like my family here. I always write them in my journal but I realized in the Prophets talk how important it is to tell people and show them your love for them. In this busy crazy hectic life we all need to stop and remember what is important. What are we going to do in the life to come? I plan on being with my family and the ones that I love. The relationships we make here in this life can and will continue into the next.
Dad-I loved your letter and the experience you shared with your east side friend. I will start taking my iron thats probably it. We hardly ever eat meat, only with the Brazilians. I was taking a multivitamin everyday and I ran out. I love what your doing with Mom in regards to the missionary work in Pueblo. Do you think you two could move here and help us? You two are doing exactly what every missionary wishes the ward missionaries would do. Thank you for marrying mom. Thank you for being my Dad. I love you both so dearly.
Sister Sarah- I cant wait to get your letter. I dont want to see the word marry in your letters ever again. We are going to be single and have fun for at least a year when I get home. I love you my dear friend.
I loved the Prophets talk. I didnt get to listen to everything because of the time difference but Im excited to get the Ensign. I want each of you to know that I know that this is Christs Church, restored on the earth through a living Prophet. There is no doubt in my mind that Thomas S. Monson is Gods living prophet. I felt sad for the people in A Coruna yesterday when there were only about 30 people in the whole city that knew there was a living prophet speaking to the world. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. Share it in any way you can. Even sharing your love by giving someone a hug or a note is a way of sharing Christ like love.
I love you all soooo very much. I miss you sooo very much. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Love,
The Sister
Oh my Family...
I have so much to tell you that I dont even know where to start. First I would like to tell you thank you for your prayers. I know you are really praying specifically for me and I can tell you that its really helped me this week. I have emails from Dad, Sarah and my trainer. I also got a snail mail from mom. I am so blessed to have you as my family.
I had a couple really neat experiences this week that helped remind me, why Im really here. On Saturday morning we went to visit a less active member that lives in a pueblo. About six months ago her son was going to be baptized but couldnt because the dad wouldnt get permission. We actually had put her name down to go see her but kind of as a back up plan if our potentials list failed us. We pressed her timbre and aksed for an investigator and she was like she doesnt live here who is this. We told her that we were the missionaries and she said this is Veronica come up and see me. I know that it wasnt a coincidence that we accidentally knocked her door. We went up and she just let everything out. It was like she had been waiting for us to come all morning or for months. She bore her testimony to us of everything and I couldnt figure out what was keeping her from coming to church. Then, she told us about her X husband and a mistake she made many many years ago. She of course loves her children and is a wonderful mother but is suffering from a mistake she made when she was a lot younger. Her X husband keeps them from enjoying the blessings of the gospel. I could see in her eyes how much she is suffering. I just told her how much God loves her and that the mistake she made years ago can be forgiven. I told her that she is a beautiful and wonderful mother. I told her how mindful God is of her and how thankful I was to be with her. I could feel Gods love and Christs mercy for this women that I had just met. I did my best to let her know what I know They wanted her to know. I was crying because I just felt overwhelmed by how much she needed to hear that someone loves her and that she is forgiven. She was crying to and I just gave her a hug like she was my long lost sister.
This week we also had a visit with our friend Rosemary from Brazil. She comes to church with us every Sunday. We are her best friends here in A Coruna and she loves spending time with us. Anyways we taught her about the plan of Salvation. We didnt have a bunch of time but I knew that I needed to focus on HER purpose, Gods love for HER personally. I told her that He knows her by name and He loves her so much. Tears welled up in her eyes and the only thought that came to my mind is I wonder when the last time was that she heard someone tell her that they love her and really mean it. She left home when she was about 16 because her mother died. She doesnt really have any strong family attachments.
Yesterday after conference we went and visited Katherin and Jakelin. They are from Uruguay and she got baptized when I first got here. Anyways they werent able to come to conference and I wanted to tell them a little bit about it. I was really touched by President Monsons talk that he gave Sunday morning. Its through the stress of life that we forget what is really important which is the people around us. I feel like Ive let that happen a couple times on my mission now. Through stress of the numbers, maps, area book, planning, schedule and everything else I forget sometimes whats really important and that is to share my love. I am so blessed to have so many people that love me. I know that my purpose here in Spain is to invite people to come unto Christ. I have felt so much better this week as I have shared my love with members, non members, inactive people and so on. After I told Jakelin and Katherin a little bit about the Prophets talk I told them how much I love them. They always invite us to come in and they always give us heated up hot chocolate and cookies. They are like my family here. I always write them in my journal but I realized in the Prophets talk how important it is to tell people and show them your love for them. In this busy crazy hectic life we all need to stop and remember what is important. What are we going to do in the life to come? I plan on being with my family and the ones that I love. The relationships we make here in this life can and will continue into the next.
Dad-I loved your letter and the experience you shared with your east side friend. I will start taking my iron thats probably it. We hardly ever eat meat, only with the Brazilians. I was taking a multivitamin everyday and I ran out. I love what your doing with Mom in regards to the missionary work in Pueblo. Do you think you two could move here and help us? You two are doing exactly what every missionary wishes the ward missionaries would do. Thank you for marrying mom. Thank you for being my Dad. I love you both so dearly.
Sister Sarah- I cant wait to get your letter. I dont want to see the word marry in your letters ever again. We are going to be single and have fun for at least a year when I get home. I love you my dear friend.
I loved the Prophets talk. I didnt get to listen to everything because of the time difference but Im excited to get the Ensign. I want each of you to know that I know that this is Christs Church, restored on the earth through a living Prophet. There is no doubt in my mind that Thomas S. Monson is Gods living prophet. I felt sad for the people in A Coruna yesterday when there were only about 30 people in the whole city that knew there was a living prophet speaking to the world. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. Share it in any way you can. Even sharing your love by giving someone a hug or a note is a way of sharing Christ like love.
I love you all soooo very much. I miss you sooo very much. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Love,
The Sister
Monday, September 29, 2008
Emily - A Coruna Week 9
9.29.08
Hello my Family...
Dad: Sorry I made you feel bad. I’m really not miserable. I just feel useless sometimes and I hate that feeling. Please don’t worry so much. I think I was just really tired last week. Maybe as time goes by on the mission I’m
not as good to recognize the Spirit guiding me. Or I take for granted how much the Spirit is a part of the work but don’t recognize it as much now because I’m use to it. It just seems like I read things from other missionaries and I don’t seem to be having the same experiences as they do. I just feel kind of blah and really tired. Something that I’m doing needs to change; I just have to figure out what. I sent a package the other day with a CD of pictures; you should get it in the next couple of days. Please don’t worry about me. Last week I was just discussing thoughts that only come to my mind on p-day when I actually have time to think. During the week I’m usually pretty happy and although no one here seems to care, I am
thankful for my testimony of the restored gospel. Thank you for loving me and worrying about me. I will try to be more positive. Oh as for the package President came on Saturday for interviews and I guess it didn’t come
before they left. It takes a lot longer for me to get stuff from the mission home because I’m on the other side of the mission. I will probably get it at conference in a couple weeks.
Well brother thinks he is in a letter drought, what does that mean he got less than ten letters this week. Just wait brother everyone starts forgetting. I must say I faithfully get a letter from my dear mother every week
and an e-mail from pops every Monday but as for the rest of you, learn to be more consistent. I did get an email from Aunt Kelli, thank you. Oh and good job on finding the letter. Tell everyone hello and that I love and miss them.20
This week we had a neat experience with a boy named Jefferson. We found him knocking one day. We talked to him over the timbre and he asked us to wait at the door and he would come down to talk to us. When we met him he told us that he had met missionaries before, his brother and mom are testigos but he was interested in learning more. He looked really young and honestly I thought he told us we could come back so that his brother could
have a good fight with us. But when we went back a couple days later he came down and we taught him in a park. He told us that some Elders about eight years ago taught him how to pray and ever since that day he has prayed how they taught him. He understood that it is a conversation with God.
We also asked him if he knew there was a prophet on the earth today what
would you ask him. He said well I guess like what the purpose of life is
and what happens after this life. Oh wow those are really interesting questions. When we finished the lesson we asked him what called his attention the most or how do you say that. Anyways, he said well the boy that prayed and had a vision. He was obviously touched by the Spirit that is so
easy to be felt as we recite the first vision. We asked him to pray and w
e left him with the first folleto. We made a visit for the following day
because he is in the military and will be leaving for two months. We gave
him the Book of Mormon and the 2nd folleto so that he can read while he
is gone. When we came back he had read the whole folleto and prayed. I re
ally wanted to teach him the Plan of Salvation but he will have to read and we can talk when he gets back. It was a neat experience and I wish I could tell the Elders who taught him how to pray that we are teaching him
now. I know how nice it is to hear that planted seeds really do matter.
20
Cris decided to not get baptized this Saturday. We had a really intense les
son with him on Friday. I knew exactly what to say the whole time but that doensC2B4t mean he accepted the challenge to put God first. He is in his mid twenties and works like mad to take care of his mother and a brother that can’t work because he is injured. He knows the church is true and
wants to be baptized but wants to do it when things settle down. Right now he is afraid that he will be baptized and won’t be able to come every Sunday or have the visits with us during the week. I told him that it won’t
be easier in four months. Satan is going to do everything to keep him from being baptized. We promised him that if he puts God first by obeying the commandments like the Sabbath Day and tithing that the windows of Heaven would be opened. He is so afraid and can’t seem to find the faith to let go of the worldly things and trust in God. I know God will take care of
him if he will just put Him first.20
we had a fun dinner yesterday with thee most amazing people. Santiago a man
from the Dominican Republic made a huge dinner for all the missionaries
and our investigators. We ate outside on his deck and the food was amazing. We had pica pollo, arroz, fried platanos, and yuca. I want to start having a potluck with everyone every week like you are doing. Our investigators loved it and it really helps them feel more comfortable. It’s amazing
how many people don’t even recognize that we brought someone to church with us. If they only knew what it took to get them there? I think that missionary work is really going to change when wards become full of returned
preach my gospel missionaries. I can think of so many things I wish I would have helped with before my mission. Also now that it’s not memorized members can help teach and share their personal experiences. It really helps
s investigators to hear from members because they think that missionaries
are like perfect and we don’t have trials. Oh if they only knew....
Anyways I’m excited to someday apply everything that I’m learning right now into my normal life when I get home. It really is the simple things that keep us on track. Pray, read and go to church. If you do those three thing
s everything else will fall into place. 20
President said that H. Garcia is leaving this transfer. I’m a little nervous
because that means I’m supposed to speak Spanish. I really love her and I
feel like she is my sister. She plans on staying with us for a while after the mission. Anyways it’s possible that I will be with H. Truscott again, the greeny that came to Santander from WA.
Okay that enough for now. I sure love you all and think of you often. The
church is true-Sister! Don’t forget about me!
Love,
the Sister
Hello my Family...
Dad: Sorry I made you feel bad. I’m really not miserable. I just feel useless sometimes and I hate that feeling. Please don’t worry so much. I think I was just really tired last week. Maybe as time goes by on the mission I’m
not as good to recognize the Spirit guiding me. Or I take for granted how much the Spirit is a part of the work but don’t recognize it as much now because I’m use to it. It just seems like I read things from other missionaries and I don’t seem to be having the same experiences as they do. I just feel kind of blah and really tired. Something that I’m doing needs to change; I just have to figure out what. I sent a package the other day with a CD of pictures; you should get it in the next couple of days. Please don’t worry about me. Last week I was just discussing thoughts that only come to my mind on p-day when I actually have time to think. During the week I’m usually pretty happy and although no one here seems to care, I am
thankful for my testimony of the restored gospel. Thank you for loving me and worrying about me. I will try to be more positive. Oh as for the package President came on Saturday for interviews and I guess it didn’t come
before they left. It takes a lot longer for me to get stuff from the mission home because I’m on the other side of the mission. I will probably get it at conference in a couple weeks.
Well brother thinks he is in a letter drought, what does that mean he got less than ten letters this week. Just wait brother everyone starts forgetting. I must say I faithfully get a letter from my dear mother every week
and an e-mail from pops every Monday but as for the rest of you, learn to be more consistent. I did get an email from Aunt Kelli, thank you. Oh and good job on finding the letter. Tell everyone hello and that I love and miss them.20
This week we had a neat experience with a boy named Jefferson. We found him knocking one day. We talked to him over the timbre and he asked us to wait at the door and he would come down to talk to us. When we met him he told us that he had met missionaries before, his brother and mom are testigos but he was interested in learning more. He looked really young and honestly I thought he told us we could come back so that his brother could
have a good fight with us. But when we went back a couple days later he came down and we taught him in a park. He told us that some Elders about eight years ago taught him how to pray and ever since that day he has prayed how they taught him. He understood that it is a conversation with God.
We also asked him if he knew there was a prophet on the earth today what
would you ask him. He said well I guess like what the purpose of life is
and what happens after this life. Oh wow those are really interesting questions. When we finished the lesson we asked him what called his attention the most or how do you say that. Anyways, he said well the boy that prayed and had a vision. He was obviously touched by the Spirit that is so
easy to be felt as we recite the first vision. We asked him to pray and w
e left him with the first folleto. We made a visit for the following day
because he is in the military and will be leaving for two months. We gave
him the Book of Mormon and the 2nd folleto so that he can read while he
is gone. When we came back he had read the whole folleto and prayed. I re
ally wanted to teach him the Plan of Salvation but he will have to read and we can talk when he gets back. It was a neat experience and I wish I could tell the Elders who taught him how to pray that we are teaching him
now. I know how nice it is to hear that planted seeds really do matter.
20
Cris decided to not get baptized this Saturday. We had a really intense les
son with him on Friday. I knew exactly what to say the whole time but that doensC2B4t mean he accepted the challenge to put God first. He is in his mid twenties and works like mad to take care of his mother and a brother that can’t work because he is injured. He knows the church is true and
wants to be baptized but wants to do it when things settle down. Right now he is afraid that he will be baptized and won’t be able to come every Sunday or have the visits with us during the week. I told him that it won’t
be easier in four months. Satan is going to do everything to keep him from being baptized. We promised him that if he puts God first by obeying the commandments like the Sabbath Day and tithing that the windows of Heaven would be opened. He is so afraid and can’t seem to find the faith to let go of the worldly things and trust in God. I know God will take care of
him if he will just put Him first.20
we had a fun dinner yesterday with thee most amazing people. Santiago a man
from the Dominican Republic made a huge dinner for all the missionaries
and our investigators. We ate outside on his deck and the food was amazing. We had pica pollo, arroz, fried platanos, and yuca. I want to start having a potluck with everyone every week like you are doing. Our investigators loved it and it really helps them feel more comfortable. It’s amazing
how many people don’t even recognize that we brought someone to church with us. If they only knew what it took to get them there? I think that missionary work is really going to change when wards become full of returned
preach my gospel missionaries. I can think of so many things I wish I would have helped with before my mission. Also now that it’s not memorized members can help teach and share their personal experiences. It really helps
s investigators to hear from members because they think that missionaries
are like perfect and we don’t have trials. Oh if they only knew....
Anyways I’m excited to someday apply everything that I’m learning right now into my normal life when I get home. It really is the simple things that keep us on track. Pray, read and go to church. If you do those three thing
s everything else will fall into place. 20
President said that H. Garcia is leaving this transfer. I’m a little nervous
because that means I’m supposed to speak Spanish. I really love her and I
feel like she is my sister. She plans on staying with us for a while after the mission. Anyways it’s possible that I will be with H. Truscott again, the greeny that came to Santander from WA.
Okay that enough for now. I sure love you all and think of you often. The
church is true-Sister! Don’t forget about me!
Love,
the Sister
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Emily - A Coruna Week 8
9.22.08
Hello my Family...Well its been another week and September is almost gone. Im excited for general conference. I got a letter from Mom and Jess this week. I loved the pictures of the baby. She isnt a baby anymore. They change so fast, its crazy. Im sure excited to meet her someday. I loved your letters, thank you. I also have emails from Grandpa, Dad, Brother Morgan, and Joye Marostica. Thank you so much!Well everyone that was suppose to come to church on Sunday didnt come. The new investigator that we werent expecting to come, came. She is the cutest girl from Brazil. She is about 30. We are learning Spanish together. We have a lot of lessons with her during the week because she takes care of her brothers kids. She is really interested in the life of Joseph Smith and its fun because Im learning more about him. He and his wife sure had a hard life. Im sure grateful to Jospeh Smith for the work that he did while he was here on the earth. I know he was a prophet of God. We sure are blessed for the opportunity we have to listen to the prophet in conference. We sure are blessed to know of the plan of Salvacion. We watched a movie with a family this week about Christs Atonement. The plan wouldnt work with out Christs sacrifice for each one of us. During the movie the little boy Juancho as he watched Christ being hung on the cross he asked, if the people treated Him so badly why did He ask God to forgive them. I cried a little bit and said thats a very good question Juancho its because He loves us. A kind of love that is very hard to understand. We read Juan 3:16-17. I love this family and we were teaching them every week until the mom got another job. We always stop by and talk to the kids on the timbre. Juancho is always so sad when his mom says they dont have time. This week Im pretty sure he let us up with out her permission. She was of course nice to us and we had a wonderful visit with them because of her son. I wish the adults could get it figured out.I love my Savior. I know that we can overcome death and sin because of what Jesus Christ did for us. Every week after talking to people who dont believe in God, I am more thankful to Mom and Dad and their parents and their parents parents and so on for teaching me who is God and who is my Savior. I sure love u guys and I sure miss you. Love,The sister
Hello my Family...Well its been another week and September is almost gone. Im excited for general conference. I got a letter from Mom and Jess this week. I loved the pictures of the baby. She isnt a baby anymore. They change so fast, its crazy. Im sure excited to meet her someday. I loved your letters, thank you. I also have emails from Grandpa, Dad, Brother Morgan, and Joye Marostica. Thank you so much!Well everyone that was suppose to come to church on Sunday didnt come. The new investigator that we werent expecting to come, came. She is the cutest girl from Brazil. She is about 30. We are learning Spanish together. We have a lot of lessons with her during the week because she takes care of her brothers kids. She is really interested in the life of Joseph Smith and its fun because Im learning more about him. He and his wife sure had a hard life. Im sure grateful to Jospeh Smith for the work that he did while he was here on the earth. I know he was a prophet of God. We sure are blessed for the opportunity we have to listen to the prophet in conference. We sure are blessed to know of the plan of Salvacion. We watched a movie with a family this week about Christs Atonement. The plan wouldnt work with out Christs sacrifice for each one of us. During the movie the little boy Juancho as he watched Christ being hung on the cross he asked, if the people treated Him so badly why did He ask God to forgive them. I cried a little bit and said thats a very good question Juancho its because He loves us. A kind of love that is very hard to understand. We read Juan 3:16-17. I love this family and we were teaching them every week until the mom got another job. We always stop by and talk to the kids on the timbre. Juancho is always so sad when his mom says they dont have time. This week Im pretty sure he let us up with out her permission. She was of course nice to us and we had a wonderful visit with them because of her son. I wish the adults could get it figured out.I love my Savior. I know that we can overcome death and sin because of what Jesus Christ did for us. Every week after talking to people who dont believe in God, I am more thankful to Mom and Dad and their parents and their parents parents and so on for teaching me who is God and who is my Savior. I sure love u guys and I sure miss you. Love,The sister
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