Dearest Hillford Fam,

Have a Blast this New Years Eve! 

Feliz Navidad!

A random Haiku for you to celebrate the holidays. It was great to talk to ya´ll Christmas. It really helped me remember how important the family is, and I am so blessed to be sharing that with everyone who will listen here in Argentina. And Mom I am so sorry and know that I am praying for you. 

This week was awesome. Lots of our members didn´t end up showing up for lessons so we were stuck with loads of other lessons but you can´t complain when you are able to teach. We hit a new record for me in the mission. We had 24 less active, recent converts, and investigators come to church this week. Hna. Sorensen and I sat on different benches and by the end of church both benches were full. It was awesome, it felt good so good! I am so blessed. Y. and I have gotten along great she has read just under 60 pages in the BOM this past week and she came to every ward activity. She is brilliant as in extremely intelligent and it has been a pleasure to teach her. We are just fighting that she can be clean from cigarettes for long enough before her baptism date. Pray for Yanina. 

This week was a huge testimony for me about acting in faith. E. baptism was a huge example of that this week. Really, if you do all that you can the Lord provides the miracle. Everyone told us this is one of the worst weeks to work but we gave our all this week and for the record I feel like everyone was way nicer to us on Christmas. 
 
And to answer you question Mom, New Years is bigger then Christmas. I am super excited. I travel up to Mendoza this week so if the strike ends by then I can pick up cards and packages on Friday. I will keep you posted but don´t you worry they will come when they come. 

I love you lots and Mom, again, I am praying for you! And the rest of the family as well....

Con amor,
Hermana Amanda Ray Hill

Dejando el Sapo!!!

Dear Family, Friends, and .... (well nothing else comes to mind that starts with an F)

Sorry for not writing last week. We dicided to not write for the full time and I only had time to write President Avila, but aparently you talked to Hna. Sorensens Dad and he explained everything? Wow the world is small. But Dad, I have a feeling her Dad would be a life long friend. She loves him almost as much as I love you which means he must be pretty amazing!

My companion is amazing! We are very similar. She is super competitive (but this morning she said I was twice as competative...), and loves sports, loves to work, and we get along so well. She has loads of faith! We will see miracles. They opened the area last transfer, and she was just in a rough situation. It makes such a difference when both are actively contributing to the cause. I don´t think I can say enough good things about her. And she loves to run!! Finally!! We get up a little extra early and run hard! Her Dad served in Cordaba too, Dad. And it sounds like you are already talking on the phone.

I have so much to tell. First off, I was so blessed, I went straight to San Rafael from consejo. That means I was jammed packed full of the desire to baptize. When ever you start in a new area I find it takes about a week to find out from the spirit and experience how to work in an area, but President took me aside after the meeting and told me exactly what he wanted me to do. Then I sat in the bus for a good 4 hours deciding how I was going to be and determined to have success. 

It is a good thing I had previously decided how I was going to work because our first day was rough. Never during my mission have I worked all day and never entered a house. But We visited so many people and no one would let us in. We opened our mouth 27 times and bore powerful testimony and NOTHING. I had heard the area was rough and we only have 4 active members in our area. The Elders have the rest and we have the most Cheta or rich area in San Rafael. The area is shaped wierd and we ended up giving 9 referals of people who were actually interested to other Elders, and 7 other referals to other wards. But zone leaders called us this morning and said that they are teaching 4 of them.  We got home at 9:15 exhausted but not disheartened. We discussed how we were going to change and recognized that we were not going to get anything done without being guided footstep by footstep by the Lord. The following day humbly we knelt and covenented with the Lord that we would give our all and specifically asked to enter in 5 houses. The first lesson was a miracle, with two new investigators, this continued until we returned that night after having taught 7 lessons.

The next day was sunday and we again covenented and plead for two investigators to come to church. R. and N. showed up right as the sacrament was starting and we able to partake of the sacrament. Random insight. I was thinking the other day about how lucky we are that we have such short incriments of time between the sacrament. We are so lucky we have the oportunity that EVERY week we are able dejar todo en los manos del Señor. Realmente es un conveño cada semana. Estamos tan bendecidos. We are so blessed.

This week was great we had the T. family at church this sunday and we had a powerful lesson with them. We now finaly uncovered their fear of baptism and hopefully that can be resolved by the end of the year.

This week I really felt prompted to visit a house. But as I began to talk to E. she interupted me telling me she was evangelist and didn´t want to talk to us. I was kind of taken aback because the prompting was clear. My eye caught the glimpse of a sign that explained she taught music. So I took a gander and asked if she had a piano. She also looked taken aback but answered in the infirmative. I explained that I had been in Argentina for awhile and had not had the oportunity to play a real piano but just keyboards and she invited me in. I played my rendition of ´´If you could Hie to Kolab´´ (obviously not as well as Maddy, I listen to you playing that song all the time. Thanks for sending it to me Mom) but the spirit came and we shared a really powerful lesson with her.

I have been so blessed in this area. I love it here. The ward is so strong. The bishop came with us to lessons this week. Also we had ward counsel. We have found so many people. Now we have no time to do anything but teach! Every missionaries dream. I love it!! I love you as well!! Let me know when I should skype you guys on Christmas so I don´t interupt your talk with Ry guy. And I am skyping at the Ibañez family. Tell them to get baptized when you see them! They want to hold off until feb. but three of them have fecha for the 28th. They are so ready!

Love you all! Maddy you know that picture sent me in my birthday package? We have used it so much. We are teaching this awesome Christmas message about the atonment and the presents we are willing to give to the Lord this Christmas. And I always bring this picture and I always cry because I love you so dang much! I love the rest of the clan too! I cannot believe everyone is growing up!

The gospel is true!
Life is wonderful!

Les quiero un montenaso!! Un besote!!! Oh and Mom, Alicia (foto attached) also wanted me to send a kiss your way!

Hna. Hill

Solamente Los Facheros Usan Predicar Mi Evangelio

Dear Gang,

Emily, you are in my prayers!! I am praying for a healthy baby, AGirlDuh.... Just kidding but seriously, I am praying for you daily and must have caught on because my companion prays for you too.

HOLD ON!!! What is this I hear about another trip to Peru? I distinctly remember my inspirational speach to you, Dad, about doing the things you have always wanted to do, but I was supposed to be involved with all these plans and adventures. I will start training for Machu Pichu as well. 

Yes, transfers..... I am going to San Rafael. You would think I would be used to leaving places and companions but it breaks my heart everytime. And this is the first time I have had a companion for more than 1 transfer and it is killing me that I will have to say goodbye to her, and this is the first time I have stayed for more than 2 months in an area. I have been here for 4.5 months. I have visited every house on the ward list (a feat). You think that by now it wouldnt be hard to pack up and leave but you just open up your heart so big and give everything your are. You feel the perfect love of God for these people and then at the call of our Zone Leader we pack up everything we have to go to a new place, a new companion, and a new oportunity to love all over again. It is a good thing this church is true or it would be really difficult to comply with what is required but D&C 64:32-34 (my favorite scripture right now) not only gives me to desire to obediently follow and do so with ganas or enthusiasm. Don´t get me wrong I am psyched to go to San Rafael they haven´t had baptisms in a while but I am getting Sister Sorenson and have heard nothing but that she works crazy hard. 

This week I had a couple rough days. I wouldn´t stop throwing up but I knew it was my last week in this area and had so many people I wanted to visit. But after throwing up at an investigators house I decided I really shouldn´t be doing what I was trying to force myself to do. I got a priesthood blessing and Jordan to answer your question about feeling my Mom´s presence during my mission. It was very evident that I was in a trio this week. We found some amazing people this week and 4 times this week people came to me to ask questions when I felt like I had no strength to do anything. Do what we can and the Lord does the rest. I feel bad because I must have passed what I had because Hna. Rodriguez was throwing up all night. 

We didn´t have turkey for Thanksgiving but I cooked a Chicken and we had mashed potatoes and salad and a smoothie (yeah I know that doesn´t happen in the U.S. but I figured the Latinos in my pencion didn´t know the difference....) Even though we only had an hour to cook and eat I passed with flying colors, all three gave me (lista para casarse)! 

Remember who you are and thank you for your prayers.

The gospel is true and life is wonderful!!

Love you all!

Hna. Hill

FYI,

My folks are going to Peru with medical associates in April. They have invited me to come along....so, this is what Amanda is referring to in her letter.  I am in the process of training to hike Machu Pichu!

Love to all.

Mom/Tammy

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Querido familia!!

First off, Jordan and Ryan I felt like a jerk when I sent off the letter last week without a shout out. This week I was trying to explain how crazy my family is to my companion and shared a couple experiences of when you cut the boys hair and three in the morning, and Cameran like Avatar. And then I laughed as I recalled experiences from paint balling and by the reaction of my companion she thinks you two are pretty hilarious. 

And Ben, yes Emily told me you passed the bar but it is weird that we have an attorney in the family. As if family reunions were not complicated enough. Just kidding. And your proposition as to which you will not use my name for your son or daughter is LAME!! But I will take the compliment! Thanks! 

Hannah!! Tyler is beautiful!! And promise me you will give me loads of time with him in a year or so. This week the cutest little girl fell and I ran to her and as I got there I realized that I couldn´t even pick her up. Oh it broke my heart. I miss holding children so bad! And the news of new nieces and nephews isn´t helping!! Maddy and Mom you better appreciate all time you have!!

This week..... was warm and AWESOME!! I ironically threw my first baby shower this week, and it was a huge success. The ward I have been in for the past four months is not united at all. At activities no one ever comes but for the last 4 weeks we challenged every family we have visited to pray and specifically ask for the unity in the ward. This week at the baby shower we had loads of less actives come and we had almost twice as many people show up then normally come to Relief Society. The spiritual message was good and when we left everyone was laughing and eating to their hearts content. We also had a good turn out to Relief Society the next day. 

This week is probably my last week in this area. We have loads of people we are teaching and it is sad I always seem to leave an area as it is flourishing. But whatever I am over it. Guess I will just have to work crazy hard. 

We have a really crucial lesson tonight at 7. One of our investigators was placed through the ringer last week and she needs the strength that comes from the gift of the Holy Ghost. Pray for us and Cristina. Mateo 7:7.

I love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers and all your support. Sometimes I forget all that everybody does so that I have amazing weeks hear in the field. 

The Gospel is true.

Life is wonderful!

Love,

Un-hombre-obvio Cerro!

Don´t follow my footsteps too closely.... I tend to walk into lots of walls.

Dearest Family!

I love you all so blasted much! And mom I cannot believe the first thing you asked Sister Ence was if I was a ´´problem child.¨ I love you too!! Just kidding! And Let me know if my email wasn't clear to what I needed. It was good to hear your voice and you heard my laugh?? No surprise there! Just kidding!

This week flew by. It is getting warmer and consequently everyone is sleeping the siesta and we are advised not to knock doors between 1:30 and 6 which makes those hours sometimes very long and warm trying to find people to teach on the streets. But this is the first time in my mission that we have always been running to appointments, siesta or not. Also we have been teaching lots of people at the church. 

This Sunday was amazing! So about 3 weeks ago we found a boy who knew one of the priests in the ward and invited them both to recorrido (or a tour of the church) and it was super powerful as we looked at the baptismal font and testified that the same authority that John the Baptist had as he baptised had Marcelo to baptize him. Apparently Marcelo felt the spirit too and ever since that day he has brought at least one friend to church with him and sometimes 4 or more. So we are teaching all his friends and come every Saturday while they are playing soccer and teach the whole group of friends. 

 One of the boys who came to play soccer this week we had committed him to be baptized about three months ago when we met him in the street but when we visited his house his father wasn't that supportive and told us to never come back. It was sad because this boy was so spiritual. This week his father came to the church to tell his son to come home and we happened to be standing outside of the church talking to a bishop from another ward. He invited the father there to come tour the church and he accepted. We had the bishop there to testify as well and at the end the father asked when his son could get baptized. The spirit really changes the hearts of people.

Noelia came to church this week. She is a recent convert and she not only walked to church without any supervision but brought 3 younger siblings. I was so proud of her! Her mom was offended a couple months ago but the children are still so strong!! I am amazed by the strength they have!

This week was awesome and I am crazy happy. I feel kind of bad for being the only American in the pension. I feel like they are going to leave with the impression that all Americans are insane and no matter how hard they try can never dance Samba.... There loss...

Love you all! Congrats mom! How does it feel to be done?!?! Yes I got my birthday package and my pension has devoured everything!

Maddy you are the ugliest purple crayon ever!!! Just kidding I love you so much and when my companion saw your picture she said that you look just like me. Because I tend to never be serious in pictures. 

Cam!! You have grown so much! You look like such a stud. And let me guess you ate the whole pan of Mac and Cheese without any help. Did you get Maddy to make it for you too?

Seth.... I cannot believe you have your own car. Don´t let it fool you! I am still the favorite child. Ask dad he will tell you!

Hannah and Emily I think you will both be having babys this week! Congrats and Emily it doesn´t matter if Ben doesn¨t like the name.... Remember how much you love me. 

Abby you are an incredible mother and I will have to see it to believe it that James gave a serious talk without a single joke. I guess the bishopric changes people. 

Aaron I have been thinking and top three child literature that I read....

3. The mixed up files of (I cant remember and cant spell the next part ask Hannah, I think she read it to me the first time)

2. Rangers Apprentice John Flanagan I believe

1. Where the Red Fern Grows - I am still waiting for my Dan and little Ann. But be careful after this book I am sure the wish of Jenny will be granted and you will end up with a Dog. 

Jeff and Jenny- I have been showing everyone the pictures of Jared and my favorite is when you caught the smile. Or when he was in the Easter basket. Or possibly the 5 boys without shirts! Your family is awesome! Will you send me a picture of the Tree house I helped build?

Sarah!! I need pictures of Booker, Nathan, and Eva! It is so exciting that Emily is living so close to the kids!

Happy Birthday to Ben, Jeff, and Hannah! 

Life is so great! Love you all!!

Remember who you are and what you stand for.

The Gospel is true and life is wonderful.

Love,

Your problem child

My Argentine flag that is crazy large!! 

Guatita llena, corazon contenta

Dear Family!!

Why didn´t you tell me I had to have a birthday to receive letters from ya all? Just kidding, but thank you for all your birthday wishes. I love you all and I am having one of the funnest birthdays I have ever had! All the sisters in my pencion woke me up at midnight and sang to me ¨mañanitas¨ and gave a full cake. Best day EVER!!! It was drenched in Dulce de Leche. AKA my life is complete! Don´t think I will ever come back to the US for my birthday! Birthdays are a way bigger deal here then it ever was in the states. 

This week was full of ups and downs. A new sister came from Guatemala and so changes were made and Hna. Ruiz was sent to San Rafael and is now with my companion from the MTC. Crazy!

I also went to central and bought new shoes (yes they sell the size GIANT in Mendoza!) and my whole life has changed! Who knew new shoes would make your life so much better.

No one was at church on Sunday. It was slightly embarrassing when we walked in with investigators and there was no one to say ¨welcome¨. But that will change. It has to change, because we cannot do our work without the help of the members. So this week President clarified a rule today which has really changed the work. Previously we could teach men from the door or if there was a women in the house teach inside the house. Now we cannot even teach a man in a park unless we have someone with us over the age of 18 of our same gender.  There was a day where we had to cancel 5 appointments, because members canceled. It really got to me because I came to share my testimony of what I know to be the restauration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I could not. One of these people is J.... and had come to the chruch with his book of mormon and a list of questions from his reading. One of them being ¨I read that you do not baptize infants, does this mean I can see my baby sister again.¨ And what did I do? I had to tell him I couldn´t teach him and to come again on tuesday. And I slipped in a testimony or two. But it broke my heart. 

Also I told you that we split the area. One day was a rough day and we were walking a member back to her house after our lesson with her and some investigators. And as we crossed this new barrier we randomly crossed paths with 3 of our investigators who all asked why we hadn´t stopped by. It was so hard to explain and see that there were people in that area wanting to hear the gospel but walk back to an area where we are still trying to find people to teach.

But this week was also loaded with some of the most powerful lessons I have been part of. I am so lucky to be in Godoy Cruz! 

I have got to run and save the country! Have a great week. If you have any ideas to increase the member and missionary relationship PLEASE send it my way. 

Love you all!

Duh

Alcanzando lo mas alto

Dear Flia!! 

At a first glance this week was fairly boring. Tuesday through Friday I spent at least 3.5 hours each day in meetings. And some days reached 6 hours. But with a more spiritual perspective it is clear that this week was jammed packed full of miracles. 

After the trainers and trainee meeting, Hna. Ruiz had an interview with President. Becuase the offices are in our area we asked if we could just street contact until she was finished. Instead of talking with everyone we decided to pray really hard and use the hour we had to teach two good lessons. We both felt like we needed to talk to a man who was deep in thought. I went and asked what he was thinking about and he responded, ¨Sometimes I do not know if there is a God.¨ Never in my life had I had someone so prepared. He used to live in the same apartment as a Mormon. His father passed away has been 4 months. (Oh that makes me really happy, I know it should be 4 months ago but it shows that the spanish is sticking). He cried as we read with him from the Book of Mormon. It was really powerful. One of the top experiences from my mission. He lives in Las Heras though (too bad you are still not serving there Dad, I would have given you an amazing reference). 

Our Area was divided and the family that is getting baptized is in the Elders Area. But I don´t mind, I mean I will still be there. And I can´t be upset because I divided the area. But I still think we should reach our companionship goal of 4 baptisms this month. We found such a good family this past week and have taught them 3 times. And the missionary minded family in the ward has taken them under their wing. But they were not able to attend church because of their uncles funeral. 

This week was infinitely better then last week by choice. There was a moment where we were stranded at a terminal with no more money left on our tarjeta de micros (bus card), fairly early in the morning, with many miscommunication, and with lots of suitcases, when I realized that I was a representative of Jesus Christ in Mendoza Argentina, and how funny the situation was. I learned a little more to enjoy the journey! Man life is so great sometimes! 

Mom, I didn´t get my birthday package but Elder McBride's package arrived two days after he left to go home and I was the lucky recipient of much of the delicious American food!! 

Mom I need the recipe for Buttermilk syrup or Coconut syrup, turns out all the Latinos love french toast. 

Haven´t sent pictures home I will choose some now!

Love you lots! 

Amanda's letter!

October 28, 2013

Dear Family,

This week was one surprise after another. Where to start. Half way through the week there were some flash transfers and now we are in a trio. It was an adventure getting her from San Luis to our area but I love the buses here so I was happy. Everyone else is not a fan. 1 they never stop moving and 2. Mendoza has asecias or a trench of anywhere between 2 to 4 feet. I love jumping from buses all my companions think I am crazy. But thats a good thing right? My two companions are very different. Hna. Ruiz is from Mexico and it was hilarious to see how fast my Mexican accent came back. There is no hope of maintaining my Mendocino accent. She is really funny and a recent convert. Only member in her family. The only trio I have been in was in the MTC but suprisingly the transition into teaching has been really good. 

We have this ward missionary plan of doing Family Home Evenings in the 5 different areas within the ward. Its going really well. It is so amazing to see people coming back to church. There are some amazing families in the ward. And now we are taking tons of less actives to teach their friends. The whole 5,5,5 is working swell. 

Another shock was the little boy of K. and F. past away this week. It took quite a toll on all the ward. K. and F.  are members of the active R. family that have been less active for quite a while and were finally starting to come back to church. They came to church this week as well and was so incredibly greatful for support and love showed by the ward. 

I feel like this letter is super lame. It was a pretty crazy week though. I feel like it is just going to get more crazy. Pray for me!! 

Love you lots!

Happy Mothers Day!!

Oh Dearest Mother Mine,

Whose face is so darn kind,

You make me so happy!

Yes, I know my poetry´s sappy...

But give me a break

for good gollys sake,

For I am still your favorite daughter!!

You should feel pretty special! My poetry is only for the eyes of those I truly love! So mothers day was yesterday in Argentina and I figured the least I could do was write you an actual letter. I haven´t recieved news that the family has recieved any handwritten letters I have sent home (not that you could read my handwritting anyways) so I am guessing I shouldn´t trust the postal system too much. So this email will have to do! 

I was thinking of you yesterday as I went to church and saw all the faithful mothers who came with their children without the support of their husbands. I thought of those years after Mark died and Dad after my mom died and how hard it must have been, but the lessons we (the children) learned from consistant church attendance and the blessings that come through fidelity to the truth. 

Also yesterday we came to church with the Morel children. Miriam (the mom) has such a strong testimony she is paying tithing, and now she is in the middle of Alma but her work schedule changed and can no longer attend church unless she has the faith to drop her job and find another. But I have grown to love this family with all my heart. They have been coming to church for the last 2 months but haven´t attended church the last two weeks due to work issues. So we picked up the older children with another family before church on sunday. It so happened that this week was the primary program and we walked into church just as the meetings were starting and instead of Adriel (8) walking and sitting with all the children he came and sat next to me. I tried to convince him to go and sing (using the typical tactics used on Cam and Maddy) but to no avail. Nada! I was just about to give up when the bishop came down from the stand and knelt next to Adriel and explained how he would walk with him to the stand and help him sing. I was touched by the sincerity and the love Bishop Paez has. I was reminded of Jesus Christ who always sought out the one. In that moment Bishop Paez left the 99 and came to this little lamb and lifted him by his little hand and guided him to where he belonged along side the group of Gods children singing praises to our Heavenly Father. Also everyone in the ward new in that moment that the Bishop loved them, why? Because if the bishop was going to go out of his way to make sure this 8 year old was safe in the fold of God he was going to make sure every family, every troubled teen made it there too. Its a powerful principal. How do you show that you love the 99? by showing love to the 1. A principal I learned in one of my favorite books. 

Also I had the pleasure of watching Adriel and all the other children sing! I don´t think any other mother in the room could me as proud as I was of Adriel. It is so amazing to watch the change as people partake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Oh and now I am running out of time. But don´t you fret. This letter will include my list for Christmas. I want Nutela. I think that sums it up. Just Kidding. I would love a calander! The same Calander that Hannah gave us last year. Oh and will you make sure Hannah is okay. I was thinking about her all week and then I recieved news about the hospital visit from Dad and her and I will continue to pray but its not the same from being able to give her a big hug, or talking to her on the phone. 

Also remember that bracelet you gave me with the pictures? Can you send me more modern pictures that I can replace them with. And not pictures of me!! I use my bracelet all the time to testify that families can be together forever. I want pictures of the fam as well. Also the only picture I have of my mom is the little one I have in my bracelet. Can you send me one as well. 

For the most part I can find anything I ¨´need´´ but one thing I cannot find that I would love is those tiny sock things that you can wear with nicer shoes? I sure hope that discription made sense and if you could send quite a few to last the next year or so. Like 14 or 15. But good quality. 

Again I would love music, and conference talks that I can listen to when I get ready in the morning. And pictures. And nutella. OH AND A ULTIMATE FRISBEE!! But a good one. Dad can tell you which one is good. I am so sick of playing soccer!! But tell Cam and Seth I made a header goal last week. I am infinetly better then before my mission. The one sport I can´t play to save my life. Also there is a senior couple heading home in December and I was hoping to send some things home with them. I don´t know how much Cam and Seth, Jordan, or Mads have grown will you send me some estimate sizes before next week?

Mom, I love you so much!! Go on lots of tandom bike rides with Dad through the canyon for me. And yes I will pray for you and your memory! I have no doubt that you will be successful. For whom the Lord calls he qualifies. You cannot deny that God has guided you to where you are, trust in God and he will fill your mouth. 

I love you! I Love You! I LOVE YOU!

Your favorite daughter, 

Amanda 

Arrepentios extremos de GODOY CRUZ!!

Familia,

Today is another feriado (or Holiday) and so we took the liberty of doing some church tours with people who work all the time on their day off, but consequently everything was pushed back and will be short today. I have yet to have a recorrido that didn´t result in a baptismal date. 

The highlight of this week was teaching a missionary prep institute class. This work is hastening!! First off we had a very successful day grabbed a taxi and headed way far out to Mendoza Centro when we entered the taxi and I asked my companion if she had money. Her face fell and she asked me what we should do. I told her to pray and things took care of themselves. We arived only 5 minutes late (super good for South American Standard time) and taught mostly converts who now are in the process of putting in papers and loads of future sister  missionaries. Hna. Rostelli hadn´t told us what to prepare but there is something about being in a consecrated building full of people eager to learn that makes teaching by the spirit comes so naturally. The spirit was strong and the nice thing about teaching mission prep. outside of Utah is we were able to hit the streets with the class and could get tons of referals for the missionaries serving in that area and of course were able to share the miracles that come with taking the step of faith of opening your mouth. 

Sunday was a pretty awesome highlight too. We only had one investigator come but had lots of less actives. A couple that hadn´t been to church in a long time. 

I cannot believe transfers are next week! The time flies!! Only 4 sisters are coming so odds are that I will finish the training of Hna. Rodriguez. 

I feel like things that are difficult for lots of missionaries came fairly naturally for me. From day one I was never nervous to talk to random strangers (I don´t know what that says about your parenting style. jk.) And the missionary schedule has never been difficult to follow but things like updating the area book, and making an accurate registro (not quite sure what the word is... account?) has always been difficult. And now my focus for next transfer to better.

This week was wicked awesome! We had tons of lesson with members. And hoping to do better next week. 

Hannah, mira voz!!  I am so proud of you!! Make sure the missionaries understand the importance of our reference and hold them to their potencial.

I cannot believe Alyssa and Joe are married!! That blows my mind. I am still waiting for Covey and Annies announcment.... =) JK

Gotta run! With transfers coming and all the office Elders changing I have got to own up to my bets which means loads of no bake cookies.... 

Love you lots!! Pray a lot!!

Hna. Hill

Its a great day to be a .... MISSIONARY!!

Dear Fam!

I think I will start this letter off with loads of love for Ryan, you are such a good missionary!!! So proud of my not so little bro! I will follow with a question for mom.... Have you ran into the garage with you new car yet? Just kidding!! 

Can you believe that one year ago they announced the age change?!?!? Blows my mind! General Conference as a missionary is the best! Not only does everything everyone says apply to you but you leave with pages worth of notes for investigators. I was hoping for the announcment to change the 18 months to 2 years... or a temple in Mendoza. Guess, I will wait for another 6 months. And I was super blessed to have the stake center be our building because that means we could work in between sessions and go straight to work afterwards when you are full of the inspiration from prophets of God. 

I also am super blessed to have the companion that I have. Sometimes in the past I had to be careful about what I volunteered to do and recognize the limit of running faster then we have strength. So yesterday when my companion asked if I wanted to eat lunch in the park with all the other missionaries, I grabbed my backpack and agreed but as we walked she asked me ¨´What are you thinking?¨´ (A question that made me laugh because I always ask my companions that, and a question I will always answer honestly) I told her of E... that I was thinking we could visit. She then said relieved ¨perfect! Let´s go!¨¨ (okay so really that whole thing was in spanish but I transalated to be kind. JK.) We visited 3 people in that hour and found 1 new investigator. Did they accept our invitation to return to watch conference? No... But I can say they all know that I have a testimony of Thomas S. Monson. 

The water was shut off for lots of this week but at least we knew before hand about this one. And the water came back on this morning an I was finally able to clean the bathroom. It is the worst when the water is shut off on P-days. It is redicolously difficult to wash your clothes with no water. 

We had a way awesome recorrido (tour) of the church this saturday. I still have yet to have someone decline a baptism invite after feeling the spirit of the chaple. Now it is the process of helping them follow through with their commitments. The family is great! We just have to get M... to get married. Too bad that takes a month in Argentina. 

I love you all so much! Cannot believe it is October!! Give me one more week mom and I will send you a list complete of things I want for my birthday and Christmas. Verify with me in your next letter because I will probably forget. 

Everyone asked me if I had seen conference in the conference center. I was ashamed to say that I have lived in Utah all my life and never once attended a session of General Conference. That needs to change! I don´t know what I need to do to get my hands on a couple tickets but for the record I am asking in a year, or a year and a half in advance if my wish of serving for two years comes in to play.

Love you all! And pictures are attached. We went hiking last week on P-day through Estanzuela. Really beautiful! 

My peruvian family!

I found a Hobbit door! So of course I knocked it! Family of 7! Too bad they are already members....

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed

Dear Family,

I only have a couple minutes to write but I can type super fast so my letter will still probably be ridiculously long. 

We did not have that much of a successful week but me and Hna. Rodriguez managed to continue laughing through the whole week. We did have success through a PEPO (referrals from members) and the family is actually married!! The father came to church, and has been free from smoking for 10 days. He really felt the spirit and for the first time the ward really embarrassed an investigator. The slight problem is that the Elders had taught him about 6 months ago and so I think that we will end up giving them back to the Elders. But they are ready to be baptized. 

No one else is really following through with commitments, which is disappointing. 

We taught a super cool lesson this week. We have become friends with a lady who owns a small hostel and once a month we go and have hot chocolate with her and teach everyone who is visiting. Last night we taught her and her guest who is from France. My companion didn´t talk much and wasn´t until after we left where she asked ¨What language was he speaking?´´ that I realized that he must have been speaking french. But we got our message across and he committed to read The Book of Mormon and had began to read before we left the house. 

Funniest moment of this week was during the blasted siesta. Saturday siesta is the worst. Because EVERYONE sleeps for about 4 hours. We had 3 really good lessons scheduled and we even called to remind them and every single lesson fell through. So we were walking up and down streets cleaning out the ward list. Meanwhile me and Hna. Rodriguez were doing this scripture chase thing and we walked through some construction which sent out whistles, catcalls, and slang that thankfully I don´t understand. This happens all the time and we are used to ignoring it. Hna. Rodriguez continued to read out loud the scripture that happened to be Alma 7:10. Immediately all the noise surrounding us stopped.... You should have seen the faces of the men who were openly reprimanded by God. It was so funny!! The best part is that Hna. Rodriguez didn´t even pick up on it and re-read the verse again. Now skimming through this paragraph it really doesn´t sound to funny, but I promise.... Oh goodness, it was hilarious! 

I stayed in the area for exchanges this week but get to travel next week for exchanges which I always love. And Saturday and Sunday we have General Conference!!! I am so psyched!! 

Love you all! And I am praying for you all. Happy Birthday Mads!!! I cannot believe you are turning 12!

I got the package from the family!!! (thank you mom!! It was an answer to my prayers!! Every week when my district leaders ask for my pedidas I always ask for pamphlets, Libros de Mormon, and Nutella and I this week I got some from you!!! You are the best! I think it is worth its weight in gold in the missionary world) 

Which means I got your letter Seth.... I laughed really hard and hope you are true to your word. Can´t believe 3 different girls asked you to Sadie Hawkins (dance, wear my Khaki pants, nothing better oh, oh, oh!) I can hear Cam Singing it!

Hna. Hill

Coming to the Savior One Imperfect Step at a Time

This week was rough. My very first transfer we dropped lots of our investigators who were not really progressing in faith in order to find the people the Lord had prepared to accept and act upon this gospel. Oh that week was full of miracles!! We did the same thing the end of last week and beginning of this week, and worked a full to find people to teach. My companion is amazing and we really talk to everyone! But we just haven´t found the people ready to accept this gospel. 

On Thursday we had Elder Nuñez come a speak to us. It was so powerful! and he spoke of the miracles that come with complete devotion. I felt the spirit testify of its truth and know that if I align my will with Gods I too can feel of those blessings, I guess the problem is aligning my stubborn will with Gods! Haha!  This week I have shared Enos a lot and explained the necessity of trusting in Gods promises when we ask with sincerity to our Father in Heaven. And all of sudden I realized that I needed to listen to my own message. (You have got to hate and love those realizations) The rest of the week covered lots of analyzing  and correction, and trying lots of different methods. It was difficult because it was snowing and raining most of the week and no one was outside and strangely no one really want to come unlock their gates for us to come inside... They just shake their finger at the window. But don´t worry, I don´t even know how many dogs we have invited to listen to our message. But a random plus to the fact that no one is outside while it is raining is the fact that you can sing ¨´Singing in the rain¨´ as loud as you want and the only one who laughs is Hna. Rodriguez.

I guess I have heard so many returned missionaries tell miraculous stories of the miracles that happen when everything is going wrong. I am sick of everyone telling me that it is nothing to do with me but that my area is a dead area and ready for the miracle!  I just really want to teach someone how crucial this gospel is and help them as they take steps to return to their Savior. Just watch, my letter next week will be jammed packed full of miracles! Its funny how much happens in one week. 

Love you all! Keep sending the prayers coming my way.

Hermana Hill

I found a roof!! This is my area!

Mais les yeux sont aveugles. Il faut chercher avec le cœur

Dear Fam!

My new companion is Hna. Rodriguez from Chile and she is so great! I am so excited to see what will happen this transfer. I try not to be a jerk and be kind when I put her on the spot but she has taken it in stride and now I put her on the spot all the time. She is also my first companion who will take the time to correct all my spanish, including my Buenos Aires accent which will infinitely help me gain relationships with Mendocinos. She comes from a family of four and the 4th missionary. She is teaching me so much, and I feel like if we can master using our time effectively, nothing can stop us!! Such a great feeling!! 

The weather has destroyed street contacting. Wednesday it was 33 degrees C. and now it is on and off snow. The wind is freezing and everyone stays inside. Drives me crazy. Also because of the weather church attendance was crazy low, but spirit was really strong. I am amazed by the faith and conversion of some members. 

Found an awesome family this week. Our first lesson they invited us over to dinner on Saturday. For the first time in my life I had an investigator call me to remind me of the appointment we would have with them on Saturday. It was pretty amazing! On Saturday I found out that they have not only heard the missionary lessons before but have a book full of Elders saying their goodbye´s to the family. Hopefully we can help them finally take the step of becoming members.

I have so much more to say but no time. 

Dad, I met someone who served in your zone while you were zone leader in Las Heras. His name is Elder Call, came back to visit his mission with his daughter who also served here. (HInt hint!! Just kidding!!) Do you know the Rostelli´s? Man, this world is small. 

Jordan, I could be wrong but I think you know my companions older brother Mario Rodrigues. 

My companion knows a Friend who is serving in Concepcion. And I Katie I randomly met Nate who was in Nursing Lab with you up at Idaho. 

Well that's all folks.

Love ya! 

The gospel is true.

Life is wonderful!

Que Dios les bendiga

Fam,

That storm looks like a blast! I sure hope you took the opportunity to go tubing down Skyline! I love reading Mom and Dads take on the week it always cracks me up! Dad loved the pictures! 

To answer Mom´s question as to what did I learn this week- When evacuating a car double check that it is in park. Let me explain. I went on exchanges again this week, and while in Dorego I heard lots of screaming and yelling and turned to see a frantic taxi driver chasing down his empty car. Luckily his window was down and was able to put his emergency brake to good use as he jumped halfway through the window with legs flailing!! It was hilarious! 

Speaking of this exchange, I worked with Sister Anderson. Turns out she knows Brother and Sister Reed really well. Let them know she is a super dedicated missionary and is doing great! 

Transfer calls came this morning and all Hna. Adorno´s bags are packed and she flies off to Buenos Aires tomorrow which blows my mind. I get to pick up my brand new missionary on Wednesday. Which was surprising to me because only 5 new sisters are coming in. But rumor has it that some sisters are coming from the US and that my companion from the MTC is one of them!! I am so excited to see her!!

Today we had a couple difficult days, but at the end of the day there were always miracles! One of them, finally finding L...... I talk to just about everyone but there are always certain people who you know you should be talking to. L.... was one of them. We had a really powerful conversation on the street but for multiple reasons her house is extremely difficult to get to. I have some great stories to tell but don´t have nearly enough time to tell them. After specific prayers we were able to find her and now we see her all the time and every time she see´s us she tells us about what she is reading in the Book of Mormon. What a gem!

We had more then a 100 people in church this week. Which exceeded the bishops goal by quite a  few! Elder M..... said the opening prayer which included that people would continue to make it to church and people kept sneaking in the back. I love Sundays so very much! 

The gospel is true!

Life is wonderful!

Short and Sweet

Dear Family!!

Another nephew!!! So exciting!!! Congrats Jeff and Jenny!! Oh and I loved your pictures of the bounce hourse I feel like Katie looks like Hannah when she was little. I cannot believe how much she has changed!! Wow, I guess time does continue to move on your end as fast as it is moving on mine. 

Seth!! You turn 16 tomorrow?!?! Goodness! That blows my mind, thank goodness I will not be walking the same roads you will be driving! 

I will be super breif, I want to use my time to make some stuff for the ward so I can mass print and not take the time to write by hand, and maybe they will actually be able to read print because my handwritting is probably worse than Seth´s. Just kidding! Love you Seth! 

This week was awesome. The zonda came through one of the other provinces so it brought all the warmth but only a little wind. But it is supposed to snow next week so I will say goodbye to this high 20c degree weather. 

Me and a brand new missionary from Trapiche covered both our areas for 2 days this week and we walked a ton but I have never had so much success. Despite the fact that we covered both areas for two days we still managed to have 39 lessons in our area. For the first time as a missionary me and my companion  ran out of Book of Mormons to give away. 

I read Ryans letter and I think I might add on to the list. If you could send me a thumbdrive at least 8gb if not 16gb so I can put some pictures and stuff (Mom don´t stress out about this next part, make seth do it or something, but I would love tons of conference talks in mp3 format and throw on some picutres this MTC room sounds awesome, and some of my new nephews and updates of all the married children with their families and some of the fam there, on the usb) Don´t judge my English. Oh and Tide to go. I wash my clothes by hand and can never get anything out. 

The Gospel is true, life is wonderful! Keep the prayers coming my way!! 

Dear Family!!

I have another nephew!!! Congratulations Sarah and Corey!! He is beautiful!! 

I should also add a congrats to Jordan, and Mom who graduated, happy birthday to both!! and my condolences that school has started...

This week was freezing (people tell me there is always last storm before spring) I remember laughing at Aunt Marlenes story of wearing every artical of clothing she had when she went to bed. I almost had her beat 4 nights this week. Consequently, there was no one outside at all during the day. And we are talking about the city of Godoy Cruz!! It was rough but it was nice to differentiate between our investigators who truly know the church is true and those who are polite. 

Saturday was cold and we were only let into 2 houses from 10:58am to 9:18pm and one of those houses was our own for lunch.... The other was a Noche de Hogar (FHE) where out of the 12 families we invited 3 came. And when I woke up on Sunday feeling that it was even colder then Saturday my heart dropped thinking of the numbers at church. But quickly repented and prayed in faith. The family we went to pick up couldn´t come and when we arrived at church numbers were few but the M..... family greeted us as we walked into the chapel!!! (the M...... family is a family we have been working with for the past month, the children had been baptized at ages 8 and 12 but the parents had never been baptized. F.... has now done everything he can to work on his divorce so he can now get married to M......) But they have been coming faithfully for the last four weeks. This Sunday their oldest son passed the sacrament for the first time and I was brought to tears as I watched him worthily pass the sacrament to his family. During the sacrament people just kept coming in. A less active family from the Noche de Hogar from yesterday. Hna. L..... came with her two children. All in all there were 4 part member families who came and many less active families who we hadn´t seen in a long time. It was beautiful.

Principios del evangelio was full which I think was rather hilarious because it was the Elders turn to teach but they had to go do baptismal interviews or something, so they turned it over to us. Hna. Adorno told the class I was teaching so I stood up opened the book but as I read the title of chapter 31 I wasn´t entirely sure what ¨Honradez¨ actually meant. I started off the class asking what honradez meant to Hna. Adorno and went from there... But the class went so well! Living proof that God can really work through the ´´the weak things of the Earth´´. 

We have been working a full with the ward missionary plan and trying so hard to work with part member families. I keep on feeling like I need to start preparing these families to enter the temple. I just keep feeling like they are going to announce a temple here in Mendoza. I know they are building one in Cordoba and it doesn´t really make sense..... but I feel like that is what they need to progress further in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We had interviews with president this week. He so amazing!! So full of the spirit!

I am so excited for this upcoming week. we have really been trying to work with members and have awesome lessons set up in members home with their friends!! 

Les quiero muchísimo! Tengan un día re linda y trabajo a FULL!!!

Chau!

Hna. Hill

This cracks me up!! They have handicap spots on their merry-go-rounds. Oh and I cut my hair (don´t worry, I don´t plan on selling my teeth) and everyone tells me I look like Sabrina the Teenage Witch.... I don´t see it.... and for the record I was moving really fast....

What is our aim? Victory!

Dearest Family,

I just love you all so much. Hannah was right in her email to the family, we are just so blessed. Today and yesterday were days of reflection. Who would have thought that the past several years would have led to this? I didn´t think it was possible to love so much. My family, but also the people here. Let me explain. 

This week we had exchanges and I stayed in my area and Hna. H.... my companion for the day has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and more fully feel God´s love for his children. We carried a viejitas groceries and began to listen and she explained her situation, valued her faith, but also felt her sorrow. As we reached her humble home she thanked us and I asked her if I could ask her a question. She answered the question as tears began to fall. I was able to testify that she was a daughter of God, and while holding her frail hand I told her I was her sister and she would never be alone in this life. As I testified about the plan of salvation and our purpose on earth I learned several things from the words I was speaking. I just wish I could tell all the world about the restored truths upon this earth. For this is the only thing that truly comforts the afflicted, lifts the hands that hang low, and truly heals through the peace of truth. 

I have tried to adequately study the power of covenants. Particularly the power of and meaning of the Abrahamic Covenant. Exaltation vrs. salvation. The new and everlasting covenant which binds our families in this world and the next. The more I understand the more my desire to share this truth grows. The more I love all those around me and all of you! 

I am doing amazing here, and learning so much! Love you all!

Hermana Hill

That is the last time we take directions from a squirrel! (we lost our area map...)

Dear fam!

Questions: Is the catholic church starting to baptize by immersion? Will you send me conversiones to the metric system...

 To join the rest, I too found ice cream on Mom`s birthday. It cost me 30 pesos and finally after daily planning I got it out and accidentally dropped it breaking the container and spilling its contents onto the floor, but don´t worry we salvaged it. It only meant we had to eat it all in one sitting, but the sisters in my pension didn't mind one bit!

So this week has been crazy. The zonda came through which is this really warm wind that likes to knock down the giant trees that line all the roads. School was canceled and everything closed. We were not allowed to leave our pension unless we had planned appointments, lucky for us that was one of the few days where we had a crazy amount of lessons planned. I think I would have gone crazy having to stay inside all day. And everyone let us in too. It was great! Guess being cooped up in a house all day humbles people. 

Our ward mission leader is Hno. L..... He is a 73 year old man that was baptized 2.5 years ago. He loves coming with us to lessons and has the biggest heart! He still crys every time he talks about his wife. He always says the only reason he is still alive is so that he can do the work of the Lord until he has enough money to go to Buenos Aires and do the saving ordinances for him and his wife. He reminds me a lot of Elder Richard G. Scott. Just so sincere and genuine. 

I had an eye opening experience this week, so spiritual! Our 5th lesson to fall through on Saturday was our investigator who had her date to be baptized next Saturday, she dropped us telling us she new the Book of Mormon was true but her Father being an Evangelical pastor, it would be too hard to get baptized and she asked us never to come back. As I walked away discouraged I began to pick apàrt my day or my missionary style to see if there was something contrary to the teachings of Christ. I began to pray as we walked asking God if I was doing something wrong. And if not, why I am I not seeing the success that comes from giving my all! I was reprimanded by the spirit as the thought came strongly "This work isn´t about you." All of a sudden I saw a glimpse of the bigger picture. I did not come on my mission for "success", I came on my mission to invite and help other people to Christ, and sometimes I forget that we have a loving Heavenly Father, and elder brother, Jesus Christ, who love these people more than I do. And They want these people of Argentina to return Their presence more then even I do. My role as a missionary is to open my mouth, bear what I know to be the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and then wait upon the Lord. If I am honoring my covenants, keeping the commandments I will never have a reason to be disappointed. For this work isn´t about me, it is so much bigger, so much better and yet I have been called of God to be a part of it! Man, I am so lucky!

Love ya! 

Hna. Amanda Ray Hill

O and my address is (hint hint!)

Sister Amanda Ray Hill

Mision Mendoza Argentina

Cabildo Abierto 161

Godoy Cruz 5501

Argentina 

I found the cutest puppy! Man having all these scary dogs everywhere still has not healed my desire to have a dog... 

This is the sunrise I get to see outside my window during personal study

Godoy Cruz

Dearest family! 

Well I am finally in Argentina and i love it! The other day I just had to stop and take it all in.... I love it! I am the only american in my pension, so hopefully i will learn castellano faster. I felt so bad. On our trip down hear I spoke the best spanish and ended up translating for everything but to be completely honest when we landed in Argentina I could not understand anything. Not only do they  shhhh the double L but they shhh any Y, and leave out any S´s. If that makes any sense... But I made by all right. And mendoza is so so much better. I can pretty much understand everything, except for my companion.... Just kidding kind of. She just came back from San Juan where they also shhhh all r´s. She is from buenos aires. She is great. She walks crazy fast! I love it!

Man, I don´t know where to start. so much has happened this week. First off, Dad, what wards/branches did you serve in. Everyone is asking me! I am serving in the city. Godoy Cruz to be exact. We share the area with some office Elders but with the amount of people coming in and out of the mission they are mainly stuck in the office so we get the area to ourselves. They just had a white night (lots of people get baptized) the week before I arrived so we are finding. I recognize that I am blessed to know as much spanish as I do but I just want to communicate freely. I got pretty frusterated Saturday but fasted Sunday and had a RRee awesome Sunday. 

A little over 90 percent of the ward is inactive and I am so excited to start working with less actives. This area has so much potential. I am so blessed and I am so excited because I am almost for sure going to stay here next transfer because my companion is headed home. I just hope I get a native companion so I will be forced to only speak the language. Actually it feels so weird to be writting in English, I guess that is a sign of improvement. 

I feel like this letter is all over the place but I will close with a couple of stories. 1. first off, though I was warned by a friend everyone starts to laugh when I introduce myself. Hill which is pronounced gil here means :stupid, dim witted, or idiot. The ward was laughing out a storm. Elder and Sister Aines asked if I wanted to add my mothers maiden name so it was less embarrassing but I have found that it breaks the ice real fast and my companion keeps telling me that she has never had so much success.

2. We walk a lot and I try to say Hello to everyone unless we are close to the plaza then it is hopeless. I cannot help but laugh at peoples reactions. Everyone is so surprised! I have actually had people stop and say they are so sorry that they don´t remember there name. Perfect! 

The A... showing off their dresses for the baptizm. Still Sad I won´t be there! So excited Hna A...Is finally getting baptized.

First day in the field

me and my companion 70 years from now...

Arrived Safely to Mendoza!

Dear Hill Family,       

We are happy to inform you that your Missionary has arrived here in Mendoza alive and well!

Following a short orientation and a dinner with President and Sister Avila, the new missionaries were then brought to the mission home to eat dinner, recuperate from the flight and have a brief testimony meeting.

Today they will meet their trainers, receive trainings from the assistants to the president, and have their first individual interview (in Spanish!) with President Avila. After this they will be off to their first assignment area. I am putting with this email a few pictures we took the first day in Argentina and you can even follow the blog of the mission at http://argentinamendozamission.blogspot.com.ar/

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family for all that you do in order to support your missionary.

                                                                                   

Sincerely,                                                                           

Elder Spiker

Secretario

Misión Argentina Mendoza

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

Fam!!

So I will be super brief. First off, I got my Visa this week. I leave in 7 days for Mendoza, Argentina. Crazy. It was interesting because I have never been to the new mission office at all. There was a meeting in Fort Collins and I was asked to stop by the mission office on my way home to pick up some things for our Zone. I was there for maybe 15 minutes and within those 15 minutes the phone rang and I didn't pay attention until I heard my name and then as I walked to the front office I saw that Sister Jensen had grabbed my file (yes.... I have a file...) I said, "Hey thats my picture" and she said, "Oh, you got your visa!" On one sense this is excellent timing, on the other aspects it is interesting that I leave now. (Hannah, your letter on the Lords timing was excellent "timed") Regardless, I am very excited to go! So, don't send me letters for the next week. I will send you my address when I get to Argentina.

This week was amazing. Me and my companion taught a lot this week. We are finally going on splits this upcoming tuesday which has been a dream for me sense week one on my mission. To have so many appointments that you need to split up to teach them. I tried to really challenge my trainee this week. On Saturday we went to South Collyer (little mexico) and walked up and down the streets and we decided we wouldn't leave until she committed three people to baptism. It was awesome and her spanish is improving so much. It is an interesting experience, because when I came out on my mission I spoke better spanish then my trainer and had come from the MTC that pounded committing to baptism after you feel the spirit. I think I surprised my trainer when I committed the first 5 people we talked with. And now it is so much fun to see my companion do kinda the same thing. I set up the lesson and then turn to my companion. Man! Though her spanish is broken she is so powerful! I will be sad to leave her, but we will end on an amazing week.

The very first week in this area I attended the Spanish group and realized that is what needed to be mended before I left. I guess I feel like that was how I could help the ward. And reality I could not do my work as a missionary until the group made a couple changes. I guess I was expecting at least another 3 weeks to put more of my insane ideas into play. Our bishop has helped so much and when I came to PEC this week and offered three more solutions to the problem we were trying to mend. We discussed them and I was afraid nothing would be done until after I left for the bishop is leaving tomorrow for a couple weeks. Then I could no longer follow up and was worried the problem would continue to grow. So I explained the many prayers, fasts, and desire that had gone into these solutions and asked that we start that very day. It was beautiful. We helped translate for the bishop as he spoke to the spanish group and there was not a dry eye in the small group by the end of the discussion. I have both faith and hope that this is the beginning of a big change. I am so grateful for the spirit, and for people who have the courage to follow through with those promptings. Aka the people of this group, bishop and auxiliary.

Well I am off!!

Did Madi get her visa to Argentina?

Love you all so much!

-Hermana Hill 

La Cucuracha, La cucuracha.... El no puede caminar (probably because he ate so blasted much!)

Greetings Family,

What is this news of Jordan having a girlfriend? Living proof that God answers Moms prayers. Just Kidding, but in all sincerity she sounds awesome.

This week has been amazing. This is the first time on my mission that the desire of my companion has matched my own. Needless to say we got loads of work done. I broke my personal record of lessons taught in a week and my District Leader was pretty surprised when we reported numbers last night. The ward is catching the wave and I am happy to announce that this week, for the first time we went to an appointment and they already had a non-member family waiting for us to be taught. I am hoping everyone in the ward will feel that and that will continue to progress.

So I decided to restructure the way I had been previously doing missionary work and have loads of member present lessons. Before the lesson we talk with the member and invite them to invite the investigator over for dinner for the following lesson. It has made the world of difference. The only downside is that I had 2 dinners 3 different times this week and on Sunday we had meals at 2:30, 5:30, 6:30 (was just dessert), and though I assured the C.... that I was full they gave me a plate of Carne Asada (my favorite), aroz, frijoles, y napalos (cactus) at 8:45 at night. But I willingly ate it as we talked to this new family they have been helping prepare.

We already have 6 member present lessons set up for next week including one tonight. We have invited a recent convert family to come help us teach P...... and D...... I am so excited! We are going on splits as well with two stellar Laurels from our ward. I just wish that some of the Laurels spoke Spanish. Looks like we need to activate them.

DAD! Oh random, but yesterday we were helping this man move a crazy heavy salt water fish tank when I saw "Strengthening Families" in his bookshelf. Afterwards I showed him the kitchen sink chapter and realized that you mention me 3 times in that essay. Living proof that I am your favorite child!

The work is swell! And on the move! I am so blessed to be working with a such a missionary minded ward. I am so grateful for my companion!  This is the best time of my life, and what is even cooler is that it is also the best time FOR my life! Why in the world am I so lucky?!?!

Oh I just remembered. We taught everywhere we could. It has been pretty warm this week, it was weird to go from 103 to me wearing a winter coat the following day though. One of the lessons we taught was outside of a bright purple trailer. It was on Main St. (busiest street in Logmont) and it was poring! When we got out of the car and we saw an older couple inside the trailor. We waved and they opened the window. As we began our greetings we also testified of the truth and told them we were here to teach them about how their families could be together forever. They welcomed our invitation but explained it was not their trailer and couldn't let us inside. So we stood in the mud as they knelt down by the window and we shared a simple but powerful message. As we left we could not help but laugh at the circumstances.

Love you all!

Les queiro muchisimo!

Sister/Hermana Hill