Dear Family!
This week has been a week of firsts/ adventures. Jordan,
remember how you gave me a letter the day I went into the MTC on the back of
your Physics homework? Well I found it last week and read it and most
definitely followed your advice along with the advice of Prez. McGinn and
possibly even Bishop Misbach about being myself. And I have found the more I
make my companion laugh the more we get done. And there is great power from the
stark difference from being light and funny and then bearing a powerful
testimony with all my heart and soul. People tend to listen and really feel
what I am saying.
We built a part of a house this week. It was fun it took me
back to Aunt Jenises house and hours of putting up siding. Turns out I still
rock at using a hammer but barely lost to Elder Harvey in a serious hammering
competition. I ended getting burned bad and looked like a raccoon for the rest
of the week due to my safety glasses and hard hats. (Also reason for no
pictures... That and the fact that I left the camera at home).
We taught English at a refugee center this week and it was
hilarious. Our zone leaders told us they were not going to make it so we showed
up they handed us a text book and showed us our class of 20. There were from 9
different countries and spoke 13 different languages. Needless to say by the
end of the lesson I had my charades skill tuned to perfection.
I had my first zone conference and exchanges. I slept in a
bed for the first time on my mission and it felt so nice! I love white people
but I am so glad I am working with the Hispanic population. Exchanges were
amazing though. I learned so much. And thank goodness to the willingness of my
companion but we have completely changed how we plan and I have loved the results
so far. On exchanges I taught in English and used my English scriptures. I was
able to use all kinds of words but have also realized how strong of a testimony
I have of the Libro De Mormon. I mean the Book of Mormon is true and is evident
while reading it, but the Libro de Mormon is just so beautiful and perhaps it
is the fact of how slow I must read it and the effort I need to put into each
study but I have found much inspiration in that book during my mission.
Oh! Mom, Aaron and Jenny, and Grandma and Grandpa! Thank you
so much for the packages. I got them at zone conference! And Maddy.... after
zone conference I was sending the packages back to my home as I went on
exchanges and my companion opened your present for me and read it aloud. Everyone
laughed and I turned bright red and was completely embarrassed. I hope you are
happy! Don't worry... I laughed too...
One of the highlights of my mission has been teaching Do.
and his family. I think I told you that we dropped him a while ago because he
wasn't progressing but about 2 weeks ago he called us and asked us to come back
promising that he would change. Ever since then he has mostly followed through
with commitments. Every time we go over his whole family and neighbors listen.
Two nights ago we stopped by and Do. wasn't there but his family welcomed us in
and De. made all the children sit down to listen. I haven't had that much fun
teaching a lesson in a long time. By the end we had 8 children ages 3-6,
4 children 8-13, and about 8 adults all crowded into the living room of an
apartment. We talked about commandments and described the relationship between
us and God as we keep them by interlocking two books of Mormon. The children
laughed as parents red faced tried to tear the books apart. (thank goodness for
the phone book episode on mythbusters.....)
We taught S. J. y C. the Plan of Salvation again but this
timed focused on their ultimate goal of being sealed as a family in the temple.
I have taught this lesson a couple times but it had never been as powerful as
this one. They are so ready to be baptized. I cannot wait. I am so blessed!!
Church was alright. I always get frustrated when we invite
people to church and high counsel people come to speak and they speak in
English and don't have anyone to translate. I really shouldn't get frustrated.
I am far to judgmental. Upon talking to one of the investigators he told me not
to worry, he could feel it in his heart. If only I could be as pure as my
investigators. It is a work in progress. High light of church was seeing S.
face as his friend that he refered to us came to church. I didn't realize the
power that comes as investigators teach other investigators. I understand that
testimonies increase when shared. I guess from the beginning I should have had
investigators come with us to teach other investigators the whole time.
So much happened this week but I don't have time to write
all. I am so happy! Thank you for your prayers! And next week I find out if I
am in the Fort Collins mission or Denver North. Hahaha!! I might get to serve
three missions. HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE!!
The Gospel is true.
Life is wonderful.
Yours Truly!
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