Que tal eh, pues mi hijito

Querida Family,

No tengo nada de tiempo. Transition to English, I don´t have anytime at all. We generally write first thing in the morning but today was a provincial holiday so we played a little basketball, volleyball, until blood was spilt and then cleaned the pension and made our way to lunch with a couple families in the ward. The Columbianos made Sancocho and we made dessert. Toddy empenadas (aka the best dessert known to man. I can´t take all the fame for the creation but I have adapted the recipe and may I say that it is genius!) Empanada tapa, chocolate chip cookie, dulce de leche, chocolate, one more cookie another tapa and then you fry the whole ordeal)

This week was amazing! Truly I am so incredibly blessed to be with the Hna. Norr. We wake up early to go running every day, (menos mal with the empanadas we are making) and she is so supportive. I have come to realize that unity within the companionship makes success a natural consequence instead of an active fight. And with Hna. Norr the success just flows. I also feel like God is blessing me for trying to do my best so far on my mission. Yesterday Hna. Norr said, ´´This has got to be the easiest area I have ever been. People let us in. The members are willing to help. We have awesome investigators. And people come to church.¨ Her comment made me laugh as I looked back to the last transfer where I felt the complete opposite. But we do have some solid investigators and we had 5 people come to church for the first time yesterday. Just no one is married. 

Elder Viñas of the 70 came to Mendoza and we traveled to hear him. It was so powerful. I actually got to see him speak twice and ran into lots of members from Godoy Cruz, my first area. I have always been nervous that no one would remember me, but I was so thrilled to see them and it was nice that they were thrilled to see me. (But I guess with the last name of ´gil´ (or stupid) I am hard to forget).

Life is great. Just so happy! Thank you for all of your support and prayers. I found this scripture in Juan 10:10 today that I love. It is true. Christ did not just come to give us life, but a more abundant life. I plead with all to use His sacrifice to more fully feel the happiness that is inevitable when filled with His love. 

The gospel is true and life is wonderful!

Hna. Hill 

Plan of Salvation (fun size)

Dearest Family,

This week has been crazy! Hermana Norr is amazing, we have been working crazy hard. Our first day she told me that she was hoping to get Hermana Sorensen as her comp and that I am the closest thing that she can get to Hermana Sorensen in the mission so she is happy, and so am I! But so happy! She is super patient, and goes along with my crazy ideas. 

There is a new missionary in our pension from Utah. She is great. She has fire. Not as much as me but she is just what I needed. I just love her so much and she likes to run stairs even at 630 in the morning. Got to love her!

Not tons of time, but I had this long thought process this week hopefully I can capture a little of it. So I came to the conclusion that the mission is just the plan of salvation at a smaller scale. Do you remember how excited I was to come on my mission? I am pretty sure it was a similar experience when we were waiting to come to earth. And now as I am coming to the end I feel like I would do just about anything for a couple extra days of life, similar to many who search for a way to prolong the inevitable. But even though days slip away I have found that instead of the slightly skewed thought process that if one doesnt work hard they will suffer the wrath of God. But the mission is similar to our life on earth and that every day is an opportunity, not a punishment. Let me explain. 

A greeny comes and regardless of what they do in their time on the mission if they finish they return an RM. I have yet to meet someone who has digressed on their mission but have seen incredible differences based upon the level of dedication, desire, faith, and diligence one places in the work and the person they are able to become. Similarly we two have our first estate. And regardless of what we do on earth will not take away the happiness we felt when we were in the presence of God. But truly God only wants us to be happy and has given us an incredible opportunity that requires dedication in order to fully capture and enjoy. 

I remember a couple weeks before the mission the whole family was dancing around the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. Jordan was being Jordan and hence Mom was laughing so hard she was snorting (probably shouldnt say that out loud), I had Daniel in my arms and Hannah finaly agreed to dance with Josh. And as everyone else danced and laughed I remember recognizing how hard it would be to leave all of you whom I loved SO much! And though I never let you guys know it was a struggle to leave you all. So why did I leave? A little of a faith, I think, but know I cannot imagine my life without la familia Ibanez, without companions, with out the familia morel, flia Kim, flia marinero, and if I keep going I will never end. But I am ever grateful for all I have learned, the people I love, and who I am becoming. And now I realize that this life is a time to prepare to meet God and practice for the happiness we can have in Heaven. I realize now that I am obedient not because I fear Hell, but because I hope (the spiritual sense of the word) because I hope for Heaven. 

Love you all!

The gospel is true.

Life is wonderful!!

Hermana Hill 

Ser una luz, en vez de un juez

Dear Familia,

Can´t tell you enough how much I love you! I figure I should remind you all! Even though we are no longer going to Jerusalem together anymore and that some of you went backpacking in the Chalet without me....(but really... you couldn´t wait? Backpacking is my favorite!!) Just kidding! 

Dad you wanted to know a little more in depth on my investigators. We are teaching a young couple Gonzalo y Daniela who have a child but are not married. They have been to church 5 times now but need to get married. This week we had a go big or go home because they are not progressing towards baptism. They read, they go to church, they pray, but they don´t understand the importance. It takes about two months to do all the paperwork for marriage. But they understand the importance. And came to church early on Sunday. 

We are teaching another family, that was a reference from a an Abrir la Boca. Super Solid! Didn´t come to church this week though. We called them until they woke up but still didn´t come. It is just hard because it is more then normal to go to sleep at about 4 or 5 in the morning on Sunday and it is hard for people to wake up at 9ish to come to church. But we have been having people set alarms in their cellphones when they commit to coming to church which helps a little. 

This week I sent Hna. Lawrence home. It is wierd because 5 of the girls going home this transfer were with me in the MTC. But ya esta. I am so excited for this transfer. Hna. Norr is coming from San Juan. I did two exchanges with her when I was in San Juan and love her to death. It will be de 10! I am just so excited to work a full! I am sad because they took out both of the Salvadoreños. But last night I made Papusas for them completely by my self and they were stellar. But I will miss them a lot! On a positive note, Hna. Rodriguez is coming to kill my MTC companion and I am so grateful God answered my prayers to let me see her before I leave. I don´t think words can describe how much I have come to love some of the people I have met on my mission. 

This week we were presenting Zone conference and though it was powerful, a thought came to my mind while we were teaching. It was a thought that came from a letter you sent to me Mom. We were talking about the atonement the power we have from the atonement and the scripture Mom shared with me from Revelation 12:11 and how the blood of the Lamb and our testimony is all we need to overcome any and all opposition. Its true. In those moments of darkness, or confusion, or pain, stating out loud the simple truths that we know with all of our heart can cut through even the darkest opposition. This Saturday was really rough for me. My heart just hurt. But that evening we were eating with a less active family and as we listened to complaints that seemed to fill the atmosphere with doubt, fear, and anger it was amazing the stark difference pure truths cut through as we bore with the power that comes the power and authority of the calling which we hold.

The gospel is true.

Life is wonderful!

Love, Hermana Hill 

Some peoples children

Dear Family,

The week started with a trip down to Mendoza for Consejo. Some of my best friends from the mission are leaving next week and it was hard to say good bye. I also got some really great news from letters from people in old areas.  It is a sad realization that some of these people I might never see again. It honestly broke my heart. But I put my act together on the 4 hour bus ride home and now I want to work harder then ever. 

This week we dropped a lot of people and found a couple. One of them is a PM family that is amazing. I asked if it would be alright if we woke them up Sunday morning and gave them the warning that I am fairly pesada. But they agreed. On Sunday I think it hit my companion that she is leaving next week and how she wants to die. We got up really early and walked a lot stopping by everyone we had invited to church. Not a single person came. But I think we woke up about 15 people. It was sad but it I felt like I had done all I could have done. Positive side affects though. We saw loads of members on their way to church and all of them were amazed at how far away we were from our pension. We are starting to get more and more member referrals. I just hope that they are able to see the fruits. 

This week a family gave me A Nikestrike soccer ball. I think that is comparable to giving up your first born child. Made me feel super great! I really love this ward. Well we are off to go hiking this morning! Have a wicked awesome week! Love you all! Thank you for your prayers and for your letters!

The gospel is true!

Life is wonderfuL!

Love,

Hna. Hill

Amanda's Letter

July 28, 2014

Dearest Family,

I just love you so much! I don´t think there is a luckier person in the world. This week was great. It had its opposition but so does anything that is worthwhile in this world. We had more lessons this week with a member then we have had all transfer. And we had huge support for Mikaela´s baptism. I was extremely happy because more people came to her baptism then the stake activity the following day. 

We had a rather funny moment though. I think I mentioned that I we live in the middle of centro? Well we were walking from out pension to the church through centro centro with 3 plates of brownies and in the 5 blocks to the church 6 people stopped us to talk to us! This is coming from the same five blocks that people try to avert our gaze (like that is going to stop us from talking to them) and reject a good 19 times out of 20. I found it hilarious. I think we will walk around centro with plates of brownies from now on! But who can say no to hot brownies smothered in chocolate and dulce de leche. 

Had my first interview with President Goates. He is such a good guy! Way different from President Avila. It is official. I am coming home the end of September. He denied my plea for an extension. He too showed me my itinerary. It broke my heart, but I have been smart and misleading everyone in the ward that I still have a ton of time left, and if anything knowing when I go makes me even want to work harder. My poor companion. It is a good thing she loves me! 

I studied prayer a lot this week, and put it into practice even more. I feel like there are so many blessing just waiting for us, and just like it says in the english bible dictionary so many of these blessing are conditional on us asking for them. Sometimes it just blows my mind!!! How lucky are we? Can you imagine your life without prayer? I sure can´t and there is nothing more powerful then when you teach someone to open their heart to their Heavenly Father and you find yourself listening to some of the first sincere communication between child and Father. Thank you for the prayers you send in my direction. I really do feel the power of those prayers! I love you all so much!

The gospel is true.

Life is wonderful!

Hermana Hill

Assume the Good, Doubt the Bad

Dearest Family!

Stop it!! You guys are going to Bill Cosby live!!! He is still living? just kidding!! That is awesome!! Jealous! I still think I can quote a line or two from most episodes of the 8 seasons of the Cosby Show. Good luck Jordan and Dad in the Spudman! I have no doubt that you will finish with flying colors. Maddy, I love you more than you love me, period you can´t erase!

No one is super happy this morning here in San Luis... I can´t imagine why.... I just hope no one thinks I am from Germany. My goal is to make it home alive... But people still went crazy after the partido. This is the first game that we were asked to stay inside all day. Went to church and that was it. We cooked some awesome food though and had a long time to catch up in my journal. 

I had a first this week. Hna. Goates came out with us. I have had 4 different presidents and this is the first time I have had one of their wives come out with us. She served her mission in columbia and we taught the Colombian family it was amazing. She is super powerful and they came to church this week. They are ready to get baptized but it just takes forever to get people married in this country. Especially if you are not living in the country legally (can´t imagine why...)

Not really sure what else to say. This week was good. We had lots of solid lessons and I went to La Punta for exchanges (a little place in the middle of nowhere where there are probably more dogs then people) and I fell in love. Clean air, open people, mountains, awesome companion, solid plans, and giant dogs. What more do you want?! I will have to send a pic. 

I came to some profound conclusions this week. But pretty difficult to explain them all, but I feel like I better came to understand my Savior. It still amazes me all He has done for all of these people, but more then ever, what he has done for me!

Love you all!

1. Missionary by day.

2. Argentina fan by night.

3.La Punta

Talk less say more

Dear Family,

This week was super interesting.  I had a really amazing experience on Tuesday night. I ended up sleeping at the presidents home on Tuesday and me and Hna. Lawrence slept where the 70, area authorities, and apsotles stay when they come to our mission. (Yay, I am moving up in the world!) But tuesday night as I knelt by my bed to pray on carpet (a dream!) I pored out all my hopes and dreams I had for Pringles the following month and towards the end I had the coolest thought. I wonder who else has knelt at that same bed and pleaded with the Father for the exact same thing. In that moment I felt so unifyed with purpose or the motivation that ties us all together, the salvation of mankind. We are so lucky to know, and live that truth. 

The new president is excellent. Did you get the email he sent you, dad? He was taking a picture of Hna. Enos, Hna. Lawrence and me when my camera died. He felt bad, it didn´t matter to me but he told me, ¨No, tomorrow you will have consejo and you deserve to have pictures with you and the other Elders and Sisters there.¨ And left with a look of determination in his eyes. About 15 minutes later returned with a charger in hand and the exclamation ´´I found it´´! The true character of a man is not only measured by his boldness when standing for truth, but even more so in  the sincerity and love shown in the little things.  Him and his wife also not only supported us, but helped us pull a prank on the AP´s.... AKA I love them! 

We were only able to work the full day through on Thursday and Friday. But we were blessed to be teaching and not be out finding. We also got some amazing referrals from members this week. This is the first time in my mission that I have gotten confidence from the members so soon. I am super excited to be here!

Yesterday we had a lesson with M. it has been a struggle to find her but even though she is never home on Sundays we felt like we should go and found her yesterday. She let us in and the first thing she said was, ´´Just a sec, let me grab my Book of Mormon´´ She came back and within the last week has read up to 1 Nephi 14 and asked her teacher if she can do a book report on The Book of Mormon instead of the classic they are reading. Super proud of her. We were inviting her to be baptized when her Mom walked in. Her mom is super catholic but among her praises of saints and virgins she answered my question if she has seen a change in her daughter since she started reading the Book of Mormon. She answered yes. And we were in the process of putting fecha on the both when her father got home from work. The third time was the charm. The spirit was strong. And needless to say, The Book of Mormon is true. The parents didn´t accept a baptismal date but they all know it is true. 

Another miracle, a young couple we are teaching decided to get married. It is a long process but are taking the first steps of being an eternal family.

I got whatever Hna. Lawrence got, I am sick enough that I got a blessing but not sick enough to stay inside. Pray for me though, I don´t feel that great and we have a way awesome P-day planned with the sisters from sucre and some less actives and investigators. 

Love you all! Praying for you! 

The gospel is true. Life is wonderful!

Love,

Hermana Hill

pics.... LOOK!! I found a jazz coat! And a BOM shirt (quite literally the Bomb!) I also found a wicked awesome night gown  but figured I am already embarrassing myself enough with swag.