Vincent's Baptism!!!

Hello everyone, I hope that you have all had a good week! It has been a good one over here! A lot that has happened and a lot of blessings. 

Monday was p-day but that night we went and taught Bryce. He is one of the 9 year old's that we are teaching. He is so cute and so ready. We went over the plan of salvation with him and he loved it. He knew so much already but we were able to help him remember everything. He is so cute and just loved going over it again. Then that night we went over to the sisters because we were having exchanges with our sister training leaders. It was a lot of fun. We got over there and it was late so we just got ready for bed. 

Tuesday I was able to work with Sister Conover all day. I love her so much, we have been able to work with each other a lot and it has been fun to get to know her and the things that she likes to do. We went street contacting and knocking on doors. And then we were going to have a lesson with a lady and right before we went she canceled. So we went back to their apartment and made cookies to go and give to some people. We couldn't find the cookie sheet, well you can't make cookies

without a cookie sheet. We looked all around, it was under the stove but she couldn't open it, she was trying so hard for so long. And it was hard to open but then I came over and got it in two pulls. Haha it was pretty funny, sometimes you need someone else's help to get something. We all came back together and had dinner and then we had English class. We didn't have a lot of students, they all weren't able to make it. So sad, but we got to teach Monica and she is the cutest thing. We

finished the exchange and finished up the night. It was sad to think that would be my last one but it was so much fun and I love those sisters a lot!! 

Wednesday we got up and went straight to new missionary training. I love new missionary training it is so edifying and we are able to learn so much. It is up by the temple so it is a good 30-40 minute drive and we were able to get up there. We started with a vehicle training

and then we had our mission training. It was so good Elder Piper gave it, he is in the north west presidency, he is so knowledgeable. It is so cool to be able to find ways that we are able to learn but then we can help others gain that testimony for themselves. To say the least, I learned a lot. We then were able to get and have a yummy lunch and have the new missionary training. The new missionaries got to learn a few things that they can do to help them learn and to grow. We then were able to go and practice teaching situations. I think for any age of missionary it is a good thing. It helps us find things that we can always be improving on and finding ways that we can become better. After we practiced with a bunch of other missionaries. I just loved it all so much I was able to learn a lot and find ways that I can improve. Then we had

to take a Sister to go and get their car. They needed to get something fixed on it so we went to help them get their car. We then went straight to a member's house. They are a part member family and the mom who is a non-member invited us over. They were having their daughter's first birthday with cake and pizza. It was so sweet of them and we were able to get to know them more. It was a lot of fun and such a sweet family. We went and had a lesson with the Christensen’s and that was

good. We were so tired but we will kept on going and we went over a few scriptures with them, and were able to have a meeting with some more of the ward members on how we can help our missionary work continue. We were also getting things ready for the baptism that we had that Saturday.

 

We then went and visited the Walker’s, they said that they had something for us so when we were finished with everything we stopped by. She had made cinnamon rolls for her husband's birthday and wanted to know if we wanted any. It was the kindest thing ever, we were able to sit and talk to her and have a good treat. I just love them so much they are so sweet!!! 

Thursday we weekly planned for all of the people that we are teaching, and figuring out things that we need to do for the week. It is always a good thing. To find things that we need to fix and also do better. After that we went to Monica's and had our English class and taught her more and we met all of her family. We went to the church so I could practice my song for the baptism, it sounded really good so I am so excited!!! We went to the Ewell’s, they are so sweet and they have slowly warmed up to us. After that we really got to know them, they are so kind. We got to talk to Sister Ewell for a while and got to get to know her and what she likes to do. She is so sweet and what a good chance that was for all of us. We then were able to talk to someone in the street. If we didn't go over to her house we wouldn't have met Jose and it was so cool. 

Friday, we had a good district council. Learned a lot and was able to help others. A lot of laughing which is always a good thing! 

We were able to call Sister Burch and we are going to start teaching her the lessons again. She needs a reminder which is always a good thing for us all. 

We went and then got everything ready for the baptism we practiced and made sure that everything was set up and then we took our pictures and then went and had his baptism. The spirit was so strong, and it was an amazing experience!! What a good way to end the day. I am so happy that this little family could start their journey together and make sure that they are doing everything that they can to be together forever. 

Saturday was so good we went and cleaned the church, and it was good. There were not a lot of people there so it took us longer than we thought. We contacted a lot of people and went to the park to go street contacting. There were a good amount out, it is funny we either get people who walk away from us, they say we are good we don't believe, we are good we already have Jesus, they ignore us, or they are willing to talk. And the people who were willing to talk today were the first and the last one. They were so cool, the last guy that we

talked to was cool. He was working out and we asked him about the workout. And then he was really interested in learning more about what we teach. He was asking us questions about the things we teach and believe. And just listening intently. Then at the end, he opened up a lot and said that everything that we talked about he believes. It was the coolest thing, we had an amazing conversation and he just so ready and prepared. That night we went to our ward potluck it was good, we invited a few people to come and it was really good. One came and we figured out that he wasn't too interested in learning more which was good to finally know so we can focus our attention on people who are interested. At least had a good night with the Spanish branch. The cool thing was that they did

questions for couples and they and they have to answer it for the other one, what they like. So they made us go up there and we answered them. It was so funny we got most of them right!!! We are just that good. 

Then Sunday, we were able to speak in our English ward. It was so sad because it is like my home and it felt like I was given a farewell talk. I was looking over the congregation and was able to see all of the people that I was able to help. Everyone was so kind and said that I was going to be greatly missed. I just love them all so much and so glad that I am close so then I could come back. 

And then in the Spanish branch Sister Padilla spoke and

then I am speaking next week. It was a good talk but none of our friends showed up, but it was still edifying. 

We then that night went to the prezes for dinner, and we got the most amazing tortas ever!!! They are having a kid so it was their baby shower. So we got to know some more of their family!! 

That night we were able to go and knock a lot of doors. We were able to get in contact with a lot of people and find times to go and visit them. But then while we were walking we were able to find some new friends we can teach. James was so ready he was asking us when we could come over and meet his family. And then the other couple, they were starting a bike ride with their dog. They put their big Goldendoodle riding in a backpack and they rode their bikes. It was the coolest thing and I just loved it so much.

 

It was a good week being able to see Vincent get baptized and confirmed. What a special moment it was and a good week!!! 

This week I wasn't to share with you all something that I talked about in my sacrament talk. I talked about trusting in the lord. The youth theme. It is such a good one, and I think it applies to everyone. 

In the October 1995 conference, Richard G. Scott gave a talk called trust in the lord. It the talk he says, 

"It is hard to understand why our exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not bring the desired result.

No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing. It is vitally important for each of us to identify from which of these two sources come our trials and challenges, for the corrective action is very different." 

Life is not easy and it is hard for everyone. We are put in hard situations and trials, someone that is hard for us. Some come to us and some we cause ourselves. Life is hard to understand, but I love the next part that he says, "This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence. To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning (see Prov. 3:5–7). To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.

To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love."

I love this so much, he describes it better then I could ever. We have to turn towards him and give him all that he has and all that we are. Putting our faith and trust in him gives us the chance to learn and to grow. He gave himself for each and everyone of us. Because of Him the things that we are going through we don't have to do it alone even if we put ourselves in the hard and difficult situation. He is there and He is never going to leave us. I love where it talks about, if a trail were to happen and God takes it away we would never learn. And that is not the point of this life, we are supposed to rely on our Savoir and all that he has done for us. We need to call his name and understand that we are given things to help us become stronger. We have to break and tear so we are stronger and stronger. Then we can go and help others find that joy. We are here to share that with others and if we don't take that chance then what is the point we are not keeping our baptism covenants. Being his example and helping others come unto him. Trust him and all that he has given us! 

I am so grateful for the chance that I have to share the gospel with others each and every day and the opportunity I have to do and be better. I am so happy that I have learned to trust my Savior and all that he has done for me and for others. 

Matildes Baptism!!!

Hello everyone, I hope that you are all having a good week! This week was eventful to say the least.  Also happy Valentines day, I hope you all have an amazing day. 

Monday was good. We went and played pickleball with the district and then we went to Cafe Río and had a good p-day talking with our families. 

That night all of our lessons canceled but one, we were able to go and visit the Leavitt’s, they are just like family. They were so cute and happy they I stayed and then I we were able to visit with them. They are so cute and amazing and I love them so much. 

Tuesday we did all of our studies in the morning. We went and practiced my songs that I will sing for the next two baptisms and then we went and visited Sister Grimmitt. She is the Young Women's president and we have been trying to get into her home for a long time and we finally did. It was so much fun. She is so cute and so sweet. We got to get to know her and about her family situation, and then see how we can help the young women. It was a great visit. She loves the young women so much and she is such a good person. It is hard for her to get close to people… well missionaries because they just leave and she loves to get to know others but when we just get up and leave it is so hard. But I am blessed she had let me in and I am able to get to know her!

Then we went to the murrays, it is Sister Murray's birthday so they had us over for dinner. And it was so good and so much fun. 

Then we had English class. I was getting a little frustrated with our students because there are a few of them who don't study at home and think they just need to come to class and then they will learn English. But that is not how it works. I know that for a fact! And so that has been a little hard, but there is a cute couple that comes and they just have a strong desire and so it is so cool to watch them learn and grow.

Wednesday we did a lot of walking and street contacting. We first had a lesson with Tiffany and she is doing so good, she has gone down from 15 smokes to 7 a day and is doing so good. We had an amazing lesson about baptism and the love of God and how he has helped us. But also the temple, something that she wants. And after our good discussion with her the spirit was so strong and Sister Padilla was on a roll. And the spirit was working through her, in that moment I was able to see her as God did and knew that she is just going

to be an amazing missionary. She invited Tiffany to go down 2 more smokes each day, and she took that challenge. So keep her in your prayers please that she can do that!!! And we had amazing fellowship Sister Taylor that was so amazing, we were able to talk to her after and she is so amazing, a lot of good insiste and just was helping Tiffany and giving her the things that she needed. Then we went street contacting talked to a lot of people, none of them were interested but it was good for us to go out and try, effort is the biggest thing. 

After that we called Sister Bruch and she is doing well, she passed her class so that was good to hear and then we were able to help her.

 

That night we were able to go to the church and Tehani got her temple recommend so she is ready to go! We had a good short lesson with the both of them after about getting all of the things ready for Vincent's program. We are so happy for him and this decision that he has made. Then we went to the Christensen’s, we had a good lesson about missionary work with them and how we can be missionaries now. And then talked about the ward and how we can help them. It is always so good and something that I love! 

Thursday was weekly planning, we were able to plan for the people that we are teaching and how we can help them, and then prepare for the baptism that we had. It went really well and she is all ready to go. 

We then went to Hermana Milan’s, she forgot that she was giving us food to go and so we visited her while she made it for us to go. Then we went to the May's, they are so cute, we were able to get to know them, they are so nice and just a cute small family. We were able to have a yummy dinner with them. Their daughter just got baptized so we talked about how it was and the things that she felt. It was so cute and we are so happy for them. Then we went and visited Sister Barillas. Her kids are small and cute, we watched the video called The Coat and talked

about service and how we can help others. Kids are so cute and innocent and I just love working with them. They all know, they know what is right and the things that we need to do come closer to Christ. 

We then ran to the church and had an awesome lesson with Mike and Larkin. It was so cool we were able to go over the plan of salvation and what it is, and the best part was the first time that we taught this to Mike they were with us. And so that was a lot of fun!!! It was a really good discussion of what he remembers but since he has been to the temple there were more connections and things he was able to relate to!!! 

Then we went to Matilde’s to finish off the night. We were able to introduce her to another member and they just hit it off. It was so cute to watch, I was happy for them. We talked about service and her baptism and the things that she will be doing this Saturday. We are so happy for her and this great decision that she is making. 

Friday we went to district council, it was really good. I feel like I always learn a lot, but this week I was able to give a doctrinal discussion and I talked about growing ourselves closer to Jesus chris and the BOM that I am working on. I love being able to share it with others it brings me a lot of joy!!

We went to the mission office to get some paperwork done and then needed a blizzard break, so we did language study and got ice-cream, yum. We then went and practiced the songs with the Sisters one last time before the baptism, which was good! It was good to talk and get some laughs. 

Then that night we had the Cardena’s, and it was so much fun. We were able to talk about the plan of salvation. We took a white board and drew it with them and explained it to them.

They all loved it and it was good for them all to be able to share their testimony with them all and everyone be able to share their thoughts about it!!! 

We then went around and knocked doors of people that we needed to get a hold of. It was good and a good way for us to help our members. 

Then Saturday the big day we got everything ready and got her there. It was so good we were able to talk to her about what to expect and the things she needs to do. It was an amazing baptism, the spirit was so strong there was a lot of support form the members. And then all of the talks and everything were amazing. I was able to sing I Feel My Savior's Love in Spanish for her. And then she

was baptized. One amazing thing about it is from this whole experience her son who is less active is coming back to church and wants to be a good example for his daughter. So that is a small miracle from the whole thing. We then went got lunch and what was so amazing we went to Jimmy John's and we were getting our food and the lady asked how we are doing. We told her we were really happy because our friend just got baptized and then she started asking a bunch of questions about it, and wanted to learn more. We gave her all of our information and we took hers and she wanted to come to church. It is so cool that in the small things and opportunities we can share the gospel even at Jimmy John's!! Then Sister Padilla had a doctor's appointment so we went, it was really good. Then we went street contacting, it was so

cool we were able to go to Sunset Park and the whole nation was there, it was so much fun. I got to teach her how we do it, and then we found three people. That was our goal and God provided, it was awesome to see that. We planted a lot of seeds. And there are good people out there, a lot of people who don't want to talk to us but still there are a lot of good people. Then we went to the White’s, it was their kids birthday and they wanted us to go so we stopped by for dinner and had pizza and a good visit. From there we went to the Rodriguez’s we haven't been there in a while because of covid. So it was so good to visit with them, and then we got things ready for Vincent's baptism program.

Sunday, the holy day, the best day!!! The best day ever, we all know that. We had 4 friends show up to church and then had an amazing meeting, then we had our Spanish branch and Matilde had her confirmation. It was so good, the spirit was so strong and we had a good sacrament meeting. But also I had to lead the music in sacrament meeting, and they picked  the longest songs and my arm was so tired I was dying. So that was fun but I will do it for the Lord. But we had a good church service. Then that night we had Vincent's interview and it went so good. He passed his interview and he is so ready!!! We are so happy and excited for him. Then we went and had super bowl dinner with the whites. HAMBURGERS!!! Well funny story, there is a name for redhead, pelirroja. But the name for a person who likes to fart is something like pelerroja,

and so an honest white girl move, I messed up so instead of saying that I am a redhead I said that I like to fart. Hehe, so that was good. The Rodriguez asked us to go over because it was their sons birthday, to say the least I was all cake and ice creamed out. We went to the Martinic’s and got to visit their family, they are crazy like all families. It was a good week full of all the emotions but so glad that it was a good week!! 

This week I want to share with you all 2 Nephi 4:16, 20 (And then because the chapter is so good and I love it so much I took a picture of the study of it that I did this week and I hope that you all have time to read through this chapter. We would be here for days if I tried to explain and tell you about it so here is a picture.) 

16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

Soul- Spiritually, Thanksgiving, and gratitude for all that he has done! My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord, that He has given us this gospel and the light of the world that we can become like Him, be our better self, spiritually and physically. 

And then my heart pondereth continually- this is something that our heart and soul want and have a desire for. We all want the living water, the well is there, we just need to go to it. 

And then 20, my God is my support, this is a support day by day, meaning that he is always there for us. 2 cor. 4:16 

He is the one and only one that can carry us through our affliction, and the hardest times of our lives. When we feel we aren't getting out of the hole. Because we all have our wildernesses and as we go through the great deep waters of our lives the one person that is with us and is going to carry us though is our Savior Jesus Christ and the love that he shows all of us. And then real fast VS 21 he hath filled me with his love (his compassion and with his grace) even unto the consuming (D&C 84:33) of my flesh. I just can't express how much I love this chapter, I hope you can see it in my picture. But I also hope you all have the chance to go and read it for yourselves. I love you all so much and hope you have the most amazing week ever!!! 

I Love to See the Temple!!!

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well! I hope that you are having an amazing week. Let me tell you my week was amazing!

Monday was just a regular day, nothing too crazy happened. 

 

And then Tuesday was an insane day, we got up and got ready and then headed straight to the mission office. Sister Snow was supposed to leave that day but it got pushed back a few days. We got there and got to see a lot of sisters it was a lot of fun. We then got called in to go and sit down because the meeting was going to start with the new missionaries. So we got to go and visit with them for a while and then we sat down, but they didn't start for

a long time. We all studied and talked. Once it started, we had a good discussion about missionary work and what it means to be a missionary. Why we are out here and what we need to do. After all of the talking and sharing thoughts and stories and letting all the new missionaries know about the mission we got to meet our new companions, I was so excited, I didn't think that this was going to be for me, I didn't understand why President was asking me to train, but in that moment I knew that it

was the thing that I needed to do. We were all pairing up and then it was closer to the end and I was called. I got Hermana Padilla! Let me just say that she is the cutest thing ever. When we got with our comps and were sitting with them Elder Taylor, the AP, said “look at each other, this is love at first sight”. Haha what a man, I knew it was going to be good though. 

We got Chick Fil A for lunch and had a good time getting to know each other. Then we went

back in and got further instruction and things that we can work on. We also split up trainers in one place and trainees in another so we could talk about things that we needed to do. Then they said they are going to take all of the new missionaries and do interviews with them. We talked about our area and things that are going to happen the people and then the ward and the branch. And then we were one of the last ones for the interview. She went back and I got to talk with Sister Rodarte and then I got

to back and talk with President. It was good we talked about a few things that are going on in my life right now. But when it came down to it he talked to me about leaving my legacy with her. And this is the second or third time that he said that and so I feel this is really important I feel like. He kept saying the things that you do and teach her will at least be here for 18 months and he said it could even be more and more. I just think it shows how important this is. He told me he took me out of leadership because he needed his best leaders training new missionaries. And I feel honored that he said that to me. I have tried to work hard and do everything that I need to do and help all come unto Christ. Sister Snow went with some other sisters to go and get a covid test and when we were done she was back. We went to the store to get

a few things that she needed and then went to work. We went and saw the Cacares family, they wanted to say goodbye to Sister Snow. They got us cupcakes, we were able to say goodbye to Sister Snow, and then welcome to Sister Padilla. They are a cute family and it has been so much fun to be able to get to know them and what they like to do. 

We came home and got dinner and then went to the church for English class. We had a lot of

our students there and a lot of new ones. It has been a lot of fun to be able to get to know people and help others learn. It was fun to be able to teach with Hermana Padilla, we are going to work well together. 

Wednesday we had to get up really early for the temple. It was so good for us to be able to go. There were only 5 sisters and a lot of elders so it was a really good thing that we went. I love the temple and it’s always needed, especially with this being my last transfer. A lot

of weird feelings coming and something that I am just trying to push away and not think of. After the temple and seeing a lot of mission friends we were able to go back to the apartment and have the mission training. It was a really good one. We talked about helping our friends and getting them to church, but also helping them stay and continue on the right path. They are always so good!!! We had a quick lunch and then back to work, it was Sister Snow's last day and it was go go go to

see people and saying goodbye for her. We had a lesson with Tiffany, we talked about the temple and blessings that she is going to be able to receive as she gets baptized and what a special moment that is going to be. 

Then we had a lesson with Tehani and Vincent and they were so sweet and said goodbye to Sister Snow and then we had a good lesson with them. They both have been going through some life struggles and things that have been

so hard. And she was thinking why has it been so hard after I got baptized. She knows that it wasn't going to all go away but why that fast. We were able to talk through it and help her talk about a few things that she needed to get out. We invited Vincent to think about baptism again and pray about a day and if it is something that he wants. We then went to the Walker’s, they are the sweetest and got us Juan's it’s a Mexican restaurant, they got us so much. Let me just say they are so kind to get us the food and think of us. It was so amazing and fed us for days. All I have to say i if a man does not take me to Juan's then I don't know if I can marry him. Just kidding, well just a little. It was good to be able to visit with them and see how they are doing and introduce Sister Padilla. We then ran to Matilde’s and she wasn’t home, but we texted her

and set up another time. And then ran over the Christensen’s and visited with them. It was a good one there were a lot of laughs and a good conversation. They are so funny and just good people. We were able to talk about the people that we are teaching and how we are helping them and that was really good. We then ran home and got everything ready for Sister Snow, Elder and Sister Scott were there to pick her up. And then she was off just like that. It was sad but this is what she needed and it is good for her. We finished up our day and then went to bed. 

Thursday was another amazing day, we were able to go to the temple again. This time we drove with the Sisters and they were so sweet and got us McDonald's. We

drove up and met Mike there and they met one of their recent converts and then the elders came and they brought a recent convert. Let me just say that it was one amazing experience to be able to go through with someone that we were able to teach, baptize and then take all of those steps to get him to the temple. I have never been able to be a part of all of that for someone so it was pretty amazing. The spirit was so strong. We finished and then went home and got right to weekly planning. It was so much fun to be able to go through all of our people that we are teaching. 

That night we were able to go to the Thompson’s and visit with them and introduce Sister Padilla. They are so cute and such a good family. I love all of the ward members,

they are so cute and just down to earth. They help me find the joy in the little things and continue to find things that I am grateful for. I just love all of the people here. 

Friday, we had our first District Council of the transfer. So many good trainings and learning a lot of good things. There is never a dull moment with elders. We looked at our phone in the middle of it and saw that Sister Rodarte was trying to get a hold of us. Well, we finally texted her back and found out that a sister was going to be staying with us for a day or two because her flight to her original assignment got canceled. So when we got out of the district council we were able to have her there and we took her and went on with our day. From there we went and visited Trish to see how she was doing and how the

temple went for her, her thoughts and feelings. She loved it all she said that it was like she was getting baptized again all of the same feelings came back to her. She turned to us and said there was one thing that you didn't tell me. Let me first say that she took eight family names to do them for. All of the sudden she says I didn't know that I was going to be baptized over and over again, I thought it was just once. She said that it is probably a good thing that you didn't say anything. haha, that was so funny but she loved it so much and wants to come back and do more and more. It made me so happy to be able to see her get ready and prepare for that moment. After that we went and had a lesson with Lumy. we had fellowship meet us there. We got there and we didn't have her apartment number so we were trying to find it. After

finding it we went in and had a good lesson with her about the spirit and the restoration of the gospel. The spirit was so strong and we were able to answer all of the questions that she had. She is so cute and has been reading the BOM. We invited her to pray and know if Joseph Smith was a prophet! 

And then we had a lesson with Matilde, she is so cute and amazing. We had a great lesson with her. We got a lot of things ready for her baptism and getting her program ready. She is so happy and this is something that she has been waiting for for a while. She has been able to continue to grow and strengthen her testimony of our Savior and understand the importance of church and going each week. It makes me so happy to be able to

watch the change and progress in her and to be able to see her baptized next week! 

Saturday, we went in the morning and helped to clean the church, we got the bathrooms, yaya! such a fun job, but it has to be done, so now it’s clean for another week. We finished up everything and were getting ready to do well . . .  in the supply room there is a gate and we thought it would be so funny to get a picture behind it so we set up the camera to

take a picture and we accidentally closed the door, when we went to open it and it was locked we couldn't open it. We thought that our president had left and wasn't coming back and the only way to open it is with a key. After yelling for a little bit and waiting he came back and got us out. He couldn't stop laughing and thought it was the best thing ever. I am so glad we could give him a good laugh. Then we went home, did some studies and called Gustavo, we are going to try and teach him. He is so busy that it has been hard but we are going to get him! We went and got the Sister her covid test so she could leave the next day. Then we were able to go and visit with our branch president and introduce Sister Padilla to them and talk about things that we can do to help the branch. Their daughter for her birthday got a Spiderman suit and she

wanted to show us. It was the funniest thing!!! 

We went and had a lesson with Bryce and were able to talk about the restoration. He is a young boy who is 9 years old and his parents want him to be baptized so we have friends come with us and we go and teach him. It is a lot of fun. He is wanting to learn more and become a member! 

We were able to go visit and have a yummy dinner with the Korangtang’s. They are a cute family who just got here and it was good to get to know them. Most of our lessons were canceled for the night so we were able to call and go knock doors to see how some of our people are doing. It was good for us to get out and talk to others

We finished the night knocking on the door of a lady we thought was in the Spanish branch but she had just moved. but we were able to talk to this other lady and talk to her. She was very kind and we set up a time to go back, a big success. 

Sunday was a crazy good day. First fast Sunday and I love them so much! We went to take the Sister to get her ready to leave, we were getting everything ready and after it all her flight was canceled again! So after a lot of phone calls and getting things set up they were able to get her on a flight that night. I am glad she could finally get to her original call.  

We went to church and got there a little late but were still able to greet people and see how they are doing. It was so amazing I was able to see a lot of people and let them know that I was staying and not being transferred, it made me so happy. We saw Tehani and Vincent and all of the sudden Vincent turns to me and says that he has something to tell me. He said that I would like to be baptized on February 18th! Then he asked, is that too soon? I turned to him and said no, that is perfect, we can make that happen. I was so happy and excited. Something that I was fasting for happened and the day wasn’t even over. Things work out in the time and the way that they need to and it made me so happy. We had an amazing meeting that day and then went to the Spanish branch. We had Matilde there and then Lumy came, it was a good meeting for them both to be at. and then after church Matilde had her interview and she passed, everything is getting finalized and I am so excited. We went and had “break the fast” with our branch. They wanted to do something, a little activity for the branch so it was good to be able to talk to the members. 

We had a lesson with the Cardenas and then with the James families. The Cardena’s family is going to get rebaptized, their son is a convert baptism. And then the James family is really close to them and they are in the ward. So we were able to talk about Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel. And I loved the lesson so much because we were able to get all of these different points of view. We had all ages and were able to have a good diction about it. The spirit was so strong, I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of their experience. Getting a second chance and being able to do this as a family and helping their son learn. It just has made me so happy to be able to see the whole thing happen and be a part of it all!!! 

We then went to the Mayers for dinner, let me just say after fasting all day that those were the best hamburgers that I have ever had. Smoked and all the fixings, it was so good!!! 

I love their family so much they are so amazing I feel like I am home. We were able to talk about missionary work with their kids and the importance of it. And what we can do to prepare, but also what can we do to be a missionary now. The spirit was so strong in the discussion being able to feel the love and desire of these future missionaries and the important work they will be doing. This is the most important work in the world that we are able to do. To help others receive salvation and exaltation but also having your personal conversion is so amazing. To say the least I loved it! 

We then went to the Domina’s, they are a cute family that I have been able to get to know. We made origami hearts with them and talked about things that we love. They have so much energy so it was really good for them, and so much fun. Then we dropped off Sister Bastido and she was on her way to Uruguay. And then we fished off the night with the devotional. It was a good week, the first and last of a good transfer. Time is a crazy thing and I am so sad that it is coming to an end but with the time that I do have I am going to do all that I can to serve my Savior Jesus Christ and help others come unto him!! I will make it count. That is the least I can do for him!!! 

This week I want to share with you all something that I have been working on. When president Ballard came to the mission one challenge that he gave us was to grow our relationship with our savior Jesus christ and that is something that I took to heart. I know that I have a good relationship with him but I also know that I can do more. So that is what I am doing. I decided to make myself a BOM, I put pictures on the front and back of it and then to also go through it and mark his name, his attributes and where it talks about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And let me just say I am addicted to it. I want to work on it all of the time. It is so fun but I just love learning more and more about my Savior and I feel that this is something that I need to do. But a few weeks ago I was reading 1 Nephi 11 this is where Nephi is receiving the vision of the tree of life but also the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and in verse 25 it says, And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

I love so much how it talks about the tree and relates it to our Savior Jesus Christ and everything that he does for us. He is the fountain of living water. He is the one person that we can turn to to get all of the help that we need. And then it says that it represents the love of God. And how powerful and short that is. It has a lot to say, but this is the only small 3 word phrase that has all three of the things in it. Love which is an attribute of Christ, God which is one of his names, and the love of God which is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How amazing and special is that. When we talk about the love of God it has so much more meaning that I have ever thought and it is now so much more personal to me. I am so grateful for a savior Jesus Christ who loves me and is willing to do anything for me. I am growing closer to him every day and can feel my love and appreciation for him growing. 

I love you all and hope you have the most amazing day!!