Come, Join With Us

My LAST transfer call!!!!  I can't believe it's already come.  I'm staying here in my area, "villafionesta" with my sweet Chiliana Hermana Palma ;)  I'm super pumped to be with her my very last transfer.  I've felt a huge and progressive growth with her and I'm excited to see it continue.  We had so much success together and we were bouncing off the walls when we heard we were together again!  I'm so excited to continue working hard with her and enjoy every minute of it.

Last week, we got the chance to help out on "Mormon Helping Hands" and give service to those that are in need.  All of the members in Bahia Blanca were there to participate and I got to sneak in a couple GREAT BIG HUGS" to some members from my old areas ;)

We also put on an activity for the obra misional and we invited all the jovenes (young kids) to play "out-door games" and watch a Mormon message.  We invited all the menos activos and recent converts and it turned out "SUPER GREAT"!  We all had a great time and the spirit was strong.   Right now we are trying to get the kids active and working as missionaries as well so that they too can prepare to be missionaries in the future.  Lately, it's been a little hard to find the people we have been teaching because of vacation or work, but we continue to diligently search and pray with faith.

I love the scripture that says, 2 Nephi 2:11 "Porque es preciso que haya una oposicion en todas las cosas." (Without opposition, we would never progress).  We have been able to keep in contact with the family Romano, whom the daughter, Adiana, has her 15 years this coming week.  This is a HUGE thing here.  It is like Prom for us in the states.  "Dresses, make-up, photos, dinner, party, presentation, etc."  It's a HUGE celebration they put on every time the women turn "15".  We asked to help with the decorations so that will be a lot of fun!  We've also tried everything we could to help Sabastion, but there is only so much that we can do.  People have their agency to choose to take that path to living a righteous and healthy life or not.  We continue to pray and hope that in the near future, he will have that desire to have a changed heart with faith in God and himself personally.

We've been teaching Juan and his brother Luiz and they are sooo awesome!  We showed up to a cita and we came to teach them Lesson 2 (plan of salvation) with a game we put together for them.  As the house is just a little too small for all to fit, we took chairs and sat outside in front in a circle and as we began to play the game, 10 minutes later, four of their neighborhood friends came to join us!!  It was so much fun!  We all had such a great time.  My favorite part about it was watching them all laugh and enjoy the time we had with the spirit. 

Ecclesiates 3:4
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

So who got the chance to watch General Conference??!!  I hope you all did, I also brought 15 questions with me and every single one of them was answered!  I received so much spiritual/personal revelation, so many things to change, apply and develop NOW and in my life in the future.  If you asked me what talk was my favorite, I couldn't tell you because I had 5 favorites and every sing one had something unique about them.  Brisa was also there for all of the sessions and we asked her what was her favorite?  She said, "Todos" (All).  We then asked if she could only pick one...she said, No, I liked Todos! haha She's so awesome .  She was also hoping there was another session after it all ended ;) 

All the Gringos, watching General Conference

So today, I just want to share my favorite frases that caught my attention yesterday/Saturday from General conference...

*  (Uchtdoft) "Exaltation ...is our goal, discipleship....is our journey"
*  (Ballard)  "The plan of salvation...is the map"
*  (Neil F. Marriott)  "Let it go"
*  (Larry R. Lawrence) "A course of improvement....we need to ask some difficult questions..."
*  (Quentin L. Cook)  "Self control is like a muscle, the more you use it = strengthens"
*  (Robert D. Hales)  "If you want advice from me, be prepared to take it"
*  (Bradley D. Foster)  " It's never too late to lead, guide and walk beside your children"
*  (Dallin H. Oaks)  "We have only to ask"
*  (Rasband)  "The call comes from our loving Lord"
*  (Stevenson)  "Don't focus on what I can't do...but what I can do"
*  (Renlund)  "Eyes to see, Ears to hear, and a heart to feel"
*  (Nelsen)  "Are you finished crying?...Get dressed")
*  (Schwiter)  "True disciples represent the Lord and inspired the people, NOT impress them."
*  (Stephens)  "I want me to put my seat belt on because you love me"
*  (Hayne)  "He wants me to be clean so I'm not left outside His home"

These are just a few of the things we heard this past weekend from our loving prophet and apostles and leaders of the church.  I'm so grateful for them and the revelation they receive from the Lord.  I have a huge testimony that they are servants/disciples/friends/and sons and daughters called of God to fulfill His work here on the earth.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have now to use these words, guidance, direction from God's apostles/prophets in my life.  To better my own progress, purpose as a mother, daughter and servant of the Lord.  I love this gospel.  I love my Savior, redeemer, my brother, for his beautiful, unimaginable love for us.  Without any doubt, I know that he live, that he is the son of the most high, our gracious Heavenly Father.

Homework:  If you didn't get the chance to listen or watch General Conference, I invite you to do so in this website.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2015/10?cid=HP_SU_10-4-2015_dPTH_fGC_xLIDyL1-C_&lang=eng

Armadillo, an Argentinian Food??!!

The Rod of Iron

The weeks just keep getting crazier and crazier!!! As our planners just keep getting fuller and fuller.  Ok, so....we had an appointment with Sebastian and one of the members which gave such a wonderful testimony about the word of wisdom and we left with lots of faith and hope that he could put aside those addictions.  Yesterday he came to church with a huge smile!  Brisa as well came and we have a "lunch date" with her mom this Thursday.  Saturday night, we found a boy names Luiz who is a member but has been inactive for some time and we taught him and his older brother "Juan".  They both showed up to church yesterday :)  The members are super great and greet them like family.  Speaking of members, we had a knock at our door with 4 bags of veggies and fruits from a family in our ward!!  We also passed by the family Romano and taught the Restoration and we found out there are 7 kids, not 4!!  The appointment with them was fantastic and the spirit was sooo strong.  I can't even explain how much I just love them and pray that their progression will get stronger.  We invited them to church and the mom said, "let me have a little time to think about it, but I do love the message you share."  There is hope and there is faith!!!

Ok, so we had noche de hogar with.....president and his wife!!!  Last night and it was a blast, we ate dinner and played games all night.  It was so much fun getting to know them better and it's so hard not to love them as well! We definitely had a few good laughs and I'm so grateful for them and what they do for this mission and for us as missionaries.  This week I had an experience during our zone meeting and one of the Hermanas and I were blind folded.  They grabbed us by the arm and took us to another room and they let me go and I had no idea where I was and what was around me.  All i knew was that I had to get to "paradise", but we had obstacles in our path and not only that people yelling and whispering from every corner trying to tell me to go from one end to the other. "Good spirits" and "Bad spirits".  Well, as I started, I remembered Hermana Risser was there blind folded, so I called to her and we grabbed arms and worked together.  I thought, "2 is better than 1".  As we began, we started going one way and I touched a table with my right hand and I remember there were sooo many voices and I just wanted to cover my ears and shrink down to the floor.  It was stressful and frustrating because I couldn't concentrate.  As I heard one of my leader's voices, I felt the need to listen to it and go towards that direction.   At the same time, I was begin pulled into the other direction by Hermana Risser.  I tried to say, "vamos alla", but she continued to go the other way without hesitation and as I was pulled, I decided to just have confidence in her and as we hit another table, we took of our blind folds.   We had unfortunately fallen into "outer darkness".  I learned a huge lesson from this activity.  Even though it was just an activity, I felt as if sometimes this happens to us in reality.  In the Book of Mormon, in 1 Nephi, it talks about "The Iron Rod", and three groups as they are directed along their path of salvation.

(1) 1 Nephi 8:21-23

 21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.

 22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.

 23 And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.

(2) 1 Nephi 8:24-28

 24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

 25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

 26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

 27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

 28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

(3) 1 Nephi 8:30
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

As we are guided to our path to salvation, sometimes we feel like we just need to stop, close our ears and eyes and forget everything and get away.  Who of us have felt that sometimes we find the guidance ("iron rod") and then we get pulled away from distractions? or we end up listening to "the good whispering of the spirit", but don't follow up on those promptings.  Sometimes we are listening to many voices and can't quite figure out what is right.  Sometime we think we can do it together - 2 is better than 1....but what if one has a different path in mind?  Sometimes we need to let go of those and follow our own instincts.  Sometimes we forget our road is solo, that it's our own salvation we need to get in line.  At times, I think we forget that it's our connection to God.  I was truly sad that I didn't make it to the pile of brownies but I was truly happy that I had this chance to learn from my mistakes and that my salvation is by myself and it's my path I need to work on which God has for ME.

Elder Kevin S. Hamilton said, "there was, however a third group that was not only successful in reaching the tree of life, but they afterward did not fall away.  Of these, the scriptures say that they pressed forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.  The rod of iron represented for this group of people the only safety and security that they could fin, and they held fast continually.  They refused to let go, even for something as simple as a Sunday afternoon ride in the country.  The key phrase in this verse is "continually holding fast to the rod of iron"...Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the words of Christ...This is the group you and I should strive to join."

It is so important that we make the right decision in all things because it can lead to our "ETERNAL SALVATION".  We all make mistakes, we all have sinned, we have all fallen.  We forget that the adversary too is very powerful, tricky, and intelligent and can carefully and quickly lead us astray.  But thanks to our loving Savior, we have the opportunity to repent and save ourselves.  In the mist of darkness, he guides us, and leads us, helps until we get hold of the iron rod and press forward until the end.  My words to you is, DON'T LET GO, DO NOT LET GO, CLING TO IT, UNDERSTAND IT, STUDY IT, GET TO KNOW IT, CONTINUALLY HOLD ONTO IT, OF THAT WHICH YOU DEARLY LOVE MOST.

Elder Hamilton also said, "my brothers and sisters, we are a covenant people.  We willingly make and keep covenants, and the promised blessing is that we will receive all that the Father hath.  As we continually hold fast to the rod by keeping our covenants, we will be strengthened to resist the temptations and perils of the world.  WE will be able to navigate this mortal life with all of its challenges until we actually reach the tree with the fruit.  Most precious and most desirable above all other."

I'm so grateful to have this gospel in my life so that I can continually hold fast to the iron road and for the plan and blessing God has waiting for us as we continually press to the end.  Hold firm to an eternal purpose, remember and recognize the things you do now and ask yourself, "where will this bring me to the end of my journey?"  Am I dangling along or holding on with my pinky finger, or am I grasping with both hands?  As we continue in righteousness, we will b e edified together and unified as we are ALL on the same path.

Homework:  Are you holding steadfast to the iron rod?  I invite you to read 1 Nephi 15:8  ;)
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/15?lang=eng

Spiritual Apathy

What a crazy week!!!  First of all, my companion, poor thing was practically in bed with a bug for 4 days.  But thanks to many prayers and faith, she is now back on two legs working hard ;)  Glad to have her back!

Second...guess who came to visit us this week?....Elder Teixeira from the Seventy and his wife.  We had a mission conference with half of all the missionaries in Bahia Blanca and another in Mar del Plata.  Presidente Cifuentes and his wife also gave such wonderful talks as well.  It was fantastic!! 

Speaking of fantastic, church was so great yesterday, so many of the menos activo (less active) families we are teaching attended church as well as Sabastion who is doing great but struggling with addiction problems.  He full-heatedly believes that God will help him in the process and the He has a better plan for him.  I absolutely love his attitude and diligence as he acts upon his faith in God. 

Okay, so yesterday we finally were able to contact the family Romano that we found about two weeks ago and we met all 4 of her kids and their bright smiles.  Lucas, Mida, Annali, whom are all over the age of 10 and then the littlest, "the baby".  This time we got to know them a little bit better.  We played a "get to know you" game and it turned out to be so funny.  In the end, they were laughing so hard!  We also taught them a little more about "the family" and the spirit had definitely touched everyone of our hearts.  I'm in love with this family and am so grateful God put us in His path to share His gospel with them.  I'm so excited to watch them progress and continue to share this beautiful message with them.  Including we left with a plate full of cookies from Annali and then their dog followed us all the way home that night ;) haha.  

Okay, so I think we've got the area down....It's been a week since I last used our map.  I still meet new members every Sunday but either way, they're super awesome with such great attitudes, and ready to get to work.  So I want to share a little that inspired me during our conference by Elder Teixeira.  They all talked a lot about the spirit, "how can we understand the promptings of the spirit?"  Something that caught my attention was the question, "Como estan nuestros oraciones?" (How are our prayers?)  He said if we want the spirit it depends a lot on our obedience and your prayers.  If you want to teach with the spirit you got to pray more personally and with the people you teach, pray particularly for guidance and the help of the holy spirit.  As we do so, it will help us to have the blessing to be sensible to listen and hear the impressions of the spirit and after....valiantly DO the impressions.  I learned so much from this conference and had the opportunity to study this week a lot about the importance of the spirit in prayer and teaching and got to exercise it as well.  In Preach My Gospel, pg 95, Elder M. Russell Ballard, spoke of the power of the spirit, "the conversion comes though the power of the spirit,  When the spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed.  when individuals....feel the spirit working with them or when the see the evidence of the Lord's love and mercy in their lives, they are edified and strengthened spiritually and their faith in him increases.  These experiences with the spirit follow naturally when a person is willing to experiment upon the word.  This is how we come to know the gospel is true."  I've learned that the spirit takes a huge part in our own conversion and in the conversion of others.  We should pray to that others will be guided in that path and that same spirit will touch their hearts.  It's important to pray to have the spirit as a companion and that we can understand and know the impression of the spirit but to ACT upon them like Elder Teixeira said.  It is a blessing, a gift, a protection that God has given us.   Who wouldn't want that blessing?! In the scriptures in Alma 12:7

 7 Now when Alma had spoken these words, Zeezrom began to tremble more exceedingly, for he was convinced more and more of the power of God; and he was also convinced that Alma and Amulek had a knowledge of him, for he was convinced that they knew the thoughts and intents of his heart; for power was given unto them that they might know of these things according to the spirit of prophecy.

it talks about Alma being a powerful man with such a spirit of proficiency and revelation, was able to stand up and testify of the truth.  What would it be like to have such a testimony?  This week, I had the opportunity to exercise prayer more and especially as my companion being sick, I was able to pray for her and for our investigators whom we currently had to put aside for a day so my companion could get better.  Well, Brisa who has 11 years old, has been coming to church for 2 years now.  She was never baptized because her mom wouldn't give permission.  Well one day, my companion and I got to know her mom better and we began to pray not only for Brisa, but for her mom and yesterday at church, Brisa came running saying her mom has given permission.  Anything is possible with the Lord.  What a blessing it is to have the power of prayer given to us as we exercise it.  I have a huge testimony that prayer is important, it is a tool and it is a commandment.  it is our communication with our Savior, when we kneel before God, a new light is brought through us.  Our testimonies are stronger, we have a greater strength to conquer the challenged for temptations or Satan's power.  WE have been brought forth with the spirit of revelation to teach with the power of God.  A new knowledge and others around us will see that light and they too will be touched by it.  If you don't have a testimony of prayer, search for it, find it, and exercise it and strengthen it.  I know God answers prayers, my own prayers have been answered.  I have been blessed and strengthened.  I know and become a witness of it, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Homework:  Read Personal and prayer by President Henry b. Eyring
https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-henry-b-eyring-priesthood-and-personal-prayer?lang=eng

The Dogs Just Won't Stay Away!

Well my companion and I have taken the coats off and thrown them in the suitcase because summer has arrived!!! We've also turned into milanesas (crispy chicken) from all the sand that's blown into the air.  By the time we get home, we are covered from head to toe.  My companion drew the best picture of us walking down the street ;) 

Also I don't know what it is but the DOGS won't STAY AWAY from me.  This week I had an experience where we started walking down the street and this random dog comes up to me (not the little kind) and wraps it's two front legs around mine and wouldn't let me go! for about a good straight 2 minutes.  Here i am too scared to let a scream out and trying to push its head away so it doesn't bite me.  My companion is throwing rocks at it...."it was a sight to see!"  Finally I escape and it follows us for a good 10 minutes. Anyways, that was ONE of my many dog attacks this week. 

Other than dogs, we had a FANTASTIC WEEK!  Sunday, Brisa and Sabastian came to church.  Brisa is a joven (youth) who has been attending church with a family of member here in Villaflonesta and Sabasitan, we started teaching just this week. It was a miracle because we found him Tuesday and we ended up passing by Saturday to remind him about church and he had moved houses. Well, during sacrament meeting, he came walking through the front doors of the chapel!  He had made it to church.  He absolutely loved it and participated a lot during the classes. Right now in Villaflonesta we've been trying to get to know all the members and the area and we have had lots of success and we've been working with a ton of references.  My FAVORITE! This area is definitely HUGE but God's definitely given us strength every step we take.  haha  I've also gotten to just love my companion Hermana Palma and her great smile.  Such a strong woman with a powerful testimony.  We've been trying to animate each other to do our exercises in the morning more than just a few stretches and such ;)  and we found that our day becomes 10 times better.  One of our zone leaders asked, "what can we do to bring the spirit"?  and during the week, I realized that many things can bring the spirit as well as "the word of wisdom".  There have been many times where I have definitely craved too much chocolate or dulce de leche and after I feel like I can't even walk because my stomach hurts, then I think, why didn't I listen to my mom or when the doctor says, "an apple a day keep the doctor away" ;) 

I love what Elder Russell M. Nelson says about the body, "cada vez que se miren en el espejo.  Vean su cuerpo como un templo.  Esa verdad-renovada congratitud cada dia-puede influir enforma en que cuidaran su cuerpo y la manera en que lo utilizaran; y esas decisiones determinaran su destino.  Porque su cuerpo es el templo de su espiritu, y la manera en que utilizan su cuerpo afecta a su espiritu.  Entre las decisiones que determinaran su destino eterno se encuentran las siguientes.  1. La forma en que decidan cuidar y utilizar su cuerpo  2. Los atributos espirituales que decidan cultivar.  (For those of you who speak Spanish, too much time to put in the accents)

"Your Heavenly Father has known you for a very long time.  You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth.  You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes, such as bravery, courage, integrity of heart, a thirst for truth, a hunger for wisdom and a desire to serve others."  I'm so grateful for the body God has given me physically, mentally and spiritually to be able to walk, run, dance, breathe, hear and talk.  To be here on earth.  I know there have been times in my life where I could have treated this gift better.  Better exercising, foods, etc.  More importantly for my spirit.  God has given us many "things good" to help protect and strengthen our bodies.  There are "always many fruits, touch not these things (meaning bad), for in the day thy life shall be shortened and thou shalt die". 

This week, I've noticed  HUGE difference as I have better kept the word of wisdom.  I'm able to walk what seems like the pacific ocean and back, have good health and I've seen and felt the spirit guide me more.  I had the experience to feel the spirit so strong every time I bore my testimony, tears came to my eyes.  I know this is a very important commandment to keep and yes, we will make mistakes, but we can always learn from them through the healing, cleansing and enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

HOMEWORK:  How can you better treat your body and spirit?  (examples: music, eating, exercising, good words, waking up early, going to be early, etc.)

La Familia es de Dios

Ahh...It's been so long and so many things have happened. Including transfers.....which means I"m going back to BAHIA BLANCA!  I was hoping to get one more transfer in Balcarce especially for the people I've been working with, which was soo difficult to say goodbye, but I know God has something better ALWAYS.  I have tons of faith that Balcarce will continue growing with miracles.  I know one day Liliana will continue to grow her testimony and take that first convenio in baptism and soon after enter the temple. 

Speaking of temples, we taught a lady named Isabel and 3 weeks later, her family.  She had told us for sometime that she had been searching for an answer.  Her son died at the age of 20 and she couldn't get past this obstacle.  One day, we got on the topic of marriage and realized that none of them were married.  So we began our lesson on temples and ended up teaching them about the convenios we do in the temple.  1: That we can be sealed to our spouses for eternity and I got the chance to show them a picture of my older brother and his wife when they got married in the temple and just loved it.  One of the daughters, "jessica", said, "I want this, I'm going to ask my partner" Ha and guess what?  She did just that!  Her boyfriend said, "alright, I'll go look for a ring :)  2: That families can be together forever (sealing) and 3: Baptism for the dead.  That's when Isabel's eyes opened and I'd never seen such a light come through her.  She said, "This is what I want for my son, and how can I get my son to be baptized?"  She said she had been searching for this answer for years and couldn't stop telling us thank you and we probably got about 100+ hugs! She was able to go to church with us in Balcarce these past two weeks, her husband is now listening to the lessons and never like religion but noticed such a change in his wife.  They are now working with "family history" for her family and her son ;).  I'm so grateful for the plan that God has for us, that we can have an eternal perspective and help those who don't have that belief.  I'm going to miss Balcarce a ton, I've never liked transfers and I got nuts every Saturday night we have transfers because I don't want to leave those I love.  Right now, God wants me in Bahia Blance, in Villa Floresta which is in the same stake as TWO of my first areas, Pueyrredon and Pigue! 

Me and Isabel

We recently had a conference yesterday, and I got to see a ton of members and converts!  Angie from Pueyrredon who now is pregnant with a baby boy and is due in October!  We also had two people from our area in Floresta that we met and taught this week that came to church with us.  Brisa who is 11 and Tita and grandma, and they absolutely loved it! This conference was a little different than most.   An apostle spoke and it was directed to all of Argentina and the speaker were Quentin L. Cook and Robert D. Hales.  They spoke a ton about the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, the missionary work, and family marriage.  They encouraged a lot of the youth to listen to the prophets to be worthy to go on missions by reading the scripture, seminary and institute, as well as members need to do the missionary work that can be done by technology.  How this is the only generation that has such abilities to really extend the gospel.   And to families that marriage is the door to life eternal, peace and happiness.  As families, we need to help one another in our goals especially that of exhalation.  Sunday turned out beautiful and I learned a lot and I'm excited to apply it to my own life and my future.  

So more about Villa Floresta......well, it's HUGE!  It was 4 Sisters before and now my companion Hermana Palma and I have it all to ourselves. We were blinded because neither one of us knows the area ;) Woo Hoo!  My companion is FANTASTIC and she if from Chile and is 20 hears old with 7 months in the mission and I've learned so much from  her already.  We are both exhausted from all the traveling and walking, running to get to know one member to the other, cleaning out the carpet in our apartment, etc....but I'm sooo pumped for this transfer and I have to admit I love Bahia Blanca.  I've been serving here for more than a year and I'm super excited to continue working close to "Home"! 

So the mission is now giving service every Thursday at 9:00am-4:00pm for those who need an extra hand.  This week we got to clean, organize and plan for a party for foreign exchange students and it's been great to give service to those who need a helping hand. I'm able to feel love for those and get to know them better.  I love the scripture that is in John 15:9-15:

A Day of Service

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

and how God calls us His "Friends". Everyone of us are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and His love for us is greater than we can ever imagine.  We are able to manifest our love to Him as we keep His commandments and serve Him with all our heart.  I love that, "What we seek, is determined by what we love, that what we think and do is determined by what we seek, and that who we become is determined by what we think and do."  It is so important to build and strengthen our testimonies, because we cannot help people repair spiritual damage unless our own faith is vibrant.  Luke 10:33-35:

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

I love my Heavenly Father so much and will do anything to be able to live with Him again because I know that He is the Light and Life of this world.  I know He lives and loves us.  I am so grateful for His great and atoning sacrifice, His love and His grace so that one day we can have that eternal life.

Homework:  Our mission President gave us the goal to write down future goals, especially those of the family. But how and what we do NOW depends on how we accomplish them.  Write goals and what you will do NOW to achieve it ;).

Be Thou Humble

What a rainy week!!  It's been a constant down pour with out a stop.  Always drenched from head to toe ;)  Luckily, it's felt like Spring all Winter long and enjoying it as ever!  

This week we had an awesome zone conference and it was focused on the Atonement and the grace of God.  This was so interesting because yesterday at church many talks and gospel doctrine classes were focused on grace and love.  We even shared a scripture this week with a sweet new active member ....

1 John 4:16-21

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

 19 We love him, because he first loved us.

 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

...and we did an activity with them where we gave them 1 minute to think about 3 things they love about each other.  It was the sweetest thing ever!  Especially because they are two little grandparents ;)  Okay, so we visited Liliana this week and when we got to her house, we caught her reading "Gospel Principles" book which I gave her last Sunday and she just loves it!  She came to church once again yesterday and she asked to see if she could be baptized the 22 of August!  She's been putting so much effort into quitting smoking and has only smoked 2 cigarettes this week!  She also went to the dentist 2 days ago and when you have a new cavity, they usually just pull your teeth out.  Well she had to get all of her top teeth pulled (permanent).  And now has to have replacements.  The doctor said, "try not to smoke for 15 days because of all the procedures they have to do", so my companion and I were shouting for joy! haha  We called to remind her about church and she said, "I'll come but I won't smile and I won't laugh and if it do, chow!!  Haha, poor think!  She came to church with us yesterday without teeth and with tanto pain, but had tanto will power to stay and finish all three hours of church.  She is such a sport and a huge example to me.  I couldn't believe her faith.  After church, I thought wow, she came to church without teeth, severe pain in her jaw, and was suffering from cleaning out the nicotine from her system.  A woman with her eyes directed in the right direction.  We also had such a wonderful lesson with Cristian, always rapping!  I'm trying to help him learn English to rap in English ;)  Haha  We taught him lesson 1 about Joseph Smith and he absolutely loved it.  He is now reading and praying every night!  Whoo Hoo!  This week we've also been teaching a family that we found in the streets.  About 3 years ago they had lessons from the Elders, but need to be married and the Dad, Jose, smoked.  Well guess what????  Married and smoke free!!!  We are so excited to visit them this week and work with them!

As our conference was focused on the grace of God, it reminded me a lot about a talk given in General Conference by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, as he shared a story about Simon the Pharisee:

Luke 7:36-40

36 ¶And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.

 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it,he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

It Teaches that Simon was always a worthy upright man who followed and obeyed the commandment, but didn't fully do it with his whole heart like the women did.  I love the questions asked in this talk, "Which of these two people are we most like?"  "Are we like Simon?" "Are we confidant and comfortable in our good deeds, trusting in our own righteousness?"  "Are we perhaps a little impatient with those who are not living up to our standards?" "Are we on auto pilot, going through the motions, attending our meetings, yawning through gospel doctrine classes and perhaps checking our cell phone during sacrament service?" or "Are we like this woman who thought she was completely and hopelessly lost because of sin?" "Do we love much?" "Do we understand our indebtedness to Heavenly Father and plead with all our souls for the grace of God?" When we kneel to pray, is it to replay the greatest hits of our own righteousness, or is it to confess our faults, please for God's mercy, and shed tears of gratitude for the amazing plan of redemption?"  This week, I want to study more of grace and the love of God, but to act and make it a part of my life.  To be more like the woman by giving my heart and mind to God.  I learned that obedience is a huge key to love/humility.  As we follow God and His commandments, we become  happier and we find freedom to our burdens.  We feel a new physical and spiritual well being inside us.  I know that as we follow the Lord's steps and be obedient, we understand more fully His atonement and after God gives a gift, "grace" comes after all that we can do.

Homework:  Read the talk, "The Gift of Grace", by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-gift-of-grace?lang=eng

Zone Conference

The Lord Looketh on our Hearts

Tanto Tiempo!  So these past two weeks have been a little crazy.  First of all we had emergency transfers and I'm now with 2 companions, Hermana Godoy from Paraguay and in Balcarce and Hermana Machado from Uruguay who is in Mar Del Plata (Pompeya).  I will be traveling to other areas every week to do divisions in other areas with Hermanas.  Already I've worked in Mar del Plata central and Pompeya and I've loved every moment of it.  It's been a ton of traveling and lots of work but It's been an amazing experience thus far.  I got my first interview with our new mission president and they are super! awesome.  I've had such a connection with them already and can feel the spirit so strongly around them.  They've got such great personalities and love to take "selfies"  Haha :)  They have such an amazing vision for this mission and have done wonders already.  There have been so many changes to the mission and more will be coming our way.  They really want to focus on temples and what it really means to be a converted member, but more importantly converting his missionaries first.  Hermana is also top notch!  Her Spanish already is super great.  I have so much confidence in them and they have such powerful spirits.  They have given us a goal to get a picture of our families with the temple to share with those we teach and my companion and I have had so much success already!  My favorite part is watching people's reactions and their urge to know more.

So we had a "super p-day" with our zone on Monday and slept over in an apartment with 6 hermanas!  (Sleep over party)  In the morning we hiked up a mountain called, The Serras, with our zone.  It was super fun and we got to study on the mountain and see the view of the city.  I don't know if we'll every do it again though for all the walking we do every day all day....my companion, poor thing, has a flat tire!! ;) (worn out)

On Domingo, we had lots of success, we had an investigator Cristin come, a boy who loves to rap and beat box, and another girl named Jenifer whom we found this week, Liliana who only smoked 1 cigarette this week and 2 less active families!!! ;)  One whom we've been visiting for 2 weeks now name Cynthia, who came with her daughter and she calls her a "terrible 2". Haha  Well, I got the privilege of sitting next to her during sacrament and the little girl did not want to cooperate what so every and we tried giving her food, books, toys, .....for a distraction.  Well, she finally had just about had it and found a book, walked down the isle and threw it at a member.  Luckily he knew what it was like with kids and from experience caught it right before it smacked him in the face ;) Haha.  I couldn't believe it!  Gotta love kids :)

This week, my companion and I have really been pressing to help our investigators to progress and a key to do so is repentance.  This week I've learned a lot about the atonement and the importance it is in our lives and the lives of others.  Something I love about it is that it's unconditional love the Savior has for us.  The other day, someone got on the topic of hugs and I thought what would it be like to get a hug from our loving Savior.  I've absolutely gown to love the hugs I get from friends, family, loved ones, children, etc.  But the most wondrous hug of all is the Saviors embrace.  It is one we should desire above all others.  It is an arm of mercy.  The Savior extends to all of God's children, especially those who have feeble knees and are humbled unto repentance. 

3 Nephi 9:13-14

13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

 14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

He was sent here to help the broken hearted, to preach repentance, heal the sick, and to embrace those in comfort. 

D&C 6:20
20 Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

Without repentance, without God's love, there is not real process or improvement in life.  Pretending there is no sin does not lessen it's burden and pain we carry on our backs.  Through repentance, we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation!  It's an act of humility!  And Nephi "saw that Jesus was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world" (1 Nephi 11:33)  The Shepherd making the ultimate sacrifice for the eternal safety of His sheep".  He invited us to move forward and experience His embrace.  He gives an invitation to ALL men, not just a few but to ALL. 

Alma 5:33
 33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

I know that God loves each and every one of us and that He wants us to remember Him and His grace.  To come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  With a willingness to repent no matter the cost of pain.  As we abandon that sin, He give us freedom, confidence, peach and we then become swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness ;)

Homework:  Watch the video (Mormon Message - The Savior Want to Forgive)
https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-savior-wants-to-forgive