Monday September 14, 2014 - Leaving Behind a Legacy of LOVE

When I had the realization two years and a few weeks ago that I needed
to come on a mission… I don´t know if I would have believed it if
anyone tried to explain to me all that I was going to experience…
Sometimes I still have to remind myself that all of this is real..
Coming up on the end of everything, I obviously started to think about
all of the things that I´ve learned , seen, felt… how I´ve grown and
changed over these many months.
Starting out as a fresh missionary in Seattle, I quickly learned that
there really is no such thing as a ¨perfect missionary¨… but that each
of us has something to offer in this great work, and as we learn to
contribute, work hard, be obedient, and rely on the Lord, He works
with us to help us to become what He needs.
I learned quickly that it was impossible to ¨learn Spanish overnight¨,
or ¨master¨being a teacher… there were a lot of times when I realized
that I might not have all of the answers, but that if I could just LOVE
them, I was happy, and fulfilling part of my calling as a
representative of Jesus Christ. They might not remember all the words
I say, what lessons we taught on what day… but a quote from M. Russell
Ballard has often come back to my mind: ¨They will remember your
love.¨ I decided that I wanted THAT to be the legacy that I left
behind for these people. That I love my Savior, I love this work, I
love them, and that through my service they would be able to feel of
the love their Heavenly Father has for each of them.
I realized the power and influence of sharing with others the love of
their Heavenly Father. And that because I get to be His voice in this
work, that has come to mean that I have been able to of that love as
well. As time went on, I found it surprising how the Lord blessed me
with the capacity to love and understand these people so different
from myself.
Right before the end of His life, Christ taught His disciples an
important lesson, that made an impression on them, and it has made
it´s mark on me time and time again. He told them to ¨love one
another¨ even as He loves us. And then told them that that would be a
characteristic of their discipleship… that others would recognize them
as His disciples for the love they showed in their labors.
This week I have been studying Alma 26.. .my favorite always… and
really just focusing on all of the emotions that Ammón expresses about
the work and his experiences in the work of the Lord. In the end
inverse 31, he says: Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits
of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many;
yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love
towards their brethren and also towards us.
Then, he continues and asks them: ¨And now behold, I say unto you, has
there been so great love in all the land? Behold I say unto you, Nay,
there has not… ¨
The Lord has blessed me with several opportunities to be able to
return to my areas or to see people that I´ve worked with before…
Allowing me to see ¨the fruits¨of my labors, and really rejoice in the
progress that these people are making… leaving me so grateful that He
has allowed me to be a part of their lives.
I know that God lives. That THIS is His church. I know that His gospel
is the sure and solid foundation that we should build our lives on.
Faith is an action, and when planted, AND NOURISHED, it will grow.
Hope really is a powerful medicine.
Joy is a 3 letter word that I think I always associated with
Christmas… but it is a ¨condition of extreme happiness¨and is the
purpose of God´s work and glory.
MIRACLES really do exist. Big or small, they are always there, and are
wonderful reminders of how closely the Lord is working with us.
Happiness is so much more than just a ¨mood¨.. it´s a lifestyle, and
often time a choice.
LOVE is the essence of the gospel. It opens doors, heals the soul,
softens hears, overcomes obstacle, casts out fear, and is the greatest
of all motivations. It is the most pressing need that we have in the
world, yet something that is missing in the lives of so many.
My heart is so full of gratitude, and I love Argentina. The people,
their quirky culture. I honestly can´t imagine having served my
mission anywhere else. I still haven´t reached ¨perfection¨, in fact
the mission has a way of showing you just how Imperfect you are… but
the Lord is good at working with imperfect people, and I can honestly
say that I am happy, content, and feel like the Lord has blessed me to
be able to accomplish what He wanted of me in my time here.
I love this gospel. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful
to have been a missionary these 18 months. To see the gospel in action
and learn how to see others and love them as Christ does. His life and
His labors were filled with His perfect love and infinite compassion
for others. Our goal is to become like Him, to invite others to come
unto Him, to share our faith, our hope, and our happiness with those
around us so that they too might know that He is. To feel of His
light, His truth and His LOVE.
That is the greatest legacy of all.

I love you all so much!
Hasta ver....SEE you next week!
Xoxox Your Hermana C

Monday September 8, 2014 - I speak with boldness, having authority from God.

Consejo 

First off... sorry everyone if I can´t respond to everything this week... we arranged a day in Manzano... but for some reason our traffic was scheduled for super early.. so our email time is especially short today!

This week has been another ¨running like crazy¨... We were in Mendoza for 2 full days for consejo, then zone conference, we had a ton of meetings, coordinating, and activities and planning for the rama... it was a really long week... one of those where we just kept saying to each other ¨Sunday´s coming!¨ Numbers don´t even begin to show everything we´ve done this week, and it was a little hectic not being in the area to follow up on our investigators! But just like we said, Sunday came around, and everything all came together. At the beginning of the transfer, we set a goal with the elders that we wanted to work to double the assistance in sacrament meeting, and have, by the end of the transfer, 80 assistances. Yesterday, not even at the end of the transfer, there were 81!!!!! It was incredibly full!! just in time for the ramas to combine next week! 

We had a special fast as a rama for the ¨work of salvation¨, and the testimonies and experiences were incredible. Then, to top off the meeing, Juani came, and he gave his VERY FIRST ever testimony. It was SO great, and I was so proud of him!

My heart has been a little tender this week... and I feel like I´m wearing my emotions on my sleeve a lot more than normal...

I´ve had the goal this week to focus a lot on what we chose as our zone theme. Moroni 8:16. ¨I speak with boldness, having authority from God. And I fear not what men can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.¨

This week we had a multi-zone conference in Mendoza. After helping serve lunch, I went and sat down at the ¨Hermanas table¨ next to Hermana Goates who was chatting with 3 of the brand new norteamericanas.

I joined in, and then just started getting to know them. There´s a TON of newbies from Utah in this last group. They´re all so great, I love talking to new, fired-up missionaries! Then one of the Latino elders came up and asked me something, I answered, and then one of the hermanas turns to me ¨You speak REALLY well,¨she said ¨You must have a lot of time in the mission then, huh?¨ Hermana Goates just put her hand on my arm and smiled. ¨17 ish months...¨I told her. Their eyes all got really big and they gasped ¨Wait! So you´re going home???¨

The whole table got really quiet and attentive all of the sudden as they just started in with questions.
I was laughing as I was sort of flashed back to being brand new and just wanting the older missionaries to share their wisdom with me. and then realizing just how quickly the tables have turned... 

So we talked a little bit about LOVE, patience with the language, confidence in the calling, and the importance of the atonement... when Elder Viñas came, he talked about how the greatest ¨tool¨and source of strength and peace we have is the atonement of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

for my part in our Zone Conference this week, The zone leaders asked me to talk more about that... How the atonement has affected me personally, and how it can help us, motivate us, and strengthen us in missionary work.

I immediately thought of the talk by Elder Holland.

¨Anyone who does any kind of missionary work will have occasion to ask, Why is this so hard? Why doesn’t it go better? Why can’t our success be more rapid? Why aren’t there more people joining the Church? It is the truth. We believe in angels. We trust in miracles. Why don’t people just flock to the font? Why isn’t the only risk in missionary work that of pneumonia from being soaking wet all day and all night in the baptismal font?

You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this a great deal. I offer this as my personal feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary.

Now, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about anything anywhere near what Christ experienced. That would be presumptuous and sacrilegious. But I believe that missionaries and investigators, to come to the truth, to come to salvation, to know something of this price that has been paid, will have to pay a token of that same price.

For that reason I don’t believe missionary work has ever been easy, nor that conversion is, nor that retention is, nor that continued faithfulness is. I believe it is supposed to require some effort, something from the depths of our soul.¨

The hermanas started to share with me some of the things they´ve had to go through already in the mission, the trials. ¨Does it get easier??¨ They kept asking me... I explained to them that in some aspects, yes, things will change... not always, trials don´t stop coming. I assured them that it´s okay to sometimes miss your family, to struggle with the language, to feel like you´re ¨in over your head¨. That´s normal. But I told them to use it as a motivation to come unto Christ and to pull from His strength.

Elder Holland gives us a promise at the end of his talk: ¨I promise that because of your faithful response to the call to spread the gospel, He will bind up your broken hearts, dry your tears, and set you and your families free. That is my missionary promise to you and your missionary message to the world.¨

I know that is true. I´ve seen it in action throughout my mission. The Lord is SO GOOD to those who respond to the call to serve His children, and the blessings that come to missionaries and their families are wonderful and undeniable. 

When we come to know Christ, and truly comprehend all that He has done for each of us... the LOVE he has for us... there is a natural desire to share that happiness (and the gospel) with those around us. I´ve seen it So many times that as we allow that ¨perfect love¨ to penetrate our hearts and work in our lives, it motivates and empowers us beyond our own capacities. ¨Casting out¨ fear, and working miracles along the way.

It´s hard to put into words the things that I wish I could share with these ¨new¨missionaries, and well, with everyone. It´s been a little hard to swallow the reality that my time to ¨speak having authority from God¨ is quickly coming to a close... But I´ve also realized something else... My ¨part¨ in the Lord´s work doesn´t end here... Sure, it will be a different type of work.. But I know now that I will be a ¨misionera¨ for the rest of my life. In every phase of our lives, each and every one of us is so important in this, the work of salvation. 

We can all speak with boldness, motivated by the love that our Savior has shown to each and every one of us. With the assurance that God loves us and desires our happiness. When we understand that love, and strive to develop a similar love for those around us, we can overcome barriers, take heart that our efforts are never wasted, and we can rejoice in the calling that we have all been given to ¨spread the good news¨to all those who are willing to listen!

I love you all! 

Have a fantastic week! 

Talk to you soon! 

xoxox Your Hermana C

Monday September 1, 2014 - Feels like jello

Yeah it is... we´re winding down fast!
1. I feel like Jello... the other day I told E. Reynolds (who´s going
home with me) I feel like my brain is spaghetti, my body is like
jello, and we´re all just chilling at the top of the sky coaster
waiting to pull the cord... The result is a dizzying jolt of reality,
wondering how in the world I got this far... mixed with the excitement
and anticipation of the fall and not quite knowing what to expect of
the swoop on the other side...

Monday September 1, 2014 - Miracles Happen... when you BELIEVE!!!‏

The days feel like weeks, the weeks feel like months... the months feel like days... then suddenly... It´s September!!

Time is FLYING!

 This was another one of those weeks that went by in a blur.

We saw some major miracles this week:

*Federico (21-22). One day, knocking doors because everything fell through, we knocked a bunch, and nada.... after several hours, we knocked one more, and out came Fede. He told us that he´s been Catholic his whole life, but always wanted something more... he went this last summer with a bunch of other youth as a missionary for the Catholic church.. and loved it... We started talking to him about what we do... He invited us in, and we taught him the restauración. He LOVED the apostasy..´It makes so much sense!¨ and he loved Joseph Smith´s experience. We committed him to read and pray, and he said he´d do it. We saw him a few days later and he´d read and loved it! We have a cita with him later this week. He´s golden!

*Marcos (24) . We did a tormenta blanca this week in Tunuyán to help the hermanas in their area. They split their area into parts for all of the companionships, and Hermana Vargas and I got the terminal and all of the HUGE houses surrounding it. You can´t even go up to the doors because they all just have gates with the little speaker thing. I HATE THOSE!! So needless to say, we spent quite some time just talking into the speakers, and never hearing a response. We decided to walk further until we found some ¨more humble looking houses¨... as we walked down street after street of mansions, we came around a corner, and I saw this cute little white house, as I said ¨Here!¨Hermana Vargas looked at me and pointed. There we found Marcos. A young fireman, who after explaining who we were, invited us in, he ¨needed to hear our message¨. We taught him the Restauración and he explained how this was what he needed, and his girlfriend and family as well. He invited us to come back and teach them.

*Maxi. after 3 weeks of not being able to go see him... things just kept coming up... Angel and juani came to church yesterday because they thought something bad had happened to us. haha. But we went last night to visit all of them.... In all the months that I´ve been here, I have never felt so much happiness, peace, and just a visible tangible change in that house. Everyone was there, we had and AMAZING lesson about the gospel of Christ. Helped (with a little bit of firmness) Maxi understand that he needs to put in his efforts if he wants to be baptized. He accepted a new fecha for 20 septiembre!! Later, they told us that the changes in their family is because they have been reading and praying as a family!!! The Lord is working MIRACLES!!!

We´ve been finding so many jóvenes! Seriously the youth of today are incredible!! (ja, I say that like I´m old or something!) But really I´ve seen how it´s true that the youth are the most ¨attacked¨... but honestly they are a chosen generation. I learn so much from them. They are so valiant and prepared!

*Probably the greatest miracle of all came last night. After our leadership meeting, we left and went to go work in our area... about 35 minutes later, Presidente Chacón called us to tell us that there were two young men in the chapel, waiting for missionaries... they´re from the elders area, but they weren´t answering their phone. So hermana Vargas and I tried and tried to call the elders.. nothing.. and so we went to the church. When we arrived, we saw the first counselor talking to two of the roughest looking teenage boys I´ve seen in a long time. Covered in piercings, tattoos, long hair, rugged clothes. We walked in, and he introduced us, and told us that he´d already showed them the chapel, and each of them had a Liahona in hand. capo. So we started talking to them, getting to know who they were and where they´d come from...

Then the story got even more interesting. The two of them were walking along the ruta.. they needed to get somewhere, so they hitchhiked... a lady brought them from where they live out in the campo... and as they got out, they thanked her, and she just said ¨Well, I just have one favor....Go to the church!¨ They told her they would... and feeling like they should follow through, they walked until they found a church... it wasn´t ours, but they said they felt like they were in the wrong place, and decided to keep looking. So they walked and got to our chapel. They walked in, and that´s when they met the branch presidency.

They´ve never talked to missionaries or members before... Their families are Catholic, but they´ve never personally prayed or tried to have a relationship with God. They were a little timid at first, and openly surprised that two ¨chicas¨from far away places were there to now teach them about Jeus. But we got them to open up, got to know them and then we said a prayer.We taught them the Restoration, talked about baptism, Christ´s example, the opportunity that we have to be free from sin. As they sat there, visibly touched by what we´d shared, soaking it all in. I felt like I should ask them if they would be baptized. As I extended the invitation, they both looked up at me from the floor, and with a whole new excitement, told me that Yes, they would follow Christ´s example and be baptized. That it´s exactly what they need in their lives.

The spirit was incredible, the lesson went So well, and these two unexpecting boys recieved answers to some questions that they hadn´t even really realized they´d had. We took down their information for the elders, said a prayer with them, and they left smiling and thanking us for sharing with them. hermana Vargas and I just looked at each other smiling from ear to ear, it was an unexpected miracle! 

  

The miracle with Darío y Jonathan, I seriously was so humbled as we left the church. Thinking about how well and personally the Lord knows those two ¨pibes¨ and prepared a way for them last night. It made me feel so grateful and I realized how SMALL my part is compared to the greatness of the Lord and His designs.

These past two transfers were honestly the most trying time of my mission as a whole... it was like the dark night that just didn´t seem to really have an end. We hit the lowest of lows. But now, we are starting to see MAJOR blessings as a result of diligence and lots of prayers. With investigators, lots of teaching opportunities, and we´ve also seen a LOT of growth in the rama. In 2 weeks, they are going to combine the branch with Tupongato, so we´ve been focusing a lot these last few weeks on ¨Unity activities¨ and we´ve had 2 awesomely successful Noche de Hogar, Karaoke, and seen a huge increase in ánimo for the obra misional! the changes are coming!

I was reading yesterday in Jesus the Christ, when Christ is instructing the Phariseos and also his disciples once again by parables.

He ¨admonished them to diligence¨ in all of their endeavors, but impressed ¨the absolute necesity of unselfish devotion, toleration, and forgiveness.

The apostles, realizing the whole-souled service required of them, implored the Lord, saying: ¨Increase our faith.¨ They were shown that faith was less fitly reckoned in terms of quantity than by test of QUALITY¨... and then he told them again of the analogy of the mustard seed.

Lately I have to admit that I´ve been completely exhausted. After being so sick, my energy levels have still just been a little less than desirable, and sometimes I get frustrated that I don´t quite feel ¨up to par¨...

We´ve worked SO hard these last few weeks, and seen SO many results that the exhaustion is ¨the good kind¨... but there are still days when I feel a little bit incapaz, overwhelmed, and I realize that I, alone, don´t have the strength to do it all. Like I too need to ask ¨Increase my faith!¨

The other day, we didn´t have meetings, all of our appointments fell through, and so that made for a LONG day of knocking and walking. After several hours in the hot sun, the STRONG zonda wind, and sand blasting us in the face, it was almost as if my body just said ¨Nope. that´s enough...¨I kind of just melted into the closest curb for a minute.

As I sat there, feeling pathetic, I said a prayer. ¨I´m sorry I´m so weak... Help me to be able to just work, make me stronger.¨

I realized that I´d been praying for that same thing for a while now... maybe I needed to change what I was asking for. I realized that I was still trying to ¨do it all on my own¨... that what really mattered wasn´t ME being able to do everything myself, but trusting that the Lord can do all things, and instead of asking him to ¨Increase my faith¨, or MY personal strength, I needed to ask Him to DEEPEN my faith and trust in Him more to help me to do what He needs me to do.

After the analogy of the mustard seed, the Lord tells the apostles that ¨Their faith could best be gaged by obedience and untiring service¨. Then he tells them the parable of the Unprofitable Servant.

Talmage says: ¨The servant might well feel that after a day´s work in the firld he is entitled to rest; but on reaching the home he finds other demands made upon him. The master has a right to the servant´s time and attention; such was among the conditions under which the servant had been engaged; and while his employer might thank him or give some substantial reward, the servant cannot demand such recompense.¨

I often say ¨I´ll sleep when I´m dead!¨ for now, my time is short, and honestly, if you´re not giving your ALL to this work, well, you won´t see any results.

In another instance, to show his sometimes doubtful disciples just what awaited them if they continued faithfullly, the Lord told them: ¨everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name´s sake, shall recieve an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.¨

I have seen that over and over again on my mission. The things I´ve seen, learned, people I´ve met, there is no way to explain the ¨reward¨of this work. Just like in the example of how we are always unprofitable servants, I don´t ¨call the shots¨, or establish the ¨when¨or ¨how¨those blessings will come... in fact, more often than not, they´re very different than I think, unexpected, unplanned. But the promise is real if we´re faithful and diligent, the Lord blesses us in remarkable ways. Always in His way and in His timing. Reminding me salways that He is in charge, this is HIS work, and in the end I´m always the one that comes away indebted... heart and hands full of blessings and gratitude for how VERY GOOD the Lord has been to me.

I hope that you all have a great week! I love you!!

xoxox Your Hermana C

August 25, 2014 - Photos

Débora, Xiomara, y Juani!! 




Tupongato sunsets!




I am thoroughly convinced that the drive from Tupongato to Tunuyán is
the prettiest thing this side of Utah :)

August 25, 2014 - "Living in the FAITH not fear Zone!"

Once again I´m to that point where I can´t believe a full week has
passed. Time just keeps escaping me and there´s just SO much that has
happened.
This past week has been a blur. We´ve literally been running, chasing,
and every night I´ve barely made it to my bed. Hermana Vargas and I
have been laughing at our tired, sore, ¨old lady¨bodies all week.
¨We´re not as young as we once were!¨ But Elder Martinez just keeps
assuring us that if you don´t return to the pench dead tired, then
you´re not doing it right.
So here´s to being beat!
This past week we had our Conferencia with Elder Viñas. It was awesome
of course. Lots of changes, lots of re-vamping the energy of the
mission, the focus, some new ideas, and a lot of revelation.
Several times during the meeting, as we talked about this great work,
our focus as missionaries, and the things that are expected of us… the
asistants, Presidente and Hermana Goates, and Elder Viñas all talked
about the importance of faith and action. Several times, mom´s advice
to me from last week came to my mind ¨Living in the FAITH ZONE.¨..."The most incredible events of this week were that Davis was ordained into the Melchizedek priesthood and Ryan into the priest quorum, Ben spoke in church and Emmi got the 5th grade teacher that she wanted. 

I do have to say that I really missed you today as we had school blessings and dad just gave the perfect blessing for each one of us.  After he blessed the kids, he gave me a beautiful blessing as well, and then invited Davis to give him a blessing.  It was so tender and so spiritual.  Davis and dad were teary and me, well, the water works are in full force these days with so many changes. I was just reminded again how truly blessed we are to have the family that we do.  I am just in awe at my adult, medium and elementary children.  

I am just filled with so many emotions.  All of which are trying to be controlled by the what next and why's of life.  FAITH REASSURES: And the work of righteousness shall be peace and the effort of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.Isiah 32:37

When doubt arises, when tragedies strike, the quiet voice of FAITH is heard in the stillness of the night, as certain and reassuring as the polar star in the heaven's above. G B Hinckley

Faith not fear is a continuous motto.  I truly love the faith zone.  I am everything to reach my potential and can accomplish so much good in this zone.  My goal for the week is to remain in the faith zone more than the doubt and find peace in that place....mom

Hermana Goates talked to us about the important power that comes from
faith in our calling, and faith in the Lord. She told us ¨We can
respond to EVERY situation in life with fear, or with faith.¨
Saturday arrived. After an extremely long and busy week. Traveling
back and forth everywhere. Going to bed late, waking up early for
colectivos. I woke up Saturday morning, and it was FREEZING, dark, and
POURING rain. As we got ready for the day, Hermana Vargas looked
outside ¨Will there be anyone in the streets today? I doubt it!¨ Well,
can´t say I didn´t sort of agree with her.
But we prayed, and told the Lord that rain and all, we were putting on
our boots and headed out to work! As expected… especially on a
Saturday morning… there was NO ONE in the streets. But, we went along
with our plans.. Walked to our area, and arrived at the first referral
we had. Paméla. We clapped a few times… nothing… sleeping. Clapped
again… and after a few minutes, finally someone came to the door. She
looked out at us sleepily, and seeing that we were already soaked, she
shouted ¨Pasen!!¨ Tender mercy número 1.
Hermana Goates in our conferencia, shared a story of an elder that
served in Guatemala, Elder Randall Ellsworth. While on his mission,
there was an earthquake, and in an accident, his legs were crushed
under something, leaving him paralyzed. He returned home to undergo
intensive therapy, and after months, was able to work with the help of
two canes… and, with a lot of determination, returned to Guatemala to
finish his mission. In an interview with his mission president, they
discussed what had happened, all that he´d been through, and his
president told him ¨Elder, Your faith has been rewarded. Leave your
canes on my desk, and walk.¨ He did so, and was able to finish his
mission.
Moroni 10:7 tells us ¨For (God) worketh by power, according to the
faith of the children of men.¨
Faith is a principle of action and power. Just as light doesn´t just
come to those who sit and wait in darkness, faith does not just come
to those who sit around merely wishing that theirs would ¨grow a
little. It´s not until we step out into the rain, or leave our
¨crutches¨and walk….only THEN can God´s true power take effect in our
lives.
Later in the chapter, in verses 23-24, we read: ¨If ye have faith, ye
can do all things which are expedient unto me.¨
And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh
that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall
be because of unbelief.¨
Several times throughout our long day in the rain, we got asked what
in the world we were doing. As we talked with people, taught and
visited them, and explained just WHAT we do… they would stop us and
say ¨Wait a minute… so you CHOOSE to come out and walk around all day
in this pouring rain?? Do you LIKE it?¨
I laugh because they clearly think we are crazy. But I´ve come to
realize something during my mission. YES. I do. Rainy days have come
to be some of my favorite days on the mission.
Yes, they´re cold, wet, the streets are completely empty, and the
clock somehow seems to tick more slowly at times… but they are a
challenge, and an opportunity to prove just how bad we want it. How
much we trust the Lord.
We got into more houses that day than in the whole rest of the week
combined. Taught several amazing lessons, and found several NEW, SOLID
investigators.
Familia Flores. Mom, dad, 3 kids ages 10 plus. Friends of a solid
member family, and already have a good impression of the church.
Justo. Another incredibly prepared referral. Has been ¨Searching¨for
the Lord and the path that would guide him to the truth and greater
happiness. He was stoked when we told him that there is a living
profeta, and that we have the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of
Jesus Christ. He enthusiastically agreed to read, and in his prayer
thanked the Lord for sending two of His angels when he needed them
most!
We found two more part-member families this week who have recently
gone through some things that have helped them realize their need to
come closer to the Lord.
In the bible dictionary, it says ¨Miracles do not produce faith but
strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ,
in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often
confirm one´s faith.¨
I can testify of that. Throughout my mission, the ¨miracles¨ that
happen on a daily basis have been a favorite focus of mine. The Lord
is so good to all of his children, He wants to badly to bless us,
guide us, and help us along, and also reward us for following His way.
D&C 103:36 ¨All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through
your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith.¨
Our faith, our diligence, our action, and our desires to follow the
Lord and His plan for us are our greatest source of happiness and
power. I´ve seen time and time again the way the Lord blesses those
who are obedient, faithful, and who ¨con buena voluntad¨ keep His
commandments and try each day to follow the example of His perfect
Son, Jesus Christ. There are many things in the world that could cause
us to doubt, be fearful or hesitant… OR, we can choose to rely on the
knowledge that we have ¨the good news¨, and that there is so much more
to look forward to if we ¨shake the dust¨, leave behind our
¨crutches¨whatever they may be, and step out into the rain, the shine,
the light of the Lord and trust in Him. Living our lives in the FAITH
ZONE!

I love you all so much! I hope that you all have an amazing first week
of school.
Xoxox Your Hermana C

August 19, 2014 - Photos

ASADO and camping!! 

that´s a lOT of Carne! 

Hermanita Vargas, de LIMA, Perú

I literally could fit her in my pocket!! 

gorgeous day for a little stadium fútbol. we survived the ¨winter¨and SPRING IS HERE!!!  

she literally could fit in my pocket!!  

CAMPING anyone?!? 

Add caption

Facundo y Lucas!! back in Tunuyán!!

PART of the MTC group at transfers... this was our last time seeing E. Varney! 

 

ha. With hermana Landeo in Tunuyán she wanted a picture of my ¨planet sized¨ GLUTEN FREE maizena. The thing weighed like 1/4 kilo. SOOOO worth it!  

FAMILIA CONTADOR. my first ¨family¨ here in Tunuyán. 

Giulian ALWAYS with that face! 

 

in other HAPPY news.

Talked with familia SESMA. 

THEY HAVE THEIR TEMPLE DATE

they will be sealed in the Chile temple on December 15. One year and ONE DAY after their baptism!!! 

Tuesday August 19, 2014 - ¨Me siento FELIZ, y vos??¨‏

Well, another week come and gone. And this one has been FULL of changes, re-focus, and a little bit of reflection. 

Every transfer I have come to eagerly look forward to the changes, and challenges that come. It helps me to put things in perspective. 

This week we´ve had, and will have, a lot of meetings, training's, you know, the usual... but this past week was full of some awesome additions... new people, new comp, new investigators, a LOT of Peruvian food (which isn´t so great for the losing weight plan... but I won´t complain). We´ve got a multi-zone conference on Thursday with Elder Viñas, a seventy that´s coming from Chile. and guess who got chosen to SING. in a little grupito of 4 of us... and I am singing a solo-duet part. Nerve. wracking. (family, I´m telling you this, A. because I am just as SHOCKED as all of you probably are. B. because you KNOW me, and how NOT-up-my-alley this is... was.. apparently the mission continues to just stretch the comfort zone!) 

This week we have already seen lots of miracles! 

Maxi. We have seen some MAJOR breakthroughs with him. He wants this so bad. He knows it´s what he needs, but he´s got a LOT of changes to make, and is scared. We talked a lot this week about changes, how that is really the whole purpose of our lives, and the gospel. We talked about the importance of prayer, faith, trust, even when we can´t see the end result, and the importance of acting on what we know. He LOVES the scriptures, and is reading a ton. He has opened up to us a ton, like night and day difference already, and when he feels the spirit he has to try to hide his smile. Juani the other day told us at church ¨He never smiled before. I think he must really be happy.¨

He PRAYED in front of us for the first time the other night. And it was AMAZING! He was SO sincere, direct in his doubts and questions, and really pleaded with his Heavenly Father.

We´re making progress here.

We have a new investigadora, Cristina. She´s the mom of a menos activa, and abuela of a CR. she´s way great, and after teaching the restauración, she told us that she didn´t need to pray to know... she already felt it in her heart and had been thinking a lot. She knows it´s true... we´re working with her on some other things, but she´s awesome! 

We found and are working with 3 new part-member families from the branch. They´re solid, and so loving! 

We received more awesome member referrals this week than in the last 3 months I´ve been here! 

When hermana Vargas got here, I told her that the work in this zone (because it´s such a small district), is really different. But that I am IN LOVE with Valle de Uco, the people here are amazing, and the families we have really need the gospel. 

I told her I was going to work her hard ;) She was on board, and has been working hard with me these last few days! She´s a ¨runner¨like me, and we´ve been beat, but super happy. ps. She´s got 14 months in the mission... that was a last minute change... long story... I´m not training... but we´ve got that fire! 

After her first Sunday, she loves the branch, feels right at home, and we are SUPER stoked for this transfer. THE MIRACLES ARE COMING!!! 

In this last week, thinking about what I´ve done here, what I want, and WHY i want so badly for these people to accept this message... and the ultimate reason is that I want them to be HAPPY. I´ve seen so many times the truth in what they say that only the restored gospel brings true and lasting happiness. Often times people think that there aren´t things happening in their lives worth being happy about... That the world is dark, unhappy, and hopeless, and therefore, we should be too. Some even say things like ¨Well, if I just had _____ THEN i´d be happy..¨ Or ¨IF__________THEN i´d be happy.¨ Putting a sometimes impossible to overcome limit on their happiness.

I was recently asked by another missionary: ¨Well, why should I pretend to be happy and content when no one wants to listen to me? They treat me like a wierdo. I walk ALL day and rarely see any results. What about any of that should make me happy?¨ 

Apart from feeling extremely sad for this missionary, It really made me think... Am I showing others how HAPPY I am to be here? In spite of hard days, trials, and setbacks, do I show others that I am happy and content in this gospel? That I am STOKED to be a missionary and rather than a constant burden, I see this time as a blessing to joyfully share with others what I have? Do I give them a reason to want it for themselves?? 

There´s a quote from Pres. Uchtdorf that I love, 

¨Happiness doesn´t come as a result of luck or accident. It most certainly doesn´t come from having all of our wishes come true. Happiness doesn´t come from external circumstance. It comes from inside-- regardless of what is happening around us.¨ 

Now I´m not always perfect at that... but I thought about times in my life when I´ve seen that true happiness comes from within. I thought of my time in the Philippines. For many reasons, that trip changed my life forever. But I learned so much from those Islanders. They are so poor, humble... literally have so little. But they are ¨alegre¨, happy, and so giving and always have a smile on their faces. I learned so much from their example.

Happiness is contagious! It literally is like a magnet.

It´s the purpose of our existence, to ¨live happily ever after¨with our Heavenly Father. 

¨Men are, THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE JOY.¨ (2 Nefi 2:25)

Pres. Uchtdorf says: 

¨Happiness is the final destination...but it is also the pathway.¨ 

We have a loving Heavenly Father who has provided us with tools to guide us along in that pathway... HIS GOSPEL. 

Mosiah 2: 41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

If we follow closely those guidelines, we are promised happiness in this life, and NEVER-ENDING happiness in the life to come.

When I was with Hermana Enos, she shared with me something that has really stuck with me. Her grandpa has made it a goal, a lifestyle really, that every time someone asks him ¨How are you?¨He says ¨I´m happy, thank you!¨

Now, I´m sure that even her determined-to-be-happy grandpa has ¨down days¨, ¨hard moments¨and trials of his own... but he keeps a bigger picture perspective, recognizing that even amongst the chaos, hardships and sadness that may surround us, there is always ,ALWAYS something to be happy about.

We, as members of this church, know that we have found, and have access to THE source of true and lasting happiness. THAT, is one of the greatest things that we have to offer the world.

A genuine smile (like the one Maxi can´t hold back), which is backed by the knowledge and assurance that we know God lives, he LOVES each and every one of us SO very much. And because of that great love, he has provided us with a plan. A plan that is designed not only to bring us happiness now, today, or tomorrow, but a ¨FULLNESS of JOY¨, a happiness that endures and reaches even into FOREVER.

and THAT, is a great reason to be happy! 

I love you all so much!! 

Here´s to another great week! 

xoxox Your Hermana C

August 2014 - Beliefs, Love and Faith

 On 8/25/14 Hi there cute girl, This is a bullet point week. SOOOO crazy starting
> school.1. Davis at USU full force tomorrow. Came home today after 5 days
> there, for a mission farewell. Loving every minute of it! 2. Stephanie A came home Friday, She is great! headed to USU tomorrow as well and
> excited to speak Spanish with you.3. Saw Cody and Jace  > together talking at church today, they asked about you! 4. Went to the Princess pageant last night with Meg and her cute little Zula Mae.  Almost 1  and about 25 pounds of pure baby chub. Meg is doing well. 5. MaCall J is engaged. So cute and to a guy from our old ward in Farmington that was in dads deacons quorum. Kyle 6.Ben and Emily just get home today from a week long trip to Cali with Gma and Gpa Wintle.. They had a blast and went to Knot's and the Beach.! 7. It has been raining like mad here the past few weeks and I am hoping that it will stay this green and lush for you to come home to! 8. UVU spring deadline is December 1 and Iwill keep looking for any emails on your UVU link. 9. Start keeping a list of Foods that you would  like when you get home so that you can email it to me soon! 10. can't wait to hear about your week.  Topic for your homecoming: The spirit of inclusion. This is the stake theme for the month and Brother Jensen said that they haven't decided exactly how they will adapt it to our ward yet, however, if you want to start thinking it will be along those lines. I will let you know when they  have the exact thoughts.  I like the There isn't any one you can't love once you know their story! Include those that are different or struggling those that may not fit the mold, don't judge and love them as Christ would love them. You know that I have a strong testimony of this. I love to look for that person that may be struggling or insecure or timid and try to sit by them, include them or merely listen to them with and open mind and heart, I know I always appreciate this when I am feeling lost, tender or alone. A  Heart Like HIS. I feel that the true essence of our religion is found in how we try to emulate the pure love for others that Christ has for each one of us. This is best accomplished by searching out and observing ways to  serve one another. If you really take the time to listen to someones life story, it will be filled with ways to serve them and better their life and in return I have found new friends, new ways to look at life and peace in the understanding that we have a merciful Heavenly Father and loving Savior.  All my love, Mom

September 8, 2014 - Courtney, As your mom, I have often felt as if I haven't shared my life beliefs with you entirely.  I know that for me I try to express who I am by actions and especially how I love and how I serve.  Today I felt like I wanted you to hear my beliefs through written words.  I hope you feel of my love for this life, my testimony of the gospel, family and love.  I am striving to become more like our Savior each and every day.  I learn as I fall and I grow with the pains of the falls. 

I believe, in God , Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

I believe the family is of most importance 

I believe in the healing powers of faith and hope.

I believe a house of order is one that invites the spirit.

I believe the world is a very scary, dangerous and confusing place.

I believe that nature is beautiful and nurture is a privilege.

I believe in covenants, and keeping them.

I believe in complete fidelity in commitment, thoughts and actions.

I believe in honesty, virtue and charity.

I believe most people are good.

I believe in the power of Satan to try to destroy good people.

I believe bad things happen.

I believe in the power of prayer.

I believe in breathing deeply, every day.

I believe in moderation in all things.

I believe in being healthy - emotionally, physically, spiritually

I believe in education and research.

I believe in the Family Proclamation.

I believe in contributing in the family and in society.

I believe in the power of music.

I believe most people are overwhelmed. Be kind.

I believe Satan is attacking families.

I believe in the value of children.

I believe all people are Children of God.

I believe people can improve.

I believe in always searching for self-improvement.

I believe Satan can cause me to doubt and question in an instant

I believe in love of many kinds:marital, brotherly(sisterly), parental etc.

I believe in volleyball, water-skiing, good food and sunshine.

I believe in the healing power of sleep, but I don't always get enough.

I believe I am a good mom and can always strive to be better.

I believe greed runs much of the world.

I believe in Eternal Families.

I believe in respect.

I believe in looking around to serve and better the lives of others.

I believe in sitting long, eating well and talking much.

I believe in being the kind of friend that I wish to have.

I believe in being grateful.

I believe that you should " Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." -      Thomas S Monson

I believe a repenting man is a righteous man.

I believe and have a testimony of missionary work.

I believe the truth and promises of living faithfully.

I believe it is when you are overloaded with trials and adversity that you must hold tight, pray and have confidence  in a loving Heavenly Father and Hope in our Savior Jesus Christ.

I believe [HOPE] is a powerful medicine.

I believe each person can reach their true potential if given the opportunity and they take the opportunity.

I believe in laughter and inner beauty.

I believe in following a living Prophet.

I believe that it will all work out in the end and my responsibility and opportunity is to endure well and remain faithful to that end.

"FAITH is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ-so important and complex that it is beyond our understanding, but at the same time so simple that each of us base our lives on it without knowing exactly how it works." - Through His Eyes, V Pierce

All my love, MOM

Mom, 

Your letter from last week made me SO grateful all over again for you and our amazing family! You all amaze me with how much you are growing, changing, doing, and overcoming. I can´t believe the change-of-pace since I left. Davis is an ELDER. and can after all start his mission papers soon! My heart about overflowed when I read that!!! I love him and pray always that that dream of his can become a reality! Ryan. is a PRIEST. driving, dating, loving itI´m sure. He´s such a good kid. I´m proud of him. High school... ah. and belly aches. I was that same age when all of my funnies started. He has been in my prayers a lot. keep me posted. Ben. Surprises me more and more each time he writes me. My siblings are so wise beyond their years, and that kid has a spiritual affinity that inspires me! He is NOT the same shy, chubby little boy that I left... He is more and more a MAN every day. Emmi. Is the sweetest little ray of sunshine. Everyone just raves about her sweetness, bubbliness, outgoing, helpful attitude. Which Granmom says reminds her more and more of me. She is growing up way too fast and is very much her own little person! i have to admit the only times I really ever get any sort of homesick is when I start to think about my world and how much I´ve missed in each of your lives. Nothing else really gets me... but missing them all growing up is hard. i only hope they´ll want me around as much as I want to be around them once I´m home! I love you all so much! Thank you for being the mom, friend, example, and support for each and every one of us. And more. You are one of my hero's, and I love you! C