Baptisms

March 9, 2015

HOLA FAMILIA!!!!

Wow. This week has been so good but again hard at the same time. It started out amazing... but by the end of the week I just couldnt handle it.... but then it ended on a good note. We have cambios tomorrow. My companion will be leaving the area. Although I think I have experienced the hardest time in my whole life I have learned so much. I have learned that I have so many weaknesses and need the Atonement 24/7. I am sooooooooooo grateful that we have a loving Savior who was willing to suffer for all of us. Never take that for granted. 

I read a quote this week that really helped me change my perspective and my attitude and continue on.... President Monson said, "So much in life depends on our attitude. They way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment." I love this! Its so true. We cant change our circumstances, but we can change how we react to our circumstances!

Wow. Really this week I have seen so many little miracles. First, we were teaching one of our investigators, Rebeca, and she was telling us about how she is different, she now lives a different life. She said, "We (her and her daughter) have changed. They way I think, act, ponder...I pray for you everyday that the people wont shut the door on you like I did, because my heart was so hard." We asked her if she prayed to know if the Book of Mormon is true and she said, "I learn more and more everyday. I think pretty soon I will be baptized." She had a huge smile on her face. I was SO happy. I think I even cried a little bit. I was on cloud nine! Then her daughter came into the room and asked us if her outfit was modest enough to wear to a youth activity. We helped her put some things together so it would be more modest. Now she dresses more modestly... and she is attending seminary!!! But it gets even better! Hermana Aranguren were teaching the gospel principles class and at the end Rebeca said, "Hermanas, I want to be baptized." I was like WHAT!!?!!!!! Seriously it was the greatest happiness ever! She now has a baptismal date for March 21st! She is the greatest!!!! I love them. They are so prepared. 

Yesterday our pensionists husband was also baptized. He is about 65 years old. After 22 years of his wife being a member he was baptized! He was the only non member in his family. He was so happy and so was I. He has faced so many challenges these past couple months, the greatest was having his leg amputated, but he was a completely different person after he was baptized. The gospel truly changes people. It is so true!

I love you all so much! thanks for your love and support!

Love, 

Hermana Monson

Blessings

March 2, 2015

FAMILIA!!!!

Wow. The time just flies by! This week has had its ups and downs, and I have felt so tired and like an old granny because my whole body hurts, but I love being a missionary!!!:)

Because February is the month of love I tried to study a lot about acts of love in the scriptures. I enjoyed learning more about the greatest act of love- the Atonement. I was reading in Matthew 26-28 about the crucificion of our Savior Jesus Christ. He has such a grand love for every single one of us that He was willing to give His life for us. I love this quote from Elder Andersen, "We sacrifice for the things we love and we love the things we sacrifice for." The love the Savior had/has for us only increased when he preformed this marvelous act. I am so grateful for my Savior. I know He lives. He is the only one that is always there for us when we need a little extra boost in our lives. I love Him. 

This week I have been able to feel the Spirit stronger in my life and in the lessons. It is the greatest thing ever because really I cannot teach without it! We have one investigator named Flor and with her it was like love at first sight. I felt so much love for her. She is so confused and just wants to know the truth but it is so hard to help her notice her answers or the Spirit. 

We also had a great FHE with Rebeca and Katy. Mom I tried to do your salt and pepper thing as an object lesson for repentance (I tried it all out in our room before) but as I was explaining repentance and started rubbing the spoon over the plate nothing happened. Hah I rubbed the spoon really hard on my shirt and then my hair and said sometimes it takes LOTS of time and effort.... hah but it still didnt work. It still was such a beautiful night. We had to leave but the members that came with us ended staying for about 2 more hours to talk with their family! But the best part is both Rebeca and Katy fasted on Sunday azing and pretty much members already.... now they just need to feel and know that the church is true. Really being a missionary is great because you get to see so many people change.nd paid their fast offerings! We havent even taught them about the law of the fast yet!!! They are amazing! I love being a missionary and seeing people change!

Whenever we dont have many lessons and the week isnt good numbers wise, my companions solution is always SPLITS!!! But she always choses to tell me the moment of, i dont know she calls the members while Im in the bathroom or something. Then I she always assigns me to visit people I have never met so I dont know where they live. Ya whatever.... haha but nothing ever happens when we go on splits. Hermana Lourdes (a member who is great and has a daughter serving in California) and I visited at least 15 people and no one was home! Pretty much I have felt like these last couple of days were a waste of time when we could have been doing something better, but thats okay. Theres always room for improvement!:)

I love you all so much and love hearing from you. Im glad Goldies blessing went well. We had three baby blessings on Sunday and it made me think of you all. I wish I could have been there. I have never felt too home sick or been too bumbed that I wasnt home to see my first niece, but yesterday I did. Im glad you all could be together though. I love all the pictures! You all are so cute!:) (also the decorations are darling!)

Love you lots!!! Have a great week!

Hermana Monson