Hola mi familia! It's been quite an interesting week. Also a great one
too. Full of tiny miracles, miracles really do happen! Everyday!
Martes- happy birthday to Jacob- We ate a ton a ton a ton of food. But
I am grateful to members for it. This branch really struggles because
there is a ton of drama and a ton of less-actives, so when we get into
members homes it's really good. I have also learned how important
reading the Book of Mormon is in the family, because not only does it
transfer through your family, and extended family, but it transfers to
your ward. There is a handful of people in our branch who read the
Book of Mormon daily, so that is what we are pushing. 15 minutes a day
alone AND as a family. Our branch REALLY suffers, and we also decided
that instead of an English class, we are going to have seminary
classes of just the Book of Mormon every week, starting this next
week. The parents are already at the church because the kids go to
mutual or they wanna talk to the presidente, so we think it's going to
really help the ward members get familiar to the Book of Mormon. Most
of our members haven't read it even once. So, this is what we are
REALLY trying to hit hard, please pray that they will read the Book of
Mormon!
Anyways, this day we had an eating apt with Hna Calix. She is so cute,
we are also teaching our members how to teach the restoration in three
minutes so they can share it with their friends! So, 15 minutes a day
of Book of Mormon, and be a missionary! We are dreaming big, but we
have faith! Maybe this little branch can blossom into an actual ward
family! That's our prayer! Then we had Hna Cruz.... She fed us a ton.
Serving size bowls (like bigger than a basketball size bowl) of soup.
And she fed us two servings, (plus add the tortillas, crema y
fresas... Y ensalada) but she wasn't offended.. and she gave us one of
her friends to teach. And then... We had to drive to Harvard to go to
Hna Soris home. She's so cute! I want you all to meet her! I love
their family! She makes the best food, we were literally praying we
could get all of the food down, and somehow we did it. The next day,
we had to go get ex-lax... I don't wanna talk about it..
So, I am just going to sum up Miercoles, Jueves, Viernes, Sabado and
Domingo.... Because why? Because literally all we did was area book all
week. Let me just explain what we do when we "do area book." So what
we do is we transfer all of the paper records of people into the
iPads. Meaning, we put in names, information, every lesson taught,
dates, commitments (meaning every commitment made, not made,
when..etc.) what they said, don't forget some of the missionaries have bad
handwriting and bad Spanish, ... AND we have to translate them from
Spanish to English. Oh, and I can't forget PNIs (potential
investigators) We have spent an hour a day (which is what we were
supposed to do) everyday, but the Brethren from Salt Lake told every
mission they want the area book done by this Domingo. So, what did we
do? We most definitely sat in the McDonald's parking lot using Siri
doing area book for hours. Do we know all the regulars at McDonalds?
Yes we do. Do we know Debbie the drive through lady who gives out ice
cream? Yes, we do. Did we invite Debbie to church. Yes, yes we did. On
sunday night at 8:47 we finished area book. It was the happiest thing
on the planet. We have the biggest area book in the mission, it was
the best thing when we finished. This was actually really hard for me
because I would WAY rather be finding, teaching, serving,
reactivating... Etc. I had to realize that this is my mission, that it
still was a form of work. Even though it was so incredibly hard.
Hermana Michael and I had to realize that this was still a form of
missionary work, even though it didn't seem like it. We did make up a
few songs during this process, that helped a little:)
I am going to share little miracles that happened this week, basically
for me, because I need to realize my blessings this week because I am
so blessed out here! It's just sometimes hard to see them. So, if
anything this part is for me:)
First- Arik got deported to Mexico officially, BUT he contacted US on
Facebook! We totally had a lesson with him! It was awesome! He still
had his El Libro de Mormon! He had it with him the whole time while he
was in jail! Awesome.
Second- we got to go to the women's conference! It was so great! I saw
Teri and everyone! I was so happy! I loved it. I loved the whole
thing. There has been a lot of crazy stuff on Facebook that I've seen
with women wanting the Priesthood. Then seeing the women's conference
I was just like, ah our church is the best. I loved when sister
Oscarson said,"there is no age barrier for Christ-like service." And
it's so true!
Third- members! They are feeding us! In between our Area Book, we had
eating citas. I am really trying to love all of the food we are getting,
haven't gotten there yet. But, I do love the people. Oh, I love the
people! The Latinos are blessed with faith! Their faith builds my
faith! I love it.
Fourth- well, because we got in a crash we had to turn in our car
yesterday. We got to walk! 2 miles to our cita with the familia Gomez!
I LOVED it! It was 65 degrees! Ah! I was so happy! I know it's a tiny
miracle, but I just am so grateful to be walking! Seriously a miracle!
Fifth- I finished my Book of Mormon challenge! I marked every verse in
the Book of Mormon that referred to Christ and the Atonement. It was
amazing! On my mission I have learned so much about the atonement. I
can't even explain. Honestly, I never have learned so much about my
Savior and the atonement until I came on my mission. It really is
central to everything. In every lesson I have had we have testified of
the Savior. This challenge has really made a difference in my
conversion to know how powerful the atonement is. We also did this
challenge preparation for conference! Are you all so excited! I am! I
LOVE our prophet!
Well, I am sorry this letter has to be cut short, I just don't have
any more time! The temple was beautiful and it was kind of hard for me
to leave knowing I'll be hitting the pavement working hard! I love the
temple and it really is the ultimate goal for us! For our
investigators, our less-actives, our members, and for us. Honestly I
have realized that I am my own investigator on my mission. Everything
that I teach to my investigators, applies right to me. It's amazing, I
love my mission. It is really becoming sacred to me.
I am so excited for conference! 6 months ago I was in the CCM! Ah! Crazy crazy!
Well, I love you family!
I hope this next week is a wonderful one!
Hermana Hammond
The cutest lady, I just love her!
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