Thank you for celebrating my birthday with beans!

Thank you for celebrating my birthday with beans! That really got me! And of course THE DANCING.
 Seriously my birthday was one of the best birthdays I have ever had.

I had divisions the day before, and lets just say it wasn't my favorite experience. Being on a mission, I have realized a lot of things and traits that I didn't know I had- for good and for bad. One is that when I'm under pressure, I crumble. So with this Hermana that came for divisions, she was watching me like a hawk and so I felt under pressure and that day was pretty hard.

So the next day, my birthday, I still felt a twinge of sad. But when we went to go pick up my companion again, Hermana Acosta bought me a pastry and put a candle in it and sang Las Mananitas in the middle of the street! And then she made me a treasure hunt and I had to go find 20 clues around the house. It was so creative and fun! And then at the end, she gave me chocolate and a message, and confetti and a bunch of cute little things. It was really nice!

 Then we tried to study, but I could not sit still! So I jumped out of my chair, put on the zumba disc, and I started going CRAZY. It was the nicest thing I have ever felt! I felt so good and myself and free! Hermana Acosta was looking at me like I was crazy but i didnt care. Then we went to ma,s house and she made me lunch and we talked and laughed and then we went to go visit Channy. She was there with her mom and sisters. They are jehovahs witnesses. So we talked and they were a bit sad for some things that were happening, and just needed to clear their minds. so do you know what we did? we danced. and danced. and danced. We danced some salsa, merengue, bachata. I even taught them some gringo dance. and it was so fun! It was soooooo funny. I love them.............. then we went to go visit a less active member who is 80 years old and our grandma. she bought me cake and put on a birthday song! And then we went to eat cake with nataly and her family. it was the best day! I love the feeling of being so close to people and feeling their love and loving.

Look at my hair!
They told me there was a fly..haha!

Yes....i had changes and I was really sad but from the moment they told me i felt peace. I know it will be hard. I am so grateful for the time I had in san rafael and the TRUE LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP  I made there! I dont feel alone here in Costa Rica. I feel completely supported on all sides and I feel so grateful for that. 

My new assignment is Training Leader.....I am so happy and feel at peace. But a little nervous too. and shocked. Its like a zone leader but for the hermanas. we call the hermanas every night and check up on them and see how they are doing and the people they are teaching are doing. and we do divisions which is where we change companions and work in their area for a day. We have to do them very often. Imagine what a great opportunity to learn! And that means i have to learn my area FAST. We also go to meetings with all the leaders in the mission and have to go up in front of everyone and say our numbers and be responsible for them. I have heard the meetings are amazing, but President always cuts our heads off. WITH LOVE. But sharp. WHEW! And we have to be examples at all times. 

My companion is Hermana Montoya. I just met her today but we get along really well. She is down to earth, funny, and she is Gringa but her parents are Mexican. She is from California. I think we will get along just great. And am I a little nervous? Yes. But I know the Lord is trusting me with this assignment and I will give it all I have. Im in Alejuela again, which is the same zone I was in when I started my mission! Its so weird, because i recognize a lot of things, and it reminds me of my first 6 weeks in costa rica. Full of anxiety and fear! And now I feel more happy. so weird to be back!

Ill let you know how everything goes! Thank you for your prayers. I feel like Ive been given a special strength because even in stressful situations, I find hope and have strengthened faith. I still feel deeply, but the Lord is strengthening me. Esmeralda teases me and says i have no heart because i haven't cried in so long but its just a joke. Leaving was sad, but HERE COMES ANOTHER ADVENTURE!!! Bring. it. on. I love you!!!

ps: And I got your valentines card and tell grammy I love all her cards she gives me! And kel and mark sent me some really really good cards. And tell Granmama thank you so much for the birthday money! HAPPY: Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!