Shell-shocked.

HI YALL!!!

I am so excited for your home campout you are going to have!! Make sure to send some pics if you can!!! :)

There's a lot of things to say. We had some crazy fun times this week. We had a big talent show in the stake, and our zone did a silent musical. I was on divisions so I wasn't there when they did the practice, so they made me a rock. And then I got updated to tree number 2. I was a tree in the Sacred Grove so I appreciated that. I was joking around beforehand saying that I have prepared my whole life for this moment and I was so nervous. Hahaha!

 And we also sang and I got the chills the whole time and just felt so happy and grateful to be with these missionaries. Also, I accidently stole an elders plaque and put it on because we were scrambling because in the skit we didnt have them. Long story short, I was an elder for approximately 5 mins.  And then my companion signed me up to sing with my uke and I sang the song that Hermana Acosta and I wrote about missionary work. And she told me I had a shell shocked look on my face because I didn't realize there was so many people! But it was really fun. I have videos of both these things but I cant send them right now. After my mission you can see them!

We went on divisions and I went back to San Carlos....my first area. Well not exactly but really close. It was so weird to be back there. I felt this weird feeling in my stomach to be there again. It was like all the memories from starting my mission flashed before my eyes. But it was great. :) 

We had to go on emergency divisions because some hermanas were having a hard time and really discouraged. When I got there, the hermana I was with was really sad and I was praying to know what I could say or do to help her. We ended up having a really amazing talk and we both felt a lot of peace. And then we WENT TO WORK! We talked to everyone in our path and invited people to be baptized and the Lord blessed us with a ton of new investigators that day. 

At the end, she was so happy and we could see the hope. 

Do you remember that talk the 4th Missionary? I read it again recently and I want to be like that - just to be able to give everything to God. You have to give up everything, all your fears, or weaknesses and just say...I'm weak but with Thee I can do it. I truly love being a missionary. Its the best shaping experience for my life.

Welp, one thing I am definitely learning is patience because we are working so hard with an amazing family and they were so excited for their baptism and then all of a sudden they said that they dont want to. :( So we are going to work really really hard this week to help them. I know the Lord will work everything out. I trust Him. 

Other than that, I am well. And happy. Thank you for everything. I love you with all my heart. And even though life can be so stressful, just give everything to God and He makes us strong. You all are the best...

Talk to you soon!!

Mother's Day Skype.

MOTHER'S DAY SKYPE

"Do your hair. Please."

OKAY. Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. I have been absolutely exhausted this week because we are working so hard. I really like my companion. We get along super well and she reminds me a lot of Kelly in some ways. At night before we go to bed we talk about everything and laugh and laugh. She is funny and direct, and a really hard worker. So this week we literally knocked it out and it was amazing. And we saw miracles!!!

The people are amazing here in Tejar! We are working in this area called La Lucha which means The Struggle. Its literally the hood. Everyone was looking at us like....what are they doing here? But the people accept us easily. We are teaching the coolest people, I'm serious! They have lots of struggles but we have had some really spiritual lessons. 

Guess what? I met Jorges son and ex wife!!! They live here in this area! They are hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really know that God knows us because he put me in this area with this family. 

Funny story....here in Costa Rica people never have crazy hair. Everyone puts their hair up or does something so that its not crazy. So we were in the middle of a lesson and I took my hair out because I had a headache, and our investigator left the room....and then she came back with a brush and said...do you want to do your hair? Please. hahahaha. It was one of those moments I think you had to be there.

Being an especialista? We call the hermanas every night and ask them how they are doing and their investigators and a bunch of info. I have to get used to being firm or correcting people when they need to be corrected because sometimes its necessary and I'm not used to telling people what to do! Im the one who needs to learn!! But I pray every time and Hermana Montoya makes fun of me because I always pace around when I'm on the phone. I believe the most important thing is to just show them love and concern because thats what we are here for. Im not stressed yet! But tomorrow we have the meeting with President! Im a little nervous. Our zone is really cool. This month we are going to be fasting every weekend. Its Presidents last month as president and we have big goals. There is a lot of sacrifice, but I have seen the blessings!!!!!

Im excited to skype!!!!!!!!!!! we are going to skype sunday night im not sure what time, but just be ready. and I haven't gotten my package but we're going to san jose tomorrow and ill get them!! Please tell grammy that i got her package and loved it!!!!!!!!!! i love the earrings and necklace! :)) And please tell Granmama thank you for the birthday money!! :)))) I have the best grandmas.

Seeing these random cows on the side
of the road with our lovely investigator Maria Jose. :)

Hermana Montoya and I! :) The crazy Mexican Gringa.

Going to church with these beautiful investigators. Woot woot!

Cute kids making food creations with plants
and they shared them with us!

This is Jorge's son Moises, and the sweetest neighbor
who is a member, Sandra.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please don't smash an egg on my head!

Here in Costa Rica there is a tradition that when it's someone's birthday they get an egg smashed on their head!! But I hope that doesnt happen because that is just nasty! Here people dont celebrate a whole lot but i dont mind. I know it will be a great day. :) I cant believe im turning 20! This is the craziest decade. why is everybody growing up? (old granny voice)

I love the scriptures. My goal is to always read them an hour a day when I come home because I have seen how they truly come alive and help us everyday.

Are you still planning on coming to costa rica to come get me? Better start practicing your spanish! hee hee.

We had a baptism on saturday for andres. He was seriously a golden investigator and is a great example for his family. :) When he gave his testimony I had the feeling that he will be a great missionary someday. 

I love the members here! I dont want to leave san rafael but I have a feeling I am going to have changes. :( I know that everything will be okay no matter what happens. 

My branch president, president briseno and his wife want to meet you!! I think they are coming on thursday or friday. They have our address and number so I hope you can meet them!! 

Yesterday I heard a really sweet quote. Its a saying about different languages.

English is for business

French is for speaking to your love

Italian is for singing

German is to scream at your dog

and Spanish is for talking about God.

I am so grateful to speak Spanish and teach the gospel in this beautiful language. To these special people. I love my mission. Thank you for supporting me and always inspiring me to fulfill my dreams. I have never felt happier, despite all the challenges or weird or hard things that happen. I love you and hope you have a wonderful week!

p.s................... I hate to drop the bomb but.......my camera is broken. I'm so sorry! I have no idea how it happened. Boo. 

I am still having crazy Spanish adventures in my dreams.

HI

How is everybody? :)

This week was a wild ride! Semana Santa ended. The majority of the people here are Catholic. This past week they did some interesting traditions where people dress up like Jesus and Mary and carry crosses, and play drums and march around at night with candles.  It was really interesting. We passed by a few of these procesiones. 

I just have to start by saying that I am still having crazy spanish adventures in my dreams! Everyday my companion tells me new stories. The other night I sat up straight in bed and took her hand and said, Hermana, I just want you to know that Im always here for you and that if you need anything im here. and then she asked: like what? and I said cualquier cosa. (anything) haha. Im so crazy. And then another night I said really loudly: what do you want from me!! and then another night I gave a whole lesson about the word of wisdom. hahaha. I just need to practice a lot. Also do you want to know what Im famous for? Making up words. To this day I make up a ton a words and people laugh because I say it with such confidence that its almost real. I have my own dictionary. HA!

This week we had the most amazing meeting with president wilkinson. The zone leaders called us the night before and told my companion and I  that we had to do a demonstration in front of EVERYONE. I was like aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! So the next day we had to go up and do a practice lesson in front of the whole 3 zones that were there. And president stopped us and corrected us and we were both shaking and lets just say it wasnt the best lesson in the world, but at least we tried! And I learned A TON. I am serious we have the most amazing president. We learned how to plan and teach better. and it was specific and clear, and after hermana acosta and I made a plan to put all the things in practice and we have seen a huge difference in just 3 days!!! I am so grateful that I am literally learning so much. I am weak, but the lord strengthens and teaches me!!! And I have to rely on him every second to do this work.

S and C couldnt get baptized this week, because C is still having problems smoking. But after, he said a kneeling prayer that he could quit smoking and when we talked to him today, he said he hasnt been smoking in three days!!

Guess what?? I have great news. My branch president, president briseno and his wife andrea are coming to utah!! They are going april 20 and they told me that they want to visit you!! I gave them our address so that they can come. So if there is anything you want to send with them or anything, just let them know. Im so excited!!! And they both speak english. But how cool is that! :)) 

And Mom thank you for always being so thoughtful. you are literally the most amazing person I know. Thank you for always helping me with my needs.  And YEP. My health is good. 

And I heard that KELLY IS HAVING A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is so so exciting!!!! I cant believe that kelly is going to have 2 kids! max is literally the most precious thing I have ever seen. Also I had a feeling that the baby was going to be a girl! Have they thought of any names?

Have a wonderful week and I love you all!!!

Never too old to have matching rings!

This is andres....getting baptized this saturday. :)
Gabo, the little guy, taught me how to tie a tie.
I have been taught a billion times but
he is the one who actually taught me!

If you have the Spirit, you will always have the words to say.

Helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Conference was the best! I got to watch a little bit in English which was really nice! I loved all the talks and I liked the theme about families and that it is the key to happiness. I know its true! I think its interesting that whatever phase of life we are in, we always need to strengthen our testimony and keep doing the basics. one of the basics really is reading The Book of Mormon. What I have learned is that when we have investigators who read the Book of Mormon, they are the ones who truly become converted.

We had a really lovely experience yesterday in conference. Our investigators told us they would come but they didn't come and didn't come...and we were worried and sad, but then we just prayed a lot and had faith and THEY CAME! They are the cutest little couple that has been through a lot in their life but have desires to follow Jesus Christ. Afterwards, we went into a little room and had a lesson with them that was very powerful and the elders came to give them blessings to help them keep the Word of Wisdom. This weekend they are planning to be baptized, and what an amazing day it will be!

Today was Hermana A's birthday so we had permission to go to the zoo!! My favorite animal was the sloth. THE GOOGIE! It was the funniest little animal. But you know what? Zoos make me a little sad. But it was still fun. And we went to the children's museum that used to be a jail. So that was a bit strange. And then Hermana A and I bought matching rings. Haha. 

This week we went to go visit a huge list of people in the Relief Society. We ended up finding some families that are really in need. It made me sad because one of these families is the family of a past branch president. He has been inactive for 6 years. and another family was a gringo family. He worked in the temple and everything. He is really off in his ideas right now and has all these piercings and turned hippie and said a lot of things that actually had my eyes filled with tears. But I was praying the whole time to know what to say.

 You asked for some impressions I've had. I have been thinking about how humbling a mission is. Because you realize that you don't know anything, but you have a mantle. And if you have the Spirit, He will always give you the words to say. There are some really DIFFICULT situations sometimes where I don't know how to handle it, but I trust in the Lord and in the Spirit and everything works out. At the end, this man gave us an amethyst to put our positive energy in and he said it was a really special gift and he doesn't give it to anyone. So that was funny and cool.

Another thing this week was we met a man who says he has the gift of seeing peoples' spiritual gifts and reading eyes. He told me that I have a special gift with children and that to find people and get to peoples hearts, is through the children. So that was interesting.

I love you! Thank you for telling me everything and the pics that are always so precious!!!