Week 22! "There Are Many Who Are Prepared"

From 6/30/14

Hello familia! Ya`ll write some pretty amazing letters did ya`ll know that? As I read from your different perspectives about all that`s going on, I feel like I`m actually there experiencing it all too jaja. I love it!

Benjamin...what is up with staying up until 11:43 pm, eh? Reminds me of those days...now I can hardly wait to climb into bed after being out teaching and meeting people every day. But it`s so weird how, every morning at 6:30am, my companion and I are always able to climb out of bed, though tired and half dead jaja, and keep working that day reinvigorated, and as if nothing ever happened. I think that`s one of the blessings of the Lord as a missionary. That, when you are obedient, He will bless you with all the energies and capacities you need to keep doing His work day after day.

Can you believe my six-month mark is tomorrow? Craziness. I`m still in 1 Nefi 17 for crying out loud! This is not good. Time goes by too fast jaja. But, I am reading the bible and Preach my Gospel, too. So what if I read slow? I like to soak it all in jaja.

Sounds like you all had a great week. I`m going to use these stories to tell people about how awesome Las Vegas really is. People still look at me wide-eyed when I casually say I`m from Vegas. Usually I tell them I was born in the Mirage before I tell them the truth. It`s great.

Anyways, so this week Hna D and I were living with 2 extra sisters in our house: Hna M (she was my companion for about a week when I first got to Ecuador) and Hna Q. They are both Hermana Lìderes. We have had so much fun it`s ridiculous. We all work hard but we also have crazy senses of humor and have had some of the funniest and most beautiful experiences all in one week.

For example, one morning, Hna M (with her mane of wavy hair) plugged in her hair straightener to fix her bangs. Suddenly, we heard an explosion from where she was in the bathroom. You have to understand, our house is pretty tiny, especially for more than one companionship living there. And the dueña of the house is a nut who always accuses us of things we don`t do...especially when it comes to water use. But that`s another story jaja. But anyway, when we heard Hna M half whimpering, half squealing afterward, we all came over to see what the hubbub was about. She squealed, "the outlet exploded!"

Since then we have occasionally had problems with the power and if we plug too many things in at once, everything decided to shut off. The dueña doesn`t like us very much jaja. We keep bugging her to flip the breaker switch for us jaja. But, to this day and forevermore, there is a huge black explosion spot where Hna M innocently intended to fix her hair jajaja.

One special experience this week is that, one day I went on divisions with Hna Q while my companion went that day with Hna M. Hna Q and I went wayyyy up to the edge of our sector limits in the mountains to meet with an investigator named A. It was night, but we sat outside his house teaching him about the Restoration of the Gospel. He listened, with a very genuine, humble attitude. I love teaching people like him because I feel like, whatever I say, he will reflect on and treasure that information.

Unfortunately that night, neither Hna Q nor I had a Book of Mormon with us. But throughout the lesson, I had the thought come a few different times that "you should just leave YOUR Book of Mormon with him for him to read." But I thought better of it, since I need my Book of Mormon to study in the morning among other things. We finished and, as Hnq Q and I started heading down the hill to go home, she commented to me, "I don`t know, but I felt so strongly that I should leave my Book of Mormon with him. Is that wrong?" I looked at her dumb-founded. "Really?" I asked back, surprised. I mentioned to her that I wanted to leave my Book of Mormon with him also, but decided better of it. We turned around and ran back up the hill yelling out for A to come back! jaja I approached his gate to see him already making his way back out to see us.

Hna Q pulled out her Book of Mormon, took out a few loose papers, and handed it carefully over to him, explaining that we felt we should leave it with him, and to take care of it because it was all marked up and very precious to Hna Q. He held it in his hands as if it were a delicate newly-hatched chick or something jaja. He seemed a little confused, but very grateful.

We left feeling very good about that. And Hna Q commented that she had just finished the Book of Mormon the day before and was planning to start a fresh one anyway....the tender mercies of the Lord.

Another really cool experience, and I`ll try to keep this one shorter (jaja), is that, that same day, Hna D and Hna M were conversing in English as they walked and a man behind them asked (in English) "You`re not from here, are you?" He was a tall Nigerian man named "B"

B speaks English better that Spanish, although he understands Spanish pretty much perfectly. He is also an investigator of GOLD. He`s been going to a Baptist church, but accepted the B of M in English!! and came to church with us yesterday. He is about 45 years old. Hna D and I taught him in English Saturday. It was so weird!!!! haha (ie "Will you read this....pamphlet...?") The words were not so easy to remember as I thought it would be jajaja. But B sat there like a champ, highlighting passages in the Bible that we read with him as we taught about the Restoration and saying in his Nigerian-English accent, "I`m sorry, this is just so interesting..!" jaja He loved church yesterday as well! And the members welcomed him in...which was awesome.

Anyways, those are some of the great experiences of this week. Also, G is getting baptized. I`ll tell a little more about her the week that comes....She is also a very receptive, prepared person.

The Lord keeps answering our prayers! This whole cambio has been an answer to my prayers. And it has been a huge blessing for me. I feel like I`m starting to become the type of missionary I always felt I could and should be.

Love you all! Love you Amy! We`ll keep praying for you as we anticipate the arrival of little Kylie!

Have a great week!

Hna Fernelius

Hermana Q, Hermana M, and Hermana D celebrating Hna D`s 9 month mission anniversary! jaja

The power of Gatorade. We took a series of pictures...a play-by-play of before-Gatorade = low energy...after Gatorade = POWER! jajaja

​Tasty lunch at a burger place...jaja Hna D obviously enjoyed it

Week 21! "Cuban Inspiration"

From 6/23/14

Hola parents and family :)

Yesterday we went to a member`s house to go to a visiting teaching visit with her. There was a Cuban man and his wife and child (all members) there visiting as well when we stopped by. This Cuban man said that before he learned of the church and became a member, he was Atheist. In Cuba, he said that the people do strange practices and rituals that many people figured it was better off to just be Atheist. But that at times he wondered, looking at his reflection in the mirror for example, "Where do men come from? How did we get here? Surely there`s got to be something that happens beyond death?..?"

So, when he met his wife and she invited him to church to learn about the gospel, he received answers to his questions and converted to the Lord.

They then told us that Elder Holland just went to Cuba the 14th of this month (last week!) and established the second branch in Cuba. Amazing! Cuba already had one branch with about 100 members, but the church received permission from the Cuban government to open another one. And although this little group of faithful members in Cuba meet in a rented building house, the church is gaining confidence there from the Cuban government...Something that was hard before, and took years to accomplish.

This work of salvation is growing! Like Cuba, it`s penetrating areas it never had before. Quizas the missionary work will start soon in Cuba as well.

Honestly, in one week I have felt a fresh vigor for the work of the Lord. Hna D is a hard-working gringa from Illinois. And her vigor, organization, and obedience coupled with her love for the Lord and sense of humor, has helped me to be the type of missionary I`ve always imagined before the mission. I love giving 100% to the work. I didn`t even have any time to write in my journal this week because we were really trying to take advantage of every spare minute to teach, update the records, and contact more people.

My new sector is similar to my old one in some ways, but the unique thing about it is that it extends to the edge of some high mountains where there is a carpet of tall, green trees and less houses. Approaching that edge of our sector (the west side), the roads start getting super steep and forking off into other steep, awkward-angled roads. The people near that area are also poorer and the houses are older and more....crumbled...I guess you could say.

The people are not as educated. So, oftentimes, the parents enjoy a more liberated life dancing, doing weird rituals for the virgin Mary, and getting drunk while their children play outside on the otherwise abandoned streets. Although it`s a part of the city, sometimes it doesn`t feel that way! jaja We only went up there yesterday because the rest of the week we were working down in the sector. But it was definitely very exciting to have a little different taste of the culture of some parts of Ecuador. I loved it! I`m not too thrilled about those steep hills though jajaja.

Sunday I met the bishop of our ward and some other leaders. They welcomed me and the other new elder into the ward and had us bear our testimonies in sacrament meeting. The chapel is very big and really nice. I felt very much at home there, and have been getting that "dejavu" feeling all over again with certain places I`ve seen or people I`ve met. I love that feeling of familiarity or of feeling that I`ve seen or been there before. It makes be think I have a purpose here, although I don`t know if it`s dejavu, as in my mind playing tricks, or a confirmation that the Lord has called me here for a reason.

One thing that might be a little interesting is that some of the general authorities (Elder Oaks and Elder Waddell) were here not long ago in the sector one over from mine, and I believe they were the ones who decided to dissolve one stake and mesh it into another. So, some of the sectors in our mission are now part of the mission Ecuador Quito (the South). There are 4 elders and 4 hermanas that have to now move out of those sectors in order to stay in this mission and turn those sectors over to the other Quito mission. So, that`s why I`m writing a little earlier than usual: we have to help the Hermana Lìderes move colchònes and the rest of their things into our house today. They will be living with us for a while, until the mission Presidents get everything figured out.

It`s really interesting to see all the changes and involvement that the general authorities have in Ecuador. They are really mindful and involved with the members here.

Maybe, if we work hard enough, we can also one day have another temple constructed in Ecuador?? :) It would probably be in Otavalo, though. That would be wonderful.

Anyway, I love you all so much!!! Happy 6 months on the mission Ashley!!! I hope it was great. It actually scares me at times at how quickly the time has been going by. I still feel so new and have so much to learn! o_0 jaja

AMYYYYYY I hope baby comes soon!!!! I love you so much and wish everything goes well.

I love you all! Take care!!!

Hna Fernelius

My district before the cambios

Conferencia de las zonas - Quito Este and Quito Oeste

Quito Oeste....Hey! It`s like the picture of us on the church stage when we were in Guayaquil!...jeje

This is a lady we just started teaching. In her fruit store with a SUPER mini banana. So cute! jaja

This is a friend of someone we believe to be our extended family

My new companion, Hermana "D"

Week 20! "New Sector!!!"

From 6/16/14

Oh my goodness!! Happy Birthday Amy!!! Craziness! Maybe your little one will come the same day you did 24 years ago eh? jeje just kidding. I hope not. I want baby to come much SOONER than that if possible jeje.

 

Happy FATHER`S DAY!!!! I love you Daddy. A Lot. :) I`m still hoping I run into someone who knows you or Mom. One gentleman, Hno L (the person I told you about muuuuch before) said that his brother surely knew you on your mission. His brother said he served in the same zone as you did, but you probably just don`t remember jaja. Hno L and his family are such good people. So I am happy with the connection he made to our family jaja. :)

 

WOAHHHH!!! I`m writing in the cyber and my companion and I just heard GOOOOOALLLLLLLL LOS ESTADOS UNIDOSSSSSS! from the television behind us. WOOHOOO!!!!! We gave each other a fist bump, no worries. :)

 

So. Soccer. THE WORLD CUP. Dad, like you said, the streets are empty. We had to wait severrrrral minutes a couple days inseguido because there were absolutely no taxis on the roads. jaja. Hna U and I bought world cup shirts of Ecuador for people in our ward and sector to sign....

 

BUT. We had transfers.

 

Hna U stayed - and me? Well, I am serving in another part of Quito. It`s about 15 minutes driving from my old sector, so it`s pretty close still. My companion is Hna D (she`s from Illinois). Although gringa, she has a Hispanic background like me. She is a great missionary. I am happy to be with her!

 

I have a great love for my first sector, like what Ashley was saying. We make connections there that are irreplaceable, and the memories are priceless. Hna U received a really great companion and was content with the transfers as well. We have developed a really special relationship together, so separating was a bittersweet experience. But, something amazing is that Hna U received her answer and we received our miracle for the sector:

Words don`t describe how grateful I am for "S" and "A". "A" has cerebral palsy. Their family has been inactive for years, so S, the youngest, was never baptized. Hna U feels such a strong connection and purpose with this family. She shared with us this week that, the 30th of May she was set on telling her parents that she was going to return home from the mission. It was her mother`s day call because in her home country it`s May 30th. She said that she didn`t feel too emotional or nervous in speaking with her family because she was sure to see them again very soon. But after meeting S and A, she had a profound impression that she was meant to be here specifically to help them. And she chose to complete her mission. She said, "The Lord called me to serve 18 months. No less."

 

I don`t know why I shared that with you. This information is a little personal for Hna U and me. But, it was one of the blessings of our transfer together.

 

I have learned so much this transfer. My love for the Lord has grown so much. He knows us each perfectly. He puts every situation, every person, and every opportunity in our way perfectly. Hna U and I have experienced so many tender mercies of the Lord in our sector. I feel like He moved me out just as we were in our prime! jaja. Because there are so many people (especially less active families) that we have found and are working with, who are opening up to us and receiving the light of the gospel little by little once again in their lives.

 

Yesterday I was able to give a talk in the ward about the love of Christ. One example I shared was something that happened the afternoon before: A man we passed on the sidewalk smiled and called to us, "Elderes!" We smiled and said, "Nooo, we`re Hermanaaas." jeje He introduced himself and said that he was inactive in the church. With very strong and bitter words, he shared his distaste and hatred for the Church after his wife died. That the Mormons did nothing to help his family, and that they ruined his time and wasted years of his life. He looked square into my eyes and finished by saying, "Do me a favor and change your discipleship. You are wasting your life with what you are doing."

 

That last statement hurt me. I only looked at him squarely back, a little angry and a lot hurt, and said, "I know that this church is true. I know that God lives. And que lastima that you don`t see it that way."

 

In Nephi 7, there is an example of Nephi that I admire. After his own brothers tried to torture him and kill him in the most horrible way (vs 16), they ended up tying him up. What did Nephi do? He prayed. The Lord answered, although in a way different than he initially asked (vs 17-18). Then, at the end of vs 18, after just being released from the cords that bound him, he stood squarely and fearlessly in front of his brothers again and "les hablè otra vez." Nephi never tired of standing in front of his brethren to try to convince them of the truth and commandments of God, which are pure and perfect. What kind of motive would bring him to act and live this way? His says why in Ch 6:4...his intentions, and how in his final testimony at the end of his writings. 2 Nephi 33: 7, 8, 9... "Tengo caridad para (cada persona, no importa quien)".

 

He understood the pure love of Christ. I love 2 Ne 33:10 "Creed en Cristo; y si no crees en estas palabras, creed en Cristo. Y si creeis en Cristo, creereis en estas palabras, porque son las palabras de cristo, y el me las ha dado; y enseñan a todos los hombres que deben hacer lo bueno."

 

Moroni 7:45 and 48

 

That is the character of Christ. To turn outward. To love and serve. And, if suffering means that we can be "discipulos verdaderos de su Hijo Jesucristo" because of our caridad (charity) for all men, then I am willing to suffer all things for Him. Because I want to be a true disciple of Christ!

 

This man doesn`t understand. And I feel for him. The treasures are in heaven, not on the earth. I know what I`m doing here, and I know where the treasure and happiness truly lies.

 

I love the work of the Lord! I love being a missionary!! And I absolutely love all of you. I don`t have shame in representing the Lord; because if I did, I would be depriving myself of the most valuable blessings that this life has to offer. The life one can only find in Him. :)

 

Love you all!!

 

Ash, I got our "transfer" call at 1115 at night. That left NO TIME to pack jaja. But I woke up early and did it fast.

 

"S is progressing! He`s 18 years old...he was never baptized. He has a lot of good questions. But each one can be answered with the Book of Mormon. He`s reading it and finding that out for himself :). He went to church yesterday and enjoyed it. He commented that he felt very comfortable. His baptismal date is for the 5th of next month. :)

 

Hna U and I have had several great experiences. We have been teaching several less active families who have left the church largely because of the problems that were going on in the ward in the past. Several of them attended a ward activity Sat. for Father`s Day. A couple attended church for the first time yesterday!

 

After church, the young men`s president approached Hna U and me to ask us to lead him and a couple deacons to a member`s house. Hna D and N are active members but don`t always come to church because D is elderly and must stay home Sundays to take care of N, her daughter, who has Parkinson`s Disease. I felt very grateful for the initiative these member`s took to bring the sacrament to D and N`s home. D and N were taken by pleasant surprise when these member`s showed up with us at their door after church Sunday.

 

In the very small dining room, we sang a hymn. The men said the sacrament prayer, and two young deacons passed the bread and water to D and N. Although the room was filled with many people, there was remarkable reverence in the room. We ended with a prayer and, as it was said, I heard the soft sound of D crying. She was touched by the presence of these mindful gentlemen, and grateful to participate in the sacrament for the first time in weeks.

 

The ward has strengthened during my time here, especially with Hna U. She`s helped me to deepen my love for the people and lead them in their true conversion. The ward has become more united...and has sometimes invited our own investigators before we even do. And it fills me with joy and gratitude for the progress we are witnessing there.

 

My time here is really special for me. I have a connection to people there that I will always treasure. And now I have the opportunity to serve in a new area! I am happy to be with Hna D. She`s a great example."

 

I love my new sector. I know my companion will help me to work hard! I am grateful for that!

 

Love you all! Have a great week! Sorry for being preachy, but the prophets in the scriptures were preachy too and they turned out pretty cool I guess :) jaja

 

Hna Fernelius

 

I love the V family!! They love the missionaries. Their home feels like my second away from you all jaja :)

All the missionaries in the ward :)

Ecuadorian SOCCERRRRR shirts :)

 

Week 19! "The Little Things"

From 6/9/14

Hi family!!

 

This week Hna U and I were contacting a few people on the way to an appointment. We really stink at contacting, I´m not gonna lie. So we had to go out really determined. Hna U said that something that´s helped her to contact more is to apply a random word in the contacts. For example, in one contact I had to use the word "tortuga", in another, "choclo", etc. So, I started asking a lady if she knew of a place around here that sold "little gummy tortugas". These two ladies were so concerned when they replied that they didn´t know of a place. The best part is trying to not to break character and laugh. But, this lady ended up being a very special blessing for Hna U and me.

 

She began to cry and share that her husband was sick. She has 5 children. She had a glass eye. And she was the only one able to work (directing parking cars along the road) to provide for her family. It was a very touching experience and Hna U and I had to do all to keep from welling up with tears.

 

We ended our little visit with a prayer, and she said it. I will never forget how she began her heartfelt prayer: "Señor Dios, Buenas noches. Gracias por mandar angeles vestidos de señoritas..." [Translated to: "Mr. God, Good evening. Thanks for sending angels dressed as young ladies..."].

 

My heart swelled up with so much love for this woman. She accepted our invitation for her to prepare to be baptized. And although she doesn´t live in our sector, we feel a lot of love for this woman and hope the missionaries in her sector will take good care of her.

 

Also this week, Hna U and I gave a little capacitacion on how to have "fun" language study in the morning. It turned out AWESOME. I had so much fun just teaching about it. Maybe Ash would benefit from one of these ideas that I learned from other people before and during my mission.

 

The first I call "El Mono." I open the Book of Mormon and begin sounding out only the vowels. I leave out all the consonants and read as if the consonants don´t even exist. It sounds and looks funny, much like a Mono (monkey), but my throat and tongue get so tired from it, it´s incredible.

 

Then, I exaggerate all the ´r´s´ by rolling them like crazy. Every time I see an "r" I exaggerate it. One of the hardest things for gringos to learn are the "r's". But, since I want to sound Latina at the end of all this, I gotta learn! jeje.

 

President Gordon B Hinkley promised EVERYONE that by the time you read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end (in whichever language), that by the time you finish, you will be able to speak that language. Incredible promise!!  That´s something my companion, Hna U, taught me.

 

Also, do you all remember the C family?? We baptized her son, "A", awhile ago with Hna C, but his Mom, brother, and father are all less active. Remember that we brought him cake and had to warm up to them a little at a time? She was very very closed and cold, so it was always hard to teach or get in contact with her. Well, SHE CAME TO CHURCH YESTERDAY!!!! Better yet, this was her SECOND time coming to church on Sunday.

 

I felt and still feel so joyful and grateful for this change that has influenced her little by little. At the beginning, I had no idea how much time it would take, or if she would ever come back to church. But, I have been in this sector long enough to see how the Lord has touched this family´s life.

 

It really began when her husband was put in jail. We don´t know why. But we, like always, stop by and always offer a smile and whether there was something we could do to help. Then, one day she did finally ask for help. Then, without honestly even knowing what had brought her to that point, she shared the fact that she felt an answer of peace. And that the Lord has let her feel that everything would be okay and that her husband would come home soon. Without doing anything different or out of the ordinary, she came to church that Sunday!

 

The prophets and apostles tell us to never give up on someone for a reason. Because, with our consistent love and prayers....people change! Events happen in their lives, their hearts are humbled and softened...and people change! She came to church Sunday, and I feel the Lord has blessed us, and is blessing her to experience this change.

 

"Hna U shared a special experience with an investigator, "S". The Spirit was strong as she expressed to this investigator that she felt like she was sent here to help him specifically, and as if she knew him before. At first, I was a little nervous about what his response to that would be (because he calls himself Atheist), but immediately when she finished, he responded saying that he had the same impression. This experience is one example of how we have felt the Lord´s Hand in leading us to our investigators.

 

We were able to have 3 people rescatados [rescued]! We accomplished this by applying Elder Waddell´s counsel: if the bishop can´t go to them, bring them to the bishop. And that´s just what we did.

 

I know my Savior lives. I trust Him, and desire to live so that He will always trust me. I am grateful for the Gospel and for all the things I am learning about being a virtuous person in thoughts and actions. I look forward to a great week with my companion.

 

This week we have transfers. I don´t know what will happen, but I will be sure to let you all know!!
I love you all! Have a great week!!

 

Hna Fernelius

 

​Today we went to La Mitad Del Mundo!!! It was buenisimo :)

 

Week 18! "Phases Meant to Mold Us"

From 6/2/14

Helllooooo hello hellloooo.

 

Thank you for the emails :D (big smiley face). I got a card from Sister Bolander...please tell her thank you!! I love her letters; they tell a little about everything that`s going on in the ward. And tell Sister Dudley HI back :). And I still haven`t written any boys. Maybe I never will. The time on a mission is whack. :p

 

I shared a part of Mom and Benjamin`s letters with Hna U. And we laughed. We love the images that come to our mind as we read what`s going on at home. jeje Especially because Benjamin is so funny. And I felt a special appreciation for the love and time Mom and Dad have together. It`s a special blessing to have a family strong in the Gospel, who perseveres through anything, and who stay together.

 

Even if, in reality, we live far apart. I`m realizing how special of a blessing it is. Even families who live together don`t necessarily have it "all together." And I`m beginning to understand the differences between what causes our family to behave this way, and what I need to do to have something similar to this in my own family in the future.

 

This week started off heavy and slow. But, as you will read in my note to the President, at the veryyy end of two long, cold, confusing days, He blessed us with "M" and the "Ma" family. I really feel that this was His way of telling me (personally) to wait. Keep going. "I want to see how you handle this..." Wait. Endure. Press on. Than BAM. At the end of the day (twice), He blessed us with little lights that brighten our understanding. There are so many people here who are being prepared. The hard part is finding them. But when we wait, press on, keep going, the Lord will lead us to them (or them to us) when the moment is right. And then He says, "You see? I have sent them right to you. Now teach them and keep going, and I will send more." That`s what I felt about it, anyway.

 

I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the life and light it brings. There are so many reasons to be serving here on a mission right now. I can`t even begin to express how eternally grateful I am to have the opportunity to serve a full-time mission. I know this is what the Lord wants from me right now. And I feel like it`s not just a moment to help other people, but a period of phases of learning. When I perhaps learn one thing, or "graduate" from one phase, He moves me on to the next. It`s really cool. (For lack of a better phrase jeje)

 

"We found a handful of people this week that were pure blessings. One family, Flia Ma, are less active members for 8-10 years. They have 3 young adults ages 28, 25, and 18. The youngest, S, has never been baptized! But he is so friendly and has a really tender spirit. He came to an activity in our ward and enjoyed it. His older sister, A, suffers from cerebral palsy and has severe physical impairments. Hna U and I love her to death.

 

We have a family home evening with them tonight and I am looking forward to it so much! The blessing behind this family is that: I recall several times Hna C and I tried contacting this family, but they were never home or never answered. Hna U and I were having a difficult day and my animos were beginning to dwindle. But, as I have been focusing on the attribute of virtue, I remembered the stories of Joseph Smith, Enoch, Abraham, etc. that I have been studying. And I remembered that when the enemy or trials were strongest, is when they turned to the Lord even more fervently. And, following the trial, comes the blessing.

 

We decided to knock on their door to see if they were home. Shortly after arriving, an active member cousin also approached the gate and let us in....Miracle! And as we conversed, she explained their story a little. We met A and S. We found out S was never baptized....Miracle!

 

I have a testimony of virtue. Perseverance is important if we desire to be led by the Lord. Sometimes He just asks us to 'wait just a little bit' because He has blessings in store for us. Blessings often come after the trial of our faith.

 

We also met M in a similar way. He is the husband of a member in our ward. They`ve been in this ward 2 months now and he has already attended church several times. We have never met or heard of them until last Sunday. We met with him and he is very prepared by the Lord. His wife gave me such a tight hug after the lesson. And, with a very tender and gratitude-filled look in her expression, thanked us for coming to visit.

 

Just to think: these people have been in our sector all along and just now we are finding them! It`s almost as if the Lord is hinting at us to 'keep working...work harder...be diligent. I have people here for you.' And these tender mercies have propelled Hna U and me this week."

 

There are ALWAYS people who live around and among us who are willing to accept and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was sitting in the bus one day just looking around at all the people and thinking, "If we extended an invitation to be baptized to each one of these people, a handful of them would accept and join God`s Kingdom." And, that`s powerful. Because that`s what the prophets have said, and are saying. The work of Salvation is in it`s priiiimee. jejej

 

I love you all!! I hope you keep loving, keep serving, and keep seeking to know what it is we should learn from the Lord in this "phase" of our lives. :)

 

Love you lots and have a good week! YOU ARE MMYYY FAMILY. MINE. :)jeje

 

Hna Fernelius

 

P.S. I turned 5 months on the mission YESTERDAY! Whoot whoooot!!! That number makes me feel old. :) jajaja....No kidddding mannn. :) Love you!

Week 17! "Elder Waddell's Visit"

From 5/26/14

So, Hi family! I feel very burdened today. I´m just going to come right out and say why.

As I've said before, I am doing great out here on the mission! But one thing that Elder Holland once said came true this week: that as missionaries, at some point during the mission we are going to have to feel the same sorrow that Christ felt for His lost or disobedient sheep.

One member of our ward that I have a really close relationship and friendship with asked to speak with us yesterday. We ended up spending about 3 hours at this person´s house, as he remorsefully confessed to a serious sin he committed recently. I am still in shock from it and am still not quite sure how to react. And only now, as I write it out, do I feel a little piece of the gravity and reality of the situation. I feel so much weight from this that my mind is completely occupied by it. And I feel very sorrowful for this person. I feel very sorrowful for what happened.

And now I am truly feeling, almost as if I were in this person´s shoes, the profundity of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We can proclaim and testify of it all we want, but when it actually comes down to applying it in our own lives...Do we really understand the depth of the Atonement? Do we really understand the Father´s love for each one of us? I don´t think we do.

But anyway, this experience just happened yesterday, so I´m still feeling quite impacted by it. But, as everything, I look forward to the healing and greater perspective ahead. The one that comes with more experience and the more obstacles we have the privilege of overcoming.

This week, I prepared a talk I thought I was going to give in Sacrament Meeting. The Elders in our ward spoke instead, but in this talk I re-learned many things.

First of all is the scripture we find in D&C 1:23. The weak and simple are called to proclaim the fullness of the gospel. So don´t be afraid!! How do we overcome that fear? First, obtain it. D&C 11:21 states that we must obtain it first, then proclaim with all the certain bits of conviction within us. Enoch was scared in Moses 6:31, but what did he do? He trusted the Lord. He entered among the people who despised him and proclaimed in a loud voice to all the people. He trusted that his voice would be filled, and they were. And the Lord was with him. Although rejected by men, he continued until....a city was taken up in righteousness: Zion.

Ahh I love the example of determination, trust, and bravery in that story. We have no reason to fear if we are prepared. So, I ask myself? Am I afraid of ___? If yes. Then what is it about the doctrine of Jesus Christ that I don´t understand? Then, search to understand it.

I love this Gospel!! I love the promises that are so concrete. Everything in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is just. It is black in white. And the truth is: "Despues de todo lo que se ha dicho, el mayor y más importante deber es PREDICAR EL EVANGELIO" - Joseph Smith.

As I mentioned, we met with Elder Waddell Thursday night and for about 6 hours Friday. Something he focused on is that, starting June 23, 2013, the sense of missionary had changed forever.

He focused a lot on the difference between missionary work BEFORE then, and missionary work NOW. He said, "The biggest lie of Satan in the world of missionaries is that our success as missionaries is based on the number of baptisms..." Okay... then he said, "Anyone that thinks this way is on the path to apostasy. PERIOD."

The work of salvation is now aimed toward the temple. He spoke pure DOCTRINE with us. It was empowering and completely relieving. Honestly, one of my biggest unsettlements was watching many people be baptized without the person even actually having a testimony. And it was unsettling to me. But, he said that, yeah the baptism is important, but without the covenants we make in the temples, it is all completely meaningless. Our goal is no longer to baptize investigators, but edify every single person, member, less active, recent convert, or not...to be able to get them to the temple.

The work of salvation is beginning to plant itself on higher grounds. My goal in the mission is to have many converts. True converts in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The bar has been raised. But we´re ready for it :) ejeje

Elder Waddell also spoke a little Thursday about the role of the Ward Mission Leader. He said that it should be an only calling. The order of importance is: Bishop, Secretary, and Ward Mission Leader. He said that the WML is as serious of a calling as being a missionary himself, and should always think of the work before his own self. It was intense.

Elder Waddell is also so funny. If we ever feel inadequate or like someone else who has a calling is unable to fulfill it well, this is his take on it, "The Lord took a huge risk calling us; we can take a little risk calling someone new or inexperienced in the gospel." The point was for everyone to have a calling...but only one calling. More than one calling at a time he said is false doctrine and must be changed.

Ooof he said a lot. I feel so much smarter now. jaja

But as he spoke with the authority that only an apostle of the Lord can portray, I felt such a great love of the organization and order of this church. I felt so much the need to raise the bar and live and serve with the Savior in mind, knowing that this is His church. And that we need to serve in the way to match it.

Also, MOM! I am finding out so much about you and the way we grew up!! Eating popcorn in soup? Who knew it was an "Ecuadorian thing"!! It´s awesome. Also, avoiding watermelon seeds because swallowing it would mean we would grow watermelon out our ears!! That´s also a motherly-Ecuadorian thing! Ohh these crazy quirks that we grew up with. Every time I mention or experience one of these quirks, I comment, "That´s what we did growing up!" And they laugh and say, "It is an Ecuadorian thing." I feel so Ecuadorian sometimes. ...And I think I understand you a little better too jajaja.

I love you all!!

I got to go to Volcano Park today!!! It was great. We accidentally rode a huge ship ride that was completely exhilarating. Ecuador is so beautiful and from this attraction, we were able to get a beautiful view of a piece of the city. So beautiful!!!

Love you all!!! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!!!! I know I willllll :) jajaja

Week 16! "NINJA!!!"

From 5/19/14

 

Hello everyone!! I love Mondays, did you know that? :D

 

Mom, I forgot to tell you again HAPPY MOTHER`S DAYY! There`s a song you can look up on YouTube called "She Put the Music in Me" by Calee Reed. I`ve been listening to it a little this week and it always, without fail, reminds me of you! I love you! I love the picture Dad sent too. It was the best thing ever. Also Mom, at the end of our conversation last Sunday, when Hna M hugged me tight twice, it felt like it came straight from you. It was a special hug, and a tender mercy of the Lord to feel and see it that way.

 

I just wanted to add a little to what Ash said last week. Family prayer and study is important. I feel very much like, if we do that, you are giving the Lord permission to bless me and Ashley in ways that we very much need on our mission. Do it as much and often as you can. Maybe reading the letters we send together as a family is a good way to do that. It is really important. :)

 

Last Monday Hna U and I were walking back to our house. It was night outside and dark. As we approached our door, I got a sudden, unexpected shiver all throughout my body that made me jolt. Hna U looked at me like, "What the heck was that?" then I said, "That was weird," and was about to step forward again when Hna U said, "Wait! Scorpion!"

 

I looked down and right where I was about to put my foot was a little black scorpion. It was sooo cool!!!! It wasn`t dead, but alliiiiiive. We kicked it around a bit to be sure. Then smushed it with a rock. We don`t want it in our house!!!

 

 

Also last week, we had interviews with President. He asked me a little about Vegas. I told him the members in LV are strong because there is no gray, only black and white. As members, we are always confronted with opposition, but, when we are firm in our faith in the Lord, we just "say it like it is" without shame or fear. And upon doing that, the other people come to respect us for our beliefs, because they have their own too. (Of course, this critique isn`t absolute, but a general fact about the church and people in Vegas.) He liked that.

 

Also, Thursday we always have District Meeting and a get-together to establish goals and have a little realigning as a zone. Our zone leaders thought it would be a good idea to do something fun to unite us as a zone a little more. So we played a game in the cultural hall called "Ninja." In this game, we start in a circle and go around one person at a time. Each person can only make one move per turn. The object is to try and slap the other peoples' hands to get them out, while protecting your own hands from the slaps of other people. We all looked like ninjas as we karate-chopped and made ninja sounds when it came to our turn. It was fun. Until...

 

I wanted to make a big move to defend myself. So I took a HUGE jump to the right when it came to my turn. And slipped hard. The problem was: water on the ground. I`m pretty sure all four of my limbs were in the air all at the same time at one point during that fall. The entire left side of my skirt, tights, and shoe got WET. But, I stood back up so quickly that only Hna C, standing next to me and with her arms still held up in ninja-position, inched forward slightly with a concerned look on her face.

 

With my hair in disarray (like a lion`s mane), I could only remember myself pointing to the ground and saying, "There`s water there," as if no one had already realized that. We all laughed so hard after that. I think my zone thinks I rock now after that reaction. jejeje. The worst part though, is that not one of the Elders moved an inch to help me. They were all so focused on staying in their ninja stances that I believe they forgot that they were allowed to move to help a fallen ninja -- me. But it turned out so funny that they all realized I was okay. A little wet, but determined to still make some awesome ninja moves that followed. ;)

 

Yesterday, Hna U and I had the opportunity to teach Gospel Principles (at church). One thing I realized, is that I feel different. We've  never taught a class in church before, but I never once felt stressed or nervous. We taught Lesson 16 about the church in La Antiguedad. We even brought an object lesson where they had to try and stuff a boiled egg into a bottle. Impossible. The egg crumbled and only pieces fell into the bottle. We related it to the authority we have on Earth to direct to Gospel of Jesus Christ, or in other words, the Priesthood. The empty bottle represents the world, the person pushing the egg through represents the leaders of the churches on earth, and the egg represents the Gospel. The "world" was only able to get pieces of the Gospel as directed by the "church leader." But it was impossible to give them the whole egg, or the whole truth. What we needed and still need, is the authority (Priesthood). We need a special power to make this possible.

 

We tried again, but this time, we lit a match, threw it in the bottle, then set the egg on top again.....The object lesson didn`t work. The suction of the smoke in the bottle was supposed to vacuum the egg through in complete form. The match represents the Priesthood authority we have on earth. With it, we can have revelation and modern scripture through the man who holds that proper authority - the prophets and apostles. And the world can therefore receive the Gospel in it`s perfect form and entirety. It was sad the object lesson didn`t work (I think the bottle was a little wet inside), but even after the class, every single person stayed to try the experiment themselves. They were so intrigued jaja. And they participated and I`m pretty sure they understood the concept jaja.

 

Anyway, I liked this experience for a couple reasons:

 

1) I`m realizing that, as a missionary, we are able to be prepared at any moment to teach the truths of the gospel. We didn`t have much time to prepare, but that didn`t necessarily scare us. In a little way, we prepare ourselves every day for opportunities and moments like this.

 

2) The blessing that President Gutierrez gave me when setting me apart is coming true. He blessed me to be able to remember the lessons and experiences I have had in YW`s, Sunday School, Seminary, etc. And I have! It`s incredible that sometimes I get an idea to do an activity or share a quote or idea that is something I had seen or done at some point during my life. It`s amazing that I can remember it here and apply it. It is a huge blessing, because our resources as missionaries is limited. Our internet use is zero except emails on Monday. And we only have the scriptures, pamphlets, and Preach My Gospel as the primary tools of teaching. I have faith in Priesthood blessings. And I have faith in the Priesthood! The prophecies and promises within them, proclaimed by a worthy Priesthood holder, is real. I have experienced the blessings of the promises within them time and time again.

 

I know that what we are doing here is not in vain. I think about Joseph Smith, Hyrum, and all those that were with them the last day of their lives in Carthage Jail. As the mob rose up the steps leading to their room, as they yelled and pounded the door, as they began the gunfire...Joseph Smith and those faithful men only looked at each other. Knowing this was their end, they only fought to save the last few minutes of their mortal lives. I am sure that they would not have done so - I`m sure they would not have sacrificed their lives nor leave their wives and children husbandless and fatherless - for a book. Their is life in the Book of Mormon. Within it, there is truth. There is every question of the human soul answered in the Book of Mormon. I know it is true. That is why I am here.

 

18 months is not a long time. I hope that I can start now, tomorrow, and always, to show my conversion to the Lord by strengthening those around me. There are many families here and on the other side that I have a certain level of responsibility over. I was thinking about the paper records we also have to update daily and keep track of, and how it is often difficult to do so after a long and tiring day. But then I think of the ancestors of these people who are on the other side of the veil, and counting on us to take count and take care of their children and family here. And I feel motivated to do better in that respect. Hebrews 13:17 opened my mind to that a little bit.

 

This work entails so much more than we sometimes realize or are prepared to realize. But, when we give it our all, the Lord compensates for the rest. Our weaknesses don`t have to be weaknesses if we trust in Him to help us. For that reason, I love Him. I love the Atonement He gave for us. Without it, I would feel very inadequate and helpless. I wouldn`t have the desire to "try" or "overcome" in this life, because I would know that it would all be worth...nothing. But, because I believe in Him, because I believe in His promises, His words, His power....I often INVITE Him to give me obstacles so that He can refine me. This mission is a good time for refinement. Refiners fire, even. And that`s what I want, because I have a vision of how I would like to be at the end of all of this. And that`s what motivates me. I know there are many people here to save. There are many people who need help. Sometimes just plain knowing that someone in the world cares, truly cares, about them is all it really takes.

 

And I am pleased to be that person in whatever way I can. I am farrr from thinking and living as the Savior did. But, I know that I was called here now for a reason. We haven`t had baptisms lately, which is disappointing, but I keep feeling that maybe this transfer isn`t as much about baptisms as it is about helping my companion overcome some difficulties. Maybe it could make all the difference between whether she stays on her mission or goes home. I don`t know. But I know the Lord does.

 

I love you all soo much!!!! Take care, and pray always as a family! Love youu!!

 

Hna Fernelius :)

My view of you :) You`re all so beautiful! :)

The moon is so big and bright sometimes!! :)

What can I say...[the wall says, "I don't have Fb (Facebook). For that reason I write on this wall"]

"Hna U and I are well. I am studying more about the attribute of virtue. Psalms 26: 1-5 explains virtue in a different light. I love the power behind the words, 'Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity; I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart...'

What a strong example of virtue! This week I have felt that, when we have difficulties or barriers, that is the test. And the solution is to just work harder! I put it in my mind to do that this week and, one day when all of our appointments were falling through...I put it to the test. With just 2 or so hours left of the day and not much success in our lessons or finding our investigators, I said a little prayer in my heart. Not long after, we found one investigator walking down the street. Less than 2 minutes later, a member of the ward came walking down the street as well and joined us in a lesson with miembro presente! All set up right before us.

I know the Lord is mindful of us, and blesses us when we earnestly desire to seek His children and do His will.

Have a great week,

Hna Fernelius

 

Also, in line with the topic of "obedience," I was thinking how important it is. What if Jesus Christ had taken obedience as lightly as we sometimes do?...Holy cow. If that isn`t motivation I don`t know what is. jaja"

 

I love you all! Take care and have a great week!!

 

Hna Fernelius

Week 15! "Catholic University"

NOTE: This is the email following Mother's Day, when Tiffany was allowed to Skype with us.  We ended up with Tiffany on one laptop and Ashley (her younger sister who is serving in Mexico) on the other.  It was a little hectic, and there wasn't a lot of one-on-one time with either of them, but it was still very enjoyable.  I'm presuming that's why there was no email to post for the week of 5/5/14.

Tracy Fernelius (Tiffany's dad)


From 5/12/14

This week was funny and interesting. :)

But first. It really was good to see you all. I had a few ideas of what *could have* been said in the conversation, but none of it ever came out jeje. Maybe in a more personalized setting it would have been different in that sense, but honestly, just seeing you and hearing your voices was all that was needed. I didn`t even feel the need to ask any more or comment on much, but the feeling was mutual that we were content with just that. And that the Lord is continuing to watch over and bless us from all sides of the screen.

This week we got a call from our Ward Mission Leader. He sounded so excited that I could hardly understand him, well, partly because any time he speaks with me he likes to "practice" his English jaja. But, once he got ahold of himself and was able to speak more coherently, he mentioned that we (Hna U and I) were invited to speak at a university in Central Quito the next afternoon. What?! Us? There are three companionships in our ward...go ask one of them! Well, that is what I thought at first.

I sounded unsure at first, knowing it was short notice and we already had appointments for the next day. But, he asked me to obtain permission, then let him know if we could ASAP. I asked...the Asistentes said no, but that we should ask President Richardson for a second opinion. I didn`t want to lose a good opportunity if he thought it was one.

My heart was pounding; "I don`t want to call President Richardson...you do it!" I told my companion.

But, when I called, I thought maybe President would want to send missionaries who actually worked in that sector. But, he said that the missionaries he would think to send would all be in the "new missionary" orientation that day.

So he asked me, "What do you think, Hna Fernelius? Do you trust your Ward Mission Leader?"

Gulp. I didn`t respond right away. Then I turned the question around jaja. "President, do you think it`s an opportunity we should take? I mentioned to our ward mission leader that I don`t think we can because we have appointments that afternoon."

"Hna Fernelius, if you feel this is a good opportunity, then ask your zone leaders if they would be willing to go to this university. I trust them. We need missionaries to go whom I can trust and will be dignified."

"Ohhhkay," I finished.

My zone leader accepted. It would be an opportunity to speak to many students about the history of the church a little, or in other words, the Restoration of the Gospel. But President said, if the elders accept, he wanted Hna U and me to go as well.

After the plans were set for that coming afternoon, our mission leader then informed us that it wasn`t just any university, it was a Catholic university. Oh man. jaja. But it turned out well. We taught a little about the obra misional, a little about the commandments, and about the Book of Mormon. The students weren`t great listeners, but I believe that was just the nature of the school. The professor was more interested than anyone. Later, Hna U told me there was a papa there too. Jeje it was fun.

This week, Hna U and I were able to have some effective street contacts and references. We felt a lot of enthusiasm as we proclaimed of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is something about the way we behave, or act, that changes the entire nature of our conversations with others. When we FEEL excited about our message, others feel it too. They can`t help but listen even for a little bit to see what it is that we`re so excited about.

In the Book of Mormon, the prophets use the phrase "I know" 101 times. The power of a testimony is so crucial in the work of the Lord. And bearing a testimony effectively, with conviction, is a huge tool in the conversion of others.

One part of an article my companion and I read today says, speaking of attitude, "Pessimists see in every opportunity an obstacle. Optimists see in every obstacle an opportunity." Instead of praying to take an obstacle away from us, we should pray for the strength, patience, and wisdom to overcome it. Otherwise, we are limiting our own progression.

The power of being friendly, loving, even playful is important when we are looking to have true conversion. But unless there are also definitive standards that we represent, with unquestionable valiance to live them, there is no way the people are going to see the power of the Lord within us. Or respect the conviction within us.

I am still learning the importance of being obedient. I love obedience. I always have. But subtle temptations are enough to lose the blessings the Lord could have given us, had we been obedient. When we receive blessings in this life, is it based directly upon the principle of obedience associated with it.

I know the mission for me is the place where I can be refined by the Lord. That, "(my) faith will be tested and made strong to withstand the storms." And that is a wonderful time and opportunity. I have already been blessed with a variety of experiences and opportunities, and I hope that the Lord will continue to mold us all during this special time. If we let Him.

I love you all! I am grateful for you! I am grateful for the chance I had to see you! But I hope that soon I will be able to give 100% of my thoughts, actions, and service to the Lord. And leave my own imperfections behind. I hope to have several challenges to `stand alone` in the future, and to always choose to obey the Lord.

"This week was a great experience. I am studying the attribute of 'Virtue,' which is perfect with the challenges and opportunities that came along with the week. As I was thinking a little about what it means to be 'virtuous,' I began seeing many connections it has to being obedient to the Lord. Virtue is not giving in to temptation, it`s true. But it`s also eschewing away sin and even hating it. It`s loving the people we teach so much that we hate the sin that they may be participating in.

This has helped me to be a better pillar in the work of the Lord, because it`s allowing me to realize how NEEDED we are. There are too few people who live the gospel of the Lord, and so many people who have yet to be shown the way. In Prov 23:7, it says that as we think, so are we. This week I felt a little tested by the Lord. The adversary knows me well, and he knows that sometimes the subtle temptations are hardest to resist, such as with our efficient and obedient use of time. I am learning a lot about obedience and building a character of valiance. No one can destroy the character we are building -- only we can do that through disobedience.

We have a sacred desire to find a family to baptize, as I`m sure I`ve mentioned before. And yesterday, we were able to contact two homes with families who are dispuestos to hear and receive the gospel in their lives! We feel that we have found the families the Lord desires us to teach.

Through our desires to be diligent, obedient, and faithful, I feel that the Lord is very mindful of us. I know this is the time to invite Him to refine us and teach us to be faithful, so that we can withstand the storms ahead and be valiant pillars in this effort to proclaim Truth.

I am grateful for my companion and for the many opportunities for growth in the mission. I am also grateful for the blessings of having righteous examples in the scriptures, which help me to recognize and overcome the subtle pressures from those that don`t understand the blessings of virtue and obedience.

I am excited for the investigators we will teach this week! I know that valiance comes into play when we have goals to reach, because that is often when the adversary works the hardest. But every week so far has gotten better and better! And we're rockin' it! :)"

Side note:

Today we took the bus to see a zoo in Guayllabamba. The members here told us it was only 15-20 minutes away. Over one. hour. later...we arrived. And, the zoo is closed on Mondays :( jajaja So sad. But so funny. We bought an ice cream, took the bus back, and had just enough time to eat something before coming to write. I have a picture of us standing outside the locked zoo. Jajaja worth the try. But it was a relaxing drive. And another adventure for the books. Hna U said that next time, we might as well keep going on the bus another 25 minutes and visit her old sector. jaja oh well.

I love you all!!

Chow!

Hna Fernelius

Week 14! "Hollla"

From 4/28/14

 

I couldn`t think of a different title. I think this week my brain wanted to take a little vacation...and my brain vacation doesn`t stop until the end of today. I`m still on my P-Day for Pete`s sake jaja. Kidding, I`m kidding.

 

I told Ashley`s story to one of the Hermanas here and we laughed so hard. Why is it that when something scary, big, or uncomfortable happens (like an earthquake or rainstorm), that we fully dive in and enjoy it so much like crazy people? I`m pretty sure we were built for the latter-days jaja.

 

Matthew, thanks for your wisdom. I absolutely love your personal experience from your mission as zone leader. I vaguely remember that experience, but now I actually feel like I understand what a huge miracle that experience really was for you. Wow. Really. Wow. That`s incredible. I hope to be that kind of leader one day: that leaves everything to help harvest miracles from a broader playing-field. Seriously, it takes someone very prepared to be a leader like that. Ash is a leader right now, too.

 

I know the Lord qualifies those whom He calls. He doesn`t call the qualified. He has been preparing all of you your WHOLE LIVE for whatever calling or situation you are currently serving at this very moment. What more preparation do you need? Only to feed your Spirits daily on the basics - prayer, scripture study, church attendance - and the Lord will do the rest. He qualifies whom He calls. So there`s no need to fret or fear. He is here.

 

That`s my motivational thought for the week jeje.

 

But really, the Lord truly is there. He experienced IT ALL. So "if He is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.

 

Also, I`ve been studying Moses. In Moses 5, I learned something interesting. The first things established from the verrrry beginning are: commandments, all things done in the name of Christ, the ability to choose (agency), and families. From the verrry beginning. And those very things are what the church teaches principally today...

 

"This week we have been teaching one lady named X. She is the wife of a less active member who was the one who actually encountered and contacted us in the street! X has a deep deep desire to know for herself if the gospel is true. She prays and reads the scriptures with her husband. They have faithfully attended every sacrament meeting and activity that they can.

 

Last week we taught her an extensive version of the Plan of Salvation, because she has so many good questions. We used the visual aid that we received in the capacitacion, and she followed the principles so well. Every question she asked, Hna U and I answered with testimony and scripture.

 

The Spirit was very strong as we testified of the power of God`s plan for His children, and what joy this knowledge brings to us. X began crying several times throughout the lesson as she explained that, in her Catholic family, she had always been taught that there is only a heaven and a hell, and that she always wondered what would happen to her father, who lived a life of disobedience. It was such a rewarding experience to know that this is why we are here: to share the joy of God`s Plan revealed in His restored Gospel, and bring that hope to people's lives.

 

Another unique experience this week, and a little different than usual, is that we had to give the 'charla franca' to one of our investigators. 'C' wasn`t showing any progress or interest in completing the commitments we left with her. Finally, we decided to talk with her about it:

 

'Our purpose is to help you follow-through with these commitments so that your faith may grow, and so that you can make covenants with the Lord.'

 

She explained that she liked the visits, but didn`t have a desire to progress. It was a sad conversation (for us) to realize that we would have to let her go. But we extended the invitation that if she ever felt a desire or change of heart to learn more, that we are always here to help and guide her. The Spirit was a strong influence in the course of the conversation. When we ended with a prayer and walked away; interestingly enough, I felt a great relief and peace upon letting her go. My impression was, 'Whew. Now I can focus on the people who truly need us and have potential to progress.'

 

It was the weirdest thing. But lately I`ve also realized that every minute is truly sacred here on the mission. And when, with whom, and how we spend that time is sacred. When we pick up a new investigator, suddenly we are responsible for him or her; they are then under our stewardship. Likewise, when we 'let them go,' they are released from our stewardship and we no longer have that authority to truly help and guide them as we would otherwise.

 

The work of the Lord in the mission field is so special and extraordinary. I am learning, experiencing, and understanding how He works a little more the further and deeper along I submerge myself in His work. It is such a holy and sacred calling. I feel that there is not one person here that we cannot help by means of the principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

 

I love you all sooo much!!

 

P.S. Hna U eats a lot but is so skinny. Whaaaa? 

 

I feel your prayers and they always always lift me up. I always receive the guidance and counsel and perspective sometimes just when I need it. And I love it here.

 

Hna Fernelius

 

Me and Hna U! She`s so tiny and cute! :)

This is what I drew in Hna C`s cuaderno. It`s a few experiences we`d had together jejeje. This day was Friday, when we had divisiones with the Hna Lideres. It was fun to go for a day w Hna C again jeje :)

This is how my companion studies in the morning jajaja ‏

Week 13! "Semana Santo‏"

From 4/21/14

I wrote a couple personal emails this week and nothing more. I felt a lot of stress after getting a phone call at 3:45 today that my companion and I had to drop off another sister at a bus station to meet with her companions, because that would mean no time to write to you all. But, things like this happen. Especially now that this sister will need to come to us as a trio companionship every now and again since her companion is an Hna Leader. So, although I don`t get to tell any cool stories this week about overwhelming amounts of Fanesca, the Parade of Jesus Christ walking with a cross and actors and crowd of singers following him, Hna U`s gourmet breakfasts, or the day it rained tremendously....I just love you all and hope you are doing great this week.

Okay, okay. So I will tell a little more about the day it downpoured. I guess April is the season of rain. Hna U was JUST in the process of asking me if it`s ever hailed here, and shortly after responding "No," it began to hail frozen grapes of great speed. Then, it began to pour so hard I couldn`t hear my own voice (exaggeration, but pretty close to the truth). Hna U and I walked a good 15 minutes in this rain, until there were no people left outside. We were the only crazy ones still making our way down to our next appointment. Honestly, it was so fun. Our entire sector is set up so that we live on the tip of our sector, and all the other houses in our sector are downhill from there. So as the water poured down these streets and we got closer to the bottom, the streets were pretty much rivers. And we had to cross them. It was so fun. My pencil case even fell out of Hna U`s hands and got carried away in "the river" and we had to chase after it. My poor post-its!

We were soaked. I`m pretty sure my shoes are still trying to recover from it.

And I have a picture of us afterwards. The members we visited were so good to us and tried giving us all their clothes to change into. At the end of the day, I had on my regular missionary attire, a large university jacket on top, pants underneath my skirt, and a fresh pair of socks in hand. We looked so silly, but it was worth the humiliation. The best part was when we helped Hno C and his family dump buckets of water from a room near his terrace because a piece of their ceiling broke through.

Then. The next two days were scorching hot and sunny. What is up with this weather?

Also, we had conference yesterday from Salt Lake for all of Ecuador. It was something so touching and special to hear from Elder Richard G Scott in Spanish. Elder Holland also addressed us. He began and ended his talk in terrible Spanish. But I have never imagined that through it, we would anticipate feeling the Spirit so strongly.

In the large, crowded stake center, with hundreds of eager Ecuadorian eyes on our apostles, there was a air of hope and excitement as Elders Scott and Holland, and Sister Wixom addressed us. They focused on daily prayer, scripture study, and FHE within the home. Every single message focused on the importance of starting in the home. They focused on preparing our children to be missionaries, paying our tithing, and going to the temple. Elder Scott tied it all together at the end by saying that "this is the time to make Christ the center of your home." They said that the most important calling here on Earth and in the eternities is those of father and mother. I thought of Mom and Dad. I am grateful for them and all that you have yet to do and become. I hope to follow that example you have set for us.

This is why we celebrate Easter: because He Lives. He completed the Plan of our Father for us.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, work, and learn alongside Hna U. And I hope to help her in this transition so that she may start this new area strong and optimistic. And she has shown a lot of confidence and drive in her ability to lead, inspire, and testify. I am grateful for her example.

We are currently teaching the father of the two children who were baptized last week. His name is Pe. He is always so occupied with work that it is often difficult to set aside a special time to meet with him. This week, he mentioned to us, "You are always welcome to come and give me the charlas, but it`s just that I am so focused on work right now that there`s no way I am in a situation right now in my life to commit to the church. I don`t have time for that." I was praying fervently in my mind in that instant, as I looked into his face, that Heavenly Father would give us the gift of discernment and provide us with the strength and words to speak just what he needed. 

As Hna U and I asked him introspective questions and offered bits of advice....and listened intently, I feel like there was one thought in our conversation that struck him. The expression on his face changed when we reminded him, 'Sometimes the adversary fills our lives with things that are good, so we won`t have time for the things which are best. And so we won`t have time for the things of the Lord.' His semblante changed from frustrated and a little impatient, to retrospective and receptive. And he recommitted to read the Book of Mormon and pray for a confirmation whether or not this is true.

I really believe that, if we live so long in the light, that the Lord is very capable of hearing and responding to our prayers in the moment we call to Him for help. I know that He is mindful of us individually and our needs. And most importantly, that He is mindful of the needs of our investigators and what will best touch their hearts. I know that He will continue to bless us with guidance and direction and Hna U and I study, pray, and reach out together to lead our investigators back to Christ.

The conference this Sunday was also a very touching and real reminder that the people in Ecuador are select. And that every step that has led the work of the Lord here, with missionaries and members, was divinely established, in detail. Because now is their time to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And I know we each have a role in fulfilling that declaration."

Love you. I wish I could`ve done better with the email this week, because the conference was very impacting. I am grateful to be here!

Love,

Hna Fernelius