Week 39! "A Story of Conversion and...Transfers!!"

From 10/20/14

Hna L is staying, she`s just moving over to the other companionship :P So she`ll be able to keep tabs on the Elders who are coming to work in our sector. This will be the first time they have Elders in years in this ward. I just hope they take care of our conversos! :) It usually doesn`t happen where both of the missionaries leave and two completely new ones come in to whitewash to area. So it`s weird that this will be the second time in a row that this happens to this sector. I trust President Richardson, though, and I know it`s inspired :p

Well, GOOD NEWS. Yesterday I received the package :D Full of surprises! Good thing Halloween is coming pretty soon or else I wouldn`t have a good enough excuse to be eating so many goodies jeje :) THANKS DAD!!! And...the music was just.....WOOOHOOOO! :D That was a surprise, and a very thoughtful one, too! :) THANK YOU!!

I listened to music on the way to my new sector :)

SO MUCH TO TELL:

 

"J Y" was baptized Saturday!! (Remember I told you I`d share a little more of his story today :)). He (like his brother "C") avoided the missionaries like the plague. He is a smiley, goofy guy who didn`t hide his reaction that he thought this whole "religion thing" was just ridiculous.

 

I remember him being very flirtatious, especially to me and my companion, during the first couple lessons. We almost thought we were 'wasting time' with him. One week, we taught his recent convert brother C about fasting, and decided to fast that weekend with him. We decided to fast for J Y. C was very skeptical. Well, as you should know, C is very pilas (awesome and witty) and J Y is, well...J Y. But, we did some...edifying...and suggested that C could exercise some faith jeje.

 

The next few visits with J Y we did everything normally, inviting members to accompany us (mostly to keep him more focused, etc). And we began to see fruits. Unexpectedly, J Y began reading the Book of Mormon on his own. His prayers were heartfelt and...awesome. Really. He was looking for a true confirmation and testimony. Then...he accepted a baptism date!! After a couple times of already inviting him to prepare for baptism...he finally accepted a true blue fecha. I must admit, I believe in cambios de corazòn, but I even wondered a little bit if he was going to actually follow through with it! ...(I`ll repent. jaja)

 

J Y kept progressing. I don`t even know what motivated him to do so. Although he is 24 and has many friends (he can`t walk down the street without coming across at least 5 people that he knows), he accepted EVERY COMMANDMENT like *that* (as I snap my fingers). I actually got a little nervous because it just seemed TOO easy. I even brought it up to the zone leaders, and they came with us to a cita to visit him. And...they said he was good. So. Sweet.

 

Well, Saturday he was baptized. He shared his testimony beforehand and included us in it saying, "Thank you to the Hermanas who pursued me." jajaja Whelp. Now that's how it´s done :P jaja.

 

J Y´s conversion is still a wonder to me! jaja He really has changed in his heart. He is such a goofy guy. One Sunday when we were running late to church, we took a taxi. Out the taxi window, J Y said hi to a friend. When the friend asked what was up, J Y yelled out the taxi window, "Hey!!!! I´m on my way to church!!!! You should come!" And the taxi kept going. He is such a character. But, you know what? - His change is real. And it amazes me, in a good way :)

 

 

This week is also the start of a new cambio [transfer]. For nearly two cambios, I have faithfully kept my part of a covenant. I mentioned this "covenant" before, but I didn´t want to talk much about it until I had fulfilled what I was looking for. Anyway, basically I made a deal with the Lord that, if I would wake up at 6 every day (or earlier) to study and get other necessary things done during that time, that He would bless me with an added measure of energy and attention throughout the day, and the ability to help my investigators to always progress. There are a couple cool experiences that go with that as I strived to keep my part:

 

We didn´t always "technically" have people in our weekly numbers who were progressing, but we DID always have investigators who were spiritually coming unto Christ. One day, when I was on divisions with one Hermana M in another area, I didn´t bring my alarm clock. I prayed with faith the night before that, without saying anything to Hna M, I would be able to still wake up at 6 am. The next morning, when I opened my eyes, it was 5:30 am. I closed them again, getting in as much sleep as I could (jaja). And although quickly falling into a deep sleep again, I opened my eyes out of no where and looked at my watch...6:00 am. I thanked my Heavenly Father for helping me keep my side of the covenant, and got up to start my day.

 

We have been a covenant-making people from the beginning. And, it was a very interesting experience that, as I made and kept a personal covenant with the Lord, He was able to help me in keeping my side of the covenant when I asked for it. In my head, I try applying that principle to bigger, more special covenants we make with Him...baptism...in the temple, and just feel such awe for the way the Lord works. And the way He listens.

 

This week was super good! So many wonderful things that we get to experience as missionaries :) Yesterday was also our primary program. In our primary there is a mixture of children who speak Spanish, Portuguese, English, and German. It was inspiring to see these little bitty children who had been practicing for weeks, speak their lines and share their testimonies. Many in broken Spanish.

 

I am sad to leave my sector. I could be happy my entire mission there, I really loved it that much. But now, I am serving in....

 

...a very rural area, although it's an area that is still very much city - with my new companion, Hna Q. Hna L is so farrrr awayyyy...jaja. And I saw one of my former companions (Hna U) writing to President in a cyber just now.

 

"Buenas tardes Presidente!

 

I loved my previous area. I could spend my entire mission there and be happy!

 

This Saturday we had the baptism of J Y! He bore his testimony and it was amazing! He has such a funny character and many of the members were able to be there to support and get to know him better. His conversion story is unique. As he shared in his testimony, when we first started teaching him, he was avoiding us and didn't believe what we had to say. But, as he put it, he saw the change in his brother and wanted a change for himself:

 

'I want to keep going in this,' he said, then bore testimony of Joseph Smith and living prophets.

 

He`s come so far. When he was confirmed Sunday, he was blessed with the ability to have an influence on his friends and family...and that fits him perfectly.

 

As I was in camino [transit] to my new area today, I was able to read a little more of the story of Helaman and the stripling warriors. In chapter 57, Helaman stands in awe at the courage of these young men. In a major battle between the Lamanites and a small, tired group of Helaman`s men, Helaman describes the soundness of these jovenes [young men] (vs 20-21, 27):

 

'As the remainder of our army were about to give way before the Lamanites,...those 2,060 were firm and undaunted. Yea, and they did OBEY and observe to perform every word of command WITH EXACTNESS; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them...'

 

Their minds were firm. And they trusted God perfectly...doubting nothing.

 

I thought about all the times throughout the mission that I would 'look back,' wondering if I had done enough, and what I could have done better. I think about what could be, and what I would like to be. But, in reading this, I thought about what it means to have perfect trust in God. I realized that a firm mind and sound, convicted resolve is a result of completely trusting consejos of our leaders: hearing and responding immediately to cambios, advice, and direction you and other mission leaders receive. These jovenes didn`t waste any time wondering if the  advice they received was right or wrong. They knew they had a righteous leader and a righteous purpose, so they received counsel, then soundly and diligently obeyed. And the results were astonishing.

 

I am excited to start this new cambio. The Lord always confirms to me that I am where I should be. Now, in following the example of the stripling warriors, I hope to have a firm mind and determination in spreading the gospel here :-)"

 

Take care family! I love you!

 

Hna Fernelius

The hands we made a while back....but DRY! This was last week when we went back to see how they turned out. Not. Too. Shabby. If I do say so myself :) jejeje

On my way with one of our Hermana Leaders to one of my former areas (on a split).  I love seeing people I´ve taught before! :)

On our way to district meeting :)

 

Week 38! "Two Small Children Please..."

From 10/13/14

This week was just...great. Even though Hna L was very sick at least one day this week, we were able to enjoy every little miracle. We have gotten so close so fast and I am actually a little scared because I don`t always feel like I'm necessarily on the mission anymore, but rather with my little sister. She has a such a tender spirit and tender heart. She is just so great!

Today was probably the best P-Day I`ve ever had. We printed email, took a bus down by the church to go to some neat little shopping stores (where I bought marshmallows and a little USB music reader which lights up, is super cool, and means I have music again!!!), came home, baked potatoes, roasted marshmallows and tootsie rolls on the electric stove and read mail. It was so relaxing. I seriously feel like I`m here all day with Ash or Amy. jaja

We also bought guaguitas because it`s the season where the bakeries make guaguitas and colada morada. Which was the first time since MOM made guaguitas with us that I`ve actually had one...

Anyways, I felt a little weird ordering this little bread-man, called guaguita, because in Quichwa, "guagua" (pronounced "wah wah") means "small child". So, knowing that, as I asked for two "guaguitas", I turned to Hna L with an aghasted look on my face and translated to her quietly, "Can I have two small children, please?" jaja These people are sick.

Anywayyyyyys. Do you all remember my mission Mom, Hna C? Yeah? Yeah??? Well, she goes home next week!!! Yep, she finished her mission o-O wuuut. I knew her when she was 8 months old on the mission...now she finishes? That`s just crazy talk right there. My Mom is LEAVING meee. My daughter will be left without a grandmother...well, at least she was able to meet her once before she dies. (This is mission-family talk ya`ll. Hope you`re keeping up).

This week I just feel so grateful for my three zone leaders. They are willing to sacrifice to make sure we are okay. Remember how last week I probably sounded really depressed and sad after having a rough week (even though it`s usually never as bad as it sometimes seems jaja)..? Well, two nights later, we got a random call from Elder R as we were getting ready for bed. Pretty much, he yelled at me (i.e. spoke very enthusiastically through the phone at how well we did that day), and thanked us for all our hard work, and what size shirts we are so he could order shirts for the zone. He also noticed I had a gripe (cold), so, as we hung up, he also exclaimed, "AND GET BETTER, OKAY?" jaja But with so much care in his voice. My zone leaders even sacrificed a lovely ride home Friday so that the person who was going to give them a ride could accompany us to the church for a tour we were going to do with two investigators. They are just...so awesome.

Also this week, our recent convert ("L") who we`ve been collecting bottles for, WENT TO THE TEMPLE!!!!!! He went with our ward to the temple, and participated in baptisms for the dead. Possibly the best part in all this is that, they didn`t have money for the passage. But, a couple members put their heads and hearts together and, not only bought the bus passage for L and his friend A, but ALSO donated them both white shirts, pants, and ties. L and A both bore their testimonies (by assignment) yesterday.

I couldn`t help but have my heart well up inside me. To see converts progress and take these steps!!!! Indescribable. And it all started with a spiritual experience, when we testified of Joseph Smith`s First Vision. This was the first time we met them. Now, they have callings, come with us to citas, have powerful testimonies of the commandments, and HAVE BEEN TO THE TEMPLE. I love how the Spirit works conversion in all people who seek it. And I love how we can be an integral part of that.

I`ve learned a lot this week about the importance of confiding in the Spirit. Sometimes with experience and trying to plan things out every day...we fall into the trap of relying on our own efforts to reap success. Last week, Hna L being ill gave me the opportunity to reflect a little on how we`ve been working with the Spirit. It`s important to do all we can, but it`s also important to trust the Spirit in compensating for the rest....a perfect brightness of hope. Knowing that, especially because we weren`t able to work outside the house last week as much as usual, the Spirit would continue to work in the hearts of the people...and that we would still be able to reap much success on the degree of our faith alone.

Sunday morning, the unthinkable happened. A person we contacted two nights before CALLED US to ask when and how to get to church. It was so interesting. One of my missionary-life goals was that this would happen...and it did.

I love this work. I know this is the Lord`s work. And miracles will abound if we continue to trust, ask, and act. I love the Lord, and I love how the Spirit is powerful to do anything. "J Y", the investigator who will be baptized this Saturday, is evidence of that. But, I`ll tell you more about his story next time :P :)

Love you all! Have a great week! Until next time....CAMBIOS :S jeje Hasta luego! :)

Hna Fernelius

Oh, Ash! The similarities of what we do is just about to get WEIRDER. Because, while you were copying mannequins at the mall last week in Mexico, we did the SAME thing last week in Ecuador...jajaja Here`s proof:

Jajaja Ohhh our sisterly-minds...how they think alike... jeje

One edge of our sector. We had to stop and take a picture...so many places in our sector has just such great views!! Ahh love it.

Let the rainy season begin.

I love this picture of Hna Lewis. It`s a good representation of the kind of person she is....big heart, big spirit, always content with the little things in life .

 

....our first converso reciente in this sector...now preparing to receive the Melquisedec Priesthood!! :)

 

Our guaguitas!!! That we bought...and DEVOURED today...starting with the heads...jejeje :)

Week 37! "Between Sessions Fame..."

From 10/6/14

As you all know, yesterday and Saturday was General Conference. Fun facts:

1) The family "Trujillo" that was sponsored between conference sessions (that have 4 children on the mission at the same time?) Yeah. They are a family that live here. Many of us here know them personally. I know someone who knows someone who knows them. Does that make me famous? Just saying...

2) The wheelchair service activity that went on here in Ecuador (also featured between sessions) actually took place IN THE CHAPEL WE WERE IN while we watched conference. Did you get that? We were watching a national broadcast about an activity that went on in the church we were watching the national broadcast in. Yep. Two of the missionaries that were sitting there with us were watching themselves on national television. jaja it was a party. It was great.

So, I was feeling pretty bad after not one of our investigators came to either days of conference. I really felt that we had done everything in our power to invite them to come. Afterward, Elder R, one of the zone leaders, just came up to us to make conversation:

He noticed that I was actually not feeling too well (ahem, trying to hold back the tears...), and he related his own personal experience of when he was training and for a solid 5 months was working so hard but didn`t see any "fruits of his labors" in that time period. After he left the sector, the two people he was working so hard with were baptized. So, even though he didn`t see any fruits then, he left a legacy and an influence.

His words we really inspired and cheered me up a lot. It was inspired because, well, I really didn`t say much to him about how I was feeling. But it was like he almost read my mind. His companion came up behind him not far into the brief conversation and, though he doesn`t speak much English, was in tune enough to just shake my hand at the end, look me in the eyes, and say in his broken English, "Don`t give up." I felt a lot better.

Hna L and I are working so hard. Sometimes the hard part to it is that, we are often brought to believe that, the miracles are a measure of our faith. Well, I have a lot of faith. But, the miracles don`t seem to be so apparent at times. So, it makes me wonder what I should have done differently. It`s just the way it is. But, fortunately, I have a solid conviction that the Lord knows what He`s doing...and that His Purposes and Timing are perfect. So, though I feel disappointed, it doesn`t lick me for long.

There have been tender mercies and indirect signs of the Lord`s love for me and the work we are doing here which also let me know that He knows EXACTLY what He`s doing.

For example, I ran into a young, less active woman from my last area. We had only visited her a handful of times while I was there with Hna D, but she greeted me very enthusiastically. I was pleasantly surprised! She mentioned to me that, after we had left the area, the other sisters had only gone to visit her one time. But that Hna D and I had left her thinking...a lot. And because of it, she had decided to quit her job (which included her working on Sundays), and she decided to put in her papers to serve a mission....!! I had no idea we even left that kind of influence on her. But it was a tender little mercy for God to let me see the kind of influence that is possible. The little fruits of our labor that I may have never known was a product of our service there.

Our bishop also said something very nice. I don`t know, every time I see him, he looks me square in the eyes and holds my hand firmly in his as he shakes it and asks, "How are you Sister Fernelius." He says it with so much sincerity. I feel like he really cares about me. He also said, "Tell your parents thank you." I asked for what, or if there was anything specific I could tell you. He just said, "Tell them thank you," and his wife finished the sentence saying, "For sending us their daughter." I laughed it off and took it somewhat lightly at the time, but it touched me deeply and actually meant a lot to me. Especially because I could feel in their voice that they meant it.

Anyway, there are so many things I wish I could tell you all right now. So many little blessings that I wish I could share.

The Lord is so merciful. He loves me so personally. His prophets are chosen people, and I love them so deeply. The work of the Lord is such a joyful experience. I love every moment of it! Even the weighty times are ones that I look forward to, because I know they are really just great opportunities.

I just want to share something that was a little bit of a theme for me this week. Something that Matthew very inspiringly wrote to me and Ash this week, which I love:

"Remember, a mission is not recorded by the number of baptisms you have or the number of members that you bring back to the ward or branch.  Elder Bednar said the very same thing...we don't preach for numbers or money.  A mission is organized and maintained by numbers so that we can have all names recorded for Heaven.  But for the both of you...your missions will be considered complete and honorable by the way that you serve those around you.  Those that are willing to hear the gospel will do so and be grateful for your intervention in their lives.  Those that do not accept the gospel will still be grateful for you by the way that you treat them and show them the light of the gospel, even if they do not want it yet.  They will thank you one day for your goodness and will eventually become members or better people because of the way you served around them.  That is the measure of a missionary and a mission...by how many lives they touched."

I love you all! Something I realized I do best is...SERVE. I love to serve. That`s a whole story of it`s own. But that`s also why I also testify that Elder Holland`s talk is so true. Serving is something that has become such a big part of me. It brings me the most joy of all! The fruits of it are just...miraculous.

Anyway, I`ve got to go. I love you all! Until next week!! :)

Hna Fernelius

[NOTE: Apparently at the 9-month mark, most of the sister missionaries pretend to be pregnant as some rite of passage or something.]

ASHLEY: Your 9-month pictures turned out WAY better than mine. My companion said, "Hey, she looks pretty good." jaja - Here are a couple of mine :P


My jacket didn`t even make it all the way down the belly. That`s okay, it accentuates the currrves. jaja



Mall displays of Ecuador -_- Wut.



The post-its say "Happy 9 months" from my companion jeje

Week 36! "Week Worth Forgetting"

From 9/29/14

Thank you all for your emails. As we were walking down the sidewalk to go print at a cyber, I had a feeling come to me that this would be a good week of emails. And it was! Pictures from Amy, a message from Jay, and messages from all of you. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

Well, there are several things I COULD say this week...but usually some things stick out to me of what I could share. This week, I don`t necessarily feel that way. So, I spent some time responding to some other emails and to the mission president. I hope you are all okay with that. :)

This week we had divisions with the Hna Leaders. Hna M came here with me while my companion went with hers. Hna M spent the day and night with me. It was very relaxed and felt like I had spent the time with and old friend. We always do a "retroalimentaciòn" at the end of the division to see what I have been doing well and what I can improve. We spent a lot of time really analyzing how I feel I do. It was nice to set some goals together.

One goal we set is that I would write down a phrase, scripture, or quote in my agenda on a daily basis to remind me of my purpose as a missionary. As a missionary, it`s not uncommon to lose "animos" because we are always on a go-go-GO type routine. I`m sure it wouldn`t be so hard if we could take vacation time every now and again jaja, but that is not the case, and ...knowing me...I always feel it necessary to give it ALL TO THE LORD. DAMOS TODO AL SEÑOR!!!! jejeje When I feel spiritually dampened or tired, I never panic because I know that, with time, the Lord will help me to reboot right back out of it. It`s weird, but I keep going. Maybe not as lively as always, but I keep going. This is because I know that the Lord watches us. He tries us. He observes how we react, and how we respond to the challenges we face. And, because I trust Him, I know this is what He is waiting to see. So, I keep going...running fast to the finish.

We see with human vision. And, although it might not be half-bad sometimes, usually it`s not enough. We need to see with God`s vision...the eternal perspective. If we do, even the hardest cases will not seem so bad. Hurts and headaches will only wisp through like silk, all because the core of our being is fastened on to the perfect brightness of what will be.

As we were listening to the RS General Broadcast Saturday, one of the speakers mentioned something: barges. jaja I was thinking about us. Dad and Mom, raising little tugboats, hoping that one day that will become great barges filled with light. Strange analogy, but I liked it. I hope that Mom and Dad can see us as barges filled with light now. It certainly feels that it`s gotten to that point. I love the light I feel in this Gospel. And I hope that the Lord will help me to use it correctly.

Love you all. Vague email this week, but that`s partly because I don`t necessarily want to recall all the details that happened this week...it was rough. But I know this week will be better! :)

Love you all! Have a great week! :)

Hna Fernelius

Week 35! "Hey Everybody!"

From 9/29/14

Thank you all for your emails. As we were walking down the sidewalk to go print at a cyber, I had a feeling come to me that this would be a good week of emails. And it was! Pictures from Amy, a message from Jay, and messages from all of you. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

Well, there are several things I COULD say this week...but usually some things stick out to me of what I could share. This week, I don`t necessarily feel that way. So, I spent some time responding to some other emails and to the mission president. I hope you are all okay with that. :)

This week we had divisions with the Hna Leaders. Hna M came here with me while my companion went with hers to Bella Aurora. Hna M spent the day and night with me. It was very relaxed and felt like I had spent the time with an old friend.

We always do a "retroalimentaciòn" at the end of the division to see what I have been doing well and what I can improve. We spent a lot of time really analyzing how I feel I do. It was nice to set some goals together. One goal we set is that I would write down a phrase, scripture, or quote in my agenda on a daily basis to remind me of my purpose as a missionary.

As a missionary, it`s not uncommon to lose "animos" because we are always on a go-go-GO type routine. I`m sure it wouldn`t be so hard if we could take vacation time every now and again jaja, but that is not the case, and ...knowing me...I always feel it necessary to give it ALL TO THE LORD. DAMOS TODO AL SEÑOR!!!! jejeje

When I feel spiritually dampened or tired, I never panic because I know that, with time, the Lord will help me to reboot right back out of it. It`s weird, but I keep going. Maybe not as lively as always, but I keep going. This is because I know that the Lord watches us. He tries us. He observes how we react, and how we respond to the challenges we face. And, because I trust Him, I know this is what He is waiting to see. So, I keep going...running fast to the finish.

We see with human vision. And, although it might not be half-bad sometimes, usually it`s not enough. We need to see with God`s vision...the eternal perspective. If we do, even the hardest cases will not seem so bad. Hurts and headaches will only wisp through like silk, all because the core of our being is fastened on to the perfect brightness of what will be.

As we were listening to the RS General Broadcast Saturday, one of the speakers mentioned something: barges. jaja I was thinking about us. Dad and Mom, raising little tugboats, hoping that one day that will become great barges filled with light. Strange analogy, but I liked it. I hope that Mom and Dad can see us as barges filled with light now. It certainly feels that it`s gotten to that point. I love the light I feel in this Gospel. And I hope that the Lord will help me to use it correctly.

Love you all. Vague email this week, but that`s partly because I don`t necessarily want to recall all the details that happened this week...it was rough. But I know this week will be better! :)

Love you all! Have a great week! :)

Hna Fernelius