Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Week 49! "Investigadora Disfrazada"

From 12/29/14

My mind feels like it`s about to explode right now....what did I even do this week? :p

Wednesday night Hna Q and I made two pans of rice crispy treats. The cereal is called "arroz crocante" and it`s a little harder than at home, but it turned out really well. We poured melted chocolate on top with sprinkles and put them in little baggies to give to our zone the next day.

Also, something fun we did was cut out a bunch of hearts and write notes on them...then, for EXERCISE (cough Amy cough ..we exercised!) we sped-walked to a few member`s homes and did a version of heart-attack-ding-dong-ditch. I LOVE serving people. Why does it always make me so happy? huh? why? But, it does. :) It was fun for us, more than anything.

We had a white elephant exchange Thursday at our zone meeting (I got a red scarf), and me and Hna Q put together a little competitive activity with a spiritual message as part of the capacitaciòn as well :)

Later that day, I SPOKE WITH YOU! And, though 40 minutes seemed to only scratch the surface of a real conversation....it was enough :) I am so glad to have seen all of you, and am really grateful for you!

At home, we cooked an improve lasagna (that actually turned out super good....it was layers of pasta, meat, zucchini, and scrambled eggs on top..jaja....What diet?..) And I opened a little gift from Hna Q...a super cute note & greenish scarf!!!! jaja Now I have 2 new scarves :) jeje

Yesterday we did something super interesting.....investigadora disfrazada. In other words, with permission, we coordinated one missionary from another ward to come as a pretend investigator to ours. The goal was to see how well our ward fellowships someone they`d never seen before. It turned out BACÀN!!!! (That means "chevere"....I mean, "cool").

Hna C is Peruvian but understands Quichua. She also had all the Otavalenian clothes and braided her hair to look Otavalen. :) jaja The part that made her feel super weird was when she had to take off her plaque and, she just couldn`t put it away completely, so she hid it in the faja (belt) of her anaco (otavalenian skirt). jaja. It was AMAZING. Hna Q and I are such good actresses (watch out!!) because we pretended we had nothing to do with this "new investigator" who happened to walk in of her own accord to sacrament meeting. We were so impressed because, recognizing a new face, several relief society women rushed over to present themselves to her and get to know her. Then, as we sat a few rows ahead of her, the RS president came quickly to where Hna Q and I sat and excitedly told us, "There`s an investigator who came to church all by herself!! You should go present yourselves to her!!"

Hna Q and I opened our eyes as if very pleased and eager to meet this "investigator". We asked what her name was. "Sisa Y," replied the Hna Josefina (RS president). "Where does she live?" we followed up with, acting as if we really didn`t know who she was. "I don`t know...Go talk to her!!" Hna J indicated.

All throughout sacrament meeting, a member, Hna O, took it upon herself to sit by this "investigator" and even took her to the next two classes. ...The truth, I started to feel bad. Hna O was helping her to follow along in singing the hymns and read the scriptures in the classes. She even bore personal testimony several times throughout of her own conversion story and when she was baptized! AAAAAAHHHH "What are we going to do now??" Hna Q and I thought....they really thought she was a first-time investigator....and now we are going to break the members' hearts and reveal the truth!! AAAAAHHHH....but at the same time...ejejejejeje (evil chuckle as I rub my hands evilly together).

At the end, we finally revealed our evil ways to the elder`s quorum and relief society. We learned so many things about our ward.....the elders quorum needs works, but the relief society....Wow. They are truly special people. As we stood there in front of them at the end of the class, Hna C pulled out her plaque and presented who she really was to the RS group. A few were oblivious and had no idea there was something secretive going on. Maybe they didn`t even recognize that there was a new face amongst them all that day. Others, like the RS president Hna J, began to laugh heartily...realizing what had actually happened. And one, O, the one who bore her testimony and led Hna C through all the meetings...cried. I felt so bad! She really put her heart into extending a warm invitation to this "new investigator" and felt desilusionada when she realized it was actually a scam.....

AAAAAAAAAHHHH WHAT`VE WE DOOOOONE!!!!!! NOW THEY`LL NEVER Be ABLE TO TRUST US AGAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!! ....Is what I thought. But, after sharing a little spiritual message with them related to this experiment, we expressed true gratitude for those (Hna J, Hna O, and a couple others) who were leaders...and took self-initiative to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Truly living the gospel as we extend a warm hand to those around us.

When we talked with Hna O at the end, one-on-one, she seemed a little embarrassed (though she shouldn`t have been...because she was a shining example to the rest). She expressed quietly that, as she took "Sisa" around that day, she felt something special in Sisa...aka Hna C. As if she had a strong spirit and was already a member. And that, despite the doubt, she felt the responsibility to take care of her.

I am so grateful for this awesome and unique experiment we put together. Only 1 set of missionaries have done this in our mission before, but we wanted to give it a go. We found out so many things -- good and that needs improvement -- in the fellowshipping we do as members. One thing that I feel holds true is that -- when in doubt if someone is a member or not -- say hi to them! Get to know them and present your own self! Maybe Hna C wasn`t a real golden investigator (:P) but, surely one day that moment will come! And, what will the investigator make of that very first experience? In always presenting ourselves, we will not only give a positive impression of who disciples of Jesus Christ really are, but we will get o know more members as well and strengthen the ward.

Unity is so important! God unifies...Satan destroys. This is why we have been working so hard to create unity, not only in our ward, but also among our own missionaries in our zone.

I love the work of the Lord. It is always edifying and helps me to feel spiritually strong. I love how beautifully we were able to end this year...now I have personal plans in the start of the next!! :)

Love you all! Have a great week!! :)

Ñañagu Fernelius

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! :P jejeje YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY
2015 is going to be a great year :)


"Arroz Crocante" (Rice Crispy Treats)

Heart notes preparation...



"Improve" Lasagna??

Green scarf from Hermana Q

"Heart" project complete



Red scarf (white elephant gift)


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Week 48! "Merry Christmas!"

From 12/24/14

¡Feliz Navidad!

Hello family and friends!
 
Just one year ago I was thinking a lot of my little sister, recently entered into the missionary training center, and wondering myself what the year would bring. I packed my suitcases and made my own final preparations. 18 months away from home...it would be an adventure. And a challenge. Just the challenge I was looking forward to.

And, now I can reflect and see how much of a blessing this year has been. This year was something special. This year was a gift.
 
I
 have now served in various areas of Quito, and am currently in the beautiful country of Otavalo. I have been able to see lives change and families grow closer together....And just imagine, every year gets better and better. This is because, every year, we learn to discover and accept more the greatest gift of all, our Savior Jesus Christ.


He is the center of everything. He overcame death and He overcame sin. His love and infinite Atoning sacrifice allows us to resurrect and be purified -- forever free from sin and guilt. We can have eternal life and become like Him. We can be with our families forever! What a blessing!!This season is the most natural time of year to draw ourselves closer to Him by finding out who He is, accepting Him in our lives, and share this joy with those who surround us.

http://www.mormon.org/Christmas

I have felt for myself, and know, that He is the Gift.

I am grateful for all of you and hope you feel the peace and love of our Savior this season.

Con Amor,


Hna Fernelius

Misiòn Ecuador Quito Norte
"El Centro Del Mundo -- Centrados en Cristo"



 
Last Tuesday we went to Quito for a Christmas lunch. We had a white elephant exchange and I got a little money pouch with two key chains! jaja. The gift I gave away was a little box of Christmas lights. Lunch was super yummy with mashed potatoes and turkey...mmm. We also sang a little and the other zone did a skit that, unlike Ashley`s (jaja), turned out super good. :)

For the song that my zone sang, I played left hand and Hna S (she`s like my sister) played the right hand. It was really fun. I haven`t done that since playing left/right hand with Amy or Ash :P
 
 
Mashed potatoes and turkey...mmm
My hair was so short!
 
 

She is SO cute. This is how they dress especially for church Sunday.
This little guy`s name is Wimper.....really. jaja. His voice is similar to the little kid`s voice with the toad in Little Rascals....not kidding. This little guy is great. His little sister, Kimberly, is also super cute. Don`t let this picture fool you though, they are super violent with their animals! :P
And me, washing clothes on la piedra :)
And me playing the piano at the ward activity :)
RS president...Now THIS is how you do ward party food. In ginormous pots jaja

 

 
 



 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 




Monday, December 15, 2014

Week 47! "Preparing to Skype for Christmas"

From 12/15/14

Hey familia!!!
Monday, December 8, 2014

Week 46! "Our Golden (Latino) Family"

From 12/8/14

There is one super special thing that happened this weekend. The family that Hna Q and I met in the street was baptized.  Remember them?  The family that we had the special impression to go back and speak with, even though we had already passed by them in the street:

I remember very clearly walking past them, they both were walking slowly down the street.
 
"Buenas noches!" we said, smiling at them as we walked swiftly by.
 
I remember making a slightly prolonged eye contact with them as they looked back. As we walked on, that unusual eye contact we made was bugging me.
 
I thought, "Ugh, it was a family! We should have contacted them..."
 
And feeling upset with myself for being too shy to speak with them that first time. But, I committed to myself that I would try harder to contact more families....
 
As we walked and contacted that night, trying to occupy our time before going home, we approached this family AGAIN...from behind...AGAIN.
 
"There they are..." I thought. As an almost sign-of-apology type thing, I looked up at them and committed right then and there I wasn`t going to let the opportunity to speak with them pass again.
 
I`m sure the Spirit had a hand in these personal impressions.
 
I spoke up to Hna Q, "Let`s go contact them!"
 
"Okay," she answered.
 
It was a normal contact, only, they were super humble and meek. And they gave us a direct house address....unusual. jaja
 
Only one problem, they are Latino, not indigenous. :( wah. So, we did a follow-up visit that week, but also pre-warned them that other missionaries would be the ones to continue visiting them. And we passed on the reference.
 
The hermanas who followed-up with them did SUCH A DEDICATED JOB. And for that, I feel so grateful! They visited this family consistently after that and involved many of their ward`s members in noches de hogar (FHE) and other activities. This family progressed so quickly.
 
Saturday night, they were baptized - the mom and dad and one son (they also have two other little girls who are not yet of baptism age).
 
The morning of their baptism, we sent a little text message, showing our excitement and love for them. E, the mom, responded:
 
"Buen dia hermanas, gracias por sus palabras, todo lo que ha pasado ha sido gracias a uds - nunca olvidaremos el dia que las conocimos. Les queremos muchisimo y nos vemos hoy en la noche."
 
["Good morning sisters, thanks for your kind words, everything that has happened has been thanks to the both of you - we will never forget the day that we met you.  We love you a lot and will see you tonight.]
 
I was touched. We wouldn`t miss this baptism for the world.
 
That night was one of the most memorable nights of my mission. A family, dressed in white, prepared to enter the waters of baptism.
 
They shared their testimonies at the end, starting with the father, D. It was heartfelt and emotional. I can`t describe how the reverent warmth of the Spirit filled the atmosphere. Seeing a family come together and prepare to eventually make sacred covenants in the temple...this is what the Gospel is all about.
 
D said, "The four hermanas that are very special to us are all here. Hermana Fernelius and Hna Q were the first sent by the hand of God to find us. Then came Hna N and Hna S..."
 
My heart swelled again. I cried a couple different times the course of that night. I felt very humbled. The Lord`s hand was apparent throughout the process of their conversion...starting from the beginning.
 
After, E also bore her testimony, saying something so short and sweet. And powerful. She cried as she said, " I thank the Lord for sending us angels."
 
What a special night it was.
 
We were supposed to go over to their house today to bake lasagna, but I have to travel to Quito soon  :( But they are so good. They had participated in sincere personal conversion. And I feel so blessed to have been a small, but special, part of it.
 
I am so happy to be here. I am so imperfect, but I feel so blessed. I feel that, in being honest with the Lord in my efforts, He has and will continue to fill our lives with miracles.
 
Have a great week!!!
 
Ñañagu Fernelius
 
"We had an investigator come hurriedly to church, but, because she missed the first hour, the asistencia is incomplete. But, we are so glad she came. O A is 21 and preparing to be baptized. The desafio with her is that she`s traveling to Colombia for the holidays.
 
Last week we worked a ton with members. And it paid off! In consejo de barrio, the members are much more concerned about the people on the informes de progresso, because they are now more than just names. They even took the initiative last week to visit one partial member, less active family and follow up with taking out another NDH [FHE] cita for this week. Another less active family they visited with us last week came to church. The entire family!!! This is the first time for them in years. Yet, they didn`t stay the 3 hours. But, it`s a big step in the right direction.
 
Involving the members is becoming a larger theme in our ward, and our bishop is encouraging it. It makes such a difference involving the members, not just to help with our people, but also to strengthen the members themselves.
 
I am doing well. I feel the momentum rising in the progress of the work in this ward, which is also exciting for me and motivates me to keep it going.
 
My companion is struggling a lot with her health. She`s tough and sticks it out, but I know some days it just really discourages her. We are taking the advice of our district leader and trying to work more 'intelligently' versus with our feet. O sea, we are trying to plan visits with more members, members with cars, references, and even with the thought of doing more divisions with the members to make it to more citas. In working intelligently, we hope to keep the work going, while lessening the physical burden for my compa.
 
It`s such a blessing to be here! Have a great week!"
 
So, as you can see from my letter to Pres, my compa could benefit from your prayers currently :)
 
I love you family!!! Take care :)
 
[P.S. From Tiffany's dad]:
 
"Yesterday near the end of testimony meeting I had the thought to review some comments Tiffany made in a recent email.  It was cold and most of the citas had apparently been falling through that evening, and she decided that a warm beverage would be nice.  She was unexpectedly provided a cup of hot cinnamon water a little later on, and she shared some thoughts in that email that I decided would be good to share during testimony meeting.  The problem is that by the time I was prepared to say something, the time was up.  So I sat in my spot, waiting for the meeting to close.  After 30 seconds or so, I quickly got up, thinking that if I didn't, someone else would.  I even mentioned in the beginning that time was up, but no one seemed in a hurry to close the meeting, so HERE I AM!

"So....Tiffany bore her testimony to our ward yesterday.  Then I sat down.  I was very pleased with the way the thoughts came out, and I didn't leave Ashley out either - I just didn't have anything specific at my fingertips to share."
 
[Tiffany's email response to this news]:
 
"jaja I`m glad I bore my testimony in the ward...because it`s actually a sort of 'commandment' for missionaries to bear their testimonies EVERY fast and testimony Sunday but I couldn`t here because there was tooo many people and too little time. So, I didn`t miss a Sunday after all.....jaja"

Yes, even a missionary's dad can be inspired...
 
This is a photo taken by a friend of Tiffany's in the mission field and posted on her Facebook page.  Taken on or before December 2, 2014.

"The family of gold"


This is catso...or cacso...I`m not sure which is correct. It`s a little but super strong beetle that they catch and fry. We helped pluck off the wings of these little guys in the store of my ward mission leader, then his wife fried it and we ate it with tea for breakfast....jaja yummm

Beetles and tea for breakfast...

Oops!  Looks like one might get away!

The little Christmas tree we turn on every night in our bedroom. Love it :)

I don`t think Dad would approve of this light structure....But hey. It works! Super common architecture here... :P

These little kids are of a less active family. As I helped the mom plow on the side of the mountain, Hna Q was with the kids, holding the flowers as the little boy ran around collecting all the assortment of flowers of every color that he could find... jaja. These kids are so crazy :)
 
Monday, December 1, 2014

Week 45! "Pies Everywhere!"

From 12/1/14

I exercised today!! Yaaaay me! :P jajaja The diet must commence once again because I splurged quite a bit last week. Hna Q and I found a store on the street we live that sells legit PIE. They spell it "pay" here because that`s how the pronunciation equals ours. jaja We ate chocolate cream pie, apple pecan, lemon y piña pie, and one more I`m forgetting. It`s just.....you know....pie practically doesn`t exist in Ecuador and I just happened to be "lucky" enough to live in a sector that actually makes and sells slices of pie for 70 cents....And it was Thanksgiving. It seemed like a good enough reason to me.  Now the homemade cookies and tortas de argentina we also made with a side of manicho chocolate ice cream....I gues you could say we did overdo it just a sliver... :P jejeje. BUT. The diet begins today...You betcha! I`m determined!!!! ,`:) That is, until Christmas comes of course... :)
 
Today I turn 11 months old on the mission. I don`t even know how to respond to that bit of news. I love being here! I love how inspired to changes are both in the mission and in our lives.
 
Yesterday was time for cambios once again, and I get to stay here with Hna Q! There was a possibility that she would be changed out, but all I wanted (and prayed for) was to be able to "finish what we started" here. I feel that we`ve gained some momentum in a variety of aspects...and cambios now would disrupt it in a way. To my relief, the Lord knows how important this is to me, and allowed us to be here together for a little longer. Now we can finish our "diet" plan, see our investigators through to the end (you get what I mean here), and continue the momentum of energy we`ve been able to gain in the ward with our ward mission leader and the other elder companionship. And I am truly relieved to still be here.
 
Yesterday something super cool happened in our Sunday meetings. Well, at least I thought it was cool, I`ll let you be the judges jaja.
 
So, Hna Q and I were making our way up the stairs to the Gospel Principles class, when suddenly an Hermana peeked out her classroom door and pounced us as we walked by. She seemed anxious. She asked us, "Hermanas, are you on your way to teach a class right now??"
 
"No," we responded, "We`re teaching in the next class after this."
 
"Oh!" she said, "Because the teacher never showed up to teach the JAS (i.e. YSA) class today and now I have to improvise! Could it be that the two of you can share something on friendship and fellowshipping?"
 
On any normal day before, this would also put me in a panic, "No way Josè" attitude. But, "Okay!" we immediately replied. Ideas came quickly to mind....I have a video clip which would be perfect, and happened to bring my Preach my Gospel book for the capacitacion we were to give next hour, and I`m sure there`s a super good scripture that will come to mind....LET`S DO IT.
 
We told her to go ahead and get everyone (about 20 people) to introduce themselves first while we marched over to roll the television into the room. When we arrived, we also introduced ourselves. The little lesson lasted about 25 minutes. We watched a video, shared a quote from Preach My Gospel, and ended with a scripture. The class participated. And the Spirit was super strong. It almost seemed as though Hna Q and I had planned that lesson beforehand....but, not so my friends. The group of young single adults, a little of every personality, were attentive and aware of the truthfulness of fellowship in sharing the gospel.
 
One thing that came out of my mouth without me ever meditating upon it before was something like, "Yeah we are tying Friendship to missionary work because, well, we are missionaries. But, if you really think about it, every little thing we do is missionary work because we are either bringing people closer to Christ or further away from Him in everything that we do." It was kind of an "ah-ha" moment for us all....even me as I said it. My reaction was the same as everyone else`s as they listened and nodded in unspoken agreement.
 
It was so interesting to see the Spirit work in that lesson. The YSA are really a special group of people to have the Spirit care so much for an improvised lesson to turn out so well. I feel blessed to be able to prepare daily to be an instrument in the Lord`s hands for whichever moment He sees fit that we should open our mouths to testify and speak. I know as we do, He fills our countenance, thoughts, and words with His words of life.
 
And I know that this can happen to any prepared member of the Gospel at any time. The work of the Lord is expanding - Can`t you feel it? One reason, we discovered yesterday, that my ward doesn`t share the Gospel with their peers or family members is because they don`t know what to say.
 
That`s how I felt before the mission more often than not. But, if we don`t feel prepared, the Lord expects us to prepare. What better gift to give Him this season...as December begins...than to PREPARE. Prepare our testimonies and fill them with words of Life so that we can share and testify.
 
I, like Mom, have the goal of memorizing El Cristo Viviente -- The Living Christ. More than thinking of Christmas this season, I want to think of Christ.
 
I know He lives. This is His work. Because of Him, we have the Truth restored.
 
I love you all and hope you have a great week!!
 
Love,
 
Ñañagu Fernelius :)
 
"I am so happy to continue here! I am set on being here until we finish what we have started! jeje Yesterday for quinto domingo the elders and we were able to spend some time speaking with the members of the ward. Hna Q and I spoke on personal conversion in order to increase our desires to share the gospel. The elders spoke about what it means to have the pure love of Christ. Then our mission leader spoke. We handed out slits of paper to get an idea from the members what their biggest challenges are in sharing the Gospel. We were greatly surprised by the responses they wrote!
 
Many feel scared because they don`t feel they have a good understanding of the doctrine or what to say. Others plainly stated that they don`t have support from their own family. Other said they are so drowned in work that they simply cannot share as they`d like. With these responses, we plan to have a mission activity to help the ward overcome these challenges and help them feel more prepared.
 
Our ward mission leader is working more with us now than in the past. We feel a great momentum rising in the ward missionary work, and we have several ideas planned to be able to verify and keep the momentum going in the future.
 
We recently discovered that the ward mission boundaries span WAY further out than we knew, and we will really need the ward`s help to no longer neglect the sectors of the campo that are actually part of our ward boundaries.
 
I am so happy to be with Hna Q! She is absolutely awesome and I love her very much. I am learning great things and have felt great spiritual changes within me this last transfer. I feel like I`m truly learning to confide in the Spirit....and the attribute of ESPERANZA has led me to feel true peace in the little daily efforts we make in our sector and ward. And for that, I am very grateful.
 
I know my Savior lives, and that He is Jesus Christ. I know this church is true, because it is restored by God who has a living prophet called by Him. And I am so grateful to be called by God to this work. :)"
 
Mom, this is the kitchen of the Relief Society President. Wouldn`t you just love to have a pot that big?? jaja

And more goodies for Thanksgiving week :P jejeje

Notes I took....uhm, with more drawings than notes. Gosh...I had to entertain the little buddies that were sitting next to me, pues. :)

Cookies in a pan....because we don`t have a stove. This is the recipe Mom sent me :)


The little girl came with us and her older sister to a cita. This was her "culebra", or snake. She dragged it with her the entire way. When we came to a muddy puddle, it was my job to quickly lift it up to "fly" over the puddles jaja. On the way back, the snake broke, but we quickly tied the two halves back together and she kept walking. :)

A piece of my sector in the campo :) Isn`t it pretty?

Me and....pie.

Me and....cookies and torta argentina...ahem....yeah. Diet begins again today :P no worries :) jejeje
 

Week 44! "Another Family of Gold"

From 11/24/14

This week was great....

[NOTE: Be sure to read past the first wave of photos or you'll miss the best part of this week's email].
 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And, even though it`s inevitable I`ll be a liiiittle trunky this week, there`s no where else I`d rather be :) So eat LOTS for my part.
 
Sorry Mom for what I said last week about witchcraft. It`s really not so scary. It was just a "theme" that came up last week, but I really shouldn`t have made a big deal about it.
 
I had divisions [splits] with Hna M last Friday...remember her? She`s la churrona? I love her to death. She`s my hermana leader here. She has been with me since my VERY FIRST day in the mission...and we`ve gone from one area to another together since. Well, she has one cambio left.
 
This really causes a person to reflect. I feel experienced in the mission, true, but there is so much left to learn and do. One thing that`s new for me is a feeling of calm.. An overwhelming peace that I am going at the Lord`s pace for me. And I am truly enjoying the mission in all that it entails. I wrote in my agenda the other day, "God calls the weak." So, I`m glad that I am weak. That`s why I was called...and I am convinced that God makes up for the rest :)
 
Also, Elder Fernelius is still mentioned a lot to me here. Apparently he served just down the road in the Latino ward. Cool.
 
I have no idea how many structures stand here. I have come to the conclusion that most of them still stand based solely off of faith.
 
I can kind of present myself in Quichua.....ahem.
"Ñuca shuti mikan Ñañagu Fernelius. De Jesucristopaj Iglesia Santocunapaj Punllucunati .... something"
 
I don`t remember the rest. But it`s really fun to say.
 
One day a couple weeks ago, a group of children flocked around us and began to teach us all the Quichua they knew. "What do you know in Quichua?" They asked. Honestly, not much. Then they spatted out as many random Quichua words and their translations....I whipped out my agenda as fast as I could and wrote down quite a few jaja. Quichua is great.....until you come across a contact that pretends to know only Quichua and not Spanish -_- jaja
 
I love you all!! I`ve gotta go. Thanks for your wonderfullness and, well, for being mine. Have a great thanksgiving and remember to thank our Savior. I`m starting the Book of Mormon again. My thanks for Him is where it never was before.
 
Have a great week!
 
Ñañagu Fernelius
 

At the waterfalls (from last week)

Stake president's awesome trenza (braid)

More from last week...


And a lady we contacted hard at work...as usual. The women here work hard always.


This family [see photo above] was a contact of Hna Q and me in the street. That night a couple weeks ago it was dark and we were looking diligently for people to contact near our home. We passed this family once, but walked on thinking, "We can`t contact them...they're Latino!"...and walked on. In the back of my mind it was tugging at me: "But they`re a FAMILY. You should have contacted them!"
 
We had another chance as we made our way up the street yet again, still looking for people to contact. I remember the look on their faces....almost like lost puppies. The parents were walking and the children at their side, with their littlest one in a stroller. They walked slowly.
 
I turned to Hna Q, "Let`s contact them!" I said as we approached the second time. I was determined to followed the impression of the Spirit. We did, they accepted another visit. Not a bad contact, but nothing unusual.
 
We passed by the day we set the next cita, just to hold to our word, though we knew we would be passing on the reference to the other missionaries of the Latino ward.
 
This family was super good from the beginning as far as being receptive and humble. We told the other missionaries that as they received the information from us to follow-up with them.
 
Now this family has a baptismal date. They are progressing and fulfilling every commitment the missionaries leave them....de ORO [gold].
 
The special part was seeing them at stake conference yesterday. The father approached me and Hna Q. He shook our hands, looked us in the eyes, and commented quietly to us, "When people ask us how we came to know about the church, we tell them it was the two of you who found us. For that, my wife and I will always be grateful. Years ago I found God, but then I left it and didn`t know where to go. Today (in the conference) I felt a peace that I hadn`t felt in years. Thank you hermanas for finding us."
 
I can guarantee that Hna Q and my eyes were filled with tears. I don`t have the opportunity to teach them, but how grateful I feel to be the reason...the instrument the Lord used...for them to be found.
 
Hna and President Richardson were also at the conference. We took tons of pictures with them in the authentic clothes we borrowed jejeje. At one point, Hna Richardson gave me and Hna Q a GIANT hug and said, "I met the family who came today. Although the other hermanas are teaching them, they wouldn`t be teaching them if they hadn`t have been found..."
 
I am grateful the Lord has blessed me and Hna Q with such a beautiful experience.






P.S. Sorry my hair is a mess. I`m not the most photogenic cream of the crop around here. I was just happy we even GOT a picture of it :)
I fulfilled a goal on my life bucket-list: I CAUGHT A FIREFLY WITH MY BARE HANDS!!!!!! [See photo above]. 
 
Hna Q was so good....she didn`t ask any questions. She just stood there as I carefully made my way quietly to a little firefly I saw lighting up and flying close to us. I swooped my hand and caught it. It walked around a bit and, as soon as Hna Q took the picture, it flew away again!
 
...it`s the little things. I was so ecstatic :)