1st Week in Ecuador!

From Monday, January 27, 2014

It felt so good to talk to you all on Monday before I took the plane to Ecuador! So....my new area. :)

I am serving in Quito! I am so excited as I write that. Honestly my emotions are usually all pretty calm and even until I get to writing my emails....then it all just comes out!!! Woooo! My companionship was a trio for most of the week, but now my true blue companion is Hermana C. She will be my trainer as I begin this incredible mission. But, before that, let me introduce you to Ecuador, starting with the airplane ride here after our phone call Monday.

I was pretty intent on speaking to someone about the church. After all, I was wearing the plaque, had received nearly 3 weeks of MTC goodness, and knew I had the privilege of representing Jesus Christ full-time now. Incidentally, I sat next to 2 nuns to my right, and a cute young lady to the left. I reeeeally wanted to say something, but you know, timidness was playing me...hard. I let the moments go by and....nothing. So I somewhat gave up. But still had the internal intent. The goal. And I'm not one to just let goals slide either.

Anywho, we were getting close to landing and I decided just to move to another seat in order to look out the window to view Ecuador as we landed. I sat there for a good time. Then, after a several hour-long flight, the last 15 or so minutes are never to be forgotten. The man behind me didn't realize I was sitting there, so he put his feet up and full on kicked my arm. After giving him a nasty look (no, just kidding) he apologized and began asking me about the church. He said he has been having problems in his marriage and with the Catholic church he belonged to he didn{t feel the pastor was reliable or valid. I had a discussion with him about the restored church upon the earth, and about the prophet who is Gods mouthpiece on the Earth today, who has the proper authority of God. We pretty much talked about the Restoration. I gave him a little card and explained how to find the church after we land.

I saw the Lord's sense of humor in all this. He knew I had this intent...this goal of speaking to someone. But to me, it was as if He was watching me the whole time like, "Is she going to do it or not?" Then, at the last moment it seemed to me as if He rolled His eyes at me a little bit and gave me this man to talk to as if, "Fine. You are new at this, so here's this nice man for you so you can accomplish this goal." He makes things easy for me sometimes hahah.

When I landed. First of all, the smell made me smile. I easily remembered being 6 and coming here to visit. And I basked in it, and took it all in. Two sisters were there with a sign to welcome me. Since it was late, President wasn't able to be at the airport that night. These two sisters were so excited to receive me and welcome me into their home until President was able to meet with me and assign me my area.

As our driver sped up, down, and around the winding road, I remembered Dad's stories of the drivers and buses here. And I clenched to the seat for dear life haha. The streets were dark outside the window, with trees and shadows of hills in the distance in every direction. The sisters told me the nights aren't usually so foggy, but this night it was so intensely foggy; we couldn't see beyond about 30 feet of the road at a time. It was serene, and quiet, and beautiful. The fog scattered the yellow streetlights. It felt like we were driving through a pop'up storybook. Very ghoststory-ish...but it wasn't scary I promise :). I obviously enjoyed every moment of it.

In this mission, the roads are very rough and broken up. The view is gorgeous because of all the hills and views of houses at different elevations for miles on end. But, it's a little hard to look up at the view all the time because I'm too focused on the road at my feet, making sure not to miss a step and trip on the broken up sidewalks. The pedestrians here are invincible and fearless. Taxi and other drivers going at 50-60 mph down narrow roads doesn't phase them. The timing of cars and pedestrians crossing is just right, enough for the ped to provide a little car polish service, and for the car to give the ped a little breeze in return. Whew. Gameface. Its pretty incredible, actually.  I can see how shoes go fast in the mission :)

Anyway. From day one I have been eating like a champ. Rice, meat, and soups. I have cooked plantains twice now for breakfast. The mamitas who feed us here and very giving. I am very grateful that I already feel familiar with Ecuadorian food and the culture a little bit. It's a huge blessing, de verdad. :) And MOM. I am so grateful for the Spanish I already know from you and Dad. It has been a huge blessing. One week in, and I have felt the Lord speak through me almost to the investigators we have been teaching. I don't focus on the words I use, but the way I say things. Once again, I have opened my mouth, and they have been filled.

Side note: a few people have commented on my Castellano hahah. I didn't even knew I spoke Castellano until I got here and people have pointed it out. Its not Argentinian Castellano, but I do have some all the same. Then I remembered that Dad learned from a Castellanilian companion on his mission hehe....so that answers that. :) I love it.

Also, in my district.....this is incredible....miraculous....I can't even......well in my district, my district leader (my dad of the mission) is named Elder C. REMEMBER THAT! Elder C. served two cambios with Elder Lopez! My COUSIN!!!! I have met SO MANY people that know my cousin....and that have either served under him or with him. Everyone here who knew him speaks soooo highly of him! And I'm just like "Yep! That's my cousin!" I love itttt!!! Elder C. and Elder Lopez are such good friends and they write often even still. His mission companion is my mission papá! Cheeeevere. :)
 

Also, this week my companions were expecting two people to be baptized over the weekend. As we spoke with the investigators, they seemed to be experiencing more and more doubts. One of them we will work with this week to hopefully be baptized this Saturday. The other one has been facing immense difficulties in her life.  Try as we might to soothe her concerns and testify of how being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost would help her, she continued to face doubts. Then, this Sat and Sun she decided she needed to go out of the area a bit to take care of some family concerns. "Chuso," we thought. That means she wouldn't be getting baptized this weekend after all. But we fasted anyway, praying in our fast that she would in fact be confirmed this Sunday. That's how specific we were.

 

The weekend passed. We went to church on Sunday. No contact with her, since she was out of town anyways. Then Sunday afternoon, we ran into her and her husband on the sidewalk. We asked to visit them later in the day. She explained that she didn't end up going out of town after all, and that they didn't attend church because this weekend has been very difficult for them: a test to their faith.

 

We had a long discussion with her. I offered that someone would come to give her a priesthood blessing. A young gentleman came over. He had been very involved in the missionary work here. He is energetic and incredible.  He spoke with her, explained the story of Lehi's vision of the tree of life. How, there are three types of people: those who never grab hold of the iron rod and give in to temptation from the start; those who grab hold, endure the temptation, then fall away; and those who grab hold, endure temptation, and receive that gift of eternal life at the end.

 

He really motivated and inspired her. Then, just like that, she agreed to be ready and get baptized that very night. In 30 minutes, in fact!!! We had a baptismal service for her that night, and she looked beautiful. Upon speaking with the bishop, he also made an exception to also allow her to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost that very night as well. Her husband, a convert of not quite a year, was able to baptize her.

I was told before my mission to expect miracles. And with prayer, faith, and fasting, by golly have we found them. So please. Believe, ask, fast...and expect miracles. Because Heavenly Father answered ours that day. It was special to see her long braided hair (courtesy of me :)) as she sat there in her white clothes, ready to enter the straight and narrow road, leading to eternal life with our Father in Heaven. She still had difficulties to look forward to, but not without the help of the Spirit in her life now. She commented afterwards that she felt "cold" because of the water hahah, but then she commented that she felt "clean." Although her husband had to perform the baptism 3 different times to do it correctly. he had such a big smile afterward and even looked a little giddy.

 

I hope that I can see more of that as the time goes on. I know how important this covenant is, and how it has helped me in my life and in the life of my family. I would like to say that I embrace the joy I feel from knowing this is true, but in reality, it embraces me. My companions and I left her house that afternoon performing mid'air heelkicks - in skirts - as we ran to get things ready for the baptism.

 

How can this church not be true, when we constantly see joy like this? And the best part is, its an eternal investment.

 

I love you all!

Thank you for your love.

I Trust the Lord

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Thanks for all the emails and good news! It just makes me so happy. I skimmed through it because it really is so very difficult to try and read and write everything as well as I'd like too. That's probably the most difficult part of the mission right now. There's a lot of important details that you just may never be able to find out about, which is so very unfortunate. But, it has been another week of the Lord showing how much He is involved in the details of our lives. I had some very personal, very good experiences this week.

After Ashley's district left last Tuesday, I suddenly became an MTC veteran. We became the veterans of 1 week as we welcomed in 3 new distrcits last Wednesday. I got to play the piano for that AND I got to play the keybaord for church on Sunday. Ahhh happiness :). The orgainst here who plays for devotionals on main campus is amazing. Now, I mean, A. MAZE. ING. I creeped across the large multipurpose room and pretended to look for someone whilst my true intention was to sneak a glance @ watching the organist play for a bit heheheh. Ohhh yeahhh tricksy me.

Friday I spent all day on main campus: In-Field. That's the day where we get all the finalized training and mindset we need to embrace the entry into the actual mission field (i.e. Ecuador). I kept a hopeful watch out for someone I knew would be arriving just 2 days before. And guess who I found at dinner....Sister Emily Barnum!! She slipped and called out my name as I came around the long cafeteria tables, almost knocking over an elder trying to get to her. I got to meet her companion, and before leaving, she was able to meet mine. I sat through dinner gazing at absolutely nothing in front of me with a big, silly grin on my face. You can imagine how exciting and uplifted I was to see her! Hna M asked how good of friends we were back home....we told her were are sisters.

I saw her again on Sunday since she sat right behind me at the evening devotional....in a room of about 1500 people hehe. Very cool.

One week is a lot in my little world these days. So I'll pick some things out.

I'm so much more comfortable teaching investigators now!...Even throwing a little personality in there now, too, which is nice :). I actually have to take a step back and give my companion(s) room to speak. Otherwise, my conversations with the investigators would take off in one direction like a rocket -- all in Spanish :). But I still have a lot to learn. Goodness, yes.

One person we taught (also our teacher who never breaks character) said he was Catholic and only went to church for La Navidad and El Pascua. Later, I tried referring to that comment again in the lesson. "....y como dijiste que va a la iglesia por La Navidad y El Sasquatch....?" There was an extended silence where the investigator and my companion only looked at me in confusion. "You know, Sasquatch? Easter?" My teacher bursted out in laughter. Apparently, even though "Pascua" and "sasquatch" sound similar, only one of them actually means "Easter" in Spanish. Go figure.

Yesterday morning, I became a nomad of sorts. All the sisters in my district left for their mission fields, so I am the lone tiger of the group. Originally, I was supposed to leave this Thursday for Ecuador, which would logically make sense since I already have my passport and VISA in hand. But, for some reason that I am only beginning to understand, the itinerary which I received yesterday informed me that I will be leaving next Monday instead. January 20th. 

You see, the Lord's Hand has been so intimately involved in the details of my life. And His timing continues to be a factor in all of this. Why, when the rest of my district leaves all at once, am I the one who stays at the MTC just a littttle longer. It was no accident; let me explain.

When my companion took the bus to the airport, I was required to join another companionship, initially for only a few days. But one of the sisters in this group of 4 sisters has been severely ill. She was hospitalized on Saturday for health symptoms and conditions that has never been an issue before in her life....until now. Yesterday, the Lord confirmed to us as we spoke and studied together in the apartment that this combination was absolutely no accident. I was able to receive my two week instruction as planned at the MTC. Now, It was my opportunity to be with this sister while her other companions could get all the training they had yet to receive. As we spoke and realized how the timing for both of us to be there at that exact time was so unusual and perfect, I felt that my time at the MTC had finished at that point, and my time in the mission field had already begun. I'm not in Ecuador yet, but since yesterday afternoon Heavenly Father had allowed me to take care of and watch after this sister in ways I do not believe anyone else here could have done. Essential oils, professional advice, symptom prevention, stress relief....and heart to heart conversations. What a blessing. And now the Lord has allowed me to continue to be of assistance to her so that hopefully she may be well enough off soon to be able to engage in her own missionary labors. As of right now, she can't quite walk 15 or so feet without needing close attention and rest. And that is such an improvement from Saturday. 

In the sacrament prayer, one thing really stood out to me this week: "....that they may always have His spirit to be with them..." A lot of times in the church, we describe feeling the Holy Ghost as a 'special event' or something that happens on occasion. But, we know that if we are keeping the commandments of God, we are promised to always, not just 'on occasion' to have that Spirit with us to guide and direct us. Without even knowing it, we are sure to be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things that would cause us to be needed at every moment of every day in helping to build God's kingdom. I hope to be able to live so far in the light, that I can act at any moment on what God would have me do or say. We are promised that if we simply "open our mouths, they will be filled." (D&C 33:8?) And I have already been able to experience that here. 

The Lord's work is amazing. It is perfect. And I am so grateful every day to be a part of it.

Love you all!!

Dad, the insoles you got for me are great!!!! Thank you so much!!!

David A Bednar gave a talk called "The Characteristics of Christ." I would give up everything I have right now to be able to watch it again. It will change your life in one hour. Please go watch it. 

Ahh gotta go!!!! Byee :)

Hermana Fernelius #2

I don't think my camera cord is compatible with this computer; my pictures still won't upload. So....sorry about that!!   Love you. BYE!!

Ohh Life at the MTC

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

So it's true. I'm here. I don't know what Ash said in her email yesterday but let me tell you what happened. The first day at the MTC went very similar to how Ash described in her first email home to us. That first night, we had some training at the 'main campus', which is where about 1200 of the missionaries who come to the Provo MTC go. Everyone speaking spanish, which is about 340-400 of us are taken on a bus to the Wyview Apt complex, which used to be where BYU students would live before they got kicked out hehe. But anyways, that first night it was nippy, cold, and dark as I stepped out of the chapel with my trio sister companionship. We were a trio only for a day because we were the only sisters in my class, which we call a 'district'. Several districts make a 'zone.' I never knew what any of those words meant until I came here...hehe.

As we walked out, I heard, "HERMANA FERNELIUS!!!!" And looked up to see a big white smile coming in my direction. It was Ashley!! She gave me a big hug and I could hear her crying...in shock or surprise or happiness. Probably all of the above. I only cried because she was, but my response was, "How did you know I was here???" As in, how did she know I would be coming out of the chapel at that time haha. She didn't necessarily, but she did know I would be in her zone, and she would be my sister training leader.

The next afternoon, I got my own companion, Sister M. Her spanish was too good for the basic spanish learners, so she got bumped up to advanced spanish with me. Now, instead of being at the MTC for 6 weeks, she'll actually be leaving before me...next Monday! I leave next Thursday is what the travel office said. But everyone else in my district has their itineraries except for me so far.

Ash and my classroom are RIGHT NEXT TO each other. We ran into each other often: at lunch, on the West Campus (Wyview Apts), or learning classrooms (Raintree Apts). Wyview is where we sleep. Raintree is where we study. Most of our time is at Raintree in our little itty bitty classroom that was morphed into a study room in the living area of a used-to-be apartment.

Adjusting has been fairly easy. A couple days ago, I was taking the bus from the main campus back to our apartments, and trying to imagine what I'd be doing in my life if I wasn't a missionary right now. I looked down at the cold, snowy sidewalks and tried to picture myself walking on them, alone, as if I were on my way to work or to class or something....and it just didn't seem right. It feels so right being on a mission. After I was set apart by President G., I felt like a more reassured version of myself. Any desires to watch TV, listen to the radio, dance, etc completely left me the moment I knew I was a missionary of the Lord.

The air on the MTC grounds feels full. Without even trying, I can feel a constant presence of heavenly beings surrounding us here. It's nice knowing that I am surrounded by people who love the Lord as much as I do.

We have several teachers. The one we see most is Brother S. Most of them are students of BYU who are able to teach here for a period of 3 years tops. So they are all young and in their 20's. Sadly, when they say their age most of the time, they preface it by saying how old they are. mid-20's is not old people!! And yet, they teach with the conviction and testimony of people who are very mature and in tune with the spirit. The sensitivity they have to our needs is definitely directed by God. Yesterday, I was having a tough time with role playing. Role plays stink. I do so much better teaching "real people." The words just come much easier. However, Hno S. came in and, being able to look at me with the most understanding and gentle of looks was very comforting, especially being the quirky, Mexican-tinted English speaking man that he is.

I can totally pray in spanish. I can say the first vision, the mission purpose, and....oh yeah, sing hymns up the wazoo in spanish too. The praying though, that's the best part so far. I've even led an entire full-on lesson with a "real investigator" (who is someone we've never met and isn't a teacher). Some of them really are investigating the church, but you can never tell if they're pretend real investigators or really real investigators. It's deceiving at times. But we treat every lesson as really real.

Today we were able to attend the Provo temple in the morning. We took some pictures and Hna M. is one who loves to ask questions. So when she asked if we could perhaps see the baptistry and the temple workers let us....it was way cool. The spirit or reverence there is complete and filling. Very edifying indeed.

 Hna M. oftentimes likes to sing at the top of her lungs at random times during the day! That sounds a little familiar, now doesn't it? She is from Iowa and grew up on a cow-farm.  And she's going to Bolivia. Our spanish is broken, but she is inspiring because she feels so comfortable and willing to give it a shot at any time during our class or in conversing with someone throughout the day. Seriously, it's very easy to try and speak here because there is no judgement or criticism floating around here. We are all in the process of learning one way or another, so it's support all the way.

Ashley's right, the branch presidency (a bunch of zones makes a branch...yeah) are way cool! Bro N. is the 1st counselor and was a football coach, so he speaks with fire and punches his fist in the air to make his points. He has a lot of good info. Very receptive and speaks in a way to fire you up. President C. is very soft-spoken and endearing. He has a lot of love in his smile. President Cl. is tall and has a countenance of happiness and tender love for each of us. He's 2nd counselor.

The night our district met them, they interviewed us and immediately set forth some callings. Everyone in my little district received a calling except me. Whether they were called as Zone leader, District leader, Senior companion...the works, I sat there and smiled and sustained.

I know that my calling right now is to love my Senior companion, Hna M. We both have things to work on, so I feel like we have a plan and purpose in that.

Oh yes, you know how I speak really casually in writing....uhm. Not gonna do that anymore. I gotta speak more nicer or somethin. That'll be a gradual change. We still call each other "guys" instead of in the respectable terms of "Elders" and "sisters". Yowza. Oh, and everyone we know on the West Campus knows Ashley and my names!!! We slipped up so much this week whenever we spoke to each other.. "Hey Ash!!....I mean, Hermana Fernelius." "Oh Tiff!....oh wait..." Haha everyone knows our secret identities now. I loved living one classroom door away during the day, and one apartment building away by night to her. What a tender mercy! But she's gone now for Dallas Texas..Then Mexico tomorrow! Que bien!

Oh, and sometimes I catch myself thinking in spanish. It totally throws me off guard, but in a very liberating and rewarding way.

No wonder Ashley writes so much in her emails! It's hard to keep track of what I want to say, then something random will pop into my head of an idea or thought I remember....today was weird though. Next time I'll map out what it is I wanted to share. Today we were between the temple, main campus to get my jacket pocket mended, and back for laundry and stuff. The main campus is fun because their food is a buffet wilderness. The food on this campus is good too, but not with a wilderness of options.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Ashley really is a whole new person here -- at least when I saw her. She is so in her element! I have never seen her so confident in what she says or how she interacts with people. She is so spunky and was really enjoying herself. It was weird to see her so dominating in any presentation or training or interview we would have with her. I almost thought her companion didn't have a voice, because Ash totally showed initiative and spoke with authority. It was really neat :). I liked spying in on her Provo MTC life while I could. My curious little self was able to peer into her life as a missionary for just a little while. Very cool. Being in apartment rooms most of the time and such, it felt very casual and natural to come across or be around each other. If I came across her at the cafeteria or something, I'd just say, "Oh hey." and we'd smile and continue on. As if we never left home.

I stole these pictures from Hna M. Her camera uploads....mine doesn't. At least not that I am able to figure out at the moment. But, here's something!

Love ya!

Trust Him

Sunday, December 29, 2013

I totally felt like a bubbly ninja during sacrament meeting today. I am so grateful for the faces I saw from two weeks ago -- family ward talk -- and today. All the attention can't be good for me. I have to go look for my head in the 3rd or 4th atmosphere now. I seriously felt like I was wandering in clouds as I spoke today. They weren't just regular clouds either; these clouds were gold, and glittered!

Anyway, to recap. Trust in the Lord. It's a very good idea. Not only that, but it makes unhappy things suddenly seem okay and very happy. "When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly." ~Unknown

I am very grateful for trials and even anticipate them in life. Receiving difficulties is almost like a spiritual-progression check, as if we are climbing a ladder. What is the trial? What can I learn through it? How do I overcome it? Am I moving forward or back?

In turning to the Savior, I feel confident in facing my trials head-on because of something that became even more clear to me in a book I read: Believing Christ by Stephen E Robinson. It is that, no matter how much or how often we fall short of perfection, no matter how many mistakes we make....our Savior looks on our hearts. He knows our desires and intentions. He gave His life and suffered for our sins so that we didn't have to pay the price for them...if we would repent. Otherwise, His suffering was vain if we choose to do "it all" ourselves, without relying on Him to direct us.

I believe that, in facing obstacles, we are required to do the best we can then leave the rest in His Hands. He will compensate for all things we fall short of. This is the idea of perfection in this life -- to continually repent, seek guidance, and trust in the Savior's power to redeem us.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 (Italics for emphasis).

Acknowledge Him in ALLLL thy ways?? Yep.

The only way to know if this is true is to see for yourself, right? Don't take my word for it. Try it.

I'd like to think I'm a pretty smart gal. And making the decision to serve the Lord for 18 months full-time didn't come on a whim. It came from a lifetime of experimenting with the truths of the gospel. The sooner you get started, the better. Trust me. Uhh wait, I mean, Trust Hiiim. haha
Probably not a bad 2014 goal, eh?

One By One...

Saturday, December 21, 2013

We took Ashley up to the Provo MTC. She reported Wednesday, Dec 18th at 1pm, so we drove up Tuesday. She said her goodbyes to the family at home, then said the rest of the goodbyes to us Wednesday morning.

Most of the drive up was actually quite captivating. Since Ashley was set apart Sunday (instead of Monday like she planned), she demonstrated quite the exercise of self-control.

No more radio, no more Duck Dynasty, no more dancing, no more social media....in our itty bitty house that takes some internal power right there.

But on the drive up, there was a solid 4 hours or so of Dad blasting up the 80's music. And let me tell you!! they played some pretty fantastic songs....the ones that call for singing at the top of your lungs AND dancing. I can't tell you how many times I turned around and gave Ashley a look, only to find her staring back in painful restraint to remain calm and collected. She didn't give in! Not once. So prowwwd :')

I hope I have that kind of self-control when it comes to my turn. Seriously....hard to resist. But the difference is I'll be leaving straight from Vegas by air. What a way to sign out of my country for a time!

Annnyways. Ashley was absolutely glowing!!! I don't even think the reflection from the snow had anything to do with it! She was so prepared, and IS so prepared to serve. Her hair smelled so good when I gave her that final hug. Then they whisked her away and out of sight. I climbed the edge of the car too late to see her after that. And now, we wait to hear from her :)

The truest piece of advice we both got from a family friend (ahem Paulo) is two words: "Missions Suck"...pause..."but it's worth it." hahaha

When you're happy and you know it....let it glow.

Washington D.C.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Surprise trip to Washington D.C! The Ecuadorian Embassy is there, so the church sent word that we would need to fly out there to deliver top secret info and sign some paperwork.

Four planes in 24 hours.

Vegas 11:30p > Atlanta GA 6:07a (in Atlanta I met up with 5 others)

Atlanta 7:20a > Washington D.C 9:02a (where we met up with the last two)



6, plus 2 more stragglers who joined us while we waited

Oh heeyyy, the white house

Washington monument

The church has got connections. This Jerusalem driver and slick ride took us to the embassy and back. Quickest mini-tour I've ever had. But we did see some sites in passing [captured above].

The guy at the embassy said, "This is going to take a whiiiile." So he told us to go get some lunch and roam around a bit.

 



 Lunch at Black & Orange, more walking. Sitting at National Mall Park, Joan of Arc, checking out squirrels and nearby random statues, etc.

We decided too late to try to actually walk to something important...I wasn't too disappointed we didn't reach the Washington monument in time before needing to turn around again and head back to the consulate. But it would have been nice.

It was such a fun mini-trip. We totally passed.

The consulate guys were taken to me. But they mocked my false-confident knowledge of Ecuador. So funny.

Victorious VISA holders!! Woot woot.

Washington D.C 4:36p > SLC 7:35p

SLC 8:20p > Vegas 8:45p

Raaaaad.:) Perks to serving a mission. hehe

The Temple

Saturday, November 30, 2013

I love to see the temple!!!!

So, there's this song that we learn as kids. It's called I Love to See the Temple.

I absolutely love the temples. I have been able to go since age 12, but only to certain parts of the temple.

On November 15th, Ashley and I were able to go for more. To make covenants with the Lord.

Often in my personal experiences, when we are about to do something good is when I also see the most opposition. To me, this is Satan who knows what we are about to do and is working hard to try and stop us or to discourage us.

In preparing to enter the House of the Lord, I came across many obstacles. People's work schedules got overwhelming, and it was hard to find a good day when Ash and I could go together....Every attempt to coordinate it fell through.

With that sense of urgency I had talked about earlier, I determined to leave everything else behind and go alone if I had to. But I knew that was not a likely thing for me to do.

There was one Sunday I went to church heart-broken. I ran into the trio of my favorite sister missionaries on my way to the bathroom. (I now dig into the realms of tmi, but this is important). They comforted me and reassured me that everything would work out. I didn't realize one of the sisters didn't have any family at the temple at all since she was the only church member in her family. She explained this to me matter-of-factly and with a smile on her face. I felt a little braver and more grateful after that haha.

In the end, there was an answer to prayer in all this. Without me saying anything else, my family decided to take the initiative to figure out how to make it work.

Some had to take off work, some had to rearrange schedules, one had to babysit after a long day at school....everyone made sacrifices to be there for me and Ash. And in the end, everyone in our family who could, had the opportunity to go if they desired.

It all worked out exactly as we had hoped. but not without a good dose of opposition, and sincere prayers so that we could overcome that opposition.

The Lord has promised that He would prepare the way for us to be able to do whatsoever thing He commands of us. 1 Nephi 3:7 And that, He did.

I am grateful to have constant reminders throughout my life and experiences that Heavenly Father knows each of us personally, is aware of our circumstances, and is anxious to help us if we let Him.

The temple really is a peaceful, holy, beautiful place! It is a sanctuary from the rest of the world. It is a little piece of heaven on earth. In a very real way, it is a connection between heaven and earth.

And the Las Vegas temple is by far one of the most beautiful. I am a little biased, I admit :P

Mission Decision

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Let me tell you a little bit about my decision to serve a mission...because, you know, it wasn't originally in my immediate plans.

 Honestly, the opportunity came to me. the idea of going on a mission always simmered beneath the surface as I worked and carried on with life. Until, finally, it broke through the surface and attacked me!

 I started getting close to the missionaries at the end of last summer. Before then, I pretty much ignored them and was somewhat intimidated by them. Like they weren't human beings, but something else. Once I realized this and broke the barriers to start to get to know them, I decided I really like missionaries.

 I don't think it was coincidence that shortly after this is when President Monson announced the age change for men and women who desired to serve a mission.

 But I figured I'd get a little bit of career experience first. "Okay, so, if I'm not married by the time I'm 23, I will go on a mission." That was my new plan. heheh

 As Ashley was finishing her CNA schooling, she prayerfully considered her options to serve. Two windows looked good for her, but ultimately she chose to acknowledge the impression to put off nursing school in lieu of a mission. In her prayerful consideration, I re-discovered my idea of when and if I should go.

 As I started stepping in that direction, windows started opening, the time seemed more right, and there was some fantasizing and wondering about whether or not this was good, but never any feelings of worry or fear. Actually, I started seeing my situation as though I couldn't imagine anything else making sense in my life at the time other than going on a mission.

 Some crazy things happened as I completed the missionary app process. For example, the people involved in the doctor's appointments and appointments with the bishop and everything I had to schedule had a sense of urgency about them. Yeah I wanted to get it done, but I was casual about the whole thing. It was everyone else who seemed anxious to get it done.

 I don't usually answer numbers I don't know on my cell phone, and especially not at work when I'm about to enter a patient's room for treatment. But, there was one day in an extraordinary circumstance that I did just that, only to find that the lady on the other side was a secretary at one of the doctor's offices, calling to let me know that there was a cancelled appointment and if I'd like to come in sooner....! What the heck?

 Even after getting my mission call, my bishop was the one who called me in order to set up a temple recommend interview. I thanked him for that, because by then I had already started seeing a pattern. I can tell you, the sense of urgency definitely started rubbing off on me. Everyone seemed so anxious to scoot me along this process. It was unusual!

 And again, I could be totally wrong, but when I went into this I had the idea that foreign missions usually give about 4 months from the time they receive the call to the time they report to the MTC. Ashley had 4 months. Why did I only have 2.5!! It seems to me that time is a factor in all this for sure, but I have yet to know why.

 I opened my call on October 17th.

               "...You are assigned to labor in the Ecuador, Quito North Mission..."


  To find out that I am going home. The place my mom grew up. And the same mission my Dad served just over 25 years ago, where he met my mom.

 Ash and I went straight to mission prep class after this, and in a burst of energy I ran out to the car in a psychopath zigzag. I couldn't run in a straight line.

 That Sunday, I thought it was fit that a certain phrase in a song stood out to me as I was getting ready for church...."Consider anew what the Almighty can do."

I'm not going to Finland, like my sister Amy thought, or stateside like many others thought. I'm not going to Italy like my mom dreamed years ago, even though my mind was set on it. I'm not even going to Europe at all.

 I see now that Heavenly Father needs me to be a part of something a little different than I had imagined, and more special than I could have guessed.

 I am very excited to learn more about my people there. And, somehow, I believe there are eternal connections involved in this journey.

 So, at 21 years old, many years ago, a courageous woman married a righteous young man and left everything she had....her family, her culture, her home...to come to a new -- everything. Not knowing the language, the culture, the people. Away from friends and family. And without the means to visit her family again for 10 years. That was my mom.

 Now, at 21 years old, I will be returning to where it all started. We are flopping stories a little bit. haha But, I will only be away for 18 months, not 10 years haha. We are grateful, and so very blessed.

"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things." Psalms 72:18