Howdy!
Oh...I found out that we can't go to Panama anymore - it really is not part of our mission. We can go to our side of the border only!
Monday, we went to Pasco Canoas with the other sisters - and stayed the night at our place because we had district meeting the next day and their bus is 3 hours there and 3 hours back. We split up and did what is called divisions. I went with Hermana Garcia who is from Sandy, Utah. We taught some of our investigators. It was a really cool experience because she told me to take charge and I would start the lessons. So, I taught all of the lesson with the first family and she kept the kids busy so I could teach. Then with the next family, we both taught and it was incredible. The spirit was so strong. We taught a woman who is inactive. She told me that from the first day she met me, she felt like she knew me before. She said that she felt comfortable with me teaching her because I always was smiling and happy. Such a compliment. We taught her all about the love God has for her and that the way we show God our love for Him is by going to church, reading scriptures and praying...that he really wants to hear from us. She cried and said she wants to come back and she will try. After the lesson, Hermana Garcia told me that I am a really good missionary and just needed some teaching time to figure that out. She gave me some great advice about listening to the spirit during lessons. That we need to have our mind completely blank and just listen to people without thinking about the various lessons to choose from to help them. Obvious stuff but things you forget when teaching. It was such a cool night. She also told me...yeah you're going to train. I told her yeah right...haha!
Wednesday - people we talked to had a ton of questions about the end of the world and something with President Obama and some weird 666 chip to enter into the various hospitals or stores. I have no idea what that is about - but they read the Bible and get caught up with the book of Revelations - last days. I told them to just calm down, prepare now as if it is tomorrow and do the basic good things.
Thursday - we left for San Jose with the other sisters. We rode in the boat from here to their place and saw some dolphins. Yeah! On the boat - I taught a woman about the plan of salvation and gave her a pamphlet. She said that she lives in San Jose and is super Catholic - that's ok. It was all cool! Some are interested - some are not! I have forgotten how to teach the gospel in English - haha. Everyone here welcome talking about religion. They are all about God and religion. It is different with people from the U.S. I met some backpackers from Kentucky and Nashville....an uncle and his niece. They were super awesome - and have been all over the world. They are 10 years apart and were fun to talk with. I talked with them for 3 hours. haha...yeah...probably should have shut up but you all know that once I get talking...it's hard to stop me. We talked about their families, their trips, the different places they have been, teaching - the girl is going to be a middle school teacher, a little bit about the gospel and missionary work..they wanted to be facebook friends - I just told them to look up the missionaries wherever they go - because missionaries are all over the world. It was fun to chat with them. Then I talked with Hermana Garcia about missionary work and life. She gave some great advice. Oh - I got my Christmas package - Just about cried when I opened it. I loved it! Thank yo so so so so so much!The chex mix and wreaths and sugar cookies...just about died! might have not really shared. sorry. I loved the pictures, dress and cute pajamas, folder of stories and pictures, socks (thank you Papa and Grandma Jones), the song book, and all the cute things. So kind! It was absolutely wonderful. Thank you.
Friday - We studied. Then had interviews. I talked with President about our area (he told me that he has never seen these kind of numbers before in this area). SO HAPPY! I told him we are working hard and the Lord is blessing us. I then told him that not to worry about my allergy - he can put me in whatever area he needed me in and I would work. He proceeded to show me the missionary board of going home and coming in and how many new areas. So this time, we have 10 new sisters and 10 new areas. In 4 weeks, we have 18 new sisters and 12 new areas or so. Then in April we have 20 something new sisters and 10 new areas. So...yeah...we have changes. My companion is staying here and training and I'm going somewhere. President told me that there are two options...that I either go to another area to learn it for 4 weeks and train in 4 weeks or train and open now and in April. So...I don't really know what's going on. He just said to me to prepare because he needs me to step up and help him. I told him that I'm here ready to get going. So...yeah we'll see. We leave tomorrow again for San Jose and have changes meeting on Wednesday. I have a feeling I'll go to another area and then train next changes, just because my Spanish isn't yet perfect and I don't know, but I'll let you all know next week. haha. Sorry, but it's amazing how many new sisters we have coming. There is double the sisters than elders, which is a little sad, but it's cool that sisters are stepping up and meeting the need for missionaries. There is seriously something going on in this area. Heavenly Father has a huge plan for Costa Rica. Maybe in a year it will split into two missions. Who knows....but the work is going forth boldly NOW!
Saturday - Elder Christofferson came. We all took a picture with him - that they will send to each of us. After walking back into the building, he shook everyone's hand and asked where we were each from. When I said Salt Lake, he said, never heard of it before...you like it? haha, such a crack up. Oh...I directed the music for the meeting. Super nervous! Kind of shaking. Plus, doesn't help when your Elder friends and Sister friends are in the front making you laugh with their faces. We listened tto one of the 70's that came and then Elder Christofferson and his wife. He had a question and answer moment. It was amazing and strong spirit. They spoke about our responsibility as missionaries and what we can do to be better in our service. Afterwards, as he was walking out, I was in the front row with President's family, and he shook our hands again, and put his hand on my shoulder and said thanks for leading the music. I know that as a missionary - I shouldn't be freaking out - but little things like that are so huge for me - especially from an Apostle of the Lord.
I talked with Hermana Cartagena. Her mom sent me a cute shirt from El Salvador for Christmas. I gave her a story, I wrote, a key chain to remind her of pool, her favorite cookies and some socks. She said to say Merry Christmas to everyone and wants to meet you all and to some day hang out with us.
Oh - about our investigators - we have baptisms planned for this month and a big family for February. Oh, just another few baptisms that I won't be able to see. I would love to see some baptisms. Oh and Evelyn was BAPTIZED!!!! December 29th. Great way to end the year and start another. So proud of her. She is going to be a great member. Hope her husband will give her more support. I am going to try to send them a note.
Then just bus ride home the whole way with the sisters and elders. Sunday - we had a new investigator that totally opened up to us in our first meeting. He had been our taxi driver and wanted to know more. He came to church and after the meetings to talk with us. Super cool. At first he was all about joking and then after started bawling about his problems and how he needs God. He's so ready to be a member! Another inactive opened up to us about his problems, too and how he needs to come back to church and rely more on God. Sheesh! A log of people are ready to change. It is so awesome! Tell everyone hi - and I have Grandma Stansfield in my prayers. Tell Ralph to keep reading the scriptures and to go to church. Tell Papa and Grandma Jones - thank you so much and they are in my prayers.
Ty and Sami - fun birthday parties. Tell the little ones I hope they had fun and wish I could have been there but - will be there for next year - give them kisses. Landon and Kimi- too cute about liv biv - she is adorable. Glad to hear New York was a blast. Good luck with school. Landon..don't worry....cuz every little thing is gonna be all right. haha...just listen to a little bobby! (Bob Marley)
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