December 28, 2010
Dear Family,
So great to talk to you on Christmas!!!! Jacob sounds like Dad and Josh´s voice has changed so much that we just spent our short conversation laughing. Christmas went great here...Christmas is the season of CHOCOLATE. A lot of the sisters in the mission are starting to think seriously about not eating so much as soon as the new year hits. We´ll see how that goes.
On Monday we did interchanges for a day and I went with Hermana Long. I always learn a lot in the interchanges...this time I learned a lot about food. The sisters that live with her are master chefs. I didn´t think that cooking would be one of the top ten things I would learn in the mission, but living with so many people for so long has really paid off.
Hermana Long seems really great. Her Spanish is very good for her "age" in the mission. She works hard.
We had the greatest lesson while I was with Hermana Long. We taught a guy named Angel. She said that Angel had contacted them and asked where he could receive the charlas. Apparently he has a friend and some cousins in Ecuador that are members of the Church and he was curious. He is studying medicine here...I don´t think he has been here very long. He has attended institute a couple of times and they gave him a Triple Combination (The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price together) so he gave us back the copy of the Book of Mormon that the missionaries had given him so we could give it to someone else. We taught him about the Restoration using the example of a tower of cups that fall and represent the apostasy. I guess that isn´t a great explanation but the example makes the apostasy very clear. The Spirit was very strong there and Hermana Long had invited a girl from JAS(Young single adults) who helped testify and explain. Angel had done reading and pondering and he was just so open. He agreed that January 15th would be an acceptable date for his baptism because it would give him time to read more from the Book of Mormon. Angel´s story strengthened my testimony that there are really people searching for the truth and will be open to us. We just have to put in the time and live worthily to have the Spirit and the Lord will guide us to the people in His time.
We have been stood up and had lessons canceled a lot these past few weeks and of couse my first thought was "what are we doing wrong" but I realized something cool: We are human and we can´t really know if people will be home or not or what changes will happen in their schedules or who will forget, but the Lord can see everything that happens and He can easily orchestrate a meeting between us and someone who is open to talking, searching for the Gospel, or just sad. All we have to do is be willing and brave enough to start talking to the people that are right next to us. Every mission is different and one of the biggest focuses of the Madrid Mission is contacting. I realized how great that is for me personally because I would not have said that opening up and talking, asking questions etc was a strength of mine before the mission, let alone with strangers in another language as we invite ourselves over to their homes. The Lord knows us well.
Hermana Long gave me a talk by Elder Ballard from Conference April 2004. "Atonement and the value of an Individual."
Elder Ballard said that the world judges importance based on the size of the audience of the person, but by that as the measuring stick fathers and mothers for example don´t rate very high. But the individual is important to the Lord. It is the little acts of kindness and service that will bring about the Lord´s great purposes. I thought about you Mom and Dad and how you might just have an audience of five but you have been the world to us.
I love you so much!! You sound great!! Not gonna lie, I can´t wait to see you but I am so glad I have more time here!
Love, Hermana Shayla Moulton
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Transfer 6 week 4
December 23, 2010
Dear Family,
Thank you so so so much for the gifts I have been receiving in the mail ;) I also received a story from Grandma Jean and Mom that I will print off and read. Shalese it sounds like you are really taking care of all the Christmas business... Can I just say you have racked up about a million sister points and these points will be poured out again on you when we have a role-reversal.
Shalese says Sharah is as easy to shop for and grateful as ever. It sounds like not much has changed. I bet the choir performance with Josh and Mr Fleming was great. I loved being in his class...so fun!!! Jacob, I want to hear some Japanese on the phone in a couple days..
The Elders that work with us in this ward found a girl named Carolina when they were talking to people in the street. They gave us her number and I think she is a miracle. She is 21 years old, from the Republica Dominicana and she has a warm smile and kind eyes that make me feel like we were friends before. She said in our first lesson that she has a thirst to learn about things of God. Teaching people like her about the Plan of Salvation is the best feeling ever. I don't know how to describe it. So many plain and precious truths have been lost...I really felt like we were sitting there explaining the best news she can possibly hear. We shared 1 Corinthians 15:40-41 and 2 Peter 4:6 about the three kingdoms and about learning the Gospel in the spirit world. Seeing that the Bible teaches exactly what we have also learned by modern revelation is a huge testimony to me and it helped Carolina accept it as well. When we taught about the Plan of Salvation we had a member present and at the end she explained that knowing the Plan of Salvation gives her peace because of the loved ones that she has lost in this life but she knows she will see them again. In the following lesson, Carolina told us that her mother had died when she was 6 or 7 years old, and I realized what a comfort the testimony of that member must have been to her. In that lesson I also felt the direct guide of the spirit telling me what I should ask. I reminded her that she had said that she has a thirst to learn about God and I asked when or how she had developed that thirst. She talked about studying with the Testigos de Jeovah when she was 8, and later attending a protestant church with her aunt. Then she said there was a time when she felt far from God and she felt terrible. She became very emotional and opened up a lot...and I realized how perfectly Heavenly Father knows his children and he can show us what they need by the Spirit.
We taught another great family last night. The father was baptized a long time ago in Bolivia and it sounds like he has taught his family about the Book of Mormon. Cristian (15) and Bryan (10) seem like really great kids and the mother, Claribel, was the person who was contacted by Hermana Bell and Hermana Abellán. Claribel really wants this for her family. The problem with almost every situation in Spain is that people work SO MUCH so we will have to pray with a lot of faith to even have the opportunity to teach them on a regular basis, but they seem ready.
Jenifer (18) is getting baptized this Sunday!!!! She is so excited. We are so excited. At each lesson we ask her if she has been reading and she tells us about questions she had and how she looked them up in the Guide and read about them and then asks us a ton of great questions. Wow. She is going to get rid of a chin piercing on Friday and sheĺl be totally ready. It is a little difficult because the the majority of teenagers have facial piercings in Madrid, especially if they are Spanish. Even some of the sweetest looking girls have a nose ring or a lip ring. The young people in Madrid have it rough spiritually speaking. They are exposed to everything. The point is that Jenifer is amazing and strong and she has seen a lot of great changes in her family as they have learned about the Gospel.
I LOVE being with Hermana Bell and Hermana Bustamante. Most people dread being in a companionship of three, but I love this trio so much. My companions are so great. I am learning a ton from them. It seems to take a lot more to discourage three than two. This has to be one of the funnest times of my mission thus far.
Family, just know that I love you so much and I am praying for you. This Christmas is going great!!! Everyone seems to be feeding us way too much and I love it!! Thanks for everything and thanks for your love. I cant wait to talk to you!!!! Make sure Grandma C gets a special "Merry Christmas" from me.
Love Hermana Shayla Moulton
Thanks so much for everything!!!!!!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dear Family,
Thank you so so so much for the gifts I have been receiving in the mail ;) I also received a story from Grandma Jean and Mom that I will print off and read. Shalese it sounds like you are really taking care of all the Christmas business... Can I just say you have racked up about a million sister points and these points will be poured out again on you when we have a role-reversal.
Shalese says Sharah is as easy to shop for and grateful as ever. It sounds like not much has changed. I bet the choir performance with Josh and Mr Fleming was great. I loved being in his class...so fun!!! Jacob, I want to hear some Japanese on the phone in a couple days..
The Elders that work with us in this ward found a girl named Carolina when they were talking to people in the street. They gave us her number and I think she is a miracle. She is 21 years old, from the Republica Dominicana and she has a warm smile and kind eyes that make me feel like we were friends before. She said in our first lesson that she has a thirst to learn about things of God. Teaching people like her about the Plan of Salvation is the best feeling ever. I don't know how to describe it. So many plain and precious truths have been lost...I really felt like we were sitting there explaining the best news she can possibly hear. We shared 1 Corinthians 15:40-41 and 2 Peter 4:6 about the three kingdoms and about learning the Gospel in the spirit world. Seeing that the Bible teaches exactly what we have also learned by modern revelation is a huge testimony to me and it helped Carolina accept it as well. When we taught about the Plan of Salvation we had a member present and at the end she explained that knowing the Plan of Salvation gives her peace because of the loved ones that she has lost in this life but she knows she will see them again. In the following lesson, Carolina told us that her mother had died when she was 6 or 7 years old, and I realized what a comfort the testimony of that member must have been to her. In that lesson I also felt the direct guide of the spirit telling me what I should ask. I reminded her that she had said that she has a thirst to learn about God and I asked when or how she had developed that thirst. She talked about studying with the Testigos de Jeovah when she was 8, and later attending a protestant church with her aunt. Then she said there was a time when she felt far from God and she felt terrible. She became very emotional and opened up a lot...and I realized how perfectly Heavenly Father knows his children and he can show us what they need by the Spirit.
We taught another great family last night. The father was baptized a long time ago in Bolivia and it sounds like he has taught his family about the Book of Mormon. Cristian (15) and Bryan (10) seem like really great kids and the mother, Claribel, was the person who was contacted by Hermana Bell and Hermana Abellán. Claribel really wants this for her family. The problem with almost every situation in Spain is that people work SO MUCH so we will have to pray with a lot of faith to even have the opportunity to teach them on a regular basis, but they seem ready.
Jenifer (18) is getting baptized this Sunday!!!! She is so excited. We are so excited. At each lesson we ask her if she has been reading and she tells us about questions she had and how she looked them up in the Guide and read about them and then asks us a ton of great questions. Wow. She is going to get rid of a chin piercing on Friday and sheĺl be totally ready. It is a little difficult because the the majority of teenagers have facial piercings in Madrid, especially if they are Spanish. Even some of the sweetest looking girls have a nose ring or a lip ring. The young people in Madrid have it rough spiritually speaking. They are exposed to everything. The point is that Jenifer is amazing and strong and she has seen a lot of great changes in her family as they have learned about the Gospel.
I LOVE being with Hermana Bell and Hermana Bustamante. Most people dread being in a companionship of three, but I love this trio so much. My companions are so great. I am learning a ton from them. It seems to take a lot more to discourage three than two. This has to be one of the funnest times of my mission thus far.
Family, just know that I love you so much and I am praying for you. This Christmas is going great!!! Everyone seems to be feeding us way too much and I love it!! Thanks for everything and thanks for your love. I cant wait to talk to you!!!! Make sure Grandma C gets a special "Merry Christmas" from me.
Love Hermana Shayla Moulton
Thanks so much for everything!!!!!!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Transfer 6 week 3
December 15, 2010
Hello Family,
I´m sitting here with two letters from Mom and Shalese that we just got on the way to use computers. THANKS!!! Shalese, I´ll be on the lookout for the Charlie Brown Package :) Lots of Big news today! First, we got permission to watch a Disney movie today and Elder McArthur was super excited to watch Mulan so Mulan it is. Even better: We will be a trio until about January 17th. Hermana Bustamante is our third companion. She is great friends with one of the teachers I had in the CCM, hermana Nalbandayan (from Armenia). She is 23 and very excited to be here. She will be serving in Los Angeles in the visitor center there. She spent four days in the CCM and is now working with us...then she will go to the MTC in Provo and spend nine weeks there to learn English..at least we think it will be nine weeks. We are supposedly training her but she came pre-trained. Her questions in lessons come naturally and inspire people to talk to us openly. I think it helps that she speaks Spanish. I am super excited to have time to learn Spanish with her. It is difficult to remember to always speak in Spanish when there are two English speakers serving together but it will be much easier now. She was born in Peru in Arequipa and moved to Spain as a little girl. She speaks using the zeta. I have been speaking without it because the majority of the people we meet with in this area don´t use it....I think I will be home before I ever decide if I want to use it or not. No importa. The point is that I am so happy that we have this time together as three because we will all learn a ton. Sure, we still need to learn to navigate through the bathroom with three of us, and contacting in the street might be a little intimidating to the people we meet, but three sounds like a party to me.
We are working with a family: Veronica, Hatson, Jenifer (18), and Mateo (almost 1). Jeinfer will be baptized on December 26 and Veronica is working very hard on her papers so she and Hatson can get married!!!! Their testimonies are so strong and she is reading the Book of Mormon every day without fail. Often our lessons are centered mainly on whatever she read that day. Veronica said that her testimony came when she finally started reading the Book of Mormon. That is a testimony to me of the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. Since then she says she has had desires to avoid doing things that aren´t right. The other day we went to teach Jenifer about tithing...we asked her if she had learned anything about it previously and she proceeded to tell us how she had looked it up in the guide of the Book of Mormon and then looked up all the scriptures that were listed in the Bible. She explained that it was ten percent that they paid from ancient times...we talked a little bit about Abraham...then she told us a story her cousin told her that she had heard in Málaga in church of a family who was struggling financially and still paid tithing...and the blessings that came to them. Yes...I think Jenifer is ready. It is pretty cool that a story someone told a while back made it up north and touched the heart of someone who was searching. It was a lesson to me that our experiences can be a blessing to others and that we should share our testimonies...you never know who you can touch.
Last night we set a date for baptism for a woman and her daughter, Maria and Luz. They have been attending church for a year! Her challenge that kept her from setting a date to be baptized was that she wanted to be sure she could live up to it. She will be the first to be baptized in her family and she wanted to be sure she was living right to be an example to them. I can say that she is a wonderful person and already is an example to her family and to me. Her daughter Luz (11) has been practically begging her to get baptized because they will be baptized together. Maria feels bad that she has to work one Sunday each month. Hna Bustamante had had a similar experience that helped Maria. They have a ton of friends in the church (which is sooooo important) so they have a great support system. I can´t wait till they get to do baptisms at the temple. Maria will love that peace.
Family, thanks for the letters and emails and the love!! I loved the pictures of Dad and Mom in California. Shalese..I got the pictures of you with Tina, Meg, Rebecca, and Nicole!! Thanks. You´re all beautiful! Jake:Good luck in the performance, Shalese says you are helping out. Josh: When does basketball end? Sharah: Shalese says you are the sweetest sister we have! I love you all!
Love Hermana Moulton 1 (-para distinguir entre las bellas Hemanas Moulton ;)
Hello Family,
I´m sitting here with two letters from Mom and Shalese that we just got on the way to use computers. THANKS!!! Shalese, I´ll be on the lookout for the Charlie Brown Package :) Lots of Big news today! First, we got permission to watch a Disney movie today and Elder McArthur was super excited to watch Mulan so Mulan it is. Even better: We will be a trio until about January 17th. Hermana Bustamante is our third companion. She is great friends with one of the teachers I had in the CCM, hermana Nalbandayan (from Armenia). She is 23 and very excited to be here. She will be serving in Los Angeles in the visitor center there. She spent four days in the CCM and is now working with us...then she will go to the MTC in Provo and spend nine weeks there to learn English..at least we think it will be nine weeks. We are supposedly training her but she came pre-trained. Her questions in lessons come naturally and inspire people to talk to us openly. I think it helps that she speaks Spanish. I am super excited to have time to learn Spanish with her. It is difficult to remember to always speak in Spanish when there are two English speakers serving together but it will be much easier now. She was born in Peru in Arequipa and moved to Spain as a little girl. She speaks using the zeta. I have been speaking without it because the majority of the people we meet with in this area don´t use it....I think I will be home before I ever decide if I want to use it or not. No importa. The point is that I am so happy that we have this time together as three because we will all learn a ton. Sure, we still need to learn to navigate through the bathroom with three of us, and contacting in the street might be a little intimidating to the people we meet, but three sounds like a party to me.
We are working with a family: Veronica, Hatson, Jenifer (18), and Mateo (almost 1). Jeinfer will be baptized on December 26 and Veronica is working very hard on her papers so she and Hatson can get married!!!! Their testimonies are so strong and she is reading the Book of Mormon every day without fail. Often our lessons are centered mainly on whatever she read that day. Veronica said that her testimony came when she finally started reading the Book of Mormon. That is a testimony to me of the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. Since then she says she has had desires to avoid doing things that aren´t right. The other day we went to teach Jenifer about tithing...we asked her if she had learned anything about it previously and she proceeded to tell us how she had looked it up in the guide of the Book of Mormon and then looked up all the scriptures that were listed in the Bible. She explained that it was ten percent that they paid from ancient times...we talked a little bit about Abraham...then she told us a story her cousin told her that she had heard in Málaga in church of a family who was struggling financially and still paid tithing...and the blessings that came to them. Yes...I think Jenifer is ready. It is pretty cool that a story someone told a while back made it up north and touched the heart of someone who was searching. It was a lesson to me that our experiences can be a blessing to others and that we should share our testimonies...you never know who you can touch.
Last night we set a date for baptism for a woman and her daughter, Maria and Luz. They have been attending church for a year! Her challenge that kept her from setting a date to be baptized was that she wanted to be sure she could live up to it. She will be the first to be baptized in her family and she wanted to be sure she was living right to be an example to them. I can say that she is a wonderful person and already is an example to her family and to me. Her daughter Luz (11) has been practically begging her to get baptized because they will be baptized together. Maria feels bad that she has to work one Sunday each month. Hna Bustamante had had a similar experience that helped Maria. They have a ton of friends in the church (which is sooooo important) so they have a great support system. I can´t wait till they get to do baptisms at the temple. Maria will love that peace.
Family, thanks for the letters and emails and the love!! I loved the pictures of Dad and Mom in California. Shalese..I got the pictures of you with Tina, Meg, Rebecca, and Nicole!! Thanks. You´re all beautiful! Jake:Good luck in the performance, Shalese says you are helping out. Josh: When does basketball end? Sharah: Shalese says you are the sweetest sister we have! I love you all!
Love Hermana Moulton 1 (-para distinguir entre las bellas Hemanas Moulton ;)
Transfer 6 week 2
December 8, 2010
Dear Family,
First off, thanks to Sharah and Shalese for the coolest Christmas Tree this side of the Atlantic Ocean. It is so great and it made me super happy!! (see pic) I hope the picture works this time.
Christmas looks like it will be pretty fun this year. People HAVE TO listen to us if we say anything about Christmas season and Christ. Last night we had the ward activity and it was pretty great. We had a lot of people come out for it. We also did a skit...I need to work on my acting skills but the Elders were pretty funny.
Hermana Bell and I are trying to find people that really want to act on what they learn and not just let us come over...that means we have been walking around searching a lot more than before... It has been a little exhausting which is how we know something great is coming. It is a little difficult starting over and learning an area again. In my last area Hna Smith and I had to learn the area together so I became a professional map reader and by the end I knew where most of the addresses that people gave us were located. The cool thing is that since I have already learned an area once I am learning this one double-fast. Contacting has also gotten a little easier...partly because Spanish has become easier and partly because the search seems to have become more part of me and more desperate. I am finally feeling that the responsibility is on my shoulders and it gives me more confidence to act. I figure that if I don't do it nobody will- so I should do it even though my approach wont be perfect, and the Lord will make it good enough. The real truth is that if I don't talk to these people, someone eventually will because Heavenly Father will get the message to them somehow, but I will miss out on the chance to be part of the process. Hope that makes sense.
Well, I better go but I love you a ton!!!
Love Hermana Shayla Moulton.
PS. Mom just so ya know, I am getting over being sick and all that jazz. Ya!! Also, My hand is better...the blisters are finally peeling off...gross ;)
I also have a special Christmas request...maybe Shalese can help out...Church music CDs...like single artists...singers or pianists or guitarist etc that play christian music or hyms etc. Thanks!!!
Love ya!!!!
Dear Family,
First off, thanks to Sharah and Shalese for the coolest Christmas Tree this side of the Atlantic Ocean. It is so great and it made me super happy!! (see pic) I hope the picture works this time.
Christmas looks like it will be pretty fun this year. People HAVE TO listen to us if we say anything about Christmas season and Christ. Last night we had the ward activity and it was pretty great. We had a lot of people come out for it. We also did a skit...I need to work on my acting skills but the Elders were pretty funny.
Hermana Bell and I are trying to find people that really want to act on what they learn and not just let us come over...that means we have been walking around searching a lot more than before... It has been a little exhausting which is how we know something great is coming. It is a little difficult starting over and learning an area again. In my last area Hna Smith and I had to learn the area together so I became a professional map reader and by the end I knew where most of the addresses that people gave us were located. The cool thing is that since I have already learned an area once I am learning this one double-fast. Contacting has also gotten a little easier...partly because Spanish has become easier and partly because the search seems to have become more part of me and more desperate. I am finally feeling that the responsibility is on my shoulders and it gives me more confidence to act. I figure that if I don't do it nobody will- so I should do it even though my approach wont be perfect, and the Lord will make it good enough. The real truth is that if I don't talk to these people, someone eventually will because Heavenly Father will get the message to them somehow, but I will miss out on the chance to be part of the process. Hope that makes sense.
Well, I better go but I love you a ton!!!
Love Hermana Shayla Moulton.
PS. Mom just so ya know, I am getting over being sick and all that jazz. Ya!! Also, My hand is better...the blisters are finally peeling off...gross ;)
I also have a special Christmas request...maybe Shalese can help out...Church music CDs...like single artists...singers or pianists or guitarist etc that play christian music or hyms etc. Thanks!!!
Love ya!!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Transfer 6 week 1
December 1, 2010
Dear Family,
So the big news: I have been transferred from Barrio 9 to Barrio 3. That means that I moved my stuff upstairs with Hermana Bell and Hermana Smith stayed downstairs (not much of a move ;) My address is still the same:
C\ Las Tintas 17, 3ºB
Madrid 28025
Spain
The pictures: The first one is with some girls from Barrio 9. Laura, the one hugging me teaches seminary and came with us on a lot of visits over the summer. Sheyla is next to her. She has become a good friend and it has been amazing to watch her spirit and strength grow. Gabby is on the far left. She is the one that showed me how easy it is to deep fry...which I learned was a mistake when the first thing I deep fried was my hand.
The second picture is of me and Hermana Bell. She is great...very happy and very excited to work and see miracles. There is a lot of adjusting to do in a new area but it feels like I am starting fresh again. It was a little sad to leave behind some of the people that I have been with so long. The nice thing is that we still attend the same chapel so if there is ever a baptism in Barrio 9 we will get to bring someone. The other nice thing is that I still live with Hermana Smith ;)
I still don´t know many of the investigators in this area but I am excited to meet them. We actually met Veronica the other day who is working very hard on her papers so that she can get married and baptized. The cool part about that was that Hermana Smith and I contacted her a long time ago and gave her address to the other sisters...it shows how important contacting is even if we don´t personally end up teaching the person. Veronica said she watched us contact another couple on a bench and hoped we would come talk to her. We knew that she had been watching us so we almost passed her by because it feels a little awkward talking to someone who just watched you talk to someone else (I know that is silly...I´m getting over it.)
I hope Mikayla got my letter. I have also had a letter sitting on my desk for Grandma C for a long time.
Yesterday I read in 1Nephi 3: 15 -16 about how determined Nephi was to do the will of the Lord. It reminded me of the council President Monson gave in a recent(ish) Priesthood session of conference. 1.Find out the will of the Lord, 2.Make a plan, 3.Do it. I feel like it is a great time to make goals and find out exactly what the Lord wants from me now as I start in a new area. Something I have learned though is that we shouldn´t wait for a big external change like that before we re-evaluate and decide to change. It just takes a little more effort if there isn´t that external change. Nephi did make a plan...he and his brothers gave away all the riches they had left...their whole life´s savings...and that plan failed. (Don´t feel bad when your first plans fail...) I bet that they felt that they had given everything they could give but Nephi went back and truly gave the last effort and that is when the Lord stepped in and gave him what was required. The Lord probably could have given the plates to Laman in the first place, but miracles happen after faith and obedience. Besides that, we wouldn´t have this inspiring and instructional story at the most-read part of the Book of Mormon...the beginning. Side thought: When we are passing through something really difficult, maybe that trial will become a story for the people we love in the future to learn from, just as Nephi´s hard life has become an honored and loved example for us.
I love you all so much. I am so glad to be on a mission. Shalese you are going to learn and grow so much it is crazy.
Love, Hermana Moulton
Dear Family,
So the big news: I have been transferred from Barrio 9 to Barrio 3. That means that I moved my stuff upstairs with Hermana Bell and Hermana Smith stayed downstairs (not much of a move ;) My address is still the same:
C\ Las Tintas 17, 3ºB
Madrid 28025
Spain
The pictures: The first one is with some girls from Barrio 9. Laura, the one hugging me teaches seminary and came with us on a lot of visits over the summer. Sheyla is next to her. She has become a good friend and it has been amazing to watch her spirit and strength grow. Gabby is on the far left. She is the one that showed me how easy it is to deep fry...which I learned was a mistake when the first thing I deep fried was my hand.
The second picture is of me and Hermana Bell. She is great...very happy and very excited to work and see miracles. There is a lot of adjusting to do in a new area but it feels like I am starting fresh again. It was a little sad to leave behind some of the people that I have been with so long. The nice thing is that we still attend the same chapel so if there is ever a baptism in Barrio 9 we will get to bring someone. The other nice thing is that I still live with Hermana Smith ;)
I still don´t know many of the investigators in this area but I am excited to meet them. We actually met Veronica the other day who is working very hard on her papers so that she can get married and baptized. The cool part about that was that Hermana Smith and I contacted her a long time ago and gave her address to the other sisters...it shows how important contacting is even if we don´t personally end up teaching the person. Veronica said she watched us contact another couple on a bench and hoped we would come talk to her. We knew that she had been watching us so we almost passed her by because it feels a little awkward talking to someone who just watched you talk to someone else (I know that is silly...I´m getting over it.)
I hope Mikayla got my letter. I have also had a letter sitting on my desk for Grandma C for a long time.
Yesterday I read in 1Nephi 3: 15 -16 about how determined Nephi was to do the will of the Lord. It reminded me of the council President Monson gave in a recent(ish) Priesthood session of conference. 1.Find out the will of the Lord, 2.Make a plan, 3.Do it. I feel like it is a great time to make goals and find out exactly what the Lord wants from me now as I start in a new area. Something I have learned though is that we shouldn´t wait for a big external change like that before we re-evaluate and decide to change. It just takes a little more effort if there isn´t that external change. Nephi did make a plan...he and his brothers gave away all the riches they had left...their whole life´s savings...and that plan failed. (Don´t feel bad when your first plans fail...) I bet that they felt that they had given everything they could give but Nephi went back and truly gave the last effort and that is when the Lord stepped in and gave him what was required. The Lord probably could have given the plates to Laman in the first place, but miracles happen after faith and obedience. Besides that, we wouldn´t have this inspiring and instructional story at the most-read part of the Book of Mormon...the beginning. Side thought: When we are passing through something really difficult, maybe that trial will become a story for the people we love in the future to learn from, just as Nephi´s hard life has become an honored and loved example for us.
I love you all so much. I am so glad to be on a mission. Shalese you are going to learn and grow so much it is crazy.
Love, Hermana Moulton
Transfer 5 week 6
November 24, 2010
Hello Family!
Happy Thanksgiving! We switched our preparation day to Thursday this week so that we could do a Thanksgiving celebration with the missionaries and mission leader in our ward. It should be a blast. We are going to watch the Joseph Smith movie. This morning I took a second to remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for all the blessings I have received. Every day we talk with people who´s life experiences make me realize how blessed I have been to have been guided by the gospel all my life. Principles like honesty, chastity, charity, faith, hope, trust, forgiveness, work, service, tithing, and prayer have shielded our family from so many heart aches and provided for our temporal needs as well. I am so grateful for so many things and my family above all.
As for excitement this week: On Saturday we helped a girl in our ward make lunch/dinner and we fried calamari. I saw how easy it is to deep-fry and I remembered something I had eaten in the CCM...Deep fried french-toast with a different name. I thought it was a brilliant idea...until a huge distraction caught my attention in the middle of my attempt. The next thing I knew the pan was smoking like crazy so I thought I should hold it out the window so the smoke would go out. Meanwhile the distraction continued in the kitchen and I stopped thinking...I dumped out the oil....onto my hand. Thoughts of how Bro. Stockard had to go to physical therapy every day including Christmas for his hand flooded my mind (over-reaction). I kept my hand in a bucket of water the whole night. It was just a second degree burn on part of my palm and index finger. It hurt a bit in the morning and I brought a bag of frozen peas to our morning lessons. Vanesa, one of our investigators, but some bee´s-wax on it....I didn´t think that was a very good idea, but between 10 hrs of submersion in water and the bee´s wax it stopped the pain completely and I just have a couple of cool giant blisters to show for it. The part that made me feel really NOT-SMART was the fact that we live on the fourth floor and I could have scalded one of our neighbors if they had stuck their head out the window...fortunately I didn´t see any clothes on the clothes-lines below us...but the puddle of oil was still there a couple days later...
Other than that, our whole apartment has been sick this week. Fortunately I uncovered a stash of medicine left by other missionaries and we have all been partaking. Mom, I did get the DSF! Thanks!!! I love that stuff.
This week has been crazy but great. A couple from our ward were sealed in the Temple and they invited us to explain some things to the groom´s parents in the waiting room. Very interesting experience. Then more of their friends came to a ring-exchanging service and the Stake president talked about temples. Hermana Smith played the piano and I led the music. at least half of the people there were not familiar with hymn-books so I felt like I was singing a bit of a solo up front...which wouldn´t have been so bad but I was already sick and couldn´t reach the high notes..not pretty. The important thing is that David and Paula seemed very happy and she looked so beautiful in a simple white dress.
We had a great zone conference with Elder Casse, a member of the Seventy. He is French but his English is great. I learned a lot of things that can help me be a better missionary.
On Monday-Tuesday, we had interchanges...which means I spent the day with Hermana Read in my area and Hermana Smith went to Barrio 8 for the day. Hermana Read is so great. I learned a lot from her.
Well, I have to run but I love you!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Eat some turkey for me ;)
Love Hermana Moulton
P.S. Shalese: look up David Swenson on facebook ;) he is from UT...friend of Hna Smith´s family and he got your same mission call!!
Hello Family!
Happy Thanksgiving! We switched our preparation day to Thursday this week so that we could do a Thanksgiving celebration with the missionaries and mission leader in our ward. It should be a blast. We are going to watch the Joseph Smith movie. This morning I took a second to remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for all the blessings I have received. Every day we talk with people who´s life experiences make me realize how blessed I have been to have been guided by the gospel all my life. Principles like honesty, chastity, charity, faith, hope, trust, forgiveness, work, service, tithing, and prayer have shielded our family from so many heart aches and provided for our temporal needs as well. I am so grateful for so many things and my family above all.
As for excitement this week: On Saturday we helped a girl in our ward make lunch/dinner and we fried calamari. I saw how easy it is to deep-fry and I remembered something I had eaten in the CCM...Deep fried french-toast with a different name. I thought it was a brilliant idea...until a huge distraction caught my attention in the middle of my attempt. The next thing I knew the pan was smoking like crazy so I thought I should hold it out the window so the smoke would go out. Meanwhile the distraction continued in the kitchen and I stopped thinking...I dumped out the oil....onto my hand. Thoughts of how Bro. Stockard had to go to physical therapy every day including Christmas for his hand flooded my mind (over-reaction). I kept my hand in a bucket of water the whole night. It was just a second degree burn on part of my palm and index finger. It hurt a bit in the morning and I brought a bag of frozen peas to our morning lessons. Vanesa, one of our investigators, but some bee´s-wax on it....I didn´t think that was a very good idea, but between 10 hrs of submersion in water and the bee´s wax it stopped the pain completely and I just have a couple of cool giant blisters to show for it. The part that made me feel really NOT-SMART was the fact that we live on the fourth floor and I could have scalded one of our neighbors if they had stuck their head out the window...fortunately I didn´t see any clothes on the clothes-lines below us...but the puddle of oil was still there a couple days later...
Other than that, our whole apartment has been sick this week. Fortunately I uncovered a stash of medicine left by other missionaries and we have all been partaking. Mom, I did get the DSF! Thanks!!! I love that stuff.
This week has been crazy but great. A couple from our ward were sealed in the Temple and they invited us to explain some things to the groom´s parents in the waiting room. Very interesting experience. Then more of their friends came to a ring-exchanging service and the Stake president talked about temples. Hermana Smith played the piano and I led the music. at least half of the people there were not familiar with hymn-books so I felt like I was singing a bit of a solo up front...which wouldn´t have been so bad but I was already sick and couldn´t reach the high notes..not pretty. The important thing is that David and Paula seemed very happy and she looked so beautiful in a simple white dress.
We had a great zone conference with Elder Casse, a member of the Seventy. He is French but his English is great. I learned a lot of things that can help me be a better missionary.
On Monday-Tuesday, we had interchanges...which means I spent the day with Hermana Read in my area and Hermana Smith went to Barrio 8 for the day. Hermana Read is so great. I learned a lot from her.
Well, I have to run but I love you!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Eat some turkey for me ;)
Love Hermana Moulton
P.S. Shalese: look up David Swenson on facebook ;) he is from UT...friend of Hna Smith´s family and he got your same mission call!!
Transfer 5 week 5
November 17, 2010
Shalese!!!!! I hope you get my letter soon! I am so happy!!! Barcelona!!! Hermana Watkins called me early on Saturday morning to tell me she got the email from Dad about where you would go. I started crying like a baby...just like when I opened up my mission call ;) Even Hna Smith was crying. And then we went upstairs to tell Hna Avellán that you are going to Barcelona and she was super excited too...(she is from Barcelona). You might meet six elders that I was good friends with in the CCM in Madrid E.Taylor, E. Moss, E.Waite, E.Parry, E. Egan, and E.Estrada!!!! I love them and you´re gonna meet some of them for sure. I´ve been making everyone guess where you got your mission call to....they never guess Spain! You are going to love it!
I bet when you got your mission call you got the New sister missionary dress code sheet....way better!!! Sister missionaries are allowed to be cute....without nylons!!
Parents: Matter of business...Is the plan still to come and pick me up at the end of my mission, or at the end of Shalese´s? Will it bother her if we are all in Spain while she is on her mission? Should all three of us come back at the end of her mission? Or is it better to do it sooner now?...and save on an extra plane ticket? I´m going to stop worrying about it...
I bet you were all so excited to get her call!!! It is really nice to know that Shalese will not be so far away!
We didn´t see the worldwide training meeting....what big changes did they make?
Tomorrow we have Zone Conference. Zone conferences are the best. We have them once every two months or so.
Cool story: Last night we talked to a guy that we had talked to before. He told us that he believed in a Supreme being because he has felt His help, and even more evidentetly, he feels the consequences when he does something wrong. He told us that he was really worried about a driving test that he would take in the morning. He said that the last time he talked to us he took the same driving test the next day and failed it. He said he would pray about it and if he passed this time he would call us. So we prayed last night that he wuold pass this test and call us...and he called us around 10:30 this morning. We don´t normally encourage people to depend on signs like that but hey, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Hopefully we can start teaching him soon.
The other day we were kind of down because it seemed that none of the people we are working with are progressing on their own, but the past few days we have been visiting them and we are starting to recognize changes that are happening in their attitudes and in their prayers. Things are going pretty well.
I love you so much!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
Shalese!!!!! I hope you get my letter soon! I am so happy!!! Barcelona!!! Hermana Watkins called me early on Saturday morning to tell me she got the email from Dad about where you would go. I started crying like a baby...just like when I opened up my mission call ;) Even Hna Smith was crying. And then we went upstairs to tell Hna Avellán that you are going to Barcelona and she was super excited too...(she is from Barcelona). You might meet six elders that I was good friends with in the CCM in Madrid E.Taylor, E. Moss, E.Waite, E.Parry, E. Egan, and E.Estrada!!!! I love them and you´re gonna meet some of them for sure. I´ve been making everyone guess where you got your mission call to....they never guess Spain! You are going to love it!
I bet when you got your mission call you got the New sister missionary dress code sheet....way better!!! Sister missionaries are allowed to be cute....without nylons!!
Parents: Matter of business...Is the plan still to come and pick me up at the end of my mission, or at the end of Shalese´s? Will it bother her if we are all in Spain while she is on her mission? Should all three of us come back at the end of her mission? Or is it better to do it sooner now?...and save on an extra plane ticket? I´m going to stop worrying about it...
I bet you were all so excited to get her call!!! It is really nice to know that Shalese will not be so far away!
We didn´t see the worldwide training meeting....what big changes did they make?
Tomorrow we have Zone Conference. Zone conferences are the best. We have them once every two months or so.
Cool story: Last night we talked to a guy that we had talked to before. He told us that he believed in a Supreme being because he has felt His help, and even more evidentetly, he feels the consequences when he does something wrong. He told us that he was really worried about a driving test that he would take in the morning. He said that the last time he talked to us he took the same driving test the next day and failed it. He said he would pray about it and if he passed this time he would call us. So we prayed last night that he wuold pass this test and call us...and he called us around 10:30 this morning. We don´t normally encourage people to depend on signs like that but hey, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Hopefully we can start teaching him soon.
The other day we were kind of down because it seemed that none of the people we are working with are progressing on their own, but the past few days we have been visiting them and we are starting to recognize changes that are happening in their attitudes and in their prayers. Things are going pretty well.
I love you so much!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
Transfer 5 week 4
Novemeber 10, 2010
Dear Family,
Another week to wait for Shalese´s call...pretty sure this is killing me more than it is her. Here is what to do: Email Hermana Watkins (Mission President´s wife) and ask her to let me know where Shalese is going and when she will leave the minute you find out, k? She can call me!
By the way, I am sending a letter for Shalese...as soon as I find a stamp. Happy Birthday soon!!!!
I am also emailing pictures of Segovia from last week!!
Things around here are pretty great. We had a good lesson with Alexandra this week and I walked home surprised at the love I have learned to feel and at the way I am learning to recognize the Spirit. She felt it too and she came to church for the first time in a month. This is a big thing for her because she is now babysitting her little niece and nephew every weekend and Jofre is working. It is hard to bring three little kids on the bus!! So this showed a lot of faith on her part.
Hna Smith and I are doing pretty well. Most people are surprised to learn that we´ve been in the same area for five transfers...especially since this is my first area! The great thing is that we know many of the members pretty well by now. That is a good start to learning how to involve them more in the work. Last night we visited a family who is struggling because the dad is addicted to alcohol, but their faith is so bright. We have seen them at some pretty rough times and helped them find someone who could give them a blessing. Last night it seemed that they are being healed. The daughter, Cristine (17) has such a strong testimony and a deep understanding of gospel principles. Seminary is really paying off for her. She is helping us by inviting and watching out for one of our investigators who is also 17. They are a strong example of how faith and obedience can carry us through even the hardest trials.
I read a great talk by President Eyring from the October 2007 Priesthood session of General Conference this morning. He had just been called to the First Presidency and he felt overwhelmed. He spent a few nights in prayer before giving this talk and he shared three principles that he learned: 1. He remembered all the times that God took care of him and trusted that He will always carry him through. 2. Forget yourself and start praying for the people that you serve. President Eyring says that always brings the Spirit into the prayer..."but be prepared to lose track of time in prayer" I liked that the best. As missionaries we run a tight schedule, (and I am pretty sure that will never change) sometimes I am more worried about getting to bed on time and getting in those 8 hours than I am about having a productive and sincere prayer. I want to lose track of time as I pray. It was clear that President Eyring has lost more than a few nights of sleep while in prayer...I don´t think 10 or 15 min will kill me ;) As we pray, the circle of people we pray for will get wider and wider and in the meantime our hearts will change.
3. Get to work. He says that faithful service will never be easy. It wasn´t easy for Christ and it wasn´t easy for His disciples. That is part of how we get a "broken heart" not just a softened heart. Accepting that fact somehow actually does make it seem easier. He says the most important measure of our success is how much we help others take a testimony down into their hearts. I really love President Eyring.
I sure love you!! I pray for you all the time.
Love, Hermana Moulton
Dear Family,
Another week to wait for Shalese´s call...pretty sure this is killing me more than it is her. Here is what to do: Email Hermana Watkins (Mission President´s wife) and ask her to let me know where Shalese is going and when she will leave the minute you find out, k? She can call me!
By the way, I am sending a letter for Shalese...as soon as I find a stamp. Happy Birthday soon!!!!
I am also emailing pictures of Segovia from last week!!
Things around here are pretty great. We had a good lesson with Alexandra this week and I walked home surprised at the love I have learned to feel and at the way I am learning to recognize the Spirit. She felt it too and she came to church for the first time in a month. This is a big thing for her because she is now babysitting her little niece and nephew every weekend and Jofre is working. It is hard to bring three little kids on the bus!! So this showed a lot of faith on her part.
Hna Smith and I are doing pretty well. Most people are surprised to learn that we´ve been in the same area for five transfers...especially since this is my first area! The great thing is that we know many of the members pretty well by now. That is a good start to learning how to involve them more in the work. Last night we visited a family who is struggling because the dad is addicted to alcohol, but their faith is so bright. We have seen them at some pretty rough times and helped them find someone who could give them a blessing. Last night it seemed that they are being healed. The daughter, Cristine (17) has such a strong testimony and a deep understanding of gospel principles. Seminary is really paying off for her. She is helping us by inviting and watching out for one of our investigators who is also 17. They are a strong example of how faith and obedience can carry us through even the hardest trials.
I read a great talk by President Eyring from the October 2007 Priesthood session of General Conference this morning. He had just been called to the First Presidency and he felt overwhelmed. He spent a few nights in prayer before giving this talk and he shared three principles that he learned: 1. He remembered all the times that God took care of him and trusted that He will always carry him through. 2. Forget yourself and start praying for the people that you serve. President Eyring says that always brings the Spirit into the prayer..."but be prepared to lose track of time in prayer" I liked that the best. As missionaries we run a tight schedule, (and I am pretty sure that will never change) sometimes I am more worried about getting to bed on time and getting in those 8 hours than I am about having a productive and sincere prayer. I want to lose track of time as I pray. It was clear that President Eyring has lost more than a few nights of sleep while in prayer...I don´t think 10 or 15 min will kill me ;) As we pray, the circle of people we pray for will get wider and wider and in the meantime our hearts will change.
3. Get to work. He says that faithful service will never be easy. It wasn´t easy for Christ and it wasn´t easy for His disciples. That is part of how we get a "broken heart" not just a softened heart. Accepting that fact somehow actually does make it seem easier. He says the most important measure of our success is how much we help others take a testimony down into their hearts. I really love President Eyring.
I sure love you!! I pray for you all the time.
Love, Hermana Moulton
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Transfer 5, week 3
November 3, 2010
Dear Family,
Bummer that Shalese still hasn't received her mission call! Hermana Smith and I can't wait. I thought we would know for sure today.
Shalese, thanks for the letter and the pictures. It looks like Mom had a great birthday!! And yours is coming up!!! Also, Thanks to Grandma C. I got her letter the same day.
Today our district all went to Segovia. It is a cool city with a castle. I was going to send pictures today but I cant plug my USB into this computer very easily. One day soon. We just walked around and talked and took pictures. We also paid two Euros to climb the stairs to the top of a tower. I think the best part was the bus ride because we drove through the country and it looked like Utah or California- Nice to take a break from the city.
So, we found a family and we think they are golden! The mother is called Alexandra (another Alexandra!), her marido Eric, and their ten-year-old son Eitan. Eitan just got here a few weeks ago after being in Ecuador for the past 10 years!! Alexandra is so happy to have him back and I imagine that it is a huge huge change for her. I think he is part of the reason that she is so open to the gospel right now. We took a recent convert named Sandra with us to visit them. Her testimony was on fire and she really helped. She is preparing to serve a mission as well.
Other cool story: On Sunday night the Elders planned a Family Home Evening for the young single adults to watch the Joseph Smith movie in the chapel. We invited a few people to go with us but it didn't work out. We ended up going for a few minutes and leaving because we didn't have someone visiting with us. I was pretty tired and it was kind of hard to make myself leave but we did...so I knew something really good would happen (that always seems to happen when we put out that last effort to be obedient). I was right. In the course of walking up one street, changing our minds and going the other direction to find a house, we ran into a guy (probably 27ish? and from Nicaragua) who was heading to a party or something for Halloween. He said he used to be Adventist but he lost his faith when he was about 18. He said he hadn't gotten into anything bad or drugs, he just lost it. He sounded like he had studied and read a lot of books on religion and he said that he had even been a missionary all his life until he turned 18. We gave him a Book of Mormon to read and marked a couple chapters for him, as well as a card with the Church web-site on it. He turned around and went to take the book to his house before he left to party or whatever. We felt pretty good about it. We have great hopes for him. The Book of Mormon can definitely help him regain his faith. I know that Book is true. I feel its power when I read and each time I open it now, I feel like I am searching for a treasure.
Other than that, we are still working with Victor and Vanesa as well as Alexandra and Jofre. Alexandra and Jofre found a homeless man a few months ago and he has been living with them ever since. He is from Cuba and came for three months to make a little money to help his family have a new start. With economic conditions the way they are in Spain, he is leaving with little more than what he came with. He is pretty disappointed but at least he will take a testimony that their are families in the world as kind as Alexandra's, as well as a Book of Mormon.
It is getting a little colder, we are eating a lot of soup.
Lots of love coming from Spain!! You are in my prayers all the time!!
Love, Hermana Moulton
P.S. just got your last minute chat messages. Good job on Scripture study. The droid sounds cool. I love you a ton. Cant wait to talk to you for real. I think I want to choose Sep 20 for my release day. That seems like it would work out better if you are coming to pick me up (then the kids would be adjusted to school again?). And about that, let me know how your plans are coming along. I will be happy however things work out just so long as I get to see you!!
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Transfer 5, week 2
October 27, 2010
Hola Familia,
Hola Familia,
I am sending pictures!! The one with the cowboy hat is from the Ward party where we taught everyone the line dance to Cotton-eyed Jo. The picture of the snails represents what was going on outside during the party. So cool!!!
I just barely got the letter you sent as I ran out the door to come write emails, so I haven´t had time to read them but thanks a lot!! Also, thanks for all the emails!
Cool story from this week: We had been waiting for someone to meet us at the metro to have a lesson....when she didn´t come we decided to try a person that lives on that same street. Their names were Marisa and Victor. The Elders had visited them a couple of times a few months ago, but they gave us their names because Victor couldn´t meet as often as she could or something like that.
Background: a few months ago we passed a woman crying in the street. We quickly slipped her a card with a picture of Christ and a packet of tissues and walked on. I didn´t know if she would call us but it was a neat experience all the same. So this week as we sat in her bedroom I noticed one of our cards sitting on her shelf in a noticeable place and it turned out to have my handwriting on the back. She told us how she had been crying one day and some chicas gave her that card. I mentioned the tissues and she was surprised to find out it was us. We hadn´t seen each other´s faces because her hands had been covering her face (or maybe I just forgot her face and she hadn´t been able to see because of her tears...can´t remember) Anyway, when Victor joined us, Hna Smith recognized him too. It turns out that we had contacted him and given his address to the elders in the first place. It is pretty crazy how what goes around comes back around.
Another cool story from this week: We were walking along and a guy said, "Mormons... Hola...Mormons." So he starts talking to us about where we are from...genealogically speaking. Then he goes off animatedly about the history of Spain and Columbus and Indians and the Brothers Pinzon (???) and how Spain is the melting pot of Europe....all in a hilarious friendly Spanish way. Finally we asked him if he had seen the Book of Mormon, and when he had been baptized (by then we had caught on that he must be a member). He didn´t answer the baptism question but joked around and recounted the story of Joseph Smith. All the while he was teasing us about our age and about not knowing about the Brothers Pinzon etc. He was pretty hilarious and just what we needed that day. He said he was from Mostoles and I said my dad had served there about thirty years ago. He said, "Your dad! Elder Moulton!"
Dad, he is 38 now and I don´t know if you will remember him, but he listed off a few family names that you might remember. His name is José Maria Benitez Carrasco and he named families: Clemente, Caso, Roberto, La Fuente (and calle Huesca?) He also gave us his email and number if we ever need anything. It was pretty crazy...he works as a security guard in the Airport and he recognized Hna Smith from when she arrived 9 months ago!
Thanks for all the emails...I will print them off to read later. I love you so much!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Transfer 5, Week 1
October 20, 2010
Dear Family,
Dear Family,
Just found out that Hna Smith and I will be companions again this transfer. Talk about getting to know a person! I am excited for the things we want to do this transfer, like help Pamela become good friends with the youth in the ward and help Vanesa get to church and continue learning.
Pamela came to seminary for the first time last night and we think she really liked it. I think this will be the spring board for her to come to a lot more activities. Juan Aranguiz taught the seminary lesson this week and he is great. I could have just sat and listened to him forever, however, a counselor knocked on the door and said the Elders still hadn´t arrived to teach some people that were waiting for the Engilsh class. We stepped out and covered for them until they got there. English class turned out to be so fun that I didn´t want to leave that either, but we went back to seminary to sit with Pamela when the Elders got there.
I read about Elder Cook´s daughter who was called as a primary president and at first it weighed her down. The primary presidency were consentrating on the problems but then they decided to focus on love, faith, and prayer. Inspiration began to come to them and they knew how to help children and families in their ward. Friction decreased.
I read another section from "Our search for Happiness" by Elder Ballard and again realized that if we focus on Christ and his atonement we will naturally be happier and a better people, with positive attitudes.
We have so much to be grateful for. I have so much to be grateful for. I know that Jesus Christ suffered for our sins and our sadness and Heavenly Father´s plan is perfect. We will all end up so happy and gain much more capacity for having passed through times of sadness and happiness and times of sacrifice. Our outlook and attitude determine our happiness and I am working to remember Christ´s example of love no matter what happened to Him and what they did to Him, especially and the end of His life.
I was feeling a bit inadequate and my comp showed me a talk by Pres Monson. In that talk I realized that Jesus called Peter (a doubter), and Paul (a persecutor) to be missionaries in His cause. I read later about Alma the Younger and realized he could be in that category as well. "The Lord calls imperfect people to teach the way to perfection." Boy does that make me feel better!
I love the Lord! I love my family!
Love Shayla
This is Hermana Smith's entry Oct. 13, 2010 :
This week has been really good, but i can´t believe it´s already the end of the transfer. We´ll know about transfers this Saturday night. I hope I don´t leave! I love this area and my companion and I are having a lot of fun together.
A lot of cool things have happened in the past couple of days. A lot of our appointments have fallen through, but we´ve ended up finding some really great future investigators. Yesterday we found ourselves teaching a peruano named Carlos on a park bench. He´s a super humble guy that has been studying for the past year and a half with Jehovah´s Witnesses. I asked him what he has to do to become a member of their church and he had absolutely no idea. Maybe that means he´s not that serious about joining with them? I think he has mostly been studying the Bible with them to deepen his knowledge. He mentioned that there are a lot of churches out there and it´s hard to know who to believe. We taught him about Joseph Smith and the restoration, gave him a Book of Mormon, and he asked us to give him 2 weeks to study up a bit. I´m and praying so hard that he feels the Spirit when he reads the Book of Mormon and that he and his wife will want us to come teach them! It will be awesome!
We finally talked to Alexandra and Jofre about getting married. We taught about marriage last night from Corinthians 7. It was a bit of a surprise actually. We weren´t really feeling like it was the moment to teach it again, so we started talking about the baptismal covenants we make from Mosiah 5. After reading verse 5 about how we promise to keep all of the commandments of God the Spirit said, "Okay, now for the transition." I was burning inside and so I went for it. Jofre seemed a little flustered once he read the chapter heading of Corinthians 7 and knew what was coming. We just laid everything out for him plain as can be and I didn´t let him justify anything (because he is a little too good at justifying not living the law of chastity). It actually went really really well, but he basically told us that he´s not ready to make the commitment yet. Phew. Patience. Patience is key. And lots and lots of prayers. One hopeful thing though is that he is definitely thinking about it and said that we will definitely be invited to the wedding. I can hardly wait for that day!
We were unsuccessful on getting Vanesa to church again. Victor´s family showed up at her house on Sunday and said they were there to celebrate her birthday. Lame! Okay, nice...ish, but she was really going to come. She even personally asked us to help her get to church. There´s still hope for this week though. And the good thing is that Victor is learning more and more. It will be nice when they are finally on the same page (where she is now, of course) and that they decide to get baptized together. Now that would be great.
We went to a ward party on Saturday night called Día de la Hispanidad. The different organizations from the ward each chose a country to represent. Of course we were asked to represent the USA. Each group had to bring a typical food from their country, set up a table, explain a bit about the country and perform a typical dance from that country. Other countries included Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, Spain and Ecuador. The dances were really cool to watch but I can tell you I was not excited to dance. We had the hardest time coming up with a dance and finally settled to do a country line dance to Cotton-eyed Joe (or whatever that song is called. It reminds me of Dillon. I think it´s kinda like his personal theme song haha.). Everyone loved it. So, so funny.
Well, those are the highlights. Hope all is well at home. Love you all!
Hna. Smith
This week has been really good, but i can´t believe it´s already the end of the transfer. We´ll know about transfers this Saturday night. I hope I don´t leave! I love this area and my companion and I are having a lot of fun together.
A lot of cool things have happened in the past couple of days. A lot of our appointments have fallen through, but we´ve ended up finding some really great future investigators. Yesterday we found ourselves teaching a peruano named Carlos on a park bench. He´s a super humble guy that has been studying for the past year and a half with Jehovah´s Witnesses. I asked him what he has to do to become a member of their church and he had absolutely no idea. Maybe that means he´s not that serious about joining with them? I think he has mostly been studying the Bible with them to deepen his knowledge. He mentioned that there are a lot of churches out there and it´s hard to know who to believe. We taught him about Joseph Smith and the restoration, gave him a Book of Mormon, and he asked us to give him 2 weeks to study up a bit. I´m and praying so hard that he feels the Spirit when he reads the Book of Mormon and that he and his wife will want us to come teach them! It will be awesome!
We finally talked to Alexandra and Jofre about getting married. We taught about marriage last night from Corinthians 7. It was a bit of a surprise actually. We weren´t really feeling like it was the moment to teach it again, so we started talking about the baptismal covenants we make from Mosiah 5. After reading verse 5 about how we promise to keep all of the commandments of God the Spirit said, "Okay, now for the transition." I was burning inside and so I went for it. Jofre seemed a little flustered once he read the chapter heading of Corinthians 7 and knew what was coming. We just laid everything out for him plain as can be and I didn´t let him justify anything (because he is a little too good at justifying not living the law of chastity). It actually went really really well, but he basically told us that he´s not ready to make the commitment yet. Phew. Patience. Patience is key. And lots and lots of prayers. One hopeful thing though is that he is definitely thinking about it and said that we will definitely be invited to the wedding. I can hardly wait for that day!
We were unsuccessful on getting Vanesa to church again. Victor´s family showed up at her house on Sunday and said they were there to celebrate her birthday. Lame! Okay, nice...ish, but she was really going to come. She even personally asked us to help her get to church. There´s still hope for this week though. And the good thing is that Victor is learning more and more. It will be nice when they are finally on the same page (where she is now, of course) and that they decide to get baptized together. Now that would be great.
We went to a ward party on Saturday night called Día de la Hispanidad. The different organizations from the ward each chose a country to represent. Of course we were asked to represent the USA. Each group had to bring a typical food from their country, set up a table, explain a bit about the country and perform a typical dance from that country. Other countries included Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, Spain and Ecuador. The dances were really cool to watch but I can tell you I was not excited to dance. We had the hardest time coming up with a dance and finally settled to do a country line dance to Cotton-eyed Joe (or whatever that song is called. It reminds me of Dillon. I think it´s kinda like his personal theme song haha.). Everyone loved it. So, so funny.
Well, those are the highlights. Hope all is well at home. Love you all!
Hna. Smith
Transfer 4, Week 6
October 13, 2010
Dear Family,
First off, happy anniversary to you!!!! 25 year mark is pretty intense!! That day was a pretty good day for five of us kids...I bet we were doing high fives together in heaven. Mom, I started a letter for your birthday last week but I couldnt finish it so I have to send it today...it will arrive a little late. I got your letters and pictures and Shalese sent me some too...they both got here the same day! I loved the pictures! I got a really nice letter from Mikayla too!!! She is going to be a great RS pres up in Idaho!!
Mom, Iĺl save all the mushy stuff for the letter but I hope you know how great you are and how grateful I am to you.
Dad thanks for the wedding day recap...that is pretty cool to hear about.
Things around here are going pretty great. Saturday we had a great ward activity...kind of a dud for the missionaries because no investigators came, but it was way fun. The six of us missionaries in the ward got cowboy hats and taught everyone the line dance to "Cotton-eye Joe"
The last two days have been really cool. On Monday we met with Monica again who is amazing...She made us breakfast and then made us cry by telling us how we always have a home at her house. Then a member took us out to lunch for kebabs. After that we went to visit a less active member whose dad is probably not going to live much longer over in Honduras. She was sleeping but we ended up sharing the Book of Mormon with a girl (26yrs old) that lives with her. It was a great lesson together and we are going to visit again tomorrow. On the way from her house to the metro we saw a woman carrying some heavy bags and offered to help. Turns out that she is a member of the Church and she had been hoping someone would stop and help her. We went back to her piso with her and shared a message with her family. Her daughterś boyfriend was there and told us that his girlfriend had mentioned that she wanted to come to church again. We are going to do a Family home Evening with them on Saturday. From there we went to visit Vanesa and Victor. She wants to be baptized soon still...just has a lot of challenges that keep her from coming on Sunday...but I bet this week will be better.
Yesterday was almost even better. We were stood up by an appointment but it was great because we found a dad sitting on a park bench reading a magazine from another church. He said he was just searching for the truth...so we talked with him for another 45mins and gave him a Book of Mormon. His name is Carlos (he is from Peru) and I think he is really going to read and study all that we left him!! From there we went and visited a family from church that is having a really rough time and we brought another sister from the ward with us to visit them who has also been having a hard time and it turns out that she had been through the same situation as this family when she was younger and her comments really helped them I think. We helped them arrange to get blessings from a brother in the ward on Saturday to help them feel better. Then we visited with Laura Chimbo who was baptized about seven months ago and she is doing great. It took her nine years to accept the gospel she says, but she has a really firm testimony and her daughter is reading the scriptures like crazy.
More big news: Last night we finally talked about the Law of Chastity with Jofre and Alexandra...a lesson that has been pending for a long time. I was a little nervous but it all came out ok. Jofre seems to be waiting to be done with school, and Alexandra told us that his mom doesn't really encourage marriage for her sons (what!!!) so we are planning to somehow teach her about the law of chastity the next time we teach her. I really hope I am is Spain for their wedding.
Today we went to the temple. I always learn something I need to do or change. The mission is a time for a lot of change. I am so grateful to be here!! Later today we are going to hunt for boots before it gets freezing cold!!!
Happy Anniversary!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
P.S. Hermana Smith says Hi
First off, happy anniversary to you!!!! 25 year mark is pretty intense!! That day was a pretty good day for five of us kids...I bet we were doing high fives together in heaven. Mom, I started a letter for your birthday last week but I couldnt finish it so I have to send it today...it will arrive a little late. I got your letters and pictures and Shalese sent me some too...they both got here the same day! I loved the pictures! I got a really nice letter from Mikayla too!!! She is going to be a great RS pres up in Idaho!!
Mom, Iĺl save all the mushy stuff for the letter but I hope you know how great you are and how grateful I am to you.
Dad thanks for the wedding day recap...that is pretty cool to hear about.
Things around here are going pretty great. Saturday we had a great ward activity...kind of a dud for the missionaries because no investigators came, but it was way fun. The six of us missionaries in the ward got cowboy hats and taught everyone the line dance to "Cotton-eye Joe"
The last two days have been really cool. On Monday we met with Monica again who is amazing...She made us breakfast and then made us cry by telling us how we always have a home at her house. Then a member took us out to lunch for kebabs. After that we went to visit a less active member whose dad is probably not going to live much longer over in Honduras. She was sleeping but we ended up sharing the Book of Mormon with a girl (26yrs old) that lives with her. It was a great lesson together and we are going to visit again tomorrow. On the way from her house to the metro we saw a woman carrying some heavy bags and offered to help. Turns out that she is a member of the Church and she had been hoping someone would stop and help her. We went back to her piso with her and shared a message with her family. Her daughterś boyfriend was there and told us that his girlfriend had mentioned that she wanted to come to church again. We are going to do a Family home Evening with them on Saturday. From there we went to visit Vanesa and Victor. She wants to be baptized soon still...just has a lot of challenges that keep her from coming on Sunday...but I bet this week will be better.
Yesterday was almost even better. We were stood up by an appointment but it was great because we found a dad sitting on a park bench reading a magazine from another church. He said he was just searching for the truth...so we talked with him for another 45mins and gave him a Book of Mormon. His name is Carlos (he is from Peru) and I think he is really going to read and study all that we left him!! From there we went and visited a family from church that is having a really rough time and we brought another sister from the ward with us to visit them who has also been having a hard time and it turns out that she had been through the same situation as this family when she was younger and her comments really helped them I think. We helped them arrange to get blessings from a brother in the ward on Saturday to help them feel better. Then we visited with Laura Chimbo who was baptized about seven months ago and she is doing great. It took her nine years to accept the gospel she says, but she has a really firm testimony and her daughter is reading the scriptures like crazy.
More big news: Last night we finally talked about the Law of Chastity with Jofre and Alexandra...a lesson that has been pending for a long time. I was a little nervous but it all came out ok. Jofre seems to be waiting to be done with school, and Alexandra told us that his mom doesn't really encourage marriage for her sons (what!!!) so we are planning to somehow teach her about the law of chastity the next time we teach her. I really hope I am is Spain for their wedding.
Today we went to the temple. I always learn something I need to do or change. The mission is a time for a lot of change. I am so grateful to be here!! Later today we are going to hunt for boots before it gets freezing cold!!!
Happy Anniversary!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
P.S. Hermana Smith says Hi
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October 6, 2010
Exerpts by Hna Smith, Shayla's companion. It's neat to have a few more details as we pray and think about the work Shayla and her companion are doing.
conference was incredible! we did a lot of work in trying to get investigators there and ended up having 5 come. alexandra and jofre came! i was so happy. unfortunately they weren´t around to hear about the importance of marriage though. we had a lesson with them last week about the word of wisdom. alexandra already agrees with everything about the word of wisdom and jofre thought that basically all of it was a good idea. he´s just still hung up on there being a living prophet and now we understand a little more about why. he totally changed the evening´s subject of the word of wisdom into using scriptures to justify living with alexandra without being married to her. he started to explain to us that the scriptures say that it´s okay to live with someone before marriage as long as you aren´t having relationships with other people. definitely not true. we are praying and praying right now that he will soften his heart but he just doesn´t want to listen right now. it´s makes me frustrated because i know that alexandra believes that what we teach her is true but she can´t do anything about it right now. tonight we are going to talk about the law of chastity again and i pray that it goes well. oh i sure hope the spirit is there with us!
two other investigators that came with us are omaira and dario. they are a colombian couple and are super great. dario is one of the more profoundly spiritual thinkers i have met on the mission. he is really bright. he taught himself how to read by reading the bible.
the last woman that came with us is angelica. it was so fun. i watched the third conference session alone with her while my companion went to watch in english. i sat in between angelica with an old spanish gentleman from our ward on the other side of me with a bunch of latin ward members i´ve come to know and love. it was so fun to be there with all of them. i love these people so much!
we had some other great lessons this past week. we taught the law of chastity to pamela yesterday and it was such a spiritual lesson. teaching the law of chastity has become one of my favorite lessons to teach on the mission because the spirit testifies so strongly of it´s message. it is a privilege to teach these people of something that is so important to each of us and to watch as they make changes to live this commandment. i love seeing people repent and change! their light increases and their happiness too as they make changes to follow the laws of God. i love being here to help them along the way.
anyway, i feel rushed today as i write this and none of my thoughts are even near to being refined. sorry! i have to run. love you all. miss you mucho mucho.
hna. smith
Exerpts by Hna Smith, Shayla's companion. It's neat to have a few more details as we pray and think about the work Shayla and her companion are doing.
conference was incredible! we did a lot of work in trying to get investigators there and ended up having 5 come. alexandra and jofre came! i was so happy. unfortunately they weren´t around to hear about the importance of marriage though. we had a lesson with them last week about the word of wisdom. alexandra already agrees with everything about the word of wisdom and jofre thought that basically all of it was a good idea. he´s just still hung up on there being a living prophet and now we understand a little more about why. he totally changed the evening´s subject of the word of wisdom into using scriptures to justify living with alexandra without being married to her. he started to explain to us that the scriptures say that it´s okay to live with someone before marriage as long as you aren´t having relationships with other people. definitely not true. we are praying and praying right now that he will soften his heart but he just doesn´t want to listen right now. it´s makes me frustrated because i know that alexandra believes that what we teach her is true but she can´t do anything about it right now. tonight we are going to talk about the law of chastity again and i pray that it goes well. oh i sure hope the spirit is there with us!
two other investigators that came with us are omaira and dario. they are a colombian couple and are super great. dario is one of the more profoundly spiritual thinkers i have met on the mission. he is really bright. he taught himself how to read by reading the bible.
the last woman that came with us is angelica. it was so fun. i watched the third conference session alone with her while my companion went to watch in english. i sat in between angelica with an old spanish gentleman from our ward on the other side of me with a bunch of latin ward members i´ve come to know and love. it was so fun to be there with all of them. i love these people so much!
we had some other great lessons this past week. we taught the law of chastity to pamela yesterday and it was such a spiritual lesson. teaching the law of chastity has become one of my favorite lessons to teach on the mission because the spirit testifies so strongly of it´s message. it is a privilege to teach these people of something that is so important to each of us and to watch as they make changes to live this commandment. i love seeing people repent and change! their light increases and their happiness too as they make changes to follow the laws of God. i love being here to help them along the way.
anyway, i feel rushed today as i write this and none of my thoughts are even near to being refined. sorry! i have to run. love you all. miss you mucho mucho.
hna. smith
Transfer 4, Week 5
October 6, 2010
Dear Family,
Dear Family,
I love to hear from you! I have to read your emails later though because I don't have a lot of time...ahh.
Today we had a Hermana´s day at the mission home. It actually started two days ago with intercambios (each sister goes to work with a different sister for a day to learn from each other.) This time was different because it was a day and a half long...which means two nights. I went to Guadalajara, about 2hrs travel by metro and train, to work with Hna Kushchyan.
Hna Kushchyan is here for just six weeks on a "mini mission" but she was a great missionary and I learned a lot from her. Her parents are Armenian but she grew up in Russia where she joined the church 9 years ago. Four years ago she moved from Russia to Spain with her family. It was a hard move for her and I am sure she would like to be back in Russia if things were different, but things are the way they are and so she goes on. (That made me really grateful for the blessings of a stable home that I have).
The first year she was here she didn´t speak Spanish and she says she hardly spoke at all and it took a lot of tears and effort to learn Spanish...but it has paid off- everyone in the street thought she was from Spain (that is a huge compliment to her language abilities). Meanwhile one couple asked me if I was from Romania.
Hermana Kushchyan is a hard worker, she made me want to increase my efforts. We taught a Spanish man who joined the church as a teenager, served a mission, and then stopped going to church and/or studying the gospel ten years ago. Now he is fifty-ish and is working so hard to come back and study the scriptures to prepare to go to the temple again. We shared a lesson about the temple with him. We told a story about an investigator whose wife died but he was eventually sealed to her in the temple with their son. Hna Kushchyan spoke about wanting to do the temple work for her grandmother who has passed away. She spoke about the day when she would be able to hug her and tell her thank you for so much. The Spirit was strong in the room and I learned a greater gratitude for the temple.
(Insert from Mom: It's fun for me to see subtle changes in Shayla's english grammer. It seems to be sounding more like spanish grammer in english.)
We had a lot of time together so we got to have a few personal conversations. She made me feel pretty good about the way I contact people on the street and she said she notes that I have the spirit with me which is way nice because sometimes I worry so much about that.
She seems to feel that six weeks is pretty long...and I know how she feels because that is how I felt when I went to Mexico for six weeks. Now I can see how short that time is and how quickly it goes by. It gave me a better perspective about how quickly the mission goes by and how we need to put in all our strength while we have the chance. She is definitely putting in all of her strength.
Guadalajara is super pretty with great Spanish architecture...it is how I thought Spain would look before I got to Madrid, which looks more like New York City. We walked a lot more because they don´t have a metro system there, but it was really nice and the weather was perfect...speaking of the weather, we talked to a little old Spanish lady who would like us to visit her!!! That is the first time that has happened to me from an actual Spanish person!!! Way cool!!
Shalese, I got all of your letters so far and I wrote you last week but I still have to send it. Thanks for you letters. They always make me so happy. I am way proud of the person you are!! I still have to read your email...I am going to print it off.
Mom, I still need to read the details of the new treatment you had.
I sure love you. Wish I could write more...I got a little distracted helping the lady next to me write to her friend on Facebook. (She gave me chocolate for it)
Have a great week!!!
Love Shayla
September 29,2010
Exerpts by Hna Smith, Shayla's companion.
They shed a little more light on the investigators they are working with. Please pray for Vanesa and Betty.
vanesa has been doing well but she didn´t end up coming to church again. we have yet to find out why but i´m sure it´s related to not being able to come with her kids. we are praying and praying that she starts coming regularly. she needs to come! we are thinking about pushing her baptism date until november so she can have some more time adjusting to member life. i imagine it is a big change for people who aren´t accustomed to it. we just want to make sure that she is going to be a strong member before she ends up getting baptized. in order to do that, people need time to deepen their testimony. otherwise a lot of people end up getting baptized and end up fading away or become completely inactive. a firm testimony is essential.
we have some sad news about one of our investigators. we went to visit betty last wednesday but her sister answered the door and said that betty left because of an emergency with her brother. it was unusual that betty hadn´t called us to tell us she wasn´t going to be home. we tried for the next few days to call her but she never picked up the phone. finally she picked up the phone on monday and i asked about her brother. she then told us that her brother wasn´t really sick but that her husband had hit her and left home. i felt like i´d been hit by a truck after she said that. i didn´t really know what to do or say becuase hna. moulton and i were running to visit someone and i didn´t really have time to react. she told us that she didn´t believe in anything anymore and that she didn´t feel like doing anything. so we prayed a lot that night and on tuesday a lot of our previous plans fell through or had to be rearranged but we found the perfect moment to show up at betty´s door with ice cream and our books of mormon. we shared a wonderful message about hope related to joseph smith´s experience in liberty jail and we have plans to visit with her again. wow. sometimes i look and my life and think of the "problems" that i have and realize how blessed i have been because of the gospel. i´m glad that we get to help better betty´s life with the gospel too.
well, time is about up. thanks for the news about home. i hope you are as excited for general conference as i am! the church is true! and it is a huge blessing to be a member of it. talk to you next week.
con mucho amor, hna. smith
Exerpts by Hna Smith, Shayla's companion.
They shed a little more light on the investigators they are working with. Please pray for Vanesa and Betty.
vanesa has been doing well but she didn´t end up coming to church again. we have yet to find out why but i´m sure it´s related to not being able to come with her kids. we are praying and praying that she starts coming regularly. she needs to come! we are thinking about pushing her baptism date until november so she can have some more time adjusting to member life. i imagine it is a big change for people who aren´t accustomed to it. we just want to make sure that she is going to be a strong member before she ends up getting baptized. in order to do that, people need time to deepen their testimony. otherwise a lot of people end up getting baptized and end up fading away or become completely inactive. a firm testimony is essential.
we have some sad news about one of our investigators. we went to visit betty last wednesday but her sister answered the door and said that betty left because of an emergency with her brother. it was unusual that betty hadn´t called us to tell us she wasn´t going to be home. we tried for the next few days to call her but she never picked up the phone. finally she picked up the phone on monday and i asked about her brother. she then told us that her brother wasn´t really sick but that her husband had hit her and left home. i felt like i´d been hit by a truck after she said that. i didn´t really know what to do or say becuase hna. moulton and i were running to visit someone and i didn´t really have time to react. she told us that she didn´t believe in anything anymore and that she didn´t feel like doing anything. so we prayed a lot that night and on tuesday a lot of our previous plans fell through or had to be rearranged but we found the perfect moment to show up at betty´s door with ice cream and our books of mormon. we shared a wonderful message about hope related to joseph smith´s experience in liberty jail and we have plans to visit with her again. wow. sometimes i look and my life and think of the "problems" that i have and realize how blessed i have been because of the gospel. i´m glad that we get to help better betty´s life with the gospel too.
well, time is about up. thanks for the news about home. i hope you are as excited for general conference as i am! the church is true! and it is a huge blessing to be a member of it. talk to you next week.
con mucho amor, hna. smith
Transfer 4, Week 4
September 29, 2010
Hello Family,
I loved your emails. Congrats to Karin Smith, Annie Christiansen and Annie Seal . New babies are a blessing. So new and clean (in a spiritual sense) and exciting. I cant wait to meet them!
Shalese...I have gotten your letters and I just love them! I think I am more excited to know where you will go than you are. I hope you got my list of what to bring etc. Will you save my letters...I am going to make a book when I get home. That Spider man pic was way funny...I started another letter to you today...so more later.
Mom...I loved the list that you made. I like to hear things like that you picked a 24lb watermelon and that the chickens like to eat the rhines. I really loved the packet of letters I got the week before last...good job. I am glad you miss me...you better!!
Please tell Hope thank you so much for the prayers of her family...that made me feel great. Wow.
It sounds like the kids are soccer maniacs. I am afraid to play with them now...they will kill me!! (Even worse than they did before.)
We are way excited for General Conference. It is just like Christmas. Hopefully we will have a few investigators go with us.
This week we visited Omira and Dario from Colombia. Omira made us lunch. Of course it was incredible but it really hurt to eat so much. Gotta love it. Vanesa is doing well but something keeps happening with her kids that prevents her from coming to church. The goal is to help people become faithful members before they are baptized...so that they are able to live up to those commitments.
The other night we were going to pass by to visit Vanesa when we saw Kevin in the metro. Kevin is 11...he contacted us a while back. He is the only member of the Church in his family. He was there waiting for his mom at about 8:45pm and so we waited with him for a bit and played games like tick tack toe and hangman. Around 9:15pm we had him call his mom with our phone...turns out that someone gave her a ride home. We walked with Kevin halfway to his home where his older brother met us and he walked home with him the rest of the way. I feel like little opportunities to serve and look out for each other like that are miracles. We could have taken the bus instead, but we barely missed it so we took the metro and got to wait there with Kevin.
Miracles like that happen all the time...like yesterday someone had to change their appointment with us, therefore, we passed by another womanś apartment instead and it was perfect timing. This woman really needs help because of some bad stuff that had happened at her home but we were afraid that she wouldn't let us in because she feels so sad. We went by and picked up some ice-cream before. Someone had left open the main door of her building so we didn't have to ring her doorbell from outside (which would have given her another chance to say no). The icecream helped us get in her door. She seemed to feel better and recognized that we can help. We have another appointment with her on Friday.
I know that the Lord answers prayers and shows us how to do the things that seemed impossible before. It just takes a lot of trust and effort on our part.... and gratitude for the answers.
One wonderful recent convert told us that the thing that brought the Church to her attention most was when the missionaries taught her how to pray. She loves that prayer is an open two-way conversation with God. She said she wasn't sure how to pray before and that she wasn't sure what her relationship to Heavenly Father was. She is so strong. She is helping her family and helping welcome other new people at church because she knows what it is like to be new. Her name is Monica and she is so great. She has come with us to visit Alexandra and her Testimony was like fire.
Well Family, have a great week. Enjoy General Conference. I love you!!!!!! I am praying for you!
Love your extreemly cool sister and daughter, Hermana Moulton
Hello Family,
I loved your emails. Congrats to Karin Smith, Annie Christiansen and Annie Seal . New babies are a blessing. So new and clean (in a spiritual sense) and exciting. I cant wait to meet them!
Shalese...I have gotten your letters and I just love them! I think I am more excited to know where you will go than you are. I hope you got my list of what to bring etc. Will you save my letters...I am going to make a book when I get home. That Spider man pic was way funny...I started another letter to you today...so more later.
Mom...I loved the list that you made. I like to hear things like that you picked a 24lb watermelon and that the chickens like to eat the rhines. I really loved the packet of letters I got the week before last...good job. I am glad you miss me...you better!!
Please tell Hope thank you so much for the prayers of her family...that made me feel great. Wow.
It sounds like the kids are soccer maniacs. I am afraid to play with them now...they will kill me!! (Even worse than they did before.)
We are way excited for General Conference. It is just like Christmas. Hopefully we will have a few investigators go with us.
This week we visited Omira and Dario from Colombia. Omira made us lunch. Of course it was incredible but it really hurt to eat so much. Gotta love it. Vanesa is doing well but something keeps happening with her kids that prevents her from coming to church. The goal is to help people become faithful members before they are baptized...so that they are able to live up to those commitments.
The other night we were going to pass by to visit Vanesa when we saw Kevin in the metro. Kevin is 11...he contacted us a while back. He is the only member of the Church in his family. He was there waiting for his mom at about 8:45pm and so we waited with him for a bit and played games like tick tack toe and hangman. Around 9:15pm we had him call his mom with our phone...turns out that someone gave her a ride home. We walked with Kevin halfway to his home where his older brother met us and he walked home with him the rest of the way. I feel like little opportunities to serve and look out for each other like that are miracles. We could have taken the bus instead, but we barely missed it so we took the metro and got to wait there with Kevin.
Miracles like that happen all the time...like yesterday someone had to change their appointment with us, therefore, we passed by another womanś apartment instead and it was perfect timing. This woman really needs help because of some bad stuff that had happened at her home but we were afraid that she wouldn't let us in because she feels so sad. We went by and picked up some ice-cream before. Someone had left open the main door of her building so we didn't have to ring her doorbell from outside (which would have given her another chance to say no). The icecream helped us get in her door. She seemed to feel better and recognized that we can help. We have another appointment with her on Friday.
I know that the Lord answers prayers and shows us how to do the things that seemed impossible before. It just takes a lot of trust and effort on our part.... and gratitude for the answers.
One wonderful recent convert told us that the thing that brought the Church to her attention most was when the missionaries taught her how to pray. She loves that prayer is an open two-way conversation with God. She said she wasn't sure how to pray before and that she wasn't sure what her relationship to Heavenly Father was. She is so strong. She is helping her family and helping welcome other new people at church because she knows what it is like to be new. Her name is Monica and she is so great. She has come with us to visit Alexandra and her Testimony was like fire.
Well Family, have a great week. Enjoy General Conference. I love you!!!!!! I am praying for you!
Love your extreemly cool sister and daughter, Hermana Moulton
Transfer 4, Week 3
September 22, 2010
Dear family,
Dear family,
HUGE thank you for the letters!!! I loved them!!!
I have just been "chatting" with Dad. I hope he reads the chat to you. Congrats to Annie and Karen!!!!!! So great! They are going to love having cousins so close in age...like me Kayla and Travis. It is going to be so fun!! I can´t wait to see them!
How often are my emails put on the blog? I hope you are still editing embarrassing things...Sometimes I don´t have time to think about what I am saying.
So, I don´t know if this is true or not but a few of my Colombian friends were talking as we were visiting a woman named Amanda in the hospital...they said that they heard the the USA was starting to come out of the crisis. Is that true? And hey, Do you know why there is a huge strike in Spain on the 29th? I can´t figure out what it is supposed to do.
Well, I love you a lot. Have dad read our chat and the other letter I wrote in Spanish to the Mission President and it should give more info about investigators etc.
Love you so much!!! I am sending a list for Shalese. Also if you talk to Grandma C. or Grandma Jean please tell them both thank you for the emails and letter!!
Love you!, Love Hermana Moulton
Transfer 4, Week 2
September 15, 2010
Dear Family,
Dear Family,
Thanks for the letters!!! I am so glad to here from all of you.
The ward here is great. We are learning how the leadership functions and what it really means to build up the kingdom.
Angelica is an investigator...she had some great words of wisdom for us though. I´ll write a letter later today.
Sheyla is doing great. Still progressing. It is so important to stick with recent converts and help them grow as they make so many big changes and are nurturing their new testimonies.
Hey Mom, the fractura de mes ha venido normalmente se llama le regla...ask dad. So funny...the things ya learn when you live with a native speaker...maybe.
Tonight we have an FHE planned with our ward mission leader and the other missionaries...aka pizza party. Joseph is his name..recently returned missionary and recently married. We are learning a ton from him.
You should ask Dad what I wrote about Vanesa in my letter to the pres. She prayed sincerely and got an answer. She was filled with peace and able to sleep better than she has slept in a very long time. She wants to be baptized on Oct 9...to be reborn on her birthday. What a testimony to us. I sometimes wonder if people take the invitations that we give them to read and pray seriously, and then I wonder what is lacking for all those that don´t seem to get answers. She got an answer just like I have so many times. She knows how to speak to our Heavenly Father now. It has changed her relationship with Him. She has two little kids and health problems and a very good husband. We are praying for him to pray to find out too.
Dad, I am running out of time on the computer...could you tell mom about Monica too?
FYI: My companion and I go running every Tue, Thur, Sat...pretty cool huh.
Last Thursday we had a Zone Conference. Bishop Egdley came!!
As he was forgetting which story he wanted to share next he said as a side comment..."Ya know the reason we lose our memory as we get older?...To be able to meet God with a clear conscience...mine is clearing up just fine. Don´t worry, it´ll happen to you too."
Then, referring to the missionaries who come home and don´t live up to their convert´s expectations by not remaining faithful..he said he would talk to our bishops and take a 2x4 to our foreheads...so just be good "so I don´t have to go on a 2x4 tour"
...So those were probably not the most spiritual highlights of what was said. I promise I learned more than that, but I am out of time.
Love you so much. Thanks for the emails and I am excited to get the letters. Good luck with School!!!
Love Hna Moulton
Transfer 4, Week 1
| September 8, 2010 |
Hello Family,
Hermana Smith got her birthday card and says thankyou!!!! Thanks Mom. I hope you got the letter I sent last week.
So last week we were on the metro and Elsy came up to talk to us. She is a member of the Church and lives in Peru but she is here to visit friends, the temple, and her daughter in Málaga. It was a miracle that we found each other! She put us in contact with the friends she was staying with and they seem to have a lot of interest in the gospel. Their names are Vanesa and Victor with their two little kids Sebastian(5) and Asomething(2). Vanesa came to church and loved it. Victor has a lot of very good questions...it was a little hard to know where to begin last night. We taught about the original church of Christ and then the Restoration by building a tower of cups with the twelve apostles and different principles written on them (with the names of Peter James John etc. on one side and pictures of current apostles on the other) Sebastian liked knocking down the original tower.
Vanesa has seen the great example of Elsy´s sons who are really good boys and she wants that for her own family. Talk about teaching by example! Go Elsy!!!
Sheyla´s baptism went really well...very smooth and the Spirit was there. We hadn´t been able to meet with her the day before and so we forgot to cover a few details...like the fact that she would be invited to bear her testimony. She did a great job. Short and sweet and then gave us a hard time about it later. She is still being faced with opposition from her family and friends and she doesn´t have the answers to everything they tell her. We will try to help her keep and nourish her testimony and find the answers with time. We just say a lot of prayers for her.
On the trivial side: Hna Nuckols (very cool missionary) who lived in our piso went home this week and gave me a ton, seriously a ton, of clothes. I´m sorting through and passing some on but I don´t think I will ever need to buy clothes in Spain again. Sweet.
Her replacement is Hna Abayon. She is from Spain...that is really good news for the amount and quality of the Spanish that we speak at home. Yay.
As you know Hna Smith´s B-day was on Monday...I got her some treats and made french toast for breakfast...not exactly consistent with the healthy eating plan we should be instuting soon. Last night I made Pancakes!!!! I think it will definitely become a habit. Hna Smith is pretty great. We have big plans for hanging out and cooking etc later when we are back at BYU.
Oh yeah, we also started teaching a girl (17yrs old) named Pamela...so great. She is reading the Book of Mormon. Her great-aunt is a member of the Church and has taught her a lot. She recognized the picture of Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove from her great-aunt´s home. Pamela wants us to come by during weekends so we can teach her mom too!!!
Tomorrow we have Zone Conference!!!! With Bishop Edgely!!!
Sounds like life is crazy busy and crazy fun at home. Clogging class sounds fun! Do you know when Shalese will officially send in her papers?
Sharah, How is your class and how are your friends? Hope life if going swell. I miss you!!! Sisters Rock!!! You Rock!!!
Josh, How is Junior High? What do you do during lunch? Are you still in swing dance?
Jacob, sounds like soccer and ROTC are going well. How is seminary going?
Shalese, glad you recovered from the wisdom teeth extraction...are you still really busy with work in Las Vegas?
Mom, Thanks for being awesome and for being my mom. I love you!
Dad, the same goes for you (except I am glad you aren´t my mom). I love your emails. Good luck with work and everything.
I love you all so much!!! Thanks for being wonderful.
Love, Hna Moulton
Transfer 3 week #6
September 1, 2010
Dear Family,
I got letters from Shalese and two from Mikayla this week. Thanks!! I can´t wait to know where Shalese will go! When does she put her papers in now that her wisdom teeth are taken care of?
Dad, it would be best if you sent the CD to my apartment.
C/ Las Tintas 17, 3ºB
Madrid 28025
We found out today that we will be here for at least another six weeks (a transfer) so this address will still be good.
So, as far as investigators...we were so overwhelmed with all the progressing investigators that we were working with last week, but now a lot of them have slowed down. Sara and Ernesto went back to Bolivia! They are going to start a new life there! School, marriage, baptism, new ward etc. I am so excited for them. They are going to do great. The last time we taught them we all shared our testimonies and the change in their life is visible and powerful.
Sheyla is getting baptized on Saturday!!! She was bombarded by friends who planted doubts in her mind so she asked us to fast with her the other day before her interview. She is going to do just fine, her desires show a lot of faith!
Alexandra has slowed down in her progress and we are not sure if we should just give her some time. I know she has felt a difference with the Gospel in her life so I´m not worried, I know she will accept it eventually, it is just hard to change...for everybody.
This week we spent a couple of hours helping an sweet girl from the ward study for her English exam. pretty fun.
Last week we went to Toledo, i sent a few pics. Also, it was a wet day at the Temple today.
I love the temple! I learned a lot of things that I should probably do differently but I also felt the peace that comes from the Atonement. The Lord wants us to have that peace...Christ died for us because we aren´t perfect. I am learning to accept the peace that He died to give us.
Good luck with work and school and soccer and ROTC and dance and whatever else you are doing!!
I love you all!
Love Shayla
Dear Family,
I got letters from Shalese and two from Mikayla this week. Thanks!! I can´t wait to know where Shalese will go! When does she put her papers in now that her wisdom teeth are taken care of?
Dad, it would be best if you sent the CD to my apartment.
C/ Las Tintas 17, 3ºB
Madrid 28025
We found out today that we will be here for at least another six weeks (a transfer) so this address will still be good.
So, as far as investigators...we were so overwhelmed with all the progressing investigators that we were working with last week, but now a lot of them have slowed down. Sara and Ernesto went back to Bolivia! They are going to start a new life there! School, marriage, baptism, new ward etc. I am so excited for them. They are going to do great. The last time we taught them we all shared our testimonies and the change in their life is visible and powerful.
Sheyla is getting baptized on Saturday!!! She was bombarded by friends who planted doubts in her mind so she asked us to fast with her the other day before her interview. She is going to do just fine, her desires show a lot of faith!
Alexandra has slowed down in her progress and we are not sure if we should just give her some time. I know she has felt a difference with the Gospel in her life so I´m not worried, I know she will accept it eventually, it is just hard to change...for everybody.
This week we spent a couple of hours helping an sweet girl from the ward study for her English exam. pretty fun.
Last week we went to Toledo, i sent a few pics. Also, it was a wet day at the Temple today.
I love the temple! I learned a lot of things that I should probably do differently but I also felt the peace that comes from the Atonement. The Lord wants us to have that peace...Christ died for us because we aren´t perfect. I am learning to accept the peace that He died to give us.
Good luck with work and school and soccer and ROTC and dance and whatever else you are doing!!
I love you all!
Love Shayla
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Transfer 3, Week 5 August 25, 2010
Transfer 3, Week 5
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hna Watkins called on Monday night to tell me about Grandma. It is kinda not real for me because I am so far away. I just think about her being with Grandpa Dick and then I think about what it will be like to meet her as a younger version of herself in a place where we will have a lot in common. I am just glad for the times I thought it would be too hard to go visit Grandma and I went anyway. Heber became a respite (is that the right word?) from life and we could just take things slow and now I treasure those times and I only wish I´d gone even more. I especially loved when Shalese came with me...best part of the week and we laughed the hardest on those days.
We taught a little girl, Mirella, who is eight years old. We taught her about the plan of Salvation on Tuesday (before I found out about Grandma). She is a smart little girl with good questions. Our answers just seemed to make sense to her. That is so cool...the plan of Salvation just makes sense...it sits well with you when you hear it. Sheyla (24 yrs old and planning to be baptized in a week and a half) said she is getting baptized because she feels good. Sometimes we want lightning bolt answers but I think Sheyla and Mirella have it right. Truth just sits well with us...it just feels good. It felt so good to teach Mirella (that is the Holy Ghost!!)
I am grateful to know that Grandma is only ahead of us and that we´ll see her again and it will be just like it was on Earth only better. We wouldn´t know these things if it were not for prophets. I know that Heavenly Father speaks to His prophets that He has called...in the times of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and now Thomos S. Monson. We are not left without guidance. The Lord works in the same manner and based on the same laws of righteousness and obedience as He always has. I feel good when I read what the Prophets have taught. None of them had it easy, they sacrificed a lot to be worthy to be called by God. I used to think that they had somehow won some kind of lottery to be called, but now I can see that they have given everything. I have been thinking a lot about prophets lately because some of the investigators we are working with right now are having a hard time accepting the idea of modern prophets, but I know if they will just read the Book of Mormon and sincerely ask God if it is true they will receive the answers they need in the way that they need them.
We went to Toledo today. Hopefully I can send pics next week. It is a fabulous little city with an incredible cathedral and precious cobble stone streets...I say "precious" because that is what they say all the time to describe locales like that.
Things are going great...we are being blessed with tons of investigators...sometimes it is hard to keep contact with them all, but I pray that the Lord will let us know and do what they need to progress. We have got it pretty good.
Shalese, Thanks for going home, it sounds like it made a big difference to have you there. You are amazing!!! Good luck with the Book of Mormon! So good, so true!
I love you all. Pray for you!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
P.S. Jake...How cool is it that you made the Soccer team!!!!! I´ll write more to you next week! Thanks for the email.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hna Watkins called on Monday night to tell me about Grandma. It is kinda not real for me because I am so far away. I just think about her being with Grandpa Dick and then I think about what it will be like to meet her as a younger version of herself in a place where we will have a lot in common. I am just glad for the times I thought it would be too hard to go visit Grandma and I went anyway. Heber became a respite (is that the right word?) from life and we could just take things slow and now I treasure those times and I only wish I´d gone even more. I especially loved when Shalese came with me...best part of the week and we laughed the hardest on those days.
We taught a little girl, Mirella, who is eight years old. We taught her about the plan of Salvation on Tuesday (before I found out about Grandma). She is a smart little girl with good questions. Our answers just seemed to make sense to her. That is so cool...the plan of Salvation just makes sense...it sits well with you when you hear it. Sheyla (24 yrs old and planning to be baptized in a week and a half) said she is getting baptized because she feels good. Sometimes we want lightning bolt answers but I think Sheyla and Mirella have it right. Truth just sits well with us...it just feels good. It felt so good to teach Mirella (that is the Holy Ghost!!)
I am grateful to know that Grandma is only ahead of us and that we´ll see her again and it will be just like it was on Earth only better. We wouldn´t know these things if it were not for prophets. I know that Heavenly Father speaks to His prophets that He has called...in the times of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and now Thomos S. Monson. We are not left without guidance. The Lord works in the same manner and based on the same laws of righteousness and obedience as He always has. I feel good when I read what the Prophets have taught. None of them had it easy, they sacrificed a lot to be worthy to be called by God. I used to think that they had somehow won some kind of lottery to be called, but now I can see that they have given everything. I have been thinking a lot about prophets lately because some of the investigators we are working with right now are having a hard time accepting the idea of modern prophets, but I know if they will just read the Book of Mormon and sincerely ask God if it is true they will receive the answers they need in the way that they need them.
We went to Toledo today. Hopefully I can send pics next week. It is a fabulous little city with an incredible cathedral and precious cobble stone streets...I say "precious" because that is what they say all the time to describe locales like that.
Things are going great...we are being blessed with tons of investigators...sometimes it is hard to keep contact with them all, but I pray that the Lord will let us know and do what they need to progress. We have got it pretty good.
Shalese, Thanks for going home, it sounds like it made a big difference to have you there. You are amazing!!! Good luck with the Book of Mormon! So good, so true!
I love you all. Pray for you!!!
Love Hermana Moulton
P.S. Jake...How cool is it that you made the Soccer team!!!!! I´ll write more to you next week! Thanks for the email.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Transfer 3, Week 4 Aug 18, 2010
Dear Family,
I just printed off your emails...I had a few minutes of self-imposed computer problems so I´ll have to read them later. Mom, I got the talk in the mail, thanks! and Shalese I just got your letter this morning. Thanks!!! I am excited to read it.
Last Tuesday we went to a birthday party for the nephew of Joffre and Alexandra where we met the whole family and shared a few scriptures. Tuesdays are the day they are all available. Many of them help at their family restaurant and some of them are in the Army. So yesterday (Tuesday) went to visit Fernando´s family at 6pm (Fernando is the oldest of the three brothers) then we went by to visit his parents at 7pm but they weren´t home. Later, after teaching a lesson near Alexandra´s house we had the idea to check on her. There we found the whole family gathering to eat together again! Alexandra told us they don´t get together very often so it was a really cool surprise. They were excited to see us and they felt like it was a miracle because they had missed the earlier appointment. We shared another scripture with them and prayed with them which sparked another family discussion about religion. It was so great to see them happy and focused together in prayer. We left and there was a great spirit. (Alexandra sent us off with food) We felt like once again God had put us in the right place at the right time.
Oh yeah, we went on a Temple tour with Alexandra on Saturday and it was really nice. Laura Gomez came. She is 19 and always helps us with lessons...the youth are really going to build up the church here in Spain because it is still so new. The majority of the members are first generation members (at least in the ward we are in.) It was a really nice visit and the Temple is just a special place to be. Alexandra shared that she is still working through some doubts. We finished by watching some clips of Apostles sharing their testimonies of different themes. I am so grateful for them, I felt the Spirit a lot there. The miralces happened the next day in Church as almost every talk and lesson addressed some of the specific concerns we knew that Alexandra had. I was amazed how the High Councilor knew exactly what she needed. Slowly her doubts are being resolved. Plus, as we are working with Joffre´s entire family we are helping eliminate some of the negative pressure that existed there before. Everything is coming together for her. She is incredible and has amazing faith in God. I learn from her example every time we teach her.
We met with Milagros and learned what a hard time she is going through with her husband and son in Peru in a hard situation. She asked us how we had known to talk with her or if we could read minds or something. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon (I think Mosiah 24:12-15) about the people of Alma when they were made slaves to the Lamanites but they prayed in their hearts and their burdens were made light and compared that to her situation.
Liliana (Oscar´s wife) wants to be baptized!!! She is just so ready to accept the Gospel. I think Oscar is too but timing is off and we haven´t been able to teach him as much. We still need to find out if they are married...we will need to push things back if they aren´t. I don´t know why it is so hard for us to ask people if they are married.
Sheyla is still on track to be baptized on September 4th. She is receiving answers and peace from Heavenly Father and she shared a sweet experience with us last time we visited. It was a good example to me of seeing and recognizing the love of God in the little things.
I love you all so much. I pray for you every day. Hope things are going well with school etc. Today we are doing another BBQ with our zone...it´s gonna be a party. I don´t think I´ll have time to write a handwritten letter but I still love you!!!!
A couple favors: Can you send me the address of the Barcelona Mission Home. It should be on the Internet somewhere. I want to write a few of the missionaries I met in the CCM. Also, there is a talk about the resurrection by Pres. Kimball... I think 1976 in General Conference. I´m not really sure but Lance Stark would know, we talked about it in Seminary I think. Could you send me that in English? Also, for FHE this week maybe you can do a "let´s all write shayla a letter and send them to her tomorrow" activity! Thanks, Love you!!
Love, Hermana Moulton
I just printed off your emails...I had a few minutes of self-imposed computer problems so I´ll have to read them later. Mom, I got the talk in the mail, thanks! and Shalese I just got your letter this morning. Thanks!!! I am excited to read it.
Last Tuesday we went to a birthday party for the nephew of Joffre and Alexandra where we met the whole family and shared a few scriptures. Tuesdays are the day they are all available. Many of them help at their family restaurant and some of them are in the Army. So yesterday (Tuesday) went to visit Fernando´s family at 6pm (Fernando is the oldest of the three brothers) then we went by to visit his parents at 7pm but they weren´t home. Later, after teaching a lesson near Alexandra´s house we had the idea to check on her. There we found the whole family gathering to eat together again! Alexandra told us they don´t get together very often so it was a really cool surprise. They were excited to see us and they felt like it was a miracle because they had missed the earlier appointment. We shared another scripture with them and prayed with them which sparked another family discussion about religion. It was so great to see them happy and focused together in prayer. We left and there was a great spirit. (Alexandra sent us off with food) We felt like once again God had put us in the right place at the right time.
Oh yeah, we went on a Temple tour with Alexandra on Saturday and it was really nice. Laura Gomez came. She is 19 and always helps us with lessons...the youth are really going to build up the church here in Spain because it is still so new. The majority of the members are first generation members (at least in the ward we are in.) It was a really nice visit and the Temple is just a special place to be. Alexandra shared that she is still working through some doubts. We finished by watching some clips of Apostles sharing their testimonies of different themes. I am so grateful for them, I felt the Spirit a lot there. The miralces happened the next day in Church as almost every talk and lesson addressed some of the specific concerns we knew that Alexandra had. I was amazed how the High Councilor knew exactly what she needed. Slowly her doubts are being resolved. Plus, as we are working with Joffre´s entire family we are helping eliminate some of the negative pressure that existed there before. Everything is coming together for her. She is incredible and has amazing faith in God. I learn from her example every time we teach her.
We met with Milagros and learned what a hard time she is going through with her husband and son in Peru in a hard situation. She asked us how we had known to talk with her or if we could read minds or something. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon (I think Mosiah 24:12-15) about the people of Alma when they were made slaves to the Lamanites but they prayed in their hearts and their burdens were made light and compared that to her situation.
Liliana (Oscar´s wife) wants to be baptized!!! She is just so ready to accept the Gospel. I think Oscar is too but timing is off and we haven´t been able to teach him as much. We still need to find out if they are married...we will need to push things back if they aren´t. I don´t know why it is so hard for us to ask people if they are married.
Sheyla is still on track to be baptized on September 4th. She is receiving answers and peace from Heavenly Father and she shared a sweet experience with us last time we visited. It was a good example to me of seeing and recognizing the love of God in the little things.
I love you all so much. I pray for you every day. Hope things are going well with school etc. Today we are doing another BBQ with our zone...it´s gonna be a party. I don´t think I´ll have time to write a handwritten letter but I still love you!!!!
A couple favors: Can you send me the address of the Barcelona Mission Home. It should be on the Internet somewhere. I want to write a few of the missionaries I met in the CCM. Also, there is a talk about the resurrection by Pres. Kimball... I think 1976 in General Conference. I´m not really sure but Lance Stark would know, we talked about it in Seminary I think. Could you send me that in English? Also, for FHE this week maybe you can do a "let´s all write shayla a letter and send them to her tomorrow" activity! Thanks, Love you!!
Love, Hermana Moulton
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Transfer3, Week 3, August 11, 2010
Dear Family,
I hope you get this with all the pictures...but I´m sending a copy with just the email just in case. Mom, I copied your email and I´ll read it later. Good job on the journaling.
Yesterday we had a great district meeting and talked about contacting a lot. We got really excited to talk to people and a miracle happened. Our appointment wasn´t home so we tried to find some older contacts in the area. We ran into a woman named Milagros and introduced ourselves. She said she was in a hurry so we walked with her. She said she has felt very alone and has been praying to feel God´s presence in her life. She said that just before we talked to her she had prayed, "Please God, just send me a sign." She said that she assumes we were her sign and I know it is true. I got chills just talking to her. I know that the Lord is in charge and if we are obedient he puts us in the right place. We really want to step it up in contacting and trust God more than we fear man. I know this will help us find more people.
Last night we went to a birthday party for Josue who turned 5. This means we have met all the extended family of Joffre and Alexandra!!!!! We are going to teach their parents and his brother´s family. Soooo Cool. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon with the family (Alma 38:9) and then the Grandpa asked us to read some more. It turned into a crazy conversation but it was fun. We know they normally drink alcohol but no alcohol appeared at the party and the grandma was telling everyone that the Bible says we need to pray and joffre offered a prayer before the dinner.
Photo: Joffre´s Family. Joffre is holding the dog (Dula), and Alexandra is holding up her daughter Mileni in a pink dress.
We love their little family!!! They are probably some of our best friends here. We think that Joffre prayed to be married soon in his prayer during our last lesson...that is a big deal. (however we are not entirely sure that is what he said...he could have been saying something about his house...casa and casarme can get mixed up) but we´re praying that he said something about marriage.
The other day we taught a new family- Oscar had been drinking but his friend had been drinking a lot. Oscar apologized and he didn´t finish his drink. I just think it is amazing how people naturally want to be better when we are in their homes...I like to think it is because of the Spirit and they just don´t know it yet.
P-Day today: We might try to find a few clothes today. Later we are teaching Sara and Ernesto about tithing...well they will be teaching us. They still have plans to return to Bolivia, get married, and get baptized. They are so great and they recognize the difference in their lives now that they have the Gospel. Their testimonies have really strengthened mine and shown me how much happier the gospel can make people. (there is a picture of them with Elder Hutchings and Elder Robertson. Elder Robertson is our District leader (the one with black hair) He played the piano at a baptism recently for the musical number and as he walked back to his chair he looked at the ground and his face went bright red. Everyone sort of chuckled...how can you not love Elder Robertson.
Last Prep day we went to the Prado (Art Museum)....it would take days to see everything. Someday I want to see the whole thing by going on a run through the Prado...That would be cool. Also, Goya (one of the most famous spanish painters) is way over rated...just kidding, I´m sure he is good but his art is way too depressing.
The last picture is of our Zone last transfer. It has changed a little since then but it was a fun picture. We all had a BBQ at the church and played some futbol.
Tell Kendra I said Hi!!!! I had actually been thinking about her before you mentioned her last week so it was funny when you said something. You can tell everyone I love it here! Yeah, it is super hard for silly reasons sometimes but it is all worth it. My relationship with Heavenly Father has changed, I am begining to recognize and love the Spirit, and I am becoming more the person I have always wanted to be...all while missing my family a lot.
I love you all so much! Josh and Jake owe me emails. Hope you are all excited to start school. I love you and I´m praying for you!!
Love, Hermana Moulton
I will try to get these pictures to the blog....I'm a little technically challenaged..... ok, ALOT!!
Shawna (The Mom)
I hope you get this with all the pictures...but I´m sending a copy with just the email just in case. Mom, I copied your email and I´ll read it later. Good job on the journaling.
Yesterday we had a great district meeting and talked about contacting a lot. We got really excited to talk to people and a miracle happened. Our appointment wasn´t home so we tried to find some older contacts in the area. We ran into a woman named Milagros and introduced ourselves. She said she was in a hurry so we walked with her. She said she has felt very alone and has been praying to feel God´s presence in her life. She said that just before we talked to her she had prayed, "Please God, just send me a sign." She said that she assumes we were her sign and I know it is true. I got chills just talking to her. I know that the Lord is in charge and if we are obedient he puts us in the right place. We really want to step it up in contacting and trust God more than we fear man. I know this will help us find more people.
Last night we went to a birthday party for Josue who turned 5. This means we have met all the extended family of Joffre and Alexandra!!!!! We are going to teach their parents and his brother´s family. Soooo Cool. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon with the family (Alma 38:9) and then the Grandpa asked us to read some more. It turned into a crazy conversation but it was fun. We know they normally drink alcohol but no alcohol appeared at the party and the grandma was telling everyone that the Bible says we need to pray and joffre offered a prayer before the dinner.
Photo: Joffre´s Family. Joffre is holding the dog (Dula), and Alexandra is holding up her daughter Mileni in a pink dress.
We love their little family!!! They are probably some of our best friends here. We think that Joffre prayed to be married soon in his prayer during our last lesson...that is a big deal. (however we are not entirely sure that is what he said...he could have been saying something about his house...casa and casarme can get mixed up) but we´re praying that he said something about marriage.
The other day we taught a new family- Oscar had been drinking but his friend had been drinking a lot. Oscar apologized and he didn´t finish his drink. I just think it is amazing how people naturally want to be better when we are in their homes...I like to think it is because of the Spirit and they just don´t know it yet.
P-Day today: We might try to find a few clothes today. Later we are teaching Sara and Ernesto about tithing...well they will be teaching us. They still have plans to return to Bolivia, get married, and get baptized. They are so great and they recognize the difference in their lives now that they have the Gospel. Their testimonies have really strengthened mine and shown me how much happier the gospel can make people. (there is a picture of them with Elder Hutchings and Elder Robertson. Elder Robertson is our District leader (the one with black hair) He played the piano at a baptism recently for the musical number and as he walked back to his chair he looked at the ground and his face went bright red. Everyone sort of chuckled...how can you not love Elder Robertson.
Last Prep day we went to the Prado (Art Museum)....it would take days to see everything. Someday I want to see the whole thing by going on a run through the Prado...That would be cool. Also, Goya (one of the most famous spanish painters) is way over rated...just kidding, I´m sure he is good but his art is way too depressing.
The last picture is of our Zone last transfer. It has changed a little since then but it was a fun picture. We all had a BBQ at the church and played some futbol.
Tell Kendra I said Hi!!!! I had actually been thinking about her before you mentioned her last week so it was funny when you said something. You can tell everyone I love it here! Yeah, it is super hard for silly reasons sometimes but it is all worth it. My relationship with Heavenly Father has changed, I am begining to recognize and love the Spirit, and I am becoming more the person I have always wanted to be...all while missing my family a lot.
I love you all so much! Josh and Jake owe me emails. Hope you are all excited to start school. I love you and I´m praying for you!!
Love, Hermana Moulton
I will try to get these pictures to the blog....I'm a little technically challenaged..... ok, ALOT!!
Shawna (The Mom)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Hi Family,
Sorry, I won´t have time to write a hand written letter this week or next because we are going to the Prado (an art museum) today and another city next week. Also, I haven´t received the Tshirts you sent or the letter, I wonder if you sent them to the office instead of the Tintas addres...hmmm...that or they got lost in the mail. Dad, I just hope I won't see the mail man wearing a girls camp T-shirt around...didn´t that happen to a sweater of yours?
So, I took a few notes this week to write...I´m on a time crunch: 10 minutes left...
-Mikayla sent me a letter with 50 Euros. THANKS
-Met a lady from Mongolia, she was so excited to see us. Her brother and sisters are members of the Church but she was never baptized. We are teaching her tonight. Her husband is from Spain.
-August sweat cleanse going according to plan
-Dogs is Spain or in the city are each unique...I see a new breed every day...not all of them are very pretty.
-We met Alexandra´s brother-in-law and taught their family. We already knew their little boy Josue who smiles big when he sees us and gives us kisses when we leave. We are invited to his birthday part next Tuesday. That means we will meet their whole extended family...they even invited us to share a message!
-Can you email me"The Power to Change" by president Faust from the Nov Ensign 2007 in Spanish?
-Testimonies this week in church really helped me.
Experts from letter to Pres. Watkins:
Alexandra fasted all day on Sunday. She actually fasts almost every day from 6:30 to 2pm. That was something that she feels is important from reading the Bible. She and Joffre are so generous. He fasts too. He is having a hard time accepting that it is important that there is one true church with the authority to do ordinances on the earth, rather he feels that the only important thing is that we find God wherever He is and follow him. We are trying to help him see that these two ideas correlate. I think we should teach about temple marriage next time we teach them. Maybe that would help him see the need for the authority to perform these ordinances.
Sara and Ernesto are doing great. The first few months we taught them were difficult because they had already had the lessons several times, but now things are different. They are determined to be married and baptized and follow Christ and share the gospel with their families in Bolivia. They are helping us teach the lessons...we give them a topic and they teach about it. We can see the study they put in as we as their testimonies this way. Last time we asked Ernesto to share about the Holy Ghost. While he was speaking he just mentioned "se nota que tienen el Espiritu las misioneras." This came after I had been asking and studying if I had the spirit with me for several days. I realized that even though it had been difficult for me to recognize the Spirit with me it has been plain to them that it was. This Sunday their son Derek was blessed in Church. He is almost two years old but they wanted to do something for him.
Love you all!!! Love Shayla
Sorry, I won´t have time to write a hand written letter this week or next because we are going to the Prado (an art museum) today and another city next week. Also, I haven´t received the Tshirts you sent or the letter, I wonder if you sent them to the office instead of the Tintas addres...hmmm...that or they got lost in the mail. Dad, I just hope I won't see the mail man wearing a girls camp T-shirt around...didn´t that happen to a sweater of yours?
So, I took a few notes this week to write...I´m on a time crunch: 10 minutes left...
-Mikayla sent me a letter with 50 Euros. THANKS
-Met a lady from Mongolia, she was so excited to see us. Her brother and sisters are members of the Church but she was never baptized. We are teaching her tonight. Her husband is from Spain.
-August sweat cleanse going according to plan
-Dogs is Spain or in the city are each unique...I see a new breed every day...not all of them are very pretty.
-We met Alexandra´s brother-in-law and taught their family. We already knew their little boy Josue who smiles big when he sees us and gives us kisses when we leave. We are invited to his birthday part next Tuesday. That means we will meet their whole extended family...they even invited us to share a message!
-Can you email me"The Power to Change" by president Faust from the Nov Ensign 2007 in Spanish?
-Testimonies this week in church really helped me.
Experts from letter to Pres. Watkins:
Alexandra fasted all day on Sunday. She actually fasts almost every day from 6:30 to 2pm. That was something that she feels is important from reading the Bible. She and Joffre are so generous. He fasts too. He is having a hard time accepting that it is important that there is one true church with the authority to do ordinances on the earth, rather he feels that the only important thing is that we find God wherever He is and follow him. We are trying to help him see that these two ideas correlate. I think we should teach about temple marriage next time we teach them. Maybe that would help him see the need for the authority to perform these ordinances.
Sara and Ernesto are doing great. The first few months we taught them were difficult because they had already had the lessons several times, but now things are different. They are determined to be married and baptized and follow Christ and share the gospel with their families in Bolivia. They are helping us teach the lessons...we give them a topic and they teach about it. We can see the study they put in as we as their testimonies this way. Last time we asked Ernesto to share about the Holy Ghost. While he was speaking he just mentioned "se nota que tienen el Espiritu las misioneras." This came after I had been asking and studying if I had the spirit with me for several days. I realized that even though it had been difficult for me to recognize the Spirit with me it has been plain to them that it was. This Sunday their son Derek was blessed in Church. He is almost two years old but they wanted to do something for him.
Love you all!!! Love Shayla
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Transfer 3, Week 1 July 28, 2010
Dear Family,
Sounds like a miracle week over there, I am so glad King Henry the cat is back with Grandma Beth. I remember when we went missing and I was kinda worried about him. I am glad that Dad and all the rest of the kids got to visit Grandma.
Also, the Family reunion sounds like it was a blast! The letter and package are still in route I guess, I hope they come soon! This week has been great. Hermana Smith and I are learning so much. I am so glad we are companions. I will have one more best friend at the end of this.
Today we went and bought fruit again at the same place we go every week and the cashier threw in half a melon cause we are friends now. We saw a few of the employees on the metro and talked to them and we wave every time we see them on the street. I am pretty sure we need to teach them the Gospel. We need to get on it!
We thought we were going to have a third companion so the other Hermanas that live with us moved their desks upstairs and we moved our beds downstairs so we could fit a third person. Turns out she is going to another area but I really like the way we changed things up. It feels nice.
Here is an exerpt from my letter to Pres Watkins:"Yesterday on the way to District meeting we ended up taking Bus 35 instead of Bus 34 to get to the chapel...I am really glad we hopped on because we met a boy (about 18 years old) who had been given a Book of Mormon three months ago. He hasn´t had time to read it but he really wanted the Elders to visit him. We gave Elder Robertson his number at district meeting. Last night Elder Robertson called us about P-day destinations and he said that they had already visited Carlos and he is great and he wants to serve a mission!
He said another contact we gave him, Fernando, is really interested too. We met Fernando and his sister carrying a bunch of heavy stuff to her new piso and we offered to help. I just love that the Lord knows what to do, He is guiding us and I am learning to recognize it. I sometimes get really worried about following the Spirit, or failing to follow the spirit, and I worry if we are taking the right route or turning the right way etc, but now I am learning to relax and live worthy of the Spirit and somehow we end up in the right places at the right time.
A little boy (11 yrs old) asked us for the time and before I could finish answering he asked us where the chapel was. He is so funny, he is from Paraguay and the only member of the church in his family. He asked us if we knew Elder Roberts, I guess Elder Roberts was the missionary who baptized him in Paraguay. Kevin is his name and he is definitely not shy so we gave him the name and address of a member that lives close to him and she brought him to church. I can´t imagine being 11 and going to church by myself. We are going to try to visit his mom.
I love you so much!!!Love Hermana Moulton
P.S.Sharah, Check you email.
Hey parents, Here is another thing I wrote to the president this week but I don´t really want it on the blog."The scripture Hel 3:35 stuck out to me yesterday and it stayed with me all day and was repeated again by Elder Bednar as we listened to conference talks last night. I still sometimes have a lot of anxiety or I get homesick but I put the principles in that scripture to the test and I feel the difference. I am so grateful to be here. I feel that I am unlocking treasures here that would have been more elusive to me at home. I am learning to follow and trust in the processes of the Lord. I am learning patterns that will bless me and those around me for the rest of my life. I am so glad I will have had these beautiful experiences when I get married or in whatever comes next. I feel I am being prepared so much here. I know other great girls that didn´t need to come on a mission to learn some of the lessons I am learning here but I am so greatful I had this chance because I REALLY REALLY needed it. I love the Lord. I can see how He is pouring out his blessings on me." I really love that scripture. It is the recipe for happiness. This life is all a big refinery, ultimately the end is that we learn to love love love.
I just loved reading two talks by Elder Wirthlin this week: Come what may and love it" (Mom I know you live by those words and so do I) and The Greatest Commandment. I know the Prophet and Apostles are inspired men. I know it. I feel it. They say what I need...years in advance. That´s because Heavenly Father tells them what we need.
Dad, I want to right you a letter about my thoughts about your weekend with Grandma and fam. You had me bawling like a little baby too.
Love you all! Mom Dad Jacob Josh Sharah and Shalese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like a miracle week over there, I am so glad King Henry the cat is back with Grandma Beth. I remember when we went missing and I was kinda worried about him. I am glad that Dad and all the rest of the kids got to visit Grandma.
Also, the Family reunion sounds like it was a blast! The letter and package are still in route I guess, I hope they come soon! This week has been great. Hermana Smith and I are learning so much. I am so glad we are companions. I will have one more best friend at the end of this.
Today we went and bought fruit again at the same place we go every week and the cashier threw in half a melon cause we are friends now. We saw a few of the employees on the metro and talked to them and we wave every time we see them on the street. I am pretty sure we need to teach them the Gospel. We need to get on it!
We thought we were going to have a third companion so the other Hermanas that live with us moved their desks upstairs and we moved our beds downstairs so we could fit a third person. Turns out she is going to another area but I really like the way we changed things up. It feels nice.
Here is an exerpt from my letter to Pres Watkins:"Yesterday on the way to District meeting we ended up taking Bus 35 instead of Bus 34 to get to the chapel...I am really glad we hopped on because we met a boy (about 18 years old) who had been given a Book of Mormon three months ago. He hasn´t had time to read it but he really wanted the Elders to visit him. We gave Elder Robertson his number at district meeting. Last night Elder Robertson called us about P-day destinations and he said that they had already visited Carlos and he is great and he wants to serve a mission!
He said another contact we gave him, Fernando, is really interested too. We met Fernando and his sister carrying a bunch of heavy stuff to her new piso and we offered to help. I just love that the Lord knows what to do, He is guiding us and I am learning to recognize it. I sometimes get really worried about following the Spirit, or failing to follow the spirit, and I worry if we are taking the right route or turning the right way etc, but now I am learning to relax and live worthy of the Spirit and somehow we end up in the right places at the right time.
A little boy (11 yrs old) asked us for the time and before I could finish answering he asked us where the chapel was. He is so funny, he is from Paraguay and the only member of the church in his family. He asked us if we knew Elder Roberts, I guess Elder Roberts was the missionary who baptized him in Paraguay. Kevin is his name and he is definitely not shy so we gave him the name and address of a member that lives close to him and she brought him to church. I can´t imagine being 11 and going to church by myself. We are going to try to visit his mom.
I love you so much!!!Love Hermana Moulton
P.S.Sharah, Check you email.
Hey parents, Here is another thing I wrote to the president this week but I don´t really want it on the blog."The scripture Hel 3:35 stuck out to me yesterday and it stayed with me all day and was repeated again by Elder Bednar as we listened to conference talks last night. I still sometimes have a lot of anxiety or I get homesick but I put the principles in that scripture to the test and I feel the difference. I am so grateful to be here. I feel that I am unlocking treasures here that would have been more elusive to me at home. I am learning to follow and trust in the processes of the Lord. I am learning patterns that will bless me and those around me for the rest of my life. I am so glad I will have had these beautiful experiences when I get married or in whatever comes next. I feel I am being prepared so much here. I know other great girls that didn´t need to come on a mission to learn some of the lessons I am learning here but I am so greatful I had this chance because I REALLY REALLY needed it. I love the Lord. I can see how He is pouring out his blessings on me." I really love that scripture. It is the recipe for happiness. This life is all a big refinery, ultimately the end is that we learn to love love love.
I just loved reading two talks by Elder Wirthlin this week: Come what may and love it" (Mom I know you live by those words and so do I) and The Greatest Commandment. I know the Prophet and Apostles are inspired men. I know it. I feel it. They say what I need...years in advance. That´s because Heavenly Father tells them what we need.
Dad, I want to right you a letter about my thoughts about your weekend with Grandma and fam. You had me bawling like a little baby too.
Love you all! Mom Dad Jacob Josh Sharah and Shalese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Transfer 2, Week 6 July 21, 2010
Hey Family,
I am totally jealous you are all in Tahoe!!! But we are having some crazy things happen here too. Here is an excerpt from my letter to Pres. Watkins:
"Yesterday a guy named Ruben (maybe 25 yrs old) turned his car around to come talk to us. He had seen a lot of missionaries in Peru but none here in Spain in the last three years. He was curious about missions as a language learning tool. He wondered if he could sign up. We went to an outdoor bar and explained about the program and why we are here. He was really curious about the Book of Mormon as a historical record and asked where he could go to buy a copy. We gave him the one we were carrying with the commitment that he would read it. We said he should read it with his heart and mind open....he said he would read it with his mind open....we´ll see. We are giving the Elders his information but I bet we will see him at church this Sunday."
It was pretty funny, we had just gotten to a home only to find out that the lady had left but as we were walking back to the metro Ruben pulled over and started talking to us. He is from Peru and used to play soccer at the church there. He had seen a pair of missionaries just the other day and it reminded him of the missionaries he had met or heard about in Peru. He was set on stopping us because he wasn´t sure when he would find more of us. He had a lot of questions and when we talked about the Book of Mormon he said he would read it but he would expect to be able to ask us questions after he read it. (ok if he insists...) we told him that we would have the Elders call him.
On Sunday a lady rang our floor looking for mail, then she asked if we were from the church because she wanted the address of the church so she could go. We said we would be right down. That is the kind of contacting I like ;)
Last night after having walked a lot we met a woman in the last five minutes before going home...she looked as tired as we felt so we talked to her and it sounds like we will be able to visit her a lot!
I´m learning a lot right now...a lot a lot. I know God loves us. I know He doesn´t compare us to each other and He just wants the best for us. Our choices have natural consequences but He is just waiting and ready to bless us. As I learn that there is room in my heart for more and more people to be close to me, I start to realize that God doesn´t have the limits to His love that we do...don´t worry, we´ll grow out of these limits if we try. Good News: God Loves us. He has a plan with our success as the goal. Jesus Christ has provided the payment and sacrifice so that we have the chance to repent and grow out of our weaknesses and sins. There is only one way to find happiness and that is to follow Christ. Once we have determined to follow that path, ultimately, the only option will be to be happy. I love the moments when I glimpse the big picture and remember that "gospel" really does mean "good news"
Shalese, it sounds like I missed the Canadian Border control reenactment...sad, I can only imagine...it´s too cold, I caan´t go back.. Dad, I can´t wait to get your letter. Thanks for looking out for me. Mom, I think you are great, and not to be prideful or anything (hehe) but I am seeing that I am just like you....just another clone as Dad would say. Sharah, Thanks for the email. Sounds like you did a skit at the family reunion. Awesome! Josh and Jake, I love you guys. Shalese and Mom sent me some funny pictures of you. After the family reunion you both owe me emails, ok?
Okay, Here is a shout out to the Family Reunion 2010. Hot Toe rocks!!!
Love you all!
I am totally jealous you are all in Tahoe!!! But we are having some crazy things happen here too. Here is an excerpt from my letter to Pres. Watkins:
"Yesterday a guy named Ruben (maybe 25 yrs old) turned his car around to come talk to us. He had seen a lot of missionaries in Peru but none here in Spain in the last three years. He was curious about missions as a language learning tool. He wondered if he could sign up. We went to an outdoor bar and explained about the program and why we are here. He was really curious about the Book of Mormon as a historical record and asked where he could go to buy a copy. We gave him the one we were carrying with the commitment that he would read it. We said he should read it with his heart and mind open....he said he would read it with his mind open....we´ll see. We are giving the Elders his information but I bet we will see him at church this Sunday."
It was pretty funny, we had just gotten to a home only to find out that the lady had left but as we were walking back to the metro Ruben pulled over and started talking to us. He is from Peru and used to play soccer at the church there. He had seen a pair of missionaries just the other day and it reminded him of the missionaries he had met or heard about in Peru. He was set on stopping us because he wasn´t sure when he would find more of us. He had a lot of questions and when we talked about the Book of Mormon he said he would read it but he would expect to be able to ask us questions after he read it. (ok if he insists...) we told him that we would have the Elders call him.
On Sunday a lady rang our floor looking for mail, then she asked if we were from the church because she wanted the address of the church so she could go. We said we would be right down. That is the kind of contacting I like ;)
Last night after having walked a lot we met a woman in the last five minutes before going home...she looked as tired as we felt so we talked to her and it sounds like we will be able to visit her a lot!
I´m learning a lot right now...a lot a lot. I know God loves us. I know He doesn´t compare us to each other and He just wants the best for us. Our choices have natural consequences but He is just waiting and ready to bless us. As I learn that there is room in my heart for more and more people to be close to me, I start to realize that God doesn´t have the limits to His love that we do...don´t worry, we´ll grow out of these limits if we try. Good News: God Loves us. He has a plan with our success as the goal. Jesus Christ has provided the payment and sacrifice so that we have the chance to repent and grow out of our weaknesses and sins. There is only one way to find happiness and that is to follow Christ. Once we have determined to follow that path, ultimately, the only option will be to be happy. I love the moments when I glimpse the big picture and remember that "gospel" really does mean "good news"
Shalese, it sounds like I missed the Canadian Border control reenactment...sad, I can only imagine...it´s too cold, I caan´t go back.. Dad, I can´t wait to get your letter. Thanks for looking out for me. Mom, I think you are great, and not to be prideful or anything (hehe) but I am seeing that I am just like you....just another clone as Dad would say. Sharah, Thanks for the email. Sounds like you did a skit at the family reunion. Awesome! Josh and Jake, I love you guys. Shalese and Mom sent me some funny pictures of you. After the family reunion you both owe me emails, ok?
Okay, Here is a shout out to the Family Reunion 2010. Hot Toe rocks!!!
Love you all!
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