Week 41! "Civil Unrest and Transfers"

From 10/20/14

Hola Family and Friends!!!

 

So many crazy and exciting events happened this week:

 

Last Monday was the scheduled transfers, but they were postponed because of unusual events happening in the state of Guerrero in our mission. Maybe you've heard of what's going on, but if not, don't worry about it! We are all fine in our mission. All of the missionaries in the state of Guerrero have been emergency evacuated from their areas. All 90+ missionaries there have been moved into empty apartments/empty rooms/spare mattresses in the stakes and wards in Cuernavaca....where I'm at.

 

I was with Hermana "H" for almost another complete week, and we picked up my "new" companion on Wednesday. My companion is HERMANA "C"!!!! AHHHHH!!!! We used to serve in the same ward. This was my last area and while I served with Hermana "N", she served with Hermana "M".

 

We are so excited to be together and it was SO exciting to see her at the bus terminal! She thought I was there by coincidence to wait for another missionary...she didn't know that I knew that we were a new companionship. So that was kind of fun! :) We actually were a trio for a couple of days.

 

We were informed that Hermana H was going to be transferred, but for her security, they could not disclose when or where she would be transferred. Not even the day she would go. We decided to work like normal on Thursday, then we got a phone call from the mission president's assistants at about 6 in the evening. They told us to take Hermana H immediately to the bus station because she was going to leave in 30 minutes to her new area. JUST like that. Boom. We didn't even have time to be sad about saying goodbye.

 

Wellll......we finally got to the bus station with all her luggage, and saw some friendly faces of other missionaries who helped us with her luggage and to buy a ticket to her new area. When LO AND BEHOLD..... I see Hermana "P"!!!!!! My trainer!!!!!! It was the sweetest feeling! It felt like seeing one of you at home. She's always reminded me of Amy, so it felt like I was coming home in a way.  She said that I looked grown up. haha. I guess she really does feel like a 'mom' to me.

 

It was all a whirlwind in saying goodbye to Hermana H, and then we were off. (I felt like a ninja all that night..haha). We then went to the offices of the mission where all the missionaries from Guerrero were waiting to be reassigned to an area. In the offices, I saw Hermana "C"!!!! :') Ahhh so many happy moments.

 

We were given instructions to take a companionship back to our house where they would be staying with us for an undisclosed amount of time. It is SO COOL!!!! The next day, we randomly found Elders working in our area too. There are 6 of us!!! What's fun is that a week before transfers, I had a dream where 6 elders arrived in the area. They were all new in the dream and one companionship commented, 'okay, someone has to go. There is not enough work for all six of us to be here'.. so... haha. It came to pass!

 

I have about 6 weeks here in the area, so I still feel pretty new too. But Hermana C is "the BOSS" [that means super cool and highly capable], so she has already learned so much of the area and the members.

 

She has an incredible testimony. But really!! I have met very very very few people that can teach so well as she does. It's a huge blessing to be in a companionship together. I'm already learning so much. And it's all a lot of fun.

 

Sorry if this is a little bit rambled. There are so many things that went on this week I don't even know where to begin! It was a huge blessing to be able to see so many missionaries that we've gotten to know throughout the mission. It's strengthening and exciting to see how missionaries have developed, grown, and strengthened their testimonies.

 

We are all doing well here. There is a LOT of work to do. And now we have a LOT more help to get it done. President Kusch mentioned to us that the brethren of the church in Salt Lake City are monitoring the situation of our mission to see what changes and growth we see in the mission from having this unusual and drastic change.

 

"Another wonderful week! We are SO happy here. I can't believe I'm companions with Hermana C!!! These past few days have been surreal! Just about every night, we comment on how it feels like we are on temporary divisions and that in a couple of days we'll get a phone call saying, 'okay, just kidding, you two can go to different areas now' :)

 

We are having a wonderful time working with the missionaries from Guerrero. Hermanas G and S went to work immediately and have helped many investigators progress well. My companion and I have asked them to work in an area where it has been untouched by missionaries for some time, and they are already finding a few interested families.

 

The same morning that we went to work in our temporarily divided area, we ran into Elders V and C. They are serious troopers! We did not know that they would be in our area as well. If we hadn't run into them, I don't think we would have known that they were here. The Elders went to work right away, without knowing members, investigators, or the area. We were both REALLY impressed with their attitude and diligence. They have not complained once about being here. They are currently working on assignments from our branch president to work with members, less actives and to find new investigators through their own efforts.

 

So, you can say that we are blessed. This change is what we have been praying for for this branch and the members. The members needed to feel excited about missionary work again. For the members to see 6 missionaries in Sacrament meeting made a huge difference. They are aware that it is a temporary change but that makes them more appreciative to have the other companionships here. Our little branch has members who are ready to reactivate and investigators who are progressing to baptism. The work is beginning to roll.

 

These past few weeks have been special because I think I've been praying with more sincerity. It's the first time in my mission that my companion and I pray for a specific blessing we need, and that prayer is answered directly and recognizably--sometimes even immediately. I need to pray in faith and work in faith. The Lord wants us to progress, He wants these areas to progress, He wants us to find, teach, retain, rescue and hasten this work. He wants us to have miracles. But WE have to ask, WE have to work diligently. We have to have faith and exercise our agency with that faith.

 

'And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith.'

 

D&C 10:47, 52 : 'And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers; And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up.'

 

This work is true and I'm grateful to be a missionary. I love that there is a lot of work to do to build up Zion here. We are excited for another week here in this area."

 

The investigators that we are working with are SUPER awesome!! They are progressing! They know that the church is true. It is so amazing to watch them grow. They are progressing towards baptism. We are also teaching a few investigators that are beginning to progress. Some are new, others were are just beginning to teach. 

 

"R" came to church on Sunday! His wife would have come, but some unexpected things took place so she couldn't go, but she sent her husband. "L" didn't go, but we were so sure that we would see her there. In the afternoon on Sunday we passed by her house. She said that she and her husband were both ready to come, but then some unexpected visits came by too, just like "P", so they couldn't come. "L" and her family also couldn't come last week because their bedroom caught on fire.

 

I think that there is a common theme here with the progressing investigators. There are unplanned, uncontrollable situations that arise that kept them from coming. We were able to see these individuals grow in their faith this week. That's everything to us! We are happy, we are working. Life is good. :)

 

Hope each one of you have a wonderful week. I know that the Lord loves us. I have a testimony of the power of prayer. I feel much more calm and assured when I talk to Heavenly Father sincerely.

 

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

 

Con Amor,

 

Hermana Fernelius

Week 40! "Milagroso Mexico‏"

From 10/13/14

Hola Family and Friends!!

We had a great week here! :) Thank you family for the emails and letters. I appreciate the time you take to let me know how you all are at home.

I think I'll start the week off with a few hearty quotes that have made me laugh every single time I read them. They are a compilation of the past two weeks from members and mission leaders:

 

"Dios es muy buena onda!" - member.

 

"The people around here are now Satanized" - same member's 70 year old mom.

 

"Y cuando yo veía mi hijo recién nacido por primera vez, me pensé, 'wow, esa pedacito de gente estuvo en mi panza.'" - Hna Isabel (member) explaining birth story of her son.

 

"Cada vez que suene las campanas Catolicas, estan diciendo: VEN! VEN! VEN!" - Hna Bustos (member) one sunday afternoon, (the best part? When she said ven, she actually made the sound of a church bell. it's possible).

 

We were talking to an investigator and she said that after she prayed she felt "un vientecito bien fresco"............................us.....-->"Espiritu Santo?"

 

"He's about to die. I want to baptize him here in the ward, not in the temple." - Elder Ortiz talking about an investigator in his area who is verrrryyyy old.

 

THAT SAME DAY: A companionship shared how their investigators are doing. One sister missionary (talking about an investigator) said in Spanish: "She had a c-section and something dangerous happened. They perforated her lungs or something like that." "No creo que sean sus pulmones. Los pulmones son bien fetching lejos!!!" - Elder Ortiz (again).

 

"Cuando Moroni termino el Libro de Mormón, no. esta. planchando. El dice 'Os exhorto leer', no 'flojos LEAN!'"- (Guess who? That's right-->) Elder Ortiz

 

I think that's good for now. :) We've had a few challenging weeks in our area, but what I've realized is that little things with righteous efforts make a difference in the lives of others. After reading Tiffany's email, I wanted to copy and paste her email in mine.

 

Several weeks ago, when I first met a less active family in this area, we decided to find some way to serve them right away. We shared a message with them after they expressed their concerns and challenges health wise, financially and in their family. Then my companion started to help pick up around the house and swept their home for them, and I helped their daughter with her math homework. We built a relationship of confidence and trust with them.

 

Then they moved to another neighborhood in our area. One day, we went by to visit them and see if we could help in some way. As we left their house, this sister told us, "My next door neighbors are members too, but they stopped going to church for the past couple of years." Wow! It was an unexpected blessing to find another family that is a part of our branch.

 

We immediately went to see them, but they seemed uninterested and only greeted us at their doorstep. It was a brief visit, and we left. We came back for this family on several occasions and for one reason or another, we were never able to speak more then 5 minutes or sometimes even find them home. But through our 5 minute visits, our hope was that they felt the love we had for them. Then one day the mom of the family invited us to come back and see her. We went to see her and it was a wonderful visit! We met her husband and her children. Through many small but meaningful efforts, last Friday we were able to speak with her and her husband about coming back to church.

 

Yesterday, my companion and I were so happy to see them come to church on their own. Seeing them in our Branch made me realize that consistent service matters and makes a difference. And finding them actually came through serving another less active family. It's just all really special to think about.

 

The Lord loves us so much and wants to help us. I love that when we are baptized we promise to always remember and strive to be like He is. We promise to do our best to "help succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees". In doing so, we show not only our brothers and sisters the love that we have for them, but we show our Heavenly Father that we love Him.

 

We had a most beautiful visit with a less active member. We saw her this past Tuesday for our food cita. I felt the Spirit so strongly when we spoke with her about her testimony and what personally keeps her from being active.

 

You know what? Sometimes people just need a hug. They just need to hear that they are doing a good job, that they are loved, and appreciated, and that they need to keep going forward. Think about how many people you see in a single day. Every one of those people is a son or daughter of God. Sometimes people forget that. And sometimes we should be the ones to remind them. Find ways to serve. Pray for opportunities to help others. There are so many in need. A loving Father in Heaven never forgets us, especially in our times of need, but oftentimes He answers the prayers of His children through the service of someone else. This week, be the person to answer a prayer! There is nothing more rewarding or worth laboring for!!

 

On Thursday, my companion and I went to an appointment with a progressing investigator of ours named "L". She's awesome. She reminds me so much of one of my friends at home, by her facial expressions and her personality. She's about 20 years old and has a 3 year old son with her boyfriend.  Her little son is my favorite!!!  He's such an obedient and happy little kid.

 

We've taught her now for two weeks. She has kept her commitments to read the chapters of the Book of Mormon we leave, she has been praying, and she is excited for her baptism. Thursday, we felt that we should review the lesson of the Restoration and watch the video presentation from the church on the Restoration. We started with a prayer, read from the introduction of the Book of Mormon, and went to watch the film. As I watched and listened, I felt the Spirit testify to me that the Church is true! I also felt a strong impression that "L" has a pure heart. Her desires are sincere, and that is why she has been blessed with a testimony.

 

I can't explain it in an email, I am not very good and writing, but I wish with all my heart that each investigator, less active and even active members could always have that purity of heart and humility to find truth. In a humble home of a daughter of God, we felt the Spirit of the Lord present.

 

We asked her shortly after the film how she felt. "Do you feel like you have received an answer to your prayers?" She smiled and immediately responded, "I know that the church is true!" I almost cried with joy!! I was filled with SO much gratitude and so much joy to hear her declare her simple but true testimony.

 

I can't explain it. Every hour possible in our day we spend sharing what matters most to us to everyone we can find. We share our hearts, what brings us peace and joy and purpose. To hear someone feel the same joy and direction is unreal. To share your testimony and for someone to accept it is the BEST FEELING EVER! 

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! (D&C 18:15-16)

 :D The week before this visit, we asked her pretty directly how she felt about her baptism. She replied "Happy". Me too "L", me too.

 

There is another couple that Hermana H and I are pretty sure are secretly already baptized. It's because they are SO AMAZINGLY AWESOME.  You should hear their prayers. They have already read the Book of Mormon. The Hermana accepted a baptismal date. They watched General Conference on their laptop like they promised they would. LITTLE MIRACLE PEOPLE: They make missionaries happy!!!

 

I love you all. I hope that the emails that Tiffy and I send reflect how happy we really are to be serving. It's hard to write out our testimonies in an email. I hope that our emails might help others to see the miracles we see everyday of just how much the Lord loves us. He loves us SO MÚCH.

 

Picture enough love to fill the universe, then multiply that by infinity and that gives you an idea of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and what He is willing to do for us.

 

I am grateful for another beautiful week in Mexico. It is a great privilege to be able to serve the people here and especially to serve the Lord. :)

 

CON AMOR,

 

Hermana Fernelius <3

 

 

Week 39! "Lupita (Our Giant Pet Moth)"

From 10/6/14

Hola Family and Friends,

This week waaas something special. I don't have much to say, but here is the weekly letter!!

"We had a good week! This has been another week of appreciating little daily blessings. For example, Hermana H and I made of list of old investigators and contacts that we planned to revisit and teach, many of whom we do not know. On the way, we contacted a man named 'B', and actually he was the man that we were on the way to see!

We also revisited a couple that we contacted two weeks ago. They were not home the day we had originally set our appointment, so we arrived unexpected at their home again, hoping to find them there.

Friday we found no one home. It was another day when every single appointment and back up was not home. Neither were old investigators or the members that we went to see. It felt a little strange! It was like the Colonia was on vacation, or sick, or out shopping at the same time. It was difficult. It felt like we were doing something wrong or wasting the day. It was a little discouraging.

At about 5:30 pm, we decided to recontact a couple that we met two weeks ago. The day we had scheduled an appointment with them, they were not there. So we went to their home in a part of our area a little out of the way, in the mud and rain. All day the only thing I kept saying to myself is, everything’s going wrong… that must mean something good is about to happen!! And it was that way truly.

We found 'P' in her home. She received us into her home and we began to get to know her. She is someone special!! It was like teaching an active member of the church. When we invited her to be baptized, she said, 'but I already am. Does that mean that my baptism was invalid?'

We explained the priesthood, then she said, 'I guess I should be baptized again then.'

She told us that she knew baptism is sacred and a promise made with God. Her husband had just come home when we said the final prayer. He came in and talked about how he wants to learn more of the principles and ordinances of the gospel. He actually used those words too. It was interesting to hear him use terms that normally only members know.

They committed to watch General Conference on their computers the past weekend. They really surprised us of how prepared they are to receive the gospel and make covenants with our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for that experience and that we will begin teaching them this week.

We are doing the best we can in this area. I know there is much improvement to be done personally, but that as we trust in the Lord, He will direct our paths. :)"

Con Amor,

Hermana Fernelius

Other fun tidbits... One night as my companion was reporting our daily datos to our District Leader, I was busy making pancakes which are called hotcakes here. He asked my companion if I would come over to listen to the phone call too because he asks us about the area and it requires participation from the two of us. I told him no (hahaha) because I was supremely busy and could not be interrupted. "what are you doing?" Makin hotcakes. haha. Since that night my first week here and ever since, I have been called Hermana Hotcakes.

Also, there have been about 4 witnesses that say that I look like Lea Michelle from Glee. And yes, I find that offensive. I get called that on the daily.

I have a photo of the wedding of mom and dad on my planner. Everyone comments on it. The members and my companion say that dad looks like brad pitt (not true) in the photo and that now he looks like Bruce Willis. Lol.

Turns out that Tiffany and I have the same experiences at the same time in our mission. If you could read our conversation from today. It was great. There are way too many things in common!

Love you all have a great week!!

Meet Lupita our giant pet moth. She appeared in our apartment and we named her Virgencita de Guadalupe, but for short Lupita. She is muy enojona. She attacked me actually. haha

Outside of our casa de oracion after limpieza

AND one for fun!

Favorite Pastime: Eating

We made fun of mannequins today. We were really bored and these fascinated us. 

We also found this really awesome slug in the street. Feast your eyes. 

Week 38! "Magico Mexico‏"

From 9/29/14

Hola Family and Friends!!!!

Amy: Bless you for the photos. I stared at each photo for a solid 2 minutes. Solid. Your little ones are such dolls. Love you sister.

Jamison: I literally laughed out loud with your email!! I loved that story!!! Thank you for taking the time to email. I hope you are doing well with EVERYTHING. Yesterday I was with a member and it reminded me of you and Amy. Your girls are precious! I hope you and Amy and Emma and Kylie have an awesome week! Love you!!!

Matthew: I loved your email! Thanks for writing this week. I know there's a million things to do. But hearing the testimonies of my siblings impacts me. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. I know that God has a special plan for you. Last night as I read my blessing, I opened my scriptures and it was opened to Proverbs 3: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. The end of your email sounded just like that. I think that's awesome!

Benjamin; I love you little one!! You will always be a little one in my head, even though you are a lot taller than me. I think of you every day for one reason or another. I hope you recognize how special you are. I hope you keep looking up to mom and dad and to the living prophets. I love the counsel from the scriptures to stand in holy places and be not moved until the day of the Lord comes. I know that you are wise to the promptings of the Spirit and hope you always will be. Just remember to keep your sights on the temple and on your future mission. It's important to prepare for that day today. It is imperative to be worthy and pure today and to remember the great blessing our Brother, Jesus Christ has given us, His Atonement. We can be clean every single day. There is cleansing, strengthening power of His Sacrifice. It's not only for us when we make mistakes, it's EVERYTHING: We need it everyday. Keep your head up and remember to be a good example to your family and friends. You influence others even when you don't notice it.

Mom and Dad: Your letters made me cry. Thank you for being such wonderful parents. I appreciate you much more than you can imagine. I was thinking of you two especially this week and again today as I talked about our family to Hermana H:

Her parents are only about 50 years old but very sick. Her mom has had recurring cancer for many years, osteoporosis and diabetes. Hna H had to be a CNA without even wanting to. She has done everything for her mom, from bathing to changing to dressing. Her dad is also sick although he doesn't like to talk about it because he's more worried about his wife. One of her brothers is deaf and mute. He suffered an accident when he was a child that left him deaf and mute. Hna H has learned how to sign language to communicate with him and talks so highly about him and her other brother. She's gone through a lot in her life, but always comes back to the family even though they have had serious trials.

I am so grateful for our family. I am so grateful for the blessings the Lord has given us. I am so grateful for the testimony you both have always helped me cultivate and for letting me rely on you two for anything and everything. The culture of the world in regards to family is broken. There are broken families, there are hopeless homes, there are broken hearts. I wish with all my heart that the youth and children could have the blessing of having loving parents and a complete home. I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you and that I always pray for you. LOVE you with all my heart.

"We had a week full of small miracles and blessings. We were blessed to find many former investigators who are willing to hear the gospel again. Sunday we had an appointment to meet a new 14 year investigator named 'L'. As we approached their street we saw her with her family outside their home. They welcomed us over and allowed us to teach right then and there. One member of the family, 'A', told us that elders used to teach her a few years ago. She began to learn more of the gospel and even went to church for six months. 'A', 'L', 'J' and 'G' accepted the invitation to be baptized. We are excited that the Lord helped us to find them. I think that L is really special. The two times we have seen her, she receives us with enthusiasm and she really tries hard to listen and pay attention to what we teach. I love that she is humble and willing to hear more. 

One of the goals that Hermana H and I committed to do this week is contact at least four businesses on our street and throughout our area each day. The owners of these business have been contacted several times over the months and years that missionaries have been here. We desire and want to be sure that everyone knows of our purpose as missionaries and has the opportunity to hear the gospel.

The street that we live on is heavy with traffic and full of negocios. In a single day we probably pass by them 10 times. So, yesterday we entered a clothing shop and began conversing with the owner, 'A M'. She mentioned to us that she knew of our church because she rented an apartment to elders for over 7 years. Her daughter decided to be baptized many years ago in our branch and continues to be active in another Mexican state. She also mentioned that her mom owns a similar clothing shop in our neighborhood.

'Wait, is your mom 'C'??'... It just so happens that A M's mom is an investigator we have been teaching with a baptismal date! In that moment I had many thoughts run through my mind. One, I need to talk to everyone...but really. Two, people are always observing members of the church and missionaries and our example truly does make a difference (for good or for bad). Another thought I had was a reconfirming feeling that Heavenly Father always labors to bring His children to Him at all times, circumstances, and every day. A M has had good exposure to the church not for one month, or a couple of years. It has been eight years.

Small and simple, but diligent efforts to preach the gospel MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Sometimes in lessons with members we share a comparison with them of how important our simple efforts make. We ask, how much water is in the ocean? How many pools could you fill with that water? How many buckets does it take to fill a pool? How many cups does it take to fill a bucket? How many drops does it take to fill a cup? The ocean is comprised of those infinite drops of water.

I felt the Spirit remind me not to doubt or complain because immediate results aren't seen when we share the gospel. I am not called to preach the gospel my way, it's the Lord's. The promise is sure that if we are worthy, have faith in Him, have righteous desires, and exert diligent effort we can be made instruments in the Lord's hand for the salvation of many souls. What a marvelous promise and blessing. I forget that all too often. I think sometimes I get trapped in going through the motions or thinking of numbers more than doing God's will. This week has been a call to change and to repent.

Later on in the day, we contacted a video store owner. He remembers seeing missionaries pass by every day through the years. He told us that the Hermanas before us would always ask how they could offer help or service. He was very open and gracious to us and committed to read the pamphlet we left with him. I felt grateful for the kindness of each one of those sisters because they made a difference to him.

Then we met another woman named 'E'. She let us into her business and asked us to sit and explain the Restoration to her. She once received lessons from elders. She always had the question to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet and why baptism. She opened up to us and gave us the opportunity to teach her in that moment. She is going to move her business tomorrow and will be out of work and without a place to live. Had we not spoken to her, maybe we, personally, would not have found her again. She did not invite us to come back and teach her for that reason. She doesn't know where to go, but we promised her that when she puts the Lord first, everything important will fall into place and the unimportant will fall out of place. I felt really uplifted last night when reflecting on the special experiences we've had with many people this week.

The branch is going! However small it may be, we see progression. We desire to work more closely with the Branch President to help him see the good in the area and re-ignite his excitement for missionary work.

Hermana H is an amazing companion. She really loves the gospel, and I can feel it each time she shares her testimony and teaches. She has a gift to love and to understand others. I am grateful to be her companion because I have learned a lot from her about the gospel, missionary work, and more about myself too. We are going to keep doing the best we can and have faith in the Lord."

Con Amor,

Hermana Fernelius

She's too cute! This is at the house of a member who invites us to lunch every Wednesday. Hna "L" is really special and I am grateful that she takes good care of us.

I hope this isn't inappropriate. I took this especially for Tiffy!! haha :)

Our area is made up of "callejones". That literally means little streets. It's basically alleyways. And it's the only way to go. There are a few that are very narrow like this one, so I decided to take a breather and read for a bit. 

We have a huge crisis in Mexico that the houses are numbered badly. The numeration in a single street is as follows: 3, 5, 7, 145 (??), 27, 84, 15..... and our faces as we walk down the street looking for number 20: o.O*?

This picture made me giggle. I think people pick their house number when they construct it, then re-number it as often as they feel the need for change :)

I tried taking this picture 3 times...the kitty would turn away every single time I took the photo. So our little friend took the initiative of making the cat look and smile. the result? This precious photo that makes me laugh every single time :)

This is "A"!! We love him and his family. His family truly are angels. They have lived hard lives and face challenges every day, but they don't let that slow them down. They serve and love, and smile and laugh. They are an example to me. His sister is "N", the young woman that Hna C and I ran into many months ago. His mom is "I", and we ran into her this morning buying groceries :)

We took this picture in our 'casa de oracion' or house of prayer. When branches or wards anywhere in the world meet in a building/house that is not a chapel, it is still dedicated and set apart as a meeting house that we call a house of prayer. I'll try to send pictures of our beautiful casa as soon as I can. 



This is a wall that is made up of pure grains and legumes. It is really incredible! I included another photo more up close so you can see!

My least favorite activity. I let Hermana H do all the phone calls. haha. I have never liked phone calls that much and it's in Spanish too. Nope, no thanks. It's funny because I carry the phone with me and Hna H carries the keys. Every time the phone starts ringing, I either say "Here, it's for you" or "I don't know who it is". This is a daily thing and although this is my response everyday, I don't think she's caught on yet. Tee Hee