Holaaaa!
Well, I'll start off to say today was one of the funner P-days I've had. The whole mission was together and the President and his assistants talked to us. Apparently our numbers have been lowering and he's worried about it. He talked about putting all of our energy into the work, and that's honestly something we need to work on! It's easy to work a little slower because you're tired, but I'm trying to remember how short our time is here!
Another thing they mentioned is to really listen to our investigators, and to talk WITH them instead of AT them. Teach people, not lessons as we put it. That topic is one of the hardest things for me. Asking questions that really allow you to understand the person and their needs...from my MTC days I've struggled with that. A lot of it goes with just listening to the spirit though.
During practices, my old companion Hermana Tozcano grabbed me and we taught together with two Elders. The way practices are always set up is everyone partners up with someone who isn't their current companion and find elders, if you're sisters, or vice versa. We were trying to practice how to really listen and what I got out of the practice is that all the missionaries struggle just as much as I feel like I do- some even worse. It surprises me how hard being a good missionary really is. I was with one elder who is almost at his 2 years and he stilllll barely can speak Spanish.
It is so interesting to me how much God puts on us to grow and change. You'd think just being on the mission changes you and turns you into a better person, but that's the farthest thing from the truth. A persons efforts and desires reflects who they become and what they get out of life. There's American missionaries who get here and barely know Spanish, but have the desire and attitude and do it- and not just that, but turn around and train after they get out of their own training.
This week though, was pretty normal. Every week we do so good with lessons and finding new people and trying to get our less actives to church on Sunday, but this Sunday all we had to bring to church were 2 investigators. Victor (grandpa) and Roberto (tried to commit suicide after wife left him) were there at least! The two poor guys have lots of problems we need to help them with, but I'm hoping we make progress. All of our little miracles always cost a lot on our part it seems like.
Some random things that I forgot to say last week were that I almost ate something really gross the other day! We ate with this really poor family and they cooked all parts of the chicken just about! They offered us the chicken feet, but we told them we were good with the legs. The feet looked super gross though. Like little hands or something...it was hard watching the little kids gnaw on them the whole time haha. So far that's the grossest I have come across.
Also this week, I held a live Iguana. It was pretty scary and it just lasted long enough for a picture! Also, I caught a frog when it rained the other day. Can you tell I love animals? Haha. Along with animals, my other love is the fruit here. There are sooo many kinds. Just when I think I learned them all, a new type comes in season. I'll send pictures:) Don't worry... (I just couldn’t get them to download this week, the computers were too slow!)
Next week is transfers again. My baby is almost all grown up, so I'm pretty sure we'll get separated. Hopefully not though, because we're finally starting to work really well together.
Until next week,
Love, Hermana Harper
Monday, July 28, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Brisas - Week 10
Buenas Tardes!
This week turned out to not be too bad! We were able to have a bunch of lessons with new people, which was a blessing.
At church we only had one investigator, Roberto. This week we taught him for the first time and he is a SUPER nice guy. He`s about 40 and lives with his mom. One day his wife took their two kids and left him. His mom told us it was really hard on him and he tried to hang himself, but the mom caught him before he died. I really hope we can help him to be happier in his life. His mom is really great too, but she's scared to switch religions because she worries she'll be sinning. With a little bit of time, we're hoping we can convert her too!
One of the harder parts this week was visiting our less actives. We have tonsss in our area and they're so stubborn! I think what it really is, is procrastination. All of them want to go back to church and everything, but just not right now, they say. Or Sunday rolls around and they think something that came up was more important. Its so frustrating because I can't help but feel like its our fault because we're not saying what we should or something...but we're trying! Its hard to see what a hold Satan has on these people, because they're missing out on so many blessings!
Another trial this week that I feel like we're finally starting to overcome, is my companionship. Hermana Pinguelo and I really struggle sometimes when we have different opinions, but during companionship study we read this talk (by Elder Craig Zwick "What do you think?") from last conference. It talked about understanding where the other persons intentions are coming from and communicating. When I shared the talk, my companion had been a little annoyed because I went ahead and called a member to do us a favor and she wanted to ask a different member. It was a silly thing, but even little things kill the spirit and I hate it. We got to a point where we understood the reasons behind why she was annoyed, why I just went ahead and did it and everything, but there still was a tension. Usually what we do is just give each other space and get over it, and it usually works, but whenever we do that we don't REALLY forgive each other. What changed things that time is instead of just cooling off, we stepped back and realized that we care for each other and don't want to be hurting the other one's feelings. In the talk, Elder Zwick talked about him and his wife's arguments and what really fixes the problems is realizing you love the person. In the moment, a lot of times I forget, but its true!
Love to you all,
Hermana Harper
This week turned out to not be too bad! We were able to have a bunch of lessons with new people, which was a blessing.
At church we only had one investigator, Roberto. This week we taught him for the first time and he is a SUPER nice guy. He`s about 40 and lives with his mom. One day his wife took their two kids and left him. His mom told us it was really hard on him and he tried to hang himself, but the mom caught him before he died. I really hope we can help him to be happier in his life. His mom is really great too, but she's scared to switch religions because she worries she'll be sinning. With a little bit of time, we're hoping we can convert her too!
One of the harder parts this week was visiting our less actives. We have tonsss in our area and they're so stubborn! I think what it really is, is procrastination. All of them want to go back to church and everything, but just not right now, they say. Or Sunday rolls around and they think something that came up was more important. Its so frustrating because I can't help but feel like its our fault because we're not saying what we should or something...but we're trying! Its hard to see what a hold Satan has on these people, because they're missing out on so many blessings!
Another trial this week that I feel like we're finally starting to overcome, is my companionship. Hermana Pinguelo and I really struggle sometimes when we have different opinions, but during companionship study we read this talk (by Elder Craig Zwick "What do you think?") from last conference. It talked about understanding where the other persons intentions are coming from and communicating. When I shared the talk, my companion had been a little annoyed because I went ahead and called a member to do us a favor and she wanted to ask a different member. It was a silly thing, but even little things kill the spirit and I hate it. We got to a point where we understood the reasons behind why she was annoyed, why I just went ahead and did it and everything, but there still was a tension. Usually what we do is just give each other space and get over it, and it usually works, but whenever we do that we don't REALLY forgive each other. What changed things that time is instead of just cooling off, we stepped back and realized that we care for each other and don't want to be hurting the other one's feelings. In the talk, Elder Zwick talked about him and his wife's arguments and what really fixes the problems is realizing you love the person. In the moment, a lot of times I forget, but its true!
Love to you all,
Hermana Harper
Monday, July 14, 2014
Brisas - Week 9
Hola Friends,
This week was pretty normal. Sunday was a bummer because we had our hopes up for 7 investigators to come to church, but only one made it. From our 3 from last week, only Victor made it to church. His wife and sister we're pretty tired because they were up partying until 3am! They crack me up because they're like 80, but they still get super dolled up for parties- even if its just a family party.
This week we had a lesson with a guy we've been calling "Miguel creeper." This guy stopped us in the street to get our names, so consequently we contacted him and he has been texting us ever since. He keeps asking us if we were allowed to get married and how it works being a missionary and stuff. He'd been out of town for awhile, but finally got home so we met with him. We tried really hard to bring a member, but no one could :( We went though and told him what's up and how we're missionaries and our purpose was to help him get closer to God in his life. Haha, he honestly didn't seem to normal to me because he got distracted way too much and was eating paper when we were with him. We haven't heard from him since though, so I don't think he's too interested anymore!
Something funny this week is that I climbed a roof to pick some fruit. We were teaching this super old lady and she had a guaya tree and my companion has been craving them lately, so we asked the lady if we could pick some for her and us. She obviously was too old to do it, so I climbed the roof to get to where all the fruit was. Haha, that's been me and Hermana Pinguelo's thing lately. We're always helping old people pick their fruit! It was cute because this old lady told us she hates eating alone because she's scared to choke with no one around to help her. So, while I was picking fruit, my companion was watching, and the cute old lady was taking advantage of the moment and eating the guayas haha.
Well, on a spiritual note, I'll share something from my studies of the book of Mormon! I've been reading about Alma the younger, and I noticed a verse that hadn't stuck out to me before. When the angel appears to alma and his friends, he specifically says the reason he's there is on behalf of the prayers and faith of Alma (the father) and the members of the church. It's interesting because God always allows agency, and could have let them keep using it how they had, but due to faith and prayers, God sent miracles that changed their lives. I think I discredit prayer sometimes because we pray alllll the time and for the same things pretty much. When we truly have faith and do all God's asked of us, we're able to receive the blessings.
Well, love you all! Enjoy your week!
Hermana Harper
This week was pretty normal. Sunday was a bummer because we had our hopes up for 7 investigators to come to church, but only one made it. From our 3 from last week, only Victor made it to church. His wife and sister we're pretty tired because they were up partying until 3am! They crack me up because they're like 80, but they still get super dolled up for parties- even if its just a family party.
This week we had a lesson with a guy we've been calling "Miguel creeper." This guy stopped us in the street to get our names, so consequently we contacted him and he has been texting us ever since. He keeps asking us if we were allowed to get married and how it works being a missionary and stuff. He'd been out of town for awhile, but finally got home so we met with him. We tried really hard to bring a member, but no one could :( We went though and told him what's up and how we're missionaries and our purpose was to help him get closer to God in his life. Haha, he honestly didn't seem to normal to me because he got distracted way too much and was eating paper when we were with him. We haven't heard from him since though, so I don't think he's too interested anymore!
Something funny this week is that I climbed a roof to pick some fruit. We were teaching this super old lady and she had a guaya tree and my companion has been craving them lately, so we asked the lady if we could pick some for her and us. She obviously was too old to do it, so I climbed the roof to get to where all the fruit was. Haha, that's been me and Hermana Pinguelo's thing lately. We're always helping old people pick their fruit! It was cute because this old lady told us she hates eating alone because she's scared to choke with no one around to help her. So, while I was picking fruit, my companion was watching, and the cute old lady was taking advantage of the moment and eating the guayas haha.
Well, on a spiritual note, I'll share something from my studies of the book of Mormon! I've been reading about Alma the younger, and I noticed a verse that hadn't stuck out to me before. When the angel appears to alma and his friends, he specifically says the reason he's there is on behalf of the prayers and faith of Alma (the father) and the members of the church. It's interesting because God always allows agency, and could have let them keep using it how they had, but due to faith and prayers, God sent miracles that changed their lives. I think I discredit prayer sometimes because we pray alllll the time and for the same things pretty much. When we truly have faith and do all God's asked of us, we're able to receive the blessings.
Well, love you all! Enjoy your week!
Hermana Harper
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Brisas- Week 8
Hola!
First of all, the mission president changed P-day on us this week, so that's why I'm writing a day late! We got notified like Thursday, which is annoying, but that's how things always go here it seems like. At first I was super bugged because we'd either waste a lot of time or money to change all our appointments, but then I remembered that the zoo is never open on Monday, but Tuesday yes, so then we were excited :) Everything has worked out in the long run because we ended up having like 7 lessons that day, which is really good for us.
This week felt like it was pretty eventful! We found two new investigators that seem really promising. One has her husband in jail, so we had her take him a Book of Mormon and she said he was really grateful for it. When we extended the baptismal invitation she accepted and asked if her 2 kids could get baptized too...Uh, of course they can!! :) One is 8 and the other 10, so its perfect. We've only had one lesson with her though, so hopefully everything goes smooth. Her name is Najelli.
Another lesson we had was with a young mom of two little kids, Anai. Our lesson was super short with her, but I can already tell she's promising!
Oh, so I went to the doctor on Wednesday. I've had this weird breakout on my chest for a couple weeks that I just thought was acne or something from the dirt and sweat...bbbuuutttt...the doctor told me they were little bugs!!!!!! The presidents wife had thought it was heat rash or something, but the cream she gave me wasn't helping much, so I finally decided it was time to go see the doctor about it, and yeah, I have little bugs. My companion was laughing at me because I was like freaking out a little to the doctor when he first told me. The doctor gave me cream and pills and am using some special soap and so far I think its helping, thankfully.
Thursday we had immigration, so that took up a lot of our morning traveling there and getting that all taken care of for my companion.
Friday (I think), my companion and I had a little bit of contention. I'm definitely learning a lot from this companionship, about how to get along with others. It's hard because Hermana Pinguelo loooves to push me when I'm already upset, but honestly our companionship has gotten stronger because I'm learning to say sorry and forget and forgive.
Something exciting,
WE HAD THREE INVESTIGATORS AT CHURCH THIS WEEK! It's the first time since we got here, so we're super happy! Haha when we reported our numbers to our district leader he was wayyy happy for us and even our zone leader called to congratulate us. It was fun to finally see our efforts paying off. Our 3 investigators are Rita, her husband Victor and Rita's sister Erlinda. They're all like in their late 70's - 80's and are the funniest ever. I love going to visit them because they feel like grandparents to us now. Erlinda always asks me if I'll take her home with me to the U.S. when I leave, haha.
That’s all for this week. I love you all, Hermana Harper
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| My Trainer, Her Trainee (My Sister) and My Daughter |
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| A new fruit I found...Pitaya! |
This week felt like it was pretty eventful! We found two new investigators that seem really promising. One has her husband in jail, so we had her take him a Book of Mormon and she said he was really grateful for it. When we extended the baptismal invitation she accepted and asked if her 2 kids could get baptized too...Uh, of course they can!! :) One is 8 and the other 10, so its perfect. We've only had one lesson with her though, so hopefully everything goes smooth. Her name is Najelli.
Another lesson we had was with a young mom of two little kids, Anai. Our lesson was super short with her, but I can already tell she's promising!
Oh, so I went to the doctor on Wednesday. I've had this weird breakout on my chest for a couple weeks that I just thought was acne or something from the dirt and sweat...bbbuuutttt...the doctor told me they were little bugs!!!!!! The presidents wife had thought it was heat rash or something, but the cream she gave me wasn't helping much, so I finally decided it was time to go see the doctor about it, and yeah, I have little bugs. My companion was laughing at me because I was like freaking out a little to the doctor when he first told me. The doctor gave me cream and pills and am using some special soap and so far I think its helping, thankfully.
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| Brisas Scenery! |
Thursday we had immigration, so that took up a lot of our morning traveling there and getting that all taken care of for my companion.
Friday (I think), my companion and I had a little bit of contention. I'm definitely learning a lot from this companionship, about how to get along with others. It's hard because Hermana Pinguelo loooves to push me when I'm already upset, but honestly our companionship has gotten stronger because I'm learning to say sorry and forget and forgive.
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| 2 of the 3 investigators we had at church this week!!! |
Something exciting,
WE HAD THREE INVESTIGATORS AT CHURCH THIS WEEK! It's the first time since we got here, so we're super happy! Haha when we reported our numbers to our district leader he was wayyy happy for us and even our zone leader called to congratulate us. It was fun to finally see our efforts paying off. Our 3 investigators are Rita, her husband Victor and Rita's sister Erlinda. They're all like in their late 70's - 80's and are the funniest ever. I love going to visit them because they feel like grandparents to us now. Erlinda always asks me if I'll take her home with me to the U.S. when I leave, haha.
That’s all for this week. I love you all, Hermana Harper
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| Catholic Decorations |
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| Party Food! |
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| Lizards are EVERYWHERE! |
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| A Friend From Home...She went to Mountain View HS! |
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| The Zoo Here is called Animaya! |
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| Comps at the Zoo! |
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| Zoo Pics! |
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| More Zoo Pics! |
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