tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43115328662652325012024-03-13T09:07:48.983-07:00Our Missionary in Mexico"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-27613713761178723142015-07-30T20:18:00.000-07:002016-02-05T08:50:10.500-08:00Last Days in Mexico City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Gonna miss your sweet daughter! She is truly wonderful as you well know!</i></span></div>
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The group of 20 missionaries about to return to their homes.</div>
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They picked up new missionaries on Monday, and did training and the usual things. Then the cambios meeting was on Tuesday and all the new companionships were formed and eventually left for their areas. Ward members also come some time in there to say their goodbyes. Finally all that were left were the twenty who were going home. They had a testimony meeting and spent time together on their last evening in Mexico. </div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">June 9, 2015 - </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">Can I call you? </span></i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Pres. Stutznegger called me the night before she came home. He said all the hermanas were there in the house, just talking and doing their final bonding. He just wanted to tell me what a wonderful missionary Hermana Taylor had been and how much they loved her and would miss her. </span></div>
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It really was the sweetest call, and most unexpected. I almost wanted her to stay . . . almost! </div>
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In the Mexican outfits they flew home in.</div>
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Early morning - all packed and leaving the mission home.</div>
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She had some delays before leaving. Her flights had been changed (I knew this because I entered her flight itinerary into the computer the day before - a tip from a missionary mom - and some of her flights didn't exist. I talked to Missionary Travel and they told me her new itinerary and assured me that she would have all that information on her end). Anyway, after some delays, they got it all figured out. Hermana T was glad for the delays because Pres. Stutz had been off in a different part of the airport, sending off some other missionaries, and it gave him time to get back so they could say their goodbyes.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><i>June 10, 2015 - It was so sad to say goodbye to Her!!! :(</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><i>It was painful!!!!</i></span></div>
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Meanwhile, at home, I was tracking her flights. This is her first flight that left Mexico City at 6:10am Mexico time, heading for Dallas Fort Worth.</div>
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From there she flew to Calgary, and then home to us.</div>
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This message came after she had left and they had twelve missionaries still there, waiting for later flight.</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">June 10, 2015 - So very excited for the Taylors! We are all hanging out at the office with 12 missionaries eating dominós pizza, soda, and just killing a little time before the last sad trip to the AirPort!</i><br />
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We got the house ready!</div>
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Her last flight was supposed to depart at 4:15pm but it didn't actually leave until 6:08pm. That gave us almost two hours of watching the board and seeing her flight being delayed time after time for another fifteen minutes each time. We were working on our long suffering, plugging parking meters and getting mighty hungry!!! The weather was nice though so we spent lots of time outside. Finally a plane arrived and we were pretty sure it was the one she was supposed to be on, so we videoed it, and it was indeed her plane. We watched from a distance as she finally came out the doors, down the glass hallway, and into our arms! Best hugs ever!!!</div>
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Katia and Mackenzie ran up for the first hugs. They were both very emotional and couldn't get enough of their big sister.</div>
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Our family together again - so so wonderful!!!</div>
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The whole family - and Hermana Taylor finally got to meet Addison!</div>
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In the car. It was so fun to watch her look around, and observe the differences. She said "Hey, people stop at traffic lights here - they're not just suggestions!" </div>
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We all went to Tony Romas for dinner, along with both sets of grandparents. The delayed flight changed our plans and we were starving. Luckily the stake president was able to meet with her later that evening for her release interview, so we could still eat as planned. These two little sisters did not leave her side! </div>
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The drive home was interesting too as she got very quiet and was just looking around at all the fields and the space. "Where are the buildings? Where are the people?" Home was pretty different when compared to the twenty million people in and around Mexico City!</div>
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We took her straight to the Stake President for her release, then went to see some local family and finally home.</div>
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It has been a pretty long, tiring and emotional day for our sweet girl. But bed didn't happen until she opened her luggage that weighed a ton and gave us gifts and showed us her Mexican treasures. She even brought back mole for us to try!!!</div>
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When we asked her what she wanted to do the next day, she immediately responded that she wanted to go to the temple. The Mexico City temple closed for renovations the month she arrived in Mexico and will open in a few months, and she really missed being able to attend the temple. </div>
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So first thing the next morning, we went to our temple.</div>
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A month after she got home, I sent a little update about her to the Stutzneggers. These were their responses:</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sis Stutz: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.46px;">It is hard to tell you how much we miss your daughter! We loved her so much and miss her sweetness, dedication, and smiling face. We will forever be attached to her! Give her a big hug and we so enjoyed hearing about her current adventures! She deserves to marry the very best - so you have to monitor that one for us!! Love you guys!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.46px;">Pres. Stutz: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.46px;">I want to wear a little medallion also that says, "I can do hard things". I share that saying with my missionaries all the time. I remind them of Hermana Taylor and her strength. Missionaries get so discouraged so fast when things don't go their way. We truly love "our" Jasmine. She will always be a part of our hearts. I really cried at the airport saying "goodbye" to her and all the sisters and Elders we got so attached to!! I cheated and hugged your daughter and kissed her on the cheek!!! We miss her!!</span></span></i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-20289986711248884182015-06-17T19:46:00.000-07:002015-11-05T19:47:00.100-08:00A Few More Photos<div style="text-align: center;">
These are a few photos I got from other missionaries who have returned home.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_pGUexUu2M8l3RpMT9VA7zdTWSMuIwCYBh8i8-D3hFC0XSWTjPbc4DDiGGvYNLv1B6eAD4kVWhX_rgJ3NDZKhf8QwpBX0nN7XEbYqlB2dFqbxHPv997tODiQ7ZJSzHjtuhdknAU5uGg/s1600/10846154_1014272641918177_7509884869479456863_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_pGUexUu2M8l3RpMT9VA7zdTWSMuIwCYBh8i8-D3hFC0XSWTjPbc4DDiGGvYNLv1B6eAD4kVWhX_rgJ3NDZKhf8QwpBX0nN7XEbYqlB2dFqbxHPv997tODiQ7ZJSzHjtuhdknAU5uGg/s400/10846154_1014272641918177_7509884869479456863_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken by Hma Luque at the Visitors Center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaGh9QXZserf9zbwp91nKM5Q0ZgCz5zOq5jENWcZ35E5p0oq3O2cZoR8mf_IeYkodldzndplF5yZeZVouCy3o7-8w2F-kXwcaTAjuLISImMhyShbzL8YNUthJyfc3gI4tyglldIZ3q2Y/s1600/1268761_887959424549500_3702857200119664385_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaGh9QXZserf9zbwp91nKM5Q0ZgCz5zOq5jENWcZ35E5p0oq3O2cZoR8mf_IeYkodldzndplF5yZeZVouCy3o7-8w2F-kXwcaTAjuLISImMhyShbzL8YNUthJyfc3gI4tyglldIZ3q2Y/s400/1268761_887959424549500_3702857200119664385_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying Hermanas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxAd1oKKSnYkQq0-mS6CsdFDsxs9MqTG0azlgZHVpNPCqP60rO6xZCUnIiRyeR_aOyUI754WtDQX81Rs7ZWJPwkLqXbUyMODFH0_qS9aMCYgTvWI710BqYE1tG4BdSc-FjhFrnX4Fj04/s1600/10354948_699161523498266_9094567859140641198_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxAd1oKKSnYkQq0-mS6CsdFDsxs9MqTG0azlgZHVpNPCqP60rO6xZCUnIiRyeR_aOyUI754WtDQX81Rs7ZWJPwkLqXbUyMODFH0_qS9aMCYgTvWI710BqYE1tG4BdSc-FjhFrnX4Fj04/s400/10354948_699161523498266_9094567859140641198_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooded streets with Hna Mercedes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolqHl9Je2nLo2-mgJ4SrrTWkd5LB0ne6SDf006p_cbI_iFOzdOjbdB2Mkgr-UceHu5Sa3pjm8nWuhKsmKU7J8usPoL372Da4ugu9rTyVuQoOrO5i6v9COjhQ99pFqfTjTvZnKA235qsU/s1600/10448785_1014274491917992_4236678110195610987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolqHl9Je2nLo2-mgJ4SrrTWkd5LB0ne6SDf006p_cbI_iFOzdOjbdB2Mkgr-UceHu5Sa3pjm8nWuhKsmKU7J8usPoL372Da4ugu9rTyVuQoOrO5i6v9COjhQ99pFqfTjTvZnKA235qsU/s400/10448785_1014274491917992_4236678110195610987_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mexico City Street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W4ubS6dmp3D8c5GIbfQq2QCV52ZGzfWvlB9FaNTEi_Vf4Fsg0K9r-boYiMIKqX7obkjgGLc7uuBAZZr-tSidtKVMZ6oXSIgo1KOgtH6ftQCoNe9t7vk5DmoaJh6yAz_ju2Px2JnNBak/s1600/11008511_1014266478585460_3356807498884384869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W4ubS6dmp3D8c5GIbfQq2QCV52ZGzfWvlB9FaNTEi_Vf4Fsg0K9r-boYiMIKqX7obkjgGLc7uuBAZZr-tSidtKVMZ6oXSIgo1KOgtH6ftQCoNe9t7vk5DmoaJh6yAz_ju2Px2JnNBak/s400/11008511_1014266478585460_3356807498884384869_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep in thought</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjDArIT2WOoi6-D1WSJy2TPCN-L-4yUwHIzYz5g8cqdLhh44RGGRkPYR3CQWRCDGEV1-g0A2INozmjlwIKYAW7qVg2jEVSYTAfN_KLXe1iNTcGnbcxeT5JvCMwuSXSGSbXq8lXcS2PUY/s1600/11245789_1014274111918030_5993685659860685594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjDArIT2WOoi6-D1WSJy2TPCN-L-4yUwHIzYz5g8cqdLhh44RGGRkPYR3CQWRCDGEV1-g0A2INozmjlwIKYAW7qVg2jEVSYTAfN_KLXe1iNTcGnbcxeT5JvCMwuSXSGSbXq8lXcS2PUY/s400/11245789_1014274111918030_5993685659860685594_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An internet cafe where our weekly emails got sent from</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a Krispy Kreme treat at the airport after dropping homebound missionaries off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bkz_SwPAYCips9Q4dfmE4N1CnSeO9Hd-1IenjLF_uGlbBkBaIebdZLdug4I5VZWxLspE9iYA18W06oqcuK0-fuMFIixKldCCbQhOuUGXIw3icxw2vYWb1xAtgewD6JeiVuxu5F8bQCc/s1600/10547896_10153432091005439_5540663251073526399_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bkz_SwPAYCips9Q4dfmE4N1CnSeO9Hd-1IenjLF_uGlbBkBaIebdZLdug4I5VZWxLspE9iYA18W06oqcuK0-fuMFIixKldCCbQhOuUGXIw3icxw2vYWb1xAtgewD6JeiVuxu5F8bQCc/s400/10547896_10153432091005439_5540663251073526399_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermanas Taylor and Ingram,walking the streets of Mexico City</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-11802008392632293462015-06-08T12:37:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:55:01.732-08:00{Week 78} Polanco - June 8, 2015<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Hi family. This is my last time to write to you all. It's been a crazy, amazing 18 months. I can't believe it's practically over. I think I honestly believed that this day would never arrive. But it has! And I'll be home on Wednesday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">First of all, can you tell Jaime that I love her and that the mail works? I finally got the Christmas card that she sent me lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This has been an amazing week... Both Carlos and Bertha were baptized! It was a really special baptismal service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Bertha - her husband called us hypocrites the first time that we met, but we've become friends over the past few weeks, and we were so happy to see him come to the baptismal service to support his wife. Bertha has been such a golden investigator. From the moment we met, she was convinced that the church was true and that she wanted to be baptized. The day of her baptism she was sooo happy. She hugged us and cried, and thanked us for coming into her life. She told us that she wished she had found the church years ago. She said ''I would have joined years ago, but nobody told me. I didn't know. If I had known, I would have done this a long time ago''. We found Bertha when her friend Lourdes who was baptized in October suddenly came up to us in church and told us that she had a reference for us. I am so thankful that Lourdes had the courage and the desire to share the gospel. There are so many people who are prepared and waiting to hear the gospel, they just don't know it, and they won't know until we open our mouths and share our testimonies and invite them to come unto Christ. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JbAm1f-7l5xc2eXYiPWAoURMVitWEhaF-r70079hETbqB-h4ti0QbYE9ktnKfI5B-3KHpzfggIMCHHMCu2t8eoB2YXYGbxv6_HLQleUM-Eu4dxSLW7f9BW1hUZCLr3o3DxxtrSQ0r3w/s1600/DSCN2257%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JbAm1f-7l5xc2eXYiPWAoURMVitWEhaF-r70079hETbqB-h4ti0QbYE9ktnKfI5B-3KHpzfggIMCHHMCu2t8eoB2YXYGbxv6_HLQleUM-Eu4dxSLW7f9BW1hUZCLr3o3DxxtrSQ0r3w/s400/DSCN2257%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Hno Ramon, Bertha's husband, Bertha, Me, Hna Ingram, Lourdes, and Bertha's kids Jonathan and Alison</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Carlos - it was a miracle that we found Carlos. We contacted a lady, who gave us a false address, and we then found Carlos at that address. We taught him for about a week or two, and then we couldn't find him. But we kept passing by - and that is the miracle, because usually after a week or so of looking for a person everyday, we stop going by. There are a lot of people who will listen to us once or twice, but then they hide from us and avoid us. Eventually we get the hint and stop coming, but with Carlos we both felt like we had to keep passing by. Finally we found him drunk, we taught him, he stopped drinking, he started coming to church, and he got baptized! He was so happy the day of his baptism. He clasped our hands and cried as he thanked us for helping him to change his life. <span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Gustavo, Carlos, Carlos's wife, me, Hna Ingram</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">On Sunday we had three confirmations - Alejandro, Carlos, and Bertha. When we got to church, Carlos and Alejandro were already there. They come every Sunday morning to church at 7 AM for a priesthood preparation class, which ends in time for our services to start at 8. So they were both there and got confirmed without a problem. I was so happy for them. I could feel the spirit strongly. But Bertha didn't show up. We called her about 20 times that morning, but she didn't answer. Before the sacrament hymn we snuck out and tried one last time. We had decided that if she didn't answer we would look for her at her house after the sacrament and help her get to church to be confirmed. But she answered! She had woken up late and was on her way. She got there right after the sacrament and was confirmed. It was so amazing to see these three people that I have come to love so much receive these sacred ordinances. I love seeing people's faces light up and their countenance change as they find and accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Alejandro was a huge example of that - after his baptism he looked completely different. His face was peaceful, when before it had always been full of worries and concerns. I love seeing people change. I love teaching people as a full time missionary. I know that the gospel helps us to change our lives, and I am so grateful for this chance I've had to be here.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6Grll83GsxkQsdzC71Uht6hZUAQOLX0ncQfXsDGgklymD1dSPKZIwmhdh1nrQ8sGaGXe_vR0zpWHt32WpGPxWzim1UWUYDZtz5rCvCACvA1VUZigxPHA7bQkVpo6ylp_L2cklxtxtb0/s1600/DSCN2279%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6Grll83GsxkQsdzC71Uht6hZUAQOLX0ncQfXsDGgklymD1dSPKZIwmhdh1nrQ8sGaGXe_vR0zpWHt32WpGPxWzim1UWUYDZtz5rCvCACvA1VUZigxPHA7bQkVpo6ylp_L2cklxtxtb0/s400/DSCN2279%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Us with Alejandro on Sunday</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. We bore our testimonies - as well as half the ward. The last testimonies finished 30 minutes late. There was a lineup at the pulpit. Many mentioned us in their testimonies and thanked us. Even though the testimonies stopped super late, they still sang the closing song. It was #88 - ''Placentero nos es trabajar''. I love this hymn. It doesn't exist in English, but it has come to be one of my favorite hymns. The first verse talks about the joy and pleasure we find in preaching the gospel and helping others learn about Christ. The second verse exhorts the people to listen to the word of God and to always remember the love He has for us. And the third verse says something like this - ''Farewell my brethren, the time to go has come. But if we keep the faith in God, we will see each other again on the other side, and we will dwell with God''. It was so appropriate, and I just cried through the whole thing. Then after church, everyone hung out for about an hour, and we took a bazillion pictures, and I cried a lot. I've been in this ward for 11 months, and it was so sad for me to say goodbye to everyone. They've all become so special to me, and it's hard to know when I'll see them again. When I said goodbye to you all 18 months ago, it was sad, but it was okay because I knew I'd see you again in a year and a half. But when I say goodbye to the people here, it is really sad because I have no idea when I'll see them again. But it's okay, because like it says in the song, I know that if we keep the faith and are obedient, we will see each other again. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">My last Mexican</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;"> meal - pazole!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been an amazing 18 months. It went by so quickly - but at the same time I can't remember ever doing anything else other than full time missionary work. It has amazed me the love that I have come to feel for the people that I have met here. My testimony has grown so much. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love me. I know that Jose Smith was a prophet. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet now. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and if we study it diligently everyday, we will find amazing answers and knowledge. I know that when we pray with faith, He hears us and He will answer us. I have felt His love and His guidance in my life, and I know that He will never forsake us. I know that we have a huge responsibility to share the gospel, and if we have the courage to open our mouths, He will give us the words we need to help others feel the Spirit. I came on the mission with the mindset ''I can do hard things''. But over time I have come to realize that I can't. I'm weak and imperfect. I have faults and I make mistakes. I can't do it... at least, not alone. But I KNOW that with His help, I can do ALL things. And that is maybe the biggest lesson I have learned in my time here. To literally trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not unto my own understanding. I know that He will direct my paths, and He will help me do all that He would have me do. I just need to trust in Him, and work with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, and He will bless me and help me. One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 64:33-34. We must always have a desire, a willing heart and a willing mind, to do what He asks of us. I've changed in the mission, and I want to keep changing to become a better person - the person that God wants me to be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm excited and terrified to come home. I'm really emotional these days - I've been crying a lot... But I'm excited to see you all and I'm ready to come home. I did my best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Be good, say your prayers, and Trust in the Lord. I'll see you on Wednesday. I love you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Hermana Taylor</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Countdown from Hna Stutznegger!</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-80266155416734941822015-06-01T14:10:00.001-07:002015-11-29T21:54:34.573-08:00{Week 77} Polanco - June 1, 1015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Hello Family! I've got a civil war of emotions going through my heart right now. I'm ecstatic to see you all again. I miss you. But I'm so sad to be leaving. And I'm just a little bit terrified to start real life again... but, I know that all will be well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you ask Pres Stutznegger to tell me when you get the letter from the college. I'm pretty sure that's what I want to do, I just haven't really thought much about it for a while, so I want to pray about it first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Addison! Happy 1st Birthday! It's really strange to think that there is a new person in my family that's been there for a whole year, and I don't know her! But I'll meet her soon :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So a lot of stuff happened this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To start : Alejandro. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We visited Alejandro a lot this week - then on Thursday, he told us that he still wasn't sure, but that he was more decided to do it, than to not. But, he also told us that he was going to have to go out of town. He was leaving that night, and wouldn't be home till Sunday or Monday. He had to leave for work, but it meant that once again, his baptism was going to fall through! Grrrr. But we couldn't do anything about it. Don't tell him this, but as we were leaving that day, I was praying that his car would break down so he couldn't leave lol. So we spent the next few days calling him, and sending him messages. We had left him several chapters in his Book of Mormon to read during his trip. But he never answered any of our calls or messages! So we were a bit nervous, and we were praying a ton for him. Finally, Saturday morning he answered when I called him! And it turns out, he never even went on his trip because his car broke down!! (oops - be careful what you pray for lol) He wanted to see us immediately, but we were in the mission offices (I'll explain more about that ahorita) so we couldn't until later that day, and then he was busy working, so we ended up meeting around 5. He had seemed really down on the phone, so we were both a bit terrified. I was praying for him all day. When we talked, he started it out by telling us that he had prayed and read, and had a huge fight with his wife, and a lot of work problems... and he had decided that he was ready and wanted to get baptized! He said he didn't want to have to wait and wanted to do it that very day! We were so happy! I teared up I was so happy. But, unfortunately it was too late to arrange a baptism for that day lol, so we planned it for Sunday after church. Our District leader came over that night to interview Alejandro and we called everyone and got it all arranged - and then on Sunday he was in church in a suit and tie, and was super nervous. He left before the last class because he had to do something at home, and said he'd be back at 2 for the baptism. So we got everything ready... and then 2 came and went.... and I was getting really nervous that he wouldn't come, and he didn't answer when we called him... but then at 2:15 he arrived! It was a great baptism. Elder Choc came to baptize him, because it was he and Elder Evans that started teaching Alejandro. I love baptisms! And I was so happy to see Alejandro finally make that step! It was a miracle!!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp-JdVJbO7zyW3podZPrpUysmSeknPDRn3vvprpm3TjLf-ULqxESXn4R3QQDvkWynyRHcf6uACiwqQk__XVOQW_PedPtkO46PTuhXPSMBstGoaSkNKCIuM2hbB1_jfC83eF_XN8FxW5I/s1600/DSCN2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp-JdVJbO7zyW3podZPrpUysmSeknPDRn3vvprpm3TjLf-ULqxESXn4R3QQDvkWynyRHcf6uACiwqQk__XVOQW_PedPtkO46PTuhXPSMBstGoaSkNKCIuM2hbB1_jfC83eF_XN8FxW5I/s400/DSCN2156.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">The baptism! Hna </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Ingram and I, Elder Choc, and Alejandro.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we also had several reunions - on Tuesday we went to a training meeting to train the new trainers... lol. That was a lot of fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then on Friday we had the mission Leadership council meeting - I love this meeting. It's all the Zone Leaders, the Assistants, the Sister Training Leaders, and the President and his wife, and we talk about plans for the mission and different concerns that we may have. Elder Perea and Elder Kelshaw gave a capacitation, which was really good - they talked about how we can work with the ward to advance the work. At the end, Elder Perea talked about how, when we go home, we have to work hard. We can't go home and go back to being the people we were. We've changed here, and we need to never become complacent, but we should keep working hard to become more like the Savior and we should help others to become more like Him too. The spirit was really strong, and I just about started crying as it hit me that this message was for me. Then the President ended the meeting, and asked a few of the people going home to bear their testimonies - and he asked me to bear mine too! This time I did start crying. My whole mission I've had the chance to hear the testimonies and advice of the missionaries who are about to go home, and to learn from them. And I couldn't believe that it was my turn to do that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then on Saturday, we had our goodbye interviews. (That's why we were in the offices when Alejandro wanted to talk.) Those are normally our last weekend in the mission, but the President's son is here this whole next week to visit, so we all had our interview last week because the President wouldn't have time this week to do them. That was so crazy! It was the best interview ever. We talked about what I had learned in my mission, what my plans were for when I go home. He gave me some really good advice. I cried (I do that a lot these days). Then he gave me a blessing, which said exactly what I needed to hear. After that interview, I feel a lot better about coming home. I love President Stutznegger so much. I feel so blessed to have had him as my mission president. He has taught me so much and has helped me so much to become a better person. And his wife is amazing too. I feel so blessed to have both of them be a part of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">And on Sunday, our Ward Mission Leader invited us to come eat pozole at the church. I LOVE pozole, so of course we went. A whole bunch of our favorite members were there, and they held a tiny devotional in which several converts bore their testimonies, then the WML </span><span style="background-color: white;">sang to us! We've butted heads a bit, but I've just always tried to love him and help him out, and it seems like somewhere along the line, we worked our way into his heart, because while he sang, he cried! He sang ''I'll Find You My Friend'' by Janice Kapp </span><span style="background-color: white;">Perry, but in Spanish, and it was so touching. It made me cry. Then we all ate pozole </span><span style="background-color: white;">and took a bunch of pictures, which was a lot of fun. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;"> The pazole party - all the sisters.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">I feel so blessed to be here. I love this place, and I love being a missionary. I have no idea what I'll do when I get home, so mom, your schedule looks good for a start. In the words of an Elder that said it so poignantly - ''I love my ghetto mission''. It may not be the prettiest place in the world, but the people here are good, and I love them. I feel blessed to be here. I know that God loves me, and I love Him. I think that is one of the biggest lessons I've learned here. I know that He loves us and will help us overcome whatever trial that we are called upon to face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you all have a great week. I love you all. Be good, say your, prayers, and always put your trust in Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Con amor, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hna Taylor</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-59087678840237381502015-05-25T12:04:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:54:02.581-08:00{Week 76} Polanco - May 25, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.5599994659424px;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So it's Monday again! This week was crazy - it went by soooo slooow. But that's a good thing :) We felt like we hardly had any lessons and that we were in the street all day every day, but when we counted at the end, we had 49 lessons this week! Everyone is spoiling us and making our favorite food before we go home. And in every house that we go to, they ask us how much time we have left before we go home. But even with everyone talking about it, I still can't believe it. I know that I only have two weeks left, but it's like I can't imagine any other life than missionary life. I still feel like I just got here, but at the same time I can't remember any other life. It's a pretty crazy feeling. It still hasn't hit me that I'm coming home soon, and I don't think it will for another 2 weeks. But I am getting tired. Every time I go home I feel exhausted. And before I know it, it's 6:30 and I have to get up again. Actually that's pretty easy - I can't sleep past 6:30. I'm too used to getting up! Often I'm awake by 6 and just laying in bed waiting for the alarm to go off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jordy, you should wait for me and we'll go to Institute together! (haha you don't have too....)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Waterton looked like a ton of fun. I'm an expert at walking right now, so we should go hiking a lot when I get home lol!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mackie, thanks for your letter! It made me so happy to hear from you! I love you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So this week we did divisions with Hna Bennett and her companion Hna Tirado. I spent the day with Hna Bennett, which was a ton of fun. It reminded me of the MTC days - it feels like that was forever ago!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love Mexico - we saw some interesting things this week that you wouldn't see anywhere else...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- there was a guy smoking weed in front of his house, and this guy walked past him walking his dog. The weed-smoker handed his joint over to the dog-walker, who took a few puffs, handed it back and continued on his way! What friendly neighbours to share their drugs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- A guy was trimming his bushes with a giant machete. We contacted him. Then he said we were ''muy guapas'' (very gorgeous) so we just gave him a pamphlet and kept going! It's a bit strange when the guy with a machete starts trying to flirt... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- a drunk guy was really mad about something and was shouting and cursing and throwing rocks at a house... that's actually a pretty normal occurrence lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And the sun had this crazy ring around it! They were saying that there were ice crystals in the air, and that the sun was reflecting off them, making the crazy circle. The people kind of went crazy - lots were saying it was a sign from God, while others were saying that it was announcing some big natural disaster. But so far we've just been getting a lot of rain lol.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheloo3dTFgGrXKtZAOGLfZYogTEjfLBq_SuapDAy3L0sz6Q2pJaUeMgW3kisf-gzi8Lnz_cFXOu4ya-ySXMHmmxWkzXLz7BsbrJgnneVbDQoueGJO5_rJyj8OBJ29Ofsmtg9dv-QqeG3k/s1600/IMG_5639%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheloo3dTFgGrXKtZAOGLfZYogTEjfLBq_SuapDAy3L0sz6Q2pJaUeMgW3kisf-gzi8Lnz_cFXOu4ya-ySXMHmmxWkzXLz7BsbrJgnneVbDQoueGJO5_rJyj8OBJ29Ofsmtg9dv-QqeG3k/s400/IMG_5639%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.5599994659424px; text-align: start;">The world ended....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And the other day, we went to a member's house to eat - and normally we love eating with this member because the food is always delicious! But this time, she had forgotten... so her husband gave us the food... and he gave us chicharron! That is pretty much pig skin - they fry it, then they soak it in salsa, so it becomes a nasty, soggy, booger looking thing. It is terrible. Hna Ingram and I were both wondering what we were going to do - I can choke it down, but I don't like it, and she hates it. So thankfully, the member left for five minutes, so we grabbed the plastic bag I had in my backpack to protect my books from the rain, and we shoveled all the chicharron into it then hid it in my backpack. That stuff is seriously so nasty. It's almost as bad a mole lol.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.5599994659424px; text-align: start;">Hiding the </span>chicharron.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">We had a super spiritual experience the other day. Around Christmas time, a member here took us to visit a lady named </span>Guadelupe<span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"> - she's a member, but she has cancer, so she hasn't been able to come to church in a while. She's the only member in her family. When I met her at Christmas, she was in a lot of pain, and you could see the tumor in her neck - it was about golf ball size. This last week, we went to visit her again. Her house was full of people - all of her family was there. They ushered us to her room, and she was sitting on her bed. she was </span>sooo<span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"> skinny. She was literally like a skeleton just sitting there. and the tumor was huge - like softball sized. We sang ''I Stand all Amazed'' with her, and she was mouthing along the words with us as we sang. Then we said a prayer and talked with her for a bit. It was really hard for her to talk - we had to really focus to understand what she was saying. She remembered me from when I came last time to see her. She told us that she had died for five minutes and had seen Heavenly Father, but that He had sent her back. She bore her testimony to us, saying that she knew that the church is true, and that God loves her. It was amazing to read the scriptures with her and talk about how much God loves us, and how He was helping her. There was a really special spirit in the room - and there was not a dry eye. Even the nurse that had come to check on her was crying. As we left, she asked us to do a favor for her. She told us to tell the Bishop that she wants her funeral to be held in the church. It was amazing to see someone who has suffered so much continue to have such strong faith.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So our Investigators!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Alejandro - on Wednesday he was feeling so excited to get baptized. He had his interview - but he had to have a special interview. So later that day we went to the stake center and he had his special interview with the President. And he passed! But then... on Friday he sent us a huge text saying that he had thought about it, and he didn't feel ready. So we rushed over to his house to see what had happened. Turns out that whatever he did in the past that required a special interview was really hard for him to think about, and it made him really emotional, and he didn't want to get baptized any more. We talked with him for a while, and he agreed to pray that night, and we went back Saturday morning to see him. When we went back on Saturday, he told us that he felt like he wasn't ready. He used to run Marathons, so he compared it to that - that when he had a race the next day, if he wasn't ready then he wouldn't go, and instead would double his efforts for the next race. So he felt like he wasn't ready, so he wanted to wait for the next Saturday, and meanwhile he would redouble his efforts and pray and study a lot to help him be ready. So that's what we're doing! Please keep praying for him! He's a really great guy, and he is sooo ready to get baptized, he just needs a lot of help to get over his doubts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Bertha and Carlos are still doing great. They are both super excited to get baptized and love everything that they are learning. Please keep praying for them too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- and Nora wasn't progressing so we had to drop her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I miss you guys. I really do. I'm excited to hug you all. But at the same time I feel really sad to leave. I can't imagine what it'll be like to not be a missionary anymore. And I'm going to miss the people here. I love them so much. It is something amazing to be representative of Jesus Christ - we're constantly teaching and testifying of Him and His plan for us. The spirit is always so strong. And it's amazing to see the changes in people's lives when the Spirit testifies to them of the truthfulness of our message. I'm so glad that I came on a mission, and that the Lord called me to serve among the people of Mexico. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Be good, say your prayers, and read the scriptures. These things are seriously so important to do. They are the things that help us come closer to Christ and that keep us from falling when things get hard. I love you all tons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-Hna Taylor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">PS. President and Sis Stutznegger say ''Hi'' :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">PPS. Photo credits to Hna Ingram</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-63915438926659145582015-05-18T20:09:00.001-07:002015-11-29T21:53:38.102-08:00{Week 75} Polanco - May 18, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi family! I miss you guys. The other day we went to the Visitor's Center at the temple again, and the movie about the family made me cry. I'm excited to hug you all again. <span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">And Tony Romas sounds great! And my favorite dessert is Black Forest in a Bowl! (just for your information...)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not sure about what I want to talk about for my homecoming talk... I've learned so many amazing thing here that I could probably talk forever. I wouldn't mind talking about charity... or the Atonement... or the importance of having a testimony about Jose Smith and the Book of Mormon... or about seeking and following inspiration... or whatever other topic. It'd probably just be easier if they assigned me something.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I asked her how Home and Visiting Teaching was going in her Ward, and this was her response:)</span></i></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">So about this ward... The visiting teaching and home teaching program in this ward is pretty much nonexistent. We are constantly trying to help everyone get excited about doing it, but this ward is a lot of talk and not a lot of action. We're working hard, but it's frustrating sometimes. I do love this ward, but I feel like taking the missionaries out will be a good thing. They're used to us doing all the work and visiting the less actives. It'll be good to get them working, even if it is al fuerzas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So this has been a great week with our investigators. Lots of good stuff happening!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Alejandro - when we first started visiting him, he just wanted to learn. He was NOT interested in getting baptized. But the other day when we saw him, he said ''I'm convinced. I can't make any excuses. I need to get baptized.'' He then said that he would definitely be getting baptized before we go home, but he felt like that week was too soon. But he also said that if we felt like he should be baptized that week, he would do it. Normally we would have said ''Yes! This week!'' but we both felt really strongly that we should wait a week to give us more time to teach him so that he would be more prepared. So now the plan is for this Saturday. He's been progressing a ton. He has changed so much since we started visiting him. Pray for him! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love seeing the changes in people's lives as they start to live and believe in the thing we teach them. It's amazing the power that the Atonement has to help us pick our lives up and change things around, and to help us become better people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Carlos - He is a huge example of how through faith we can change our lives. On Monday night, we went and knocked on his door, and he came out!... drunk. He was really sad, and said that he hadn't wanted us to see him like that, and that's why he was hiding from us. But he decided to come clean. We talked to him for about five minutes in front of his house, and we made an appointment for the next day. When we came back, we knocked on the door and his daughter came out, and told us that he was still drunk. Normally at that point, we would have just left and come back later, but Gustavo (remember Gustavo? he's fellowshipping Carlos and always comes with us to the appointments) asked if we could go talk to him anyway. So she let us in, and we went and chatted with Carlos for about thirty minutes. He's a really sturdy drunk, and if we didn't smell the alcohol, we wouldn't have even known he was drunk. We had a great chat with him - Gustavo helped him a ton. We talked a bit about the faith and how if he put in his part and had the desire, he could turn his life around. When we left, we could tell that he was sincere in his desire to change. That night he went with Gustavo to the addictions class that Adolfo is giving in the church. We've been visiting him everyday to help him, and he is doing so great. He came to church on Sunday, and in the Gospel Principles class they were talking about faith, and the teacher asked him when he was going to start exercising his faith, and he said ''ya empezé'' (I already started). His original baptismal date was for yesterday, but we had to change it. When we invited him to prepare to get baptized on the 7th of June, he said ''You bet. This time I'm really going to do it!'' He is progressing a ton! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Bertha - she is amazing. When we put her baptismal date, she said yes before we even finished the question. We taught her about keeping the Sabbath day holy, and the next day she told us about the plans that she and her husband have to not sell hamburgers on Sunday night anymore so that they can keep the Sabbath day holy. You have no idea how big of a miracle this is. NOBODY here keeps the Sabbath day holy - they all buy food, and a ton work. So it's amazing to see her faith and desire to keep the commandment. And her husband doesn't want anything to do with us, but he is really supporting his wife which is a huge blessing. On Sunday I sat beside her 5 year old daughter Alison in church, and helped keep her entertained. That was so much fun - I miss watching kids in church!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">We also went to the temple on Saturday - we took Alejandro, Gustavo, and Rosa and her family to the Visitor's Center at the temple. They loved it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">They show us a video about a family there, and then after, ask what we thought about it. It's an amazing video, and always touches everyone. Victor, Rosa's 7 year old son, was crying really hard afterwards. The two Sisters giving the tour asked him why he was crying, and he said it was because he wanted a little brother or sister. He told them that his little sister died, and he missed her. It was so sad - not a dry eye in the group. Rosa was crying really hard too. It was amazing to testify with the Sister's there that their family could be together. The spirit was so strong. I love going to the Visitor's Center! And I am SUPER excited to go to the temple when I come home! I haven't been to the temple in a long time! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Alejandro, Rosa, Israel, Gustavo, me, Victor, and Hna Ingram </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">at the temple! </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And on Wednesday we went back to the President's house and finished designing the year long training program for the mission with him, his wife, and the assistants. It was a lot of fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And funny story! Remember how I told you that Bertha's little boy is deaf? Well... he's not. When she first introduced us to him, she said ''this is my son Jonothan. He's 2. He's left handed.'' That's where we got confused, because the word for left handed is ''zurdo'', but we thought she said ''sordo'' which means deaf. So we went for like a week thinking he was deaf. And he's a really quiet kid - never talks, so we believed it. And honestly, how many people introduce their kid saying ''This is my son. He's left handed.''? So anyway, the other day she mentioned again that her son was ''zurdo''. So Hna Ingram asked how they came to realize that he was ''sordo'', and Bertha told us that they noticed that he had started to use his left hand for everything. And we were thinking ''What does using his left hand have to do with being deaf?'' So we were like ''Wait wait wait... what is he?'' And that's when she explained to us what zurdo meant, and we explained that we thought she had been saying sordo. We had a really good laugh over that one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm really enjoying being with Hna Ingram. We laugh a ton, and we get along well and we work well together. It's a blast! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night I couldn't sleep for some reason, so around 12 I went up and just sat on the roof for a bit. I could see the city lights go on forever. There was mariachi music and fireworks in the distance. There was a lot of noise, but at the same time it was really peaceful. It was beautiful. I love this place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all tons. I hope you all have a great week. Be good, say your prayers, and enjoy Waterton!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hna Taylor</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-47680910921616313512015-05-11T14:22:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:53:14.010-08:00{Week 74} Polanco - May 11, 2015<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Hi family! It was really strange talking to you all yesterday. I was waiting for the tears, but they didn't come until we had already hung up. I love it here, but I am getting really excited to see you all soon. And this morning Hna Ingram and I went to centro, to the marketplace Ciudadela again, and I bought you all your trinkets... they may not be exactly what you all asked for, but I think you'll like them! I do! I love the traditional Mexican stuff so much! My future house is going to be decorated en una manera muy méxicana!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The APs are Perea and Kelshaw. Our ZLs are Esplin, Garret, and Hixen. They're in a trio because Esplin and Garret go home at the same time I do, and they're training Hixen to be a ZL. My DL is Elder Lee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So President Stutznegger and his wife are in search of 30 General Conference talks about the Savior to give to the missionaries - if you have any suggestions you want to send me or him, it'd be really helpful! Thanks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So you already know that on Wednesday we were in the President's house for most of the day - we made a year long training program for the mission. But we didn't finish it, so next Wednesday we're going back to finish it off. I love being in the president's house - it's super peaceful. We had arrived Tuesday at his house, and then Wednesday morning he went to go pick up the assistants, so while we waited we were just doing personal study. I spent about 2 hours just studying one scripture - John 14:6. I learned a ton of stuff - it was an answer to prayer. One of the messages I got really strong was about the importance of having charity - the way. I could feel so strongly the love that my Heavenly Father and Jesus have for me and for everybody, and I feel like I could understand even better the need to love everybody. I also learned quite a bit about personal revelation - the truth. It's been so amazing to me to see when I diligently search for revelation, the Lord really does reveal things line upon line, and precept upon precept. And it's through this personal revelation that I find the strength to do as He asks, and I feel His love even stronger. I also learned a lot about the Atonement - the life. I know that through Christ's atonement, we can receive eternal life. Heavenly Father wants us to return to live with Him. We just have to love Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. And if we truly love Him, we will do as He asks without being compelled to do it. I have really come to love the scriptures over these last 17 months - there are so many treasures found in them, and if we study them everyday, and apply the things we learn to our lives, we can truly change and become the people He wants us to be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our investigators are doing well...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Alejandro - we had a great appointment with him on Saturday night. Before, he didn't even really believe that there was a need for him to get baptized - he just liked learning. But on Saturday it was like everything clicked, and he felt the spirit, and came to understand and feel like he needed to be baptized. We have an appointment with him tonight, and depending how things go, he should be getting baptized on Saturday! He has progressed so much since we started teaching him. He's a really great guy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Bertha - we found her on Tuesday, but she wasn't able to meet with us at all in the week. Sunday we passed by to bring her to church, and she said that she wasn't going to be able to go. We testified to her that it would really help her if she came, so she said she'd meet us there. They say that a lot, but then never show up. but she actually did! About 15 minutes late, but she came! That was a miracle for us, and tomorrow we have another appointment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Carlos - we've lost Carlos! We can't find him. We don't know if he's avoiding us, or if we just have really bad timing, but pray for him and that we'll find him, because he has so much potential. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Nora - she came to church again, but she's really not sure how she feels about the whole baptism thing... pray for her too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Edith - she's still not married, but she came to church on Sunday... she also needs lots of prayers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And remember Rosa and Israel? They're the ones that have to get divorced and married before they can get baptized. They are so amazing. We meet with them once a week, and they always come to church on Sunday. Right now they technically don't count as investigators, because they can't get baptized, but we love them. They have such a desire to get baptized, and are working hard to be able to do it. We always feel so happy when we teach them. We love them! The picture is them at the church. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPccIK1ezz5MNjG92xR6g_dCKFGZ0ORTAxPS-F1wb-aqW1hKucBKJYeJo5uf13wbzDltKf5LBQ6I9SpE6vlm-F2DwlrHhlaDvIVMpY2lIW-P2670tYRzycgIOUVm1egLzFyKRbt5ii5iw/s1600/DSCN2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPccIK1ezz5MNjG92xR6g_dCKFGZ0ORTAxPS-F1wb-aqW1hKucBKJYeJo5uf13wbzDltKf5LBQ6I9SpE6vlm-F2DwlrHhlaDvIVMpY2lIW-P2670tYRzycgIOUVm1egLzFyKRbt5ii5iw/s400/DSCN2113.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">This is Israel, Rosa, and Victor. I love this family!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">And I love Mother's Day! They gave everyone ice cream in church! And it was Cheese flavor, which is my favorite. It's seriously soooo gooood. You'll have to try it sometime. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So we've been walking a lot lately... and May is pretty much the hottest month here, so we are always sweltering! Then it always rains at night, so our shoes get wet on the way home. And our area is a lot bigger, and lately people haven't been home, so we usually end up walking around for a couple hours in the hot sun just contacting... lots of fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We also did divisions this week. Hna Ingram went to Oriental with Hna Ortiz, and I stayed in P--- with Hna Valdivia. She's from Tijuana, Baja California, and she goes home when I do. We had a good time together. Divisions are fun - a nice change of pace, and I always learn something new. This week we're trying to do them with Hna Gurley and Hna Llaguarima. Hopefully we're able to do it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So that's everything for now! It's so crazy to think I'll only be sending 4 more emails before I come home. I love you all tons and hope you all have a great week. And I'll talk to you soon! Be good, say your prayers, and study the scriptures! love you :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Hermana Taylor</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_BtUADo2eeK78l2JWO-gZ6pTzTuj56G5H-MXycCpmpkz5a75dRYu25rsYAz3Y_qHrp0MOVCvUHoKglcod52jtKWpd59mWKeCNKjmePj1fQmv6iiZmjdPIekA-pAJwLLUzx6weKdSXl4/s1600/10419007_10206541474525190_3823614315690863380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_BtUADo2eeK78l2JWO-gZ6pTzTuj56G5H-MXycCpmpkz5a75dRYu25rsYAz3Y_qHrp0MOVCvUHoKglcod52jtKWpd59mWKeCNKjmePj1fQmv6iiZmjdPIekA-pAJwLLUzx6weKdSXl4/s400/10419007_10206541474525190_3823614315690863380_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mothers Day Skype</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-89074487701775667732015-05-05T17:37:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:52:35.353-08:00{Week 73} Polanco - May 5, 2015<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">First of all...</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">MOM!!!!! Happy 46th birthday! I love you so much! </span></div>
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Just for your information, today is also the Mexican celebration of the battle of Puebla... everyone has school off, but that's about the extent of their partying.</div>
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So this has been a fun week! </div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">On Monday, we got to go to the CCM (Mexico City MTC) to pick up the new missionaries - there is only one new sister, Hna Wong from Baja California. The CCM is really pretty and clean, so I was happy we got to go there. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AdrFSKJBmCfb2T78xJugg6hWHAdJh0KY1QjI9A0qHYjEL_K4xWAA5OVJBMYKwOurAe2xxUqjSDHwjIl4M2wn1zhzWUT81eDC33B2gxhHgJ8lB3d96AqHeeWIYwaz9D83iHMFYHQZV1E/s1600/DSCN2088%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AdrFSKJBmCfb2T78xJugg6hWHAdJh0KY1QjI9A0qHYjEL_K4xWAA5OVJBMYKwOurAe2xxUqjSDHwjIl4M2wn1zhzWUT81eDC33B2gxhHgJ8lB3d96AqHeeWIYwaz9D83iHMFYHQZV1E/s1600/DSCN2088%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">The CCM - Hna Wong, Hna Ingram, me, the Assistants Elder Schaap and Elder Perea, and two of the new Elders, Flores and Pacheco</span></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">We then went back to the office, and spent a little while training the greenies with the Assistants (and playing a little basketball with a volleyball and a bucket screwed on the wall). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLWsY2w36dt0Pg48VPkwZuRm62RcHiFkSf346ebu8a9w1LCvD_2Jq98aern6ZAOenTxwut1d49pgzAcjzOjpVkQIAsNHAC0SjI5eIdeDjMsjjZJE7zkwZTD-Iqj-FBxMWtqfMgH9jD8Y/s1600/11174414_974244192599639_7585628638869402502_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLWsY2w36dt0Pg48VPkwZuRm62RcHiFkSf346ebu8a9w1LCvD_2Jq98aern6ZAOenTxwut1d49pgzAcjzOjpVkQIAsNHAC0SjI5eIdeDjMsjjZJE7zkwZTD-Iqj-FBxMWtqfMgH9jD8Y/s1600/11174414_974244192599639_7585628638869402502_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Then we came to the President's house with Hna Wong where we spent the night! We slept on really comfy mattresses, but it was so hot that night that we hardly slept. The next morning, we went to the Changes Meeting, and enjoyed that a lot. A bunch of members from our ward came to the meeting to say goodbye to Hna Mercedes, Hna Luque, and Elder Evans. They brought Mariachis which was hilarious - a bunch of dressed up Mexican men singing to the missionaries! It was crazy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmAOTYgXA-BlEFo8-7b9ZyIfTY7u6YxHMWnzL-kL_4jI-k8VrBoUW8Nis5RhVUsUdB99bW-gjSlC9FT2On7ZYmtFHJfe0Vw6WL2erfvmjwUqr2HxPhkldyJS6P1oskXC1CUGA-qVou98/s1600/11194563_974774825879909_1428507845169262245_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmAOTYgXA-BlEFo8-7b9ZyIfTY7u6YxHMWnzL-kL_4jI-k8VrBoUW8Nis5RhVUsUdB99bW-gjSlC9FT2On7ZYmtFHJfe0Vw6WL2erfvmjwUqr2HxPhkldyJS6P1oskXC1CUGA-qVou98/s1600/11194563_974774825879909_1428507845169262245_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then we came back to the President's house with the Assistants and all the missionaries that were going home. We had a nice meal, and a testimony meeting. Then we sent the Elders to the mission offices, and we stayed with the Sisters that were going home! - Hnas Luque, Mercedes, Williams, Nance, and Monarez. We enjoyed our evening together, playing games and chatting. Then, Hna Ingram and I slept on the blow up air mattresses in front of the open porch door - and it was raining outside. We had such an amazing sleep! It was the best sleep I've had in awhile. Then we woke up at 3:30 to take Hna Luque and Hna Mercedes to the airport! That was fun - but super sad. I hugged them both so hard. I love them tons, and it's really sad to think that I might not ever see them again. I cried for a little while after we said goodbye to them. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4UUEeCWSoD_rufXsLmMDQZeycC3Ip2GWJc3ul_dHJFTlQBb3NwaljYd1O5TV8MehT1itNGwsSTS4lli1-IPe7dBV-lHd61Fj3Vn075neuaYz5Efe7YNDrVstrqk6_ykq9AssjROhTwQ/s1600/11168570_975768042447254_1641591762023612039_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4UUEeCWSoD_rufXsLmMDQZeycC3Ip2GWJc3ul_dHJFTlQBb3NwaljYd1O5TV8MehT1itNGwsSTS4lli1-IPe7dBV-lHd61Fj3Vn075neuaYz5Efe7YNDrVstrqk6_ykq9AssjROhTwQ/s1600/11168570_975768042447254_1641591762023612039_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farewells to Hnas Luque and Mercedes at the airport.</td></tr>
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Then we raced over to the mission office (this is the President, Sis Stutz, Hna Ingram, and I) to get the next batch of Elder's to board the plane. They were going to be up and ready waiting for us so that when we pulled into the office at 6 they could jump in and we could leave... but when we got there only Elder Schaap (the old assistant that's going home) was ready - the rest were still sleeping. But they all got up fast and were ready to go. That was a hilarious airport trip because Elder Evans had one suitcase, and a laundry bag filled with stuff that he was planning to send through the baggage thing. When we got to the airport, he had to juggle all his stuff because his suitcase was too heavy. So he and Elder Norr were there in the line opening his suitcases and throwing his stuff around. Then they wouldn't accept his laundry bag unless he plastic wrapped it. So he had this giant blue plastic wrapped laundry bag ball that he checked into the baggage. It was so funny. After they took off, we did one more airport run with a few others, then finally headed back to our area and got to work. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZnNm-QMu-j_BwALjV9LcvVHw1sqUaoUReruiSK0pIlJJzxvw_IsZCbnmA2K-6sSAd1BjD3YdW79sX29GPuSye8qXmD6q8dUglHItcDeAFyxUD8yGzOwOuVYeJ7Hp8j7tTc6VHx9CzNo/s1600/DSCN2098%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZnNm-QMu-j_BwALjV9LcvVHw1sqUaoUReruiSK0pIlJJzxvw_IsZCbnmA2K-6sSAd1BjD3YdW79sX29GPuSye8qXmD6q8dUglHItcDeAFyxUD8yGzOwOuVYeJ7Hp8j7tTc6VHx9CzNo/s1600/DSCN2098%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hna Taylor and Elder Evans - two missionaries from the same hometown.</td></tr>
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And yesterday, the President and Sis Stutznegger took us to Ciudadela - a market place where they sell Mexican clothes and trinkets. We had a blast there and I bought two dresses! We spent the whole day with them, and that night we had appointments, so that's why we didn't have time to write. And today, we worked in the morning, then we had to come to the president's house again - we're having a meeting with him and the assistants tomorrow to plan our training program for the year. So right now we're in his house doing nothing, and that's why we decide to write today! So I'm sitting in his nice office on his huge fancy computer in a really comfy chair writing ya'll! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03La1GDNKlM9W9-8rOxyVpvX806NscAvqKd41o33Kuh1ye7ak7dPI4id-V3P8CPbhXu9rBrY1dZh5_R6NqME_1r2pd6X3-_QzzozlxluMM71E56rbTuwnFC6YEmwpmj04ZyGwMzSqsmE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03La1GDNKlM9W9-8rOxyVpvX806NscAvqKd41o33Kuh1ye7ak7dPI4id-V3P8CPbhXu9rBrY1dZh5_R6NqME_1r2pd6X3-_QzzozlxluMM71E56rbTuwnFC6YEmwpmj04ZyGwMzSqsmE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hna Taylor with the Stutzneggers and what looks like a little Mexican man trinket!</td></tr>
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And when Elder Evans went home, they took his companion Choc out of the area. So we now have the biggest area in our whole zone! We are now the only missionaries in our ward, and our ward is one of the biggest. My area practically just more than doubled in size. When Hna Ingram and I finish our mission, they're planning to shut down our ward completely for missionaries. We're kind of sad about that, but we feel like it will be really good for the ward in the long run. We told the Bishop and the ward mission leader the other day that that was the plan, and they were sad, but now they're making a whole bunch of plans about how they're going to work - this ward is suddenly more excited about missionary work than ever, which is ironic because they're taking the missionaries out!</div>
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But we're seeing some really good stuff happen! We've got a bunch of investigators...</div>
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- Alejandro - the elders were teaching him. He's already come to church like 6 times. but he has a ton of doubts and is really not sure what he wants to do. But yesterday we had a great lesson with him - we challenged him to pray right there with us and ask God if it was all true and if he should get baptized. So he did! We all kneeled down and he prayed - Hna Ingram and I were both praying at the same time so hard in our hearts that he would feel the spirit. When he ended his prayer, he just kind of sat there with his eyes closed for a good five minutes. Then we all sat down again, and he told us that he felt really peaceful. So right now we're working with him for May 16th for his baptism. He's a hard case, but I know that he can do it. We're also getting to know his family a lot better - his wife and Ana and his 2 kids. We're trying to arrange teaching them too.</div>
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- Nora - So we contacted her son Alberto by knocking on their door, and he gave us a return appointment. But when we came back, he was sleeping, but Nora let us in to teach her. She loved our message. The next morning we dropped by to take her to church with us, and she and her husband Jose came! They only stayed for Sacrament meeting, but they liked it, and Jose wanted to know when we'll come teach him too. So they're both doing pretty great!</div>
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- Edith - this is the mom (her daughter Edith got baptized a couple weeks ago) she's great, but she just needs to get married so she can get baptized - and her husband works in the army so he's never home and it's been hard to find a time for it to happen. She's great, we just don't want her to get cold, and decide not to do it.</div>
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- Carlos - he's progressing really well, but on Sunday he had to leave town and didn't come to church, so his baptismal date fell through. :( But we'll be seeing him on Thursday and we'll work with him to put a new goal.</div>
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- Bertha - She was a reference from a new convert named Lourdes. We actually just barely taught her for the first time this morning, and it was really good. The Spirit was strong. And she told us that she felt really peaceful, and that that was what she had been missing in her life. So we have some high hopes for her. She's married, but her husband doesn't want anything, and her kids are really cute - her daughter is 5 and her son is 3 and is deaf. </div>
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These are the investigators that we have right now, and they could all use a ton of prayers! </div>
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We also have high hopes for a family that we met on Sunday. We were walking down the street, and we passed a lady and her daughter. They kind of did the double take and looked at us, (but that's normal here), then kept walking. I actually felt like I should contact them, but for some reason I didn't. Then the mom stopped and shouted after us, asking if we spoke English. Her daughter had some English homework with her, but didn't know how to do it. So they took us to their house which was in the other street, and let us in and gave us juice, and we helped the little girl with her homework for about 30 min. While doing that, the whole family gathered around to see who the strange white girls in their house were, so we started chatting and introducing ourselves and explaining that we were missionaries. We told them that we'd like to come back to keep helping with her English homework, but also to teach them all about God - and they said yes! So on Friday we have an appointment to go teach them. It's a family of 5 - and they seem really great. We have some high hopes for them - they could also use your prayers! </div>
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So it's been a great week! i love it here. Hna Ingram and I are having a lot of fun together. We speak some crazy Spanglish and it's hilarious. We get along great, so that makes it easy to work hard and help people. I'm loving life and can't believe that the time is rapidly coming to an end. The members here looove reminding us that we're going home soon. But we're having a great time. I love Mexico. </div>
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Hope you all have a great week. You're all amazing. Katia, I'm glad you're okay. Jenna, you rock that Bball. Jordy and Carlee, keep up the the good work in softball! Mackenzie, I love you. Chelle, I love you too. Dad, thanks for your letters. I love hearing from you. Logan, you're pretty awesome too. Addison, I don't know you yet, but I'm looking forward to hugging you! And Mom, thank you so much for faithfully writing me every week. I love reading your letters. You're pretty much the best mom that exists. Thanks for being mine. I hope you have a great birthday and I'll talk to you on Sunday. I love you all! Be good, say your prayers, and give mom a huge hug for me! And be thinking about any souvenirs that you want me to bring you - I'll be asking you all about it on Sunday. Love you!</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZo1eql9CEpOk1GBVxEp6Ro5GMQPcM8ffC9KjJhCovA5rCMOUd1Dev5sHQP-TrCBEqeRzG0YxWMRJqvdb2fB5np-NUjofSXIeNkGPZuNQIZaDfxp6kdmM_4tTEJgV1JmKSlQcDpX5SkQ/s1600/DSCN2094%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZo1eql9CEpOk1GBVxEp6Ro5GMQPcM8ffC9KjJhCovA5rCMOUd1Dev5sHQP-TrCBEqeRzG0YxWMRJqvdb2fB5np-NUjofSXIeNkGPZuNQIZaDfxp6kdmM_4tTEJgV1JmKSlQcDpX5SkQ/s1600/DSCN2094%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hna Luque and I.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hna Mercedes and I.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-20811772202831370582015-04-27T10:54:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:52:23.705-08:00{Week 72} Polanco - April 27, 2015<div>
So I don't know how much time I'm going to get to write you all... I'm in the mission office. We get to do new missionary training today - that should be fun. In a bit, someone is going to come get us to take us to the CCM <i>(MTC in Mexico City)</i> - the old benemerito and we're going to pick up the new missionaries then come back and train them all day. Tonight we'll be sleeping in the President's house, tomorrow are changes in the morning, and all afternoon we'll be with the missionaries that are leaving. We'll sleep in the President's house again, then take some missionaries to the airport, and then finally get back to the area to work Wednesday in the afternoon! </div>
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Jordy! Congrats on your college graduation! And congrats on cutting out carbs! I'm so proud of you!</div>
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And Dad, I loved your letter, even if it was slightly trunky. </div>
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As for the airport, I don't really care. I'm just excited to give you all a hug. I'd love to have my grandparents there. </div>
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So this week was filled with a bit more bad news...</div>
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We dropped Jorge. We realized that he's pretty much a pathological liar - He lies about everything and invents fantasies - he told us he had a kid and 6 girlfriends, but that he wanted to change his life... we prayed about it then dropped him, and it's sad, but we feel good about that decision. When he's ready he'll progress. </div>
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And Rosa won't be getting baptized anytime soon. We went to visit her one day, and she was super excited. But then that night she and her ex-boyfriend of three years got back together. So they both came to talk to us the next day. She and he told us of their love for one another - it was honestly really sweet. And we had already mentioned to her about the temple and eternal marriage, and she had shared that stuff with him, so they both came to the appointment with a desire to get married and be together forever. And she was super excited about her baptism, And Israel (her boyfriend) wanted to learn more about the church too... but the problem is that they aren't married. But to get married, they first have to get divorced. They're both married to other people - they've been separated from their spouses for over ten years, but they just never bothered to get divorced. And their spouses don't want to give them a divorce - just to be difficult. So it's going to cost a ton of money and it's going to take a loooong time. When we told Rosa that she wouldn't be able to get baptized until they were both divorced and married, she cried so hard. I've never seen someone with such a desire to get baptized after such a short time. And Israel was also crying super hard, because he knew that if he and Rosa hadn't gotten back together, she could have gotten baptized. And he felt so sad that he was stopping her from getting what she wanted. But we talked a lot with them about faith and endurance, and on Sunday they both came to church with us as well as their 7 year old son Victor (Victor loves the church by the way!). They're such a great little family - they've started working on their divorce, and their plan is to just keep coming to church until they can get baptized - Israel told us after an appointment ''divorce us, marry us, and baptize us.'' We love them and we're going to keep visiting them once a week to help them keep up their plans, but it's really sad. We felt so bad for them.</div>
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But Carlos is doing great. And Edith (the mom of the other Edith that just got baptized) is working on getting married too, so that she can get baptized May 10th. </div>
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We did a stake activity the other day - it was a lot of fun. It was called ''A Day in the Mission''. At 8am, we went to the stake center, and there, they split us up with a bunch of youth. And we did divisions all day with the youth - that was fun. They studied with us, then worked with us the whole day. We all went back to the stake center that night, and then we had a testimony meeting. It was a really fun experience - it was super hot that day, so we were all exhausted (and I got sunburned). But it was awesome to hear all the experiences that the youth had. I was with a 15 year old girl named Atziry. She was really sweet but really shy... but we got along well and we enjoyed the day. We spent almost the whole day in the street contacting because for some reason no one was home... but it was a good time. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnuy5YrxM89Te6NU48ccVSDcQc9qv6Clp_m9vtKoX7UGdnxl5Wc1V7qn_8h_Jp0E3md-MRoz2tqohMguQPETbFVyFDWKlXKMqwcckydbMki5uqn7t8yXUS9IdrFB0ZxzXFHgxZOEVC8U/s1600/DSCN2067%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnuy5YrxM89Te6NU48ccVSDcQc9qv6Clp_m9vtKoX7UGdnxl5Wc1V7qn_8h_Jp0E3md-MRoz2tqohMguQPETbFVyFDWKlXKMqwcckydbMki5uqn7t8yXUS9IdrFB0ZxzXFHgxZOEVC8U/s1600/DSCN2067%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">''A Day in the Mission'' Us with our comps. Hna Ingram was in a trio.</span></td></tr>
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And on Sunday we got to go to see my investigator Raul from Oriental get baptized ! That was awesome. Super special and it was really nice to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3CrDBOkuRMtGptFYqAPfmGDCWV-nb0I7viUqF87SLK8PIOnzMBTP4HJKaBTvvN8zCPWLkSrFuJ9a0G1DQomVjQrZCsiLTurtwidh_5aUerqLTTlSVoo0yD76jvlqEH1jzkcRYgjk9_k/s1600/DSCN2068%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3CrDBOkuRMtGptFYqAPfmGDCWV-nb0I7viUqF87SLK8PIOnzMBTP4HJKaBTvvN8zCPWLkSrFuJ9a0G1DQomVjQrZCsiLTurtwidh_5aUerqLTTlSVoo0yD76jvlqEH1jzkcRYgjk9_k/s1600/DSCN2068%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; text-align: start;">Raul's baptism! Me, Hno Arturo, Raul, Hna Ramirez and Hna Luque</span></td></tr>
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But I've got to go now! I love you all tons and hope you all have a great week! Be good, say your prayers, and enjoy your week!</div>
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Love you :)</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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I'm back! False alarm, I have more time to write. <br />
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So this week we did divisions - that was a lot of fun. I stayed in P--, and Hna Tirado - one of the new sisters, came with me. She's great and has a ton of potential. She'll be a great missionary. </div>
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And on Friday we got to go to the Mission Leadership Meeting. It was all the Zone Leaders, the Assistants, the President and his wife, and us! And we had to do a capacitation there. We were given the topic of The Book of Mormon, and we decided to focus more in how we can receive and apply personal revelation from the Book of Mormon in our lives. It went really well. </div>
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And I have to go!</div>
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Bye!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-82240811452152387452015-04-20T10:55:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:52:11.881-08:00{Week 71} Polanco - April 20, 2015So this has been a pretty interesting week! Lots of cool stuff happening :)<br />
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Carlee, I will be wanting my clothes back. lol</div>
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According to the Color Code, I'm half blue and half white.</div>
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We did get to listen in on Hna Ingram's sister's mission call. She's going to Peru. That was pretty cool. </div>
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This week our Sister Training Leader duties included a training meeting for all the new missionaries that are about to complete their first cycle in the mission - but nobody told us about the meeting until it had already started, so we arrived late. Oops! Our new phrase is ''vamos a wing-it'' (we're going to wing-it) because we've had lots of unexpected teaching/training experiences. And we got to teach Institute! We gave a ten minute thing at the beginning of a class and we talked about what the YSA (Young Single Adults) can do to share the gospel. It went really well. </div>
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I'm loving being with Hna Ingram. We're getting along well and we do work really well together - She always laughs at me when I try to speak English because it's more of a Spanglish lol. We're a good team.</div>
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We had a ward movie night and watched Charly. I cried. So did the whole ward.</div>
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So on a bad note... I was used to getting a couple catcalls a day, but now that I'm with another white girl, we get A TON of catcalls. And some of them are just plain rude and dirty. Hna Ingram always gets mad when it happens. And the other night, we were on our way home, when a car passed by slowly, and the driver called out ''Taxi... for free...'' we speed-walked away, and he flipped a u-turn and followed us, and called out again! But then he went off the other direction and stopped bothering us. But we've seen his car a couple times this last week in the street. We're avoiding that street at night. </div>
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But on a good note, we're seeing a ton of miracles! <br />
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So last week, Hna Ingram and I saw a lady in the street and we both felt like we should contact her, so we did, and she gave us her address and an appointment. We went to the appointment, and knocked on the door, and this guy came out. Turned out that she lied to us and gave us a false address. But, we started talking to the guy, and he let us come back and visit him. We've been teaching him the last week, and yesterday he came to church! His name is Carlos and he is 54 years old. He's doing really well and we've got some high hopes for him! We haven't gotten the chance to talk to his family yet, but hopefully this week! And Gustavo is fellow-shipping him. </div>
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And Jorge is finally progressing! I don't know why we keep trying with him - normally we drop investigators fast if they don't progress. But we've kept working with him these last five months, and this time something is definitely different. The other day he was completely honest with us and just completely opened up. He told us everything - how he felt, what things he needed help with, and a ton of other stuff. We had a really great lesson with him, and we're praying so hard that he'll keep going strong with his desire to change completely.</div>
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And we're also teaching another of Adolfo's friends. (He always has a ton of references!) Her name is Rosa, and she's 33. She's great - the first lesson we didn't really have much time, so we just talked a bit about how praying and reading the scriptures and going to church and keeping the commandments would help her come closer to God and would change her life. She completely opened up, and she and I were crying. Then we invited her to get baptized, and without knowing anything about the church, she said yes! She's progressing really well - she has a really big desire to change and be a better person. She's had a tough life - her dad abused her, and she moved in with her boyfriend when she was 13. She was a drug addict, and did some bad stuff to get her hands on drugs - she was even a prostitute for awhile. But these last few years she's been getting her life back in order. And she loves everything we teach her. She has a little boy named Victor who's 7, and he is the cutest little boy - super nice and polite. They both came to church on Sunday and loved it. </div>
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It's been amazing to see how people's lives change when they hear the gospel. A lot of the people here have some really rough pasts. They tell us their stories and we cry with them - it's so sad sometimes to hear about the stuff they've gone through. But to see the joy that they feel as they completely change their lives around is amazing. And to be one of the Lord's servants and help these people receive the restored gospel and the blessings that come with it is an experience so amazing - I love it here. I love the people here. One of my favorite scriptures is Alma 31:34-35. Everyone here on the earth has already decided to follow Jesus. They just don't remember. And if we put our trust in the Lord and open our mouths to share all that He has given us, we can help them remember and be brought unto Him again. I love everyone here. Even the cat-callers. Like Alma says ''their souls are precious and many of them are our brethren''.</div>
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I've been thinking that maybe when I come home I'll give you all a hug in the airport, then just get back on the plane and come back to Mexico. I love you all and can't wait to see you again, but I always knew that I would get to come back and be with you all again. But the people here have a big part of my heart, and when I go home, it's likely that there are some people here that I will never see again in this life. And that makes me sad because I love them. </div>
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So in three weeks it's Mother's Day - any particular time you want me to call? It's funny because last year, I was anxiously counting down the days till I got to skype with you. And at Christmas it was the same. But right now, I'm not as anxious! I think it's cuz I'll talk to ya'll, and a month later I'll be there with you! </div>
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I love you all tons. You're in my prayers always. Be good, say your prayers, and enjoy softball season!</div>
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Lots of love, </div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This picture is from Veronica - a sister in my first ward that helped me a ton. This is from when we went to visit Aculco awhile ago.</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-6788682075477642462015-04-13T13:58:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:52:01.924-08:00{Week 70} Polanco - April 13, 2015<div dir="ltr">
Hello my dear family! <br />
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Dad, I forgot to mention it last week, but I did love your poem. <br />
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Thanks Jordy, Carlee and Jenna for the letters! I love hearing from you all.</div>
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So this week, my duties as a Sister Training Leader included one set of divisions and two training meetings. On Tuesday morning we went to the interviews with the president, and while one by one the people passed for interviews, the assistants and us did some training stuff. And then Tuesday night, we did divisions. Hna Martinez (she's new, about three weeks in the mission) went with Hna Ingram, and I went with Hna Santos in her area! Hna Santos goes home in June with us. So divisions was fun! I enjoyed that a ton. And then on Friday we went to a meeting for the district leaders and we got to teach a part there too. I'm enjoying it - but the part that I don't like is that we're away from our area a lot. It's less time in the street knocking on doors, but it's good!</div>
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And Hna Ingram! She's great - she's my first American comp, but we almost always speak Spanish. And when we do speak English she laughs at me because I stink at English lol. We're working hard - the first week was a bit rough (it always is, getting used to a new comp and all that) and then Saturday night we were cutting out movie tickets (we're going to have a ward movie night and watch The Other Side of Heaven) and we just started talking. We had a really great chat, and got to know each other better, and now we're feeling really united! Sunday we had a great lesson with a new investigator named Carlos. The spirit was strong and things were just flowing - it went really well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0wHGAfj3fFGzJV-YcBuThf1-Z8BXdPM0gZ9hW5Qs7T_RyAFi6tepaMFXwkL3j-MaQGUQCgsyQQM7S4lIVd120iMYsDR_oXC6QrQ8fx7RGhyphenhyphenOTvQRJ5hy8QsmoROTrlNwYNrC2FtTL4I/s1600/DSCN2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0wHGAfj3fFGzJV-YcBuThf1-Z8BXdPM0gZ9hW5Qs7T_RyAFi6tepaMFXwkL3j-MaQGUQCgsyQQM7S4lIVd120iMYsDR_oXC6QrQ8fx7RGhyphenhyphenOTvQRJ5hy8QsmoROTrlNwYNrC2FtTL4I/s1600/DSCN2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Hna Ingram and I</span></td></tr>
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And we're teaching Jorge again! This 17 year old kid has been the most challenging investigator - but it's like things have changed this time. He's stopped smoking, and he's a lot humbler now. Before it was kind of like a game to him - but we think that he actually wants it now. He's got a date for May 3rd - we're hoping and praying that this time everything will work out. </div>
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And we had a baptism on Sunday! Edith is 16, and she and her mom showed up by themselves at church one day - they have a friend that's an RM, and he was always talking about the church, so one day they went! Her mom, also named Edith, is also planning to get baptized one day - she just has to marry her common law spouse first, but he's in the army so is never around. They've both agreed to get married, so now we're just waiting till he gets back so they can do it and then she can get baptized. The baptism was really sweet - Hna Luque and Hna Ramirez came, because it was Hna Luque and Hna Ingram that taught this family. So that was really nice to see those two and give them a hug. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBskLgl2GeQiLEltgdHxGgV603xpCKk4MWw6RjDS5luN_zSuszg5RGYdPNk-VBXVnPD5rj3_UPRwXUf91DYYt1hbnOphm-lcNJWwcVJK1jTfjYGBD1UiIY5CgJs_9tQ1V2Y70dFw3_14/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBskLgl2GeQiLEltgdHxGgV603xpCKk4MWw6RjDS5luN_zSuszg5RGYdPNk-VBXVnPD5rj3_UPRwXUf91DYYt1hbnOphm-lcNJWwcVJK1jTfjYGBD1UiIY5CgJs_9tQ1V2Y70dFw3_14/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The baptism! Hna Ingram, Sergio's wife, Sergio (the RM friend), Edith, Edith the mom, Edith's little sister, Edith's aunt, me!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmctr3QYPvMPIHjY6TY96HnvBCQVOlaqiflmqy6NQfoFHAShBRppAJSARQAB-AyQL5pOTWnRAXLcDvhSxaOkFys-Gxuel1rldUZxlK-DuteHHuU2njH1uLnLfbAsYkTvAOveP71j1e-u0/s1600/DSCN2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmctr3QYPvMPIHjY6TY96HnvBCQVOlaqiflmqy6NQfoFHAShBRppAJSARQAB-AyQL5pOTWnRAXLcDvhSxaOkFys-Gxuel1rldUZxlK-DuteHHuU2njH1uLnLfbAsYkTvAOveP71j1e-u0/s1600/DSCN2023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> The really blue baptism water. We dye it, because if we don't it's a greenish brown.</span></td></tr>
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And the Bishop's brother died. Hyrum was young, about 26 years old, but had some special needs. But he was super smart and kept things organized at church. They always knew that he would die young. It was sad - the first time I saw everyone in the ward again was at his funeral. But I'm glad I could be there. I'm pretty close to several members of the family, and I was happy I could be there to hug them and comfort them. The Bishop has been really sad - I think it hit him pretty hard. I really do love him and his family. They try hard. And I'm glad I can be here with them in this time.</div>
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And we had interviews with the President! That was great. I love talking to him - I can feel the spirit with everything he says, and I'm so glad he's my Mission President.</div>
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And remember Isabel? my best friend here in P--? She's my age, and tomorrow she leaves on her mission! She's going to Queretaro, Mexico. I'm super happy for her, but I'm going to miss her tons. She and I got along great. We are really good friends and she always came with us for our appointments (she's the YW's Pres).</div>
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And today some members in our ward took us to centro (downtown) to buy some stuff. I was looking for a Mexican Dress, but didn't find a cheap one that I liked. Hna Ingram and I bought some dishes though! And then we went and ate by the old Cathedral, Xocalo. We ate on the roof top of one of the buildings. I loved it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAGJE2CdkXlhyphenhyphenxSM71nNBeE1lG7uQaWQcmd8rH-ZTAPsJibsoPXoJ5_mZpU3Hj99qJzfNP0Vd-LBTQA4PUeRKTpvAJJ-0YMYnAvk8CBACY59NuPbkppjRlHh39bCqVGD1tqftgt9z2fg/s1600/DSCN2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAGJE2CdkXlhyphenhyphenxSM71nNBeE1lG7uQaWQcmd8rH-ZTAPsJibsoPXoJ5_mZpU3Hj99qJzfNP0Vd-LBTQA4PUeRKTpvAJJ-0YMYnAvk8CBACY59NuPbkppjRlHh39bCqVGD1tqftgt9z2fg/s1600/DSCN2024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Xocalo</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Chilakiles - really yummy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Food in a Molcajete - super delicious!</span></td></tr>
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I was thinking about it a lot today, and I seriously love this place. I love the culture, the food, the people, the language... This country is amazing, and I would love to come back someday and bring you guys with me. It's amazing here. I feel so blessed that I have the the privilege to share the gospel here in this amazing country with these amazing people. It makes me so sad that I have to leave here soon. Mom, don't feel too bad about crying over an airplane - there are TONS of airplanes here, and every time I see them I get a knot in my throat. I can't believe that I've been here 16 months. It's gone by so fast. I'm excited to see you all again, but I'm thinking maybe I'll just give you all a hug in the airport and then get back on the plane and head back to Mexico lol. It is a privilege and a blessing to be serving the people of Mexico. They are amazing and I love them. </div>
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I hope you all have a great week. I love you all tons. Be good, say your prayers, and love everybody.</div>
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Con amor, </div>
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Hermana Taylor<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVZprqKULf-QepGqbLY7jd8ZRiCD0gTuFqrHsssDdq708fgDT4Vq6bsJKK3B62Dxaxo9X0ZoLvGf0UOueiaEYBPu91_L-4KOgOYZ9MwPT83JrEr532fPEw93cmFNWd7vgQxFKtvuzzdQ/s1600/DSCN2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVZprqKULf-QepGqbLY7jd8ZRiCD0gTuFqrHsssDdq708fgDT4Vq6bsJKK3B62Dxaxo9X0ZoLvGf0UOueiaEYBPu91_L-4KOgOYZ9MwPT83JrEr532fPEw93cmFNWd7vgQxFKtvuzzdQ/s1600/DSCN2032.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">My Mexican dishes!</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-30116638718347379252015-04-13T13:30:00.000-07:002015-04-13T13:30:19.328-07:00Moving Day Pictures We got a few extra pictures from Hermana Stutznegger of our missionary moving to her new area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6agbgR8pMqfPReXRtlD21juiqIajVgmtORXZlv1W_H1-PHocHFQNXk_HAUNBqAIDvmk2Nfk1822TOZqX7ygMptw1tRYQj0_S5IgN8_gXCX9DdWfU7j6ZMmVEj_0b86Xmgv-CV02KRVw/s1600/11148681_963788776978514_3241408971441803314_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6agbgR8pMqfPReXRtlD21juiqIajVgmtORXZlv1W_H1-PHocHFQNXk_HAUNBqAIDvmk2Nfk1822TOZqX7ygMptw1tRYQj0_S5IgN8_gXCX9DdWfU7j6ZMmVEj_0b86Xmgv-CV02KRVw/s1600/11148681_963788776978514_3241408971441803314_o.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermana's Ingram, Taylor and Luque.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-7427895489725995002015-04-06T12:58:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:51:41.466-08:00{Week 69} Polanco - April 6, 2015<div dir="ltr">
Hi family!<br />
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Katia, you look like the best Spiderman ever!</div>
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I'm looking into how to bring mole home... apparently it's one of those things that is illegal to take across the border! </div>
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So Wednesday night, I was sitting calmly in my house when the President called! And he asked me to be the new Sister Training Leader! That made me super nervous but I accepted. Then he told me that there would be some changes! He wants the Sister Training Leaders to be comps, so Hna Ingram is my new companion. Then the only question was if she was going to come to O-- with me, or if I'd return to P--. He said we could make that decision. For me, there was never any doubt. I knew the moment he told me, that I'd be going back to P--. And praying about it only confirmed my feelings. So I'm back in P--! And I'll be here for my last 2 months! I'm going to have eleven months in total here! Hijoles! I was pretty sad to leave Hna Ramirez. She's so sweet - Hna Luque is now with her until she finishes her mission in three weeks. And I loved living with Hna Gurley and Llaguarima - we had a blast the four of us living there. And I'm going to miss the area. When Raul found out, he just about cried. He called me about six times to say goodbye. I was only there two months, but I was sad to say goodbye to Paquita and Rodolfo, Jessy, Nicolee and Gabi, and a ton of other families. This morning the president came and picked me up and took me to P--, so now I'm here with Hna Ingram! My first American companion since the MTC! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Hna Ingram, President, Me, Hna Luque</span></td></tr>
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I loved Conference! I watched the Saturday afternoon session in English, but the other three I watched in Spanish. I could feel the spirit strong and it helped me a lot to hear all the testimonies of the Prophets about the Savior. Sunday morning, before conference, I read all the part in Jesus the Christ about His betrayal, the trial, the crucifixion and the resurrection. I went in our room to read it alone, and the sun was shining through the window and it was so beautiful. I felt the spirit really strongly, and again when the prophets spoke about Christ. I know that He is our Savior and our Redeemer, and is literally helping us in every moment. I loved it! I also really loved the talk when he said ''I can teach you the dance, but it's up to you to hear the music''. He was talking about teaching our children, but I applied it to those investigators. And Elder Bednar's talk was super special for me too. And Raul came to all of the sessions and loved it too! I also broke the news about the changes to all the members there, and took a ton of pictures! Love conference weekend! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Jessy and </span>Nicolee<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> - two of my favorite people ever!</span></td></tr>
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So on Monday I went to P-- to visit! How ironic that a week later I'm back here to work. Everyone is doing great. Adolfo is getting the Melquesidec Priesthood next week. Gustavo just got the Aaronic Priesthood and will bless the sacrament on Sunday. Edger and Lorena are still going strong. Josefina and Ana Maria both are excited to enter in the temple some day. And I saw the familia Maldonado - Isabel is going on her mission to Querataro Mexico and leaves in a week. It was so great to see them all - and now I'm BACK! I thought that was funny.... </div>
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And this week was Semana Santa (Holy Week) so the Catholics have a huge party. They crucify a guy in Iztapalapa ( a part of of the city) and everybody is partying and there is no school for two weeks... so we didn't find a ton of people in their houses (everybody goes on vacation) but we still found three new people! And one of them (five minutes into the lesson) said ''I would like to be baptized.'' Another we knocked on her door and she let us pass right in (that doesn't happen a lot here) and told us that she had a lot of confidence in us from the moment that she met us. They're great, and hopefully they progress! I won't be there to see it. </div>
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And Raul is amazing. We went to the temple on Wednesday and he loved it. It was so funny because his fellowshipper came too - Hno A. And the sister missionaries there showed us a video about the Word of Wisdom because he's still working on that. The video was about a girl who does judo and she talked a lot about the importance of taking care of our bodies. And Hno A (the member) said ''I didn't really like this video. Judo is very violent. You could get hurt doing that. That's not taking care of your body. It would be better if we did simple sports that don't include so much danger.'' The poor sister missionary! She had to explain that in Martial Arts there is a ton of discipline and stuff like that. It was hilarious! Raul made me promise to come to his baptism on the 25th. So keep praying for him, because he's great! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAWpIoH1iweT-ESOYdxuWnRotfweHpH665A1gO749VS2kYb5MCKDqVxeIfKZi16kPNuDffVN43BE-9L7JgMlQzvjzkbpPdcxfSFVtHjehlj39btHR82lPSkcTvhyphenhyphendrgw89LeGlmXO0Yo/s1600/DSCN1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAWpIoH1iweT-ESOYdxuWnRotfweHpH665A1gO749VS2kYb5MCKDqVxeIfKZi16kPNuDffVN43BE-9L7JgMlQzvjzkbpPdcxfSFVtHjehlj39btHR82lPSkcTvhyphenhyphendrgw89LeGlmXO0Yo/s1600/DSCN1940.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Raul and us after the conference. He's the funniest person ever!</span></td></tr>
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And Friday we couldn't work or leave the house... so we played Hockey! haha Hna Gurley made some hockey sticks out of the broom sticks and she and I fought it out for awhile. Haha I won. It's in the Canadian blood. And we watched some church movies, we chatted, we ate spaghetti... it was a fun day! I really enjoyed having four of us in the house - a lot more stuff to do with more people there! And we talked a lot... about a lot of different things. It was good bonding time. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1SxSdZHv3QChwisW-dbFyoCFCsxZne5ps8FOhyQlE7jxvWXWbqczs45Ukwp4atuuQnYDc8FlgLbihDJ17bzsk7uw893dnocJPooZ3cGj8i0kAdnThtzIFne4hDDDLwRl0lFHPkGvb7U/s1600/DSCN1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1SxSdZHv3QChwisW-dbFyoCFCsxZne5ps8FOhyQlE7jxvWXWbqczs45Ukwp4atuuQnYDc8FlgLbihDJ17bzsk7uw893dnocJPooZ3cGj8i0kAdnThtzIFne4hDDDLwRl0lFHPkGvb7U/s1600/DSCN1924.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This was the outdoor gym at my last house...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsVwNKLk7loL7-Q_m_qgU7T438AmzOCM4U7dcvxXCY2_70Pz-a2rZVN9SR8JXKud6EJ5auERiO_PZdYdQXbWdUJ1u_MR13fOe9hL3ty7RC5BfwJ4IduddUYaBjey0v7Cibj6Ilth20xo/s1600/DSCN2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsVwNKLk7loL7-Q_m_qgU7T438AmzOCM4U7dcvxXCY2_70Pz-a2rZVN9SR8JXKud6EJ5auERiO_PZdYdQXbWdUJ1u_MR13fOe9hL3ty7RC5BfwJ4IduddUYaBjey0v7Cibj6Ilth20xo/s1600/DSCN2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">They surprised</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> me last night with a going away cake. Love them! </span>Hna<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span>Gurley<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">, </span>Hna<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Ramirez, </span>Hna<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span>Llaguarima</td></tr>
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So yeah! Some crazy changes, but all is well! I'm excited to get to work and give all I've got. I love being a missionary. I know that this is His work and He is the one directing it. We're just instruments in His hands. I loved the chance to attend conference. What a blessing to be able to listen to the words of the prophets every six months. They are truly men called of God, and I know that when we follow them, we are following God. Haha and I loved it when Pres Uchtdorf started speaking German lol.</div>
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I love you all tons. I hope you all have a great week. Be good say your prayers and read your scriptures!</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOum25ZHEXcNGGU0-f25Lh1K9si6h5obmx41pp4R_ZF3oI29ULHe1OdZp2YoIyPWAZcg_VqfMMoW2HA3dz16BTv9X5lvIcEkFqwW3DWNn_3ewqile29WMOC03E-qRNrYMz7tUkD6tiuS4/s1600/DSCN1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOum25ZHEXcNGGU0-f25Lh1K9si6h5obmx41pp4R_ZF3oI29ULHe1OdZp2YoIyPWAZcg_VqfMMoW2HA3dz16BTv9X5lvIcEkFqwW3DWNn_3ewqile29WMOC03E-qRNrYMz7tUkD6tiuS4/s1600/DSCN1995.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">My old district leader Elder Moreno and Elder Keyes </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> - the Canadian</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> from Calgary.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRe3LmjC_D5S2oJw2bBjJhJkLg6-4ftwMZ72TtSxRvKABWnPXkiHzspmz-MgupolBeTUhXSrDieOJ2QlJlh-XFXcGrdOMsnvRMiTaUWqQGm9q0n73uZCwRSyjB_Slq7xzwfZG9wi5H0I/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRe3LmjC_D5S2oJw2bBjJhJkLg6-4ftwMZ72TtSxRvKABWnPXkiHzspmz-MgupolBeTUhXSrDieOJ2QlJlh-XFXcGrdOMsnvRMiTaUWqQGm9q0n73uZCwRSyjB_Slq7xzwfZG9wi5H0I/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The view from my last roof top.</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-88767798203260813082015-03-30T11:12:00.001-07:002015-11-29T21:50:50.624-08:00{Week 68} Oriental - March 30, 2015<div dir="ltr">
Hi family! It rained this week. We got wet. And the cheap flats I bought at Walmart don't last as long in the rain as the Crocs do... <br />
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They said there was an earthquake, but no one felt anything...</div>
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Jordy, congrats, sounds like it was a fun two weeks!<br />
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This has been a pretty good week! We didn't find any new people to teach, which kind of stinks, but we received several great referrals, and this week we have appointments with all of them. </div>
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And Raul is doing so great! He is progressing a ton - He came to see a baptism on Saturday and walked around telling everyone that he was going to get baptized too on the 25th of April and that they were all invited. He's so sweet! And yesterday he told us he was down to three smokes a day. He smoked a ton before so that's a huge improvement. He told us that the other night he couldn't sleep, so he started reading the Book of Mormon and praying - and he said he started to feel so happy that he started to cry! He told us that had never happened to him before, that he had never felt like this before. We testified to him that that was the spirit bearing witness of the truth. He's so great!</div>
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And no one knew at what time the Women's Broadcast was - half the people said 6:00, and the other half said 7:00. So we went to the church at 6:00 (and we were dripping wet because it was raining) and no one was there! There was a Primary activity in the cultural center, so there were lots of people there, but there wasn't any sign of a Women's Broadcast. Finally we found someone in the stake that helped us set up the broadcast, but as usual there were a few technical problems, so we finally started watching it at 6:45 - we missed the first half! And there were only about 30 people there in total - and five were men. and six were missionaries. But it was still really nice to see. I love the choir when they sang ''Love at Home''. It reminded me of all the Sunday's when we would have our family gatherings and grampa would always start singing it and we'd all join in. I loved it!</div>
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And we're super excited for General Conference! It turns out we're not going to work Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, because Easter week for the Catholics can get a bit crazy... we're only allowed to leave the house for the conference. I'm so excited for conference! We've been sharing messages with everyone about the conference to get them all excited to come. I'm excited!</div>
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And Nicolee is the sweetest girl that exists on the face of the planet, and I love her and her mom, but her mom is getting down because she can't hear anything in the church, and feels like there is no point in her going. Nicolee is super faithful though - comes to all the activities and stuff. And Nicolee came to church yesterday, but her mom didn't. And the tough part for us, is we can only see her mom on Sunday because she works all week, and yesterday we didn't get the chance to visit her. They could use a lot of prayers.</div>
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And now we're off to Polanco! We got permission to go visit my old area. So we're headed there right now. I love you all tons and hope you all have a great week. I'll talk to you next week!</div>
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Be good, say your prayers, and enjoy conference!</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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(<i>These pictures courtesy of Hna Stutznegger from yesterday</i>.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeXRoYzimBeTNhihOmwjeGmhHG9FiynBEpCTcyS4rPRB2sylXChVWcX1_Xs_YS-JMk76mlMol-tjVMXHWecUWLeTFmoA930QwR0to4cAoiNlDKDgyLg_NW-wJB931MFtOFj7WXDo86z8/s1600/885675_958042990886426_2470189109202938398_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeXRoYzimBeTNhihOmwjeGmhHG9FiynBEpCTcyS4rPRB2sylXChVWcX1_Xs_YS-JMk76mlMol-tjVMXHWecUWLeTFmoA930QwR0to4cAoiNlDKDgyLg_NW-wJB931MFtOFj7WXDo86z8/s1600/885675_958042990886426_2470189109202938398_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well something must have been funny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsc7NfKdYXTKHfvLAE0MGvjv2b0UaYuaQT0fPYsaQARerpRREx09vLcEUSW7OAZZrMyz3r_CBoSFYePhZBCMKvY7jh8kYQLve5XqweDEx4Zd3B3hoOOVNz2B7FUzbQJJsnM2_DoRQGIA/s1600/11082221_958042957553096_29398393285271565_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsc7NfKdYXTKHfvLAE0MGvjv2b0UaYuaQT0fPYsaQARerpRREx09vLcEUSW7OAZZrMyz3r_CBoSFYePhZBCMKvY7jh8kYQLve5XqweDEx4Zd3B3hoOOVNz2B7FUzbQJJsnM2_DoRQGIA/s1600/11082221_958042957553096_29398393285271565_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Stutznegger, Hna Taylor and Hna Ramirez.</td></tr>
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<i>And . . . she sent us her flight itinerary today! We'll be picking her up at the airport at 4:59pm on Wednesday, June 10. And, as she said, "AHHHHHHHHH!"</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-73720833946660770212015-03-23T21:21:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:50:38.100-08:00{Week 67} Oriental - March 23, 2015<div>
Richelle! Happy birthday! You're getting so old! ''una viejita'' </div>
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Katia! Happy birthday my beautiful 10 year old! I hope you have a great birthday!</div>
Smalls! What beautiful teeth you have!<br />
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Jordy, felicidades. Silly string everywhere lol.</div>
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Jenna, poke poke poke.</div>
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Mackie, I love you so much!</div>
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And Mom and Dad, thanks for your letters. I love hearing from you both. </div>
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So this has been a really good week! Tuesday morning we were walking down the street contacting, when all of a sudden, a guy approached us and asked if we were Elders. I said '' sort of - we're Hermanas!'' Turns out he listened to missionaries in California 25 years ago, but wasn't willing to stop drinking and so didn't get baptized. Also he didn't really understand anything because apparently it was all in English lol. So he gave us an appointment for the next day, but said we couldn't go to his house so we made the appointment for the church. The next day we were in the church waiting for him, and after 30 minutes we decided he wasn't coming, so we left... and he was there in front of the church waiting for us! He said he was embarrassed to open the door and come in. So we taught him the Restoration, and it went really well. It turns out he's been friends with our ward mission leader for the last 50 years. He came to church on Sunday in a suit and tie, and is progressing really well. It was funny, because after we explained the story of Joseph Smith, the first thing he said was ''my friend Larry told my that Jose Smith was a drug addict.'' We assured him that that wasn't true lol. The next day when we saw him, he had read the pamphlet of the Restoration and told us that he had prayed and knew for sure that Jose Smith was a prophet and not a druggie lol. His name is Raul and he is 59 years old. We love him! He's such a sweetie, and is working really hard to stop smoking. That was a great blessing to receive after all of our other investigators had fallen through. </div>
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And on Friday, our stake had a party to celebrate the Relief Society Anniversary. Each ward presented a dance and it was great. And, I saw a ton of members from my first area Aculco there! It was so great to see them all and we were hugging and laughing and crying. And today, we went to visit Aculco, and a ton of members gave us food (I've never been so full in my life - it's kind of rude to say ''no'' to the food here, and they all gave us food to eat.) It was great to see them all and see what's happened in the last year. </div>
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Hna Gurley is now training! Her new comp is Hna llaguarima and is from Ecuador - the same mission where Hna Gurley's brother is serving! Hna Llaguarima (Jaguar - Ima) is 26 and is really sweet. and our District Leader, Elder Moreno, is training an elder named Elder Keyes - and he is from Calgary! Heritage ward... do you know him Gates Family? It's funny because he doesn't speak anything of Spanish - reminds me of when I first got here! </div>
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Just wanted to ask... Jordy, Carlee and Jenna ... how's your Personal Progress going? </div>
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I had to speak in church on Sunday... I talked about testimonies and how we can help others obtain a testimony. And it was great because two of our less active families came to church! That made me super happy, and the Bishop called someone from each family to say the closing and opening prayers. I really love this area. The members are great and I love working with them. This is the same area where Elder Evans started his mission.</div>
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And Hna Ramirez is great. We get along well and we work hard. She's talking more in the lessons, and is contacting... it's great! We're working hard and enjoying our time here. In April it's possible that my comp could be training, which means I would be in a different area my last 6 weeks... I'm hoping that I can stay here to finish my mission, but I'll go wherever the Lord sends me, and I'll go willingly. I love being 24/7 in the service of the Lord. I love Mexico. I love Spanish. I have to translate every word in my head back to English to be able to write you all. I'm teaching English classes every Saturday at 12, and it's hilarious because sometimes I forget English words lol... </div>
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I hope you all have a lovely week. I love you all and am super proud of our basketball team. (go Pandas!) Thanks for your love and your prayers - I can feel them. Be good, say your prayers, and wish Chelle and Katia a happy birthday for me. Love you!</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-64577869150113590992015-03-16T14:30:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:50:23.852-08:00{Week 66} Oriental - March 16, 2015<div>
Dad, I would love to go camping. That would be amazing. And I want steak, mashed potatoes and gravy when I get home :) But I don't want to talk about that stuff for at least 86 more days (Thanks mom - not a number I wanted to know.) </div>
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Tell congrats to Kennedy if you see her for me. And when does Jaime get home? And Jordy I love you! Thanks for your letter! I always love hearing from you.</div>
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I have bad news. Michelle's dad has decided that she's not allowed to get baptized. She's only 17, so we need permission from him to do it, and before he said yes but has since changed his mind. And on Friday, Michelle moved. They just up and left and went to another part of the city to live. We didn't even know until Saturday night. But I have her email and I'm keeping in contact - she'll be 18 in July and she's planning to go live with her aunt in Baja California in July and she's planning to get baptized over there. Hopefully that works out. We're sad that she's gone and we couldn't say goodbye. </div>
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So this week we lost almost all our investigators due to several different circumstances... but the miracle is that we found several new ones! And in the activity, we've received a ton of references that we'll be teaching this week! And a lot of them are for families! Please pray for my area so that the people here will be ready and willing to accept the gospel and change their lives! </div>
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We've all been kind of emotional in our house right now - Hna Cárdenas has reached the end of her 18 months, and is less than 48 hours away from being at home with her family. None of us cried until Saturday night when we did a quick FHE after the contacting activity to say goodbye to Hna Cárdenas. All the missionaries said a few words - and being the crybaby I am, I bawled lol. She was in my first district and helped me a ton when I first got here. It's funny because she was in her first area for seven and a half months - but returned to the same area for her last cycle in the mission (6 weeks). When she first came back, she was questioning why the Lord wanted her to return to her first area - but during the cycle, they were able to find and teach a 22 year old guy named Axel. And he got baptized yesterday - so Hna Cárdenas finished her mission with a baptism of a golden convert. She is a huge example to me and although we were never comps, I'm so glad I've gotten to live with her for the last 6 weeks. She worked super hard and to the end. I love her and I'm going to miss her! And Hna Gurley is going to be training now - so it'll be us in the house together with our ''daughters''!</div>
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There is a scripture in Jacob 7:26 that says ''our lives passed away like it were unto us a dream''. I feel like that's my life right now - the days are just flying past, like it were a dream. I love it here. Sometimes (not very often!) I think about you all and miss you all. But I feel like the mission life is the normal life, and the real life back home with all of you is the dream. I love being here so much - sometimes I never want it to end. But I was called by the Lord to serve for 18 months and I'm planning to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength right up to the end. I love being here. I love serving the Lord. I used to always think that I would give the Lord 18 months of my life, but the more time I have here the more I come to understand that I'm not giving Him this time, He's giving it to me, and I'll never be able to repay Him. All I can do is serve Him and give it all I've got - as Elder Holland said ''run hard, run fast and to the tape''. And that's the miracle, because when I'm tired and frustrated and feeling down, He's there to raise me up and give me the strength to keep going. I love the poem ''get up and win the race'' (If you'd like to insert it here in the blog mom, I wouldn't be upset). </div>
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<h1 class="headline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans Condensed', sans-serif; font-size: 32px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 36px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620px;">
The Race by D. H. Groberg</h1>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten!” they shout at me and plead,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“There’s just too much against you now, this time you can’t succeed.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And as I started to hang my head in front of failure’s face,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">A children’s race, young boys, young men; now I remember well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Excitement, sure, but also fear; it wasn’t hard to tell.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">They all lined up so full of hope. Each thought to win the race</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Or tie for first, if not that, at least take second place.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">The whistle blew and off they sped, as if they were on fire</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">To win, to be the hero there, was each boy’s desire.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And one boy in particular, his dad was in the crowd,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Was running near the lead and thought, “My dad will be so proud.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But as he speeded down the field, across the shallow dip,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">The little boy who thought to win lost his step and slipped.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Trying hard to catch himself, his arm flew out to brace,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And ‘mid the laughter of the crowd, he fell flat on his face.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So, down he fell, and with him, hope. He couldn’t win it now.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Embarrassed, sad, he only wished he’d disappear somehow.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But, as he fell, his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win the race!”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit, that’s all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And ran with all his mind and might to make up for the fall.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">He wished he had quit before with only one disgrace.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But, in the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">That steady look that said again, “Get up and win the race!”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So, he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last;</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to run real fast!”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight or ten,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“There’s no sense running more. Three strikes, I’m out…why try?”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So far behind, so error-prone, a loser all the way.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“I’ve lost, so what’s the use?” he thought, “I’ll live with my disgrace.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But, then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“Get up,” an echo sounded low, “Get up and take your place.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">You weren’t meant for failure here; get up and win the race.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">With borrowed will, “Get up,” it said, “You haven’t lost at all,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">For winning is no more than this–to rise each time you fall.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So up he rose to win once more. And with a new commit,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Still, he gave it all he had, and ran as though to win.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Three times he fallen, stumbling, three times he rose again.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">They cheered the winning runner, as he crossed the line, first place,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Head high and proud and happy; no falling, no disgrace.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But, when the fallen crossed the finish line, last place,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And even though he came in last, with head bowed low, unproud,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">You would have thought he won the race, to listen to the crowd.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And to his dad, he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“To me you won,” his father said, “You rose each time you fell.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">The memory of that little boy helps me in my race.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">“Quit!” “Give up, you’re beaten!” They still shout in my face,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">But another voice within me says, “Get up and win the race!”</span></div>
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I hope you're all having a wonderful snowy day back home. I love you all tons. Be good, say your prayers, and always trust in the Lord.</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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Photos courtesy of Hna Valdivia. These are from a few weeks ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6go86s8pKyJLSU7Jors9yw7xu6GYnxL5cFXlmj8NtkH8paw_P-V8tk6zBK4vVCdcdo_PkXiPLltrvASrJ5wVX5AbDXNagjRWp3QXSY9DTCk8pF_pIDHQxQN00tE021fRast85KRavSo/s1600/DSCN3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6go86s8pKyJLSU7Jors9yw7xu6GYnxL5cFXlmj8NtkH8paw_P-V8tk6zBK4vVCdcdo_PkXiPLltrvASrJ5wVX5AbDXNagjRWp3QXSY9DTCk8pF_pIDHQxQN00tE021fRast85KRavSo/s1600/DSCN3177.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street contacting outside the church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW08TyLjOo8o-sxUWg7IlmKSHEoWIscU4eLAm00VLCc03uV5wSqu6fog1LcnNF2qaM3-X-v7rCCXVde2ri4NGknSgwavKFCEykx9NK2c-SbKhg8iNCVZ9hlffzq8kxHanoztHlp9Q2yQM/s1600/DSCN3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW08TyLjOo8o-sxUWg7IlmKSHEoWIscU4eLAm00VLCc03uV5wSqu6fog1LcnNF2qaM3-X-v7rCCXVde2ri4NGknSgwavKFCEykx9NK2c-SbKhg8iNCVZ9hlffzq8kxHanoztHlp9Q2yQM/s1600/DSCN3165.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The District</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dnAS1-BqPpiOIvYjkZUWyD5rVndgMrdmlQFcadZ155m2gHaVQU9ogf-mWCzy9SkbRRW_bi6a5vhWdDc5UpTAX_Pshyphenhyphend4i-tZHP4Blim2RkOvV-0jWg3LZbv1gpFtw1CJ4zjjmIe1Hzw/s1600/DSCN3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dnAS1-BqPpiOIvYjkZUWyD5rVndgMrdmlQFcadZ155m2gHaVQU9ogf-mWCzy9SkbRRW_bi6a5vhWdDc5UpTAX_Pshyphenhyphend4i-tZHP4Blim2RkOvV-0jWg3LZbv1gpFtw1CJ4zjjmIe1Hzw/s1600/DSCN3164.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably Hna Cardenas birthday - she looks like she's ready to blow out candles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgD5iRxVZHX4jNc3thetGkGQjmZNfmi9Kz3dWSyb6sQKfSNXULIUxa3nQaZpWdI0QwdHyz8RbIEKt3YAhyphenhyphenYevsgeJLkD8ILecmCYA6bfw47qNp4CX0EUjhn7YrgikQ45hy80xLTtx_oY/s1600/DSCN3168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgD5iRxVZHX4jNc3thetGkGQjmZNfmi9Kz3dWSyb6sQKfSNXULIUxa3nQaZpWdI0QwdHyz8RbIEKt3YAhyphenhyphenYevsgeJLkD8ILecmCYA6bfw47qNp4CX0EUjhn7YrgikQ45hy80xLTtx_oY/s1600/DSCN3168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermanas Ortiz, Valdivia, Gurley, Cardenas, Taylor and Ramirez</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0-d63X_a7tPByZekLf8E1Z3MYD3YxjLjldvvKjgw9jbJpxeOYXUOOe2AgnKtpWQTpp4X_vu8F-dqq9G2TWnedVolfbB4U_7jTPN1OyHKvweKDBZsshlfxPJoLOxzfZ2PlQ_4XZqBCPg/s1600/DSCN3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0-d63X_a7tPByZekLf8E1Z3MYD3YxjLjldvvKjgw9jbJpxeOYXUOOe2AgnKtpWQTpp4X_vu8F-dqq9G2TWnedVolfbB4U_7jTPN1OyHKvweKDBZsshlfxPJoLOxzfZ2PlQ_4XZqBCPg/s1600/DSCN3166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-54296149221438062612015-03-09T12:53:00.000-07:002015-11-29T21:50:10.869-08:00{Week 65} Oriental - February 9, 2015<div class="c_ic_blueframe c_ic_bar" dir="ltr" id="icTmReadMessageContact34_bar" style="visibility: inherit;">
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I can't believe that I've almost got 15 months here! Time has gone by so fast... I feel like I have about 5 or 6 months here. Honestly it scares me to think that ''the end'' is finally here... so generally I try not to think about it! But I'm going to work as hard as I can these last 3 months. </div>
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Jordy, congrats on your grad date. Now you don't have to worry! haha It's crazy to think that when I left you were 16, and now you're 18! And Jenna, you were 12 when I left, and now you're 14! Felicidades! One day I'll sing ya'll the ''mañanitas''.</div>
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Have you all seen ''Meet the Mormons"? We watched it at 7:45am on Wednesday in the church before our zone conference. I loved it! I especially liked the last story about the mom who's son gets his mission call and leaves on his mission. It was a bit of a tear jerker lol.</div>
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So we go to church in the stake center, and there is one other ward that meets there. And the two wards have gotten together to do an activity! We've set up a bunch of giant posters in front of the church, and we contact people in the street and bring them in and give them a tour. We start with a Mormon Message on a screen outside the church, and then take them through the church yards where there are a bunch of youth explaining things about Family History Work. Then there are two teens dressed up as bride and groom in front of a giant poster of the temple and they talk about temple work, then we take them inside to the Family History Center, then give them a brief tour of the church ending in the Sacrament Room! That's where I wait - I welcome them and explain a bit about what we do there, then I show them the video ''Because of Him''. I share my testimony about that, and then Elder Young sings them a hymn ''I Know that my Redeemer Lives'' and then shares his testimony, then I get up again and invite them to take the missionary discussions! We've gotten several references out of doing this and the spirit is always super strong with every person that enters. Several of them have cried. We started Saturday and we're going to be doing it every Saturday and Sunday night for about a month. </div>
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And thanks for all your prayers! Michelle is doing a ton better - on Tuesday we went to visit her, and she was really confused - didn't really know what she wanted to do. But we left her a chapter in the Book of Mormon and told her to pray, and when we came back on Wednesday, she had a new light in her eyes! Through the course of the lesson, she started talking about the commandments, and how they're not actually that difficult, and that she's more than willing to keep them all, and then she was talking about how she just wants to follow Christ... So I told her to read Mosiah 18:8-10. She did, and said ''Oh yeah... I should get baptized!'' She then set her own baptism date. The Spirit was strong and it was great to see her understand and decide to live what she knew was true. But keep praying for her!</div>
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And David is also doing great. His mom took him to the baptism of a little boy in our ward all by herself (we were at a meeting) and they both loved it. At first the mom never wanted to sit down for our lessons. But now she's the first one there waiting for us, and we all read together the Book of Mormon kids version that we gave to David. It's been great! </div>
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I love seeing the hand of the Lord in the lives of the people here. Watching them slowly change and see their eyes fill with spiritual light is an amazing experience and I am so blessed to have this chance to see it. </div>
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This week we had a zone conference, and President Stutznegger shared something that President Uchtdorf had shared with all the new mission presidents. It was beautiful and I really loved it - he talked about how we are disciples of Christ (3 Nephi 5:13) and as such, we ''fear no man''. I loved the conference, and then later, Pres Stutznegger gave us all a copy of the talk by Pres Uchtdorf. So the next morning I read it in my personal study. These last few months I´ve been kind of struggling with the idea that I'm almost done my mission, and I've been thinking a lot about what I can do to make these last few months the best ever. At the beginning of my mission, I always felt the spirit super strong... but I think with time I'd kind of gotten used to it, and it didn't seem as strong anymore. I've been trying really hard these last few months to increase my spirituality - become a better person so that I can have the constant companionship of the spirit with me. And when I read that talk, it was an answer to prayer. I went to our bedroom to be alone and offered a prayer to thank my Heavenly Father. At the end of that prayer, I felt the Spirit so strongly. I felt so happy - so joyful. I was so happy I was crying from happiness. I just wanted to share with you all that this week my testimony of the love of our Heavenly Father for his children has been greatly strengthened. I know that He loves us, and His plan for all of us is much greater than what we can even imagine. And as disciples of Christ, we have been called to share the knowledge of this plan with the whole world. And we have no reason to fear, because He is with us. I know that our Savior lives and loves us. And if we put all our trust in Him, he will lift us up and support us. Alma 26:12 - we are weak, but with His strength, we can do all things. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljACOgYPlq0laO19iOsfW9GukHPB2ritS_oLJ-bSP3SpIrRxPBUmmmJWotJ5BaCOLoWVL3gZ3GoyOiQfn8ZTHIFZt9W-O9w8_xK_yuLmeCPcEcVeohum2xHXqEKh1k6LcBUNgb8bzK7Q/s1600/10903928_942304889126903_2455330628525410601_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljACOgYPlq0laO19iOsfW9GukHPB2ritS_oLJ-bSP3SpIrRxPBUmmmJWotJ5BaCOLoWVL3gZ3GoyOiQfn8ZTHIFZt9W-O9w8_xK_yuLmeCPcEcVeohum2xHXqEKh1k6LcBUNgb8bzK7Q/s1600/10903928_942304889126903_2455330628525410601_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone Conference photo from Hna Stutznegger</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone Conference - the picture is of some Elders, but I like the Hermana's visiting in the background!</td></tr>
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I love you all so much. I love it here in Mexico. I am learning tons and I feel the Spirit here so strong. Be good, say your prayers, and share what the Lord has given us with everyone you know. I love you!</div>
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-Hna Taylor<br />
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<i>PS - She sent a little email saying: </i>"mom! I have to send the airplane information to the offices! I'm freakin out! I love ya'll but don't want to come home yet!" <i>and asked which airport she should fly home to.</i> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-64602569355443667572015-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:49:59.215-08:00{Week 64} Oriental - March 2, 2015<div>
I wanted to start by telling you all that the mail works! Today I got the primary girls cards and the Gates Christmas card, and last week I got the Heggie's Christmas card!</div>
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Carlee, your skill on the piano amazes me - and I haven't even heard you play. That's one of my goals for after my mission - brush up on the flute and learn piano.</div>
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I say that the dress is white and orange and my comp says it's white and brown. </div>
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AND! Paquita and Rodolfo gave us a basketball! And we found out that there is an outside exercise park with a tiny basketball court in our apartment complex! So now we go there and shoot hoops for our 30 minutes of exercise every morning at 6:30! YAY! But the hoops are stuck right on the wall, so the other day when I was doing a layup at top speed (lol) I ran right into the wall and now my hip is a lovely purple color.</div>
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Feliz Cumplaños Jordyn and Jennafer! Hope that you eat lots of cake and that it's delicious!</div>
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So on Tuesday we did an activity as a district - we set up one of those tables of pamphlets outside the church and contacted everyone that walked by. A few of them even came inside the church with us for tours, and we received a ton of referencias. But only one of them was for our area. But we had a lot of fun doing it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcI_szT0brDMNHW2SX9r1RUQVajIEo08UpNiq_mnzvqCly7jFdF4_14LyBfx6JfWaDxtd-fAQXL_CoyxaFKl2ztLOHYoE_OeIUxtS8PvzYyHXoQdECxc7FEt4P4r7foHeYf5iEuRVLp4/s1600/DSCN1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcI_szT0brDMNHW2SX9r1RUQVajIEo08UpNiq_mnzvqCly7jFdF4_14LyBfx6JfWaDxtd-fAQXL_CoyxaFKl2ztLOHYoE_OeIUxtS8PvzYyHXoQdECxc7FEt4P4r7foHeYf5iEuRVLp4/s1600/DSCN1886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Me at our pamphlet table.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Hnas Ramirez, Ortiz, Gurley, Cardenas, and Valdivia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">My lovely district contacting the people.</span></td></tr>
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And we meet in the stake center with another ward, and the four missionaries from the other ward (Hna Gurley, Hna Cardenas, Elder Young, and Elder Moreno) are teaching English. And they put a big poster outside the church, so a TON of people are going! And a ton of people always contact us in the street asking about the English classes. Hna Gurley teaches the more advanced class on Wednesday, and Elder Young teaches the basic class on Saturday. And they told us that last Saturday, they had over 50 people in the class! So Hna Ramirez and I are going to start going on Saturday too and we're going to divide it into three classes so that it's more personal and we can connect with them more! So that's super awesome.</div>
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I seem to recall that last week you asked if I'd seen guns, and how dangerous it really is here... I have seen guns - but only on security guards. Every store here that's even remotely fancy has a security guard outside with a gun - and not like a handgun, it's like a giant rifle/shotgun type thing. And you know how the Walmart in Canada has the little old lady that checks your receipt and gives you the smiley face sticker as you walk out? Well the Walmart here has army dudes in full military gear with handguns that stand at the door and check your receipt. I honestly hardly ever feel scared in the street - everyone says it's super dangerous, and they're always telling us stories of how everyone gets robbed, but I've never seen anything like that or felt scared like that. And I've honestly told you everything that's happened to me here. The guys always talk to me and say dirty things, but I just ignore them. But they never try anything... I know that the Lord is protecting us, and sometimes when we feel like we shouldn't walk down a street, we don't, and who knows what would have happened if we did. But we try to always follow the spirit, and the Lord takes care of us. </div>
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We've been working a lot with Michelle lately. The last week we've been teaching her sister Katherine a lot too... And they were both progressing really well... but then they didn't come to church on Sunday. We were going to go get them, but they had already left with their dad. He took them around buying them stuff, and when we stopped by that night around 6, they were all getting ready to go the the Christian church at 7. Katherine wasn't there, but we talked with Michelle for awhile. She says she wants to know more, and her parents have given her permission to listen to us and get baptized, but they're really against it and are constantly making remarks and criticizing and stuff like that... Michelle asked us if we could hold off for a few months on the whole baptism thing. So we talked a lot about prayer and the importance of getting a testimony, and then following God. It was a super spiritual lesson, and we were all crying. She knows that it's true, she just gets confused with so many people talking at her. But if you could all send a prayer this way remembering her, that would be great!</div>
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We placed six different baptismal dates this week... but they all fell through because nobody came to church. Except David, the 9 year old kid. He came and his mom came again. Last week we gave David one of those Book of Mormons for kids - like the ones we have with the pictures. He loves it, and is always reading it, and we start every lesson by reading one chapter. It's been really great. He needs a lot of prayers too - the other day his mom wasn't there, just his grandma, and he told us that he wants to get baptized so that he'll become a good boy. That way his mom will stop ''punishing'' him. I don't think she hits him (at least not very hard - a lot of parents hit their kids here. It's ''normal'') but he said that sometimes she doesn't let him eat... like all day. She's already back with her boyfriend that stole her kid awhile back, and she's always buying treats for her other two little boys, but never for David. And he's honestly not a bad kid! A little rambunctious, but really smart and he LOVES going to church and reading his Book of Mormon. He's got this idea that if he gets baptized his mom might start loving him. We feel so bad for him. So we're working a lot with his mom too... and she came to church on Sunday so that's a good sign. But this little boy could use a lot of prayers too. </div>
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I love this ward. Our bishop is great and is always giving us references. And his wife always comes with us for lessons (first time in my mission that the wife of the bishop is willing to come with us). The leaders all work hard, and it's been a lot of fun to be here. And Hna Ramirez is great. We've got one month together now, and she's been progressing a ton. I love her! </div>
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Hope you all have a great week. I love you all tons! Be good, say your prayers, and enjoy your day, because we are honestly so blessed. </div>
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Con amor, Hna Taylor</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-9122119347073779332015-02-23T12:05:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:49:44.307-08:00{Week 63} Oriental - February 23, 2015<div>
So this has been a pretty good week! We're working hard and seeing lots of good stuff happening. Hermana Ramirez has now finished 1/4 of her training - and she is doing great! She's a hard worker with a lot of faith. She's studying a lot to have the doctrine all down (she's a fairly recent convert of 3 years, so there are a few things she's still learning) and I love her! She has now learned how to walk fast lol. <br />
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So this week we started teaching Katherine and Jaqueline - the sisters of Michelle. They are 14 and 16 respectively. At the start, they really didn't want anything to do with us. But one day all of a sudden they wanted to listen! Turns out that in just the two weeks that we've been teaching Michelle, they've seen a huge change in her. And they realized it was because she was listening to us and planning to get baptized on March 15th. So now they are also listening and both want to get baptized! They have a few challenges but they have a ton of faith and a desire to be better, and they LOVE church, which is so great to see. </div>
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And we've also started teaching a mom and her two daughters - Alma is the mom and her daughters are Lizbeth (15) and Alejandra (13). We found them on Friday. They're pretty Catholic, but are willing to learn more. The mom said that she'll give it a try, and if she feels like it's true, she's willing to get baptized. Saturday night we called them to make sure they were coming to church, but they didn't answer. Then Sunday morning they didn't answer either. We were on our way to their house Sunday morning to bring them to church with us, when the mom called and said ''Are you still coming to get us? because we're ready and waiting...'' That made us super happy! So they came to church and they liked it. There are two wards meeting in our building (the stake center) so the other ward has their sacrament meeting first, and we have the classes first. We were in the middle of the second class when Alma leaned over to me and whispered ''When do we go to Mass?'' It was funny and I explained to her that we call that part 'Sacrament Meeting' and that it was last. </div>
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And Paquita and Rodolfo went to the temple in Veracruz on Wednesday with the ward! They loved it and were able to do the baptisms for several members of their family. They took a ton of pictures which they showed to us afterwards. I am so grateful that we have temples here and that we have this great chance to do the work for our loved ones. </div>
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We're enjoying living with Hna Cardenas and Hna Gurley. It's always a party here. And Hna Gurley is hilarious like always - her greatest wish is to return to one of her old wards to finish her mission there, and she is constantly trying to figure out how the cambios will be so that she can finish her mission there. We're all fairly certain though that she's going to train and finish her mission right where she is lol. Last Monday night Hna Gurley made a tent in the middle of our house, and we all climbed in and shared stories late into the night (10:30ish lol).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a lovely tent!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoliG6YlaZ5IJXsr5hRfHEUaD_zzkEktx24jAPHGHNAmd9rX_mx_geSWVtIXzR_U451vbsssur2vhT8GEgoFfoE-QoYh6MbsXUkdWacG2Ik6GhoJUIwoDo-VoovcgZTZKP_vANoXJkF_w/s1600/DSCN1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoliG6YlaZ5IJXsr5hRfHEUaD_zzkEktx24jAPHGHNAmd9rX_mx_geSWVtIXzR_U451vbsssur2vhT8GEgoFfoE-QoYh6MbsXUkdWacG2Ik6GhoJUIwoDo-VoovcgZTZKP_vANoXJkF_w/s1600/DSCN1870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us in the tent that Hna Gurley built.</td></tr>
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And yesterday we went to visit Nicolee and Gabi - we knew that Gabi was feeling pretty bad because she didn't come to church that day. She's completely deaf in one ear and can barely hear in her other ear. They've been members for about 6 months, and Gabi was feeling like she couldn't see a point in going to church, because she can't hear anything. And when she woke up on Sunday she couldn't hear anything at all and was super dizzy and was throwing up a ton. So she didn't come to church. We were all crying while we were there - Gabi, her mom, Nicolee, and us. So I shared a few scriptures that have always helped me, like Moroni 7:33, D&C 122 and D&C 58:2-4. We testified about how our Heavenly Father has a divine plan for us, and if we have to pass through trials, they are what will help us to become worthy to obtain eternal life. The spirit was really strong. Then, we talked about learning sign language! It's very possible that in a few years she could completely lose her hearing, so there should be someone in the ward who knows sign language and can translate the stuff for her. So we've decided to start learning together - bit by bit. And we have several people in the ward that are willing to learn too. I already know the alphabet, but it changes in Spanish. so we're going to work on that.</div>
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It's been a good week! And we're going to keep working! I love this area and the people here, and we're learning tons! </div>
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Love you all! Be good, say your prayers, and have a lovely day!</div>
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-Hermana Taylor<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My desk :)</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-31952303550624761462015-02-16T13:31:00.003-08:002015-11-29T21:49:30.662-08:00{Week 62} Oriental - February 16, 2015So this has been a pretty eventful week! Lots of fun stuff going on, and I love being with Hna Ramirez! She's super sweet and has a really big heart filled with lots of love. We've been having a lot of fun together.<br />
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So to start, I have to tell you about our adventure! This actually happened last week, but I forgot to tell you. When we arrived in the area, we didn't have a cellphone. So Wednesday in the morning we had to go to the Mission Office to get one. When we were coming home, I messed up and we got on the wrong metro train. We were sitting there, waiting to take off when I realized my mistake. So we got up quickly and rushed for the door to get off. Hna Ramirez left, but the door's slid shut behind her, with me still on the train! I had thrust my hand through the doors at the last second to try to open them, but the doors just closed on my hand! And I couldn't pull my hand through because it was holding a packet of pamphlets that I couldn't get through the door. Hna Ramirez and I were both trying to open the door (and a guy in the train was trying too) but to no avail. As the train took off, she took the pamphlets from my hand, I pulled my hand back in the train, and made motions to her to stay where she was, and off I went in the train with her left on the platform! It was super strange to be alone, and my heart was pounding like crazy. I was terrified that she would try to board the next train to come after me. I had to go to the next station to switch trains to come back to where she was. We were probably separated for about 15 minutes. I finally arrived back at the station, and she was there waiting for me! We hugged and it was like a scene from a movie lol. But all is well and I haven't lost her since lol!</div>
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And Paquita and Rodolfo got baptized! That was so special. I don't know why, but investigators almost always show up late for their baptisms here. But not Paquita and Marci! They were there 30 minutes early! The problem was that everyone else showed up 15 minutes late lol. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qAN4HCFpStovCgQDzhyphenhyphen2fcog98bwhe9UHQviDH3Vf3a6HqXTXs-2FS667GJZPhuy0S96O767FduFm29svhIjsp3sOblEvLObyYwNgN7_nVxlLWWkx5qgkfNRCjFoJ5eLp3zv_YDBKCg/s1600/DSCN1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qAN4HCFpStovCgQDzhyphenhyphen2fcog98bwhe9UHQviDH3Vf3a6HqXTXs-2FS667GJZPhuy0S96O767FduFm29svhIjsp3sOblEvLObyYwNgN7_nVxlLWWkx5qgkfNRCjFoJ5eLp3zv_YDBKCg/s1600/DSCN1859.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Paquita and Rodolfo and us!</span></td></tr>
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There were a ton of missionaries there. The elders that found and taught them came to baptize them. They're the secretaries, so while they were here in O--, they were often busy doing secretary type things, so the other missionaries in the zone would help them out and go to their appointments. All the missionaries that met Paquita and Rodolfo fell in love with them, and they all came to the baptism. During the program, Hna Ramirez and I had planned to sing ''Nearer my God to Thee'', but at the last second we invited all the missionaries present to come sing with us. It was super sweet and powerful. The spirit was strong. Paquita cried through the whole thing. The last verse got a little intense when Paquita was crying so hard that she fell off her chair, but her husband and a sister helped her up and all was well. They were both so happy when they got baptized. Then afterwards, they both bore their testimonies. And Rodolfo's testimony was so sweet! Paquita is always talking and crying, but when Rodolfo bore his simple testimony, he got choked up and couldn't speak. It was so sweet to see how happy they both were. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp6A9ouAtYzTORyl3z3V67t2gIghdsZwYEXInIEFkHFNmDtQMn8oltIDuduwwiRDnraC7HLPRClo1JwrmTF-EmStw1oNLxKIjAcyaHxVPj8XnejjMrzNqwTK83U2dOcSybCnqs_EHlTk/s1600/DSCN1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp6A9ouAtYzTORyl3z3V67t2gIghdsZwYEXInIEFkHFNmDtQMn8oltIDuduwwiRDnraC7HLPRClo1JwrmTF-EmStw1oNLxKIjAcyaHxVPj8XnejjMrzNqwTK83U2dOcSybCnqs_EHlTk/s1600/DSCN1861.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Paquita and Rodolfo and Elders Vallejo and Bryce.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXEYi96pP4-dxYi9gxbwbfo9-2y45ifJI2fo2Q89dvmJ8Txn5s_EdcjEKYP2JkdSYxa3Z4wDjf2yvV-mq7pXjDUe7Ke0TM_qjRGTGSwIQAVEPXe-2DM_nzgXRbPzlemfgbe0UBh1uFUg/s1600/10958048_1021490707880043_1415926831235614661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXEYi96pP4-dxYi9gxbwbfo9-2y45ifJI2fo2Q89dvmJ8Txn5s_EdcjEKYP2JkdSYxa3Z4wDjf2yvV-mq7pXjDUe7Ke0TM_qjRGTGSwIQAVEPXe-2DM_nzgXRbPzlemfgbe0UBh1uFUg/s1600/10958048_1021490707880043_1415926831235614661_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermanas Ramirez, Gurley, me and Cardenas with Paquita.</td></tr>
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Then on Sunday they were confirmed - and Rodolfo also received the Aaronic priesthood! They gave it to him a bit faster than normal because on Wednesday the ward is going to the temple in Veracruz (because the Mexico City one is closed) and Rodolfo and Paquita both have several names that they're going to take to the temple to do baptisms. They're both really happy, and it's been great to see the gospel change their lives. And after their baptism, they invited us all to their house for pozole! (which is pretty much my favorite Mexican food)</div>
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And we've started to teach Michelle - the granddaughter of Paquita and Rodolfo. She's 17 and really sweet. She's got a really tough situation. Her parents are divorced. She lives with her two younger sisters, her dad and her dad's girlfriend, which live on the second floor of Paquita's house. We've been working with her a lot this week, and in just one week she has progressed so much! She's praying, she reads the Book of Mormon, she came to a stake activity and her grandparents baptism, she came to church, and we took her to the visitor's center at the temple! Poco a poco she's learning to put her trust in the Lord. Her baptism date is for March 15th (Hna Ramirez invited her to be baptized and put the date - her first time doing it! Wooo!!). Then on Sunday, after they gave her grandpa the Priesthood, I told her that if she'd like, her grandpa would be able to baptize her. She said ''Wow... okay.'' Then she looked at me with tears in her eyes and told me that she feels like all of this is a huge gift and that she's not worthy of it or doesn't deserve it. I told her that that wasn't true and testified to her that she is a daughter of God and has a divine potential. It has been amazing to see how much she has progressed in less than a week. And we're going to work a lot with her to help her even more. Nicolee and Jessica (2 recent converts in the ward) have been great friends to her and are helping her a lot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV_YNV47ctcWZcMgLJmcyMNvgXEdTFD1avw7svhIHkx5n1i3g-QvvVgFwiKrlmID6VwFidLmC5Ab23wE4noWAvmpxwbcaru7ztHveFc62UnBT4dFSP7ikKGgGGkpgVso9u79ieFxrDHM/s1600/DSCN1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV_YNV47ctcWZcMgLJmcyMNvgXEdTFD1avw7svhIHkx5n1i3g-QvvVgFwiKrlmID6VwFidLmC5Ab23wE4noWAvmpxwbcaru7ztHveFc62UnBT4dFSP7ikKGgGGkpgVso9u79ieFxrDHM/s1600/DSCN1847.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Us at the temple! With Nicolee, Michelle, and Jessica.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgsabYxVhRlxvFpllbxiX7yP5xJJMe5umg19H8y04_oowegqOSA_PRntz4-iS8Zig-08b5WIDT9ZOWMyeef11Q5R5zjvgPv0ci0MENa3ZEqmC8cHF_JQKSw-ng-GqUY0WyRuN_uWU5r0/s1600/IMG_2015_2_14_11-35-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgsabYxVhRlxvFpllbxiX7yP5xJJMe5umg19H8y04_oowegqOSA_PRntz4-iS8Zig-08b5WIDT9ZOWMyeef11Q5R5zjvgPv0ci0MENa3ZEqmC8cHF_JQKSw-ng-GqUY0WyRuN_uWU5r0/s1600/IMG_2015_2_14_11-35-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture that they take in the Visitors Center. Hna Ramirez, Jessica, Nicolee, Michelle (our investigator) and me!</td></tr>
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<div>
Funny stories!</div>
<div>
- there's a kid that always asks me how to say things in ''Canadian'' lol</div>
<div>
- another kid asked me how I learned to talk with an accent. She didn't believe me when I explained that this is my voice - I didn't learn it, this is just how it is! </div>
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- Paquita has been giving us bags of clothes as ''gifts''. All of the clothing is old and 10 sizes too big though. And the last bag was filled with nothing more than underclothing (bras etc. lol) She's hilarious. </div>
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- Paquita and Rodolfo said the opening and closing prayers in church on Sunday... they both started with ''Dear Heavenly Father'' then proceeded to bear their testimonies, then ended in ''the name of Jesus Christ, Amen''. It was hilarious and was hard not to laugh. They say great prayers in our lessons, but I guess they didn't really understand what they were supposed to do in sacrament meeting. lol</div>
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It's been a great week. We've been working hard, but haven't had much luck finding new investigators. But we keep working and giving it all we've got! Hna Ramirez is great and has progressed a lot too. It makes me remember my first days in the mission when I often had no clue what was going on lol.</div>
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I love you all tons. I hope you all have a great week. Be good, say your prayers, and share the gospel!</div>
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-Hna Taylor</div>
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New house photos . . . </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcsJvzPSRAR0TorQJmwS1PVFlFE10inkkPMoo6H9QaciLhHTPMDpjVJGpynfm82cOoiXRiQSvdyavJS3XTNI2tOQDYpTLyRSajywyHzWWy-MwMT1ED-LlSdvwSUyD-3s6pWiL1Rpb_pg/s1600/DSCN1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcsJvzPSRAR0TorQJmwS1PVFlFE10inkkPMoo6H9QaciLhHTPMDpjVJGpynfm82cOoiXRiQSvdyavJS3XTNI2tOQDYpTLyRSajywyHzWWy-MwMT1ED-LlSdvwSUyD-3s6pWiL1Rpb_pg/s1600/DSCN1837.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e0qlw8KtnEsr3SkUu4VMX7bNsDBGzxetNmbBJtmxN_ZGReYWYD-fOiehK37AFJldJKabsXw13zZDsWarka07fzo-DVE53QXmmbfWsCOusW_-SiuRmqolLhVm7v7J27bzwCSOnVF1WmY/s1600/DSCN1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e0qlw8KtnEsr3SkUu4VMX7bNsDBGzxetNmbBJtmxN_ZGReYWYD-fOiehK37AFJldJKabsXw13zZDsWarka07fzo-DVE53QXmmbfWsCOusW_-SiuRmqolLhVm7v7J27bzwCSOnVF1WmY/s1600/DSCN1838.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kitchen.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLkI6-vGIDuNjbbIfWAQBVxsph4njUafyz4LAKabGJTWVduQvi3zTW6iQzauSg1T8i5BQ0Q3SbF49X31-wqN4CwaiwCVLfbFK5o0DMLpprmfzXWgDrfBvIoz7Ui23FbJ83n027rVeZc/s1600/DSCN1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLkI6-vGIDuNjbbIfWAQBVxsph4njUafyz4LAKabGJTWVduQvi3zTW6iQzauSg1T8i5BQ0Q3SbF49X31-wqN4CwaiwCVLfbFK5o0DMLpprmfzXWgDrfBvIoz7Ui23FbJ83n027rVeZc/s1600/DSCN1839.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My companion in our study room.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVa62OiVxya9qzSWaCUJCleRQK7qFuUBAIOlaI1DhwAPdd4RaiofeXAna5q_cyQLeabt1XWdFlUOB2MMpKehe8QKgQiz5M8iYgtdsL6lnD0IsJnVmpb8yalkdtVgxaVUZw7ngy6B8N4Y/s1600/DSCN1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVa62OiVxya9qzSWaCUJCleRQK7qFuUBAIOlaI1DhwAPdd4RaiofeXAna5q_cyQLeabt1XWdFlUOB2MMpKehe8QKgQiz5M8iYgtdsL6lnD0IsJnVmpb8yalkdtVgxaVUZw7ngy6B8N4Y/s1600/DSCN1840.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Our bathroom (there are two bathrooms in our house! One for us and one for Hnas Gurley and Cardenas!)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zyZt1T4zHeEKVTfkShUDOgidkPBvYom81QW6wGs7dcskVvdPh3K2XGsbxX2mZy4G4ne7ubSJIdZb3X6qnrEQhX-k-7qYAMBmg4aAv_ziPSUtPnPoW4uEmrRUs55s-EThWJTlWo7bRGk/s1600/DSCN1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zyZt1T4zHeEKVTfkShUDOgidkPBvYom81QW6wGs7dcskVvdPh3K2XGsbxX2mZy4G4ne7ubSJIdZb3X6qnrEQhX-k-7qYAMBmg4aAv_ziPSUtPnPoW4uEmrRUs55s-EThWJTlWo7bRGk/s1600/DSCN1841.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjByGAzzvsQRwSv_UCA3LPHzMIzBVjPOlo8RbPI8RVEWVLBS0lmeMI21xt9ZTGwFwZGmUpKCk4r1floYoKvE-aH4MZQI4a4kBwGTcYEf34SgQgFvZ7tctZXybYoegH6zneHhsEaN0105M/s1600/DSCN1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjByGAzzvsQRwSv_UCA3LPHzMIzBVjPOlo8RbPI8RVEWVLBS0lmeMI21xt9ZTGwFwZGmUpKCk4r1floYoKvE-aH4MZQI4a4kBwGTcYEf34SgQgFvZ7tctZXybYoegH6zneHhsEaN0105M/s1600/DSCN1842.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our apartment building.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-64520017383755143462015-02-09T13:18:00.002-08:002015-11-29T21:49:18.248-08:00{Week 61} Oriental - February 9, 2015<div>
Mackenzie! Congratulations on your lost tooth!</div>
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Jordy, don't worry, about a thing, cuz every little thing is gonna be all right! :)</div>
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And say Hi to Kennedy for me!</div>
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In the picture, we're eating churros. I love churros!</div>
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And I never got the letters from the Activity Day girls...</div>
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As you already know, I am now training! It was crazy to arrive at the changes meeting and see the new missionaries - and 3 new sisters! We arrived in style in the back of a member's pickup truck with all my stuff, and had fun meeting the new sisters and chatting with all the missionaries until the meeting started. I always love the changes meeting - super funny to see the reactions of people when they find out that they're going to be comps and who's going to be the new leaders. Hna Luque and Hna Ingram are now comps in my last area, and are the Sister Training Leaders. And my new comp is Hermana Ramirez! She is from Mexico and is 22. She moved to the States at age 6 and returned to Mexico at age 19, so she speaks practically perfect English. She is a convert of 3 years - she learned about the church when she returned to Mexico. She was originally called to serve in the Provo Utah mission, but her visa was denied due to the fact that was in the States illegally for so many years. So now she's my comp! And she's super sweet - she has a big heart and lots of desires to work hard and help the people. She's constantly asking me what she can do better - she has a big desire to be the best missionary that she can be. I love her, and it's going to be great to be companions! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiiVKcPKtArqsYtXI2i9C-BeVmEaEf3fFwIwddex2ocYeWR0DuAxtEx9pFj3YFGq-y-tMV4iBiu_PKKgO1WHsO6LpKwg3MJCPPqP2bv6arNkfDJKYvb6rQ37MYJqCPiHzz6uNr4F_n_g/s1600/DSCN1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiiVKcPKtArqsYtXI2i9C-BeVmEaEf3fFwIwddex2ocYeWR0DuAxtEx9pFj3YFGq-y-tMV4iBiu_PKKgO1WHsO6LpKwg3MJCPPqP2bv6arNkfDJKYvb6rQ37MYJqCPiHzz6uNr4F_n_g/s1600/DSCN1823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Hna Ramirez and I!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURyuF0__LCYVkXjU5FvwbMRbEzcNNWQmAxjGxFG5hTWXRbqqr-L39iil2htWGH3KdxzrhyphenhyphenKsWvKp0hw69QDaVvWGZfMVEuCv2A2LTobKDofIPSclq_OElADKAGpbRLmBJC34JWu92UPs/s1600/DSCN1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURyuF0__LCYVkXjU5FvwbMRbEzcNNWQmAxjGxFG5hTWXRbqqr-L39iil2htWGH3KdxzrhyphenhyphenKsWvKp0hw69QDaVvWGZfMVEuCv2A2LTobKDofIPSclq_OElADKAGpbRLmBJC34JWu92UPs/s1600/DSCN1825.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I loved Hna Luque! I'll miss her! (and I believe that's Elders Anderson and Bryce in the background lol)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3-ZmPVxtMyvIv5c8FHN83XnABvM8kHSBIUlAF6_kBqXJ6F5XmJ9JcDeITRmeRPPQw1zajbEctPWhvkfmzKsnZC-jN-khoYb5Dh1x3M47ypQAxyXrJifN2EIcdnZ9Xqer8Yet33yIMRs/s1600/DSCN1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3-ZmPVxtMyvIv5c8FHN83XnABvM8kHSBIUlAF6_kBqXJ6F5XmJ9JcDeITRmeRPPQw1zajbEctPWhvkfmzKsnZC-jN-khoYb5Dh1x3M47ypQAxyXrJifN2EIcdnZ9Xqer8Yet33yIMRs/s1600/DSCN1821.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Hna Bravo finished her mission! (4th companion)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsObk1_Z8cEEhYHvhA8fLs-hCHuPyql-TngpO1Hm5JanReNA9vIAQ7DnIhaFpYDHP0y3Nrl2hUXbzT79nMue50z5eEOTEOrhK-6sc20EzIsh-GmA_5Ig71I9KYCH_k6fA90wvW7hVlPM/s1600/DSCN1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsObk1_Z8cEEhYHvhA8fLs-hCHuPyql-TngpO1Hm5JanReNA9vIAQ7DnIhaFpYDHP0y3Nrl2hUXbzT79nMue50z5eEOTEOrhK-6sc20EzIsh-GmA_5Ig71I9KYCH_k6fA90wvW7hVlPM/s1600/DSCN1824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Hna Cruz finished too! (3rd companion)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroqcSjdQhSG3qZToio0uQlzdRF5kOXe4EUghZnTdaKqIUjGChzmGxfhLHFCeNMFh7Iom_wEfF0ZLYUViRMTKo8LnH3_gYYNvlk_neo5dwk6PP337mlXBBM9vso0_pkVf8NqoJOn1BDsc/s1600/DSCN1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroqcSjdQhSG3qZToio0uQlzdRF5kOXe4EUghZnTdaKqIUjGChzmGxfhLHFCeNMFh7Iom_wEfF0ZLYUViRMTKo8LnH3_gYYNvlk_neo5dwk6PP337mlXBBM9vso0_pkVf8NqoJOn1BDsc/s1600/DSCN1826.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">These were my zone leaders in N-- - Elders Juarez and Esplin.</span></td></tr>
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And we're in a new area! We are in a ward called O--, in the O-- Stake (this was my first stake). This was the area that Hna Aguilar was in when Hna Gutierrez was in the hospital, and when we did divisions for a few days, this was the ward I came to. So about a year ago I was in this ward for about 3 days - and every now and then we go in a house or walk down a street, and I recognize it. And several people remember me! Our first day we walked past a street, and I looked down it and knew I had been there before! I remembered teaching some investigators there, and I knew that they had been baptized, so we walked down the street and I remembered which house it was! So we knocked, but it turns out they don't live there anymore, but the person that lives there let us in and let us teach her! It was a great lesson - we taught the Restoration, and the spirit was super strong - she's named Guadelupe and is 18. We had huge hopes for her, but later when we came back the next day, her mom had forbidden her to keep listening to us, so we've had to drop her. But we're planning to pass by again later and see if we can talk to her mom.</div>
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It was funny when we got here. When we arrived the Elders gave us a map, but they messed up and gave us a map of the wrong ward. We wandered around, completely lost for about an hour, when we ran into a member that told us our map was wrong. So in desperation we went to the house of Hna J - because I remembered what street she lived on. We got to the street, but I couldn't remember in which direction she lived, so I said a prayer, and the next thing we know, someone shouted ''Hermanas!'' It was Levi, the son of Hna J. He got back from his mission in Argentina about 6 months ago, and is the 2nd counselor in the bishopric. So he helped us get the right map, and showed us where a bunch of members live. So that was a tender mercy of the Lord to put him in our path right when we needed help the most! </div>
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This ward is amazing! They are so missionary minded! EVERYONE has a big desire to share the gospel, and they always want to come with us for appointments. I love them! And our Bishop is amazing! On Saturday he came with us to visit some people and it went great. This ward is amazing! I'm hoping I ''die'' here. I love it! </div>
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The area is small, but pretty safe, with lots of weird winding streets. The Elders that were here didn't do anything to keep up with the paperwork, so we don't have any records of anything that they did here. But, the members are super helpful and are always helping us know where less actives live. </div>
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And we have 3 investigators! Francisca ''Paquita'' and her husband Rodolfo are so amazing - they are 65ish and are getting baptized on Saturday! They LOVE the gospel, and although we didn't find them, we have the great privilege of teaching them. Paquita talks and talks and talks and Rodolfo sits there silently with a smile on his face. They are the sweetest people ever. Today we went over the baptism interview questions with them, and one of the questions is if they've ever committed a serious crime. Without hesitation they both said yes, with their faces very solemn. We were surprised and didn't really believe them (they are so sweet and innocent I couldn't imagine them doing something bad) and so we explained exactly what counts as a serious crime, and they said ''Oh we've never done anything like that. We just feel so bad for our sins that we feel like they are serious crimes.'' It was so sweet to see how much they want to repent and become like Jesus Christ. I love them!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkbBMouSTEGSYjF4nFSam0j9WyeUu57S5sQd-e5I6CywPrwDq-2rklf_DHy3078r6ziOE38SJoz9yatD64uDFcRlA7L5SBM-MsPnKyU4hGqDYaoUuhpgZ-4AbS7sR3X3DMZ6kR4aDrk/s1600/DSCN1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkbBMouSTEGSYjF4nFSam0j9WyeUu57S5sQd-e5I6CywPrwDq-2rklf_DHy3078r6ziOE38SJoz9yatD64uDFcRlA7L5SBM-MsPnKyU4hGqDYaoUuhpgZ-4AbS7sR3X3DMZ6kR4aDrk/s1600/DSCN1834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Rodolfo, Paquita, Hna Laura (the stake president's wife) and Asenat (the stake president's daughter), and me!</span></td></tr>
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And our other investigator is our ''niño magico'' - Magic Child. That's what we call the 9 year old less actives that missionaries always want to baptize lol. His name is David, and we didn't know how we were going to help him come to church every Sunday, because his grandma works, his mom is less active, and his step-father isn't a member. Saturday night we went to visit him - and his mom was there! It was the first time we'd met his mom. His step-father had taken his 6 month old little brother in the morning and left, and hadn't returned all day - and was drunk when he took the baby. So the mom didn't go to work because she and the grandma had been trying all day to find the baby. When we arrived they were both in tears and told us that they had been praying for help when we knocked on the door. We prayed with them that the baby would be returned safely, and sang a hymn, and talked a lot about obedience. Later that night the mom called us to say that the baby had been returned, she had broken up with the step-father (he's actually just her boyfriend) and that tomorrow first thing she would come to church. And she came! And we are planning to baptize David on March 7! It's amazing to see how the Lord guides us to the place we need to be in exactly the right moment. The people have such confidence in us as missionaries - sometimes we get there and they look at us, and they say ''The missionaries are here. Everything will be all right now.'' It's very humbling to know that we literally are representatives of Jesus Christ, and we have the great responsibility and opportunity to help everyone. </div>
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We live in a big apartment building (sorry, no pictures) and we share it with Hna Gurley and her comp Hna Cardenas! Hna Cardenas will be finishing her mission in March. They are in a different ward. We share the ward with Hna Valdivia who also goes home in June, and Hna Ortiz, who arrived with Hna Ramirez. We don't have a washer, we don't even have a scrub board, so we have to take our clothes to the member's houses to wash them. And Church starts at 9! But we have Priesthood and RS first, then Sunday School, then Sacrament Meeting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXLtD5Zfstqs3bLuSJouWL548Hx1uz-7Ym6RytrVV7m-YSTOcta5enXR1-F_3MsTCsZ_mrmYLHu0oQZcVMQXk6HlsbrdTlkmO1BWOxGpbjlqFzJBo_QG3r9MjVbjsmMwveWeDxWWkN_I/s1600/DSCN1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXLtD5Zfstqs3bLuSJouWL548Hx1uz-7Ym6RytrVV7m-YSTOcta5enXR1-F_3MsTCsZ_mrmYLHu0oQZcVMQXk6HlsbrdTlkmO1BWOxGpbjlqFzJBo_QG3r9MjVbjsmMwveWeDxWWkN_I/s1600/DSCN1828.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Hna Valdivia and Hna Ortiz - (we found a pink wig in a members house lol)</span></td></tr>
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I'm loving the changes. It was sad to say goodbye to P-- and N--, but I'm happy to be in O--. It's a good area, and I know that we're going to see miracles here. And Hna Ramirez is great. </div>
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Love you all - have a great week. Be good, say your prayers, and count your blessings, because we have so many. </div>
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Love you!</div>
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-Hna Taylor</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj4qBTF6MybvI55D36Tpve7SgnBdEYjde8rS4X_Wp8pQXugfrE2prVn2NRV3AsyTV4Kkb34guvJOuoPcgNFK4N4UevGgNR3BJbYjCe8_4p_exdQ6cZ3Q6ulDTmMjKqCtNlEawZObsHGc/s1600/DSCN1819+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj4qBTF6MybvI55D36Tpve7SgnBdEYjde8rS4X_Wp8pQXugfrE2prVn2NRV3AsyTV4Kkb34guvJOuoPcgNFK4N4UevGgNR3BJbYjCe8_4p_exdQ6cZ3Q6ulDTmMjKqCtNlEawZObsHGc/s1600/DSCN1819+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Gustavo gave us some gift baskets when he found out I had changes :)</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-13437873394626502032015-02-03T07:53:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:48:13.558-08:00{Week 60} Polanco - February 2, 2015<div dir="ltr">
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Thank you so much for all the letters! I got a ton and I love hearing from you all! Now to answer all the questions you asked me...</span></div>
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The first time they fed us mole, I ate it all. And every time since then I eat just a bit less - I eat until I know that I'll vomit on the next bite and then I tell the member that I'm full. The people here are always offering food. In almost every house that we visit they offer to feed us. We generally say no because we came here to preach, not eat, but some of the people do get offended when we say no. But if we say yes then we'll be eating about 8 times a day and we'd honestly be wasting time. And sometimes they don't take no for an answer, and they'll serve us a plate of tacos anyway. That almost always happens when we're fasting. Then we have to refuse the food and then they get offended... and then we have to tell them we're fasting so that they don't feel bad, and then we feel bad because fasting should be a secret and we shouldn't be telling people... it's a struggle lol. And if they offer you seconds and you say no, they think you didn't like the food, so we almost always take seconds... </div>
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Jordyn, I know you'll get the art award. You're amazing!</div>
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Basketball! Carlee and Jennafer, you two are my heroes. It makes me so happy that you're loving the game, and that you're playing tons. Keep up the good work!</div>
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Carlee, I haven't the foggiest idea what ''bae'' means. </div>
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Richelle, your Christmas card hasn't arrived yet.</div>
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I know for sure that my new comp will be Spanish speaking. There are only four sisters coming, and 3 are from Mexico and 1 from Guatemala. Thanks for the training advice dad. I'm going to just work as hard as I can and love her, and I know everything will be great. And I'll try not to walk too fast for her. Remember how I told you that last week we went on divisions? Well Cynthia, the girl I went with, told me yesterday that she got blisters from walking so fast and so much with me, but she didn't want to tell me in the moment. She struggled through huge blisters as I dragged her from one end of the area to the other walking super speed! She's amazing! So I'll try to watch that with my new comp. And I have changes - we'll be opening an area. I know for sure that I'll be headed back to my first zone O--, but I'm not sure what area I'll be in yet. We'll find out tomorrow!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHglX42nxViJ1lAlYy8N0oD-UKvikRcC1cMgVQVbfydys2kKfEfZfbhQOLgzFtckvWwrawSsCLAy2xJVTK1sAseG6qUPap8t2iwYc0sodV29OyEuOkBwRT7_TWn2Poi0TcRRYHgkkNQc/s1600/DSCN1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHglX42nxViJ1lAlYy8N0oD-UKvikRcC1cMgVQVbfydys2kKfEfZfbhQOLgzFtckvWwrawSsCLAy2xJVTK1sAseG6qUPap8t2iwYc0sodV29OyEuOkBwRT7_TWn2Poi0TcRRYHgkkNQc/s1600/DSCN1802.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Cynthia and Me - she's going to be a great missionary!</span></td></tr>
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And Addison! Richelle, you have no idea how happy it made me to hear from you and see the pictures and videos of your beautiful baby. It made me cry from happiness. You look like an amazing mom, and I can see how much you love your baby. I can't wait to meet her. I love hearing about her. </div>
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So these last few days I've been saying goodbye to everyone - taking lots of pictures and shedding just a few tears. It's crazy to think that many of these people I'll never see again. I'm for sure going to come visit, but it'll be impossible to see them all. This is the first time I've had a chance to say goodbye - my last changes were really sudden and I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to anyone. So I'm enjoying this chance to say goodbye to P- - I was here for 9 months. There are some people I've met here that I will remember forever - it's been so amazing to see the faith of the people in action. I love them all so much. Thanks for those cards you sent me mom, they've come in really handy. This morning we went to have breakfast with the Maldonado Family - my favorite family here. Hermana Maldonado just cried and cried as we hugged and said goodbye. I love them so much. And it's been hard to say goodbye to Adolfo, Edgar, Ana Maria, Gustavo, and Josefina. I love them all tons and it's been amazing to see them progress in the gospel and develop so much faith. Ana Maria finished the Book of Mormon the other day, and is now reading the New Testament. Josefina is preparing to go do baptisms for the dead for her dad and her sister. Gustavo should be getting the priesthood next week. Edgar hasn't smoked in ages and bought himself a suit the other day for church (before he always came in jeans). And Adolfo is preaching the gospel to the whole world - another of his friends was just baptized Sunday by Elders Evans and Chok. It's been amazing. I love them all so much. And Sunday, 15 of the less actives that we teach came to church. That also made me super happy - several of them shared their testimonies with me and told me with real conviction that they came back to stay. I love the gospel so much. It has been amazing to see the changes that people make in their lives when they feel the Spirit testifying of the truthfulness of the gospel. Often when Hna Luque and I see miracles or someone feeling the Spirit and truly repenting and changing, we will look at each other and say ''the gospel is perfect''. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect. I love this chance I'm having to be a full time missionary and dedicate every moment to serving him. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6ZuQcK4geNPRBBUQECQLSBqhFDCPnCeIXvfk5TpsiLuiY61tvYOedvS-IKT5l3-VxmWuGsulNcMR2V4QMDnJKpx3UIh-ndL63_NjH77dnxE1uVNDr7dqRheySLL1jZT21yCkdYXKvw4/s1600/DSCN1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6ZuQcK4geNPRBBUQECQLSBqhFDCPnCeIXvfk5TpsiLuiY61tvYOedvS-IKT5l3-VxmWuGsulNcMR2V4QMDnJKpx3UIh-ndL63_NjH77dnxE1uVNDr7dqRheySLL1jZT21yCkdYXKvw4/s1600/DSCN1817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Me with the Familia Maldonado</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLW1WI-GinyK73F2Xjm2aOP-zlIek_bPY9VIYmMJdl7DfQAt0G3HGWzoBkbUNkBO54WOyX123XpJS9zedwAGEh8PXLHSVRQztQrXP1WHf7bK8a-qgQYvHbcl2bwOtmggU619kEYIISaE/s1600/DSCN1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLW1WI-GinyK73F2Xjm2aOP-zlIek_bPY9VIYmMJdl7DfQAt0G3HGWzoBkbUNkBO54WOyX123XpJS9zedwAGEh8PXLHSVRQztQrXP1WHf7bK8a-qgQYvHbcl2bwOtmggU619kEYIISaE/s1600/DSCN1793.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ana Maria and I. I love her so much!</span></td></tr>
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And I'm going to miss Hna Luque. Every now and then we'll be walking down the street just laughing. We're trying to figure out how we're going to see each other again - it'll be hard since she lives in the South pole and I live in the north pole lol. She keeps looking at me and saying ''I don't want you to go'' and then we cry. I've learned tons from her - especially how to truly love the people. She has such a love for everyone.</div>
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I only have 3 cycles left! That's 4.5 months! I honestly can't believe how fast it's flying by... </div>
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Hope you all have a great week. Ustedes son maravillosas y siempre estoy jactando de ustedes a todos. Trust in the Lord and be obedient. I love you all</div>
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Be good, say your prayers, and say your family prayers too. Prayer is so powerful and I know that our Padre Celestial hears us and answers us. You should all watch the Mormon Message ''Heavenly Father, Earthly Father'' (something like that) it's amazing. </div>
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I love you!</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q_WWM5CjyjpZgt-cFJV5wja0Mt0wfQUIzRm6eZEDSdRz88u94m6AFsJ2DAk96oDDscFx6Bzm-ldHNlQupMfWUhCNqeRLE_bGPZ7ONh5A6Z7JZrpqr8F6iSPnGaUB0fU7XGzeUx_02Ic/s1600/DSCN1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q_WWM5CjyjpZgt-cFJV5wja0Mt0wfQUIzRm6eZEDSdRz88u94m6AFsJ2DAk96oDDscFx6Bzm-ldHNlQupMfWUhCNqeRLE_bGPZ7ONh5A6Z7JZrpqr8F6iSPnGaUB0fU7XGzeUx_02Ic/s1600/DSCN1800.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I got a hole in my shoe... but they lasted me about 7 months!</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-49241983104088040582015-01-26T13:01:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:47:58.589-08:00{Week 59} Polanco - January 26, 2015<div>
Hi Family!</div>
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That's really sad about Teina - she was always super positive on our basketball team and was always really supportive and helpful. It's sad she's gone, but if there is one thing I have learned here it's that the Plan of Salvation is real, and that we really will see and be with our loved ones after this life. I've always believed it, but I've gained such a testimony of God's plan for us - I know that He loves us and really does have a plan for us. And if we put our trust in Him and do as He asks, everything will be okay. Alma 40:12</div>
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Dad, thanks for working so hard for us. I'm always praying for you all and that you'll all be safe. I honestly don't miss you all that much...only on Monday :)</div>
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I've still got a cough... they tell me that the sun and the cold make me worse... so I'm pretty much hooped because I'm in the street all day long and in the morning and night it's chilly and in the afternoon it is super hot with a ton of sun! The other problem is that the houses here are cold - no heating. A lot of the time it's colder inside than outside. And sleeping all night in the cold doesn't really help... </div>
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The craziest thing I've eaten... we ate some pig tongues the other day. It was good, but... weird lol. And I've also eaten champulinas (I think that's what they're called). They're basically roasted crickets... yum... They taste like salty chips, but I really don't like the texture of cricket legs and bodies in my mouth... nasty. </div>
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I still don't have a sombrero, but I'm working on that. I also really want to buy one of those twirly skirts that they dance with here :) But I haven't got a clue where I could find one of those. </div>
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And as for changes... those will be next week, and I will be training a greenie! So that means I'll be having changes for sure.... the only question is if I'll be training here in P-- or if I'll open an area with my greenie. If I stay in P-- to train, I'll have ONE YEAR in this area! Who knows! But ''I'll go where He wants me to go!'' I'm excited :) and just a little bit nervous!</div>
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So this was another rather difficult week... we taught Antonio, but he's pretty Catholic... we'll see what happens. And we found one girl - Adriana. She's another friend of Adolfo. And she's great - a single mom of 2 kids and she loved our message. And then on Sunday after church, we went on splits with two girls from our ward who are preparing for the mission, and we found 5 NEW INVESTIGATORS! The only problem, is that they're all super busy this week (work, vacations, children's events... etc.) So it's going to be a bit difficult to visit them all this week... but we'll work on that! I went with Cynthia and we found: Leopoldo is a 70ish year old doctor that talks a lot and reads more. He's pretty thrilled about the Book of Mormon and is planning to read it all! Marisa is 46 and Carlos is her 24 year old son. They are both super excited to be learning about the Restoration and told us ''We're going to work on this - we want to know if it's true''. And Marta and her 10 year old daughter Jimena are the other ones we found. I haven't met them yet because Hna Luque found them with Isabel, but she says that they're great. So yay! Miracles!</div>
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I'm going to miss Hna Luque. She's been amazing to work with. I've learned lots from her - she has such a love for everyone and has this way of seeing the best in everybody. I love her! She's my best friend from Argentina :)</div>
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I love you all and hope you have a great week! Good luck with your exams girls! My prayers are with you :)</div>
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Be good, say your prayers, and read your scriptures! </div>
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love - Hermana Taylor</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We had a ward bonfire in our church parking lot. Nobody here knows what a S'more is and they had already cooked the hotdogs instead of roasting them over the fire. lol Too funny.</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-4208435765718747912015-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:47:45.860-08:00{Week 58} Polanco - January 19, 2015<div style="font-size: 13px;">
So I have good news! The mail works! I finally got that Christmas advent calender that you sent me. It's beautiful! I love it :) It got here a bit late, but whatever! <em>(It was sent Sept. 22)</em></div>
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Jordy, thanks for your letter! Picture this... you and me in our new house together eating popcorn! lol And I have to tell you! YOU ARE AMAZING! When I saw that picture you did, I just about cried it was so beautiful. Can't wait to see the real thing! And Luque thinks it's amazing too. And she studied art and says that you are amazing. Actually she said ''¡su hermana es una genia!''</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture Jordyn drew in Art class.</td></tr>
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So you wanted to know how hard my mission is physically... at the beginning of my mission I was completely exhausted all the time. But now I've gotten used to it. I'm not nearly as tired now at the end of the day. The only days I feel really tired are the days when no one's home and we walk in the street all day. My area right now is really long and skinny. It's a rectangle - 3 blocks by 40 blocks. So we're walking from one end to the other all day long. And we've learned to walk really fast - I think I always walked fast, but here we're practically running lol. Sometimes when members come with us and walk at a normal speed they get left in the dust. So then we try to walk slow to accommodate, but we feel like we're being lazy or something when we walk slow! </div>
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The other day, we were singing a hymn (''El fin se acerca'') with a less active family. I don't remember what it's called in English, but it talks about how the end is near and we have to be prepared - and it's a faster song. We were about halfway through, when Hna Luque accidentally tried to change the melody - she forgot what hymn we were singing or something. It was only for a split second that she did it, but it sent both of us into peals of laughter! We were laughing so hard we were crying! It was so funny! Finally we calmed down and tried to start singing again, but three words into the song we busted up again. The family didn't get the joke but just laughed along with us. </div>
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And we had interviews! That was fun - interviews are always fun. I love President and Hermana Stutznegger - they are amazing and have helped us all so much! We can all feel the love that they have for us. Hermana Lopez went home. That made me sad, but it's ok. And several months ago, Elder Gilbert from the MTC (he's serving in the North mission) went home too. So that's two from my MTC district that went home. But when we went to the pyramids a couple weeks ago, one of the elders that we met there is also from the North mission and was one of Elder Gilbert's companions, and he told me that Elder Gilbert will be coming back on the mission in March. So that's awesome!</div>
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And on Sunday we went to temple with a couple recent converts in our area - Elders Gerken and Martinez baptized them, but they're in our area now, so we went to the temple and they loved it! And they brought the grandma, who is VERY Catholic, but she liked it too, and we could see that she felt the spirit. We've been trying to teach her, but her schedule hasn't given us a chance yet.</div>
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No one came to church on Sunday... and we had to drop almost everyone due to different circumstances. So that's sad, but we're working hard at finding new people right now. Elder Evans and I teach English classes every Friday, and we've been handing out flyers to all our contacts so that they'll come, and one of them actually did and then gave us an appointment! We haven't taught him yet, but we have an appointment this week with Antonio. And we just keep contacting a lot and looking for references. And we'll continue to do so! </div>
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Honestly, it's been a harder week... not a lot of people accepted us this week. But sometimes that happens and all we can do is work as hard as we can and have faith that there are people out there waiting for us. I know that there are, we just haven't found them yet. </div>
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I love you all tons. I'm loving every minute of my time here. I'm learning lots. I've still got a long way to go, but I've never felt so strongly the Lord's love, or seen so many tender mercies in my life. I know Christ lives, I know He loves us, and I know that He will always help us. Alma 26:12</div>
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Be good, say your prayers, and put your trust in the Lord. </div>
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With lots of love,</div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311532866265232501.post-23023196215631584412015-01-12T14:20:00.000-08:002015-11-29T21:47:27.232-08:00{Week 57} Polanco - January 12, 2015<div>
Dear Dad, Mom, Richelle, Logan, Jordyn, Carlee, Jennafer, Katia, Mackenzie, and Addison, and whoever else reads these letters:</div>
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I cannot believe I've been a missionary for 13 months! That means I go home in 5 months! I feel like I just got here... and I'm going to keep working like I still have 18 months to go. Last night I had a dream that I finished my mission and went home, but I couldn't remember how to speak English and was speaking Spanish in my dream and you all couldn't understand me. And in my dream I missed the mission so much that I decided to serve another one! And this time I was called to Ecuador! And I woke up in the middle of my second mission - and for a few seconds I thought I was in Ecuador, not Mexico lol.<br />
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Cambios are February 3 - and 5 sisters are going to come! They are the first new sisters to come to the mission in 11 months! So we're all pretty excited. Two of my companions, Hna Cruz and Hna Bravo, will be going home in February. </div>
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Jordyn, I could barely see your drawing in the picture, but from what I could see, it was amazing! Hna Luque thinks so too. And we both think that you are so grown up and beautiful! </div>
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Dad, sorry you've been sick. I've had a nasty cough lately. I feel fine, and my throat doesn't even hurt, but every 10 seconds I have to cough. And it sounds like a fake made up cough, but it's real. It's been rather annoying. </div>
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And Mom, I did get a new backpack! My last one broke - it was Hna Aguilar's and now Hna Luque is using it. Hna Luque is funny - she doesn't like to buy stuff, so most of the stuff she has people gave her or she saved from the garbage and then fixed it. My new backpack I bought in the tianguis for 80 pesos and is really nice - I'm planning to use it for hiking after the mission. </div>
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So this Sunday was stake conference - it was really good! Pres Stutznegger and his wife spoke, as well as the temple president. I really enjoyed it! I remember my first Sunday in Mexico was Stake Conference, and I didn't understand anything. It's amazing how much the Lord has blessed me. Learning Spanish so fast was definitely a gift from Him, and I am so grateful for all the ways He's helped me during my mission. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stake Conference (photo creds to Hna Stutznegger!)</td></tr>
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That's so exciting that Janae's off! You'll have to get me her email so I can write her. I love her so much and I know she'll be a great missionary. <br />
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January 6th was 3 Kings day... the 3 Wisemen come in the night and leave toys in the shoes of the children. And everyone eats this bread called Rosca - it's bread formed in a circle, with several little plastic dolls baked in it. Everyone takes turns cutting a slice out, and whoever gets the doll apparently has to buy tamales for everyone lol. Apparently it represents when they hid baby Jesus in Egypt to keep him safe from the king. It was fun and the bread was good! But I forgot to take a picture of it :(Hna Luque and I bought one and the loser had to shower first every day that week. I lost. And the sad part is that we had run out of gas and we didn't have time to buy more all week, so it was COLD water. But we just bought gas again so all is well. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosca (photo creds to Elder Smith, who didn't forget to take pictures!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic doll representing Baby Jesus.</td></tr>
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On Wednesday we had to go to Immigration to do some visa stuff for Hna Luque. (She goes home in April!) That was fun, because Hna Gurley had to go as well with her comp, so while they were busy doing the visa stuff we got to chat for a bit. Immigration is downtown Mexico, and it is way different over there. Really pretty and clean... There were missionaries from the North mission and the South mission there as well, so we got to chat with them for a bit.</div>
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So our investigators are doing really well... Jorge is progressing really well, but we can't put a baptismal date with him because he has to clean up some crazy stuff from his past first. Estefania and Jesus couldn't come to church, but they're reading and praying and are planning to get married this week or the next so that they can get baptized. And Adolfo introduced us to another friend - Margarita (Maggie). She's amazing and smokes a ton, but is super excited to get baptized. We're working of the Word of Wisdom with her, and I know that she can do it! She's super sweet and LOVED church on Sunday. Thanks to Adolfo, 1 of his friends has gotten baptized and 5 more are taking the lessons right now - we're teaching 2, the Elders are teaching 1, and the other 2 are in another ward. It's been so great to see Adolfo sharing his testimony with the whole world! And Josefina also loved Stake Conference. She's been doing so great and loves everything about the gospel. I love her so much! </div>
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We recently read 2 Nefi 4 as a zone. I've read it tons before, but lately we've been sharing it with tons of our investigators, new members, less actives, and actives. It's really powerful and I love the message that it gives. When Nefi wrote it, his dad had just died and his brothers were very rebellious. I love how he says that the Lord has been his support, and has helped him to overcome all of his trials. I have seen the hand of Lord here in the lives of so many people. When we put our faith in Him and do as He asks, we honestly see miracles in our lives! It's been amazing to see the Lord help the people who trust in Him. It's also been really sad to see the people who decide to put their trust in their own knowledge and ideas. It never works, and they always end up worse off. The Lord doesn't ask us much, just obedience and faith. And when we do our part, He WILL come through with His part. Elder Holland said that ''some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.'' I know that to be true. Trust in Him, and he will never let you down. </div>
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And yeah! That's about alll! I don't have any pictures this week... Hope you all have an amazing week. Good luck with your exams girls! I'll be praying for you! Espero que disfruten su dia y que lo pasen muy bonito. Be good, say your prayers, and study hard for those exams!</div>
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Con mucho amor, </div>
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-Hermana Taylor</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0