Bolivia, Charcas—Week 9

Family and Friends,

I hope you all had a great week and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks
We just got the other Christmas package and the package from Beccs! Thank you! We’re really excited to go home and open them! And as you saw in the picture, we haven’t touched a thing from the first package. We are, however, going to share the chocolate chips with a few families that want to learn to make cookies so we don’t eat all of them and gain even more weight.

They don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here . . . bummer. I tried asking about turkey, and no one knows what I’m talking about. Everything is chicken here, and nothing else too fancy. I’m not worried about it. Maybe we’ll splurge and buy a Twix or Snickers as our dessert for this day!

Answering Questions/Comments

I love getting letters, but as I said before, I don’t have a lot of time to respond. I wish I had time to write everyone thank-you notes (because I really want to), but I just don’t have time anymore.

The Zambranos are very happy all the time! Hermana Soto and I are in the same area and hopefully it stays this way for a long time. We love it! It is one of the most difficult areas, but we are loving it to pieces!

They don’t have real clothing stores here, but Hermana Soto needed to find new skirts because we’ve been gaining weight (oops), so we did a little shopping by the market close to our house. All of the markets are like DI or Savers—clothing that Americans didn’t want and so it is shipped here. I only bought the dress and another skirt because they were so cheap! The dress was $15 and the skirt was $10 (under $4 in American dollars), so yeah, I "splurged" and bought them.

The shoes are holding up great. My Chacos did break (only the strap) but I got out my sewing kit and they are as good as new. I actually just sent a pic of my Chaco-tan—and let’s just say it bypasses Kelsey’s by miles! (hehe) Love you Kels!

Ocoro
The other day we helped Hermana Carol (our Bishop’s wife) pick fruit off her ocoro tree. You’ll have to look it up to get a better look, but it’s a yellow, kind of spikey fruit that only grows in Santa Cruz. It’s amazing to see all of the different kinds of fruit here that aren’t in the U.S.

Zone Conference

Today was a fun day. We got write to our families a little earlier, then we took a bus to Montero—an area about an hour away. We met with four different zones and played football, soccer, and volleyball. There was a ton of missionaries! It was nice to see all of the missionaries that came in our group (minus the sisters—there aren’t any in any of these zones).

We spent all day there, visiting with Hermana Zambrano a bit, eating lunch, and visiting with everyone. I got pretty fried because I forgot my sunscreen (as did every other North American!). We had a few classes about rules and working with the wards and branches, then President Zambrano gave a really great lesson on Christ’s mission and atonement. He explained how it was completely out of love and humility that He volunteered to come to earth and atone for our sins. It was a wonderful class and we were able to find many different scriptures about His life and atonement.

After the last classes, we had lunch. And guess what we ate? If you’re thinking rice and chicken (like we eat every day), you would be dead wrong. They bought us BURGER KING! Best. Day. Ever. I could’ve gone for seconds, but let’s just say that my skirts are getting a bit snug from all of the rice we eat.

Probably the greatest news of all is that President Zambrano talked about calling our families for Christmas. He said we could talk for one hour and that we could Skype! So, all we have to do now is find members with Skype. We can also call on the Christmas Eve to let you know what time we’ll be calling and such, so keep your phones on!

Teaching
We’ve taught Eduardo (another Eduardo) just about every Monday night since I arrived. He is very intelligent and has a lot of time to research everything. He’s a great investigator because he really wants to learn. He asks many questions I’ve never even thought about in my life, but it’s great because we are learning lots.

We were really excited on Wednesday because we had actual appointments every hour (which doesn’t happen too often) and we had members commit to come with us (which never happens). Then what happened? Yeah, the members came to help (yea!), but all of our investigators cancelled. Welcome to the life of a missionary.

Positive Tyler
I took a picture of an email from my friend Tyler (Christiansen) and he’s always so positive, so I think I’ll try that out today . . .

Today we had District Meeting! It was fantastic! We watched a movie about the atonement and how it applies to missionary work. Elder Holland explained that missionary work is hard because it is the same mission as the Savior’s (more or less) and that it wasn’t meant to be easy. It wasn’t easy for Him and it won’t be easy for us missionaries. He says that when we are at our lowest points in the mission, we need to remember the Savior and that he knows exactly what we are going through.

Then we had practices! Yay! It’s so much fun being embarrassed in front of all the missionaries because you don’t speak the language very well! (hehe)

Liahona Minute
This is going to be the new title for this section of my emails because I always find at least one talk from Conference that I have to share because they are so good.

Today’s is from the November 2012 issue of the Ensign (or Liahona). The talk is from the Sunday Morning session, by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. I remember this talk vividly and if you have time, watch the video of his talk—it’s much better than just simply reading it.

Elder Holland begins by explaining the circumstances the 11 apostles were in after the crucifixion of the Savior. He goes on to say that these disciples were only in office for a short three years, and when the Savior was no longer with them, they didn’t know what else to do except for what they knew efore their ministry with Jesus. They knew how to fish.

He tells the story in John 21 when the apostles are fishing and don’t catch a thing. Then Jesus appears and tells them to cast their nets on the right side.

Elder Holland describes the love that Peter, his Sr. Apostle, had for the Savior. When he saw Him, he ran to be in his presence. Then the Savior asks him a very important and thought-provoking question: “Do you love me more than you love all this?”

Peter answers, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” Then the Savior asks again and the answer from Peter is the same. Finally, a third time, Jesus asks, “Peter, do you love me?” And again, answers Peter, “Lord . . . thou knowest that I love thee.”

Elder Holland adds some non-scriptural commentary that is very powerful. I’m not going to write all of it because I want you to look up the talk, but the part I love the most says:

“ . . . If I want fish, I can get fish. What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever . . . ”

“I need someone to preach my gospel and to defend my faith.”

“I need someone who loves me—truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do . . . ”

“ . . . I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally, until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.”

This is why I am here in Bolivia. This is what we are all called to do. Whether full-time missionaries, or members sharing the Gospel with friends, neighbors, and family, this is our calling until He comes. Work your hardest, share your testimony with everyone—especially your family and friends. 

Preach My Gospel!

Prayers

Please keep Lourdes, Babi, Lola, Mariana, and Ana in your prayers. I love you all so, so, so much! Thanks for everything and I will talk to you all next week! Don’t forget your prayers and scripture study every day.

Love,

Hermana Nelson

Bolivia, Charcas—Week 8

My Wonderful Family and Friends,

I hope you are all having a beautiful week wherever you may be. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers on my behalf, I can really feel them out here.

Christmas Package Arrived!

I got your Christmas package! Everyone thought it was a miracle, Mom. This is a true example of answered prayers! Customs opened it—and let’s just say they weren’t too careful. There was chocolate everywhere, so I hate to say it, but I guess no more chocolate in the mail. Boo hoo! The Costco bag of chocolate chips will be all right and most of it is still intact. Thanks so much for the package, family! It’s getting us excited for Christmas (or at least as excited as we can be without our families, or for me, snow, but it’s all right!).

Answering Questions/Comments

Thanks for sending letters to my companion and our zone leaders. Their families aren’t quite as cool as mine, and they haven’t gotten anything yet, so thanks for sharing the love.

Our ward is great. They are helpful (most of the time) with missionary work, but we are thinking of new ways to get them more involved. Our investigators are doing well. We've kinda hit a wall this week because a lot of them aren’t progressing, but we are figuring things out and hopefully they will start wanting to keep the commitments they’ve made.

We ask for references from the ward, but most of the time the ward members don’t want to share them with us or just don’t have any. We spend a lot of time knocking on doors. We sometimes find people this way, but it is difficult. We found a sister yesterday that has some promise, I think. She used to go to church with her family and remembers a little, but when we talked with her, she remembered the great feelings she had at church and wants to go back. So this Sunday we are going to bring her with us. She is 23 and is a single mom (like most women here), but I think she may be a really good potential investigator.

My Spanish is coming along. Everyone comments on how fast I am learning and every day I’m learning more and more. Hermana Soto is really great at teaching me, and in turn, I’m teaching her English. It’s actually really fun and gives us something to do while we’re walking in all parts of Bolivia.

I am supposed to play the piano, but sometimes they don’t pull it out of the closet and sometimes others play it. But when we don’t have someone, and we aren’t with investigators, yes, I play the piano.

Congrats Jeff on being Mayor again! So proud of you Jefe!! ;)

Congrats Aersta! Yay! More babies! (Logan and Nolls: I expect one or at least an announcement of one soon or before I get home;)

I’m so glad everyone else is doing well. I miss you all tons, but time is going fast here and I need to work my hardest for the people. I’m still praying for you all every day.

Talents

Honestly, my entire life I never thought I had talents. It says in my patriarchal blessing that if I take the blessings I’ve been given and exercise them, I will be able to receive more. I’ve just never felt like I had a single one. But these past weeks I’ve been recognizing them more and more. Although I can’t play the piano like John Schmidt, and I don’t sing like Hannah Montana (ew gross... ;) I have recognized that I have a talent for helping and caring for people. I also have a talent for baking. And mom, I think I need to thank you for helping me develop these talents. You always taught me that service is the most important thing. And you taught and reinforced my love for baking. It’s amazing what a little service or baking cookies for people can do out here. It opens so many doors that we otherwise may not have been able to open. I am so thankful for the examples of so many who truly share their talents. I know that by sharing mine, I am able to receive more and more.

Cookies for the Baptism

Family Home Evening

We had a great FHE with Eduardo and his family this past Wednesday. We made pizza and watched the last half of The Testaments. We had a short testimony meeting afterwards and they all expressed their love and gratitude for us coming to their home and bringing the Spirit. Brother J. (Eduardo’s dad) said he wants us present at every FHE with their family. We had to explain that we can’t be present forever because there are transfers often, but that we told them we would try our best. Sister J. bore her testimony of the Book of Mormon and expressed how grateful she is for our patience and love. She still has questions of course, but she truly wants to know that the Church is true. She gave the closing prayer, and asked our Father in Heaven to permit the missionaries to always be present in their family. Afterwards she told us that with other missionaries in the past she only wanted two or three visits and then no more. But she said she wants us to come every day because she feels the Spirit when we come. Oh, how I love this family! They have taught me so much and I have felt the Spirit so strongly with them. My testimony has truly grown every time I leave their home. What a wonderful family!

Baptism for Alejandro and Fernando

Well, after a few weeks of waiting, we were finally able to hold the baptism for Alej and Fernd. Not many members came, so we had to call the Elders at the last minute to be the witnesses, but their family was able to come and it was really beautiful! The boys got up and bore their testimonies. They didn’t really know how to bear a testimony, so I just told them to tell us what they felt like. They said, “cold” and that it “felt like a lifetime.” Alejandro said he is really grateful for us for teaching them and helping them get to this point. What a great day! I felt even more for these boys because, with our other baptisms, they hadn’t felt like they had any sins, but with Ferns, afterwards he said he felt so free and clean and that he’s going to try his very hardest to stay that way. What a testimony builder of baptism and the cleansing effect it has. I just want to baptize all of Bolivia!

Baptism for Alejandro and Fernando

Christmas is Coming!

As you can see in the picture, we are really excited for Christmas—or at least a little excited to open our gifts. We made a tree and hung our stockings and are listening to Christmas music every day. Yes, I know, Dad, “it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet,” but they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here, so on to Christmas! (Randy tries hard to enforce his policy that we enjoy Thanksgiving before we start celebrating Christmas—a hot debate between him and the girls every year. I actually think they just enjoy bugging him! Preparing for Christmas piano recitals usually gives them a pretty good excuse to start in October.)

Christmas Gifts Under Our "Tree"

Quotes

I’ve been reading the Liahona from General Conference (Nov. 2012). It’s the one where President Monson made the new age announcement and there are many great quotes in it that I wanted to share.

"I’m a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it." Ann M. Dibb

"The decision to serve a mission will shape the spiritual destiny of the missionary, his or her spouse, and their posterity for generations to come." Elder Russell M. Nelson

"It’s not a race, it’s a journey, enjoy the moment." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person you were designed to become." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Act and Live consistently in what you believe." M. Russell Ballard

Love you all so much!

Thanks again for all!

XOXO

Hermana Nelson

Bolivia, Charcas—Week 7

Rosalinda's Baptism

Family and Friends,

How is everyone doing? I hope you all know that I pray for you all individually every day, multiple times a day, and hope all is well in all parts of the world.

Not much happened this week—we're mostly just trying to get used to the area and such. It’s a little stressful, but Hermana Soto and I are trying our best to keep up with everything. We have been having a good time, though, and I’m really enjoying things more. I have never felt such a love for people or wanted to help people so much in my life. I love this feeling and don’t ever want it to end!

Answering Questions

It’s just Hermana Soto and I in the house! It’s crazy, but yeah, it’s just the two of us.

We get filtered water in big jugs every week, so I just use that. It’s better than my filtration water bottle they gave me in the CCM. I’m scared to use it in case it doesn’t work.

I apparently got a package, but I don’t have it yet because the ZLs forgot it in their apartment, so I don’t know if it’s the Christmas one or not.

That is insane that you got my package! It got there super quick—only two weeks! I didn’t think it would come until after Christmas! Open it because there are presents for birthdays and such as well.

Christmas Came Early?!

So I’m writing this beforehand and I’m not sure if I’ll get the things before or after my email, but last night our zone leader, Elder Barrett, called and told me I got a package and 17 letters! You guys are spoiling me! If I don’t get it until after email time, I’ll let you know next week who it was all from. (She writes her emails on paper during the week, then snaps a picture of them and adds them to Dropbox with her photos if she runs short on email time.) I loved all of the letters this week! They were pretty great and I loved them a ton! These are the people I got them from (more than one from a couple of you):
Livingstons
Matt Adams
Wes Moss
Beccs (Tebbs)
Kyle Sills
Tori Sills
Olsons
Sorensens
Everett
Singles Ward
Megan Godfrey
Larsens
Tori Sawatzki
Rachel Tebbs
Home

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! I needed this today. Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts on my behalf. You are all such great blessings in my life and I miss you tons, but I know that I am here to help the people and I am already realizing some of my talents that I am able to share. The people here are amazing and I’m really feeling like I belong.

Rosalinda’s Baptism
I don’t know if it was because I know Rosalinda better, or if I have a stronger connection with kids, but this baptism was so very special to me. A little background on the family: Roxanna is her mom. There are only 2 kids—Mana Rosalinda and Jose David. They live with a member in our ward and Roxanna has been a member for over a year now. Rosalinda is 9 years old and is very intelligent. She remembers all the lessons we’ve taught her and loves reading the Book of Mormon. Before her baptism, we asked her who she would like to baptize her and she said she wanted me to do it . . . then we taught her about the Priesthood . . . .

For her baptism, we had all of the primary children sing "I Am a Child of God." It was really beautiful. Her baptism was really special and the spirit in the room was so strong. It confirmed my testimony of baptism and how important that step is in the process of returning to our Heavenly Father again. I love that I was able to grow up faithful in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have the testimony I have of eternal families and the blessings that come from living the Gospel.

No Baptism for Alej & Fernando—Yet
We weren’t able to hold the baptism for Alejandro y Fernando this week. Some things were different with our new district leader, so they will have to wait until the 23^rd. I’ll keep you posted on what happens.

Victoria
Victoria is the mother of Eduardo (who was baptized 2 weeks ago) and we’ve been teaching her and trying to answer her questions. She had a couple of questions that were stopping her from believing all of the other things we were teaching. They were: ‘Why don’t other religions know/have the Book of Mormon?’ and ‘Why doesn’t the Bible mention The Book of Mormon?’

We tried answering her questions with scriptures in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible, but she wouldn’t accept our explanations. So we studied the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and all of the other materials we have access to in our house all week long. Yesterday, when we passed her store, she stopped us and said that she is ready to learn more and that her questions aren’t holding her back anymore! I’m not sure what happened, but Hermana Soto and I are very happy!

FHE

We had Family Home Evening with the Bravo Family. Lucy is our landlord and she would like her husband and two sons to be baptized. We made pizza and I didn't have a recipe for the dough, but I just made one up and it actually turned out pretty good. Looks like I've inherited your skills! We also helped the boys with their English homework.

Pizza Night with the Familia Bravo

Service Activity
We were able to do a service activity for the familia Vasquez in San Javier this week. Their home is in poor condition and they wanted the front yard to look nice, so we helped them “cut the grass” with some kind of weird tools I’ve never used before. One looks like the thing the Grim Reaper uses, another is like a shovel that you swing over your shoulder, and the Elders got to use machetes. Oh, and I found a toad, but it didn’t turn into a prince . . . probably because the Lord knows I need to be here in Bolivia a little longer!

Service Activity

Is this My Handsome Prince?

Keep attending the temple. It is important, and like I said last week, it is such a great privilege you all have to have temples so close. If you aren't ready to enter the doors right now, make yourself worthy. Do the things you need to do to enter that beautiful house of the Lord. I love you all very much and am praying for you all the time.

xoxo

Hermana Nelson

Bolivia, Charcas—Week 6

The cute kiddos from the Fernandes family. The littlest boy next to me 
is Reacher. He is 6 years old and always knows that I have candy, 
so he gives me these puppy dog eyes. Ah, I love the kids!

Good morning all you beautiful people out there reading this,

P-day Change
So you may wonder if I died or something like that since I didn’t write yesterday, but no, I’m still alive and well. The mosquitoes are still eating me alive, but I think I’m going to make it. (We received word from the 'Missionary Moms' group that the mission p-day was changed to Tuesday for this week only. Thank heavens for technology when you have a missionary out).

Transfers
Yesterday was transfers, and you will never believe who my new companion is! It’s Hermana Soto! She is the other girl in our house. She is from Guatemala and came to Bolivia at the same time as me! We are now companions, I am senior companion, and we are in the same area—thank heavens! We are really excited and have lots of ideas on how to make this area more successful.

Answering Questions . . .
Halloween
No, Halloween isn’t really celebrated. I gave candy and the Halloween stickers with little notes to the kiddos and lots of adults as well, but I only saw probably two kids in costumes. It’s a little different here.

And no, we didn’t celebrate ‘Day of the Dead.’ All the people just close their shops and such and go to the cemetery to visit the dead.  It sounds like Halloween wasn’t much fun without me. Figures. I am a pretty fun person to be around . . . but it’s okay, soon I’ll be back home causing all sorts of chaos! Take care of Lyss for me, I miss her like crazy!

Baptisms
The two baptisms for this week were moved to this Saturday. They are the two boys from the Fernandes family. They are very excited for it. And our other one scheduled for Thursday may or may not happen. She is 9 years old and really wants to get baptized, but we may need to wait until her mom is active in the church again.

Mountains and Snow
Right now I just really want to see some mountains and snow. Please send pictures when there is lots of snow, okay? It’s almost depressing to not see my beautiful mountains. Before, I didn’t want to live there anymore, but now I want my mountains and snow!

Spanish
Yes, I sang in Spanish at Eduardo’s baptism. I’m learning to let my talents show a little. No fear, right dad? :)

More News
I included pictures of the other things I may not be able to write today, so you can include them as pictures or type them out—either way. Thanks for everything, Mom. You are the best!

Mail
I’m not really sure when we get mail. It’s kinda whenever the zone leaders get around to picking it up from the mission office, but usually every Monday or every other Monday, I think. Thanks for sending the packages, I will watch for them. I know a few people have been getting packages with no problem, but I’ll keep them in my prayers as well.

Temple
That is a crazy story about the temple. I’m glad you got to go. I’m so jealous you guys get to go to the temple every week. I will never take it for granted again. These people sometimes are only able to go once a year because the temple is so far away, while we have at least 7 within a short driving range. GO TO THE TEMPLE—every opportunity you get (D&C 128).

RS Missionary Lesson
For your Relief Society lesson, tell them that the most important missionary work they can do right now is in the temple. I know it may be hard in Utah to find people who don’t know about the church or aren’t members, so if they can’t share the Gospel in that way, do missionary work in the Temple. We taught Eduardo about this yesterday from D&C  128 and its beautiful. It says that they need us and we need them in order to receive eternal life. GO TO THE TEMPLE! It will bless many lives and you are all so blessed to have the temples so close. 

Okay, now on to business . . .
Got Mail?
First off, have you gotten any more letters in the mail? I've mailed a bunch, so let me know if you've gotten them. Look for something special in the mail. I sent it last week with one of the elders, so hopefully it gets there before Christmas. Don’t be too excited—it’s not a lot, but I thought I’d send a little something. (We actually got it today—hopefully we'll have just as much luck getting hers to Bolivia).

Mission Blog
I’m so glad you can view the photos on the mission blog. Hermana Zambrano always takes so many pictures so you’ll all know that I am alive and well in Bolivia! (If you’re interested, her mission blog is: MisionSantaCruzNorte.blogspot.com. Choose "English" in the Translation box on the right side—not a perfect translation, but helpful for us non-Spanish speakers).

Tea Time
Every day at 4:00 p.m. we have "tea time" at a recent member’s house. She is well off, has a really nice house, and insists that we come over every day for food and tea. I’m not gonna lie, it’s pretty great! She has a maid that makes it for us and usually she isn’t there, but it’s just a kind gesture and a little pick me up during the day.

Rain in San Javier—there was so much water we had to wear rain boots!

Service with the Fernandes family. They are building a new house and 
we wanted to help, so we took nails out of boards so they could re-use 
them. It was lots of fun, but hard work in the sun, and during our fast. 
(Grandpa Cozzens will be so proud!)

New baby ducks. They were just born and we got to hold them! So cute, Lyss!

Girls’ Days
So, last p-day and this week’s p-day, we went to the mission home and hung out with Hermana Zambrano and all of the hermanas! For the first one, we made blueberry muffins and brownies. We got to talk to everyone for a long time and I got to see all the girls I came with and speak English the whole time. Later, we all talked about the ups and downs of the mission, companions, missing family and friends, etc. It was great fun!

This past week, we made lasagne and brownies and again were able to talk to all of the English-speaking girls, then we watched a movie . . . in English! We watched Ephraim’s Gift, part of the 17 Miracles movie. It helped me remember the gratitude I feel for the pioneers and their sacrifices for us. I’m especially grateful for their sacrifice that led to the building of the Temple. Oh, how I miss the Temple! I wear my YW medallion every day to remind myself that, in due time, I’ll be able to go back. Please attend the temple—especially ya’ll who live so close to so many! It breaks my heart in two that the people here only have one temple and most can only go once a year because it is so far away. Make time and make yourself worthy to enter—it’s the place where we can feel closest to our Heavenly Father.

Liahonas/Ensigns
There is a huge stack of Liahonas and Ensigns in our house, and after searching all of them, I found some in English! I’ve been reading the November 2012 Conference issue when President Monson announced the missionary age change. I’m gonna be completely honest here, when I say that I don’t remember a lot of it because my mind was preoccupied with the announcement.

The other day, I read President Uchtdorf’s talk, “Of Regrets and Resolutions.” Look it up and read it! He explained that there are three common regrets that people have before passing on from this life. They are:

• I wish I had spent more time with the people I love
• I wish I had lived up to my potential
• I wish I had let myself be happier

There are so many great quotes, and my copy is completely marked up. In our everyday lives, and especially here on the mission, we need to cherish moments with people, become what God intends us to become, and remember that life “isn’t a race—it’s a journey.”

Blessings and Miracles
I’m seeing many blessings and miracles out here and I’m really recognizing God’s hand in all things.   

• People who, in the past, rejected the Gospel, are now accepting.
• Dad, I’m actually able to get around here without calling you and saying, “Daddy, I’m lost . . . again!”
• My Spanish, according to President Zambrano, is a miracle, since in our first interview I couldn’t really say much of anything.
• Before, I had the hardest time remembering names—and they were in English. But here, I’m remembering everyone, which is truly a blessing!
• In my setting-apart blessing, President Wilkes said I would have memories and stories come to my remembrance as I am teaching. That has happened! I find myself recounting every experience and being able to share my testimony and experiences with the people we teach. My awful memory has become clear—with His help!

Interview with President

On Tuesday, we had interviews with President Zambrano, which were much needed and really nice. He commented that my Spanish is great and that he thinks I am learning fast and am going to be a really great missionary. He told me he wants to change up companionships and possibly put me with Hermana Soto (she is a native, but came in my group) or maybe have me train. I was shocked and when he asked me what I thought, all I could say was, “Please don’t move me from this area. I love the ward and really don’t want to go.” He laughed and said that he would pray about it. I guess we will find out on Monday.

Saying "Thanks"
Hermana Soto and I are doing great! I’m really excited and I think we can really help in this area. Yesterday we took a thank you note and a little cake to Hermana Quesada. She does our laundry and she was so excited to hear that we were companions. She is a returned missionary and told us that we need to help this ward. We are going to try our very best.

Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts on my behalf. I love you all and hope all is well. 

xoxox

Hermana Nelson