Sliding Into Trials

This past week was one of the toughest, yet most gratifying weeks I've had on the field thus far.

Many of my weaknesses have been exposed to me, yet I still managed to learn from each one of them.

 

I've struggled physically and emotionally, but I've seen my relationship with my Father in Heaven grow from that. It's such a blessing, and he hasn't failed me nor abandoned me. I felt his love stronger in my life that ever before, and I never want that to disappear nor diminish.

 

Prayer is such an instrument that we have that I wish I had used in my life beforehand. Something huge I've come to learn is that our Father in Heaven ALWAYS answers prayers. It may not be the way we want them, or when we want them to be answered, but it will always happen in His due time. That is something I had always struggled with before, but I now understand, and i wish those who  we work with would understand as well. I know that our Heavenly Father knows what's best for us and when. He will help us when we ask him to. He has a plan for us, and I wish I had a stronger testimony of that before I went on a mission. It is so gratifying, and knowing that I am a child of God means everything to me and more. My Father in heaven has made my weaknesses strong as I have humbled myself before him. Ether 12:26 is my favorite scripture because it has helped me remember what to do when I struggle. 

 

I have a strong testimony that we have people in our lives for a reason. That they are used as instruments to teach us and help us feel of our Heavenly Father's love. This past week was tough like I mentioned, and I remember specifically praying on the day I needed His love especially. A few hours later, I received a letter from someone I hold so dear to my heart. This person told me exactly what I needed to hear. Exactly what my father in heaven wanted me to know. I was left speechless, and in tears of joy. He wanted me to feel of his love, so he used someone to radiate that through to me. Thus, making this scripture one of my new favorites. 3 Ne 12:14-16. It touched my heart so profoundly, and it made me know that I am doing what I need to be doing. That despite what I may have gone through, the Lord is still pleased with the work and hard efforts I'm putting in to his mission. My companion and I haven't seen much progress in this area yet, and we are struggling with it, but we know that our efforts will be paid off in the long run. She bore her testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday, and it was what I needed. She has helped me so much, and I love her so much for doing so. She knows what I had been going through, and I know the Lord has also used her as an instrument in my life to help me. 

 

The Priesthood is such a huge blessing we have on Earth. i wish more people would recognize that. The Elders in our branch gave me a blessing yesterday, and it made all the difference. I feel so blessed to have the Priesthood restored.

 Satan is working so hard, but I know that my Heavenly Father and Christ are on my side. Sometimes, bad things have to happen in order for us to appreciate the good. I know good things are on their way, and I'm excited for that. I've received so many tender mercies to reveal that to me (:

 I love my mission so much. It's such a privilege to be here. I've learned many new things about myself that I didn't expect to know before. I've seen myself grow and seen the love of Christ and the hand of the Lord each day. I love that I've been able to serve others and help me feel of that love and care. We got to volunteer at a food bank run by a baptist church this weekend. It was such a great experience, and I loved it!! (:

 You may be wondering what I did for New Years. Well, We watched How to Train Your Dragon 2 at the Torres' home. It was so weird watching a movie! I felt that I was breaking a rule! Especially seeing romance in the movie. We seriously kept applying everything that went on to the gospel. However, it was the cutest movie ever! I loved it, and we all enjoyed each other's company. I also learned how to make Wontons, so that was cool! New Years day we went and did Zumba! A less active teaches it, and Pres. Mullen allows us to do it. Beauties of being a Spanish missionary in this mission (: 

 

 

 

So you won't be hearing from me until Thursday of next week. That'll be our next P-day. We're going to the temple that day. Sorry mom I'll leaving you waiting so long to hear from me, but es okay (:

 Oh yeah. It snowed A TON yesterday. We kept getting stuck on hills, so that was fun.

 Have a great week! I love you all! Turn to your father in heaven for everything and anything!

 

Con amor,