Strengthening Week

Thu 1/15/2015 4:18 PM

I thought this past week would DRAG on since I had to wait out over a week until P-day, but it flew! Missionary time flies. 

This past week was honestly so great. We had so much go on though.

 
Something we do after Weekly Planning is "Comp inventory". Hna Boman and I decided that we were going to list each other's strengths. I loved taht we did this so much. I realized all the million reasons she is so great, and why I love her. I felt more love towards her as I shared her strengths with her. I constantly pray to love each of my companions more each day, and it happens.

 

That afternoon, she got super sick. She was throwing up all afternoon and night. We had to cancel our plans, and I stayed behind to take care of her. We couldn't go on splits because we didn't have anyone available. As she was sick, I updated our Area Book, and made a ton of calls and did those little things that would help out with bigger tasks. I realized that it's tough to do things on our own without a companion. That's why the Lord gives them to us (: that night, i had an hour left until we had to plan for the next day, and I was caught up on everything, so guess what I decided to do while hna Boman slept? Exercise! Yay. I did workout videos for that hour, and I've been doing them each night since. Well, after we plan for the next day that is. It's nice to be able to take some time to do something that relieves your stress. 

 

 

So, Kristina's kids got baptized! President gave me permission to go to the valley and be at the baptism. It was the greatest thing! I was so happy! It was nice to see the old branch, my investigators, and members. One of the hermanas in the branch told me that her and her sister have this nickname for me. It's "the doll". Apparently I have porcelain skin. The funny thing about that was that I got an ugly zit the next day, soo that was funny.

 
I realized that even though my current area may not be progressing, I did good things in the valley. If we didn't find Kristina, she wouldn't have come back to the church, progressed, and been that example to her kids that gave them the desire to be baptized. She told me how much of a difference hermana Walton and i had made in her life. She calls us her missionaries. It touched my heart, and made me know that I can and will do the same in this area even if I don't see the progress quick. I need to keep working hard and being diligent, and obedient.

 President received inspiration to change our goals for the mission. As a mission, we're trying to get 70 baptisms a month. It requires much hard work, and we're working so hard. 

 

We invited so many people to church, and they all agreed to go. Once Sunday came around, no one did. People's agency...

 

We have a family of investigators. The Bautistas. Missionaries have been working with them for so long, but it's just not clicking. They're LDS minus the baptism. They are so great. We love them so much. We had a lesson with Pres McCombie's family, and he told Ernesto the dad that he knows he'll be baptized one day. That he's meant to get a calling to be a leader in the church. We taught them such a good lesson the other day, and the Spirit was ridiculously strong. We want them to have the gospel so bad. Like, SO BAD. This had been possibly the greatest lesson we had ever taught on our missions, and when we invited them to be baptized, they said no because they feel they have a mission in their Catholic church. I had never been so heartbroken before. I love this family so much, and I want this for them.I know how much the gospel will bless their lives, but they just need to realize it. I tried so hard to hold back the tears when they said no to baptism. We're going to keep working hard with them though. It's amazing the amount of charity i've gained for each of the people I've worked with.

 

i'm doing all i possibly can in order to reach out to people. I know this gospel blesses lives and families. i want to testify of that. I believe it with all my heart. 

I hope you all have a great week.

 

I won't have P-day 'til Tues due to MLK day. On holidays, we work. So I'll hear from ya Tues!

This upcoming week is the last week of the transfer. so crazy!!

 

Love you all!

 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

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,

 

Feliz Navidad!

Mon 12/22/2014 12:24 PM

Okay, so Christmas is this week.. So weird. I can't get over how much it doesn't feel like it. There's no snow, and the forecast here calls for no snow this week. Also, not being bundled in the typical Christmas shopping makes a huge difference.

 

 

I'm stinkin' gonna miss Jose de Jesus so much! As I went to say "bye" to him, he said to me, "Oh. You're getting drafter Hermana Robles." He has kids in the Army, so that was the only way he understood this whole transfer thing. It was so funny. I'll miss him and his beautiful Red Nova.

However, what sealed it for me was the caroling we've done. With this new area, our District went caroling and we found some amazing miracles. The Spanish Elders got a new investigator out of it. We caroled and did a "Blitz" in their area. Along with that, we made so many peoples' day! It's amazing how caroling soften people's hearts. Oh, and we went in the daytime, which was way out of my comfort zone. I would have never done that, but we saw miracles! We sang to a family who just moved in from Iraq. We all couldn't communicate, but they took pictures with us and they went to the trunk of their car and pulled out two plates of an Iraqi dessert- Baklava. It was super good. It was so sweet of them! We made new friends! They asked for us to return, and we left them with a prayer. It was so heart touching.

 

What touched me the most was when we got invited in to sing to the kids at the Boys and Girls Club. They all referred to us as the "Glee-rs". Missionary style. All these kids crowded around us, and we caroled Hymns to them. They loved it! Before we knew it, people were taking pictures of us. Seeing all these kids struggling but forgetting their situations and singing with us touched my heart. It showed us all the meaning of Christmas, and that this is what truly needs to happen each day, not just once a year. We all left feeling so much love and happiness in our souls.

 

Hermana Boman and I have been exploring and trying new parts in this area. We went to this place called the South Hill, and got not only a ton of walking in, but many lessons, and gospel conversations as well. There's this street called Rockwood Blvd. My dream house lies there.. Aside from that, we were walking to try an LA's house in the freezing rain. I saw this lady go outside and sit on her porch, and I felt the Spirit tell me to go and talk to her. After we tried the LA's home, I told my compa that we had to go talk to this lady. We then met Kathy. A non Spanish speaker, but she still was worth our time and being out in the pouring rain. We shared He is the Gift with her, and bore our testimonies on it. I felt prompted to share my favorite scripture- Ether 12:27 with her, and her heart really softened. I told her that I don't know what she may be going through, but that the Lord is aware of it and wants her to know that He loves her, and she's not alone, and will never be alone. She said to me, "This is exactly what I needed at this time. You gave me the faith I've been needing. Especially today." She cried, and gave us the biggest hug. I know that I'm here to touch people's lives. I've always wanted to help people, and the mission is fulfilling that for me. This is the greatest thing in the world.

 

I've also been able to meet a ton of people who know others that I do. Dad, you'll love this one. Alejandra's dad. Julio Cabeza de Vaca has a cousin named Herbert Torres. Guess what. He's my branch missionary leader! We somehow made the connection. He told us he's from Ecuador, and I explained our family's history with Ecuador. He also knows a something Vidal. He was a mission pres in Peru, and I've heard you talk about this guy. I just can't remember the first name.. Point is, that I've met so many people here who know people that you and the family know and are friends with. It's so cool! I'm glad you have friends, 'cause they've treated us so well and fed us Peruvian food and such. I've met so many Peruvians here and our branch President, Pre. Condon knows that I've been transferred here to become bffs with the non-member Peruvians. I'm so excited. I love Peru and talking about it, and these people do too! So stoked to "chill" with los Peruanos!

 

The branch and members in our area are so great. Super missionary minded! We went to our Stake Pres' casa last night, and holy cow. I've never seen a family so into missionary work. They pray to find Latinos to talk to about the gospel and invite them to stuff! It works, 'cause they find them! They're so willing to help us! It's incredible! They're having us and our zone over to their place for breakfast Christmas morning. They then invited Hna Boman and I to come over for dinner that night 'cause they're having a Latino family over. We've formed strong friendships with them and the members already. It's great! We have soooo many plans with members for Christmas eve and day! Matter of fact, we're making tamales with a member tonight to prepare for the 24th! 

 

We've been sharing Matthew 2:8-10 with members this week. King Herod wasn't worthy to see the star, but the wise men were. When they saw the star that showed of Christ's birth, they "rejoiced exceedingly". We need to be worthy to constantly see that "star". We shouldn't drive ourselves away and let the worldly things take over that. I hope you all keep this in mind not just this season, but throughout the upcoming year as well.

 

I love you all so much, and hope that you have a Feliz Navidad!

 

Familia and Janessa, 

I'll see you Thursday at 11am!! (12pm UT time). I'm so excited to see you!!!! <3

 

Con mucho amor, 

 

Hermana Robles

 

 

Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End.

Mon 12/15/2014 12:10 PM

"I'm going, going. To Cheney, Cheney!"

We got transfer calls last night, and our hearts totally broke, yet we're content for some changes.

I'll be serving in another area that I guess has really been struggling, but I know the struggles there really will help me grow and strengthened my testimony even more. It'll be good. I know I have something to offer to that area, and I'm excited to work hard with Hermana Boman.

Hna. Walton will stay in the valley and be training a new missionary from Hawaii. We wish we could have spent her last transfer, Christmas and New Years together, but it was "time to say goooooodbye". 

 

 

 So this new area covers like 4 or 5 different cities. It's like the middle of nowhere, but a huge area that is kind of close to downtown Spokane. It takes us about 30 minutes to drive to church which is in the downtown area. From the valley, it's 40ish minutes away. Sister Boman and I get to live in a shed with farm animals and stuff in the middle of nowhere, so that'll be a huge adjustment. We don't have roommates except for the chickens and cows, and stuff. However, we will be in a member's land, so we have members across the street! we will be "sweeping" this area. So neither of us know anything about this area or what work has been going on in it. We have to rely on the area book in order to get around, so we get to literally start on our own. The Lord must really trust us that much if he's placing all these people and this whole area in our hands. I know it won't be easy, but I'm excited to give it my all.

 
QUE GRANDIOSO ES MI LLAMAMIENTO!

 

My heart will forever be in the Valley. I love the members so much, and our investigators. Being there for 6 months truly was such a highlight to my mission. I'm excited that Hermana Walton gets to work with all of our people in the valley, because we have so much progression going on. Jose de Jesus is really progressing, and 2 of Kristina's kids are on date for baptism for the 27th. I'm so excited for them! Ugh. The cutest kids ever.

 

Okay so here's one of the funniest things that Jose de Jesus said. He's hilarious. He says that I say "elegant" prayers and that I do super "nice" ones. So I prayed after one of our lessons, and he turned to me and said, "Hermana, you're not composing a book here!" We went caroling to his place, and his drunk sister in law came out and danced as we caroled to her. She got them out of the house, and we all sung together. It was grand.

 Our entire zone went caroling this whole past week, and it was such a blast. We're all super close. There's huge changes going on in our zone, and we're all going to miss each other. Seriously though. The mission is super duper fun. There's a time to have a blast, and a time to really get down and serious. People usually have this perspective that missionaries don't have fun, but what I love that Pres. Mullen really emphasizes on is for us all to just be ourselves. That's why we're sent to where we are- for our personalities and what it has to offer. 

 So one of the cutest things happened. Kristina's kids Oscar and Esmerelda are getting ready for baptism. We've been teaching them the lessons and Daniel's 2 kids have been joining in on them. They are so darn smart! After one of the lessons, Daniel's little girl Adreanna raised her hand and asked "Can I say the prayer?" She did it! She had never prayed aloud before, and she did it so well! It's amazing how receptive to the gospel kids are. They are just so stinkin' cute!

 

Dad, here's something you'll be proud of. I learned how to check and put air into tires! I know, I should have known that already, but it was so cool to do! It was super easy. I'm getting better at this "car stuff". I also drove on the freeway out here in WA for the first time this past week. Anyone who knows me well enough, knows that the freeway mortifies me. Imagine having to do it in a place where you know nothing about or where you're going, AND I didn't kill us! I know. Miracle, right?

 

Oh! Familia, you guys are seriously so great! I received the package that Aunt Melanie sent this last Monday. Totally made my day!! You are all so great! The little gifts and letters made me suuuuuuuper happy! It was the cutest thing ever! So thank you so much!

 

Okay, so I don't have the complete info yet, but I'll give you the info to when I'll get to Skype home on Christmas.
 
I'll see you guys next Thursday! Can't believe how fast that came! 10 days 'til Navidad!!

How's everyone's "gift" to someone else gone?

 I love you all so much! Have a great week! (:

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

Gifts.

Mon 12/8/2014 1:35 PM

I just love the holiday season!

Sadly, it doesn't seem like Christmas is coming up whatsoever for some reason.

 

Transfer calls are this upcoming Sunday and I cannot believe it. This transfer FLEW. It's so sad. 

Hna Walton and I think we're getting switched, but we hope Pres. keeps us together for her last transfer. According to the cutest little girl, "We make a good team", and we totally do!

Why?

 

We had AMAZING lessons this past week. 

We had a Specialized training, and through applying it right after, we got 3 new investigators. This is such a huge deal for us, 'cause it's so hard to get an investigator in the Spanish work in this mission. We've either talked to every Latino, or they are just sticking to their religion.   

The lessons we had with each of them were SO GOOD. The Spirit had never been that strong in our lessons. It was amazing. They all agreed to baptism.

 

With the holiday season, I decided I'll be giving a gift to Christ. It's to give myself completely to the will of the Lord. "Change happens only if you unconditionally surrender yourself to the will of the Lord." I've seen change happen in myself through doing so. The crazy thing is how fast time goes when one is completely focused on the work.

 

It's so funny. Jose de Jesus had us over the other day and said to us, "I had a thought come into my mind that I never thought would before, and it was to be baptized. I don't know about you hermanas, but I think it was the Spirit." He is so hilarious. He really wanted to get baptized the old fashioned way. So like Christ was. He is so darn hilarious. All the missionaries are bffs with him. They all love him. He's hilarious though!

 

So we have a member who taught me an important lesson. Totally touched my heart. She's not doing so well financially, and as she was driving down a busy road, she saw a lady who is always sitting on the same bench and wears the same thing each day. It's easy to tell that she's just living in poor conditions, and it's so sad how many people avoid her. Many know that she's not the nicest person, 'cause she likes to throw things at them and say rude stuff. So this member is mortified of her. She had scary occurrences with her, but the other day, she rolled down her window, called this woman over, and gave her her favorite, and warmest coat. As she was telling us about it, tears filled our eyes. She said her favorite part that touched her profoundly was when this woman said, "Thank you so much. God bless you." 

 

I also witnessed someone give a lady in need a doll house for her little girl that she really wanted. It just warmed up my heart so much.

 

Sometimes we don't notice those in need. We should help those who are in need. Not just this season, but everyday.

 

I invite each of you to think about a gift that you have. Not necessarily something material, but it could be a talent. Use that gift you have and share it with someone in need. Think of a gift you could also give to Christ this upcoming Christmas. I promise you'll see huge changes within yourself. Missionary promises are legit, so really.. Do it (:

 

I hope you all have a great week! I love you all so much!

 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

Hola Diciembre!

Mon 12/1/2014 1:14 PM

This past week was grand. Each week on the mission gets better though! 

 

 

 This past week consisted a lot of tracking, finding, and spreading the word about He Is the Gift. It's such a good video. I hope you all get to watch it, and share it with everyone!

 

So we had a good Thanksgiving. I actually didn't stuff myself. By the way. I ate the greatest cheesecake ever. Props to Brother Mortenson!

 

 

 We went to the Conant's after, and I know that Bro. Conant sent mom and dad videos of us, and us being super weird, but aside from that. I had such a valuable experience. 

 

 

There's a 15 year old and his mom living with them. This boy just found out that he has Leukemia, and the closest hospital close to him to treat it is here in the valley, so the Conant's have them living with them. Well, his Thanksgiving, he spent in his room. We asked for the boy to join us that night, and we sang I Am A Child of God to him. Our roommates in English, and us in Spanish. The Spirit was so strong, and I realized how blessed I have it to be healthy and have the things I do.

 

Sometimes, we tend to complain about little things we lack in life, when we should focus more on those big blessings we have. That's what's important. Out Heavenly Father loves us so much, that he's blessed us with families. We need to realize those important things, rather than the little things we don't have.

 

So sorry for the super short email, but I hope you all have a great week, and look for the blessings in your lives!!

 

Oh, and Happy 1st day of December!

 

Con mucho amor,

 

Hermana Robles