Goodbye September!

Mon 9/29/2014 2:00 PM

General Conference is this upcoming weekend! 

You know what that means? Um, it's the super bowl for missionaries! 

I'm so excited to watch uncle Israel sing on tv! Pretty sure I'll be crying, 'cause that's the closest thing I'll get to see of family until Christmas time. I like to think watching him sing is a total tender mercy. So happy that he uses the talents God has given him for the best use (: 

I'll be watching it at our Stake center, but I'll be watching it at the Lacasse's house with the Mortensons and an LA Sunday morning. Hna Lacasse will be making us lunch, so it's exciting. I just love our members so darn much! They help us so much, and I can't express how much gratitude i have for them! 

 

We have been working a lot with Less Actives this past week, and we've seen so many miracles through it! It's so cute. One of our LAs called us the other night and asked for a scripture. He's been going through a hard time and he said he needed a scripture to refer to. I read mom's fav scripture to him. Joshua 1:9. She'd be proud to know I recited it without having to read it out of the bible. We then had a good talk about how much the Lord loves him, and that he's by his side always and especially through hard times. it helped him, but it gets better. I grabbed Hna Walton and made her sing my favorite hymn (I Stand All Amazed)  to him with me. I'm a horrible singer, and I'd never sing to anyone, but I actually did! Apparently he liked it, but I think he was just being too nice. Hahah

 

I really love being as missionary! I've seen the gospel bless lives as people have drawn closer to our father in heaven. I got to experience that as I watched a family feel the Spirit after a long time. That is what makes the sweat, tears, and stress worth it. There's nothing like watching someone realize that the gospel blesses them and that no other worldly thing would ever make them as happy as the gospel would. Sure some worldly things might make them happy, but just for a period of time. The gospel blesses and makes people happy for eternity! It's something I never want to lose. 

 

Something amazing the mission has done for me is be able to find out my self worth. I am a daughter of God, and I love him, but most importantly- I KNOW He loves me. I'm a disciple of Christ, and I know that I want to be more like him. Not just on my mission, but for the rest of my life. I want to follow him, and radiate the love, charity, and meekness he holds for us to those who surround me regardless of their beliefs. Everyone deserves to feel of his great love, and I want to help them feel it. They each deserve to know they're loved and are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. I know what standards I hold, and I've come to know that someday I'll have the chance to pick an eternal companion. I know that I'll be able to attract someone who has the same values as I do. I shouldn't settle for less than a temple marriage, or of what I know that I deserve. I love that the gospel helps one see what they deserve and be able to really find themselves and realize their divinity and worth.

 

This past week, I encountered this man. We tried speaking to him, and the first thing he said was, "GO AWAY! GET OUR OF MY FACE!" "You are devil worshipers!" I can't remember much more of the other rude stuff he called my companion and I, but he threw out a lot of F-bombs, and used them vulgarly. It was rude, and I won't lie. I cried. I wept a prayer for him, and for his heart to be softened. I came to realize that even though he was rude to us, he is a son of God and deserves to know he's loved. I hope the next time he encounters missionaries, he gives them a chance, and listens to the message we have to share. 

 

Something really cool I'm sure many have heard about is that LDS movie that's coming out. It's called Meet the Mormons. Apparently it's really good. I invite you all to watch it and tell me how it went! 

 

I hope everyone has a great week, and know that I hold so much love for them!
 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

Watched Over Mon 9/22/2014 2:44 PM

This week was insane. So much happened. 

 Yes, I was in my very first car accident. SCARY.

I was in an exchange with sister Haynes. Fun fact. She was in my Algebra 2 class Sophomore year, so we know a lot of the same people. Really fun. 

 Anyway, we were driving to our dinner appointment, and I saw this red van pulling out of a parking lot. Looked like they were going to get into the lane next to us. Little did I know they were trying to get into our lane. The car in the lane next to us let them through, but they didn't see us coming, and rammed into us as we were passing by. I was the passenger, and got all the impact. I honestly was shocked. I just remember things going blank. All I remember was seeing sirens go off, and talking to the Elder in charge of transportation about the accident. We pulled into the parking lot and spoke to the police, firefighters and the Elders in charge of the car stuff. We found out the people who hit us are members of a different ward. They were on their way to the hospital. Their little girl had a rock stuck in her ear. So sad. They were totally calm about the accident. They cared more about us because we were crying. So yeah. We were actually on our way to meet up with the Elders in our branch cause they were gonna follow us to our member's place. They helped us out so much, and tried to calm us. It was kind of them.

The accident. Notice that my door wasn't scratched up, but just dented. The door behind me was scratched up. Super weird. All the pressure from the impact affected the door behind me rather than me. I truly was watched over. I am so lucky to be alive! The lord truly watches over his missionaries!!

 

 

I went to the hospital to get myself checked. Super sore and bruised, but I'll be okay. I might get to go to the chiropractor. All that I care about is that I can still go out and work. Apparently I was so lucky. I should have been more hurt due to the impact. We were going 40mph, and the van was about 15. It was a strong hit though. I know I was watched over, and that the Lord was protecting Sister Haynes and I. Same with the other family. I lost it when I was 4 little kids hop out of that van. I really hope they're all okay.

 

Aside from that, everything went great! We met with an investigator. Receited the 1st vision, and the Spirit was sooooo strong. She acknowledged it! We felt the Spirit testify to invite her to baptism. We have a date now scheduled for Oct 25th. We're so excited for Brandy! She knows this is what she needs in her life! She's willing to do what she needs to make it happen.
 

 

We also had a less active come to church yesterday. She's so great! She knows she needs to come back. She's willing to work hard, and make it happen. It's so cute. She was super nervous, but felt right at home when she came to church. Our branch is full of the most loving people! I love our members soooo much. They're like family to me. Which makes me happy that I'll be serving another transfer (6 weeks) here in the valley (: I know there's a lot of work that needs to be done, and I'm excited to give it my all. 

 

I learned how to play twinkle twinkle little star on the violin. Sister Lacey Lopez is teaching me how to play. I'm learning and doing so many things I never thought I would have back home. I love it. I truly feel that I'm becoming the "woman" I want to be. It's pretty darn cool. 

 

Sister O'Very left this morning. She should be back home by now. It was so sad to have to let her go. She impacted my mission for the better. She was such an amazing missionary. I love her so much. Dropping her off was so tough on me.

 

I've seen my testimony grow and my relationship with God enhance. I am so lucky to be a missionary, and to be alive! I know I have more work left to do, and that this is the right thing to be doing with my life. I love that I can help others come to Christ. i know he lives, and through him, we can all become better each and every day. I love this gospel so much, and I don't know what I'd do without it. It's something I always want to be in mine and my family's life. I KNOW the Lord blessed his missionaries. Truly. I cannot believe how lucky I am. I'm so grateful for the love and happiness the gospel has brought into my life. It's so great! So happy to know families can be together forever! 

 

Hope everyone has a great week! 

 Mucho amor,

 

Hermana Robles

Getting "old" ( Mon 9/15/2014)

I'm really not getting that old, but I hit my 3 month mark this Thursday, and i honestly cannot believe how quick time is passing by!

 

Just a talk that has really changed me. It's by Neal A Maxwell. "The Atoning Blood of Christ". So good. I invite you all to read it. 

 

Super sweet miracle! Our less active who took us to lunch weeks ago randonly shot us a text, and asked us for the church info. Why? HE WANTED TO COME TO CHURCH! Hna Walton and I victory danced. We were so happy! We've been trying to get him there for months, and he finally decided to. He came yesterday (: 

 

Funny experience. We decided to take the bus and use it as a finding activity. We parked our car at the bus station, and made our way. We have a few gospel conversations, with people, and one person was interested. We exchanged info. Well, we soon realized that where we were headed was almost out of our huge zone, so we decided to get off. We didn't really know where we were going, and what bus to catch to make our way back to our car. Oh, we were 4 miles away. We were clueless, so we.. Walked. Sad, but it was the most I've walked since I've been out here. Did I mention it was hot outside. It was one interesting, uphill experience back to our car.

We spoke to several people, but here's a real miracle. This man, Mark called us out from his front porch. We went over to talk to him, and learned that he has a strong faith in Christ. He told us straight up that he loves LDS members. He's worked around them his whole life. He told us how he can see a "glow" about each of us. we explained that it's the Spirit. He accepted a BOM.

 

Sorry. I'm out of time, but I'll bullet what we did this week.

 - Ate Thai food with the District. So good

- Eating Indian food.

 

Well other cool stuff happened, but I'm out of time. So sorry!

 Mucho amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

 

Gray Hairs..

On Mon, Sep 8, 2014 at 12:25 PM, Claudia Robles <claudia.robles@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Yeah, Hermana Walton found my first gray hair.

I guess the mission is stressful? Actually. Let me rephrase that. THE MISSION IS STRESSFUL.

I found it hilarious that I already have gray hairs. I'll pretend that I'm not inheriting them from dad.

 

I cannot believe that David turns 12 this upcoming week. I thought he was 10.. I miss him so much though! I miss his silly little remarks, and the love he brings into my life. I miss my brothers. 

This past week wasn't too crazy. Compared to other stories I've heard, it was normal.

Funny thing. There's this place called Abelardos. It's like the Beto's or Rancheritos of WA. We would go there to get our little "Mexican fix". Well, we went a few days ago, and it was closed! It was the closest I had to Utah, and poor Hermana Walton was really craving a burrito that day. At Zone training, the Elders found out it got closed from us, and they basically cried. Whenever Hermana Walton and I drive past it, we hold a moment of silence. I think we're funny.

We saw Jose last week! There's this corn bread we absolutely love that he makes, and he surprised us by making us some. THE MAN MADE US OUR OWN BIG LOAF OF BREAD. It's his way of saying "thanks for saving my soul". We're content with it. I know I'm making it sound like I eat a lot and am a fatty, but I'm not huge like I make it sound. I can still ration my food well. You'd be proud dad. 

 

It rained and was freezing the beginning of last week! I realized my skirts don't cut it. I froze like no other. My hair was practically frozen, so I realized that winter here won't be a breeze.

 

This week, I learned to put others first. Especially my companion. It's important to put your companion first. Whomever they may be. A happy companion makes for a happy day, and vise versa. I guess this will come in handy when I get married or something, but one truly does feel better when they put others first, and I've seen my love for those who surround me grow even more. 

 There was this Latin festival over the weekend. There was all sorts of entertainment, and it really makes me proud to be Latina. I love my culture, and how loving we all are with each other. However, it was sooooo hard for me to not get up and dance to the bachata, cumbia, salsa, and all the other good dances.

 

Sorry for the short email, but I'm out of time!

 I hope everyone has a great week!

 

Mucho amor,

 

Hermana Robles

"Following The Yellow Brick Road"

Mon 8/25/2014

As a missionary, I've gained a few nicknames.

"Cloudia" followed me to WA, but others emerged. The sisters we live with have a member whom I get along with well. I guess I'm like a daughter to him. Anyway, he refers to me as a "munchkin". I guess 'cause I'm short or something. Well, Bro Conant gave me advice the other night. to "follow the yellow brick road". Never seen the Wizard of Oz, so someone needs to explain this concept to me or something. 

I've also been referred to as the "Latina princess". I guess the sister missionaries and our mission President's wife are a fan of my hair. The sisters I live with call me "Pocahontas", due to my hair.

Oh wait. It gets better!

I got referred to as a "Utah-rd" the other day! YEAH! What is this?! Apparently, people from other states call us that. Go figure. 

As far as a spiritual moment, I had a few good ones. I'm low on time, so this email will be kinda short.

We had Zone conference this week, and it was so good! What I took the most out of it is that I need to be fearless and bold. I know, I'm nothing close to bold, and I'm fine with it. I do need to be with some of our investigators in order for them to commit to the invitations we've given them though. 

Oh, I learned how to say "Elder" in Russian! I forgot how to though, but I learned!

We had a training with Elder Johnson from the Gen. Authority. It was about missionary work, and the importance of hastening it. I realized I shouldn't let a moment pass me by, and that I need to serve with all my soul, heart, and strength!

Member help is also important, so help those missionaries! Acknowledge them! The Lord does his work in his own way, at his own time. This is where patience comes into play. I've gained that a ton out here. I love it.

We taught the Restoration to this investigator, and his kids. He claims he's my "number one fan". It's creepy, but the lesson went well! All the cute kids sat on the hood of his car, and we taught the Restoration. The kids loved it so much! It was the cutest thing!

I gained a 6th sense. Smelling Latinos. We'll be walking around, and I'll smell "Latino" from a house. We'll go, and knock on a door, and a Latino appears! It's a gift (;

Our member's dogs escaped, so we went to the rescue! We chased dogs around the block for a good half hour. i was trying to get a dog to sit, and he didn't respond to anything I said. I sang the hymn "Paz, Calmense", and the dog freakin' sat! Power of a missionary! It was funny though!

Anyway, i love everyone, and I cannot believe Danny began his Senior Year today! He's not supposed to be that big! Can't believe David's in 6th grade now! Stop growing!

Mucho amor,

Hermana Robles

Expuestos al calor del Espiritu

Hermana Walton y yo estamos en la 2da semana de nuestra "ayuno de postre". Lo estamos haciendo muy bien. Estamos tan orgullosos la una de la  otra!

Otro hecho divertido: Acabo de llegar a mi marca de 2 meses como misionera hoy!  Me encanta! (:

Conocimos a una joven menos activa llamada Kristina. Pasamos una casa, y tuvimos la impresión de que teníamos que volver y tocar la puerta. Por supuesto que la seguimos, y tocamos. Allí conocimos a Kristina. Nos enteramos de que ella es menos activa, y que ella había estado orando fervientemente para recibir una respuesta del Señor. Después de hablar con nosotros, ella nos dijo que eramos la respuesta del Señor que ella necesita para ponerse en forma y volver a la iglesia. Ella está haciendo precisamente eso! Es un milagro! Estamos muy felices por ella, y ella accedió a venir a la iglesia con nosotros!

Esa noche, Nos alcanzó una gran tormenta! La mitad de la ciudad se quedó sin energia. Fue una locura. Bueno, estábamos trabajando, y fuímos en busca de investigadores de habla Hispana. El Señor nos bendijo porque esa tormenta causó que todos estén fuera de sus porches. Encontramos dos familias latinas. Y al fin hemos ganado una familia de investigadores! El Señor ha estado contestando nuestras oraciones!

 

Al día siguiente, las hermanas de nuestra zona salimos a almorzar a un lugar, Qdoba.  muy bueno.  Nosotras  8 ordenamos la comida y cuando fuimos a pagar, la cajera nos dijo que todas nuestras comidas ya habían sido pagadas. Otro milagro! (:

Tuvimos otra lección con la familia González. Esa familia es en serio tan especial, y mi amor por ellos es enorme! El Espíritu siempre se ha sentido tan fuerte cada vez que les enseñamos. Les enseñamos sobre Alma 32 y cómo podemos fortalecer y nutrir nuestra fe. De lejos, la mejor lección que he ayudado a enseñar. Fue tan poderosa. Sé que Hugo (el padre), sintió el Espíritu. Toda su familia lo hizo. Me sentí incitado para invitarlos a ser bautizados, y lo hice. Todos dijeron SÍ! Jenny nos envió un mensaje al día siguiente, y nos dijo que ella encontró a su padre leyendo el Libro de Mormón. SÉ serán sellados el uno al otro como una familia. Estoy muy emocionada de ver a dónde se dirigen. Tenemos otra lección con ellos mañana. No puedo esperar. Son una familia para mí, y yo realmente quiero que sepan de la veracidad del Evangelio.

Sábado fue fabuloso. Sé que la mayoría de nuestros miembros envió solicitudes a mamá y papá para ser amigos en FB. Hay un montón de fotos que tomaron de nosotros "en plena acción". Nos pusimos a trabajar con la familia de nuestro Presidente Rama toda esa mañana. Los López son tan especiales. Hermana Lacey López organizó toda esta mañana para nosotros. Ella buscó nuestros vecinos que necesitaban ayuda y programó charlas con ellos. Sabemos que milagros surgirán de ella! Probamos el servicio con toda su familia para su vecino que acaba de ser diagnosticado con cáncer. Nunca hecho tanto trabajo en el jardín de mi vida, pero valió la pena, y un montón de diversión. Eso es algo que quiero hacer cuando vuelvo a casa en unos buenos 16 meses.

 

Después, tuvimos la hermana Mortenson con nosotros, y visitamos La Michoacana. José estaba trabajando allí e hizo un pastel para un baby shower. Fuimos invitados a ella, así que fuimos! Hermana Walton y yo fuimos de compra de ropa de bebé hoy, así que podemos dejarla a la señora que se llevó a cabo el Baby Shower. Estamos muy contentas. Nadie en esa reunión era SUD, así que fue una gran oportunidad misional.
Encontramos a una familia cubana allí. Son refugiados. Ellos nos contaron su historia, y se me rompió el corazón, literalmente no tienen nada, y quiero ayudarles a salir de cualquier modo que pueda.

Nuestros miembros son impresionantes! Ayer, nos enteramos que algunos de nuestros miembros fueron y reunieron un montón de cosas. Nos dejó que fuera a la casa de la familia cubana, y estaban “super” felices. Nunca he visto a nadie tan agradecido antes. No esperaban eso y estaban prácticamente en lágrimas. Papá, no sé cómo pudiste balancear  todo como inmigrante cuando llegamos a este pais hace 13 años. Tengo mucho respeto por ti, y te quiero mucho. Sacrificaste tanto y trabajaste tan duro para mantener a nuestra familia bien y cómoda y segura. Al ver cómo esta familia estaba tratando a través de este, tocado mi corazón tan profundamente!

Conocimos a este hombre, Larry el fin de semana. Él realmente necesitaba escuchar del evangelio. Me sentí motivada a invitarle a ser bautizado, y él aceptó hacerlo una vez que encuentre que este Evangelio es verdadero. Trató de poner sus brazos alrededor de mi compañero y yo, y nos dijo que él estaba tratando de exponerse al calor del espiritu en la presencia del Señor que sentía desprendía de nosotros. Fue tan genial! Estoy tan feliz de que él reconoció la presencia del Espíritu. Ah. Me encanta tanto ser misionera!
Estaba estudiando esta semana en mi estudio de escrituras Mosíah 23:10. Estoy releyendo el B.O.M, y me encanta!
Esta escritura que significa mucho para mi! Me di cuenta de que el Señor me está usando como un instrumento para llevar a la gente a la verdad. Se relaciona mucho conmigo. Esta escritura fue una respuesta a mis oraciones.

Las hermanas de la rama me mostraron algunas de las fotos de la mama en Machu Picchu. Estoy tan feliz de que ella pudó estar allí! Espero que su familia tenga el deseo de escuchar a los misioneros. Sé lo mucho que el evangelio bendecirá sus vidas como lo ha hecho con la mía. Estoy tan feliz de saber que ella tiene que pasar tiempo con ellos.

Otra cosa. Mamá, estoy muy agradecido de que me "empujaste" a terminar mi Progreso Personal. Me ha ayudado más de lo que esperaba. Me pongo mi medallón fuerte y orgullosa. He visto las bendiciones que me ha traído como misionero. Estoy trabajando con la hija de nuestro Presidente de Rama sobre la de ella, y estoy muy feliz de haber completado la mía! Así que, por favor envíeme mi Progreso Personal de vuelta a casa? Te amo tanto, y le doy las gracias por ayudarme a terminarlo!

Estoy emocionado de que los chicos finalmente lleguen a comer comida de verdad, ahora que mamá vuelve a casa. Coman sano!

Los quiero a todos mucho, y ya está todo en mis oraciones. He visto los sacrificios que cada uno ha hecho, y yo realmente admiro. Tienen una gran semana!

Con Todo mi amor,

Hermana Robles

 

 

Basking in the Spirit

This week was CRAZY. So much happened, but I'll do my best to break it down.

Hermana Walton and I are on week 2 of our "dessert fast". We're doing so good. So proud of each other!
Another fun fact: I hit my 2 month mark as a missionary today! I LOVE IT! (:

We met this Less Active named Kristina. We walked past a house, and had this impression that we needed to return and knock on the door. Of course we followed it, and knocked. There, we met Kristina. We found out that she's less active, and that she had been praying fervently to receive a sign from the Lord. After speaking to us, she said we were a sign from the Lord that she needs to shape up and get back to church. She's doing just that! It's such a miracle! We're so happy for her, and she agreed to come to church with us!

That evening, a huge storm struck! The power was out in half the city. It was insane. Well, we were still working, and went around looking for Latinos. The Lord blessed us because that storm caused everyone to be out on their porches. We found two Latino families whom we spoke to. We gained a family of investigators! The Lord has been answering our prayers!

 

 The following day, the sisters in our zone went out for lunch at this place, Qdoba. Good stuff. Anyway, all 8 of us ordered and went up to pay. As we did, the cashier told us that all our meals had already been paid for. Otro milagro! (:



 

We had another lesson with the Gonzalez family. That family is seriously so special, and my love for them is huge! The Spirit is always felt so strong whenever we teach them. We taught them about Alma 32 and how we could strengthen and nourish our faith. By far, the best lesson I've helped teach. It was soooo powerful. I know Hugo (the dad), felt the Spirit. Their entire family did. I felt prompted to invite them to be baptized, and I did. THEY ALL SAID YES! Jenny texted us the following day, and told us she found her dad reading from the Book of Mormon. I KNOW they will be sealed to each other as a family. I am so excited to see where they're headed. We have another lesson with them tomorrow. I can't wait. They're family to me, and I really want them to know of the truthfulness of the gospel.

 Saturday was HUGE. I know the majority of our members sent mom and dad friend requests on FB. There's a ton of pictures they took of us "in action". We got to work with our Branch President's family that entire morning. The Lopez are so great. Sister Lacey Lopez organized this entire morning for us. She sought our her neighbors who needed help and scheduled lessons with them. We know miracles will arise from it! We did service with their entire family for their neighbor who just got diagnosed with cancer. Never done so much yard work in my life, but it was worth it, and loads of fun. That's something I wanna do when I return home in a good 16 months.

Afterwards, we had Sister Mortenson with us, and visited La Michoacana. Jose was working there and made a cake for a baby shower. We were invited to it, so we went! Hermana Walton and I are baby clothes shopping today, so we can drop it off to the lady who held the shower. We're excited. No one in that baby shower was LDS, so it was a great missionary opportunity.

 



We met this Cuban family there. They're refugees. They told us their story, and it broke my heart, They literally have nothing, and I wanna help them out in anyway I can.

 

Our members are awesome! Yesterday, we found out some of our members went and gathered a ton of stuff. We dropped it off at the Cuban family's home, and they were super happy. I have never seen anyone so grateful before. They didn't expect it, and were practically in tears. Dad, I don't know how you balanced everything as an immigrant 13 years ago. I hold so much respect for you, and love you so much. You sacrificed so much and worked so hard to keep our family in good shape. Seeing how this family was dealing through this, touched my heart so profoundly! 

 

We met this man, Larry over the weekend. He really needed to hear of the gospel. I felt prompted to invite him to be baptized, and he accepted to do so once he found that this gospel is true. He tried to put his arms around my companion and I, and told us that he was trying to bask in the presence of the Lord that he felt give off from us. It was so cool! I'm so happy that he recognized the Spirit present. Agh. I just love being a missionary so much!

 As I was studying this week, I came across Mosiah 23:10. I'm re-reading the B.O.M, and I love it!

This scripture was seriously meant for me! I realized that the Lord is using me as an instrument to bring people to the truth. It relates a lot to me. This scripture was an answer to my prayers. 

The sisters from the branch showed me some of mom's pictures in Machu Picchu. I am so happy that she got to be there! I hope the family has the desire to listen to missionaries. I know how much the gospel will bless their lives like it has done to mine. I'm so happy to know she got to spend time with them.

 

Another thing. Mom, I am so grateful that you "pushed" me to finish my Personal Progress. It has helped me beyond what I expected. I wear my medallion loud and proud. I've seen the blessings it has brought me as a missionary. I am working with our Branch President's daughter on hers, and am so happy I completed mine! So, please send me my Personal Progress from back home? I love you so much, and thank you for helping me finish it!

I'm excited that the boys finally get to eat real food now that mom is coming home. Eat healthy! 

I love you all so much, and you're all in my prayers. I've seen the sacrifices each of you have made, and I really admire it. Have a great week!

Con todo mi amor,

 

Hermana Robles