Gratitud.(En Espanol)

Mon 11/24/2014 12:58 PM

It snowed in good ol' WASPO this week! *Thumbs down* 

Broke my heart to see all the snow. Sister Johnson and I cried about it. 

 

I was sick all week, and my coughing kept our apt up, so that was fun! Luckily, I have the greatest roommates evaaaa', so they all took good care of me. (Yes mom, I made sure to keep my neck covered whenever I went out).

 

Soooooo....

Thanksgiving is this week, so I'll try to do my email in a little gratitude list.

First of all, I'm grateful for each one of you! 

I'm grateful for this gospel and the love it brings into my life. 

I'm grateful that I'm a missionary! I love it so much, and it's the greatest thing I could be doing with my life right now.

I'm grateful for the opportunity I had this week to teach a Muslim family while I was on exchanges. They were recepptive to the Restoration message, and we were the first "Christians" they've encountered yet in 'Merica. It was awesome.

 

I'm grateful that Jose de Jesus is on date for Dec 13th. He likes to refer to baptism as to, "taking a dip". Jose wants to "take a dip" in the Spokane River. He's a wild one. The day we put him on date, we took them on a church tour, and as we took a moment of silence in the chapel, the air conditioning went off and it alarmed him. He exclaimed, " IT'S THE SPIRIT" .Whatever works for him (: He brings it up to everyone he talks to. His phone went off the other day, and he said the same thing. We have some work to do... He's sooo hilarious though. We have a blast with him.

 

This week, we've been sharing D&C 78:19 with our members and the importance of being grateful for all of our circumstances and the little things we have in life. I invite each of you to ponder, and jot down a list of 100 things you're grateful for before Thanksgiving. Whether it be as a family, or individually. I promise you'll realize how truly blessed each of you are. Some of us aren't blessed enough to simply have clothing or food. 

 

Also, we'll be sharing this awesome video with others this upcoming Christmas season. The website will be up mañana, It's christmas.mormon.org. The video is called " He Is the Gift" .He, as in Christ. He truly is the greatest gift we all have. Ponder on that these upcoming holidaays, and on what that means to you. I know that it means EVERYTHING to me. Think about the true meaning of the holidays, and not on the material things such as stuffing your face 'til you get a food coma, or being bundled up in buying gifts. Instead, list your blessings, and remember what Christ did for us.

 Yes mom, I'll be getting fed for Thanksgiving. We'll be with the Mortenson's, and the Conant's later on. I'll be taken care of.

 

I hope everyone has un Feliz dia de accion de gracias! Les quiero mucho!!

 
Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

Frozen, yet blessed.

Mon 11/17/2014 12:14 PM

Pues, this past week was freezing. I came to realize that if I can conquer this weather, I can conquer just about anything in this world. I wonder how the pioneer women did it.. I did gain a new best friend this past week though.. Fleece tights. Those beauties are life savers. 

The cold here in Spokane is different than in Utah. It's humid compared to Utah. I figured that if I could handle the Winter back home, I could here. I thought wrong.

Poor Hermana Walton and I came down with some sort of cold this past weekend, so that's no fun, but it's not stopping us from working!

 

 

 

This past week was actually pretty tough for both my companion and I. My testimony of the Priesthood grew even more. The Elders in zone gave us blessings, and it's amazing how much it helped. It reminded me of how mom would always tell me to make sure my home always has a worthy Priesthood holder. It's true, because I've seen the many blessings I've gained in my life from having one at home. The Priesthood is so powerful, and what keeps our families united with our father in heaven. I love that I've always been able to turn to dad when I needed a blessing.

 

Satan has really been trying to tear us down and the hard efforts we've been putting in. He's a sneaky badger. I love that my companionship is so strong. We're always helping each other out when the adversary is trying to tear us down. I'm so grateful for my companion, and the support she gives me. She's become a real sister to me, and I love her to pieces. I couldn't do this without her. I'm so sad that she's finishing her mission in Jan, but I've learned so much from her. She's such a diligent missionary, and I'm so grateful for the things she's taught me that have helped me mold into the missionary I now am. She helps me be bold, but not overbearing, and I help her with her Spanish (: It all works out.

So we set goals for ourselves each week. Pretty sure everyone just knows my huge desire to learn Portuguese. I've actually been learning! It's so cool! During our language study, I'll print out talks, and translate them. It's so great that I know Spanish, because Portuguese is so similar. I just have the worst accent when I try to speak it, so there's that. 

Another goal I set for myself is to not eat seconds. I came to realize that since I've been able to keep that goal, I can do just about whatever. Such as endure the freezing weather out here. The members in our branch are such GOOD cooks! It's so hard to not stuff myself with their food. However, the holidays are approaching, so I have to start training myself to watch for that stuff. What I'm getting with this is that I know my Heavenly Father has really been on the look out for me. i've turned to him and had faith that he will help me with problems or desires whether they be big or small. I know he cares and loves me so much, as I do to him. 

 

I received a letter each from grandpa and grandma this week. I learned so much I didn't know about them. I love that they exchanged their experiences and testimonies with me. Family History is where it's at. We've been putting a huge emphasis on it as a mission. It's amazing how much the gospel has blessed my family's life. I'm eternally grateful.

 I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week!

I can't believe I hit 5 months on a mission manana. WHERE IS TIME GOING? 

 
I'm so grateful for everyone's support, and I hope you all have a great semana! (:

 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

Rejection and Miracles

Mon 11/10/2014 12:21 PM

Hola!

I hope this week was good for everyone.

I just want everyone to know that I love each of you so much.

It's crazy how sometimes we tend to take those we love and the time we have with them for granted.

My heart breaks and yearns for the families and friends of my 2 ex-coworkers who passed away. I cannot believe their lives were cut so short, and they were both really great girls. I appreciate the time I had to get to know them, work with, and develop friendships with them. It was such a blessing, and they both touched my life for the better. I cannot believe I won't get to see them, but I know I will get to another day. The gospel brings a lot of peace into my life.

 Well,

We've had several.. Actually a lot of rejection this past week, but some amazing miracles.
  

 

 

i'll start with the first great one..

 

DANIEL IS ON DATE FOR DECEMBER 13TH! When we first started meeting with his girlfriend Kristina, he would always tell her that he never wanted to listen to us, and that we better not ever bring up baptism to him because he'd immediately say no and not have to think twice about it. We were warned at first, and still invited him to be since the Spirit prompted us to. He said he'd have to think about it. Everything is just clicking to Daniel, and he's really felt the Spirit and knows that this church and gospel is so true. He just can't deny it. We had a lesson at Dru and Ashleigh Lopez's this past Tuesday about the Intro to the BOM, and the Spirit was so strong. Daniel and Kristina told us that they've both been reading together each day, and we felt prompted to put him on date. We invited him to be baptized Dec. 13th, and he said yes. He wants it so bad. He knows that is the first step to a better life. He wants the best life for his kids, and knows it's through the gospel. He is so elect! There's nothing stopping him at this point!
 

 

The following day, we had a church tour with them. They brought Daniel's cute kids along. As soon as we stepped into the chapel and had a moment of silence, we all felt the Spirit so strong. It was exactly what I needed that day too. We all looked over at the kids, and saw Daniel's little 4 year old boy praying. He had never taught his kids how to pray, and to see him doing that on his own filled his eyes with tears, and heart with love. It was an incredible experience. At the end of the church tour, we talked a little bit more about the special covenant or promise he will be making which is by being baptized. We invited him to pray, and he did. he never liked to pray out loud and he did that time. The prayer was so strong, and we all felt the Spirit. It's things like those that mean so much to me, and remind me how much I am helping people out. I've always wanted to help others, and I know this is the correct way to do so. Being a missionary is so great. We get front row seats to experience the greatest miracles.

 

Brother Lacasse always gives us words of wisdom. This past week, he told us that we must never believe anyone's words until actions own up to them. It's true, and it's what I've seen on the field. Some people commit to the invitations we give them, and some don't. Daniel has been progressing so much, and same with Jose de Jesus. They're finally understanding the gist of everything. We're so happy for them. They've been to church 7 times already! They own up to their words.

 

Here's another cool miracle. We usually text info about church out each Sunday to all our investigators. We had recently met a lady who became our new investigator. We included her in our mass text, and she came to church yesterday! We were surprised and so happy! Usually no one takes our invitation and comes to church, but she did! We were so happy! Usually we have to remind people constantly about these kinds of things, but not her! She's great!

 

We had sooooooooo many rejections this past weekend. The whole morning was filled with them, and we had some mean comments said to us, but it's okay (: What made up for it was the fact that our last few hours of the day, we ended up getting 4 new investigators! It was so amazing! We're so content! We've seen these blessings come to us from our obedience in following the riles, and our hard work! We're striving to be the best missionaries, and we're watching it all pay off (:

 

 

I'm so grateful for the privilege to be a missionary! There's nothing greater than to be a disciple of Christ. Hope everyone has a great week!

 

Con amor,

Hermana Robles 

Feliz Halloween!

Mon 11/3/2014 2:41 PM

This week FLEW!

I can't believe next month will be December! It blows my mind! 

 

 

So we had transfer calls last night. Sister Walton and I will be staying together another transfer! We're so content! This will be our 4th transfer together, and we have a feeling big things will be happening. This transfer will be super good.

 

This week was great. Let's be real. Each week on the field is great. 

Daniel, Kristina and Jose de Jesus were at church. It made us so happy. They're slowly but surely progressing. 

 

We had a lesson at Daniel and Kristina's with Dru Lopez and his cute boy Maddox came to the lesson. We had learned in Gospel principles in church the previous Sunday about the Priesthood. Daniel got to see the power of the Priesthood work for the first time in his life that day. he was feeling super duper sick, so we called the Elders over and had them and Dru give him a blessing for his health. As they were about to give him the blessing, Daniel got scared. He thought we were doing a cult or baptizing him when the men put their hands over his head and putting the consecrated oil over his head. He was mortified. Poor guy. We explained what was going on and that we wouldn't lure him to do anything he didn't want to. The Spirit was so strong as the blessing continued. He's feeling the love of God in his life more. It's amazing. He actually found out that he has an LDS uncle, so he thought it was super cool.

 

We've been having to drop some of our investigators. It was so sad. Many of them told us they aren't interested. 

 

 

Sorry. I'm out of time. I have to go, but Have a great week!

Mucho amor,

 

Hermana Robles

Becoming a Mormon

Tue 10/28/2014 3:15 PM

It's been such a great week. Each week on the mission gets better by the second. I am so in love with the mission and the work. I cannot believe how much time is flying, but I'm doing my best to enjoy every moment of it. 

 

We've been working with this family. The Novelo family. We were on exchanges this past week, and I was with a sister who doesn't speak much Spanish. I was left to teach an entire lesson in Spanish, and I was fine with it (: We taught the Intro to the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was so strong. The sister I was with felt it, and she said she understood everything somehow. Here's the funny part. Marco turned to me and asked, "When I become Mormon, does that mean I need to stop doing the stuff I do now?" My comp that day and I looked at each other wondering how to to let him down since we assumed he was going to bring up things we didn't wanna hear. Suddenly, he said, "So like using Facebook, and all of that?" He thought we couldn't do those things! We explained to him that we're totally normal, and that he could still be a normal human being. He was content. We explained that the gospel just adds to his happiness and will help him become his better self. 

 

Daniel and Kristina have still been coming to church. They are so involved with church activities and everything. We went to a wedding reception over the weekend, and Kristina told me, "i cannot wait to go through the temple again" as we passed the temple. I am so excited to help them reach that goal. Sadly, Daniel told us he doesn't know how to tell his family that he's attending church with us, because he's afraid of their reaction. If anyone has advice I could give him, please let me know about it! Mom, what did you do?

 

Also, I'm so grateful for the card Aunt Ariela and Uncle Cesar included in that package! It was so sweet!

 

Oh, Jose de Jesus came to church this past weekend! He loves it! We're seeing progress with him! He loves listening to us and having us over. he's slowly understanding the lessons. We learned that he's a visual learner, so we have been doing object lessons and teaching him the lessons all over. Es okay though (:

 

So I just wanna brag about how great out branch members are. 2 quick examples. We went to our Branch President's house for dinner, and as soon as we stepped in, we said, "President! You need to go outside. The sky looks so pretty!" His response, "But not as pretty as Lacey." (His wife). I just love seeing the men in our branch treat their wives so well, and with much respect.

 

 

Example number 2. We went to another member in our branch's place for FHE last night. Dru and Ashleigh Lopez's family are the cutest! They taught us the Restoration, and it was so good! The spirit was so strong, and it's always possible to feel it when one goes to their home. Their cute little 5 year old boy Beckham recited James 1:5. It was the cutest thing, ever. Made me realize how important it will be for my home to be centered on the gospel some day. Every family in our branch teaches me what i want for my future family. I love it. They're such great examples. Missionary work is hastening in the homes. So family, I want you to know that i love you so much, and I'm grateful that mom and dad have always managed to keep the Spirit in our home. You've done great jobs, and I admire

 

i hope everyone has a great week!

 

Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

 

Job Offers

Mon 10/20/2014 2:02 PM

Well, I got a job offer this week.

Who knew that would happen to missionaries.?

We went to visit Jose this Tuesday, and I met a nice man who so happens to work for broadcasting here in the Valley. Especially for Latinos. He knows Selena's dad. You know, the famous, "Bi-di-bi-di-bam-bam" "El chico del apartamento 10512" Selena. 

Anyway, he asked me what kind of stuff I was hoping to study after the mission since I explained what missionaries do to him. I told him Dentistry or broadcasting of some sort. Maybe something in the communication industry. Here's the real compliment. Apparently I'm "photogenic". i laughed my head off when he said that. If people haven't noticed from the pictures I already send home, I'm kinda.. Well, actually not. I got a good laugh. Poor sister Shook was on exchanges with me that day, so she had no idea with what was being said in Spanish. She just said, "No hablo Espanol." and smiled a lot. She's great. Long story short, I got a job offer for a co hosting position. It was interesting, but I had to turn it down. It was a cool experience! The only job I'm content with is being a servant of the Lord (:

 

So that sweet old churro man I was talking about last week.. So adorable! He's like our little mission grandpa! He still doesn't understand exactly what we do, but he counsels us a lot!

 

 

We got to watch Meet the Mormons! A member sent Pres. Mullen a copy of the movie, and we got to watch it in the gym during Specialized Training. It's funny. I prayed, and had asked God to allow me to feel of his love more, because i felt that I needed it especially that day. I like to think that by Pres. surprising us with it that it was an answer to my prayer (: The movie was so good! I recommend it to those who don't know what Mormons are about and do. It was so uplifting, and it shows that we're totally normal (:

 

I've seen my testimony continue to grow! I'm almost done with reading the B.o.M the second time around, and I've really seen my testimony for it grow. I love that book so darn much! It's helped me out with questions I have!

 

I've seen my heart grow more for those I serve! I love offering service! We decided to randomly go around and rake a ton of yards this weekend. That's where the pictures of us jumping in leaves came from. One of the people whose yards we raked caught us raking, and he was so grateful. I just love helping others!

 

Sorry for the short email, but I hope everyone has a great week!

 Serve someone in need (:

 Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles

Improving Each and Every Day

Mon 10/13/2014

Hola!

This Saturday marks my 4 months out! It's gone by quick, but at the same time, I feel that it hasn't been all that long. I know I'm always saying it, but I love being a missionary! I can't express it!

 

Like the title explains, I've been improving in different ways each day. This whole running thing? I'm actually liking it. I've seen myself improve each day. When it gets tough, I seriously tell myself "I can do hard things" . I can though! It's all about the mindset and attitude. That's how it works with everything.

 

It's great. I was telling Sister Haynes while we were on exchanges that I don't feel that I've given my all as a missionary unless I come home at the end of the night physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted. She told me to pray and ask for that. I've done just that. Guess what's been happening to me this entire past week? I've felt exhausted in every possible way. I'm seeing improvement. It's great. I come home, we do our accountings, and plan our stuff out the next day. After we finish, I make it to bed, and just pass out 'til 6:10 the next morning for exercise. The Lord answers prayers. Even when they're "silly". I testify of that. Hahah

 

Kristina and her boyfriend came to church yesterday. So did Jose de Jesus. It was such a great meeting. Here's the best part. It was fast and testimony meeting. The testimonies were so good, and the Spirit was super strong. I looked over, and saw Kristina and her boyfriend Daniel crying. Daniel is the opposite of a crier. I was amazed to see him crying. I leaned over to him, and told him what he was feeling was the Spirit. He knows it is, and that it was his first time really feeling it. Witnessing him feel the Spirit for the first time made me feel it. It made my testimony of missionary work grow even more. This is what I love. Watching people feel the Spirit for the first time in their lives. He told Kristina that he feels this church is more true than any he's been to. Including his former church. We had actually taught the Restoration the night before, and he agreed to pray and read form the B.o.M. We're so excited for him. Kristina is such a great influence on him! . She's helping him a lot. We're actually going to a branch FHE with them tonight. Our members are so great with helping. 

 

We met this awesome man who we've been teaching. His name is Armando. He gave us great advice. Always to take time to make a churro. He offered to let us use his churro making machine so we can make some, but we told him we didn't have the time to. He told us we would someday look back and regret not making a churro, so sometimes, we need to take time to make some. Basically, that we need a pause and make time for those important little things that make life worthwhile. It was so nice of him.

 

We found out that Jose our Recent Convert watched conference! It brought so much happiness to us! Even though he now lives 3 hours away, he himself went and sought out the missionaries, and is seeking for their help to keep progressing. We actually get to see him tomorrow, since he'll be in town. I'm stoked.

 

I hope everyone has a great week! Seriously watch that Meet the Mormons movies. The money they make in the box office is what the church is donating to the Red Cross. Isn't that awesome? That's something I love about that church!

 Con amor,

 

Hermana Robles