Week43: Feliz Navidad

Hola! This has been another good week. 

We had zone conference this week which was absolutely amazing! It was exactly what I needed to get new ideas and re energized. We also got to sing a few Christmas hymns all together at the end and sister Marsh (mission president's wife) put up a fireplace video for "atmosphere" ha ha! 

We had exchanges with the STL's, which was a blast! They are also Spanish so that was great. I went to riverside with sister brooks and sister Gray was with sister zuniga. We were on bikes for the exchange which I actually liked. I miss biking, but I'm grateful for the car when it's really cold or raining. We also went caroling with their district which was really fun. Light the world is so amazing to just share light and love with others. 

Our miracle this week happened right after exchanges. We were over in the far corner of our area so we decided to stop by some people the elders had referred to us from others or contacts. We stopped by looking for angelica, but a woman named Alice opened the door. She had just moved in with this family the day before. And get this, on the plane ride from Chile she sat next to a missionary who was able to give her a copy of the book of Mormon with her testimony in it. We both know that we were brought together by God and are excited to get to work with her more and help her. 

We also did an activity with the elders in our district. We passed out candy canes with the light the world cards and invitations to the special christmas service on Sunday. It was really fun, and we did it out in front of a massive talpas supermercado. 

I am so excited for Christmas and getting to spend time with those we are teaching and the members. May we all continue to feel this spirit of love and giving. Christ's birth was not the end, it was what followed that really brought miracles and changed the world. 

Love y'all and Feliz Navidad!

Hermana Nielson :)

Week 42: Another Great Week

Howdy!

This was another good week.

We were able to stop by some people we had made contact with and have little lessons, which was great. I love getting to light the world! There is so much love and hope. And sharing with others just increases those. 

We have been teaching more private English classes which is going great! Ofelia is really loving meeting with us and really wants to come to church and activities, but has a hard work schedule. So we are really praying for her to have the opportunities she so wants. 

Catalina and Nicolas are reading the Book of Mormon and praying :) they really have noticed the difference in their lives from meeting with us. The spirit really works miracles and it is such a blessing to have the first row to see their lives becoming happier. 

I know the gospel is true and that God has given us everything he has to help us be happy. To be truly happy that comes from the inside out and lasts forever. We can be happy in whatever circumstances because this happiness comes from who we are, how we have the spirit with us, and focusing on gratitude.

Thanks for all the prayers and love!

Have a fantabulous week!

Hermana Nielson :D

 

 

Week 41: Always a little uncomfortable

Hello everyone!!

This was quite the week.

It started with finally moving in on Tuesday. Our new place is so nice! And it is actually by Hispanics. We are the 3rd floor so we were a bit sore after moving in haha. But this place has a gym, and resident ducks :) we love it!

President Marsh is doing great. Nothing was amiss and so he is good to go, but thanks for all the prayers. And things worked out for interviews on Thursday too.

The best part of the week was of course mission conference. Elder Bednar came!! It was absolutely incredible to learn from him. He had us prepare by studying four of his addresses. And then we got to ask questions and he would ask questions back or make suggestions. And then would have us notice the patter of learning. Ultimately we learned how we should learn. Along with our own personal answers. He showed us how to learn by the spirit one on one with a group of people. One comment he made about relying on the spirit was that if we are doing it right we will always be a bit uncomfortable. Because revelation takes preparation, but it is an individual thing specific to who, when, and where. So sometimes at stake conferences he would take peoples talks/notes and make them speak by the spirit. Crazy!! But it was a very powerful experience and completely draining!

Catalina and Nicolas are doing really well! They have been praying and when we come for lessons and ask them if they have their Book of Mormons with them they pull them out and immediately open asking what page we are going to. They are really amazing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and takes time to notice and create Holy moments in their week

Hermana Nielson :)

Week 40: Two dinners

Hey everyone!

This has been a good but busy week. We are preparing to move into a new apartment so we had to get all our new house stuff and pack and clean up so I don't have lots of time. But we were able to have good lessons with Catalina and she is really opening up to us.

Also, thanksgiving was great! I got to talk with my family and have two dinners. One with the mission office couple and the other with a member family. I love the people here and am so grateful for their love and receptiveness.

My Spanish is getting better. I need to focus on understanding when others are talking to us, but we are coming along. Stay tuned because this Saturday we have a mission conference and Elder Bednar is going to talk with us! Woot woot! I'm so pumped! Any ways, love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!

Hermana Nielson :D