Dear Family,
How is everyone? I hope things are going well. Don't forget to write!
We were invited to attend Zone Leader Council this week. Two sets of sisters were present. This Spirit was so strong as we learned about the importance of teaching the first principle of the first lesson- God is our Loving Heavenly Father. Many times this principle is breezed over but President emphasis the vitality of establishing the understanding with the investigator that they are a child of a loving Heavenly Father that wants the best for them and will listen and respond to sincere petitions made through heart-felt prayer. I know this is true. The power of this doctrine is forgotten. After the meeting I realized through subsequent appointments that people really do not grasp the concept. People are so confused and do not understand the personal relationship we can have with God. I loved this message. This Spirit was strong. We all left very spiritually edified and with commitments to teach this principle more fully.
We had Zone Meeting on Friday where the Zone Leaders addressed this principle. They also talked about casualness with obedience. Elder Olive (from Kahuku, HI- going home this transfer- Clarissa!) used excerpts from a good talk by Elder Holland (Teach the Atonement) to emphasize that obedience is the first law of everything. If we choose to disobey we neglect the opportunity to call down divine blessing prepared for us in heaven. We ate at this pizza buffet afterward- Double Daves.
We had some good lessons this week. Unfortunately we had to drop Guillermo--our skateboarder investigator from Guatemala. He loves the Book of Mormon and know the church is true but works at Cheesecake Factory every Sunday and has not come to church. He said it is possible to request off but he needs the money as he only works the weekends. We had to leave him with the determination to come to church. Sometimes people lack the faith to make dramatic changes to be able to be obedient.
We went to a baptism last night in Gulf Bank--Hermana Thomas' last area. A family of 8 got baptized. It was the longest baptism I've ever gone to but her love for that family was so strong and their love for her. The mother caught her on our way out and thanked her for pretty much saving her life by bringing the gospel into it. Those are the moments that make a mission the best two years.
Ramon was confirmed yesterday in Sacrament and as he sat on the stand, I saw the joy in his countenance. It made me smile so big.
I love this work. Although we have some very hard and long days, I know that nothing will stop this work from going for and that just as Nephi in the book of Helaman, I will be rewarded for preaching with unwearyingness.
I love you all,
Camille
Saturday, September 26, 2009
T5W1 New Transfer and Ramon's Baptism
Dear Family,
How is everyone? I hope everyone is well. I'm jealous Mom is best friends forever with Denise Austin. Ha ha. Keep me posted with all the summer weddings that are going on! Hah.
We had transfers on Wednesday. My new companion is Hermana Jenny Thomas from Centerville. She went to Viewmont but doesn't know if she knows any of the Ences. We get along great. We have several things in common. She ran a marathon right before the mission so we are excited to do a lot of running this transfer. We did the first couple days.
I got sick and lost my voice completely this week. Sister Hansen (President's wife) told us to stay in and rest Friday and Saturday because it just kept getting worse. I might have just been working myself too hard or something. My voice is still recovering and sounds pretty raspy but my companion says it sounds pretty cool. Because we were confined to the apartment together without being able to go to our appointments we've been able to get to know each other pretty well.
We taught Ramon Thursday, getting him ready for his baptism. He is 58 and just very sweet. We left, had walked around the corner to our car, and as I was backing the car, I saw him hustling around the corner to catch up with us. He was bringing me some cough syrup that he highly recommended. It is called Broncolin and is kind of like medicinal honey. It was precious. Hermana Gurney and I made a stop by the distribution center at the temple before transfers to buy him a baptism gift and got a triple.
Yesterday was Ramon's baptism. It was almost exactly 6 weeks from when we found him while knocking at the very beginning of last transfer. The baptism went great and the Spirit was strong. He had to be baptized a few times. Hermana Thomas and I made cookies and brownies for the refreshments and for the musical number she sang This Is The Christ in Spanish and I played the piano. I'm not very good at the piano but it's more than anyone else in the ward- it makes me miss Hermana Gurney, Draney, and Dewey, who all played the piano. I bore my testimony at the end of the privilege it has been to me to see someone so prepared and ready to receive the gospel. He was truly an answer to my prayers coming into this ward.
We have several other very prospective investigators that are progressing towards baptism. Yesterday one of our investigators, Elvin, attended church for the first time and absolutely loved it. Hermana Thomas is excited to be working in this area where the work is going well. We have to recuperate from our last couple days of being sick but I think soon enough we will be back on track with the many appointments.
I know this is the Lord's work. I know this church is true with all my heart. As I study the scriptures in the morning the amount of knowledge I take away is incredible. Just today even I was study to try and help a certain investigator and the exact thing he needed was made known to me. This transfer I am focusing on the Christlike attribute of knowledge. If anyone has any deep doctrine questions, write or email me, and I would love to study them for you. Remember though, Joseph Fielding McConkie said that we must ask the right questions. A single ward member's question/problem was brought to the Bishop, then to the Stake President, then to the Area Authority, then to the First Presidency who eventually responded- "I have no idea what the answer is, but that is THEIR problem." The Lord gives us questions to allow us to learn as individuals.
Anyways, keep cool!
Love,
Camille
How is everyone? I hope everyone is well. I'm jealous Mom is best friends forever with Denise Austin. Ha ha. Keep me posted with all the summer weddings that are going on! Hah.
We had transfers on Wednesday. My new companion is Hermana Jenny Thomas from Centerville. She went to Viewmont but doesn't know if she knows any of the Ences. We get along great. We have several things in common. She ran a marathon right before the mission so we are excited to do a lot of running this transfer. We did the first couple days.
I got sick and lost my voice completely this week. Sister Hansen (President's wife) told us to stay in and rest Friday and Saturday because it just kept getting worse. I might have just been working myself too hard or something. My voice is still recovering and sounds pretty raspy but my companion says it sounds pretty cool. Because we were confined to the apartment together without being able to go to our appointments we've been able to get to know each other pretty well.
We taught Ramon Thursday, getting him ready for his baptism. He is 58 and just very sweet. We left, had walked around the corner to our car, and as I was backing the car, I saw him hustling around the corner to catch up with us. He was bringing me some cough syrup that he highly recommended. It is called Broncolin and is kind of like medicinal honey. It was precious. Hermana Gurney and I made a stop by the distribution center at the temple before transfers to buy him a baptism gift and got a triple.
Yesterday was Ramon's baptism. It was almost exactly 6 weeks from when we found him while knocking at the very beginning of last transfer. The baptism went great and the Spirit was strong. He had to be baptized a few times. Hermana Thomas and I made cookies and brownies for the refreshments and for the musical number she sang This Is The Christ in Spanish and I played the piano. I'm not very good at the piano but it's more than anyone else in the ward- it makes me miss Hermana Gurney, Draney, and Dewey, who all played the piano. I bore my testimony at the end of the privilege it has been to me to see someone so prepared and ready to receive the gospel. He was truly an answer to my prayers coming into this ward.
We have several other very prospective investigators that are progressing towards baptism. Yesterday one of our investigators, Elvin, attended church for the first time and absolutely loved it. Hermana Thomas is excited to be working in this area where the work is going well. We have to recuperate from our last couple days of being sick but I think soon enough we will be back on track with the many appointments.
I know this is the Lord's work. I know this church is true with all my heart. As I study the scriptures in the morning the amount of knowledge I take away is incredible. Just today even I was study to try and help a certain investigator and the exact thing he needed was made known to me. This transfer I am focusing on the Christlike attribute of knowledge. If anyone has any deep doctrine questions, write or email me, and I would love to study them for you. Remember though, Joseph Fielding McConkie said that we must ask the right questions. A single ward member's question/problem was brought to the Bishop, then to the Stake President, then to the Area Authority, then to the First Presidency who eventually responded- "I have no idea what the answer is, but that is THEIR problem." The Lord gives us questions to allow us to learn as individuals.
Anyways, keep cool!
Love,
Camille
T4W6 Alex's Baptism
Dear Family,
Wow, it's been such a dramatic week here! We found out about transfers on Saturday night. The district has a tradition of going to Red Robin then doing a ceremony to announce the changes afterward. The dinner was fun. Here's the news: I'm staying in the Woodlands this next transfer and Hermana Gurney, my companion, is going to go whitewash an elder's area with the greenie that came in last transfer (Hermana Green, ha ha, how ironic). My companion will be Hermana Thomas, from Centerville, UT, who was Hermana Gurney's MTC companion. Apparently she really struggled with Spanish coming out to the field so hopefully I will be able to help her there.
This week was a bit crazy. We are doing service once a week at an Arboretum. We also did exchanges with Hermanas Draney and Bastian in Louetta. Hermana Draney came up to the Woodlands with me for the night. We had a lot of fun back together, mother and daughter. She goes home tomorrow. I can't believe it. That makes me feel so old in the mission. We had so much to talk about. She spent almost half her mission in the Woodlands and she thinks I will be here for at least 6 months too. We taught some good lessons. She is going back to BYU and trying to get married. Ha ha, that's going to be me in a year. I loved my trainer. I still learned so much from her that one day. She is a great missionary. It was nice to see her one last time before she "dies."
Saturday the North Zone Leaders called us and told us Hermana Quintana in Cityview was sick with strep throat and asked us to come down and do some splits so Hermana Frieszell could get some lessons taught still. Their appointments were at night, which meant we wouldn't have been able to make it back for the Red Robin transfer dinner. After a couple minutes of feeling resistant to helping them, a very strong spiritual impression told me to stop being selfish and accept the will of the Lord. I learned a great lesson in that 5 minute period about taking advantage of the the opportunities we get to serve others. The Relief Society lesson was on service and I had an opportunity to share that experience with the Sisters in the ward. Being able to tell that story in Spanish made me realize the power of the gift of tongues and several of the sisters thanked me for that comment.
If you remember from last week when we did exchanges with CityView, it was Hermana Hollenbaugh and Hermana Frieszell in the area. Apparently Hermana Hollenbaugh went home. I don't exactly know why- just that she was sick. I think it was anxiety. It is weird thinking about how we both embarked on this journey together in the MTC and how she is no longer here.
Yesterday after church I was able to go to Bear Creek for the Alcantara's baptism. It was a surprise and everyone was so happy to see me. It was great to see so many familiar faces and to see these to little boys of a family I reactivated making this sacred covenant. They have changed and progressed so much. Hermana Dewey was sick with strep throat and was not going to come to the baptism but it was really important to everyone so they got her a mask and brought her. She looked very sick, but it was good to see her.
We rushed back to the Woodlands after the Alcantara Baptism and had Alex's baptism. Alex S. is the 15 year-old boy that had been waiting for his dad to get custody of him. I was able to get my hands on a flute and Hermana Gurney plays the piano, so we did a musical number, I Heard Him Come. The Spirit was so powerful. I congratulated him afterward and he said he had been waiting his whole life for that moment. He was so happy and the fact that there were few people there and few refreshments did not bother him. He is going to serve a mission someday. His testimony is so strong.
I am excited for this coming transfer. We are continuing to do well in finding many people and teaching a lot of lessons. Ramon will be baptized in the coming week.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer.
Love you all,
Camille
Wow, it's been such a dramatic week here! We found out about transfers on Saturday night. The district has a tradition of going to Red Robin then doing a ceremony to announce the changes afterward. The dinner was fun. Here's the news: I'm staying in the Woodlands this next transfer and Hermana Gurney, my companion, is going to go whitewash an elder's area with the greenie that came in last transfer (Hermana Green, ha ha, how ironic). My companion will be Hermana Thomas, from Centerville, UT, who was Hermana Gurney's MTC companion. Apparently she really struggled with Spanish coming out to the field so hopefully I will be able to help her there.
This week was a bit crazy. We are doing service once a week at an Arboretum. We also did exchanges with Hermanas Draney and Bastian in Louetta. Hermana Draney came up to the Woodlands with me for the night. We had a lot of fun back together, mother and daughter. She goes home tomorrow. I can't believe it. That makes me feel so old in the mission. We had so much to talk about. She spent almost half her mission in the Woodlands and she thinks I will be here for at least 6 months too. We taught some good lessons. She is going back to BYU and trying to get married. Ha ha, that's going to be me in a year. I loved my trainer. I still learned so much from her that one day. She is a great missionary. It was nice to see her one last time before she "dies."
Saturday the North Zone Leaders called us and told us Hermana Quintana in Cityview was sick with strep throat and asked us to come down and do some splits so Hermana Frieszell could get some lessons taught still. Their appointments were at night, which meant we wouldn't have been able to make it back for the Red Robin transfer dinner. After a couple minutes of feeling resistant to helping them, a very strong spiritual impression told me to stop being selfish and accept the will of the Lord. I learned a great lesson in that 5 minute period about taking advantage of the the opportunities we get to serve others. The Relief Society lesson was on service and I had an opportunity to share that experience with the Sisters in the ward. Being able to tell that story in Spanish made me realize the power of the gift of tongues and several of the sisters thanked me for that comment.
If you remember from last week when we did exchanges with CityView, it was Hermana Hollenbaugh and Hermana Frieszell in the area. Apparently Hermana Hollenbaugh went home. I don't exactly know why- just that she was sick. I think it was anxiety. It is weird thinking about how we both embarked on this journey together in the MTC and how she is no longer here.
Yesterday after church I was able to go to Bear Creek for the Alcantara's baptism. It was a surprise and everyone was so happy to see me. It was great to see so many familiar faces and to see these to little boys of a family I reactivated making this sacred covenant. They have changed and progressed so much. Hermana Dewey was sick with strep throat and was not going to come to the baptism but it was really important to everyone so they got her a mask and brought her. She looked very sick, but it was good to see her.
We rushed back to the Woodlands after the Alcantara Baptism and had Alex's baptism. Alex S. is the 15 year-old boy that had been waiting for his dad to get custody of him. I was able to get my hands on a flute and Hermana Gurney plays the piano, so we did a musical number, I Heard Him Come. The Spirit was so powerful. I congratulated him afterward and he said he had been waiting his whole life for that moment. He was so happy and the fact that there were few people there and few refreshments did not bother him. He is going to serve a mission someday. His testimony is so strong.
I am excited for this coming transfer. We are continuing to do well in finding many people and teaching a lot of lessons. Ramon will be baptized in the coming week.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer.
Love you all,
Camille
T4W5 Exchanges in CityView
Dear Family,
How was everyone's Fourth of July?! The Woodlands Mall had a huge fireworks show and everyone was on their blankets alongside the freeway and ready to watch them when we were heading in for the night. We celebrated Independence Day at Taqueria Arandas with delicious fajita marinada.
This work was another week of hard work. Alex S. will be baptized soon. We just found out the building is already scheduled on Sunday so we might have to push the baptism off to next week. He was interviewed and so excited. He speaks more English than Spanish so we teach him in English. He is 14 years old and way solid on his testimony. We are so excited for him. His father just received custody of him this last week so after months and months of waiting to be baptized the opportunity has finally come.
I set a personal record for new investigators- 15 in one week. We are leading in the zone in numbers but I think more than anything we are really helping people progress towards baptism.
This week I had the opportunity to go down to CityView with Hermana Frieszell for exchanges. We had such a fun time. We found some amazing families in just one day. I learn so much from doing exchanges. Hermana Frieszell will go home next transfer so she has a lot of time in the mission. We ate with a member family and they are the first to ever ask if I am Filipino. They all expecting a huera (white girl) to come in with Hermana Frieszell but when each went in for the kiss on the cheek had to take a double take when they saw the dark skin. We taught a good lesson about how the standards of liberty was raised on every tower to be seen by all. So should our personal witness as members of the church be raised for all to see. Hermana Hollenbaugh came up to the Woodlands with Hermana Gurney and it was a good experience for Hermana Gurney to really step up and take the lead being the only one to know the people and the area for the day. Their area is really small but has about as many people in their area as ours. 75% of the people there are morencitos, or black people. It reminded me more of home. Ha ha. We did some bike riding for our morning exercise, which I enjoyed. Actually, today for P-day, Hermana Gurney and I borrowed the elder's bikes and are going biking around Lake Woodlands.
We had an interesting experience this week when the police came to the house during our lesson with our investigator. He has a lot of problems with a recent divorce and his son is involved in bad things but I know the gospel is what he needs.
I am enjoying the work. Still I continue to find my weaknesses and try to be more led by the Spirit. I know that this is the Lord's work. With our 3 investigators getting baptized soon I know that we have been blessed but I also know there are still those looking for the gospel.
I hope everyone is doing well. Don't forget to write!
Love you, Mom, Dad, Emma, Miriam, Clarissa, Rae, and Ben!
Camille
How was everyone's Fourth of July?! The Woodlands Mall had a huge fireworks show and everyone was on their blankets alongside the freeway and ready to watch them when we were heading in for the night. We celebrated Independence Day at Taqueria Arandas with delicious fajita marinada.
This work was another week of hard work. Alex S. will be baptized soon. We just found out the building is already scheduled on Sunday so we might have to push the baptism off to next week. He was interviewed and so excited. He speaks more English than Spanish so we teach him in English. He is 14 years old and way solid on his testimony. We are so excited for him. His father just received custody of him this last week so after months and months of waiting to be baptized the opportunity has finally come.
I set a personal record for new investigators- 15 in one week. We are leading in the zone in numbers but I think more than anything we are really helping people progress towards baptism.
This week I had the opportunity to go down to CityView with Hermana Frieszell for exchanges. We had such a fun time. We found some amazing families in just one day. I learn so much from doing exchanges. Hermana Frieszell will go home next transfer so she has a lot of time in the mission. We ate with a member family and they are the first to ever ask if I am Filipino. They all expecting a huera (white girl) to come in with Hermana Frieszell but when each went in for the kiss on the cheek had to take a double take when they saw the dark skin. We taught a good lesson about how the standards of liberty was raised on every tower to be seen by all. So should our personal witness as members of the church be raised for all to see. Hermana Hollenbaugh came up to the Woodlands with Hermana Gurney and it was a good experience for Hermana Gurney to really step up and take the lead being the only one to know the people and the area for the day. Their area is really small but has about as many people in their area as ours. 75% of the people there are morencitos, or black people. It reminded me more of home. Ha ha. We did some bike riding for our morning exercise, which I enjoyed. Actually, today for P-day, Hermana Gurney and I borrowed the elder's bikes and are going biking around Lake Woodlands.
We had an interesting experience this week when the police came to the house during our lesson with our investigator. He has a lot of problems with a recent divorce and his son is involved in bad things but I know the gospel is what he needs.
I am enjoying the work. Still I continue to find my weaknesses and try to be more led by the Spirit. I know that this is the Lord's work. With our 3 investigators getting baptized soon I know that we have been blessed but I also know there are still those looking for the gospel.
I hope everyone is doing well. Don't forget to write!
Love you, Mom, Dad, Emma, Miriam, Clarissa, Rae, and Ben!
Camille
T4W4 Temple Trip and Good Numbers!
Dear Family,
How is everyone?! This week was packed full. From what Mom says sounds like everyone else is keeping busy too. I'm very dark- my watch tan gets more defined every day. Miriam- I want to see how dark you are!
This week we taught 25 lessons, had 11 new investigators and had 10 lessons taught to investigators with a member present, and filled 2 gallons with sweat each (Editor's note: I think we all agree that this last statistic is gross). Ha ha. Not that numbers really mean much, but these numbers mean we worked hard. We come home every night so happy and I have never before felt so much that the Lord is content with the work that we are helping to be brought forth in this area. The area is just blooming! Next week we are packed just about every single hour of the week with appointments. It is because we talk to everyone. At the beginning of my mission this was not as easy for me, but I feel such an excitement to approach whatever moving human being I catch in my peripheral. My companion says that she is learning from me in this way. I am, what we call, her "greenie-breaker" or her first companion after her trainer and while I learn a lot from her I am privileged to offer some of my strengths as well.
We set a baptism date with J. Martinez (age 35). He is the son-in-law of one of the English ward members who is less active. She referred his name and he is so ready to receive the Gospel. The glow in his face as he listens to our teachings combined with his expression of desires to change his life invite the Spirit so strongly in our visits. We are excited for him and to see him progress.
Yesterday we taught a 20 year old girl, Karla, who has 2 kids. She just moved to Texas from the Bronx and is ready for a new life. As I testified to her of the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I felt that perfect love that Heavenly Father has for her. Imagine hearing a single 20 year-old with 2 kids and not having any preconceived judgments attached but knowing that through the waters of baptism all is forgiven. That perfect love I experienced just a piece of yesterday as her eyes filled with tears while listening to our testimonies. I know that our Father has that perfect love for each one of us and all that we must to do show our love in return is be obedient to his commandments.
I know we have been so blessed in this area. We are getting to know the ward better and really enjoying the work. Hermana Gurney got sunburned really bad this week but she didn't let that stop her from treating it with aloe vera, changing into a different top, and getting right back into the work. The majority of our lessons we teach sitting on buckets or chairs outside on the porch but whatever the location is- the importance of the message and the capacity of the Spirit is still the same. We are here to create that setting and invite the Spirit to testify.
I hope all is well and that my emails don't bore you!
Love you all!
Camille
How is everyone?! This week was packed full. From what Mom says sounds like everyone else is keeping busy too. I'm very dark- my watch tan gets more defined every day. Miriam- I want to see how dark you are!
This week we taught 25 lessons, had 11 new investigators and had 10 lessons taught to investigators with a member present, and filled 2 gallons with sweat each (Editor's note: I think we all agree that this last statistic is gross). Ha ha. Not that numbers really mean much, but these numbers mean we worked hard. We come home every night so happy and I have never before felt so much that the Lord is content with the work that we are helping to be brought forth in this area. The area is just blooming! Next week we are packed just about every single hour of the week with appointments. It is because we talk to everyone. At the beginning of my mission this was not as easy for me, but I feel such an excitement to approach whatever moving human being I catch in my peripheral. My companion says that she is learning from me in this way. I am, what we call, her "greenie-breaker" or her first companion after her trainer and while I learn a lot from her I am privileged to offer some of my strengths as well.
We set a baptism date with J. Martinez (age 35). He is the son-in-law of one of the English ward members who is less active. She referred his name and he is so ready to receive the Gospel. The glow in his face as he listens to our teachings combined with his expression of desires to change his life invite the Spirit so strongly in our visits. We are excited for him and to see him progress.
Yesterday we taught a 20 year old girl, Karla, who has 2 kids. She just moved to Texas from the Bronx and is ready for a new life. As I testified to her of the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I felt that perfect love that Heavenly Father has for her. Imagine hearing a single 20 year-old with 2 kids and not having any preconceived judgments attached but knowing that through the waters of baptism all is forgiven. That perfect love I experienced just a piece of yesterday as her eyes filled with tears while listening to our testimonies. I know that our Father has that perfect love for each one of us and all that we must to do show our love in return is be obedient to his commandments.
I know we have been so blessed in this area. We are getting to know the ward better and really enjoying the work. Hermana Gurney got sunburned really bad this week but she didn't let that stop her from treating it with aloe vera, changing into a different top, and getting right back into the work. The majority of our lessons we teach sitting on buckets or chairs outside on the porch but whatever the location is- the importance of the message and the capacity of the Spirit is still the same. We are here to create that setting and invite the Spirit to testify.
I hope all is well and that my emails don't bore you!
Love you all!
Camille
T4W3 Zone Conference in College Station
Dear Family,
Happy Belated Father's Day to Dad! Hope you enjoyed all that chocolate I hear you got. I'm sure the Elder's Quorum lesson went well. The Relief Society lesson Sunday was also on temples and most of the Sisters are not endowed so it made me really appreciate the knowledge and understanding I have gained from being able to enter the temple. In fact we are going to the temple this week to do a session, so I am way excited!
We taught 20 lessons this week and everyone in the mission is so proud of us because for the past several months the area had really struggled and there was not even a thought that reaching the 20 lesson mission goal would be possible. We are working all day long and talking to everyone. I have not sweat so much in my life! The temperature is about 105 degrees everyday but we receive strength to keep going. I know that strength comes from the Lord because the little food that we eat throughout the day with our standing outside preaching on apartment steps all afternoon would not suffice without some other divine assistance. Each night we come home so happy about the success we saw as people allowed us to share our message.
This week we took a 2 hour van ride with half the zone to College Station where the Woodlands and College Station Zones had zone conference. We had a very good conference. President emphasized the importance of extending more bold and frequent baptism commitments even on the first visit (which were Dad's words of wisdom from the airport). We also had a practice-teach workshop where we focused on our delivery of the first vision. We teach the first lesson more than anything else and the ability to invite the Spirit during that lesson is what makes people want to learn more. There are three convert missionaries in the mission and they all agreed that they could not remember what was taught the first time they listened to the missionaries but they could remember what they felt. We study Joseph Smith History every week in our studies as well, and as Elder Callister committed the mission last year, we need to be "Restorationists."
I encourage you all to strengthen your own conversion of the restoration/Joseph Smith story because really that is what separates us from the rest of the world.
Overall Zone Conference was a great experience, even though we did have to wake up at 4:30am. :)
We are teaching a man named Feliciano R. from Guatemala and as we taught him this week the Spirit was strong. His desires to learn and to really understand God's plan for him are so sincere. As we taught him the principles and ordinances which compose the gospel of Jesus Christ he stopped on each one, faith, repentance, baptism... to evaluate his personal standing on each step. When he got to baptism he stopped and realized that that is what he is at. He knows that he needs it for eternal life and we are working with him now to overcome a few obstacles to be able to take that step.
In the Spanish Stake here, we typically do not teach the Book of Mormon in the first visit. This one lesson we taught to a lady, L. Giraldo from Colombia, was a huge testimony to me of the how simply we can recognized the guidance of the Spirit if we pay attention. Both Hermana Gurney and I were prompted to introduce the Book of Mormon as we listened to the situation and questions of L. She made a firm commitment to read and pray about it. I know that we both received the same prompting and it amazes me still how unified we can be when we teach through the Spirit.
Our golden investigator, Ramon, is still on his way to baptism the second week in July. Yesterday as we taught the 10 commandments, he very intelligently explained that Christ came and fulfilled the law of Moses and that great and last Sacrifice ended burnt offerings. We continue to be amazed and learn as we teach him the commandments in preparation for baptism.
I hope everyone is doing well and today I plan on getting back to some of your letters. I'm sorry I'm awful at responding but I will try to catch up today.
I love you all.
Camille
Speaking of letters how weird is it that Spencer is home?!
Happy Belated Father's Day to Dad! Hope you enjoyed all that chocolate I hear you got. I'm sure the Elder's Quorum lesson went well. The Relief Society lesson Sunday was also on temples and most of the Sisters are not endowed so it made me really appreciate the knowledge and understanding I have gained from being able to enter the temple. In fact we are going to the temple this week to do a session, so I am way excited!
We taught 20 lessons this week and everyone in the mission is so proud of us because for the past several months the area had really struggled and there was not even a thought that reaching the 20 lesson mission goal would be possible. We are working all day long and talking to everyone. I have not sweat so much in my life! The temperature is about 105 degrees everyday but we receive strength to keep going. I know that strength comes from the Lord because the little food that we eat throughout the day with our standing outside preaching on apartment steps all afternoon would not suffice without some other divine assistance. Each night we come home so happy about the success we saw as people allowed us to share our message.
This week we took a 2 hour van ride with half the zone to College Station where the Woodlands and College Station Zones had zone conference. We had a very good conference. President emphasized the importance of extending more bold and frequent baptism commitments even on the first visit (which were Dad's words of wisdom from the airport). We also had a practice-teach workshop where we focused on our delivery of the first vision. We teach the first lesson more than anything else and the ability to invite the Spirit during that lesson is what makes people want to learn more. There are three convert missionaries in the mission and they all agreed that they could not remember what was taught the first time they listened to the missionaries but they could remember what they felt. We study Joseph Smith History every week in our studies as well, and as Elder Callister committed the mission last year, we need to be "Restorationists."
I encourage you all to strengthen your own conversion of the restoration/Joseph Smith story because really that is what separates us from the rest of the world.
Overall Zone Conference was a great experience, even though we did have to wake up at 4:30am. :)
We are teaching a man named Feliciano R. from Guatemala and as we taught him this week the Spirit was strong. His desires to learn and to really understand God's plan for him are so sincere. As we taught him the principles and ordinances which compose the gospel of Jesus Christ he stopped on each one, faith, repentance, baptism... to evaluate his personal standing on each step. When he got to baptism he stopped and realized that that is what he is at. He knows that he needs it for eternal life and we are working with him now to overcome a few obstacles to be able to take that step.
In the Spanish Stake here, we typically do not teach the Book of Mormon in the first visit. This one lesson we taught to a lady, L. Giraldo from Colombia, was a huge testimony to me of the how simply we can recognized the guidance of the Spirit if we pay attention. Both Hermana Gurney and I were prompted to introduce the Book of Mormon as we listened to the situation and questions of L. She made a firm commitment to read and pray about it. I know that we both received the same prompting and it amazes me still how unified we can be when we teach through the Spirit.
Our golden investigator, Ramon, is still on his way to baptism the second week in July. Yesterday as we taught the 10 commandments, he very intelligently explained that Christ came and fulfilled the law of Moses and that great and last Sacrifice ended burnt offerings. We continue to be amazed and learn as we teach him the commandments in preparation for baptism.
I hope everyone is doing well and today I plan on getting back to some of your letters. I'm sorry I'm awful at responding but I will try to catch up today.
I love you all.
Camille
Speaking of letters how weird is it that Spencer is home?!
T4W2 New Companion and Baptismal Date
Dear Family,
This week has been full of news. Thank you Rae and Emma for the letters, and Miriam and Mom for the emails. I can't believe how much is going on back home. I hope everyone is staying cool and working hard. Sounds like everyone is doing good. Tell Dad to give me an update!
The week started off very difficult in several respects. I found strength in my patriarchal blessing and some further scripture study of the ministering of angels. I made a re-commitment to not be discouraged and to fulfill the responsibilities I had been given. The next day we received a phone call from the Assistants notifying us that Hermana Marsh would be emergency transferred. Please don't think it is anything that had to do with me. She was transferred and I received a new companion, Hermana Gurney. She is a tall girl from Provo, UT. She came out to the field the same time as Hermana Dewey and is still learning to be comfortable with her Spanish.
That same day we had interviews with President for the transfer. This new zone (Woodlands Zone) does interviews early on in the transfer. He talked to me about the new and still very great responsibility of practically whitewashing the area. We both came in new and have to learn the area on our own just like when I first came out to Louetta. This time though we have 52 map pages! That means our area is extremely big. To give you an idea, we were allotted 900 miles to drive in Bear Creek and here we are allotted 1700 miles. Sunday was difficult with both of us trying to remember names and be very outgoing to meet people but we have faith that this is what is best for the area.
We met with Ramon on Tuesday. He is the one we found last week knocking doors and had had a Book of Mormon many years ago. He loved attending church and in priesthood they learned about consecration of oil for blessing the sick. We taught him the first lesson and he had bought us a bottle of olive oil. We taught him again Thursday with another member and he had done all of the additional study questions and scripture study that is found in the back of the pamphlets we give people. He was so grateful when we gave him a new Book of Mormon. We set a baptismal date right there for July 12th. He is so prepared. He accepted it without hesitation. I know that there are prepared people in this part of the vineyard.
We taught a man last night named J. Tadeo who also loved our message and expressed a lot of interest in putting his whole might into allowing the gospel change his life. We have been blessed with people to teach this week. I asked the district leader what the average weekly number of lessons has been for the area. He said that the sisters usually taught about 10. We almost reached the goal of 20 lessons this past week with 18 lessons! Hermana Gurney and I have so many goals to get this area in good shape and to baptize! She is a hard worker and know that I am too, so we are excited to prove wrong all of the previous poor expectations that this area has suffered. We know that it is only through our faith and dedication to the work.
Hermana Gurney commented to me that people are more willing to talk to us and open up to us than her past several months in the mission. She thinks it's because of my Spanish. She thinks that we get more opportunities to teach because there is an immediate trust as I can speak the language well. I feel very blessed that the language or even a fear of talking to people are not my weaknesses, though I have many. I am grateful for my continually improving ability to speak the language and I know that it is a gift of the Spirit. I trust that the words will be given me in the very moment they are needed. I know that the Lord qualifies us for the task he gives us as we do our part.
I hope this hasn't bored anyone. Please pray for the missionaries. Our district that covers mostly rich areas continuously struggles to even have one person they are teaching.
I love you all!
Your very dark brown,
Camille
This week has been full of news. Thank you Rae and Emma for the letters, and Miriam and Mom for the emails. I can't believe how much is going on back home. I hope everyone is staying cool and working hard. Sounds like everyone is doing good. Tell Dad to give me an update!
The week started off very difficult in several respects. I found strength in my patriarchal blessing and some further scripture study of the ministering of angels. I made a re-commitment to not be discouraged and to fulfill the responsibilities I had been given. The next day we received a phone call from the Assistants notifying us that Hermana Marsh would be emergency transferred. Please don't think it is anything that had to do with me. She was transferred and I received a new companion, Hermana Gurney. She is a tall girl from Provo, UT. She came out to the field the same time as Hermana Dewey and is still learning to be comfortable with her Spanish.
That same day we had interviews with President for the transfer. This new zone (Woodlands Zone) does interviews early on in the transfer. He talked to me about the new and still very great responsibility of practically whitewashing the area. We both came in new and have to learn the area on our own just like when I first came out to Louetta. This time though we have 52 map pages! That means our area is extremely big. To give you an idea, we were allotted 900 miles to drive in Bear Creek and here we are allotted 1700 miles. Sunday was difficult with both of us trying to remember names and be very outgoing to meet people but we have faith that this is what is best for the area.
We met with Ramon on Tuesday. He is the one we found last week knocking doors and had had a Book of Mormon many years ago. He loved attending church and in priesthood they learned about consecration of oil for blessing the sick. We taught him the first lesson and he had bought us a bottle of olive oil. We taught him again Thursday with another member and he had done all of the additional study questions and scripture study that is found in the back of the pamphlets we give people. He was so grateful when we gave him a new Book of Mormon. We set a baptismal date right there for July 12th. He is so prepared. He accepted it without hesitation. I know that there are prepared people in this part of the vineyard.
We taught a man last night named J. Tadeo who also loved our message and expressed a lot of interest in putting his whole might into allowing the gospel change his life. We have been blessed with people to teach this week. I asked the district leader what the average weekly number of lessons has been for the area. He said that the sisters usually taught about 10. We almost reached the goal of 20 lessons this past week with 18 lessons! Hermana Gurney and I have so many goals to get this area in good shape and to baptize! She is a hard worker and know that I am too, so we are excited to prove wrong all of the previous poor expectations that this area has suffered. We know that it is only through our faith and dedication to the work.
Hermana Gurney commented to me that people are more willing to talk to us and open up to us than her past several months in the mission. She thinks it's because of my Spanish. She thinks that we get more opportunities to teach because there is an immediate trust as I can speak the language well. I feel very blessed that the language or even a fear of talking to people are not my weaknesses, though I have many. I am grateful for my continually improving ability to speak the language and I know that it is a gift of the Spirit. I trust that the words will be given me in the very moment they are needed. I know that the Lord qualifies us for the task he gives us as we do our part.
I hope this hasn't bored anyone. Please pray for the missionaries. Our district that covers mostly rich areas continuously struggles to even have one person they are teaching.
I love you all!
Your very dark brown,
Camille
T4W1 Transferred to the Woodlands
Dear Family,
How is everyone? Thanks for the letter, Rae, and for the update, Mom. It has been quite a week and it sounds like everyone is keeping their summer full. Emma, I want to hear about John's visit. Miriam, you need to tell me about all of your adventures too!
I was transferred from Bear Creek on Wednesday. It was a busy last couple days in the area just saying goodbye to some families and individuals that I had grown close to. An especially good experience was being present for a blessing given to E. Picaso, Antonio's mother. She found out last week that she has cancer and as I bore my last testimony to her, everyone was crying. Hermana Dewey called me this week to let me know that three boys from the Alcantara family that we reactivated are going to be baptized July 5th. I will be returning back to Bear Creek for that. I am excited for that baptism. She also told me that Antonio, who was really progressing and suddenly left for Mexico, was back to take care of his mom in this difficult time. It sounds like Hermana Dewey is keeping Bear Creek in good shape.
The Woodlands is very different from Bear Creek. The first couple days were very hard. Thursday we did weekly planning and only had three, very iffy investigators to plan for. In Bear Creek our list of investigators could go on forever. It seems like last transfer almost nobody was found and the ward has lost all expectations for the sisters' area. The elders area however has the work very strong. We got a talking to, saying we wanted to see more names on our progress record.
My companion is Hermana Marsh who has had difficulties with several of her previous companions. She is from Bend, OR and is a very different sister. She is reserved but strict since day 1 in the area, though I have been overly peppy, excited, and friendly. We've gotten along well I think because of my efforts in that area. Friday after district meeting, we still hadn't taught one investigator all week and she refused to talk to me. She had lost all hope for the area, being here 6 months and having little success. After trying to pry and tell her the importance of communication, we (the zone leaders and I) eventually had to ask the help of President. Apparently she has worked closely with President in the past so they are good friends. He gave her no choice of leaving the area and said she needed to learn to love the area, and some other things that I think made her rethink her attitude.
I talked to President and told him I really think we can baptize here. I have so much faith and hope that there are people in this area that need the gospel at this time. The area is very big because most people are white and rich but there are a few areas we can find Hispanics. We went out and worked and found a couple people that have a lot of potential.
We talked to President again this morning because he called to check up on us and I told him about 3 men we found and taught for the first time last night, a very interested family we taught, and a man we were able to get to church that we tracted into a couple days ago. Hermana Marsh is starting to find it hard to not believe me that this area has potential. I think my silliness and my light humor about baptizing everyone we talk to has helped her. President expressed his gratitude and trust in me this morning for helping take care of Hermana Marsh and the area. He said he knew I was just what was needed here.
I met a lot of the ward members and am very positive about this coming week. I know that we will find success. I have never spent so many hours out in the sun knocking doors but I am learning to love it and to help my companion love me as much as I do her.
We ate dinner at the Bishop's home yesterday. His name is Bishop Good and he is white and the wife is from Argentina. They have 3 teenage kids that I got to be good friends with. They moved to Texas from Pennsylvania a year ago, so they are a very East Coast family. It made me feel at home.
That was pretty much this week. I have some interesting stories of people we knocked into this week but I'll just have to write those to Rae. The district seems cool. It's a lot of new Elders I don't know. We are going to keep working hard this next week and hopefully see some better numbers.
I hope everyone is well. Pray for us and the area please.
Love you.
Camille
How is everyone? Thanks for the letter, Rae, and for the update, Mom. It has been quite a week and it sounds like everyone is keeping their summer full. Emma, I want to hear about John's visit. Miriam, you need to tell me about all of your adventures too!
I was transferred from Bear Creek on Wednesday. It was a busy last couple days in the area just saying goodbye to some families and individuals that I had grown close to. An especially good experience was being present for a blessing given to E. Picaso, Antonio's mother. She found out last week that she has cancer and as I bore my last testimony to her, everyone was crying. Hermana Dewey called me this week to let me know that three boys from the Alcantara family that we reactivated are going to be baptized July 5th. I will be returning back to Bear Creek for that. I am excited for that baptism. She also told me that Antonio, who was really progressing and suddenly left for Mexico, was back to take care of his mom in this difficult time. It sounds like Hermana Dewey is keeping Bear Creek in good shape.
The Woodlands is very different from Bear Creek. The first couple days were very hard. Thursday we did weekly planning and only had three, very iffy investigators to plan for. In Bear Creek our list of investigators could go on forever. It seems like last transfer almost nobody was found and the ward has lost all expectations for the sisters' area. The elders area however has the work very strong. We got a talking to, saying we wanted to see more names on our progress record.
My companion is Hermana Marsh who has had difficulties with several of her previous companions. She is from Bend, OR and is a very different sister. She is reserved but strict since day 1 in the area, though I have been overly peppy, excited, and friendly. We've gotten along well I think because of my efforts in that area. Friday after district meeting, we still hadn't taught one investigator all week and she refused to talk to me. She had lost all hope for the area, being here 6 months and having little success. After trying to pry and tell her the importance of communication, we (the zone leaders and I) eventually had to ask the help of President. Apparently she has worked closely with President in the past so they are good friends. He gave her no choice of leaving the area and said she needed to learn to love the area, and some other things that I think made her rethink her attitude.
I talked to President and told him I really think we can baptize here. I have so much faith and hope that there are people in this area that need the gospel at this time. The area is very big because most people are white and rich but there are a few areas we can find Hispanics. We went out and worked and found a couple people that have a lot of potential.
We talked to President again this morning because he called to check up on us and I told him about 3 men we found and taught for the first time last night, a very interested family we taught, and a man we were able to get to church that we tracted into a couple days ago. Hermana Marsh is starting to find it hard to not believe me that this area has potential. I think my silliness and my light humor about baptizing everyone we talk to has helped her. President expressed his gratitude and trust in me this morning for helping take care of Hermana Marsh and the area. He said he knew I was just what was needed here.
I met a lot of the ward members and am very positive about this coming week. I know that we will find success. I have never spent so many hours out in the sun knocking doors but I am learning to love it and to help my companion love me as much as I do her.
We ate dinner at the Bishop's home yesterday. His name is Bishop Good and he is white and the wife is from Argentina. They have 3 teenage kids that I got to be good friends with. They moved to Texas from Pennsylvania a year ago, so they are a very East Coast family. It made me feel at home.
That was pretty much this week. I have some interesting stories of people we knocked into this week but I'll just have to write those to Rae. The district seems cool. It's a lot of new Elders I don't know. We are going to keep working hard this next week and hopefully see some better numbers.
I hope everyone is well. Pray for us and the area please.
Love you.
Camille
T3W6 Victor's Baptism
Dear Family,
So much has happened this week. It flew by--just like this transfer. I can't believe how fast time goes. The biggest news is that we got transfer calls Saturday night. The anticipation was, for some reason, a lot more than usual. I'm getting TRANSFERRED! I'm leaving Hermana Dewey and going to be companions with Hermana Marsh in the area called "The Woodlands/Hardy 3." The area is the richest in the whole mission. It is all very well off people, but Hermana Dewey says I do well with those people. I probably won't be having baptisms every other week like here in Bear Creek but I am excited for the challenge. Elder Lowry, who I served with in Bear Creek last transfer, is also being transferred to the same ward. We are both excited to work together again and have good goals for the work there. It is his last transfer before he goes home so he is very experienced and not trunky.
Wednesday we taught Miriam, who is trying to get a divorce from her emotionally abusive husband. She speaks Portuguese, so I always love teaching her. We have taught her for almost 2 transfers now and her situation with her husband has kept her from progressing. I remember when I told her my sister's name is Miriam. She replied "I just LOVE my name!" We taught her the last of the lessons she needs before baptism and she practically begged us to be baptized. We told her we would discuss the situation with President Hansen. Thursday we had interviews with him and he gave us the go ahead to baptize her without her husband's permission. Usually we don't want to break up families but she is already getting divorce. She needs to come to church a couple more times before we start planning the baptism though. When we told her on Friday what President had said she jumped out of her seat and gave us both hugs and kisses because she was so happy she will be able to be baptized. She saw on TV a documentary about Mormon Pioneers or something and has this dream of living in "Zion" or in a community of all Mormons. We told her there is a very big population in Utah. She wants to move there someday.
Interviews were good. I love that president prayed for me as a wife and mother. Being Hermana Dewey's trainer, she picked up my bad habit of constantly thinking about marriage. We try and perfect ourselves though so we can marry General Authorities. Ha ha. So it's a good thing right?
Anyways, during interviews, after discussing the work in Bear Creek a little and my investigators and how I was doing great, President Hansen thanked me for my work and the success I have helped bring about. He was about to pray to close the interview when he was impressed to discuss a specific subject with me. He said it hadn't been decided yet, but he had been thinking of assigning me a companion that would be a great challenge and responsibility. He explained she is a seasoned missionary, much older than I am but still struggles greatly with the language and has had serious problems with her last several companions. He talked about my nature of hard work and said he feels the Lord has this great responsibility for me ahead.
The Spirit was very strong in that moment. As he said that, I remembered the whisperings of the Spirit as I was receiving training to train Hermana Dewey. President had said to us trainers that your influence on your companion is very important and it is possible that "you will be known as a Savior to them." Those exact words are found in a blessing, in the one line about my mission. "If it be the desire of your heart, the Lord will call you to a Special mission, and you will be known as a Savior to them." More than just bringing investigators to the waters of baptism I could have a lasting impact on my companion. I shared that experience and spiritual impression with President and he explained, "I think the Spirit has just confirmed to me what I should do."
I left the interview with nothing but positive feelings of love for this next companion that I will have. When I received the transfer call, in fact I had received the assignment to be companions with this Sister. I still to this day have no worries about the next transfer. It may be difficult, but I feel the Lord's hand in this work and trust that He will help me.
Last night Victor P. was baptized. He is the brother of Dolores, who we baptized last transfer. It was a double baptism with a man the elders had taught. Dolores baptized Victor and it was a very tender moment. They don't speak much but I could feel the brotherly love as Dolores was able to help his brother experience the joy that he had found. We invited Dolores to share his testimony as part of the program before we sang the closing hymn. He bore his testimony of the happiness he has found as he has been able to share his knowledge of the restored gospel with his brother. As he spoke he struggled to hold back the tears. The presence of the Spirit was so strong.
I am excited for the coming transfer but a bit sad to leave all of the people in Bear Creek I have come to know and love. It is a great ward and I know they will continue to see a lot of success in the growth of the ward.
I hope all is well back home. I pray for everyone constantly. I know the Lord is watching over you.
Camille
So much has happened this week. It flew by--just like this transfer. I can't believe how fast time goes. The biggest news is that we got transfer calls Saturday night. The anticipation was, for some reason, a lot more than usual. I'm getting TRANSFERRED! I'm leaving Hermana Dewey and going to be companions with Hermana Marsh in the area called "The Woodlands/Hardy 3." The area is the richest in the whole mission. It is all very well off people, but Hermana Dewey says I do well with those people. I probably won't be having baptisms every other week like here in Bear Creek but I am excited for the challenge. Elder Lowry, who I served with in Bear Creek last transfer, is also being transferred to the same ward. We are both excited to work together again and have good goals for the work there. It is his last transfer before he goes home so he is very experienced and not trunky.
Wednesday we taught Miriam, who is trying to get a divorce from her emotionally abusive husband. She speaks Portuguese, so I always love teaching her. We have taught her for almost 2 transfers now and her situation with her husband has kept her from progressing. I remember when I told her my sister's name is Miriam. She replied "I just LOVE my name!" We taught her the last of the lessons she needs before baptism and she practically begged us to be baptized. We told her we would discuss the situation with President Hansen. Thursday we had interviews with him and he gave us the go ahead to baptize her without her husband's permission. Usually we don't want to break up families but she is already getting divorce. She needs to come to church a couple more times before we start planning the baptism though. When we told her on Friday what President had said she jumped out of her seat and gave us both hugs and kisses because she was so happy she will be able to be baptized. She saw on TV a documentary about Mormon Pioneers or something and has this dream of living in "Zion" or in a community of all Mormons. We told her there is a very big population in Utah. She wants to move there someday.
Interviews were good. I love that president prayed for me as a wife and mother. Being Hermana Dewey's trainer, she picked up my bad habit of constantly thinking about marriage. We try and perfect ourselves though so we can marry General Authorities. Ha ha. So it's a good thing right?
Anyways, during interviews, after discussing the work in Bear Creek a little and my investigators and how I was doing great, President Hansen thanked me for my work and the success I have helped bring about. He was about to pray to close the interview when he was impressed to discuss a specific subject with me. He said it hadn't been decided yet, but he had been thinking of assigning me a companion that would be a great challenge and responsibility. He explained she is a seasoned missionary, much older than I am but still struggles greatly with the language and has had serious problems with her last several companions. He talked about my nature of hard work and said he feels the Lord has this great responsibility for me ahead.
The Spirit was very strong in that moment. As he said that, I remembered the whisperings of the Spirit as I was receiving training to train Hermana Dewey. President had said to us trainers that your influence on your companion is very important and it is possible that "you will be known as a Savior to them." Those exact words are found in a blessing, in the one line about my mission. "If it be the desire of your heart, the Lord will call you to a Special mission, and you will be known as a Savior to them." More than just bringing investigators to the waters of baptism I could have a lasting impact on my companion. I shared that experience and spiritual impression with President and he explained, "I think the Spirit has just confirmed to me what I should do."
I left the interview with nothing but positive feelings of love for this next companion that I will have. When I received the transfer call, in fact I had received the assignment to be companions with this Sister. I still to this day have no worries about the next transfer. It may be difficult, but I feel the Lord's hand in this work and trust that He will help me.
Last night Victor P. was baptized. He is the brother of Dolores, who we baptized last transfer. It was a double baptism with a man the elders had taught. Dolores baptized Victor and it was a very tender moment. They don't speak much but I could feel the brotherly love as Dolores was able to help his brother experience the joy that he had found. We invited Dolores to share his testimony as part of the program before we sang the closing hymn. He bore his testimony of the happiness he has found as he has been able to share his knowledge of the restored gospel with his brother. As he spoke he struggled to hold back the tears. The presence of the Spirit was so strong.
I am excited for the coming transfer but a bit sad to leave all of the people in Bear Creek I have come to know and love. It is a great ward and I know they will continue to see a lot of success in the growth of the ward.
I hope all is well back home. I pray for everyone constantly. I know the Lord is watching over you.
Camille
T3W5 6 Month Birthday!
Dear Family,
Sounds like a lot is going on at home. Make sure to write! I want to hear not just from Mom! Congrats to Rae on getting your permit.
This week we worked hard but are still looking for some good investigators that are ready and prepared to receive the gospel. Victor (brother of Dolores- my first baptism in this area) was interviewed by a counselor in the mission presidency this past Sunday and will be baptized the coming Sunday. President Cue shared with us that we have really helped him make the decision to change his life around. I know that we are merely instruments though and because we were worthy of the presence of the Spirit, he was able to receive that witness that he needed during every lesson we have taught him.
Tuesday was my 6 month birthday. It's crazy to think I only have 2/3 of my mission left. I still feel very young in the mission but really I am one of the more 'seasoned' or 'older' sisters. As I've reflected on the past 6 months I have seen so much growth in my testimony and in myself spiritually. The countless experiences where the Spirit's presence was very strong have been priceless.
This week we went by E. Picazo who loves us and calls us her angels but is stubborn in accepting the story of Joseph Smith. Her son, Antonio, left last week to Mexico to be with his wife and children. He lived with her and kept her company while trying to earn money to send to his own family. We decided to go by because the last lesson we had she was a little more open. When we went by, she invited us in and we decided to sing the hymn, Abide With Me 'Tis Eventide (Conmigo Quedate Senor). It was pretty late and we only had not much time to teach her before we had to get back by curfew. As we sang the song, she started to cry. By the end of the song she was just bawling and could not help herself. Before we sang I shared a story about the song. When I was attending BYUH, Bishop McMurtrey shared a story about how singing that song calmed a storm when they were out on a boat caught in raging waves. Hermana Dewey and I bore our testimony of the comfort the Savior's atonement brings and that today He is at the head of this church with outstretched hands offering His love. The Spirit was so powerful. We invited to her to turn to prayer and read in her Book of Mormon more to be able to fill the void that was was left with Antonio moved out.
We were blessed with the opportunity to serve as we recognized a need for food with a certain family we have been teaching. We gathered all of the cans from our pantry that had been left from previous missionaries and were able to collect a good amount of food for the family just from what we had that was not being used. I also got the package from Mom that morning before we found out. As I was going through it again later that day, I was impressed to put my can of soup (that I was so excited for) and the Sour Patch Kids in the collection of food too. We delivered the food along with another copy of the Book of Mormon so the kids didn't have to share. They were so grateful. Their faces lit up with joy and their expression of gratitude was so heartfelt. My heart was full as we left very quickly being able to impart of our substance to someone in need.
I hope everyone is doing well and doing the things you know you should be doing to be worthy of the Spirit at those times when you will need Him.
I love you all.
Camille
Sounds like a lot is going on at home. Make sure to write! I want to hear not just from Mom! Congrats to Rae on getting your permit.
This week we worked hard but are still looking for some good investigators that are ready and prepared to receive the gospel. Victor (brother of Dolores- my first baptism in this area) was interviewed by a counselor in the mission presidency this past Sunday and will be baptized the coming Sunday. President Cue shared with us that we have really helped him make the decision to change his life around. I know that we are merely instruments though and because we were worthy of the presence of the Spirit, he was able to receive that witness that he needed during every lesson we have taught him.
Tuesday was my 6 month birthday. It's crazy to think I only have 2/3 of my mission left. I still feel very young in the mission but really I am one of the more 'seasoned' or 'older' sisters. As I've reflected on the past 6 months I have seen so much growth in my testimony and in myself spiritually. The countless experiences where the Spirit's presence was very strong have been priceless.
This week we went by E. Picazo who loves us and calls us her angels but is stubborn in accepting the story of Joseph Smith. Her son, Antonio, left last week to Mexico to be with his wife and children. He lived with her and kept her company while trying to earn money to send to his own family. We decided to go by because the last lesson we had she was a little more open. When we went by, she invited us in and we decided to sing the hymn, Abide With Me 'Tis Eventide (Conmigo Quedate Senor). It was pretty late and we only had not much time to teach her before we had to get back by curfew. As we sang the song, she started to cry. By the end of the song she was just bawling and could not help herself. Before we sang I shared a story about the song. When I was attending BYUH, Bishop McMurtrey shared a story about how singing that song calmed a storm when they were out on a boat caught in raging waves. Hermana Dewey and I bore our testimony of the comfort the Savior's atonement brings and that today He is at the head of this church with outstretched hands offering His love. The Spirit was so powerful. We invited to her to turn to prayer and read in her Book of Mormon more to be able to fill the void that was was left with Antonio moved out.
We were blessed with the opportunity to serve as we recognized a need for food with a certain family we have been teaching. We gathered all of the cans from our pantry that had been left from previous missionaries and were able to collect a good amount of food for the family just from what we had that was not being used. I also got the package from Mom that morning before we found out. As I was going through it again later that day, I was impressed to put my can of soup (that I was so excited for) and the Sour Patch Kids in the collection of food too. We delivered the food along with another copy of the Book of Mormon so the kids didn't have to share. They were so grateful. Their faces lit up with joy and their expression of gratitude was so heartfelt. My heart was full as we left very quickly being able to impart of our substance to someone in need.
I hope everyone is doing well and doing the things you know you should be doing to be worthy of the Spirit at those times when you will need Him.
I love you all.
Camille
T3W4 Juarez Family Baptism!
Dear Family,
How is everyone? Did John end up coming today? This week was amazing for me. I hope everyone else had a good week too. Through all of the great experiences I've had this week, I've truly thought about the family and wished you could have experienced them with me.
Late Wednesday night we called to check on the Juarez family to make sure keep their excitement up for their baptism and Hermano informed us that he didn't think he could go through with us. He told us he didn't think he had received a strong witness of everything and was feeling nervous about the whole baptism. We became very concerned and decided to fast for him. Elder Nelson, Hermana Dewey and I fasted until Thursday night. The fast was amazing and although it was hard with the hard work we put forth as missionaries, it was worth it.
We went to the chapel Thursday night to sneak a peek at the Cub Scout Den Meeting. It was the Pine Wood Derby that everyone has been waiting for. Hermano Juarez was a judge and his son Gustavo took second place. There were so many little boys there. A month ago we passed by Hermana Alcantara to invite her to church. She hadn't been in years. She has two boys of scout age and their 11 year old cousin that lives with them too. We reactivated them and got them really active in scouts. They were there and presented the flags and everything! All in all we had 6 investigators at mutual on Thursday night. It was great to be there and cheer them on.
We asked Hermano to talk to Bishop about his worries as they have become friends over the time we have taught them. Bishop agreed to talk to Hermano Juarez after the Pine Wood Derby. Bishop had some other things come up right after the Derby but Hermano waited around until he was available. His wife said he didn't get home until midnight after talking with the Bishop. We talked to Bishop the next day and he said that the Spirit was so strong in their visit. We ended our fast and felt good about the whole situation--that the Lord would have it happen according to his will. I was amazingly no longer concerned and felt a peace that Hermano would make the right decision. If he really wasn't prepared, it was ok.
Friday we had our zone temple trip that we get to take each transfer. Going to the temple was such a special experience. We put Hermano Juarez's name on the prayer roll. In the Celestial Room I felt an overwhelming presence of the Lord. I received an affirmation that He is content with my work here. Many other special things happened on that temple trip. We ate at BJ's Texas Barbecue with the ward where some of the Louetta Ward members work. They remembered me and "hooked us up." They treated us really well. I love the Texas Barbecues here. Brisket is simply delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
We returned home from the trip and visited with Hermana Juarez and Diana (age 9). The boys of the family, Gustavo, Julio, and Hermano went on the father-son campout. Hermana informed us that before they left Hermano told her that yes he was going to get baptized. We were sooo happy! He hadn't been very open to her about his feelings about it until that point.
We had the baptism last night. It was such an amazing baptism. The room was packed because everyone was there to support them! People were crying by the end of our special musical number "Divina Luz" performed by the missionaries. When Julio baptized his father, his younger brother, and sister, Hermana Dewey and I almost cried we were so happy for them. We found a picture of the temple at the distribution center when we went to the temple so we will give that to them this week. Pictures of the baptism will be in the mail shortly!
We were sad to hear that Antonio left to Mexico because he was unable to find work here. Two days before we left we taught the word of wisdom and committed him to living it. His mother, Elvia (age 75+), told us that before he left for Mexico he threw away all his cigars and brought his Book of Mormon with him. I just know he will get baptized. Some Elders in Mexico will be so lucky when they receive his information from us.
So much more has happened this week but I'm sure everyone has probably stopped reading this by now. I hope everyone looking to have continual spiritual experiences in their lives as well. We all need spiritual renewal- not just missionaries.
I love you all!
Camille
How is everyone? Did John end up coming today? This week was amazing for me. I hope everyone else had a good week too. Through all of the great experiences I've had this week, I've truly thought about the family and wished you could have experienced them with me.
Late Wednesday night we called to check on the Juarez family to make sure keep their excitement up for their baptism and Hermano informed us that he didn't think he could go through with us. He told us he didn't think he had received a strong witness of everything and was feeling nervous about the whole baptism. We became very concerned and decided to fast for him. Elder Nelson, Hermana Dewey and I fasted until Thursday night. The fast was amazing and although it was hard with the hard work we put forth as missionaries, it was worth it.
We went to the chapel Thursday night to sneak a peek at the Cub Scout Den Meeting. It was the Pine Wood Derby that everyone has been waiting for. Hermano Juarez was a judge and his son Gustavo took second place. There were so many little boys there. A month ago we passed by Hermana Alcantara to invite her to church. She hadn't been in years. She has two boys of scout age and their 11 year old cousin that lives with them too. We reactivated them and got them really active in scouts. They were there and presented the flags and everything! All in all we had 6 investigators at mutual on Thursday night. It was great to be there and cheer them on.
We asked Hermano to talk to Bishop about his worries as they have become friends over the time we have taught them. Bishop agreed to talk to Hermano Juarez after the Pine Wood Derby. Bishop had some other things come up right after the Derby but Hermano waited around until he was available. His wife said he didn't get home until midnight after talking with the Bishop. We talked to Bishop the next day and he said that the Spirit was so strong in their visit. We ended our fast and felt good about the whole situation--that the Lord would have it happen according to his will. I was amazingly no longer concerned and felt a peace that Hermano would make the right decision. If he really wasn't prepared, it was ok.
Friday we had our zone temple trip that we get to take each transfer. Going to the temple was such a special experience. We put Hermano Juarez's name on the prayer roll. In the Celestial Room I felt an overwhelming presence of the Lord. I received an affirmation that He is content with my work here. Many other special things happened on that temple trip. We ate at BJ's Texas Barbecue with the ward where some of the Louetta Ward members work. They remembered me and "hooked us up." They treated us really well. I love the Texas Barbecues here. Brisket is simply delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
We returned home from the trip and visited with Hermana Juarez and Diana (age 9). The boys of the family, Gustavo, Julio, and Hermano went on the father-son campout. Hermana informed us that before they left Hermano told her that yes he was going to get baptized. We were sooo happy! He hadn't been very open to her about his feelings about it until that point.
We had the baptism last night. It was such an amazing baptism. The room was packed because everyone was there to support them! People were crying by the end of our special musical number "Divina Luz" performed by the missionaries. When Julio baptized his father, his younger brother, and sister, Hermana Dewey and I almost cried we were so happy for them. We found a picture of the temple at the distribution center when we went to the temple so we will give that to them this week. Pictures of the baptism will be in the mail shortly!
We were sad to hear that Antonio left to Mexico because he was unable to find work here. Two days before we left we taught the word of wisdom and committed him to living it. His mother, Elvia (age 75+), told us that before he left for Mexico he threw away all his cigars and brought his Book of Mormon with him. I just know he will get baptized. Some Elders in Mexico will be so lucky when they receive his information from us.
So much more has happened this week but I'm sure everyone has probably stopped reading this by now. I hope everyone looking to have continual spiritual experiences in their lives as well. We all need spiritual renewal- not just missionaries.
I love you all!
Camille
T3W3 Zone Conference & Mother's Day
Dear Family,
It was so great to hear everyone's voice yesterday. It seems like a dream. Next phone call... Christmas! I think the highlight of the phone call was finding out JC already has grandchildren!!! (Editor's note: JC does not have grandchildren, he has a child.) I wonder if that is the case with all my other ex-boyfriends. While it was good to talk, I soon realized why communication is limited. It is really important to maintain a strict focus on the work. Losing that spirit by distracted attention to things of the world is what Satan wants on the mission.
We had a really good zone conference this past week. President Hansen focused his remarks on the conference talk by Kevin W. Pearson on the 6 Destructive Ds. These consequentially effect our eye of faith and lead to the 6th D of "disbelief." If I were to think of a 7th destructive D it would be Dad. Ha ha. The conference helped us with our Spiritual Renewal. I encourage everyone to review that talk and think about how much more frequently can you use spiritual renewal in your life. By avoiding these destructive factors and allowing for daily spiritual renewal we increase our faith. I have seen my faith grow exponentially and I truly believe it is because of the 3 hours of study we do each day. Some of the elders know really deep doctrinal stuff- about the last days Gog and Magog, Kokaubeam, etc. Some day maybe I will have all that knowledge too. I know the simple stuff though and that is a good start.
After zone conference we have a lunch usually and they give out birthday presents and a couple awards. We have a car inspection and Hermana Dewey and I won cleanest car!!! We got to sign the golden hubcap and received a $20 gift card to Subway. Woo hoo! Of course we will use it to treat our district to lunch after district meeting this week. With $5 foot-longs $20 goes a long way!
We had 7 new investigators this week. Half of them we found while tracting. They let us in and we were able to teach a lesson. We are very hopeful for these children of Heavenly Father that were put in our path. The Spirit is so strong during the first lesson. I love it.
Last week we were invited to tag along with the elders to dinner at a member's home. They have the rich side of the ward. The Montano family's home was huge. They fed us really fancy food and sent us on our way with praline treats. Ironically, they have lived many years in Silver Spring! That is where they joined the church. They love me because I am a Marylander too. They are from Nicaragua. He told us this story of his boss in Maryland being LDS in his first job there in MD. Several years later he (Hermano Montano) had joined the church. He had come straight from the temple and was wearing his suit when he ran into this boss who had become inactive. The boss was surprised when he asked what it was that changed his life around.
Anyways, Hermano Montano and his wife gave us a ton of delicious food (tostadas y frijoles molidos) yesterday after church and he accompanied us to our appointment with a man named Antonio last night. Me and him are pretty much best friends forever. (Editor's note: I would change this, but it's so Camille I had to leave it.) My companions have noticed I get along really well with hispanos but especially the rich ones. Antonio is really close to getting baptized. It was a really good lesson. We found him after receiving a bad referral and deciding to knock the houses around it. He answered the door with his shirt off and wearing a lot of jewelry. He reminded me of a Mexican version of Joe Junior from While You Were Sleeping. Hermana Hollenbaugh wanted to give him to the elders immediately but I partly joking said I saw him to be our next baptism. We found he was a very respectful man that works gold soldering. He showed us his shop and everything after Hermana Hollenbaugh left. He has such a testimony of the Book of Mormon and is well on his way to baptism.
Mother's Day was good. The elder's quorum took over the Primary and YW so all the women were in Relief Society for a special program from the bishopric. Then to finish the primary came in and sang with gifts for their mothers. Sacrament was devoted to mothers as well. I am thankful for my mother, her example and testimony. Thank you for everything.
I hope all is well. I continue to pray for each one of you family members. Make good choices.
Love,
Camille
It was so great to hear everyone's voice yesterday. It seems like a dream. Next phone call... Christmas! I think the highlight of the phone call was finding out JC already has grandchildren!!! (Editor's note: JC does not have grandchildren, he has a child.) I wonder if that is the case with all my other ex-boyfriends. While it was good to talk, I soon realized why communication is limited. It is really important to maintain a strict focus on the work. Losing that spirit by distracted attention to things of the world is what Satan wants on the mission.
We had a really good zone conference this past week. President Hansen focused his remarks on the conference talk by Kevin W. Pearson on the 6 Destructive Ds. These consequentially effect our eye of faith and lead to the 6th D of "disbelief." If I were to think of a 7th destructive D it would be Dad. Ha ha. The conference helped us with our Spiritual Renewal. I encourage everyone to review that talk and think about how much more frequently can you use spiritual renewal in your life. By avoiding these destructive factors and allowing for daily spiritual renewal we increase our faith. I have seen my faith grow exponentially and I truly believe it is because of the 3 hours of study we do each day. Some of the elders know really deep doctrinal stuff- about the last days Gog and Magog, Kokaubeam, etc. Some day maybe I will have all that knowledge too. I know the simple stuff though and that is a good start.
After zone conference we have a lunch usually and they give out birthday presents and a couple awards. We have a car inspection and Hermana Dewey and I won cleanest car!!! We got to sign the golden hubcap and received a $20 gift card to Subway. Woo hoo! Of course we will use it to treat our district to lunch after district meeting this week. With $5 foot-longs $20 goes a long way!
We had 7 new investigators this week. Half of them we found while tracting. They let us in and we were able to teach a lesson. We are very hopeful for these children of Heavenly Father that were put in our path. The Spirit is so strong during the first lesson. I love it.
Last week we were invited to tag along with the elders to dinner at a member's home. They have the rich side of the ward. The Montano family's home was huge. They fed us really fancy food and sent us on our way with praline treats. Ironically, they have lived many years in Silver Spring! That is where they joined the church. They love me because I am a Marylander too. They are from Nicaragua. He told us this story of his boss in Maryland being LDS in his first job there in MD. Several years later he (Hermano Montano) had joined the church. He had come straight from the temple and was wearing his suit when he ran into this boss who had become inactive. The boss was surprised when he asked what it was that changed his life around.
Anyways, Hermano Montano and his wife gave us a ton of delicious food (tostadas y frijoles molidos) yesterday after church and he accompanied us to our appointment with a man named Antonio last night. Me and him are pretty much best friends forever. (Editor's note: I would change this, but it's so Camille I had to leave it.) My companions have noticed I get along really well with hispanos but especially the rich ones. Antonio is really close to getting baptized. It was a really good lesson. We found him after receiving a bad referral and deciding to knock the houses around it. He answered the door with his shirt off and wearing a lot of jewelry. He reminded me of a Mexican version of Joe Junior from While You Were Sleeping. Hermana Hollenbaugh wanted to give him to the elders immediately but I partly joking said I saw him to be our next baptism. We found he was a very respectful man that works gold soldering. He showed us his shop and everything after Hermana Hollenbaugh left. He has such a testimony of the Book of Mormon and is well on his way to baptism.
Mother's Day was good. The elder's quorum took over the Primary and YW so all the women were in Relief Society for a special program from the bishopric. Then to finish the primary came in and sang with gifts for their mothers. Sacrament was devoted to mothers as well. I am thankful for my mother, her example and testimony. Thank you for everything.
I hope all is well. I continue to pray for each one of you family members. Make good choices.
Love,
Camille
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