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
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
T3W2 Lots of Rain Damage
Dear Family,
Sounds like everyone is keeping pretty busy this summer. I like reading the family newsletter because there is stuff in there about the family that I haven't heard yet. This Sunday is Mother's day!! That means that we can celebrate Mom but it also means that I can call home!! I am allowed to call home for 59 minutes and I think I'll call after everyone gets home from church and before Dad leaves for work. I'm way excited. Everyone else better be too!!
Monday after going to our P-day activity at Bear Creek Park (Katy Zone vs. Cypress Zone in capture the flag) we got home just in time before the big part of the storm hit. Our power was out for quite a bit and our parking lot was totally flooded. That night we woke up at 3:30am to thunder and lightening. It was going off every second for a couple hours. Our bedroom was like a strobe light. We had to call and wake up the elders because it was really bad where we lived. The storm flooded several members houses and schools were closed for a couple days. Lots of roads were closed and the park where we had played capture the flag flooded to the tops of soccer goal posts. It is still flooded but the road is open now so you can drive by and see the lake that was once a park.
We had zone meeting this week. Elder AhSue gave a very powerful talk. He spoke in a very loving manner about us in the pre-existance all waiting to come to earth after having chosen the plan. He reminded us that there we probably had hopes that we would do great things in this life, including making good choices and living a Christlike life. I imagined it so vividly. I'm sure each one us knew there would be hard times, but still have a hope that we would find the way through Christ to overcome them. He then related this to the mission. He reminded us of that time before we came out- perhaps as we waited for our mission call or before entering the MTC when we didn't know exactly what to expect but we hoped for baptisms, lessons filled with the spirit, coming to love the people, and working hard all day long. He said when we opened our call, the first thing we hoped/looked forward to out in the field probably wasn't sleeping in, spending lazy days in the apartment, goofing off and spending too much time at members' homes, amazing p-days, etc. He reminded us to be the obedient and perfect missionary we had hoped we would be in that pre-mission innocence. I think that first example is very powerful for non-mission life. We need to come through and actually be that obedient, honest, hard working, kind, charitable, humble person that we hoped we would be here on earth when we received our call to come to earth after choosing this plan. So be that person you wanted to be many years ago!
The Juarez family had their baptismal interviews yesterday. We were excited when everything turned out fine. They still have two weeks until the baptism and we know Satan is going to work at Hermano Juarez. His weakness is the word of wisdom and the kids are good about calling him out if he slipped and had a cup of coffee. The youngest, Gustavo- age 8, reminds me so much of you, Ben! I pick on him a lot but yesterday he had on his suit ready for his interview and he was giving me attitude and I felt like it was something Ben would have said! His primary class is him and 6 or 7 girls. They have fun pretending not to like him. We taught him and his sister Diana (age 9) Dippy Dippy Dip and another version of that game with Ninja sounds and movements. I am going to miss this family if I ever get transferred.
We are working hard and still trying to find more investigators. I am learning so much still. I have learned a lot of deep doctrinal stuff but I have also grown my testimony of the simple principles of the restored gospel such as I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I hope everyone knows and remembers that. I will talk to y'all Sunday.
Love, Camille
Sounds like everyone is keeping pretty busy this summer. I like reading the family newsletter because there is stuff in there about the family that I haven't heard yet. This Sunday is Mother's day!! That means that we can celebrate Mom but it also means that I can call home!! I am allowed to call home for 59 minutes and I think I'll call after everyone gets home from church and before Dad leaves for work. I'm way excited. Everyone else better be too!!
Monday after going to our P-day activity at Bear Creek Park (Katy Zone vs. Cypress Zone in capture the flag) we got home just in time before the big part of the storm hit. Our power was out for quite a bit and our parking lot was totally flooded. That night we woke up at 3:30am to thunder and lightening. It was going off every second for a couple hours. Our bedroom was like a strobe light. We had to call and wake up the elders because it was really bad where we lived. The storm flooded several members houses and schools were closed for a couple days. Lots of roads were closed and the park where we had played capture the flag flooded to the tops of soccer goal posts. It is still flooded but the road is open now so you can drive by and see the lake that was once a park.
We had zone meeting this week. Elder AhSue gave a very powerful talk. He spoke in a very loving manner about us in the pre-existance all waiting to come to earth after having chosen the plan. He reminded us that there we probably had hopes that we would do great things in this life, including making good choices and living a Christlike life. I imagined it so vividly. I'm sure each one us knew there would be hard times, but still have a hope that we would find the way through Christ to overcome them. He then related this to the mission. He reminded us of that time before we came out- perhaps as we waited for our mission call or before entering the MTC when we didn't know exactly what to expect but we hoped for baptisms, lessons filled with the spirit, coming to love the people, and working hard all day long. He said when we opened our call, the first thing we hoped/looked forward to out in the field probably wasn't sleeping in, spending lazy days in the apartment, goofing off and spending too much time at members' homes, amazing p-days, etc. He reminded us to be the obedient and perfect missionary we had hoped we would be in that pre-mission innocence. I think that first example is very powerful for non-mission life. We need to come through and actually be that obedient, honest, hard working, kind, charitable, humble person that we hoped we would be here on earth when we received our call to come to earth after choosing this plan. So be that person you wanted to be many years ago!
The Juarez family had their baptismal interviews yesterday. We were excited when everything turned out fine. They still have two weeks until the baptism and we know Satan is going to work at Hermano Juarez. His weakness is the word of wisdom and the kids are good about calling him out if he slipped and had a cup of coffee. The youngest, Gustavo- age 8, reminds me so much of you, Ben! I pick on him a lot but yesterday he had on his suit ready for his interview and he was giving me attitude and I felt like it was something Ben would have said! His primary class is him and 6 or 7 girls. They have fun pretending not to like him. We taught him and his sister Diana (age 9) Dippy Dippy Dip and another version of that game with Ninja sounds and movements. I am going to miss this family if I ever get transferred.
We are working hard and still trying to find more investigators. I am learning so much still. I have learned a lot of deep doctrinal stuff but I have also grown my testimony of the simple principles of the restored gospel such as I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I hope everyone knows and remembers that. I will talk to y'all Sunday.
Love, Camille
T3W1 New Transfer
Dear Family,
How is everyone! Congrats on the PR Rae and to Clarissa on the job with Bearman. The weather here in Houston/Katy is gorgeous. We are going to play Capture the Flag today with our zone against our neighboring zone. It should be a lot of fun.
This week we visited a lot of people so Hermana Hollenbaugh could say good-bye before she left. We sent her off on the transfer bus on Wednesday and got back to work. We decided we would focus this transfer on doing more tracting. The whole last transfer we visited people that were not progressing and we decided to change that this transfer and find a new set of investigators. We went tracting several hours this week and it was really successful. We have appointments set this week coming up so we will see if they are the one prepared by the Lord in answer to our prayers.
Hermana Dewey and I got a keyboard from some elders and have been having a lot of fun with it. If I play one hand and she plays the other, we can play all of the hymns in the hymn book perfectly.
Thursday we stopped by the church and it happened to be mutual night. We saw two of our investigators Jose and Rafael-two teenage boys, all sweaty and bonded with the other young men. It made us so happy! They got signed up for scouts and sucked into being on the soccer team too! I bet they didn't know church meant more than just Sundays.
The Juarez family will be baptized on the 17th of May. We realized Julio, the oldest son will turn 16 on the 10th of May and he will be able to baptize his father and his two younger siblings. We also got a baptism date with Victor, the brother of Dolores who got baptized just a couple weeks ago.
I hope you all liked the pictures. Mom made this comment in a card she sent "that picture of you prego was quite disturbing." Haha. What's funny is we received a referral and went to go contact it and it was this very animated lady who had been taught before. She showed us her Book of Mormon that she reads everyday. Her problem is coming to church because she works on Sundays. Anyways, I was wearing the same yellow shirt and she asked me if I was "embarazada" or Pregnant!!! I was so embarrassed! I told her no - she still wasn't convinced and told me I have a beautiful face, I just need to lose a bit of the fat around it!! Ironically I've lost quite a bit of weight. I'm running my mile in 7 min and 34 sec!! (Don't laugh but that's good for me!) We told this less active girl that we visit, Sandy, and she assured me it was just the cut of the shirt and I shouldn't worry.
We are in a prank war with the elders in the district. (Big surprise huh?) Sandy helped us come up with something we will do today. DON'T WORRY MOM! We are still working hard and it's all within reason. Friday after district meeting, the district was going to Wendys, we thought they were waiting for us so we could follow them but when we turned on the car a huge cloud of flour blew into our faces. They had turned the A/C on high and pointed it right at where we would sit. This morning we went and wrapped their car in plastic wrap. 600 feet of plastic wrap!! We had one set of elders help us but little do they know we have something for them later today. Sandy works at Buffalo Wild Wings where all the elders like to eat. They do something called the Blazin' Challenge. It's the most spicy of their 15 different kinds of wings. She told us to be careful a million times because if you're not Mexican, it can do some bad damage. Haha. We'll see how they like it later today.
We had a meeting with the bishopric and ward mission leader Saturday night. They are excited and expressed their trust and support for us this coming transfer- especially with Elder Nelson training. We have a really young set of missionaries in our ward. Elder Nelson- the really blonde one from my district pic that I sent is training Elder Lang who just got here from the MTC this week. We speak better Spanish so we're trying to help them out. The Spirit in the meeting was very strong. We each shared our testimony and it was another confirmation to me that I am in the right place. I know with all my heart this gospel changes lives and is the only way we can receive exaltation. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here and I appreciate the support of you, my family. Thank you for everything!
Love you,
Camille
How is everyone! Congrats on the PR Rae and to Clarissa on the job with Bearman. The weather here in Houston/Katy is gorgeous. We are going to play Capture the Flag today with our zone against our neighboring zone. It should be a lot of fun.
This week we visited a lot of people so Hermana Hollenbaugh could say good-bye before she left. We sent her off on the transfer bus on Wednesday and got back to work. We decided we would focus this transfer on doing more tracting. The whole last transfer we visited people that were not progressing and we decided to change that this transfer and find a new set of investigators. We went tracting several hours this week and it was really successful. We have appointments set this week coming up so we will see if they are the one prepared by the Lord in answer to our prayers.
Hermana Dewey and I got a keyboard from some elders and have been having a lot of fun with it. If I play one hand and she plays the other, we can play all of the hymns in the hymn book perfectly.
Thursday we stopped by the church and it happened to be mutual night. We saw two of our investigators Jose and Rafael-two teenage boys, all sweaty and bonded with the other young men. It made us so happy! They got signed up for scouts and sucked into being on the soccer team too! I bet they didn't know church meant more than just Sundays.
The Juarez family will be baptized on the 17th of May. We realized Julio, the oldest son will turn 16 on the 10th of May and he will be able to baptize his father and his two younger siblings. We also got a baptism date with Victor, the brother of Dolores who got baptized just a couple weeks ago.
I hope you all liked the pictures. Mom made this comment in a card she sent "that picture of you prego was quite disturbing." Haha. What's funny is we received a referral and went to go contact it and it was this very animated lady who had been taught before. She showed us her Book of Mormon that she reads everyday. Her problem is coming to church because she works on Sundays. Anyways, I was wearing the same yellow shirt and she asked me if I was "embarazada" or Pregnant!!! I was so embarrassed! I told her no - she still wasn't convinced and told me I have a beautiful face, I just need to lose a bit of the fat around it!! Ironically I've lost quite a bit of weight. I'm running my mile in 7 min and 34 sec!! (Don't laugh but that's good for me!) We told this less active girl that we visit, Sandy, and she assured me it was just the cut of the shirt and I shouldn't worry.
We are in a prank war with the elders in the district. (Big surprise huh?) Sandy helped us come up with something we will do today. DON'T WORRY MOM! We are still working hard and it's all within reason. Friday after district meeting, the district was going to Wendys, we thought they were waiting for us so we could follow them but when we turned on the car a huge cloud of flour blew into our faces. They had turned the A/C on high and pointed it right at where we would sit. This morning we went and wrapped their car in plastic wrap. 600 feet of plastic wrap!! We had one set of elders help us but little do they know we have something for them later today. Sandy works at Buffalo Wild Wings where all the elders like to eat. They do something called the Blazin' Challenge. It's the most spicy of their 15 different kinds of wings. She told us to be careful a million times because if you're not Mexican, it can do some bad damage. Haha. We'll see how they like it later today.
We had a meeting with the bishopric and ward mission leader Saturday night. They are excited and expressed their trust and support for us this coming transfer- especially with Elder Nelson training. We have a really young set of missionaries in our ward. Elder Nelson- the really blonde one from my district pic that I sent is training Elder Lang who just got here from the MTC this week. We speak better Spanish so we're trying to help them out. The Spirit in the meeting was very strong. We each shared our testimony and it was another confirmation to me that I am in the right place. I know with all my heart this gospel changes lives and is the only way we can receive exaltation. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here and I appreciate the support of you, my family. Thank you for everything!
Love you,
Camille
T2W6 Yessica's Baptism
Dear Family,
How is everyone? What are the plans for summer? Clarissa are you back at Chevys? How is the job for Emma? What is Miriam doing? Can you believe yesterday was my 5 month birthday in the mission!? We found out about transfers this week and I am staying in the same area- Bear Creek for at least the next 6 weeks with my baby Hermana Dewey. Hermana Hollenbaugh is being transferred to the ghetto-est part of the mission to open a new area with a really fun Sister. We are excited to for the next transfer it will be a lot of fun.
Last night I had my second baptism! Her name is Yessica C and she is 27 years old. We have worked so hard preparing her for baptism and it was such a great experience last night. Her mom was baptized almost 2 years ago and she bore her testimony for the Holy Ghost talk and it was so powerful. Her mom and her were crying as us sister missionaries sang a musical number "Venid a Cristo" or "Come Unto Jesus." We had two of our investigators at the baptism and we think they really enjoyed it so we might just have several more baptisms in the near future. Her mom made this almond cake and sandwiches for refreshments. It was a beautiful baptism.
Last P-day (Monday) the elders invited us to their barbeque and when we got there they had set up a really intricate prank that dropped water balloons on us from the ceiling in front of their door step. They video taped it and everything. They say they were fulfilling their purpose by doing everything in their power to "baptize". Haha. If anyone has any ideas- let me know- we are trying to get them back! Two of them are getting transferred on Wednesday and we are sad. Elder Lawry and Elder Nelson are the other Spanish elders in our district that also serve in our same ward-Bear Creek 2 and so we see them very often. Elder Lawry is leaving but Elder Nelson is training this transfer so him and I both will be with our babies.
Last week we stopped by an inactive member we found on the ward list. Hermana Alcantara- she is good looking and lives in a big fancy house. She came to church for the first time in years yesterday because of our invitation and she has a few boys that are getting started in scouts too. The Lord really guides us to the people that need us! She loved church and we hope this means she is reactivated. Maybe we'll get to baptize the sons!
We worked hard this week and taught some great lessons even despite the rain. We were driving in water 3/4 up our tires. We met an old man named Facundo that invited us to the beaches in Acapulco. We also had interviews with President. He asked me about each one of you and I'm sad to say I didn't know what was going on with everyone. Please fill me in!
I am grateful for the sacrament. We truly can be cleansed through it if we repent and allow the atonement to take effect. I am not perfect and have so many weaknesses but the whole plan of salvation is about being able to progress. That is the purpose of this life but also it is what differentiates the celestial kingdom for the others. There we will still be able to progress until we ourselves have our own kingdoms.
Hope all is well! Ciao!
Camille
How is everyone? What are the plans for summer? Clarissa are you back at Chevys? How is the job for Emma? What is Miriam doing? Can you believe yesterday was my 5 month birthday in the mission!? We found out about transfers this week and I am staying in the same area- Bear Creek for at least the next 6 weeks with my baby Hermana Dewey. Hermana Hollenbaugh is being transferred to the ghetto-est part of the mission to open a new area with a really fun Sister. We are excited to for the next transfer it will be a lot of fun.
Last night I had my second baptism! Her name is Yessica C and she is 27 years old. We have worked so hard preparing her for baptism and it was such a great experience last night. Her mom was baptized almost 2 years ago and she bore her testimony for the Holy Ghost talk and it was so powerful. Her mom and her were crying as us sister missionaries sang a musical number "Venid a Cristo" or "Come Unto Jesus." We had two of our investigators at the baptism and we think they really enjoyed it so we might just have several more baptisms in the near future. Her mom made this almond cake and sandwiches for refreshments. It was a beautiful baptism.
Last P-day (Monday) the elders invited us to their barbeque and when we got there they had set up a really intricate prank that dropped water balloons on us from the ceiling in front of their door step. They video taped it and everything. They say they were fulfilling their purpose by doing everything in their power to "baptize". Haha. If anyone has any ideas- let me know- we are trying to get them back! Two of them are getting transferred on Wednesday and we are sad. Elder Lawry and Elder Nelson are the other Spanish elders in our district that also serve in our same ward-Bear Creek 2 and so we see them very often. Elder Lawry is leaving but Elder Nelson is training this transfer so him and I both will be with our babies.
Last week we stopped by an inactive member we found on the ward list. Hermana Alcantara- she is good looking and lives in a big fancy house. She came to church for the first time in years yesterday because of our invitation and she has a few boys that are getting started in scouts too. The Lord really guides us to the people that need us! She loved church and we hope this means she is reactivated. Maybe we'll get to baptize the sons!
We worked hard this week and taught some great lessons even despite the rain. We were driving in water 3/4 up our tires. We met an old man named Facundo that invited us to the beaches in Acapulco. We also had interviews with President. He asked me about each one of you and I'm sad to say I didn't know what was going on with everyone. Please fill me in!
I am grateful for the sacrament. We truly can be cleansed through it if we repent and allow the atonement to take effect. I am not perfect and have so many weaknesses but the whole plan of salvation is about being able to progress. That is the purpose of this life but also it is what differentiates the celestial kingdom for the others. There we will still be able to progress until we ourselves have our own kingdoms.
Hope all is well! Ciao!
Camille
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