Eriberto's Baptism!

Monday was a very relaxing day for me  :)  After cleaning the apartment, dropping off the laundry, and eating lunch, we came back to the apartment.  While Hermana Mora did some organizing of her things (I have no idea how she's going to fit everything in just 2 suitcases) I took a nap.  It was raining, so I slept like a rock - and Hermana Mora even video taped my snoring! haha  Then we taught a couple of lessons in the evening.  We explained the importance of prayer to Alejandro and that effective prayer requires great effort.  We can't just repeat the same "memorized" phrases and then expect answers from the Holy Ghost.  We must pray sincerely, with real intent, and then patiently wait for answers to come, while living the gospel standards.

Tuesday's district meeting went smoothly.  Right afterwards we had exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders.  I stayed in my area with Hermana Ridge, who is a sweet missionary from Provo , Utah.  She only has a transfer less than me (so she goes home in July) and will also be going to BYU Provo - where her dad is actually a professor!  We had a really fun day together and got along like the best of friends.  We contacted, taught some new investigators, and less actives, and walked a ton.  At some points I had to refer to the map, because sometimes I still get lost in our gigantic area.  :)

Wednesday morning Hermana Ridge and I were still together until about 1:30pm.  Then Hermana Mora was by my side again, just like always, and we finished the day by teaching Eriberto and confirming his baptism plans and going to Morelos.  I love the bus ride to and from Morelos, because it is truly beautiful and in between the town and city are wide open pastures / fields and pretty much farming communities.  The sky was like a canvas smeared with lots of pastel blues, yellows, pinks, purples, oranges, etc.  And I'm realizing more and more just how much I'm going to miss it here.  I love Mexico.

On Thursday we ate with the Santoyo family (a very wealthy husband & wife in the ward).  And everything in their house but the ceiling was wood!  Wood flooring, wood walls, 2 wooden pianos, wooden picture frames, wood table & chairs, etc.  It was a pretty cool house (I'll take a picture next time!)  We taught the super great investigator, who is 80 and received the sad news that he is going to work in the mine again and be gone for months at a time  :(  It was a bummer because he really understood all that we taught him, but he said he was going to bring his Book of Mormon and continue reading.

Then, while Hermana Mauricio made visits with us in the evening, we encountered a new investigator named Marsce with her 3 young children.  The lesson went really well and it turns out that she has a close friend who is mormon and had been inviting her to church!

Friday was just a smooth day - with lots of lessons and contacting.  Leopoldo is now in Mosiah and loves reading the Book of Mormon.  He told us, "I'm reading about the King Noah who was wicked."  I love seeing people read and understand the Book of Mormon!

Eriberto's baptism!!

The highlight of the week was Saturday!  Eriberto was finally baptized!!  It was so incredible!  The program went well and many people attended.  After he was baptized, he literally looked like a different person.  I could feel the Spirit so strongly, and have never seen someone change so drastically.  Eriberto was beaming and happy and laughing as all the elders gave him great big hugs.  Afterwards, Eriberto and we bought ice cream.  :)  The perfect day.

Sunday was an excellent day too.  Christina and Jose and their 2 little children came to church!  They are the family that we've been teaching in Morelos and drove all the way from Morelos to attend.  :)  The talks were inspiring and the classes were great.  After the 3 hours, Hermana Mora and I searched and found 4 new investigators to start teaching.  There is a lot of potential here in Zacatecas and I love finding new people who are anxious and waiting to hear the gospel.  God is truly preparing the hearts and minds of His children.

We WALKED the BUFA today [Monday April 20th]!! My legs are going to be pretty sore ;) haha But it was a lot of fun!

A quote that I liked this week was, "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them."  It is so true!  When we are willing to work hard, opportunities will present themselves and we may find success and happiness in our lives.  Like Alma counseled his son, Helaman, "teach them to never be weary of good works" and "the time is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their works, according to that which they have been."

I hope we can all work hard and never tire of making the right decisions.  Satan temps us with "taking the easy road", but the road is rarely easy to any place worth going.  I love you all and hope you have a marvelous week!

Hermana Eliason



[More pictures from the hike today]

Love and Service

[This is Kiley's blog from last week.  She writes her blog on paper during the week and sends it to me as a photograph on Mondays.  Last Monday, the cyber cafe was unable to send pictures.  She was finally able to send it on Thursday. Sorry for the delay.]

After a super fun P-day in the Park Encantada, we taught Eriberto in the evening.  It is amazing how much he's changed.  There is a difference in his behavior, a light in his eyes, and a smile that more frequently shows itself.  It's incredible how the gospel truly helps others, and seeing the conversion of Eriberto has strengthened my testimony in our Loving Heavenly Father who does know us and watch over us.  I am grateful for the gospel in my life and for the positive changes it has wrought in me and those around me.

Tuesday was a normal day.  District meeting.  Lunch. Contacting.  Then in the evening, a young man from our ward (who recently received his mission call to Sonora) introduced us to his friend, Jimena.  She is golden!  She has been reading the Book of Mormon and praying to see if it is true!  We had a powerful lesson with her in the house of Emillo (the young man).

On Wednesday, after teaching Leopoldo and Juan Jose, we were supposed to be interviewed by the Mission President.  But when we arrived around 1:45pm, he told us he had been in interviews all day and hadn't eaten ... so he and his wife took us out to lunch!  We ate at a delicious restaurant - [my meal:  fish, cactus salad, mashed potatoes, some whole wheat bread, and a chocolate malt for dessert!]  After lunch we were interviewed, and the Mission President and I both can't believe how time has flown by so fast.  It was my last interview with him (aside from the one I'll receive the day before I return home).  He has been a great mission president and I am so thankful for all the service and sacrifices of both he and his family.  Afterwards, Hermana Mora and I spent the rest of the day in the little town of Morelos.

Lunch was fun on Thursday because we ate with the Bishop and his wife, the 1st Counselor of the Bishop and his wife, ... and the Elders in the church [building].  We set up a big table for the 8 of us and ate a yummy meal prepared by both families.  Then for the rest of the day, Marlen made visits with us.  This is the last week of vacations for everyone in school and Marlen said she like spending time with Hermana Mora and I.  We are trying to encourage her to consider serving a mission.  :)  Eriberto confirmed that he still wants to be baptized!  So we are shooting for next Saturday!

Friday was interesting because when we arrived with Leopoldo and asked if he had received a confirmation that what we were teaching was true, he lit up and said yes.  Apparently at night, the day we had taught him, Leopoldo had a dream that Hermana Mora was prying for him to get over his sickness and he recovered.  For him, it was a clear confirmation that we had been sent to help him.  He is still reading the Book of Mormon and when we watched the video of the Great Apostasy and Wilford Woodruff, he realized the importance of having a prophet and apostles in these latter days.

On Saturday morning, we met a new investigator named Martin; who seemed really interested in the first lesson and understood what we explained ~ aside from being 80 years old!  Okay, in the evening we taught the Vargas Family.  The Vargas Family is really just Jesus and Silvia, but they remind me SO much of Teodulo and Maria!  Hermana Mora and I both felt the same initial feeling with Teodulo and Maria that one day they'd be baptized, and today we felt the same strong impression about Jesus and Silvia.  :)  And even if Hermana Mora and I aren't around to see all the "fruits of our labors", I get so happy and excited when we meet people who will one day enter into the waters of baptism.

Sunday was Ward Conference, and the Elders and we sang a special musical number for all the members.  :)  One of the talks that I really liked focused on the commandment to love our neighbor.  But who is our neighbor?  Everyone - including ourselves.  I saw that love demonstrated in the evening when a new investigator prayed for the first time with us and asked our Heavenly Father to "bless my friends and please bless my enemies."  What a humble example of Christ-like love!

We taught 3 sisters in their mid-50's in the late afternoon while de-thorning cactus.  :)  It was fun and quite easy, so I'll be making a cactus salad for my family once I return!  haha

During this week I realized the importance of service and having a love for others.  From helping an investigator, who burned her leg go to the doctor, to aiding an elderly member walk down the church stairs - I have felt the joy that comes from helping those in need.  Like Richard G. Scott said, "We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously influencing others and serving them."  While on the mission and "in the service of God"  I've come to comprehend that the best missionaries are always searching for different ways to serve those around them:  their companion, the members, investigators, random strangers, etc.

My invitation to everyone, is that we can always be ready and willing to serve others.  I love you all and hope you have a splendid week :)

~Hermana Eliason

No Blog this week - but Homecoming News!

No blog  :(

Unfortunately Kiley was unable to send her blog this week;  "in this cyber there isn't an adaptor"  She thought there would be another chance for her to send it, but I haven't received it yet.

However, we do have her Homecoming date and time confirmed!  Kiley will be giving her homecoming talk,

Sunday, June 14th at 9:00am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
3354 Eucalyptus Ave
Chino Hills, CA

*Note:  there are two buildings in the same parking lot.  She will be speaking in the Stake Center; the larger of the two buildings and the one furthest from the corner.

General Conference

Tuesday went really well because we worked all day (no district meeting).  We taught several progressing investigators and invited everyone to General Conference this weekend.  It is so exciting to hear the Prophet and the Apostles and since there are 4 sessions [of Conference], almost all of our investigators promised to attend at least one.  :)

Making friends with lions at the zoo!

 
Wednesday was a beautiful day.  It hasn't been cold these past few days and the city is still bustling with life because of the Cultural Week and all the activities.  People come from all over Mexico to listen to the concerts (today American Authors performed!) right in the center of the capital.  Hermana Mora and I walk home every night through the "downtown" and it reminds me of Main Street in Disneyland.  It is such a fun atmosphere and a great opportunity to contact!  We taught an investigator named Leopoldo for the second time and he was already half-way through 2nd Nefi [Nephi] in the Book of Mormon!  He asked good questions and said he liked reading the Book of Mormon.  I, personally, LOVE LOVE LOVE The Book of Mormon and don't get tired of reading it over and over again.  It has answers or clarifications to so many of our questions and doubts.

At the park today (Monday)

Thursday flew by after weekly planning.  It's getting kinda hard to find people in their homes because everyone is busy buying, selling, and celebrating.  All the food stands have given us opportunities to try new things.  The Zacatecas authentic sweets have caught the attention of hundreds of bees that are constantly buzzing around the hustle and bustle.  And now that the sun is out every day, people dress as if they're going to the beach!  It is all quite the sight to see.  :)

Friday was the zone meeting.  It was so stress-free to arrive without worrying about speaking in front of everyone.  I happily took notes and enjoyed the messages given by the zone leaders and sister training leaders.  Unlike my last zone, there are only 6 sister missionaries in this zone (Hermana Mora & I, Hermana Brannelly & Gutierrez & the Sister Trainer Leaders Hermana Hernandez & Rich).  At the end of the zone meeting, Hermana Mora and Elder Luciano (my old district leader) gave their testimonies, since this was their last zone meeting.  I can't believe Hermana Mora goes home in just 3 weeks!  Hermana Mora is an excellent missionary that has overcome a lot of trials.  She is a dedicated and hard worker who truly cares about others.

Hermana Mora, Brannelly & me

  

After the zone meeting, Hermana Brannelly was put with us for this weekend to work in our area, because her area is too dangerous.  It is fun being in a trio and we all know each other and are pretty similar - so it worked out well.  We taught several investigators and had a great day.

Saturday was incredible!  The General Conference talks were so inspiring and answered so many of my questions.  [I was able to watch all of conference with other American missionaries in the stake center in English and there were no computer problems!]  The 4 hours flew by and my hand couldn't keep up with all the notes I wanted to take.  The majority of the talks were concerning the family and the importance of living the gospel in our homes and in our lives.  I hope everyone was able to see the 2 seasons on Saturday and feel the Spirit as the apostles and leaders shared their amazing talks.  I am grateful for latter-day revelation and the guidance we can receive from God through his servants.

Then on Easter, Sunday the talks were just as incredible and special.  I loved when Rosemary Wixom shared "Find joy in the journey.  The future is as bright as your faith." and also "the Lord can only teach an inquiring mind."

The talks about overcoming the distractions and deceptions of Satan by Kevin Pearson was also a favorite.  All the talks can be applied to us and give us new ideas and points of view that invite us to change for the better.

After conference, we encountered and taught 4 new investigators!  The time change left us with more light in the evening, so we were able to contact more people.  This is a very safe area and the people are kind and hospitable.  I love working in the very center of the city and capital of Zacatecas.

Having fun at the park.

On Monday [today] we went to the Park!  (And it's the same park I went to for a multi-zone activity last year when I was serving in Fresnillo & we traveled here to play with the other zone).  It was fun to relive some of the memories in that park and show Hermana Mora around for the first time.  It was a beautiful and relaxing day for me  :)

I am very happy, healthy, and hope you all are as well.  Isn't life amazing?  I hope we can all continue enjoying the many blessings that surround us and expressing our love to those most dear to us.  Like President Monson once said, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."  I love you all!

xoxoxoxo,
Hermana Eliason


[more pictures from the park and zoo today, Monday]

Cultural Week!!

Here we are with Rosa and her new walker

Monday was quite the adventure because Hermana Mora and I practically spent the entire day in government buildings helping Rosa (who's 90 years old & lives by herself) receive a new walker.  By the end of it all, she was crying for joy ~ which made the 4-1/2 hours worth it.  More and more I realize how many people need help, and the responsibility we all have to fulfill those needs.     Rosa sits in her wheelchair all day with a dislocated shoulder and a fractured hip; sometimes in so much pain that she prefers not to eat so that she doesn't suffer in an attempt to make beans.  But what I love about Rosa and all the other people who are going through challenges (physically, emotionally, economically) is how humble they become and how grateful they are.  I hope we never loose sight of what truly matters ~ not how much money we have, how popular we are, or our career, but following the example of the Savior and helping one another.  One thing I love about the mission, is the happiness I have experienced in doing service.

This is what happens half of the time when we go up a steep hill ;)

Tuesday flew by after our district meeting.  We are teaching an investigator named Javier, who is 18 years old and super receptive.  He asks good questions and likes to learn; which is allowing him to progress quickly.  We invited him - as well as everyone else we are teaching - to go to the church building on Friday night to see the movie, Meet The Mormons.  The movie wasn't shown in theaters here, so the whole stake is getting together to watch it (which is a SCORE for me 'cause I'll get to see it for the 2nd time).

On Wednesday we talked to Juan Jose about his baptism date - since he was out of town Sunday, he would have to wait 'till next week to complete the 5 times in church, but next week is General Conference, so we had to postpone his baptismal service 'till April 11th.  But he's still excited nonetheless.  :)

Here I am in Morelos.  

(sorry about the definition of the camera- we took it at night)

In the evening we went to Morelos and visited an adorable family.  It's a husband & wife with their 7 year old boy and 5 year old girl.  They are such a happy and cute family - especially considering how small they are (the dad is under 5 foot!)  I love teaching them because they are open to new ideas and learning the truth.

Thursday was weekly planning again - which blows my mind how another week has gone by.  We taught Eriberto's younger brother, who is 17.  Although his dream is to become a professional rapper and he likes to show off his tongue piercing, he listened to us and sincerely liked what we taught.  We can "never judge a book by its cover."  We spent the day contacting a lot and visiting several other investigators.

This is where the famous singers perform at night

Friday was the first official day of the Cultural Week here in Zacatecas!  In honor of "Semana Santa" (or Holy Week) the whole downtown / center of the city gets closed for days of celebration.  A huge stage with bleachers and lights and big TV screens are set up for some famous singers to perform; while people from all around gather to enjoy the activities.  There are artists, dancers and stands selling just about anything anyone can imagine.  The closed streets make traffic atrocious and crowds of people push and squeeze past one another to get to their wanted destinations.

In the evening we watched Meet the Mormons and it was just as great as the first time.  Several converts and investigators came and enjoyed the movie as well.  I am so proud to be "Mormon" and to have grown up in the church with the righteous examples of my family members and leaders.  It is such a blessing to understand God's divine plan for His children and how we can find peace and joy in this life.

Saturday was a beautiful day.  I've taught several new investigators and contacted a lot of people.  We were given money to buy our own lunch, so I yielded to my craving and ate a waffle with Nutella and peanut butter.  And I must say, it was absolutely scrumptious.  It was the first time in the mission I had eaten a waffle. ~ I miss making waffles on Sunday mornings with my family. :)  At 6pm was the Relief Society Broadcast, which was really nice.  I especially liked the example of the soda can that's unopened and full of soda [that it] can't be crushed like an empty soda can.  Similarly, if our lives are "filled" with spiritual things, it is easy to resist the pressures of outside forces.

THEY GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Enriqueta, Ximena y Mariela

[from Kiley's last area]

Here they are with Hermana Rivera and Hermana Martinez

So on Sunday we had 3 investigators come to church.  :)  The meetings were uplifting and inspiring.  I am so excited for General Conference next week, and one of the talks was about the importance of listening to the voice of the latter-day prophet.  I am so grateful to have a prophet who receives revelation that leads and guides us on the path back to our Heavenly Father.  Something I've also come to appreciate here on the mission is the difference between watching General Conference at home or at church.  In both places we can hear the talks, but personally, I can concentrate and feel the Spirit so strongly while seated reverently in my church clothes in the sacrament room.  I hope everyone can take notes of the inspirations that come through the Holy Ghost when we listen carefully to the church leaders in the correct setting and atmosphere.

In the evening, Marlen spent 3 hours with Hermana Mora and I!  She's still trying to decide if she wants to serve a mission, and loves being around us.  It's great that she can see exactly what we do throughout the day.  (I now wish I had made visits with the sister missionaries back home!)  But it's definitely something I'll be doing when I return.  :)  We enjoyed a fun and productive time together and even taught two new investigators.  This area is starting to grow on me and I love it more and more each day.  :)

Monday (today) was a blast 'cause we went on the "teleferico", which took us over the city.  It was beautiful and we went with our investigator, Eriberto.  Then we all ate lunch, which was yummy.  Here are the photos of our adventures!

Here is one of the many photos I took in the teleferico today!

I love you all and hope everyone enjoys General Conference this Saturday and Sunday!

~xoxoxo,
Hermana Eliason

[more pictures]

Here are some of the many photos I took in the teleferico today

Me in front of the stage before they finished putting up the rest of the seats

Here we are chilling in a tree :)

Baptismal Program [from Kiley's last area]

Here they are with the Bishop and Hermano Niño who baptized them

"The Hills Are Alive... With The Sound Of The Gospel"

So, during my first Monday here in Zacatecas, it didn't stop raining!  We returned home freezing cold and soaking wet, but had had a great day, nonetheless.  I'm so happy to be working with Hermana Mora again, and it feels like we were together just yesterday.  I love getting to know the area because it is absolutely beautiful.  Every road is rock or cobblestone and the colorful houses on the hillsides are tall and strong.  Although the scenery from the tops of the hills is breath-taking, it's very tiring at times to go up and down the steep streets all day.  Sometimes I feel like I'm mountain climbing, but Hermana Mora says I'll adjust and get used to it soon.

On Tuesday we had our first district meeting.  Our district is so tiny - just the Elders from our ward and us!  Elder Madsen is our district leader and his new companion, Elder Soto, only has 4 months in the mission.  They are pretty cool and we'll be seeing them almost every day because we eat together at the member's houses.  After the district meeting we ate, and continued working in the foggy weather.  I got to know some of the investigators, recent converts, and less actives in the area.  The people here are kind and welcoming - which makes me all the more ready to start serving and teaching them.

I wish I could just walk around with a GoPro and videotape the whole city

Here we are with Eriberto

Wednesday was great because the sun finally decided to come out!  I can't get over how incredible this city is!  I wish I could take a million pictures because it feels like I'm walking through an old movie!  We taught an investigator named Juan Jose who is most likely going to be baptized next week.  He is a great guy that works at the house of a member.  Also, we taught 19 year old Eriberto, who is progressing a lot - he promised us yesterday that he would finally take out his nose ring and he did!  Hopefully he also can be baptized in a couple weeks.  :)  Hermana Mora and I enjoyed a successful day together and bought ourselves an ice cream.  It's so fun to be working with a friend.

Thursday was a bright and sunny day as well.  It was weekly planning and Hermana Mora explained the investigators, converts, and members to me a little more.  I found out that our area is huge!  We even cover a small pueblito (town) 20 minutes outside the city!  We taught several lessons in the evening and encountered a new investigator :)


Friday was fun.  In the morning, we taught the laundry mat man - who was really receptive.  And also talked with Jose Juan about his baptism.  Since he is going to Mexico for the weekend, he isn't sure if he'll make it back in time for church Sunday morning.  We are praying that he'll come on Sunday to complete the required 5 times in church and be baptized next weekend.  The member that was supposed to feed us went on the ward temple trip and left us money to go eat where ever we wanted. The Elders and we decided on pizza and went to Dominos ... yum!  Afterwards, we taught a new investigator named Lili with her mom, Maria, and it went really well.  Then after teaching a recent convert, Hermana Mora and I stopped by the restaurant of a less active member.  It was the first time we had met her (also named Maria) and she told us her story of how she'd come to know the missionaries and get baptized.  Hermana Maria was so kind to us and fed us dinner.  She just moved here from Piedras Negras - which is about 12 hours away - and thanked us for stopping by.  Before heading home, we taught one last lesson, with a recent convert that came with us. I love that the members here go on visits with us to the home of investigators and less-actives.  Having another person present to bear testimony in the lessons really helps!

Here I am with Marlen. She's 19 & loves going with
Hermana Mora and me to visit people

On Saturday I felt like I was back in San Luis with Teodulo and Maria because we taught a man who also makes bread!  He and two of his nefews [nephews] were making the conchas as we taught them about the importance of a prophet.  They listened and participated, and made us take some bread fresh out of their brick oven before leaving.  In the evening we taught a new investigator named Juanita who is about 50 years old and has a sister who is a member.  She was really receptive and familiar with several of our beliefs that distinguish us from other religions.  In the late afternoon, we made more visits to investigators and headed home.  I have to admit, I was absolutely exhausted and while planning, I had to use a lot of white-out because my dosing-off made my handwriting unreadable!  Hermana Mora told me the first week is the hardest, so I'm hoping she's right.  :)

Here we are with the twins, Melonie and Emily

Sunday was my first time at the church with the ward.  We passed by for some investigators in the morning and the church services started at 10am.  Eriberto and another investigator named Alejandro came.  Church attendance was about 55 people in total - which is less than half of what I was used to in San Luis.  But it made it easier for me to meet everyone quickly and remember the majority of their names.  After the church services we ate at a member's house in Morelos (the town I mentioned about 20 minutes away in bus).  The member's name is Hermana Enrique, and she is so fun and sweet.  She has 5 kids - the oldest living in Utah, and the rest living with her (her two youngest daughters are twins: Melonie and Emily)  Then we made several more visits and arrived home right after 9:30pm.  Once again feeling utterly pooped, we planned quickly and went to bed.  It may be from how tired I've been, but this bed is definitely the softest and comfiest bed EVER! :) haha

I just got the best news EVER!!!  Hermana Rivera emailed me and said that Enriqueta and her 3 daughters and their dad all went to church this Sunday and are going to be baptized on Saturday! When I talked to the President this morning about my ecclesiastical endorsement he said I might be able to receive permission and go to their baptism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is truly incredible here! I wish I could show everyone around all my areas and all the places I have been. Time is flying by and I am so grateful to be a missionary and have learned so much! I love every second!  Hope everyone has an excellent week.  Here are some of the many pictures we've taken (and there will be lots more in weeks to come!)  

Love you all!

Hermana Eliason


[Kiley sent a bunch of photos "to give you a glimpse of my area"]

Me cooking asparagus- so healthy right? ;)

IT'S SO AMAZING HERE!!!

Eating with Hermana Mora

Hermana Mora & Hermana Eliason