MISSIONARIES OR MUSICIANS – WEEK 2

 

This week has been incredible! When it came to learning and practicing Spanish, we certainly hit the ground running. At the beginning of the week, mi compañera Hermana Green and I were assigned to teach a lesson to our maestros in each of our classes. We also got to meet 3 different people from Mexico who spoke only Spanish, and Hermana Green and I taught a 15-20 minute lesson to each of them. I was really nervous to do this, but it was actually crazy fun! I was surprised I understood everything they said and we were able to communicate everything we wanted to. I am so beyond excited to be in the mission field where I can teach people in Spanish! I’ve also loved learning how to pray and bear my testimony in my mission language.

I’m thankful Heavenly Father has blessed us with the ability to understand and communicate in different languages so we can share the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ with all of His children. I know that He can turn our weaknesses into strengths, and He will always help us accomplish the plan He has for us. I’m so thankful for His divine help and ability to make weak things strong unto us if we humble ourselves!

Just in the last few days, we’ve memorized Moroni 10:5, The First Vision, Doctrine and Covenants section 4, a few other of my favorite scriptures, and tons of new terms and phrases all in Español! We also memorized the missionary purpose at the beginning of our time in missionary training! Each day has gone by extremely fast because we’re learning so much. Also, time flies when you’re having fun. 

One of the highlights of this week was discovering all the musical talents of the missionaries in my district. About half of the guys can play the ukulele, and they often start playing randomly during class. One time I was in a breakout room with Elder Aldolfo and Elder Flake, and they did a little duet of Somewhere Over the Rainbow for me haha. They always keep me smiling. During one of our breaks between classes, Elder Wonnacott asked if anyone knew how to play Love at Home on the uke, so Aldolfo figured out the chords real quick, and they performed it for us. My companion Hermana Green also has an amazing voice! She sometimes sings during our companion study, and it’s beautiful! She’s so talented and has even written a few of her own songs!! Seeing that so many people in my district are incredible musicians makes me want to start playing piano again. Another fun/strange fact: Elder Flake can play the harmonica. He can even play hymns on it through his nose.  

I found out Elder Adolfo lives in Hawaii, which is where I lived with my mom and step dad Marc for several months this past year! Marc has a house in Makiki- which is in Honolulu, and Elder Aldolfo lives in Laie. It has been fun to talk to him about surfing, similar places we’ve visited, and places we both want to go! I was also talking to Hermana Green and we discovered that her young women’s leader is the daughter of Darrell Smart, who is a family friend of ours!! It’s crazy how small the world is.

Encontré la escritura Romanos 8:28 esta semana, y dice, “Y sabemos que para los que aman a Dios, todas las cosas obrarán juntamente para su bien, para los que conforme a su propósito son llamados.” Me siento honrada de ser llamado a la obra de nuestro Redentor, Jesucristo. Yo sé que Él puede fortalecernos si tenemos fe y esperanza. I came across the scripture Romans 8:28 this week, and it says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I am so humbled to be called to the work of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know He can strengthen us in all things if we have faith and hope.

I’ve continued to recognize answered prayers and miracles every day. I am so thankful for all of you and for all the sweet email responses I’ve gotten this past week. I pray that each one of you can feel the love of your Savior as you look to Him in all things!