Week 17 Letter

Monday, Oct 10, 2016

*megamind voice* Ollo!!!!

How have y'all been? This week FLEW by. For reals. So I will try my best to relate to you my week.  So, first of all, my favorite things to eat here: Saltines with strawberry jam, cereal in strawberry yogurt, and bananas. Yup. I am literally like a 5 year old. I get excited over all of these things. 

Anyways, this week, MIRACLE: Eternal Investigator/Amigo of the bishop, Alan Quiespe Centurion came to church. Wow. He has been an investigator since before I got here and only went to church one other time with some other Elder. But he has been way more serious about the gospel and is on date for the 22nd. So pray for him like crazy. He also is now reading the Book of Mormon every day and is super excited about the church, super excited. His wife is a new member but they are separated and live in difference wards. They are working to try to fix things. They have a 2 year old son. Last week, we felt really strongly that Alan needed an interview with the bishop. And before we pitched the idea, Alan asked us for an interview. It was so good because in the lesson, sometimes he has shame because the bishop comes with us and they are friends and he doesn’t want to open up a whole bunch. But he had an interview and things are so much better and he is more and more excited and the bishop has more faith and confidence in us so that is super good. But Alan, yes, a lot of progress with him as we have taught so much about the atonement, eternal families, and about the spirit. 

We are also working with a new family, Mireai and Yerson. They have super real intentions and really want a real answer. But they aren't married like everybody else so we are working on that. All of our other people are great, but progression is hard, so we are re-evaluating some things so that we can make use of the Lords time better. 

I have studied a lot about agency this week, because with one of our investigators, agency has been brought up a bunch and not gonna lie, sometimes I wish she didn't have agency. But that is a horrible thought and I am working on patience. Anyways, Today I read a talk by Elder Christofferson from Oct 2014 "Free Forever to Act for Themselves." So good. He started off by talking about King Henry V from a story by William Shakespeare. Henry said "Every subject's duty is the king's; but every subject’s soul is his own." While Shakespeare didn't resolve this phrase, Elder Christofferson talked more about it. He said "It is God's will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually...We can choose to become the kind of person that we will, and with God's help, that can be even as He is." Pretty deep, no? He talked a lot about how God is a God of justice. I think that as humans, we really like the idea of justice (I am not talking politically because I am a missionary right now). We want God to be just, and for bad people to receive their consequences. But then, when it comes down to us and our personal lives and sins, we want mercy. We blame other people, we rationalize, we want exceptions, and we want mercy. But God has to be a God of Justice, or else there would cease to be a God. We cannot change reality. We can think and believe what we want to believe, but like there is still gravity, there are laws and principles of truth. So while we want justice for others, and mercy for us, what is to be done? Well, God doesn't walk crooked paths. When does mercy step in? Elder Christofferson said "Christ died not to save indiscriminately, but to offer repentance." Boom. just like that there can be both justice and mercy. Repentance. Repentance is a self-willed change, in other words a choice of agency. We can receive the blessings of the atonement when we fully repent with a sincere heart, which till entails the consequences. We are saved by grace after ALL that we can do. But we don't have to reach a certain point or minimum capacity before God will step in. Divine help is ALWAYS available, every hour of every day. So long story short, repent and choose mercy. 

Try explaining that in Spanish in Comp Study...haha. 

Anyways, I LOVE YOU ALL! 

THINK OF ME WHEN you drink cold milk. Or milk other than evaporated milk...

p.s. this is my uper epic filtered water bottle that turns my nasty brown or green water to nasty clear water. 

I sent this pic to Ali, so she sent the next one.

Week 16 Letter

Monday, October 3, 2016

Hey! Well, I kicked October in the head! But if we are being honest, more like I kicked it in the knees, or even the ankles. With all the rice I’m eating  I don’t think I can kick very high anymore...But that is okay. So this weekend was transfers...and wait for iiiiiiiiiiiiit......Hermana Soto and I are staying in Esperanza!!!! We are so happy. I guess President Marble likes the idea of splitting up companionships after their 12 week training...but miracles are happening here and we are turning things around in this area and so we are so excited  to stay together here. Ya, I'm done with training, so that’s cool. More proselyting time! But if we are being honest, we still got the same amount of time because we would go out to teach then come back and do studies...but never came back for studies....haha.

Our president really likes the idea of having family home evenings and mission nights in our ward, so this week we had a ton of lessons of hermanamiento which was awesome. I don’t remember the English word for hermanamiento...it’s like when the members of the ward become friends with the investigator or menos actico...friendshipper? Ya, no recuerdo. But ya, it is so great when we have members love the people we bring to church. We have 2 investigators that are getting ready for baptism, but have a lot to work on, so we are working a lot with them, and so is our bishop. He is awesome. We have a couple families we are working with too. but it is so hard to get any real progression because no one is married nor have the money to get married. soooooooooo ya. but like i said before, we are really trying to turn this area around. We had a great meeting with our stake president who is super ambitious in missionary work. He and our mission president aren’t super big in finding and teaching less actives, which is a little sad. But we are working on developing a new plan with all of our new rules and teaching suggestions and guidelines from our leaders. 

Conference was so good, no?  I absolutely loved it.  I really enjoyed Elder Christofferson's talk. Pretty dang straight and to the point. God loves us, and always will, but doesn't and never will tolerate sin. And as Elder Renlund said, we should "choose repentance." Always. cada dia. Also, I really appreciated Elder Bednar's talk. It has been a new experience learning to receive revelation in Spanish, and learning to "know" Jesus Christ as a missionary. Way different than I thought it would be. But I have had so many experiences that I am so grateful for. 

I really have nothing else to say. I could write out all my notes, or share an experience from all of our lessons, or give you a highlight from every day, but, I don’t really want to...so ya. I still love you all though! I should clarify, I don’t want to because i forgot my journal and i don’t really remember anything except conference. haha. 

THINK OF ME EVERY TIME YOU don’t see all the dead dogs on the streets, and then smell all the dead dogs on the streets...and then all the burning dead dogs....haha 

Love, Hermana Lee

Week 15 Letter

Monday, September 26, 2016

Miracles in the hope!  (My area is Esperanza/hope) So let me just share with you the fun miracles that happened this week:

MONDAY: We went to the beach for Pday!!!! The salty ocean is seriously one of my favorite things ever. So pretty! And we went to a store close to the beach and found regular white bread!!!!!!!! 

TUESDAY: It rained! Lightly for about 13 seconds, but nonetheless, rain!!!! Which NEVER happens. And who knew, rain smells bad here too. 

WEDNESDAY: My comp specifically prayed for safety from bad people and then...I am safe...hahaha. So many stories, but for another time. Also, we had time to study language...first time for a very long time. haha.  

THURSDAY: We had family home evening but our Plan A lesson wasn’t going to work, so we ran down the street to a bodega (little shop that is seriously every other house), bought water and saltines and did dad's living water object lesson. We didn't have salty potato chips so we used saltines and made people eat them super fast so they needed water. haha. It was a hit. 

FRIDAY: After so much stupid David Archuleta, My comp put in a new USB and Josh Turner came on with a song called Me and God. Thank you Josh Turner! Also, Amazing Grace is about grace!!! Not about nature...I didn't know that. Whenever I heard that song before, I thought of the scene of in Maverick, where they sing Amazing Grace up in nature....hahahahaha. 

SATURDAY: Women’s conference in...wait for iiiiiit! English! So instead of understanding 80-85% I understood about 98%!!! I am not sure I ever really understood English 100% and now my English is toast....Also, I am pretty sure President Uchtdorf has an accent...right? But I didn't hear it...Sad!

SUNDAY: Alejandor was baptized, confirmed and ordained a Priest!!!!!! This is such a huge miracle. We have worked so hard with him. He had so many doubts and didnt ever feel the spirit, but with faith, patience, hard work on all of our parts, he now has such a strong testimony and wants to serve a mission!!!!! He beams with joy and excitement. 

We have worked so hard to spend as much time as we can teaching, and it is wonderful. Maybe I don’t get Spanish study time, but I get to practice so much when teaching...and living life because no one here speaks English. haha. But being a missionary is so great. Teaching with the Spirit is so great, but you really have to learn to listen to the Spirit!!! Patience has always been hard for me, y'all know that, but I have learned to work on that a lot. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! 

So, think of me every time a car is in reverse and a stupid ringtone type of song doesn’t play....that will be the death of me I swear. Every car plays the same song. Not like a beeping that trucks have, this stupid song of ringtones. 

Also, spiritual thought  -

When things are hard, I always go to the scriptures, no? Well, I LOVE this little pep talk found in 2 Nephi 1:20-23ish

"be MEN, and be DETERMINED in one MIND and in one HEART, UNITED in ALL things, that ye may not come down into CAPTIVITY." 

I always think of dad when he tells us: "Man up." yup. We could all use a little more determination, unity, brains, heart and some more manning up. 

 This is Ali sticking out her stomach and saying she is thinking of Shauna.  Haha.  But look at how light her hair is getting.

Week 14 Letter

Monday, September 19, 2016

Wow! Another Week has flown by and I have nothing to tell y'all!   No okay. So, we have a baptism Sunday and I am praying so hard that it happens because Alejandro is so ready but there is always opposition, no? But we have had a lot of great lessons with him and his friend Oscor. We also have another new investigator Viviana who is progressing like crazy, the other day we fasted with her. She is divorced and has a daughter who has 3 years . And it’s a sticky situation with her ex but she just left it all so that she could change her life. She is so awesome. Ahhhh the work is awesome. Lots of lessons this week. 

I had to fly back to Lima for immigrations so that was fun. No actually it was fun. I flew back with 2 Hermana Clark who was a training sister with me in the CCM and it was so good to see her. It was such a great day to just look at the progress that we have made. Also, it was so nice to be able to just say whatever I wanted. Even if I didn’t know the word in Spanish. I shouldn’t say that. Hermana Soto and I had super fun conversations and talk a lot. But, I felt more like Ali for a day. A good little reminder that I can be Ali and Hermana Lee at the same time. But yeah. I bought some American candy in the Lima airport to bring back to my comp who has never had a Twix or skittles or M&Ms.  She loves me, and hey, I like being loved. ;) I taught her the Skittles game and she was done after about 5 skittles. I think that the ability to eat a ton of skittles, sugar or sweets without a sugar crash is a gift. A gift I am so fortunate to have.  But candy was nice because it has been a really long time. haha. Also, funny story, Hermana Soto was raving and raving ab out this cake that is here during Christmas time, and little shops are starting to get them now. So she found one and bought it. I was so exciting right, it was fruitcake. FRUITCAKE. And she doesn't even eat the little fruit pieces, she picks them out. hahaha. 

Thanks for all your letters! I love you all! 

Pics: Skittles, motor taxis which are the main form of transportation and my best friend Gordis. He is so gross. He has a lame tongue that hangs out. But he follows us everywhere. His owners are a less active familia that we are working with.

THINK OF ME WHEN YOU EAT SOUR CREAM. I for sure miss that. 

Hermana Lee

Mom,

I was sick. But not like throw up or cold or fever.  A ton of pain in my stomach for almost 3 weeks and this week I finally told my pensionista and comp because I really couldn’t eat one day. So she gave me some natural drinks and after a couple of days of not eating very much I feel fine today. But I guess a lot of missionaries have problems with their appendices. One missionary just had his taken out the other day. So, I hope one day that isn’t me. hahahaha. But I am fine. There are no sick days on the mission. haha.

I miss Krispy Kreme. I went to Lima this week for immigrations and in the Lima airport there is American candy, so I splurged. I really needed America. haha.  A day. Lots of sitting. But I got to go with a couple other missionaries. 2 from my group in the MTC and it was SOOOOOO GOOOD to see them again.  

Um, I’m fat, haha. No all is well. We had an awesome training with our president last week. He is so great. A lot of missionaries don’t like him because he is way different than the old one. He is more into the handbook and expects more and has higher goals and standards and changed a lot of things so that we have more proselyting time. But I really think that he is inspired of God and will turn this mission around! He isn’t like the super loving grandpa that the other president was like. And he isn’t into a bunch of reunions with missionaries and other stuff. But I really think that he is what this mission needs. He served here in my area and zone as a missionary, so he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES my area and is so happy that me and Hermana Soto are the first sisters in this rough area. And he is super happy with our work, even when we feel discouraged sometimes.   I also ate a hamburger and Hermana Marble made brownies so that made my life. 

Love ya!

Week 13 Letter

Monday, September 12, 2016

Hey! So first of all, last week we went to the mall which is the most American thing here. And I found tortillas and I bought them and I ate them and I loved them. There is also Dunkin Donuts so we had donuts, Hermana Soto for the first time ever! She for sure approves. Also, I did probably the most girlish thing ever in my life. And it wasn't even super girly...but...I dyed my companions hair...died...no dyed...painted...massaged her hair with my fingers...no that sounds terrible. Painted. I painted her hair. This concept is so foreign to me I don't even know how to spell it. haha. But ya. Real companionship goals b because she must have had a whole lot of faith in me. 

Ok, so, Alejandro is on date for baptism on the 24th. He has such a strong testimony and has really come a long way. So we are praying like crazy for him. And we are teaching his friend who is also really awesome. I love teaching them because the spirit is always so strong and they grasp on to everything that we teach. Our ward has been really involved with helping them, so that is awesome. We also are teaching a family. Well, the mom and her 2 teenagers. They too are so great. This week we found a lot of new investigators and so we are working hard with them. This week we have so much we have to do! But it is always better when we are working harder and when we have more to do. 

Ok, so this week, I finally ate something that I just really did not like. They eat all parts of all animals, and I don't have a problem with that. If I don't know what it is, the better, right? But this week, my pensinista fed us tripe. It is the exact shape and texture of a human tongue. With the little tongue hairs too. In my previous life, I have seen a lot of tongues, and I swear I was eating tons of human tongues. I couldn't help but think of Hannibal Lecter and Silence of the Lambs. I know, dark, but honestly that is what I thought of. I ate all bazillion pieces and was thanked Hermana Margarita a ton, and then also thanked Heavenly Father that I am still alive. hahahaha. 

Other than that not a whole lot of exciting stuff happened. I shouldn’t say that, life is always exciting in Peru. But we walked and talked and taught a lot. What else do y'all want to hear? Oh, I have to wear pants now. Well, I don't know when exactly, but we had a training about it. Also, right now, in the internet cafe there is "Forever Young" playing and other English songs...I don't like this song, but I w won’t lie, I appreciate the other 80's songs that played like "Tainted Love" and “Take me on" Or "Take on me".....Oh what a great time the 80's were. ;) 

Also, there was a 6.6 earthquake, so not super big, but I felt it in the middle of the night. My bed is super sketchy and some of the boards fell from the bottom. So that was fun to try to reassemble my bed in the dark without contacts or glasses. Ha-ha. 

Think of me every time you walk on a sidewalk a safe distance away from all the taxis or buses. Also, I such a better pedestrian than the Latinos...it helps that I drove before, so I can better judge stuff and I watch more carefully. Ha-ha.  

Love, Hermana Lee

Week 12 Letter

Monday, September 5, 2016

So, this week was kind of weird. We taught soooo many lessons but they were all our Plan B's... almost all of our appointments fell through which was weird, but I have a testimony in planning! haha. No, it was good. 

This week we had intercambios with other Hermanas. So I had a different comp for a day. Hermana Messina de Las Vegas. She has 14 months on the mission and is awesome. But like to speak in English a lot, which was a nice break from all Spanish. But, I learned that I can no longer read out loud in English. I can't pronounce the words and it hurts my mouth! We did comp study in English and reading out loud in English was so weird! So, I guess that is a good sign, right? Ya. Good stuff. It was also fun to show her my area. I think she was kind of shell shocked as we were walking through all the dirt and sand. She has only served in the city. It was fun though.

This week while fasting we found a new family to teach. A dad and his 3 sons. The wife passed away just over a year ago. They are so great. We found them yesterday and taught a quick lesson and have a return appointment, but I just felt so much excitement and love for them. Answer to prayers. Our Presidente has put an emphasis on finding families, and young men to teach. 

The other day, I read a talk by Elder Bednar about bearing up Burdens and having them be made light. I can’t remember the title or how it translates in English. But it was so great. When we choose to yoke ourselves to the Savior, we will find rest. That doesn't mean that our burdens will disappear though, but we will have strength to carry them. Alma 37:34 talks about how when we are weary in good works, we shall find rest. So...Pretty sure that means we should work if we want rest. Funny how when we work harder in the work of the Lord, or really any work, we are happier, and things become easier. But this week I have learned to rely more on Jesus Christ, because it is only through Him that I can find peace, joy and even rest.  

This week is ward conference, so they have a bunch of activities in the ward every night. So we will be busy running those. And lots of work inviting more and more people! We are also working so much with one of our investigators who is on date for the 17th, Alejandro. We have met with him for a long time, and he has been ready for a long time, but his parents are super anti. But miracles, we were able to find his mom and we talked to her a little bit. And to the dad a different day. His dad isn't super against the church anymore, so that is good! Answer to lots of prayers and fasting. 

It has been such a pleasure learning how I can serve the Lord each day. Know that I am doing great, learning lots and pushing through. Because life's hard in the west (and south) but I can do hard things. For reals. ;) 

So I am not supposed to eat anything except at my pentinistas house, right? ya, well, we can buy fruit and things from little markets, but a lot of things that we really NEVER can have, like strawberries, ceviche, grapes, actual food prepared by others (pastries are okay I think), and NO HAM...Well...

Think of me when every time you eat ham and then don't have crazy headaches after and wonder if you have worms in your brain....No, jokes, I don't have worms. And the ham was on pizza so it should be fine, right? Because pizza is always perfect and super good for you. And honestly, it was probably chicken disguised as ham. I'm good, for reals. hahaha. 

p.s. okay the picture. Ya, this is what happens when you live in a country where there is no Crest and you only brought enough to last about 243 days. Yes, I calculated it out in my head. But really, you waste so much toothpaste because you think it is gone, and it isn't! Currently, the lid is sitting on my desk in a Ziplocs bag. I have about 4 more uses of it. ;)   Love, Hermana Lee

Week 11 Letter

Monday, August 29, 2016

So not a whole lot of time, but how is everything? I had to spend a lot of email time on mission stuff. 

This week was a really big learning curve for me. I studied a lot of humility. As much as I would like to know Spanish right now, that is not going to happen. Part of humility is willing to struggle. That sounds awful, but it is true. I need to rely more on the Lord for help in not only Spanish, but in all things. So, every morning, the first thing that I do is smile, and then pray with more intent, trying every day to become a better missionary. D&C 11 has been a great help. 

This week we rescued another less active! Hermana Eiko. She and her husband were married in the temple 8 years ago; he’s a returned missionary, and they have a 3 year old boy who is so stinking cute. But her husband studies in the University and works every day, and so they stopped going to church. We have worked with her and they both come to church now and she is preparing to go back to the temple. She is so awesome. I love teaching her. She has such a strong testimony and is a huge example to her family. 

This week for Pday I made cookies! It is so different baking here where supplies are little and the kitchen is WAY different. Mom, you should never complain about having a small kitchen again. Hahaha. But ya, pretty fun. 

Y'all should google image Peruvian dogs.....just do it. 

I LOVE YOU ALL! 

PS - Think of me every time you eat any form of pig...because I can't eat it. Nope. Nada. Hahaha. 

How fun to be at the lake!  Not gonna lie, I miss the lake, but that’s ok. How was Torey? And butterscotch is the prettiest dog I have ever seen for a while. The dogs here are so nasty, mixtures of every kind. Google image Peruvian dogs, right now. They are the ones without hair...they are so nasty. Especially when dead on the side of the road. 

I just saw a dead guy on the street with his shirt ripped open...but I am great! Ya, I didn’t get close to see if there was blood...Hahaha. But ya…