28 September and 3 October Baptisms!

September 28, 2010

Rocio Salazar & Hermana Green

Baptized into Oceanside 5th Ward

October 3, 2010 - Desteny Lule

Hermana Green and Hermana Merrill

October 3, 2010 - Desteny Lule's Baptism

Mom - Mariela Aguilar

Dad - Javier Lule

Las Posas Ward in San Marcos, CA

Hermanas Green & Merrill

12 October 2010 - Comin' at you from Escondido!

Hola Familia,

I'm in the Escondido library today instead of San Marcos. Yeah for changes (not really, but there is nothing I can do about it so I'm working to just smile). The internet wasn't working at the other library so we came here and got another library card - I now have 4 from serving my mission. Pretty funny.

All is well here. Hermana Merrill and I are working with lots of investigators. And we had quite a bit of member help in this past week which was pretty great. And we had a lot of people at sacrament meeting. Hurray! Desteny was confirmed. She is cute and a great example. Her parents should be able to work everything out soon so they too can be baptized. They received some green lights about more green lights in the near future. Double hurray.

Other investigators that we love aren't doing as well. We keep on loving them and praying for them. And we have some interesting situations in which we really have to follow the Spirit to plan for and teach these people according to their needs and abilities. Sometimes it gives me a little headache. But it really is great because Heavenly Father knows them and can teach and guide us in our efforts to help them find the only path back to him. Kevin is pretty well and saw a baptism this past weekend so he is less scared about his own. :) Interesting that a bishop has the members perform the baptisms. I understand how that would help so much with bonding. But it is pretty great for the missionaries to do it.

I am working to keep smiling. I re-set that goal earlier today when we were reading a talk by Elder Callister about being a consecrated missionary - one who gives his all and holds nothing back. I know that is what Heavenly Father wants and expects. And it is what I'm working to do. I am so far from perfect at it! But I love that through prayer we can talk with our loving father who knows us individually. We had a neat testimony-sharing time in district meeting where we talked of why we came on a mission and why we are here now. It was neat to hear stories of the elders and how the Lord guided them to this point. I re-realized that I'm here for the same reasons as why I came: to help others experience the changes the gospel brings. I love that we can continually learn and improve! I am frequently making mistakes but don't have to get too down about it because I can correct and change as soon as I realize my error.

We shared the story of the Savior blessing the Nephite children (see 3 Nephi 17) last night in an FHE. It was neat to see how He took and blessed them ONE by ONE. I think one of my favorite parts in the First Vision is the phrase "calling me by name" because it shows that Heavenly Father really does know who we are.

Did I mention that Hna Merrill loves to sing? Because she does. And so we sing. And she is my free jukebox at times. I get to make selections and she goes off singing. te he. It is incredible the power of music in inviting the Spirit, calming us, drawing people to the area, and re-focusing our minds and hearts. I'm loving it. She sang in our district meeting yesterday and it set the tone well.

I'm glad to hear that you are all well and keeping busy. What kind of a part time job is it, JJ? Go, Chez, go! Are you a co-captain or something? I remember hearing whisperings of that once upon a time. And I received your letter. When did you grow up? It's awesome, but a touch strange. Shantaye - are you still taking good care of Mom? She said you helped again with decorations for Halloween. Nice one. We have already seen some fun decorations. This holiday seemed to come so fast. Just last year I was celebrating it in the MTC with my district. Has it really been a year since I left you all, or more correctly you left me at the MTC?! Wow. Good luck with the trade show, Mom and Dad! I'm sure it'll be great busy fun. And it does sound like a neat thing to be a part of. What did you think, Chez and Shantaye?

The scipture that struck me earlier this week is in John 13:14. The Savior washes the feet of His disciples - not a very pleasant task and especially back then with the sandals and dusty roads they were always walking. And then He taught "so ye also ought to wash one another's feet." It struck me to think of how we need to love people SO much that we will serve them in any way - even the tasks that seem unpleasant. And so I invite you to re-dedicate yourselves with me to serving and loving all those around you. Everybody! And like Dad says give 'em a smile so they wonder why you're smiling. Hna Merrill has that goal because she wants to give everyone a little gift of a smile. (She is well and appreciates your greetings.)

Loves and hugs,

Hermana Green

Trainer * Trainee

5 October 2010 - Baptisms!

Hola Familia

Les amo mucho. Yes, this was a pretty great week with baptisms. Rocio's on Tuesday night. With lots of stress beforehand because Hna Lara and her family ended up not being able to take us and then we had to scramble to find a member. We found one willing but it took nearly 40 minutes for her to pick us up. We left about the time it was supposed to start. But in Spanish wards nearly everything starts late and so we arrived when they were still singing the opening hymn. Hurray! The family was really happy to see me there because they thought I wouldn't make it. I was super happy to be there to support Rocio and them. She mentioned me when sharing her testimony and explained something I had been confused about - when I left the area she was full of anger toward the missionaries. She said she thinks it might have been because she couldn't be as happy as we were. Jealousy. Interesting. I sometimes take for granted just how happy we are as members of the Lord's true church. But it is all well! She excited the room where the service was held and said "it's all your fault." I'm not sure just what she meant, but all is well because she is a member now!! Hurray. And she seems very happy.

I actually got to see her and Mari again on Sunday evening at Desteny's baptism because they brought the sisters (one of whom taught Desteny and her family for a few months before we came here.) So that was fun.

YEAH! Desteny was baptized and it was a great service where the Spirit was felt. She gave a short testimony which was so cute. She had told us before she was nervous but would do it. Yes, I most definitely have pictures. They might not be printed today as I need a haircut. But you'll get them. I loved that one speaker brought a sunflower and talked about how Desteny should us it to remember this special day. And the speaker invited Desteny's mum to buy her a sunflower to remind her when she wasn't making the best decisions. Pretty neat. And a member that bore her testimony said instead of doubting something we should try it out.

Well, I am doing pretty well. Hna Merrill says hi to the family. She is always happy to receive your greetings :) The cookies turned out okay (small and round) and our investigators enjoyed them. We have had more members helping us with lessons which is super great. And we have lots of investigators we are working with. The church tour did not happen, sadly. And we haven't not seen Jose or Blanca for some time. Hermana Mercado attended one session of conference and saw the baptism of Desteny - she is progressing and changing lots. It is so wonderful to see! This week she told us she has more "ganas" to read in the Book of Mormon. Awesome!

Good to hear the homefront is being improved but not going anywhere. Way to go Dad on helping Mom be happy. We shall see if she'll want a new color on the front door in a few years....but what color next? Thanks for all the updates on the family. Exciting about Kevin Meadows. It's hard to believe I am so close to the end of the mission. Yikes. I have SO much left to learn! I am so grateful for all your love and support and was hoping you could send your testimonies next week and thoughts from conference to help boost me up and help me be a better missionary. I love you lots!

Conference was great and members brought lunch for us both days. I thought of the family eating haystacks and it made me happy. :) We had a rainy day yesterday - makes for more fun adventures! I'm grateful for a rain coat.

D&C 84:88 Lord is all around us; the Spirit is in our hearts; and his angels bear us up. How wonderful is that?! And also, everyone deserves an opportunity to hear and learn.

Love you, love you!

Hermana Green

28 September 2010 - Conference Weekend - wahoo!

Familia!!

Where has my home gone? Te he. It seems the homefront is changing so much - I might not recognize it when I get back :) That's great that you are improving it and keeping Dad busy. Still unsure about the purple front door. I guess I'll have to see it in person before I make a judgment. Thank you, thank you for the pictures.

Leadership training was pretty great. Ended up being only 3 days because all the churches were booked for RS activities before the broadcast. It was awesome! We got up way early and went with 1/3 of the missionaries in the missionary to learn about and practice teaching by the Spirit. We did learn some great things we know need to apply. I know it will help our teaching tons and more importantly, help the investigators better come unto Christ. One fun activity was when we went around to 14 different stations and practiced just talking to people naturally in whatever situation and then inviting them to learn about the gospel. We're working to de-robotize! Hna Merrill and I started applying it right away and it was neat how people do open up more as we ask questions and learn a little about them before explaining who we are and what we do. One of my favorites was when Hna Merrill complimented a lady's eyeshadow. And I think she was more open because of it. Funny, huh? But whatever works to help them learn the truth.

There has been a crazy heat wave here or somethin'. SO hot the past few days! We keep going and semi-complain about it. And drink lots of water.

The RS general mtg was Awesome. None of our investigators made it, but we did! And we had delicious sandwiches at Panera Bread before (then there was a dinner provided afterward - go figure) Actually, I forgot. Hna Dolores Lara came with her friend from the English ward. And we talked afterward and the prophet's talk really struck her because she came to the meeting with questions and concerns about judging others. As one elder said in movies they showed us at trainings: "I'll put my money on the prophet." (These movies are about a district of 8 missionaries in San Diego showing their great teaching after they had trainings. And some moments of not-so-great teachings. And the trainings we are receiving are all the things that worked for them! It was great to watch and learn from their mistakes and good things.)

Oh and here's exciting news: Hna Lara is going to drive us to Rocio's baptism tonight. Woo hoo! Rocio who lives with Mari Arango and her family in Oceanside. I was told at the last day of leadership meetings that I was invited to attend her baptism. I'm pretty excited. It will be great to support them. And Hna Lara and her family (hopefully they come with) can see a baptism!

Desteny is pretty excited for her baptism Sunday night. And we are too. What a great way to complete conference weekend. Which should be super awesome - we're very excited and working to help others be excited too.

Kevin was at church with his family this week which was great. He really likes doing the dot-to-dot pictures that Hna Merrill makes for him - when he reads a verse he can draw a line. :) And Fam Sangerman hasn't been contacted since last Sun :( And they did not attend this Sunday - not sure what is going on. But we love them and will work to keep building a relationship of trust. One plan we have is to make cookies for some of our investigators :) We've been wanting to do it for a while but haven't been able to. It should work today as we borrowed a cookie sheet from our neighbor and will buy the last ingredients. I'm so excited for oatmeal cookies!!

Oh yeah - the hermano Jose that said he had been waiting for us to come and teach him is doing well. We didn't see them for a time, but had a good lesson a few days ago. And we're going to give them a church tour this weekend which should be neat. The Hermana really wanted to attend church this past Sun but they didn't get back from Mexico in time. They said definitely this week. Hurray.

I just started talking to an elder about Hna Lara and now I've lost my train of thought. Hm.. well, we are going to have another district activity today which should be fun. AND thanks for the updates on the family. I would love to be there for the Hawaiian haystacks. I haven't had those in quite a few years on Conf weekend. Yum! Enjoy the time with the fam. I was happy to think of the females watching the exact same thing on Sat night. The picture of the Cheney family was great. The boys are SO big. How and when did that happen? Awesome that Chez had fun at a dance - since when can you date?! Man, time is slipping by. Or more accurately, running by. But all is well. I was happy to see your date's modest dress. And you look tall and skinny. :) Hey JJ - what's up? Haven't heard from you since life got busy...

I love you all very much. Scripture for today: D&C 21:5 We should receive the words of the prophet as if from the Lord's own mouth. Conference will be awesome!! Love you. Keep up the great work as disciples and representatives of Christ. LOVE is the key - love is the key.

Love,

Hermana Green

21 September 2010 - A purple front door?

Familia,

That is the thought running through my mind right now. I too hope it turns out okay!

The San Diego Temple was fabulous! It had been too long. I can see the importance of attending at least every month. Good to hear the ward (and Mum) is headed there this week. The scaffolding was down so we have a pretty picture of us. Oh and Dad that is the 2nd time I've been there on my mission. I actually saw a member from the Oceanside ward there. It took a while to sort through memory files and place her. But I knew I knew her and she recognized me.

The week was slower than we would've liked but has picked up again. Sunday was pretty great and yesterday too with lots of lessons and member help. It helps so much to talk with the members and clarify what was said. And I used one member to help me know if I was understanding the investigator during the lesson - if she was nodding positively then I knew things were good. Te he. Little things I didn't really know the members were good for.

Well, the two Marias aren't doing much. One is undergoing cancer treatments and the other works so much. But we continue forth striving to help them learn and understand. The man who was waiting for us - Hno Jose Vidaca - is well. Stopped by yesterday and read with his wife who can't read well. We'll teach them again Thurs night.

Desteny is still very excited for her baptism. She attended the service this past Saturday and seemed to have a good experience. And yes, Kevin will probably be baptized in Oct, not Aug. And maybe not that. He wasn't at church again :( His mom has lots of stress right now and is getting bad headaches because of it.

I don't know how many missionaries are serving in the stake - didn't count. Maybe 5 sets of elders, English sisters, and us Spanish sisters ? Our ward is still being very supportive and it is great. So good to hear the home ward is working to friendship and help others. Yeah for food in bringing people together. Te he.

Little miracle this week - Familia Sangerman was at church! We hadn't had contact with them all week then we stopped by Sat night. And found out crucial info - they were lost for an hour last Sun searching for the church. Then found their old church, talked to the pastor, and started thinking about returning there. Phew. We testified simply and luckily caught them from falling - they agreed to try again the next day. They still got lost, but they were there! We think they had a good experience.

I'm so excited for the RS General Meeting! I'm pretty sure we can go - we probably need to get an investigator or two there. Not sure. I'm pretty sure we have one in mind that we can count on :) And conference soon. Hurray! My last one as a full-time missionary :( Not hurray.

OH! More exciting news. I received a letter from Evangeline in Taiwan. It was at the appointment with her and the sister missionaries that I decided to be a missionary. She was baptized in March! Her last letter made me think she had been baptized, but I didn't know. In some ways it feels like I can write that down as one of my convert baptisms. I'm excited to know she is well and a part of the church. Last I heard her mom was pretty against it and she couldn't really meet with the missionaries. She also told me she will serve a short-time mission in Taiwan. So exciting!

Scripture of the week: Romans 8:28 All things work together for good to them that love God.

It's so true! As we love God and obey him (see Isaac's e-mail about highest level of obedience) he blesses us and all things do work out well. But we have the opportunity to exercise faith and hope and develop patience as we wait for the Lord's timing.

The exciting thing to look forward to in this week is 4 days of leadership meetings. Wed-Sat 8:30 to 3:30 Yikes! So much time in trainings so we'll have to work hard in the afternoon/evenings to get the work done, help the people, and meet the standards.

I am happy and well. I love you all and thanks again for your support, prayers, and love.

Love.

Hermana Green

14 September 2010 - Oh where oh where has the time gone?

Hola family,

More and more I realize that time is moving quickly forward. When did I become an "older" missionary?! I don't know about this....

We went to Stake President Haynie's (big) home this morning for breakfast with all the missionaries that are serving in the stake. It was great and delicious food. He challenged us to really treasure our time as missionaries because we don't have to allot time for anything else -- and that never happens again in life. Later, we'll always have families and callings, etc. etc.

It was a pretty good week as we had Zone Conference - I love seeing the Cooks and receiving hugs :) We took pictures and I'll have to get a copy from the elders. We talked about many small and simple things which was helplful. And we talked a lot about Joseph Smith and the Restoration. I love how we are working on sharing the First Vision sacredly and reverently. I have a hard time just hearing someone read it now. I want to stop them and say "No, I'll say it at 15 mph" It is just so much stronger because you can visualize it and the Spirit can testify throughout.

We found two amazing Marias in this week. They are both excited to learn and were excited to receive copies of the Book of Mormon and hear that the Savior visited the people here in the Americas. Both have challenges to overcome - who doesn't?! But I love how I just know that the gospel can heal all problems. Sometimes I think "I don't know. How can I help them?" And then I remember - by teaching them the gospel. And if they will live it, all will be well. It's the truth and I wish more people could see it. And if they would just TRY it. That is what counts. Test the Lord and see how He blesses us.

Destiny (age 9) is doing well. We are planning her baptism for the 3rd of October right after General Conference (wahoo!! My last one as a full-time missionary :( ) She is really excited and has set an ambitious reading goal. She likes to talk and reminds me of Shantaye at times :) Oh yeah. My district leader Elder Kendell reminds me of JJ. I had forgotten to mention it. He is soft-spoken but a great missionary. And so I have hope that JJ was a great missionary as well.

Hey wow. He just sat down right next to me and now we have four missionaries in a row. That is pretty exciting. Just need one more on the end and it would be straight missionaries. Woo hoo! Missionary work is fabulous. Hey - here is a thought for you. The stake here is really pushing for members to develop relationships with nonmembers by having nonmembers in their home at least once every month. I think you should try that out. Even if it is just for a dinner. They realize that helping the people be here and feel the Spirit does lots for them wanting to learn more.

Our investigators are doing well. Kevin is pretty great too. He didn't come to church, but should be ready for baptism in the middle or end of August. I loved his response on Sun night after we explained keeping the sabbath holy: "Uh oh Joseph (his brother). We did something bad." Then he says how they went to a baseball game that day (and not church). I love children! His mom's response: "Children always tell the truth, hermanas." yes they do and it is fabulous!

Hermana Merrill had a good birthday. The members had a cheesecake with strawberries on top. It was delicious. And she has been able to try more 'classic' Mexican dishes which is just as fun for me. She didn't want much focus on her so all is well. I gave her the marroon scarf that I had. I can switch it out when the other arrives.

Well, I can't think of much else to share with you. This is the truth and we can all know it. And it is the happiest thing there is! Everyone everywhere can apply the gospel to whatever they know or do best and it makes sense - because it is truth. We talked of that a little with the English sisters at the breakfast this morning.

Scripture of the day: 2 Cor 9:7 God loveth a cheerful giver.

I'm trying to do an even better job of cheerfully giving - everything and always. It isn't always the super easiest thing. But Heavenly Father loves us and gives us so much!

I love you all. Keep up the great work as member missionaries and disciples of Jesus Christ. He lives and will help us in our righteous efforts.

Love,

Hermana Green

7 September 2010 - Blessings poured out

Hola Familia!

La amo mucho. Muchisimas gracias para las cartas y emails y paquetes y todo. Ustedes son increibles. !Les amo!

Ok. Things are WELL here in San Marco/Escondido. We are slowly figuring things out. The members are getting to know us and our dinner calendar is full :) And we have lots of investigators!!! Woo hoo. It makes my heart happy. We are teaching a fair amount of family groups too which is FABULOUS. I love the simple faith of the children and their great examples to their parents. I'm pretty sure we will be able to help quite a few people be baptized in the next few weeks. Of course, it is all up to them. But many have so much promise! I'm getting excited for us to have to work hard to make sure all goes through.

Hna Merrill and I are doing great as well. We are getting better each day at teaching together. And she has been patient with me - I think I might push people relatively hard...like someone else I know :) Yes, the apartment and car are cleaner. Good thing because tomorrow is zone conference! And then the temple in two weeks. YES!!! And then a four-day leadership training with all the trainers, district leaders, and zone leaders. It's part of the new missionary program focused on 'teaching by the Spirit'. Should be wonderful and intense.

What else, what else. We actually were able to enjoy a family BBQ yesterday as well :) One of the RS counselors invited us over and we should up and a party was in progress. sweet. I felt a little out of place as a missionary in a family gathering :) But it makes me happy to know our family was having one as well. And thanks to everyone for remembering me and praying for me! That is part of how I can decide to be happy and help others embrace this wonderful gospel. And it is truly wonderful. Heavenly Father love and supports us. It makes me so happy.

We are teaching an incredible, humble woman named Dolores Lara. She was being taught by the elders but her first language is Spanish so she attended sacrament meeting in our ward. I LOVE her. She is really excited for her daughter and son to be missionaries! Yes! The strength of the youth and the light and happiness are what really draw her to the church. I came away from our appointment with her with sore "smile" muscles. It was just a happy meeting because she is happy.

The cute sister who called out to me and gave us hugs is now in Mexico for about 2 months. We had one good lesson last week and they are willing to prepare for baptism and continue learning. She said she would take her Book of Mormon and look for the church in Mexico! We were so sad when she called to cancel our appointment and explain. But my consolation was the thought of "see you in heaven!"

We are teaching 9-yr-old Kevin who is returning to activity with an older brother, his mom, and a baby brother. He is excited to be baptized. Hopefully in just a few weeks now! And a mom and her three daughters (one of whom is too young for baptism still.) They have accepted it all well - they are humble too. I have loved having to adapt my teaching to help younger children understand. You can have a little more fun when they are around :D

And then we still have one or two investigators who have been learning for a time. Hna Giles requested a week to read and pray and see if she is ready to prepare herself for baptism. I think she is in good hands as her 3-yr-old son reminds her to pray each night :) He's cute.

It's about time to head out to fulfill all my other tasks on this overcast preparation day. I love you all so very much! I have two scriptures for this week. (Shantaye's letter to me sparked the idea of a weekly scripture. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner!)

D&C 25:2 If we are faithful and walk in the paths of virtue God will preserve our life and we'll receive an inheritance in Zion.

Romans 10:11 We can hold our head high and be confident because God is supporting us in our righteous actions to help and lift

his children everywhere.

I have found quite a few treasures in the book of Romans lately. It's exciting! I had a down time where I wasn't studying the Bible as much and thus I didn't love it as much. (The Book of Mormon still has the upper hand as it is what I testify of each day and invite people to know and love.)

I love you all! I'll send along your birthday wishes to my soon-to-be 22-yr-old greenie. Man, I have old kids. Where did the time go?! And yes I plan to give her the scarf. Awesome! I just wish it was green as that is her favorite color. Her family sent a few little gifts and she's excited about it. Plus I'll call the members who are feeding us and ask them for a little something special.

Love you, love you! Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you too!

Hermana Green