28 December 2010 - Happy New Year and happy changes

Hola Familia!

I feel like I don't have too much to say since we just barely talked for about 44 minutes (oops! overtime). And thanks Dad for the long e-mail even though we did just talk. Mom...where are you? He he. Hope all is well.

The news is that....I never received a call yesterday so I am not training. I'm confused as to what I will be doing, but we shall learn later today. Another good opportunity for me to trust the Lord and follow His will not mine. I know He knows better than I do.

I love you all very much! The baptism was great. Hna Mercado is SO happy and Familia Gomez as well. We started pretty late as one set of elders didn't find a ride and arrived very late. One of them baptized Hna M and she didn't have confidence in anyone else...so we waited. All went just fine. Hna M and I sang "When I am Baptized" and I think it was great. It was so neat to have 9 different people in white! And we filled up the RS room again. Hurray that the members came out to support on Christmas Day. Members are just absolutely crucial. I took bunches of pics. I was also able to purchase a triple combination for Hna Mercado and I gave it to her last night but we had to leave quickly so I don't know what she thought. I think she'll be happy. Phew. I will definitely send you pictures - next week. I have to scramble and pack this week :)

Christmas was good. We had a super hurried dinner with Fam Lule/Aguilar then we headed off to the baptism. Hna Mercado really liked the scarf and Desteny too. Hna M is grateful for the socks and has worn them nearly everyday. She doesn't have slippers so it was perfect!! I wore one of my outfits Christmas Day (as I told you) and was sure to get pictures of it.

I also have LOTS of pictures with members from Sat, Sun, and Mon. (I just love the x3 self-timer!) Again, some will be sent next week. I'm really going to miss the members here. I'm excited to come back and visit. We have lots of "mi casa es tu casa" family :) And I've said our home is open when they are in Utah (just a head's up). Hno Munguia did receive the family card and said thanks. And I've been very grateful for the business cards. Thanks again, Dad! They make it easy. Oh mum, the candy cane cookies were broken but perfectly so. They are in 2 and 3 bite pieces.

Well, as for investigators. I'm having a hard time saying goodbye. Yesterday was a really good day. Only 1 of the 6 scheduled lessons didn't work out. That's incredible! And a few drop-in visits. It seems I will be a little missed around here too.

Way exciting thing happened at the end of church: Gustavo showed up! We talked to him briefly in the street and on the phone twice, gave him a map. And he showed! (with about 2 minutes left) I have heard so many times: "give me the direction and I'll come visit the church." And it has never happened until now. Some members hepled us out and we taught him a lesson. I have high hopes and will anxiously await news from Hna M about his progress.

Part of the Christmas party was to write out testimonies in copies of the Book of Mormon then wrap them and give them out on Christmas Day. We stopped by Hno Milian at the end of the night and gave him one. I think it is a fabulous way to help people better understand just how precious this book is that we are giving them. He said he really appreciated it. And last night we found out he has started reading it! He is doing pretty well. They were at church again. A few obstacles still in the path but I'm excited for them.

Hno Lule and Hna Aguilar are anxious for their wedding and baptism. They went and took pictures for their invitations :) They said last night that if I can't find a ride to attend the baptism then I should call them and they will come and get me :) Yeah, I'm going to work hard to be there. Hna Aguilar is giving us a ride to the meeting today which should be fun. Oh and dinner was tamales and potatoes (both super delicious) and beans and pasta salad and tres leches (fabulous!) and cheesecake. Yep, plenty of food.

Missionary life is still just great. I can't believe I do return home so soon. Man, time moves quickly. But the gospel is always true! That's just the bestest. I love you all so much. I'm so grateful for your support as I serve the Lord. I have loved sharing 3 Nephi 5:13 as I've taken my leave of people (very Spanish-influenced phrase). I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I've been called to declare this news so we can all achieve eternal life. And as members, we are ALL disciples and we have ALL been called. So get out there and share the fabulous news!!

Glad all is well with all of you and you are continuing busy! I'm going to be busy soon adapting to a new situation, new companion, new investigators, and new members. Hurrah! Should be fun and a little stressful. Gotta run now so I can have clean clothes before I go. Love you all! Be safe this new year.

Love,

Hermana Green

21 December 2010 - What's the home phone number?

Hola familia!

Muy feliz navidad! Que bueno, no? Hemos tenido bastante lluvia en estas dias. Mas que CA ha tenido en 5 anos. Es muy bueno pero...ya.

So we've had lots of rain the past few days. I told Hna M the other day that I actually like it because it shows people that Mormon missionaries don't stop! This is the truth and will go forth no matter what. !Oh si!

Nice one, Mom, on giving me the home phone number again. Just because I had problems last year.... I'll actually be calling you guys at 2:30 pm CA time. We had to move up the baptism time so everything else as well. And I'll call from a cell phone then you can call me back. Ok? I don't know the phone number at this moment. Hna Aguilar is excited to have us over. And Desteny too. We had FHE with them last night and Hno Lule conducted it super well and had the scripture thought. It was pretty exciting. He studied :) They are doing well. Came through for us at the baptism Friday night so we could stay there and support the elders and a family. 2 young boys (cousins) were baptized on the b-day of their Grandma who is inactive. Pretty exciting.

The best news : we're having a baptism on Christmas Day!!!! Hna Mercado is solid and excited. I just love her. She cracks me up. Oh man. I will tell her "hi" from you, Dad. I think it'll make her smile. And the elders have a family of 4 being baptized. So we've had some fun organizing things. All 6 of us missionaries will be there and we'll have 8 different people in white. Phew! All around the mission there will be lots of baptisms on Christmas Day according to Pres. Cook (and he should know). I'm excited about it. I'll definitely take pictures.

The baptism this past Sat of Hna Lara AND her 2 kids was awesome. They were all really happy. And 1 of her 2 other sons was there and told the elders afterward "this is real" and agreed to an appointment. Sa-weet!! Just love it. Decided the only present I need as a missionary is a baptism. That's it. That is enough of a reward for all the hard work, sweat, tears, and joys. It's the bestest. They didn't have a camera so I tried to take lots of pics. I'll make 'em some prints and a cd today. Pres. and Sis. Cook came which was fabulous. I walked out of the bathroom and right into Sis. Cook's open arms. She knows I'm always good for 4 or 5 hugs when I see her :)

The concert is tonight and it should be GREAT. I'm super excited. I told one of the directors they can put me to work. They said I'll be on stage left to help get people on stage on time. Hna M says I'll be good at that. And I can pull out my rusty teacher/regulator skills to tell everyone to be quiet backstage. Ha ha. Pres. & Sis. Cook are coming and Familia Lule with Hna Mercado. Super faublous.

Familia Garcia is great and we just love them. They came to church on Sun!! And they all had good experiences. The kids came and sat by Hna M and I. They give us hugs each time we visit. Love 'em! Realized last night that he actually isn't an investigator because is only 8 yrs old and both his parents are members. Oops. But we'll keep visiting and helping him reach his baptismal date. He's excited about it.

Oh yeah. Ward party Sat night was pretty great. We spent a good chunk of time there. And we did sing a song. With the help of one American sister and 2 little girls - Kari and Marta. Remember those names? The daughters of Hna Robbins. They were so excited to sing and help us. They also sang with the primary kids. They're cuties. Everytime we visit they come running to greet us.

Phew. Many exciting things to share. So glad that you arrived home safely from the wedding. And thank you for taking lots of pictures. I am excited to see what it was all like.

So if JJ had 3 Christmases away from home, I'm on #4. No? Because we had Thailand, then I had Taiwan, and now 2 in the mission. How crazy is that? It's true that time passes really quickly. Like I'm almost out of it right now.... I know what the kids are getting for Christmas...na na na. And I'm not gonna say a word. Except that I think they'll love it. Way to go, M & D! And exciting news about the bathroom updates. Woo hoo.

I was wondering why our ward mission leader asked for our home addresses. That is a super good idea. We're actually having a meeting with him and all the missionaries this Thurs. We don't know what for. Now I'm wondering if they'll do something for Christmas. In ward council this week we talked about how we'll have 8 baptisms in Dec after the ones on the 25th. How rockin' is that? This ward is well-known for its high numbers. We'll end the year with 30, I believe. That is super awesome!! Just love it. Just love helping people know the truth and seeing all the fabulous changes in their lives. The gospel is truly the only thing that can make us happy now and forever.

I love you guys so much! Mormon 8:38-39 called my attention today (yes, very Spanglish grammar).

We need to have an eternal perspective and fill our lives with frienships and people, not things. To all that are reading --

THANK YOU!! for being the wonderful people that have filled my life with meaning and joy. Love you all LOTS.

Christmas time is just the best. I love it. And it was another great week as a missionary. This one looks to be even better with all the celebrations for Christ's birth, a combined baptism, rain, good food at the mission party and with Familia Lule, oh and the phone call with you guys. And transfer calls that same day. Crazy fun!

Love ya!

Hermana Green

Oh yeah MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

14 December 2010 - I love to see the temple...I went inside today

Familia

Yep! The temple is just absolutely amazing. And we were there soaking it up this morning. And we got a ride with Hna Montoya who just loves to talk and she shared the story of her conversion and her philosophies on her son who has been going inactive all our time here. It was fascinating and great. She is super strong in the gospel so I love hearing her explain her ideas. She is actually the gospel doctrine teacher and all the students are appreciative of her. As said in general conference: it's all about the attitude of the teacher.

Missionary life this week is really great. We continue to have success and struggles. And I haven't scratched any more cars! Ha ha. yeah I really didn't want to share that story until later...oh well.

Hey guess what - I just love you guys so much! Thanks for the great e-mails, Mum & Dad with the updates on the family, neighborhood, and friends. I'm excited for all the great things that are happening. We probably won't bother with buying any decorations even though I know we can. No worries. I don't feel a need for it. We enjoy all the trees that other people have. I've seen some fun decorations. And crazy that my paper Christmas tree was 2 years ago now. Gah. Where did the time go?

I feel like I am FINALLY figuring out how to be a missionary - in thought and in action. Sad it takes so long! But I'm gonna work to live it up and give my all in this last bit of time.

Investigator updates: Hna Mercado was at church and in yesterday's lesson she shared an experience in which she felt a huge difference in where she used to be before learning and where she is now. So she prays not to regress back and has decided firmly to be baptized. HURRAY! she'll be interviewed on Friday and hopefully baptized on Christmas Day with another family of 4 the elders are teaching and perhaps her daughter. It's pretty fabulous. And Hno Montiel was confirmed on Sunday. He's happy and appreciative. I bought a frame today so I can give him a picture of us at the baptism. I think he'll really like it. It's basically the only Christmas present I'm giving - oops. I've thought of doing something else but never decided on something and now the time is gone. Next week we'll be rushed as we have to be in Escondido all night long for Hna M's performance in the Christmas concert. It's gonna be great! Hno Lule and Hna Aguilar and Desteny are going to bring Hna Mercado and enjoy it thoroughly. Oh and on Fri Dec 24 we're having a mission-wide Christmas party for 4 hours. How crazy is that?! Definitely a different leadership than last year. I love it because my two presidents are so very different (their wives too) and I work well with, love, and respect all of them. Completely.

So about the calls. We are planning the baptism for 7 pm and then we'll probably have dinner around 4 pm and the calls around 3 pm CA time. Is that still ok? I'll just call the home phone. Hno Lule and Hna Aguilar are great and should be fine with it all. She is excited to make us a Mexican/American dinner. Tamales and ham and potatoes. And Hna Merrill requested tres leches cake. It's just so good!

Another exciting thing: Hna Dolores Lara whom we taught for a time is getting baptized this Sat. We were invited and given assignments :) Hna M will sing and I'll say a prayer. Sweet stuff. She just thrived more in the English ward. Partly because the RS pres is her fellowshipper and is so excited to help her. I'm glad she has progressed and will be baptized. I'll be sure to get pics of it. The ward Christmas party is Sat night and we might swing by for it. I love being with the members and investigators! I feel like Hna Mercado is a member already. She signs up to bring food to everything, wants to be early to meetings, and yeah. It's pretty great.

What else, what else. Hno Lule and Hna Aguilar are planning well for the wedding and baptism. they are excited. Hey, in a year we could all come back when they go to the temple to be sealed! That is the huge motivating factor for the Hna and has been the whole time. It's one of the most amazing things we have. Heavenly Father loves us so much! And I love the idea of going to Thailand next summer. Man, I'm gonna be busy traveling and I just don't know what to do about where to live and work. The world is seriously open to me! But I don't need to worry about that now :)

Give all my love and support to Cara and her family. Glad you can go for the wedding....I thought about sending a note but I don't think it happened. Oops. Take a few good pics and send 'em to me later, please.

Let's see - little miracles this week. Hna M had a rough time of it yesterday afternoon but then in the evening we went forth and had some good lessons. She's a tough one and I'm grateful for her desire to continue and serve and succeed.

Also, we had a good discussion about asking for referrals in district meeting yesterday morning and I decided to run with it, literally. I remembered to ask in all 4 of our visits. Sweet! And we semi received 2 referrals. Oh si! And then Hno Lule said we should teach everyone in their neighborhood and they invited us to the neighborhood party this Fri. ha ha. We just might swing by. Probably will be a good way to get to know the neighbors even more. And we have a special invite :)

Oh - Hna M uses the scarves we gave her practically every day. I think she REALLY likes the green one. Props to Dad and the fam!

The scripture for this week is in 3 Nephi 18:3. The people worked ALL night to let everyone know that the Savior had been there teaching and He was going to return the next day. That's basically what we're all about, no? The Savior has come and will come again. We're working hard so everyone is prepared for it. And so we can have all the marvelous blessings our Heavenly Father has for us. I just love the gospel. I love being a missionary. I know God lives, loves, and guides us. I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be and I've learned so much! Thank you for all your love and support. Merry, merry Christmas. Keep working hard. And keep supporting missionary work with all you've got. I was struck again by the quote by Joseph Smith: after all that has been said and done the most important duty is to preach the gospel. So get out there and preach!

Love ya all tons and tons.

Love,

Hermana Green

5 December 2010 - Pictures

Las Hermanas Merrill y Green with

La Familia Ortega

Las Hermanas Merrill y Green

President & Sister Haynie

La Familia Montiel

Hno Alegandro Montiel, Sr. was baptized

by his son, Hno Alejandro Montiel, Jr.

Allen Montiel, Grandson

7 December 2010 - Un bautismo...de exito!

Hola Familia,

Si. Tuvimos un bautismo este domingo y fue muy muy bueno. Sorry. Time to switch languages! And I guess I don't always do it perfectly since Dad picked up on a slip. What can I say? My brain does think more in Spanish and then I impose the rules on English. It doesn't always work out, but it makes for some laughs.

So Hno Montiel was baptized on Sunday and it was a great service. The speakers were a touch long winded. Sigh. Everyone was touched by Hna M and I singing "Jesus es mi luz" even with my cold-impeded voice. And although it took three tries to comply with the "inmersion" part of baptism, all is well! he he. He just wasn't quite all the way under the water. Part of it is that his son baptized him and it was his first time baptizing anyone. The bishop did a great job of coaching them through it. The trick is for the person to just act like they're sitting down. Oh and we had tons of food afterward. We invited lots of people to bring a little treat. And Hna M made pudding pies and I made cookies (so sad as they were Tollhouse recipe but came out strange. We're blaming the oven. Oh and that I melted the butter. oops!) An inactive family we've worked lots with was there. And another inactive member. Hurray! And he had quite a bit of family. The best surprise was that the Familia Perez from Oceanside 5th ward showed up. I was surprised to see them. Then they told me Hna Perez is the cousin of Hno Montiel, Sr. Crazy small world! They were super happy. And Hno Montiel was super happy. He gave me so many toothy smiles - and he doesn't give those often. Things are great.

Yep yep. It's a warm-all-over kind of feeling to know we've helped people "open the door to salvation." And it's so rewarding when people make good decisions that we know will bless their lives forever.

More happy news is that Hno Lule and Hna Aguilar decided dates for their wedding and baptism - January! And we have a handful of other dates in January. Including young Kevin. We still have work to do as they did not make it to church this week. But we talked to the whole family and they all set goals to help Kevin achieve this big goal. And Hno Milian was at church again and the baptism. Things are going pretty well with him. We have a good relationship among the four of us. And his girlfriend seems super willing to come back into activity. Hurray.

We met with Familia Garcia again last night and made the mom cry very happy tears when her son said he wants to prepare himself for baptism. Hurray! He's 8. They have a daughter who is 7 and she really wants to be baptized too. They don't understand too much but they are quick and willing to learn. And the mom has a strong testimony. The dad wasn't there for the lesson but he is a member so it should be pretty easy to get him on board.

What other great things can I share.... Christmas calls are coming up. We'll go to the Lule/Aguilar home for calls and dinner :) So around 4 or 5 pm CA time. Will that work okay for you? And will it be cheapest to use their cell phones to call your cell phones? Just let me know.

We had breakfast at the Haynie household again this morning. It was delicious. And we walked away with a recipe for sour cream pancakes. They're good! I snapped a picture before leaving so you'll get to see the Stake Pres and his wife in the next batch. Glad the pics and CD arrived safely. Yes, I used a red car to scratch a blue truck. I was so upset with myself. Pres. Cook was great. His first question after asking about our health was "are you smiling?" I wasn't. But eventually I did. Not too big of a deal. I think the other car owner never called about the damage even though we left all the info. The basics: I got to close to them when pulling forward into a parallel park spot. Gr.

So great to hear the exciting news about JJ. That's crazy he got the type of truck I've been thinking about! ha ha. I'm glad you are all enjoying it. I'm sure I will, too. But I don't want to think about buying a car. Yuck. I like just worrying about stretching my monthly budget and no other money concerns. PS Dad please stop mentioning just how much time I have left. I really am trying to forget and just work hard. Ok, I'll say I go home next year. But it does't directly answer the question: how much time do you have in the mission.

Super exciting news about Lhing and Khanh!! Hurray. And I'll actually get to be part of the celebrations. Will she stay in Thailand for the whole pregnancy? Looks like I have tons of places around the world to visit next summer. Yikes.

Our apartment has absolutely no Christmas decorations. I thought about making a little paper Christmas tree like I did last year in Thailand. I don't know if it is actually really worth my time. Better to write a letter to someone :) (And check on the suggestion, Mum. I already completed it before I read it!) We both received packages today which was fun. We had to pick them up at the post office. I hope that doesn't happen on the next one! I had to wait a whole week...and it's the package with the coat. sigh. I actually received my first gift last night: Hna Aguilar gave me a pair of gloves because I've lost mine. They are super warm and I'm happy with them.

Well. As all is well there and all is well here I'll just finish up. I love you all so much and am super grateful for your help, love, and support! I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and He listens to and answers our prayers. I know that He sent His Beloved Son Jesus Christ to our earth to save all humankind. Pres. Haynie talked about how we know that the Savior's Atonement applies to all the people in all the worlds they've created. How incredible! I love this time of year to re-focus in Him and His humble birth. We've done okay at giving thanks and it is a good tradition. Thanks for reminding me! I love you. I'm so grateful that we can all work hard individually and collectively to be an eternal family after this life. I love you all!!! Keep being great examples and witnesses of the Savior.

Love,

Hermana Green

30 November 2010 - Baptisms!

Hola Familia,

Yeah, yeah. I speak Spanglish. What can I say? Yes, I feel my ability to speak has improved. I try to think in Spanish as well. It's fun. Pres. Cook says my Spanish is good and investigators have said the same. That's great because they need to be able to understand us in order to really be converted and learn and live the gospel.

I love the gospel! It really is just the greatest news. And I love you, my family. And I love all the people I am working with and teaching - my new family.

So exciting news: Hno Montiel will be baptized this Sunday at 7 pm! And his son who was baptized in May should be able to perform the ordinance. Super awesome. His son joined us for the FHE last night which was pretty great. He is very grateful we've helped his dad. We're grateful for his example. He took his dad to church with him for months before we were called in.

I received a letter from Hna Goff (my former companion in Mission Viejo) and she said that yes, Hna Zehuancatl was baptized. ! And also Luis - the son of Elizabeth Nunez. Remember them? Yeah, super awesome. Hna Nunez wants to be baptized in this month which is awesome. Her husband Hno Pacheco is currently in Mexico so yeah...don't know about him. Hna Goff says they (these 2 hermanas) still talk about me and I have to go back and visit after the mission. For sure!! I'm excited for that. And Hna Z said I could stay in her house in Mexico when I go visit there...sweet!

I did receive a letter from JJ today. Muchas gracias hermano. Fue muy bueno escuchar de usted. Y gracias por escribir todo en espanol. Cuando regreso voy a aprender hablar en tu con usted. Esta bien? Ahora, prefiero usar "usted form" porque es lo que debemos usar casi siempre..

And I received another letter from Shantaye which was great. And the announcement for Cara. Yeah! It was the most beat up envelope I've ever received in the mail - ripped and crinkled. So sad! I wonder if it got stuck in the machines.... Oh well. It still works okay.

Anyway. This week was pretty good. Not super great and not bad. Exciting as we prepped Hno Montiel for his interview. And Hna Mercado is still well but has a family crisis currently so we're a little on hold and praying lots for her. We have a new family we are working with and they seem pretty promising. Hno Milian and his girlfriend Hna Martinez. She is a less-active member with a pretty strong testimony. And they have a little 7-month old boy. She seems quite excited to help him learn. And he seems willing which rocks. They were at church this Sunday which was great.

What else, what else. I am still sick. I felt I was nearly better then last night I got smacked with a really sore throat. And I have a chest cough now. One surprised me in the middle of the prayer this morning - it was pretty funny. Kind of like a sunder thunder burst. Yikes. I do have some Vicks that was in the cupboard. And since when do I have a red pea coat?! I have no idea what coat you sent me. I had a grey trouser dress coat that was my second one in college. I was pretty sure that still lived, but I don't remember.

I can't believe I have such short time left. Not cool! I have reverted to saying "one year" when asked how much time I have in the mission :) It's true, right? I don't like when they ask the flip question of how much time left, but what can ya do?

One scripture I found this week that really struck me was in 3 Nefi 5:13. Mormon says he is a disciple of Christ and has been called to declare the word to all so they can achieve eternal life. (Or something like that. I know it better in Spanish since that's how I read it.) It struck me that that is me! Well, all of us as members. But espeically it's true for me as a full-time missionary. THANK YOU for all your love and support throughout this whole time. You guys are just the bestest!! Love you tons.

We did some Thanksgiving caroling this week which was pretty fun. Nothing really came of it but now we have ideas and experience so we can do better during Christmas time. Should be such fun! I love this time of year because I feel even more love - coming from nearly everyone. And I feel like it came super fast. So many people have their trees up and I feel like they shouldn't yet. But I guess you guys do too. Ah well. So it is.

Oh yeah. Thanksgiving was pretty good. Not many lessons but some! And we gave some people muffins. Te he. We had dinner with the Atempa Family. It was tasty. And fun. They are a great family. Tonight we'll work with them to set a goal they can all achieve so Kevin can be baptized. Hurray!

I have done the before-dinner activity with two dinners then I completely forgot. I'm sorry! I will work to remember again. It was a good experience the other two times. Helped me learn the attribute of patience because I was anxious to start eating! We have a limited time for dinner and often they don't start setting the table until we arrive...sigh. But it was good. We did it on Wed and Thu night.

MUM- received the package with the face cream. Thank you! It was crazy expensive. And why are there 2? I won't be able to fully use even one in the time I have left. Oh and the box was huge and I was surprised since I only expected the cream. Thanks for the other treats. They were perfect. Hna M was really excited, too.

Um, I can't think of anything else at the moment. I hope all is still well. Thanks again for the love and support! You all rock. I love you and know God loves each of us. I know Jesus Christ lives and I love that I know that and can share it with other people. How incredible that He knows how we feel and is there to support and strengthen us.

Love you!

Love,

Hermana Green

23 November 2010 - I'm grateful for . . .

I'm grateful for a WONDERFUL FAMILY!

That's you. I really am. I love you all very much. Being a missionary is incredible and hard. And I am so grateful to have your love and support through every moment.

This week was pretty good. Still sick but not hugely so. I can't stay warm which isn't good. Mom, I have my cute grey pea coat that is probably fine. I'm debating on whether or not I want it sent to me. I'm thinking yes....hopefully it can smush into a small box and not cost too much. Right now I mostly have an icky chest cough that comes very sporadically. Boo hoo.

Yesterday we had a zone conference! It was pretty great. And Sunday Elder Clayton was at our sacrament meeting which was pretty great also. Hna Merrill was asked to sing at the last moment (that morning in ward council) and she did a great job. She sang "Bella Sion" which is one she sings well and often for me :) For the Christmas program she will sing "This is the Christ". She just used it to 'tryout' and demonstrate her ability for the directors but they liked it lots and said they'd use it. Pretty neat. Quite a few people are excited about the program. I announced it again in RS because they were talking about Hna M's incredible ability. Hurray. They are excited now too.

Elder Clayton's visit was pretty great. Hna M and I both noticed the eyes. That is what sets apart the general authorities. I noticed it in him and in Elder Zwick. A purity and brillancy is one way to describe them. Well, it's just neat. And the San Diego temple president and his wife attended and spoke as well. Pres Olson continues to say "The temple is true." And it is! He talked of how it was the crowning revelation in the Restoration. So fabulous. Mum and JJ - how was your visit to the temple? When are you going back?! Go again soon for me :)

As for Thanksgiving - we will be dining with the Atempa family. Hurray! They are pretty great. Hna M plans to make some banana chocolate chip muffins today to take as our contribution. And we've actually already had 3 turkey dinners. These past 3 days. One at the fun ward party on Sat. One with Hna Enciso (leftover turkey from Sat. party actually) and one lunch yesterday from the Stake RS presidency at zone conference. Each was a little different. And delicious. Also, we thought it would be hard to have lessons on Thurs but it is actually looking really good. Hurray!

Some of our investigators are doing quite well. Hno Montiel is planning to be interviewed this weekend so he can be baptized next weekend. Woo hoo! (He's the ice cream man). We met his son at the Sat. activity and he is pretty great. The son and granddaughter were baptized in May. The daughter-in-law and grandson are waiting until the grandson's eighth birthday next June. We've had some neat visits with Hno Montiel and Familia Enciso. I love when everyone can work together to learn and teach about the gospel. Last night the FHE was about The Book of Mormon.

In zone conference yesterday we talked about the importance of planning by the spirit. It makes a huge difference in the results we have. So now we get to work on applying these teachings. We keep talking of how this is a lifelong skill and we will be so much more productive if we learn it well now. What a blessing to serve a mission! It was great to get some hugs from Sis. Cook. I told her she reminds me of you, Mum. And it's true. Similar hairstyles, kind of, and facial features. It makes me happy :) And Pres. Cook didn't serve in JJ's same mission. Like Dad said it was a while ago and so it was a much larger mission - Mexico West. We received a little more info about how we can improve our Spanish. We speak it all the time now unless we have to use English. We are working to be even better so we can double the number of baptisms in our mission!! At zone conference I saw 2 elders with whom I served in Mission Viejo and that was pretty exciting. I still haven't heard anything about Hna Zehuancatl's baptism. I asked Pres. but he didn't attend that one. I'll keep waiting for letters. And yes Mum they forward the letters to us after they arrive at the mission office. It takes about 2 days more to receive them. I received a letter from Lacy so thanks for passing the message to her through Facebook.

What other great things happened this week? Oh! We found a less-active family that we met our very first night here and have looked for a few times and couldn't find. Hurray. They are pretty great. We sang Joseph's First Vision and the mom shared how she loves that song and it reminds her of first learning of the truth. FHE next week. (Have I mentioned that we love FHE?) We had a great FHE last night with Hno Lule and Hna Aguilar and Desteny. We taught the lesson of the Restoration again. Hna Aguilar shared her testimony and Desteny her knowledge. She is smart. It is great to be part of spiritual growth with wonderful people.

Hna Mercado invited her son to the Sat. evening activity and he attended. It was pretty great! We feel with time that he will gladly accept the gospel message as well. He and his wife are super nice and receive us well in their home (Hna Mercado lives with them). It was exciting to have him inside the church with members. Hna Mercado is still pretty fabulous. She loves us and we love her. We're still working to make the Christmas baptism but it should be fine. And what fun! A baptism on Christmas. tehe.

The green tea kitkats were interesting. I thought they were normal with different packaging. I was very surprised to have a different flavor in my mouth :) I haven't asked Hna M's opinion. Don't know if she's tried them yet. I'm pretty sure I wrote Aunt Theo last week or the week before. I'll check again today. I hope you have a great turkey dinner with her! Hehe. She is just fabulous.

It seems crazy to me that I have been in the mission for quite some time. I've already had a Thanksgiving out here. I feel like I have so much more to learn and improve before I can be done. Guess I'd better get crankin' :D

Hey guess what -- I'm grateful for my wonderful family!! I love you all very much. Keep being obedient to the gospel because that, with the Atonement, is how we will receive eternal life and live happily together as a family forever. What greater wish could we have?!

I love you. I know God is our Father and watches over and cares for us. I know Jesus Christ lives and is our advocate with the Father. I am grateful to continually study about the Atonement to better understand it and be happier. I love you all! Take care. (And be awesome member missionaries!)

Love,

Hermana Green