This week we found out that a former Hermana from our mission passed away. I didn't know her very well because she was just ending her mission as I was starting mine, but throughout my mission I have heard so many good things about her. My heart is broken, but it gives me comfort to know that God has a perfect plan for each of his children. This week I have pondered a lot about the plan He has for us, and how so many times we can't see the bigger picture like He can. I have thought about many of the people I have seen change during my mission and how at times their journey was very hard, but in the end it is obvious to see that Gods hand was there the whole time. Especially today on the 4th of July, I love to think how God planned everything so perfectly so that we could have a "land of Liberty", a country with the freedom of religion so that the restoration of the gospel could take place. He has known everything from the very beginning and each of us has a purpose and a part in his plan.
I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the restored gospel, especially the knowledge of the plan of salvation and eternal families. I have learned so much about the plan of salvation while on my mission, and it is so nice to know that even though some of my friends are not here on earth anymore, they are not gone and I will see them again! I love Jesus Christ who makes this whole plan possible, He overcame death so we could as well. "The grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." (Mosiah 16:8)
God is so good. I am so grateful for His hand in my daily life, I am grateful for the country that I live in with the liberty to worship Him, and I am grateful for the plan that He has for each of us.
Happy 4th of July,
Hermana Peabody
Pictures:
George Washington's prayer at Valley Forge
Happy 4th of July with a Mexican twist
fresh fruit that a member gave us for dinner!
Well, sorry Mama didn't post Ashley's letter last week, but it was a busy week for both Ashley and I. She didn't get her email in until late and didn't even have time to send any photos, so I am posting it here below.
Ashley's letter from 6-28-16:
Well, this week we went tracking...a lot! We talked to sooo many people this week, and even though not many people wanted us to come back, we did find some people that we are very excited about. There is one lady we started talking to, and she told us that her sister is a Mormon in their country! She was super nice and cute, we are going to follow up this week.
Sunday was crazy! So many people came to church! We were running all over the place trying to help everyone get to their right class! One of the members from our ward that recently moved here brought her friend that she wants us to teach. The only catch is that this member is from Brazil, and her friend ONLY speaks Portuguese!! So I was trying to download all of the church manuals and scriptures in Portuguese during the classes so she could at least follow along in the lesson. And wow, whenever she asked me a question, it was a struggle! Portuguese is very similar to Spanish, but some words are totally different and they have a very different accent, so I only got about half of everything she said! So ya, I'm going to have to practice my Portuguese on duolingo!!
Also this week, it's a long story, we got to go with the youth to help them do baptisms for the dead. We had to go super early in the morning, but the temple was so beautiful, it literally seemed like the spires were glowing!! I love the temple, and it was super neat because on Sunday the Temple president and his wife came to speak in Sacrament meeting. I can't wait until I can go more than just once every six months!
Our ward has had so many barriadas (cook outs) and our food calendar is full! I thought I would lose some weight before I went home, but nope! Haha!
So many things are happening, and I am still learning so much everyday how to be a better missionary! I don't want to go yet, I need more time! This week was great, sorry I can't remember more!
Love you all Hermana Peabody
Wow--I love this girl! AND--11 more days until she comes home! Can't wait.