Week 3: Ashley's email:
Ok, I have to start with Sunday, I have the most amazing experience of my entire life. Every Sunday we watch a church vedio and then go back to our classroom to have a small devotional with our district, this week we invited the new zone to join us. The meeting was spiritual like it always is, but then one of the new elders said that Elder Hatfeild lookedand acted exactly like his brother that died 11 months ago, and he asked if he could give him a hug. At that point we all had broken down because we all shared our testimonies and our fears and doubts. But as they huged, the most incredible thing happned, Elder Hatfeild started to talk to this new Elder saying thinigs like Your brother is so proud of you for going on a mission, and lots of other things that are very personal. The Spirit was the strongest I think I have ever felt it, because everyone knew that it was not Elder Hatfeild that was actually saying those things. He later told us that he didnt even know what he was saying at the time. It was an amazing meeting, we all saw a miracle happen anf everyones prayeres were answerd that night even though we all had different issues. Also before the meeting was over, I had the feeling that I had to say the closing prayer to this devotional, i had no idea why. But when it was done our zone leader called on someone else, but before he started to say the prayer he asked if there was anyone who wanted to say it, so I did end us saying the prayer, it was nothing special but i could definately feel the spirit. Afterward I asked why he asked if anyone else wanted to say the prayer and he just said that he felt he should ask it. I then realised that the week before I had been saying that I dont think i have ever felt the spirit telling me to do something specific like I hear in other missionary stories where they just knew that has to knock on a specific door, and i was kind of worried about it. But now I know that I can get those direct promptings, and its amazing!
Also last tuesday, I got SUPER sick. I was puking all night long, it was aweful! I knew I needed to get a blessing so that I wouldnt miss so much learning. One of the elders in our district anointed me with the oil, his hands were shaking bless his heart, and a leader gave me a blessing in Spanish. I was able to understand most of it. After the blessing I stopped puking, but my sweet companion made my stay in bed all day, I needed it. I was perfectly fine by the end of the day. Priesthood *Sacerdocio* power rocks!
Also we had our first TRC this week, it was the most spiritual experience I had until the Sunday one. TRC is where we get to speak with members who volunteer to lake with us, we just get to know them and than have a quick lesson. They talk sooooo fast! We taught one lady who is only a convert of 8 months. I accedently told her i had three kids instead of three sibblings, woops! But she bore her testimony to us about missionary work and she said how greatful she is to us and all the other missionaries for doing what we do so we can help people like her. The lesson we had planned fit in so perfectly, we talked to her about the Holy Ghost and we bore our testimonies, we were all in tears by the end, and instead of shaking hands when we left, I asked if we could give her a hug. It was amazing, and TRC is now our favorite part! Hermana Evans and I also had a great experience with our fake investegator this week too. It was so great because HE was able to recite Joseph Smiths First Vision from memory, and we commited her to baptism. Our teacher said that she alsomst started crying during our lesson because we asked her to be baptised just like the real investagator that our investagator is based off of, and she told us that the real Griss accepted to be baptised last week.
I love you all, this week was amaziing. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!
Ashley is happy and learning and that is so important and a blessing for her mom. Elders "study" in funny places (see photos). Ashley is making a piñata for her district's going away party (see photos). Ashley also sent this little note that I loved:
love you too! I dont think i am homesick like everyone else usually is i love it here, but i always think of the last time i saw you guys right after i got through security and waved bye. i miss you all, and i cant wait to call you, and i cant wait to see you again.
The photo is of her district Hermanas on the ends, and the two middle Hermanas were zone friends who are leaving this week!
Until next week!
Ok, I have to start with Sunday, I have the most amazing experience of my entire life. Every Sunday we watch a church vedio and then go back to our classroom to have a small devotional with our district, this week we invited the new zone to join us. The meeting was spiritual like it always is, but then one of the new elders said that Elder Hatfeild lookedand acted exactly like his brother that died 11 months ago, and he asked if he could give him a hug. At that point we all had broken down because we all shared our testimonies and our fears and doubts. But as they huged, the most incredible thing happned, Elder Hatfeild started to talk to this new Elder saying thinigs like Your brother is so proud of you for going on a mission, and lots of other things that are very personal. The Spirit was the strongest I think I have ever felt it, because everyone knew that it was not Elder Hatfeild that was actually saying those things. He later told us that he didnt even know what he was saying at the time. It was an amazing meeting, we all saw a miracle happen anf everyones prayeres were answerd that night even though we all had different issues. Also before the meeting was over, I had the feeling that I had to say the closing prayer to this devotional, i had no idea why. But when it was done our zone leader called on someone else, but before he started to say the prayer he asked if there was anyone who wanted to say it, so I did end us saying the prayer, it was nothing special but i could definately feel the spirit. Afterward I asked why he asked if anyone else wanted to say the prayer and he just said that he felt he should ask it. I then realised that the week before I had been saying that I dont think i have ever felt the spirit telling me to do something specific like I hear in other missionary stories where they just knew that has to knock on a specific door, and i was kind of worried about it. But now I know that I can get those direct promptings, and its amazing!
Also last tuesday, I got SUPER sick. I was puking all night long, it was aweful! I knew I needed to get a blessing so that I wouldnt miss so much learning. One of the elders in our district anointed me with the oil, his hands were shaking bless his heart, and a leader gave me a blessing in Spanish. I was able to understand most of it. After the blessing I stopped puking, but my sweet companion made my stay in bed all day, I needed it. I was perfectly fine by the end of the day. Priesthood *Sacerdocio* power rocks!
Also we had our first TRC this week, it was the most spiritual experience I had until the Sunday one. TRC is where we get to speak with members who volunteer to lake with us, we just get to know them and than have a quick lesson. They talk sooooo fast! We taught one lady who is only a convert of 8 months. I accedently told her i had three kids instead of three sibblings, woops! But she bore her testimony to us about missionary work and she said how greatful she is to us and all the other missionaries for doing what we do so we can help people like her. The lesson we had planned fit in so perfectly, we talked to her about the Holy Ghost and we bore our testimonies, we were all in tears by the end, and instead of shaking hands when we left, I asked if we could give her a hug. It was amazing, and TRC is now our favorite part! Hermana Evans and I also had a great experience with our fake investegator this week too. It was so great because HE was able to recite Joseph Smiths First Vision from memory, and we commited her to baptism. Our teacher said that she alsomst started crying during our lesson because we asked her to be baptised just like the real investagator that our investagator is based off of, and she told us that the real Griss accepted to be baptised last week.
I love you all, this week was amaziing. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!
Ashley is happy and learning and that is so important and a blessing for her mom. Elders "study" in funny places (see photos). Ashley is making a piñata for her district's going away party (see photos). Ashley also sent this little note that I loved:
love you too! I dont think i am homesick like everyone else usually is i love it here, but i always think of the last time i saw you guys right after i got through security and waved bye. i miss you all, and i cant wait to call you, and i cant wait to see you again.
The photo is of her district Hermanas on the ends, and the two middle Hermanas were zone friends who are leaving this week!
Until next week!