This week wasn't very productive missionary work wise. We had A TON of meetings and choir practices. I think I spent a total of 10 hours in the mission office this week!!
We have been planning for our baptism this Saturday, so that is very exciting! Today we had a zone activity, we brought our own rotisserie chicken per companionship (pretend turkey) and we all made food for a zone Thanksgiving. We played sines, and then had a volleyball tournament. (That's why this email is so short) Good things are happening here! Love you, Hermana Peabody. Well, not much to add this week-- Ashley's first baptism is this Saturday as she stated, and this sweet family also gave Ashley a guitar! Ashley said it needs a little tuning, and she needs some practice, but Wow! Ashley is also decorating for Christmas with some decorations Mom sent her. More packages still to send of course. Ashley sounds happy, but busy--as expected. This week has been all over the place, there were really good high points, and a few really low points. So let's talk about the high points!
First things first, our investigator Ashley is getting baptized next week!!! Yay! Her mom is a member and she recently came here from El Salvador, so her mom wanted us to teach her. We gave her a baptismal date to think and pray about, and this week she told us that when she prayed about the baptismal date, she waited silently for a few minutes after her prayer and got the answer that she would be ready to be baptized that day! We are so excited for her. Ashley is only 12, but she is so smart. One thing that I have come to realize on my mission is the truth of the scripture found in Matthew 18: 3-4, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little achildren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Ashley is not a little child, but I have met so many children and youth that have understood and loved the gospel that we teach, and that are willing and want to follow the example of Jesus Christ. I am blown away at the spirituality that I have seen in young people, and my goal, as the scripture says, is to become more like them. Jesus loves the children, and now I know why. Sacrament meeting was an amazing experience for me this week. As I reflected on the Savior and the gospel, I couldn't help but be filled with happiness as I looked around and saw so many people's lives that had been touched and changed by the gospel. The majority of Hispanic wards usually tend to be converts, so it was amazing to reflect on just how much the gospel has helped so many people in this Ward. To think of people who lived a worldly life before but are now passing the sacrament in white shirts, or a family that have fallen away from the gospel but are returning and now the dad is worthy to baptize his son , or members that take the next step forward in the gospel and strengthen their relationship as a family and with God and have a deeper testimony. It reminds me of the talk that President Uchtdorf gave this last conference, entitled 'It Works Wonderfully'. For these people, the gospel works wonderfully for them, their lives have been "immeasurably enriched by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ". I love being a missionary with all its ups and downs, I love seeing the gospel work in the lives of others, I love helping others come back, progress, or start to have the gospel work in their lives, I love seeing the gospel work in my own life. We continue to see miracles over here, and meet many people who are interested in learning about the gospel. I love you all and I thank you for your love and support. Ponderize scripture of the week: Mosiah 28:3 "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any should should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble." Hermana Peabody Ashley would love emails and letters for Christmas. Hermana Ashley Peabody 12012 Waterside View Dr #14 Reston, Va 20194 She is loving her new companion, Hermana Pettit and they are working hard. This will be our first Thanksgiving and Christmas without Ashley, but she could not be in a better place or doing a better work! I love missionaries--especially this one! Ashley hit her 10 month mark and her companion hit 13. Other Hermanas decorated their door! Another photo Ashley sent this week from Halloween. Mis queridos amigos y familiares, There is not too much to say since last Thursday, but we have been seeing many miracles! A less active brought her grandchildren to church for the first time, a member brought his girlfriend for the first time, and an English Ward member invited a friend from work who came to church for the first time...so we now have a plethora of new investigators! Not only that, but our chapel was filled this past Sunday, many less actives decided to come. We have a good number of progressing investigators, and are finding prepared people! What more could a missionary ask for!? Also, I turned 10 months in the mission! Out sister training leaders, Hermana McMillan and Mugleston decorated our apartment door while we were gone (Hna Pettit turned 13 months the day after.) it was so cute! Ponderize scripture of the week: Alma 17:2-3 Les quiero mucho, Hermana Peabody Ashley would LOVE to hear from you! She sent a plea to send ". . .a poor missionary that just wants emails or letters from them for the holidays. . ." You can send emails at anytime, but I'm not sure if she will move prior to Christmas, so if you would like to send a letter, send it prior to December 15th. Her address is: Hermana Ashley Peabody 12012 Waterside View Dr #14 Reston, Va 20194 I can't believe Ashley only has eight months left. Time is flying. I'm sending off her Thanksgiving package and putting together one for Christmas. Today, Park City had some snow--so I also had a little fun with that--see the photo for a visual explanation! Mama had a little fun in the snow!
(This is a photo of the trophy our district won for finding the most new investigators during our zone finding fest, and the pumpkins we carved.) These cute pumpkins were created by some of the English Sisters that live across from Ashley. I love the mission logo pumpkin, and the sparkly pink CTR pumpkin. For those who don't know what CTR stands for, it's "Choose the Right." So cute!
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Sister Ashley PeabodyServing in the Washington DC South Mission
Spanish Speaking January 2015 - July 2016 Current Mailing AddressCurrently serving in the:
Annandale,Virginia Stake Little River Ward (Spanish) March-July 2016 MTC address:Mission BlogArchives
July 2016
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