First Transfer in the Field: In the Books December 8, 2014

I survived my first transfer in the field! And it was great! :)

Christmas is definitely in the air and I love it! My mission president committed the whole mission to carol at least one house every night. Let me tell you...the first time was so incredibly awkward. But after that it has been a lot of fun! People's hearts soften and they open up so much. 

Did I ever tell y'all how there are more dogs than people here? And how my shoe got stolen by a huge husky? And my companion spent 5 minutes chasing it down? Yeah. Good times.

 Last week we finally had a second appointment with this amazing family that was taught 2 months ago. Their names are Salvador and Karla and they are so great. Karla had a TON of questions so it was basically a question and answer thing the whole time which is WONDERFUL. I felt really comfortable with them and I talked a ton!! My companion was in shock. Karla asked how long I had been speaking Spanish and when I told her 2 months her jaw literally dropped. She was so surprised and said that I am going to be bilingual in a year! This was such a huge tender mercy to me and a confidence boost that I needed! The other night I sat down to start planning with Abuelita's hot chocolate in one hand and a tamale in the other and my companion looked at me and said, "You're so Mexican!"... which is what I usually say to her. ;)

Diana got confirmed yesterday! And Claudia came to church as well to have her 7 year old son Tristan blessed! She stayed all three hours for the first time as well! Also, Jennifer (the 16 yr old golden investigator and angel) came to church! She made a lot of friends in young women's and we're hoping she had a good experience! My comp plays the piano for sacrament meeting so it was just me sitting in between our investigators trying to go back and forth explaining things to both of them and making sure they were doing okay the whole time which was mighty stressful but there really is no better feeling. 

I can't remember if I have mentioned Carmen before but she has been taught for 8 YEARS. She really wants to be baptized but has been living with a man, Fito, for a long time. They used to want to get married but now they're just friends but he won't move out (...it's just a lot of drama) but now all the sudden they want to be married! So they should be getting married tomorrow. If so she will be baptized this weekend!

I guess my biggest challenge right now is being treated differently for being white and an english speaker. The prejudice mostly comes from the older generation, but is really frustrating on so many levels. Especially since this is America.  I guess I need to learn to have a Christlike love and patience. If anyone has tips or advice on the subject, I'm all ears!

I love this gospel. It is a gospel of love and hope and truth. How great is our God!

Much love! Until next week, 

Hermana Dearden

P.S. I ate cow face tacos at Bishop's house last night. And I liked it. What is happening to me?

Pics: together for another transfer, the scenery that sums up El Paso