Alright yall...I've gotta be honest. This week was a toughie. But I learned a lot! I feel as if my language skills have plateaued...like we have gone over everything that I had already know in the past and now it's raw material, brand new for me. So it's a challenge! But thankfully I have amazing teachers, one of which has got to be one of my favorite people on earth. We have so much fun together and laugh until it hurts. I try to speak just Spanish with her and I think that it's really the best way to learn. Every day is a new adventure!
I am so excited to get to New Mexico and actually teach real investigators. The ones here are just our teachers. But I most definitely need the practice and have sooo much to learn. Teaching is hard. Period. Then adding a new language on top of that is a whole different ball game.
Here are some fun facts about my companion:
She is a ballerina. And a gymnast. And went to 2 National Spelling Bees. Also, according to our roomates, we were talking in our sleep to each other one night this week...and I was talking in Spanish! Way crazy.
I've started to have a lot of self-doubt of myself as a missionary. That it's too hard, that I don't have anything to offer, that I don't have to be here anyways, etc...But I know that these thoughts are not from The Lord. I've been praying hard to overcome these doubts and toxic thoughts. I'm not here because I think I'm awesome at overcoming challenges and have lots of good qualities to share, or to prove myself to anyone. Not at all. I'm here because this is where The Lord needs me and because He is so good to us, and that goodness and love needs to be shared. I know that with His strength that I can do anything, especially being a missionary and upholding and sharing His name and message. This scripture has been a strength to me this past week:
Doctrine and Covenants 6:33,34,36,37
Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. Look, unto me in every though; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced in my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Heavenly Father is truly always there for us and wants to help us. However, WE must actively seek Him. Always. Now matter how far we feel we are from Him, it is never too late. It takes humility to seek Him out, but for it we are so blessed, and it is so worth it. Every single time!
This work is tough. It's trying. It's changing. Every day is a choice to be here, and a choice to give it your all, or not. I'm grateful to be here. I'm grateful for my challenges. They make me stronger, more compassionate to others, and more humble. We truly need Him every hour.
Remember who you truly are! Keep the faith! Mucho amor!
--Hermana Dearden
P.S. You can send me letters if you want ...just sayin :)
PICTURES:
1- my district. i love them so much. we have a blast.
2- the hermanas in our zone that we hang out with all the time. they are so stinkin hilarious.
3- me and hermana stone with our roomates. notice the southern pride shirts. also the one in pink is basically a disney princess
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