Wow. Where do I even begin? This has been such an incredible and uplifting week. I am SO blessed. Thank you all for you prayers...I definitely am feeling them!!
Well, turns out I got the best companion ever. Her name is Hermana Stone and she's from Washington/Texas. She is headed to the New Jersey Morristown mission and she also went to BYU before the mish. She is so positive and kind and a wonderful companion and friend. We study hard together, help each other learn, and also have so much fun all day long! It's so great. I've already met so many incredible people here that I know will be lifelong friends. Being yoked in the same cause and convictions is the best foundation to any friendship!
I am loving the CCM! It took a good few days to adjust and realize that I am actually in Mexico and a MISSIONARY. It's such an incredible blessing. Each morning when I put on my name tag I feel such a strong sense of gratitude and joy. It's really the best accessory any girl can wear, and I get to for 18 whole months!! :)
Hermana Stone and I are the only hermanas in our district of 12. Sometimes being in a classroom all day with ten 18 year old Elders is a lot to handle but we love them and appreciate them and they are helping us to develop patience and charity. :)
We have been teaching our first investigator, Edgar, this week. We have learned so much from the 3 lessons that we've taught but the most important thing is that we teach with the spirit. Our second lesson went very well and the spirit was so strong. The words (yep, IN SPANISH!) were brought to my remembrance from my high school classes and I was able to convey the feelings of my heart. It was so humbling and incredible. God is so good to me. My companion took four years of French in high school so this whole Spanish thing is all new to her, but let me tell you-- she is a rock star! She is learning so quickly. She amazes me. After that lesson with Edgar we got to taste a glimpse of pure Christlike joy. In that moment I just knew that THAT is the reason I'm here. That's what it's all about. All the things we focus on, learn, and strive for are so that we can get out of the way and let the people feel their Savior's love for them. There is no other feeling that compares. And any sacrifice that we have to make is SO worth it for that.
So here at the CCM, to say the least, it´s a whole other world. The food here is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get! Every meal is an adventure. My favorite example: fish sticks for breakfast. Yep. That happened. Thankfully there's a nutella/peanut butter and toast bar. Sometimes it's a lifesaver. But don't worry, I'm trying lots of new things! One of my favorites is a fruit called guayaba. Also I've been pretty sick the past few days (which is frusturating more than anything because I don't want to be held back!) and so my district leader gave me a blessing and they had to say my full name and just after 5 days of being a missionary I was like "woah! that's way too intimate and uncomfortable for my whole district to know!" haha missionary life though...
The days are long and hard but I am learning so much! I don't really view the "personal sacrifices" as sacrifices at all, but more of privilege! This is the only opportunity in my life to do this in this way and so I want to make everyday not only count, but be the best day ever! This work is amazing. These people are amazing. Thank you for all the love and support! I know I've only just begun but this work isn't easy but I know it's not supposed to be. If it isn't hard, it isn't rewarding!
Te amo ustedes mucho!
Hermana Dearden
PS: so fun to see elder wilson! he'll be great in peru!!
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