April 27, 2015

Hooooola :) yeah so the update on people you wanted: Marta and Roman went to their church yesterday... :( so apparently we just encouraged them to go to church. BUT we're still going to stop by and try and work with them! It's sad, but true when miracles happen for these people and they don't even recognize it or they reject it. Keep praying for them and hopefully that can at least come to church once to give them the desire to come back :) As far as the people from the blitz, that one guy is english so I haven't heard if he did or not, and then that family couldn't go. 

BUT! We had 2 people at church!! Woo woo! Maura came again! Seriously miracles with her! I have seen SUCH a change in her! It's incredible! She still has a loooooong way to go, but she's definitely progressing. She won't accept a date yet because she just wants to make sure she's doing it for the right reasons and doesn't want to be condemned because she gets baptized twice. So we're working on that! But she's great! I love her so much! She's a little punk, but she's the best :) 

Also! HUGE miracle! Diana came to church! We were thinking that she wouldn't come since she's so socially awkward and doesn't leave her house ever. Plus she told us at our appointment with her Friday that she'll try, but she just really feels uncomfortable around strangers, getting a ride from one, and that she'll probably call us on Saturday to cancel so we don't have to find a ride for her. We were like what the? haha But she never called and then Sunday morning when we called her she said she would go! We were shocked! haha and I think she liked it? We have another appointment with her tomorrow, so we'll find out more about that! Her family is really catholic though so it's hard for her!

We've been picking up and dropping a lot of investigators, the cycle of missionary work! But we're having fun and working hard :) This is the best work everrrr. And we don't even get paid for it :) 

We had a our STL meeting this last week which was super good! I love President Mullen! He's so great! He talked about the difference between a weakness and a sin, then that same day, we just happened to read an article about it in the Ensign! Super good! You should read it! I think it's in the April Ensign! 

A sin is using our agency against the teachings of God, and a weakness is something that we can't control, that God specifically gave to us. And both can be overcome through the Atonement! Sins=cleansing power, weakness=enabling power. Hna. Juarez and I talked a lot about how are weaknesses are really actually strengths as well, as long as we balance them, learn how to control them, and rely on the Atonement. I've learned so much about myself on my mission! Lately I've just realized how much of a problem solver I am. My mind is just always trying to find solutions for things. Which is both a strength and and a weakness. I get things done and find different ways of doing things, but I try to fix things that are out of my control which just stresses me out haha So we're working on a lot of strengths and weaknesses that we have :) gooood stuff :) 

We were also able to do a Helping Hands service project for a few hours on Saturday which was a lot of fun! I love doing service! We helped clean up this old park thing, moved the old stuff around sorting it, and tearing down the buildings. Super fun :) my arms are sore though, kind of hurts to type haha. One of the hermanos from our ward was there was like, "wow Hermana Nelson! I thought you were just a city girl, but man, you work like a country gril!" haha everyone is always so shocked that I get dirty and work! So thanks for teaching me how to work hard :) 

Well! That's about it! Hope you have a great week! Good luck on the crazy weekend! Love you!

Hermana Nelson :) 

Twinner PJ's

Ruby the Mini Missionary Heart Attacked Their Door

People Ride Horses Down the Street!

A Mini Horse

April 20, 2015

HEY! Sounds like you had a pretty good week! You were making me hungry talking about all that food! Dang! 1am flight? That's intense! I hope you enjoy yourself in Florida though! Yeah! So actually, the biggest shock of them all, we didn't even consider this, but Hna. Juarez and I are staying together!!! So we started our missions together sitting next to each other on the plane to Mexico, being MTC comps for like 2 days, then the last 2 transfers of our missions we're companions and then we'll fly home together too! So we're super happy :) Especially since we've both put EVERYTHING into this area and it's finally starting to look up! We've had a week full of little miracles! 

So first of all, we had the blitz this week in our area on Saturday! ... actually I don't know if I've ever explained what a blitz is.. haha so every Saturday as a zone we go to one companionship's area, we split up the streets and go with a different companion just to talk to people and try and set up appointments for that area. It's a lot of fun and we've seen a lot of success with it! So this week was our area's turn, and it was AWESOME! Of course we organized it and planned everything beforehand (unlike the elders.. haha) so we really prayed about who should go with who, what streets to send them to, and then we drove those streets seeing how we felt about them. The entire time it was like revelation from heaven! haha We got so many return appointments and referrals! It was a huge success! AND! Here's a couple cool little stories.

While we were waiting at the church building for all the missionaries to meet back up at the end, we're all just sitting on the grass waiting, and a car pulls up and asks if this a christian church. So we started talking to them and turns out they are living here temporarily, but are looking for a house to permanently live in, in the area. So they're also looking for a church to go to IN SPANISH. And we just happened to be there! They said they want to come to church and we're keeping in contact so when they do move here, we can get their address! Super cool!

After that we were all talking about it and I came back to the group telling them what happened and everything, and just joking I said that they asked to get baptized haha but little did we know, like 10 minutes after that, right before we were going to say a prayer to leave, this guy wants into the parking lot. So we started to talk to him and turns out he used to meet with the missionaries in Hemet and loved it, but then because of different circumstances he had to move away and lost contact with everything. He said the reason why he couldn't get baptized before was because he was living with his girlfriend, but now he doesn't so he wants to get baptized! We were shocked! Here I just joked about that happening and then it did! haha! He's actually english though, but the english sisters were super happy! Soooo amazing!

Sorry this is going to be a really long email haha Also! We finally had another lesson with Maura! I thought it was going to be crazy like the other lessons we've had with her, but it was actually really good! She thanked us for not giving up on her yet and said she was going to come to church! Which is a HUGE step for her, cause the whole time I was teaching her with Hna. Santoyo, she didn't want to come. AND SHE ACTUALLY CAME!!!!! We were sooo happy! She was the only that did come... but hey, after 2 weeks of not having anyone at church, we were THRILLED! Heavenly Father has definitely taught us this transfer that we can't do it on our own. Very humbling :) 

Ariel and Lupita have been suuuuper hard to meet with, so they fell off their baptism dates :( we're really sad about that, BUT another miracle :) so on the Blitz, Hna. Vorkink and I got a referral from a nonmember for one of her neighbors that speaks spanish. So we tried them last night and they're AWESOME! It's an older couple, probably in their 60s, Marta and Roman :) They were a little hesitant at first to let us in, but finally did :) We showed them the "Because He Lives" video and they loved it! The spirit was super strong! Marta told us that we just bring the spirit of God so strongly in their home and she can feel it. Uhh... are you a member? haha no one says that! She also said that she feels like her prayers are being answered cause she's been wanting to find a church in spanish, because her husband Roman speaks more spanish then english. AND. She invited herself to come to church this Sunday before we even got the chance too! Suuuuper cool! The whole time I could just feel myself being guided by the spirit! I kept getting the prompting, "put them on date, put them on date!" So I invited them, and they accepted to be baptized on May 17th!!! YAY! :) We're going to have a church tour with them and the Bishop on Wednesday, so we're really excited! They're great! :) 

Sorry this is boook. Almost done :) Yesterday in church we had a homecoming and in her talk she read this scripture in Alma 26 that we were like, "wow, revelation" 

"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethern, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

..And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.

Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yeah, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethern and also towards us."

We've learned a lot this transfer, and now we're ready to keep up the hard work, kick it into gear, and have the best transfer of our missions :) I love this work and I'm so grateful I still have a whole 6 weeks to share it! (even though I wish it was more) Hope you have a great week! Love yoooou! :)

Hermana Nelson 

our zone :) only 2 people are changing in it, so we're all really happy :) 

April 13, 2015

HEY! Sounds like everyone had a good spring break :) I can't believe school is going to be out so soon! Thanks so much for all yours and Ariel's help with schooling! It makes my mind at ease so I don't have to worry about it :) It's great :) 

Well this week was been a little crazy, but it's good! I've learned a lot! Our area is still struggling getting people progressing, BUT! We were finally able to have a lesson with Ariel again! I asked her when she's getting baptized and she said April 25th! So that was awesome! She really wants to get baptized, it's just still a sticky situation since she wants her dad to baptize her,and he really wants to too, but he can't... so we have to figure that out. And she's only here on the weekends, so we're running out of time to teach her. So we might be moving her date back, but she's awesome! 

We also picked up the Cordova family again! Remember them? I love them :) The kids are so elect and awesome, the mom is just a little slower. But we were super bummed though cause we talked to them Sunday morning and they said they were coming to church, and they didn't :( so we're not sure what happened! BUT. This week is going to be great :) We're going to get EVERYONE to church :)

We also had a service project this week that was at a care center and it totally just reminded me of the seville so it was really fun :) 

Well sorry this one's a little short haha but hope you have a great week! :) Love you :) 

Look who visited Kylee - Luna!

April 6, 2015

HOLA!!!!! :) Hope you had a great Pascua :) But I mean how can you not when it was conference??? IT WAS SOOOO GOOD! I loved all the talks! I love the big focus on keeping your families strong though! It's VERY needed! I've realized that more then ever seeing Satan attacking these cute families I've worked with! It was a little rough though that no one came to conference :( we were SOO bummed. It was like having church 4 times with each session, and being disappointing every time :( Everyone just had Easter plans. BUT! This week will be great! We were able to receive a lot of counsel, comfort and revelation through conference though, so it was awesome! I loved the talk on prayer and answers from Rosemary Wixom! I literally felt that talk was for me! So good! Our investigators are just having the hardest time progressing, that I've been praying A TON lately. That talk helped me so much cause I feel like I've just been giving it everything and not feeling like we were seeing much from it and not knowing exactly what to do with these people. Every night before bed too I've been just opening my scriptures and pointing out a random verse. REVELATION FROM HEAVEN. I'm not making a list of revelation scriptures that have helped me tons! I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES! :) This week is going to be bomb :)

We also had a mini missionary this week! RUBY! From the mission ward! It was sooo fun! We had a great time! She's going to be such a good missionary!... in 3 years... haha it was great! I'll send a picture of us :)

We also picked up 12 NEW INVESTIGATORS THIS WEEK! That's probably my high in one week! They didn't come to conference... but hey! They'll come to church this week :) We're just having a hard time finding people who want to ACT. But They're out there I know it :) 

Well this is going to be a short one this week.. :) but hope you have a great week! Love yoooou! :)

Hermana Nelson

ps the dog pics is this a stray that the Elders found in a field the day of conference, so they brought it to conference... and it chilled in the bathroom... haha but I thought Ariel would be proud

March 30, 2015

HAPPY EASTER/ GENERAL CONFERENCE THIS WEEK! Wooohooo! I'm so excited! It's going to be the best! I'm glad you've been able to watch the Because He Lives video! Keep sharing it with everyone! It's so awesome and is a great, more casual way to share the gospel! We've been working with members with it, and getting referrals from it, it's incredible! 

So Melanie isn't going to get baptized tomorrow :( she's in Palm Springs right now, and it's been SUPER hard meeting with her! I'm really worried for her! So please keep her in your prayers! Yolanda and Bobby are doing really well though! Yolanda came to church again and just loves it! She's the cutest thing! She still won't accept a baptism date quite yet though cause she said she wants to feel more prepared. So we're hoping for sometime in April :) Bobby is a little rascal sometimes haha but I love him! He didn't come to church, but apparently a member saw him outside of the church for a little? We don't really know... but we taught him word of wisdom and setup a plan so he can quit all of his things, and so far so good! He has got to come to church this week though!

We weren't able to meet with the Salazar's at all this week, which was a big bummer! We're not really sure where they're at right now with everything. So many complications that we have to work out with them.... but it will happen :) I love them, and am going to keep working hard for them :)

We had a little miracle this week :) (well and many, but this one I want to share haha) So I don't know if I've mentioned ilayali much, but she's 12 and we haven't really been able to teach her or her brother cause the mom wants to be there when we do, and she's ALWAYS working. BUT! On Saturday we had a lot of things fall through, so the thought came to mind to go and see them, that their mom was home. AND SHE WAS! Woohoo! She invited us in right away even though she was mopping! Which we were surprised! So we had a little lesson with them and invited them to the women's conference that started in 30 mins, and the mom said she had a lot of things to do, but if Ilayali wanted to go with us she could. And she did! So we had to hurry and figure out a ride for her since we can't take her in our car! Which first of all, we were shocked that her mom would let her come with us! Sometimes I take a step back and I'm like wow if some church ladies came to my house and I didn't know them, would I let my daughter go with them to a conference at their church?? uh... probably not! haha so thank you to the spirit she was softened and let her! AND! 2 houses down from them, lives a member, so we ran over there and they let her go with them! MIRACLE! And she loved it all! She said she's thinking about being a missionary! Aw :) I'm so proud :) haha so we were super happy all that fell together so perfectly!

Well hope you enjoy Easter and General Conference! I challenge you to read in all 4 gospels towards the end where it talks about the suffering in Gethsemane and the Resurrection :) It's incredible! And because he was resurrected, he lives and is here with us :) LOVE IT :) Have a great week :) Love you!

Hermana Nelson

p.s. tonight we're getting a mini missionary with us for the week! Ruby from the Mission ward, so I know her! I'm so excited! She's 16 and is super awesome! So we're going to be a trio all week :) woooo! 

March 23, 2015

HOLA :) look who decided to email me this week! Like 10 times! ;) hahaha just kidding no worries I thought it was really funny and enjoyed all your little emails :) It sounds like that event/meeting thing you were act was pretty cool! Hopefully the soreness goes away soon though haha

This week was pretty good! Our investigators are progressing, just slowly :) Once again on Sunday the depression was sinking in when we had no one at church, and I kept having the hope that the Salazar's would be coming since they're always late. So I kept looking back all meeting and never saw them, so I was super disappointed. Then once we stood up, they just happened to be in the only little corner that was barely blocked out of my view haha geez that family causes me so much stress! They're still being stubborn too! Linda still isn't sure about baptism or marriage. BUT! Ariel picked her baptism date! She picked April 25th :) So that's progress! We can only see her on the weekends, so that's perfect :) She's a cutie!

So Melanie! We worked so hard with her this week! She is so fragile! Satan is working SO hard on her right now! She keeps going back and forth with everything! And who knew that a 14 year old would have a coffee problem! But she's been living it and we got her some Pero so it was was good :) But she didn't come to church cause her fellowship was late getting ready for church :( and she was all ready and everything! So we were super bummed! We talked to her about her baptism date, had a really bomb lesson with her last night! She's getting baptized next Tuesday! Yay! PLEASE just keep praying specially for her cause Satan is trying so hard to stop her.

Yolanda was in LA this weekend helping her friend with cancer.. so she didn't come. But she's doing really good! She's reading and praying and LOVED church last week! So she'll be coming this week! Her son Bobby didn't come either cause he thought yesterday was Saturday... haha but he ended up coming to a baptism last night, and we gave him a church tour after! It was really powerful! He loved it! 

I also got to go on exchanges in Riverside again! It was so fun ;) and guess who I saw just by luck when we were teaching the english class? TheSixtos!!!! :) Aw :) they're doing so good! The boys were at the church for scouts. Love them :) 

This week I had my last temple trip as a missionary :( oh man. Talk about hard! Luckily Hna. Juarez knew exactly how I felt, so we had each other :) I just can't even believe it! It really made it start to sink in that the end is coming :( I'm so sad, but I'm so grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve! It's been the hardest and best thing of my life! I wouldn't trade it for anything! I'm going to keep working harder and harder these last 2 months to live up the time I have left :) Hope you have a great week and find ways to serve others! Love you :)

Hermana Nelson 

Last Temple Trip

Beauty P Day

March 16, 2015

Buenas tardes :) Tuvimos una semana tan buena! It was a really good week! We have just been working so hard the minute I hit my pillow at night I'm out! We had a lot of meetings and trainings this week, so it was busy! Not to mention all the work that we're doing with our investigators and members! We were able to kind of figure out some people this week to see if they really want this or not and were able to pick up some new investigators too!

So Yolanda and Melanie were the ones who came to church this week! Yolanda is so awesome! She was sitting outside waiting for us Sunday morning all ready to come when we got there with her ride :) she's doing really good, but we found out she has word of wisdom problems, so we're going to have to work for that... but! All things are possible! 

Melanie is Arely's friend who is a recent convert. She's 14 and she's come to church and mutual activities before and really likes it! She's on date to be baptized next week! Yay! We just have to keep working with her and helping her resolve a couple concerns that she has. Not to mention it's kind of hard to meet with her cause she's always gone! So if you could keep her in your prayers that would be greaaaat :) 

We have no idea why the Salazar's didn't come! Aye. I don't know what to do with them! I love that family so much and I want this so badly for them, but we just keep going in circles with them! They progress, then they don't. SO. Hopefully they start acting more this week, or we might have to drop them :( 

Miracle though! Do you remember April?? We found her again! And we was going to come to church yesterday, but her step-dad left all the kids there so she couldn't leave :( but her baby is doing well, and we are going to start teaching her this week! Yay! We just decided that it was because April needs to get baptized in April ;) 

Beatriz is still MIA :( If we can't contact her this week, we're going to have to drop her. So pray that we find her! 

Good start off to the transfer! We're working hard, having fun, and sharing the most important thing with the best people :) Our leadership in our zone is awesome this transfer that I'm learning a lot and there's just so much missionary fire with great missionaries, and 4 brand new missionaries too, that it's really fun! Well hope you have a great week! Make someones day :) Love you!

Hermanititita Nelson :) 

pics: my daughter and my granddaughter! 3 generations serving in the same ward! Aw it's the best watching my baby train :) She's great :) 

we played soccer on a field today with all the missionaries in our stake! So fun! But I'm super out of shape!