YEAH FOR INVESTIGATORS!!

THE PLAZA
Ah! I don't even know where to begin this week. It has been.... crazy, let me start with this. I love you all so much. I love you for your support, love, kind words, encouragement and all. I don't know where I would be without you. Thanks for everything. How is everyone? Things here are... well :) por fin!

First things first: small list of exciting things that happened.

- I went to one of the nicest houses I think I've been to yet while being here... by the ocean, craft shed, painting room, apartment out back, pool, huge room for BBQ and games and much more. It was there that I got fed octopus haha. Yes. It was good too.

- We had interviews this week. Surprise! I love president. It went really well. Once again, he told me that I have a gift to love and to USE IT with my investigators. He says it's a gift and a Christlike attribute and I need to use it. He specifically said to use my smile. It will work wonders with our investigators. (Did I mention we have investigators?)

Alright, now to the good stuff. When I first got to the mission home, my first day in the field, pres gave us something that said, Expect to see miracles, Expect to feel the spirit as never before, Expect to rely on the Lord like never before. Be willing to be a tool in his hands and be subject to his divine work. SIGH... this week has been that. I getting teary eyed just thinking about it. I forgot for a minute that this is HIS work. I was trying to do everything by myself and it's not even close to being possible. A visit with a good ole friend, Hermana Lundskog. Yeah!
We fasted on fast Sunday as a zone for Maldonado zone. After reading last week's email from dad, my comp and I decided it might be good to do it again for our area. We were fasting when we got calls late Tuesday night that we were going to have interviews on Wednesday. What a perfect way to end the fast... with president, his uplifting words and a devotional from Elder Holland. We felt inspired and good to go. What we didn't realize was that the Lord had something much greater planned for us than we could imagine.

We've been working side by side with the zone leaders this week. They called us and told us they had a reference, a girl who moved out of her boyfriend's house so she could be baptized. She is now living in our area and they wanted to take us to meet her. We went, shes awesome. We've been teaching her and she has a date to be baptized next week. Ah! They gave us a bunch of other references too. We went to church on Sunday and out of NOWHERE we had 5 investigators in the building. What the junk... yes, FIVE! We were shocked, amazed, and soooo grateful. Out of NOWHERE we have 5 new people to teach. We were running around the church building literally to talk to everyone before they all left. Not to mention new members who wanted to talk with us, and new recent converts who moved into our area. The work the Lord poured upon us was almost more than we could handle. It reminded me of the tithing blessing. Ah! We are so excited. What a little patience, faith and hope will teach you, eh? We have this whole week practically filled up with lessons and we haven't even gone out to work yet. Crazy.

On top of that, Veronica. She is so amazing. She didn't come to church yesterday, but we have taught her a few more times. She's so great. She seriously is too smart for her own good. She has so many questions and ideas, but we're teaching her the way things really are. She has her Book of Mormon now and is going to pray this week. Ah! She better. She already accepts everything though. Shes' scared to receive an answer because she knows with that comes responsibility. Her situation is very complex. I wish I could explain it over email but, I can't. With all her knowledge of religion she didn't know Christ suffered for her sins. It was the first thing we taught that she didn't argue against. She was touched by the spirit. I couldn't even talk during the lesson, it was so powerful. I bore my testimony at the end with what I could through the tears. She was so touched and started crying too. Then she did what no other person has ever done here. She got up, came to me and hugged me so hard and we both cried together over our Savior. It was soooo powerful. I felt her love. She felt mine and most of all we felt the love our Savior has for us. I have never had to work so hard for an investigator. I think I love her more than any other gator for that reason. Her way of thinking is sooo dominant that we really can't help her. Talking after the lesson with my comp, we realized she's not going to progress or doing anything without her answer from the Lord. I have never had to leave things up to the Lord like this. I'm hangin' on pins and needles, pleading with everything I am that she can pray, and get an answer that she will recognize is an answer. Like my president told me the first day I got here, I am having to learn to trust in the Lord like never before. Now... it's up to her and him. And I know he'll take care of her. I have to learn to accept his will though, it may not be her time right now. But I pray with everything I am that it is. She is AMAZING! There is nothing better than meeting these people here that you learn to love so much. I can't express it in words, I really can't.

Sigh again. This week has been crazy! But our work is paying off. Eh, it's not even our work... We are witnessing the Lord's blessings even though we don't deserve it. On a lighter note... right now the "Copa de America" is going on down here in good ole South America... the soccer tournament. It's crazy. These people are crazy for their soccer. We tried knocking doors one night while 'Guay was playing... yeah so not happening. Every single person was watching, every single tv in every store, restaurant, household, everywhere was turned on to the game. People watching in the streets, restaurants full with people cheering. And what's worse was the game this week was against Argentina our arch enemy/ rival. We totally killed them though! When Uruguay scores, every single man goes out into the street, pounds his chest and screams. They shoot off fireworks and it really is dangerous to be out. We ended up going to a member's house because we couldn't get any work done. We watched the game with them, taught a lesson at the half, downed a pizza and booked it before our curfew. When the game ended, ALL NIGHT LONG, people were partying, honking horns and screaming. We are number 4 in South America now. We play Peru tomorrow and then we'll see who next. It's against Venezuela, Chile, Brazil and Paraguay. I can't wait to see what happens. (Hey, I have to be excited about soccer, it's the only sport they have here. I got nothing else.) Then, we see who goes to represent South America for Mundial. Crazy. Wish us luck :)

Alright, we best be going, I love you all so much. Pray for our investigators. I'm so glad we have some now. Oh! Transfer calls are this Sunday. Crazy how time flies when you're having fun. I don't think I'm going anywhere.

I love you all more than words can express!!! Keep the faith. It pays off ;) I love this gospel, I love this work and it IS the Lord's work. I'm glad I get to see the blessings, witness his love and share in his glory. I love the gospel and it is true!!!

Hasta Luego, Ash

THE MIRACLES CONTINUE...

This week has been challenging. We cannot find investigators and it has been weighing very heavily on us. We had the hope of Natasha. We proposed baptism and she accepted. Then we had to get permission from her gramps and, of course, her mom. Well, the unbelievable happened. Her grandpa said no. He's a member! We couldn't believe it. This was yesterday. So we have no need to ask her mom. I don't understand. When we finally find someone to baptize, the things of life get in the way. This work is so much more complicated than I EVER EVER EVER imagined. So we were back to no one.

Then we went contacting and that's when we found a miracle. Her name is Veronica. She let us right in her house. What?! That's unheard of. Every word that came out of her mouth was... wow! My mouth dropped open and I don't think I closed it. She told us what she's looking for in a belief and everything she wanted, we have. We prayed with her and she loved how we communicate with our Heavenly Father. She said just the day before she had been wondering about whether or not to baptize her 2 year old son. We told her it didn't need to be done. I asked her straight up if she thought he had sins. She laughed and said no. I asked then why does he need to be baptized? She loved that too. Ah! I love her! We can't see her again until Friday and so I'm praying with everything in my soul!!!!!! that she will read and pray. Oh and she wants to read the Book of Mormon so bad. She said she heard a little bit about our church from a guy on the bus who was Mormon. Thank heavens for that man who planted a seed... who knows how long ago. I'm so grateful to him. I hope we can keep her and teach her. I just hate that I get excited about someone and the next minute they fall off the face of the planet.

My companion, Hermana Puentes, and me
The youth came back from EFY and spoke in Sacrament yesterday. It was probably the most spiritual Sacrament I've ever been too, with the exception of the Sunday before my farewell when the youth sang. They experienced such a change. You always appreciate something more when you don't have it, or don't have much of it. This EFY program in South America has changed the lives of these youth. They are so grateful for the opportunity to do something together and grow together. I was touched because, at the very least! we have 3 trips every summer as youth in Utah. Youth conference, girls camp and trek some summers. Appreciate the church we have! Appreciate the technology and the development we have. It's incredible!!!

I have felt overwhelmed, but once again happy. I can't even begin to tell you the things I am learning here. My comp and I had an intense conversation this morning about gospel principles and I am amazed at the things I'm learning that I wouldn't have learned without this mission experience. I'm grateful for that. One of my former companions called me last night crying because the mish is so hard. It happens... this place is not easy! But I love this gospel. I love my life. I am so unbelievably blessed I can't even stand it. I love you all. Be good. Be strong. Stay true to the faith. Love, Ash
The beautiful sunset overlooking the ocean! I love it!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

THE DEDOS (Famous hand statue at Punta del Este)

Hermana Hite called me this morning and sang the national anthem. Afterwards she said, "God bless America." Yeah!

Lots of stuff has happened this week. As for the work, I feel like we’re in a ditch with investigators. We still have no one, with the exception of one little girl. We are finding more success with the members and their incomplete families. If I can help with that in this area, then that’s fine by me. I’ll take whatever I can get as long as I’m helping the church grow in some way here. But this little girl is the granddaughter of a member. She’s so sweet. Natasha. 11 years old and has been going to church with them for almost two years, but isn’t baptized. Her gramps thought that she needed to change some things (her attitude) before getting baptized. Whoa! No! She needs it now! He said no at first, and then after talking to him he said, “Well... you’re the missionaries, what do you think?” Well, heck yeah she needs to be baptized! So we are starting teaching her this week. She already was at church yesterday. Score! The grandpa is really sweet. I said to my comp, he likes us (after we left the house). She said he likes YOU! What! noooo... she said It’s ok, every family, every investigator always has a favorite. But he trusts us. So it’s good. I hope nothing goes wrong. We’re excited for her.

Other than that, there has been so much opposition this week. I feel like I roam the streets with nothing to do. And we plan well, with back-up plan after back-up plan. Everything falls through, people won’t talk to us, it’s too cold... ugh. Yesterday we were in this richer area. One man came out and told us to pray with him. When we looked at him with confusion, he said if you won’t pray to Mary with me, I won’t listen to what you have to say... alright. Rude. Then another man said he didn’t believe in God. We asked if something had happened or... what? He said “No, I’m smart enough. I don’t need a God. I can think for myself.” OK.... then we invited him to church. Still he said we were stupid and that we were also invited... invited to "review" our brains... whoa. All I could do was shake my head and say wow as we walked away. This happened over and over again yesterday. We can’t even get people to talk with us, let alone teach lessons. We have been redoing our way of contacts because obviously this isn’t working. Oh well, we will move forward and keep working hard.

Mom, you’ll be happy to hear that the Relief Society has gone way out of their way to help us. They made calendars for meals, they are coming over to inspect our living conditions and many other things. I told the pres my mom would be very happy. And that made her happy. She is doing her calling soooo well. My comp said this is the best pres she’s had on the mish. I’m so grateful for people who fulfill their callings. We are being taken care of though.

We had a ward activity this week. Best part... we didn’t plan it. The ward is functioning on their OWN! It’s a miracle! And it had the best turnout of any I have seen here. The youth are doing EFY. It’s the 2nd time they’ve done it here in South America. They go to Argentina so it’s a big deal. They performed that cup game but so amazingly, they altered it a bit. They did it for everyone and the ward was in awe. We had 4 less actives come, 2 non members and many ward members. It was so great. The spirit was there, and then we ordered pizza! It is Guayan pizza, which is way different than ours, but still good. The bishop likes his sweets. After church all the kids run to his office to get sweets (including us). The youth here are amazing. Everyone of them reminds me of someone at home. They are cool. I love that they actually exist in this country.

During weekly planning I got so overwhelmed this week. We have so many people to take care of. I know we can only plan the best we can, work hard and the rest is in the Lord’s hands. So much to do better here.
Yes... we did go to Punta del Este. It was a blast! I ran and jumped and laughed along the ocean. I was giddy and crazy. It reminded me so much of Cali. Home Sweet Home. I wrote lots of stuff in the sand. My comp had never done that before. Whoa. She loved it. We saw the Dedos and other cool things. Sheyla, the recent convert, wanted to go into this 5 star hotel. So, we went. It’s called Conrad, so pretty and right on the beach. They were in AWE!!! My comp and Sheyla, that is. They had never seen anything like it. They were amazed that there was carpet, and in the bathrooms automatic paper towel dispensers. Wow, I was humbled. I said I missed carpet. They asked if we had that in our country... um... only every household. I didn’t say that, but man I am so grateful for my life. This hotel would be considered... not so great in comparison to most in the U.S. But they were excited. I was just glad the place was heated. We roamed around there doing some fun stuff. They even had a theater in there. Cool beans. Punta is gorgeous. The next day at district meeting our leader told us we're not allowed to go there ever. Even to teach people. Weird. Our pres is coming DOWN with the rules. Oh well, I know there’s a reason. I guess it helps us stay focused.

Today we are going to.... MCDONALDS!!!!! Wahoo! First time eating out in seven months! We’re so excited. Whoever knew McDonalds was so good. Not me. That’s what happens when you are deprived of American food. Also, we borrowed the movie "Errand of Angels." My comp hasn’t seen it so we are going to go to the church to watch that. She’s excited and so am I. Good stuff.

I hope you are all enjoying the warm summer heat. Jealousy times a thousand... but I still love you all, more than words can express. Be good!

Love me, Ash

I HAVE ARRIVED!

Two weeks and I’m used to my new situation. I’ll tell you something funny. I am trying to type in Spanish, my brain is having a hard time switching to English. Crazy. I accidentally speak in English with my comp sometimes and then when I try to speak English with zone leaders or members who want to practice, only Spanish comes out. It’s really embarrassing. At least that means I’m getting good. : ) It’s a crazy talent to be able to speak two languages … to switch back and forth is so cool!

Wow, we have experienced so many weird things. The people here are intense. As we continue to search for members, less actives, recent converts and investigators we come across some interesting people. We had some seriously crazy experiences. One of our converts is 12, Sheyla. She’s awesome. Her family is a little different, they practice black magic. Seriously scary stuff. We got to her house to have a lesson and all the lights were out. The houses here don’t have windows and so it was pitch black. She lights a candle and we proceed to have the lesson like that. We were kinda confused. Then she tells us they are doing some ritual. uhhh... ok? Her uncle later comes out and starts talking gospel with us. It was good, until he went off. I was really scared. He was talking all quiet, by the candle, talking about spirits. He then tells us the scariest story I’ve ever heard. Ugh, the spirit left for sure. I felt so unprotected… naked, spiritually if you get what I mean. Oh man... so scary. We had to get outta there!

Then we were looking for someone specifically, and we knock on this door that looks like a house. A girl who was for sure on drugs opens up and lets us in. The roof is open and there is a dark alleyway with several doors on each side with a staircase at the end… People drinking, smoking, drugs and scary stuff. I felt like I literally walked into the movie "Taken." Holy cow. There is some sketch stuff here, and we continue to discover more. I’m constantly nervous about where we’re knocking, who will come out and what we’ll find. It’s been interesting. In the meantime, we have found some awesome people. That really is the greatest part of the mish. All the people you get to meet and know who you would have never met otherwise. It’s the greatest. We have two investigators with baptismal dates, but neither came to church and so we gotta see what’s up. Also we had a reference and she is awesome! She tells us she wants to be Mormon. So cool. We have been finding part member families all over the place and our goal is to work with those to complete them.

I’ve learned a lot this week. I have learned to lean on the Lord so much. It’s been really cool. Every single one of my prayers was answered this week. Every day I had something else that I needed and Heavenly Father gave it to me. That’s the awesome thing about the mish. You get to test the Lord. In return, he tests you but you get to learn so much about the Savior and your testimony grooooooows. Just a simple example, it’s been pouring, freezing cold all week. We made plans last week to go to Punta del Este today with Sheyla. It was pouring yesterday and we didn’t think we’d be able to go. I prayed so hard it would stop, if it was the Lord’s will. This morning it was so windy, freezing, and cloudy, cloudy, cloudy. I was so bummed. What do you know? 30 minutes before we leave the house, the sun comes out, the sky turns blue and there ya go. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. I can surely testify of that.

I have also learned I have to be myself here. It’s been hard with the language and when I don’t understand generally I would just sit there and listen, try to make sense of stuff and get nothing out of it. But! this week, like I said, there’s no holding back. I feel really good about myself. It’s been difficult, but when I don’t understand, I just ask. I learn, and it’s been so good. Yesterday we had ward council. The first in my whole mish, and it was awesome. The ward needs each other, just like any, and my comp wasn’t saying anything. So I stood up and spoke in front of everyone what the needs are, what they can do to help us and it was great. We have a rescue plan we’re going to put into practice, activities we’re going to do and lives we’re going to change. I love the feel. It’s good. It’s how the whole mission should be. I feel lame that it took me so long to get here, but here I am. Ready and willing, trying and striving, learning and growing, that is for sure.

With this part member family, the dad isn’t a member, but the wife and kids are. She said so many missionaries have tried working with him, but he won’t listen to anyone. While we were visiting he was staring at me, with a puzzled look. He said I reminded him of a dear friend. My comp started plowing down with gospel principles and I knew it wasn’t the right time. I felt he was getting frustrated and I starting asking his wife questions. That’s how we found all this info out. She said she knows one day someone will come along. He’s just waiting for "his" missionary. I decided to write a little note to him. We left it. If no missionary ever tries, then he won’t ever be baptized. This is what I mean by being myself. Also, I have been able to laugh more this week, and everyone makes comments about it. Generally, I laugh at everything but... with difficult times it’s hard to do, so I am being more myself with the language and culture and it feels so good! I’m happy...

We’re out of time here, but ocean here I come. I love you all so much. I’m always thinking and praying for you. I hope you feel my love. I know I sure do feel yours.

I love you, Ash

ASHLEY'S BIRTHDAY!!

Hey all you fellow bloggers! Ashley's birthday is coming up on August 18th. I will be sending her a package and thought if any of you would like to slip in a little birthday wish, you can email it to me (Tammy) at tfarri@gmail.com. She would love it! It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, just a simple note. I need to have this package in the mail July 14th so get your email to me before that. Thanks for all your support!!