BIRTHDAY PACKAGES OF LOVE!!

This week I received lots of packages and I hear there are more coming. Thank you for ALL the birthday wishes. I got a package from you all, one from grams and Adam and Kara. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Thank you SOOOO much for all you do for me. I’m still ATTEMPTING to wait to open things till my birthday on Thursday... not sure how long that will last. This is the only birthday I’ll miss on my mission, so it’s ok. I can’t wait to see what Thursday brings. So far we have planned some lessons and we’ll get together with Damian and Natalia, my fav people ever, and our ward mission leader, Enrique, and his wife, Noelia. They are also awesome. So that’ll be fun. Also... Heavenly Father really loves me because on Friday we have zone conference. Wahoo! The thing is we’re having it with two zones... so, my entire district from the CCM will be there: Hermana Hite, Lundskog, Kirkham, the elders, and every other cool person. I’m so excited! He really does answer prayers. So that will be my birthday.

To start off, we have a baptism this week! Yes, Pablo will be gettin’ wet this week. Happy birthday to me. Just pray that all goes well this week. Satan will be working extra hard on him. He hasn’t smoked or drank anything and has improved even more his church clothes. He now has an entire suit. He’s excited. Saturday at 7. Be there or be square ;)

We did exchanges this week. It was very different. It poured all day and no one wanted to talk to us. My comp for the day was really quiet and hardly talked to me. I did learn a few things from her about teaching. So, that was good. Hermana Hite and Hermana Lundskog were also doing an exchange. They called me up… those lucky dogs…. and said how they were talking about me all night and how much they missed me. It was nice to feel loved. haha They are great!

I have been thinking lots this week about the mission experience. As you know, I have completed 8 months! People have been telling me I’m no longer a greenie, which of course I know is true. So I’m almost half way done with the mish. This is a scary thought because I seriously feel like I just got here. Everyone (like dad) says to get ready for the down hill side of the ride... it goes by way faster. I’m not ready for that. I got letters from Luis and Steph from San Jose. It felt good hearing I have helped them, their letters were very clear, but there is still so much I want to do and become and I don’t have much time. It’s scary.

I also have noticed the miracles that take place daily: in the lives of others, and in my own. HEAVENLY FATHER answers prayers daily. I pray, I see the answer, he is there. There is no doubt. Other people that we talk to also mention these things, but they refuse to accept it as our Father in Heaven who loves us and is looking out for us. It’s so sad to me. WE HAVE TO LOOK FOR THOSE MIRACLES. We have to acknowledge that he’s there. The excuse of every less active is that he doesn’t love me, he’s not there. Well, if you’re not looking, you’ll never see it. It’s so sad. Look for those miracles and tender mercies. If our dad here would do whatever it takes for our happiness, how much more would Heavenly Father do those things for us? He is all powerful, all magnificent, all loving. I love him with all my heart and everyday I thank him for the things that he gives me that I don’t deserve at all. I love this gospel.

I love you all more than you can imagine. Please don’t forget it. Please don’t forget that this gospel is everything. Without it we have nothing. Do everything in your power to stay close to Heavenly Father, he loves us. He will bless us, when we do our part. I know this without a shadow of a doubt. I love you all.

Love, Ash

THIS GOSPEL IS TRUE!!!

La verdad que si .... Hello my dearest loved ones! I miss you guys so much. This week has been a good one work wise. I have gotten so much mail and packages. Happy birthday to me... it's not even time yet, but thank you gramps Farr, grams Farr, Chels, and Kenny for the love! I'm waiting till my birthday... uhh... haha

Hermana Puentas and me

As far as the work, man! We have seen miracles. We don't really know what happened with Roman. And Camila... not sure if she is ready, but we're still working with her. As for Pablo... ah! He has changed... he's a new person. He shaved off his foot high mowhawk. Yes... he did. Not only that, but the ward contributed and he has a suit jacket, tie and nice shoes. He has been wearing them to every charla (lesson) we have. What's more, this week was his fifth Sunday attending church, not to mention the fact that he has been smoke free for four days now. We are beyond happy. That's the power of the gospel. The power to change our lives, and here it is... in action. We are so thrilled. Don't worry... we have been meeting with him in members' homes and with scaerdocio (priesthood). He received a blessing for strength too. Every time we "part" he says, "Goodbye, my sisters in Christ." It's sweet. Hermanas en Cristo. That's who we are, yep. Every member who has met with us with him develops a love for him. He really is a sweet person and wants to change his life. He's already doing so! In testimony meeting yesterday, a member who is mentally challenged (he's so sweet), bore his testimony about Pablo. It was so touching. He said, "I'm thankful that I have had the opportunity to know Pablo. He's a good person." If he knows, then everyone does. They have become good friends those two. I love it.

As for me personally, spiritually, I experienced the spirit stronger than ever before. We were with Damian and Natalia, two less actives but with super strong testimonies. They have recently activated themselves with the help of our mission leader. It was Damian's birthday and they invited us over. We decided to watch the Testament with them since they had never seen it before. This movie... whoa. It's so powerful and every time I see the end, when the family is together and Christ heals the dad, I just lose it... without fail. And so it was the same. They were crying too, they loved it. My comp said, "With this same spirit, we'd like to leave you. Could we say a prayer?" I couldn't stop crying and Damian asked me to say the prayer... then he just told me to cry because I was feeling the spirit... and I seriously couldn't stop. Then I felt the need to bear my testimony, my heart... was beating so FLIPPIN hard. It felt like it was rocking my entire body, and I could hear the pounding in my ears. It was so crazy. I told them I wanted to bear my testimony, but I couldn't get words out because this feeling in my body. All I could say was, "My heart, my heart." Those were literally the only words that came out. I recognized it as the spirit and it has never spoke to me in that way. This must sound so lame, but it was incredibly powerful and I'll never forget how it felt. After a few minutes, with more tears, I bore my testimony of the Savior, and again everyone's eyes were wet. They opened up to us afterwards like they never have. They told us powerful stories and we grew closer. She mentioned how she wasn't completely converted and she told us her need. Now we know how to help her better strengthen her testimony. I love them. Behind the house where we live. That dog is Bon Bon (our friend). He practically lives with us!

On a different note, the most difficult thing about the mission is having to deal with a new life every house you walk into. It is draining emotionally, physically, mentally and most of all spiritually. You can only do so much to help some people. We have been working with three kids who were baptized by the elders before us. We gotta keep them coming and they aren't. They don't have parents who love them; they have so many problems. We visited with them this week and they were beating each other up hard core. No parent was home and we had to intervene. It was so intense. My heart just breaks for them. Once everything was under control... kind of, we still had kids crying and yelling. My comp started to teach and I just put my arms around the one little boy. He hates the members of the church, HATES them. But he snuggled right into me for the first time and actually listened to the lesson. By the end, he was smiling and wouldn't leave my side. If that's all I can give these people then so be it. I'm trying to help them in their lives, but at the same time it's so difficult. Like I said, we can only do so much. I pray for them, that their family life can be better. Theirs is a rough life...

I love you all so much! Please be good, pray lots, read lots, go to church, grow up in the Savior, and most of all help those in need. We have the power! I love you! Thank you for all your love and support. You're my everything!!! Love, Ash

P.S. I know the church is true. It hasn't changed my life, because I've always had it, but this gospel IS my life. We are so blessed!

BAUTISMO!!

Hello August….my favorite month!!! I sure do miss you all. Cosas rapidas esta semana.

Ah! You got to meet the bishop and his wife from my ward! I can’t wait to read what you all thought and if you could communicate. Glad you got everything though.

This week has been well. We did have our BAPTISM this week! Yes! Sharon didn’t want to be rushed last week. So we decided to hold off for a week. It caused problems with our zone leaders because they just wanted her to be dunked, but waiting is alright. Man... it’s like I’m a mom and baptizing my kids because we gotta plan everything and make sure it all goes well. It’s the most stressful thing EVER! But it’s all worth it. My comp and I decided to sing and then she got sick. So I sang... solo... so crazy, but I got lots of compliments afterward. We sang "I love to look for rainbows." They never do musical numbers here but I wanted to make it special. It worked. By the time the song was over Sharon was in tears.

Sharon's Baptism...So Awesome!

We proceeded to the font and she started freaking out. She almost didn’t want to get in the water. We gently pushed her there and the hermano took her hand and lead her in. That’s when we realized... we couldn’t see a dang thing from back stage. (We are responsible for being with her after she is baptized, helping her dry off, change and get ready again.) So as soon as we handed her off we RAN as fast as we could to watch from the room and after she was dipped we RAN as fast as we could to greet her again. It was crazy... but I felt the spirit so strong. When she got out, she was smiling so big and all she said was, "This is the best day of my life." She covered her face with her hands and began to cry. THE SPIRIT WAS AMAZINGLY POWERFUL. She didn’t even care about her towel or anything, she just stood there dripping and crying. I started to cry too and couldn’t stop, in the midst of laughing as well (because we were all so happy). While she changed, the relief society pres and a really good hermana from the ward came in and just hugged me. All I could think was... "Everything is worth it, just for this moment." I was so happy. And more importantly… so was Sharon. I think she’s the first one who has really REALLY understood what decision she was making and it feels good to know that she understands and is really doing this because she knows it’s right. Ah! I’m so happy. We are just hoping she can find a good man and eventually get married in the temple. Can’t wait to see what time will bring for her.

This week we have had so much support from members and it’s been great. The people really do make the mission. I will never forget the people here. I love them so much. Our ward mission leader is the bomb. He has been working so hard for the baptism, and for the work in the ward. He’s so awesome. And he takes care of us like he’s our big brother. That’s really what I feel like. On his mission he had 14 out of 26 comps speak English, so he learned and talks with me in English. We ate lunch with his wife this week and talked strictly girl stuff: marriage and life and the gospel. I haven’t done that here on the mish yet with any member. She’s so cool though. With their help... the first members who have actually gone out to help rescue two lost lambs... a recently married couple who we love so much... and the first success we've had in bringing them back to the fold. It just shows you the power of THE MEMBERS in this work. For that we will be forever grateful to him and his wife. Ah! So great. I’m going to miss the people here a lot when I have to go. Hopefully it won’t be for awhile. Convert children we are teaching. I love them!!

P.S. My comp keeps telling me I’m the funnest comp she’s ever had. Yes! Score... we passed by the first swings I’ve ever seen here and I ran for them to take a minute after a stressful situation. She just stared at me. "Get on," I told her! She said she always wanted to do that, but her other comps wouldn’t let her... whoa. I figure, if I’m not enjoying myself here and creating my own happiness, I can’t help other people be happy. I’m here to show people my love for the gospel and show them that this is the way of life that brings happiness. If I’m not happy.... I’m a hypocrite.

Just another testimony that the Lord loves me: EVERYONE has been saying that this winter has been so much warmer than last winter, but next winter will be worse. Yes! He loves me, he loves me, he loves me... Rain in Utah... I’m missing a crappy summer in Utah, and enjoying a good winter in Uruguay. It’s a tender mercy that I think of everyday. I love life, love the mission, love my area, love the work, love the members, love my convert, love my family.... love the gospel, but most important I love my Savior. I owe him everything.

I hope all is well at home, I miss you like crazy. Don’t forget it. Be good, the gospel is true.

Love, Ash

THE WORK MOVES ON.....

The Punta Coastline .... It's beautiful!
I am officially overly obsessed with reggae music. That’s what they listen to here. Well, that or Italian accordion. Both are good. I’m either in Italy or Jamaica so it’s cool...

- WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS!!! That’s right, Uruguay gano ayer! We are officially the soccer champs of South America. Go us! It was sweet, but the streets were scary. It’s a good thing we get to go in early on Sunday nights to write our letters to pres. The centro was full of drunks, horns all night long, screaming, partying, confetti all over everything... It’s intense.

- My comp and I were listening to a Joseph Smith dedicatory CD this week. One song was about Porter Rockwell. She asked me to explain and I started going off on all the stories about him that I read and that dad has told me. I told her when she gets home she should read his book. She just gave me this really sad look. She said they don’t have access to any of that in South America. Obviously, they don’t have Deseret Book, but they have to have some sort of church books they can read? Wrong. I felt so sad... appreciate what we have. All they have are the basics, the church library and scriptures. No stickers, no CTR rings, no bibliographies, nada.

- We had transfer calls last night. I’m staying of course, well we’re staying. Hermana Hite is coming to our zone!!! Yes! along with Hermana Lundskog obviously, and another hermana I’m pretty close with, Hermana Kubley. We’ll all be together and I’ll be able to see Hermana Hite before she leaves in 6 weeks! ah!
- We lost Veronica.... Saddest day of my life. She’s not ready I guess. And right after she told us that we came across a Jehovah’s Witness who argued with us for like 20 minutes. My comp fed into it too. I just stood there the whole time. It was useless to say anything. Then she laughed in our face when we said God had a body of flesh and bones, called us stupid and stormed off.

As for the other three investigators who came to church last week. Pablo... he’s awesome, artist, ex-prison mate, full on mohawk, heart soft as a teddy bear, wants to be baptized already but he has to quick smoking. We’re working on it. He found a Book of Mormon in prison and there he learned almost everything we have to offer :) He’s awesome. Too bad everyone judges him for his hair and the fact that he went to jail.

His friend... Roman, he’s great too: Wants to become closer to God, smokes marijuana. We’re working on that as well. Don’t worry we’re being careful with these men. We have members with us and meet with them in our BEAUUUUTIFUL church building.

Camila. Probably the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen... 17. She’s the niece of the bishop’s wife. We went to her house that wreaked of smoke. She said, millions of missionaries come by and I’m not interested. The hermanas already taught her pretty much every lesson and invited her to be baptized when she was 13 but she said no. We have her record with all our forms in the house. She said, my aunt made me go to church, she always has, but I drink, I smoke and I want to enjoy life. Ugh... as she went on to describe her life I couldn’t speak. I was on the verge of tears because I knew that all she wanted was love from someone. Her family life is terrible, not members. And her grandparents have passed away, the only people she really loved and really loved her back. When I finally decided that I could talk, I expressed to her my grandpa passed away too. And he was one of my favorite people. I told her I was far away from everyone I loved when he passed and it’s still hard sometimes. But I told her the reason we don’t drink, smoke, wear short skirts (and whatever other thing) was because we want to be with the people we love for FOREVER!!! I said, what are you going to tell your grandparents when you can’t be with them because you wanted to do these things. I said in the long run none of it matters and if you’d rather participate in this than have your family in the next life then that’s your choice. It wasn’t this harsh because the whole time I was crying, but she felt the spirit and so did I... so did my comp. We were all crying. She completely changed her attitude. I told her we were there to help her, love her, be her friends and teach her the ways that we can return to Heavenly Father. She said she wanted that very much. SCORE! It was awesome. We saw her Friday night running through the plaza to catch a bus and she screamed at us to stop running. She gave me a huge hug, which is rare for Guayans, let alone 17 year olds. I love her. We’ll see her on Tuesday. Pray for her! She needs the gospel.

Along with that, we found out from a member that Sheyla had broken the word of wisdom because they didn’t have money to pay for the water in their house, or lights... or anything. So she drank packets of coffee. We were so sad, so we decided to put together a package of food and doorbell ditched her. It was so fun. I guess someone saw us because when we went by the next day she spilled everything to us and thanked us. She cried. Tears mean a lot here. These people are hard hearted. We felt good though. We may not be baptizing like crazy, but I can proudly say, we are helping people.

But! We do have a baptism coming up... If everything goes ok. The reference from the elders, Sharon. Yes! Wish us luck.

We’re going to Montevideo today, my comp has to sign her visa papers so I probably won’t be able to write much of a letter but... know that I love you!!!

All my love, Ash

P.S. Yes... the pics... this is my area and the first thing I saw driving into my area. I love this place. I love the mish. : )