December 8

                               

Stuck in Traffic

  

 
 December 8, 2014

Alright, so I've decided to do my email a little different this week considering I feel like my emails have been really lame lately. So here is my best shot.

This week we taught Elizabeth and Lula twice. They are progressing but we can't seem to get them to church. They keep all of their reading commitments and always have a lot to talk about. I love them and their children are adorable. We taught them the plan of salvation over two lessons. The first one was great although they had a lot to say about Adam and Eve. Catholics think crazy things about the whole Adam and Eve situation. The rest of the plan of salvation we had Hna. Perez there. She is a miracle worker I tell you. She knows what to say and when to say it. She brings the spirit so strong and you could tell that they felt it. We asked them to come to church but they said no. Hispanics have this huge fear of the freeway for some reason. That makes it really hard to get people who are in our area to church, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE FREEWAY.

I had my first heartbreak this week. We have stopped by to talk to this guy named Ivan (pronounced eevaaan) a few times. We finally made an appointment with him but didn't make it due to being stuck in traffic all day. (that is another story that I will tell in a minute.) I finally convinced Hna Hurley to go visit him after 3 hours of service the next day. We stopped by and he dropped us hard. He was like," I don't understand why you would want to come. I already have a church and I don't think you have anything to say that I need to know." I was so heartbroken. We walked back to the car, more like sulked back to the car, and when we got in I put on Hilary Weeks, "Just let me cry" and sobbed for a good 10-15 minutes. I had never been so sure that someone needed the gospel as I was about Ivan. He just had this gloom about him and he said he was looking but hadn't found anything. I know this is what he needs but unfortunately we all have our agency. I think I am going to go drop a Book of Mormon off at his house for Christmas, after all this is the best gift I can give someone. 

I had my first big break down this week. We had a Christmas dinner this week with our ward and the English ward. It went okay except for the fact that everyone decided to talk to me and not speak slowly. A lady named Olga was there and she needed a lot of help too. It was just really overwhelming. Afterwards I had to take a language assessment and I just didn't have the patience to do it. I stood up and stormed out of the room. Hna Hurley was like...uhhhh. We talked about it the next day through and everything is getting better. I just have really been letting my emotions build up lately and it doesn't help anything. I've got to find a better outlet. Maybe I'll take up running? 

We had an English dinner this week as well. It was so different than anything I'd experienced. For one thing I could understand the conversation which was really nice. I feel I was in with the cool kids. It was just really funny. They are a great family. I'll tell you more about this in my hand written letter. 

So my crazy thing for this week...WE GOT STUCK IN TRAFFIC ALL DAY. We had to plan for zone training since Hna. Hurley is STL and we didn't get done until 4. WE were stuck in traffic until 6:00 trying to get to our area. We never arrived. We had to turn around and go to dinner. Then we got stuck in traffic on the way to dinner. It was crazy. 

Funny things. 

1. We have a super stylish elder in the zone named Elder Gove. He always says "Hna. Porter that skirt would make a great tie." Yesterday he saw Hna Hurley, who had worn the same skirt 2 days in a row. Elder Gove looked at me and said "Hna. Porter, you better not wear the same skirt 2 days in a row. I'll notice. See how Hna Hurley is wearing the same skirt." I about died laughing. I then told Hna Hurley this and she said "Dang it, I even though of Elder Gove when I put this skirt on this morning." It was so funny. 

2. We got a really funny miracle call last night. The elders stopped to contact this drunk lady. They described the whole thing in a British accent and then at the end, the lady tried to kiss one of the elders in the end. The miracle was "Elder Durstchi dodged the kiss and held strong."

That might just be missionary humor but I loved it. 

SHOUTOUTS 

Momma Misty

Sarah F

Bishop

Amanda

Dad

Mom

 

QUESTIONS

How goes THE WORK?
The work is great. Moving a little slow. Let's just say there won't be any baptisms anytime soon. That is okay though. Just spending a lot of time planting seeds. 

What is the funniest thing that happened this week?

Elder Durtchi almost getting kissed.

When are transfers?
The week after Christmas. I think it is the 27 or something like that.

Where are you going for Christmas?
I think we are going to Obispo house. We don't really plan that far in advance to be honest. We will probably know Christmas eve. 

What are you doing for P-day?
We have temple conference this week, where we go to the temple as a zone (keep you eyes down, if you know what I mean.) So we are practicing a song that we are singing for that. We also will be playing soccer and going shopping for food.

What was the best lesson you taught this week?
Lula and Elizabeth's. It was really the only lesson we taught this week. Not only lesson but only lesson with an investigator.

Do you ever teach at church?
No. We cant get anyone to come to church. But if you mean teach RS or SS the answer is still no.

How's the Spanish going? 
Maaaaaaaaa. I just wish I was fluent already. It is slowly chugging a long. I'm not sure what the best way to learn it is. James, if you have any suggestions please chime in. You too Casey.

Do you speak Spanish more than half the time?
No. ALL of our contacts are English. But at church and our investigators are all Spanish. So I guess it actually depends on which day of the week you are talking about.

 

  

My first pupusas

 

 

December 1, 2014

 The skirt someone made for me. I love it.

 

What is this??

So, I'm not really 100% positive what to write about because I was just writing the other day, so pardon the lame email. It has been a great 4 days though and it has gone really fast.

We had thanksgiving at the Ochoa house and it was a blast. Their family makes up like 90% of our ward and it was packed. Hna Skidmore and her family was there as well and we had a good time. Our ward is so great. They really take care of us. 

We spent most of Thanksgiving at the church playing soccer. I don't think my body has seen that much exercise in a LONG time, actually ever. It was a lot of fun even through I don't have very good feet eye coordination. It makes it a bit challenging. I make a mean goalie though. I think Morgan Halverson would be proud of me. I did learn everything I know about goalying from him ya know. 

We also played thimble full of water. Everyone had a blast. I know you hate that game, mom, but everyone loves it. Maybe you should give it another shot. 

The next day was Hna Cuestas birthday and we had a surprise party for her at the Ochoas. But it was Elena Ochoa not grandma Ochoa. There is this fun tradition that Hispanic people have and what they do is start chanting "take a bit take a bite" and then when you go down to, they push your head in the cake. It is so funny and fun. Hna. Skidmore and her family surprised us there as well. They are sneaky little guys.

On Saturday night we had a soccer game at the church. We invited all of our investigators and less actives. We had such a great time. Only one family really came but they brought an army with them. We had a great time and watched "He is the Gift" at the end. It was so much fun. It is a great way to get people in the church and also have a great time as well. The teenagers that came really enjoyed themselves as well. We are thinking about making it a tradition here. I hope it catches on.

We didn't have a lot of lessons because it was the holidays and everyone was super busy so I don't have a lot of that to write about. Sorry. We did have lessons just not ones that were life changing. (maybe all of them should be...so I should work on it...)

 

And do I have money to buy some clothes today because I don't have enough cardigans to keep me warm and a little girl drew all over my white cardigan in marker...devil child. Also here are some ideas for Christmas. 

 

Straight up money 

Paper mate pens

gift cards

a bigger purse like my little one

MINI PMG

My little black scriptures. 

A little case like my chevron one that you made for my regular scriptures for my Spanish. But Spanish is a little bigger than normal scriptures. Just for my Spanish BOM though. 

OLD ENGLISH CHEESE

 

Mom. You are the best lady I have ever met. You seriously are the reason I am so great. If you think I am awesome just look in the mirror because you are 300x cooler than me. Plus I just copy everything you do! haha. But I am so grateful for you. You are my hero and I hope I can be as good of a woman as you are one day. 

Who did you spend Thanksgiving with?

Already answered that. But we didn't have turkey. 

Did you have a testimony building experience this week?

But I don't have time to type it right now. I will write it in a letter home. 

What is it with you and everyone's dogs?  They love you
I LOVE dogs. I really miss Cincy so I make friends with other dogs to fill the void in my heart. 

 

What did you think of your November Pillowcases?

LOVED THEM. I put mine right on my pillow case! I couldn't even take a picture. I will try to remember when I get home tonight

 

Make sure to have fun but remember to take your calling seriously.

Isn't that my middle name? Hannah "have fun but take my calling seriously" Porter?

 

 

Love, 

Hermana Porter

 

 

 

 

 

November 27, 2014

You're welcome (;

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This week I want to focus my letter on all that I am thankful for. I was thinking about it today during study time and there is a ton of things that I am so blessed to have in my life. 

One thing that I am so blessed to have is a wonderful family. I am amazed every day by how wonderful ya'll are. I am just so blessed to have a family that supports me in whatever I want to do. You were 100% behind me when I wanted to serve a mission are you are still back there supporting me even when I am gone. God has truly blessed me with the most wonderful family in the world. We have our struggles but we get through them and usually with a smile on our faces. I am glad we are all friends and we take the time to help one another out. You are my best friends and I love you. I am so thankful to Heavenly Father that we get to spend Eternity together. 

I am also thankful for this opportunity to serve a mission. I know that I have the ability to do great things out here in Cali. The Lord has blessed me greatly with a mission call that is specifically for me and also great companions and great house mates. Everything, in time, works out to be perfect for me. He is giving me the challenges I need to learn and grow he is also helping me help others. If I listen to him, I have the chance to serve other and change their lives forever. 

I am just so grateful. We have great lives and sometimes we take that for granted. I am so grateful for ALL that I have. 

Funny Moment this week. 

We FINALLY got the Mom from the Ramirez family to come to church this week. We showed up around 8:30 to help her get the kids to church. We showed up 40 minutes late to church but that was okay because we had her there. We listened to the last 20 minutes of sacrament meeting but that was okay because we still has the last 2 meetings left. Well, her son started to cry and throw a fit on the way to primary. We made it into the primary room when he then start to cry so hard he made himself throw up. We were laughing SO hard and so was Hna Baltazar, the primary president. Hna Ramirez was so calm about it as well. It was crazy and really funny. 

I love you all and I hope you have a great holiday season. 

Hna Porter. 

SHOUTOUTS

Sarah Faulstick

Hno Solomon

Hna Skidmore

Dad

Mom

Ashley

Diana Ochoa

Hna. Baltazar.
Gloria Nelly

 

 

How's the new roommate?

She is great. Her name is Hna. Cuesta and she is so funny. There was a bit of an adjusting period because we all missed Hna. Skidmore so much. Hna Skidmore is back in town through so we will see her and meet her family tonight at dinner. We are really excited to see her again. Hna Cuesta is really funny and super great. 

Did you get the package with your IPod?

I did! Thank you SO much. You didn't have to send all you did until Christmas. But I know you are a bit of an over achiever. We LOVE listening to David Archuleta (Glorious). We basically only listen to him, haha. 

What are some things you need?

I don't NEED anything. Some things I'd like are Mini PMG both Spanish and English. And if you could some how find a Spanish scripture case that would also be great. I really only need one for my Book of Mormon. I would also like my tiny black scriptures. I think I am pretty much good. I'll make a list and send it next Monday if I think of anything else. 

 

What makes you the happiest?

Everything. I am basically happy all the time, shocking, I know. haha I love being home at night with the other sister. I also enjoy long walks on the beach and Chinese food. haha Just kidding. I love getting to talk to Hna Sheffer also. She is so great and it is just so chill. I also love teaching English lesson so I know what is going on. 

Did you ever get your skirt from that lady who was making it?

I did. I'm wearing it now actually. I will send a picture. It is SO cute. I love it. 

How's it going with your companion?

Good. I've been struggling a lot this week. Patience is so hard. I'll tell you more in my letter home. 

Do you ever do splits?

Yeah. Had one yesterday. We can only do it twice because there is only one set of sister missionaries. Yesterday I was with Hna Sheffer. Is was so great to get a break. We both got some things off our chest that we've been needing to talk about. She is such a GREAT missionary. She inspires me so much. It is nice to just change it up every once in a while as well. Miracles also happen on splits.

Do ward members go out with you?

Sometimes. It is really hard because we don't know about our lesson until last minute. They are really good about coming to the lessons we do have. The members support us in so many ways it is crazy. 

Any new investigators?
I can't remember who I have told you about. There is Lula and Elizabeth. They are neighbors and they listen together. Lula has 2 sons and Elizabeth has 1 daughter. They are awesome. We had a lesson with Lula last week and it went SO well. She told us that she believes in Joseph Smith because she said that it would make sense that God would call a prophet in these days too. We extended the invitation to be baptized and she said maybe. She has already been baptized and that is hard for her to understand. She is out of town for a week through so it is hard to see her. 

Also, Ramiro and his girlfriend Marina. I am not allowed to tell details because it could get into trouble. But he has had a REALLY rough past. A lot of things had happened to him and he really wants to change his life around. We had 2 lessons with them and they went GREAT! One was a member present as well. YAY They accepted a baptism date for Dec 27 but it is super conditional. They have some things that they will need to work out first. We love them so much. They are fantastic. 

 

November 18, 2014

I felt exceptionally cute, so I took a missionary selfie

1.  Did you get the package with your IPod yet?  I insured it for more so I want to make sure it gets to you.

I haven't gotten it yet. They put the mail on hold at the mission office because of transfers. I should get it sometime this week! (P.s I'm saying put. Hna. Hurley was made Sister Training Leader but that was the only change.)

2.  If so, what did you think of all the stuff?
3.  Are you getting transferred? 

Nope. Staying in the same place. :)

4.  Is anyone in your apartment getting transferred?

Hna. Skidmore is going home :( So we are getting a new missionary. Her name is Hna. Cuesta and she will be Hna Sheffers new companion and will follow up train her. 

5.  What is the weather like?

It is pretty cold here. By cold I mean 50's. I am starting to need tights through, which I don't have, and a jacket. I think I will need my green winter coat! haha

6.  What do you love most about being a missionary?

I love interacting with the members and learning about their lives. Strengthening the ward really brings me comfort and I know as I strengthen them it will prepare more people to come into the church and stay active. 

7.  Did you like riding your bike last week?

Yeah, but I broke it. So the Elders are going to fix it for me. I somehow broke the seat off. Elder Wright said that, that it happens a lot with new bikes. 

8.  What do you do for exercise each morning?

We go to the park and walk around. The past couple of day we have been playing basketball with the Elders. 

9.  How much do you walk every day? (are you still wearing your fit bit?)

I am wearing my fit bit but I have no clue because it refreshes before I get home every night. My guess is about 10000. 

10. How hard is it to get up in the mornings?

Not that hard at all. It is hard not taking my time to get up. But its almost like second nature now. 

11.  Are you cooking much?
Not really. The members feed us a lot. I make a sandwich for lunch every day and have a bowl of cereal for breakfast. 

 

 Sunday.  We sang a song in church as we all matched.

 Diana, me, and Hna. Gomez at the RS Activity

 

MONDAY

We had FHE with the Ramirez family. They are slowly progressing. Hna said that she would come to church this week. We were so stoked. Her commitment was to pray this week. Yesterday she came to the Villalobos for FHE and Hno. V said to her that she had to set the example and start going and her husband would follow. Latinos are so bold but it isn't offensive. IT is crazy.

TUESDAY 

I met a guy named Ivan today. He was so great. We didn't add him but that is okay. He is one of those people who you can see the burden in his face. You know they are searching for something but they don't know what. He asked us to pray with him. He is going through some family things but said that we could come back soon. 

WED

We had a R.S. activity tonight and it was so great. We gave the spiritual thought. I spoke in Spanish in front of the whole ward. It was crazy. They all said they could understand me too. WOW 

THUR

We met Ramiro today. He said that he had lost everything. He had to move into his girlfriend's parents house and everything. He is getting his feet on the ground. His mom kicked him out and he lost the job he had. He said that we were an answer to his prayers. 

We also met Ricardo and his family. We were super excited for them but when we went back for the return appointment they didn't want much to do with us. They said that they decided they were catholic and they didn't think they'd change. 

FRI

We got told by the dad of this girl named Tiare. He came out and was like, my daughter feels pressured that you are making her go to church and want her to be baptized and all this stuff. We are catholic and we don't mind sharing stuff peacefully but we don't force stuff. 

Weird things was that was our first stop by. 

We started teaching someone in a nursing home. It is pretty weird. We are surrounded by a bunch of people the whole time because she shares the room with 3 other girls. It is so weird. 

SAT

We had the ward party. It was a blast. There were tons of investigators there and it was a major success. We had a great time dancing and eating food. Spanish Ward Parties are so different than English ward parties. 

We also had a lesson with a lady named Selena. She babysits a lot of kids and the kids love us. These two little girls are SO cute. Selena isn't really interested but she is great. She has a lazy arm and leg but she also takes care of birds as well. She does so many crazy weird hobbies. 

SUN

Like none of our ward was there because they were all sick from the ward party. Hna Hurley had to leave church early she was so sick. Not much happened during this day. 

Sunday night we had a FHE with the Rodriguez family. We had the kids plan the lesson and then we did the game. We played the thimble game and it was a major success. ALL the kids loved it including the too-cool-for-school 15 year old boy. The dad was just cracking up the whole time. Thanks for teaching me that game mom! haha

MON

Just FHE with the Villalobos and the Ramirez. 

I am kind of having writers block. I'm sorry. 

FUNNY STORY

Last night we saw a really bad accident and we asked if they needed help. This black lady said no. I asked if anyone had called the cops. She then responded with "I didn't call the cops, they didn't call the cops, hecka (a cali slang word) people didn't call the cops." she said for us to keep going. SO we then left. We were so confused and wondered if we should call the cops. We then realized, after the cops showed up that she was saying "I done called the cops, they done called the cops, hecka people done called the cops."

We were cracking up. It was SO funny. 

SHOUT OUTS

Mommy

Daddy  (How is daddy doing? I miss that guy)

Brad

Sarah

Ashley

James

McKenna Fielding

Sarah Faulstick

Jozi (handwritten.)

Love you all, and have a great week

Hermana Porter. 

 

 I saw One Direction's new CD and I was so sad I couldn't buy it.

 

The bishop's dogs.  Paco and Diego.  Diego bites everyone except me!

The kids at Selena's house

The Ramirez kids

 

More Christmas gift ideas:

sweatshirts, I have none

socks,

more recipes

post it notes

photo album

ice breakers

 

 

November 10, 2014

Missionary Selfie

TUESDAY

We had a "new missionary" meeting with President and Sister Jardine and also the Assistants. We split off and we got to talk about some of the problems we were having. A LOT of people are shotgunning and having no investigators, it is nice to know that we are not alone. haha 

We went to dinner at the Rodriguez house and spent some time with her. She said that it was nice to get some adult time because she is surrounded by her kids 24/7. It is weird that she considered me an adult. 

In the evening we went to see how Hna Baltazar was doing.  She is a stellar woman. She continues to put on a happy face for her kids even when it is something that would shut a normal person down. She has so much faith in the Lord, it is amazing.  

WEDNESDAY

Also known as exchanges day 1. I went out with Hna Sheffer and Hna Gomez. We had a great day. Some things I learned. 

Contact, contact, contact. That is how you get investigators. Talk to every person you see. That is what makes the difference. 

We are not lazy, missionary work is just slow sometimes. It goes through phases of having a ton of investigators and then for some reason they all get dropped and have a few and the people you are contacting are not giving you return appointments. That is okay though because this is the Lords work and he has you doing what you need to do. 

THURSDAY

Exchanges day 2. I went out with Hna Skidmore. The crazy thing was though that the night before we got a call on their phone. When she looked at it was her dad's cellphone number. She had me pick it up and it was her mom. She said that she needed to talk to her. Turns out her dog had died. It was SO sad. 

Today, I found out why that dog had meant so much to her. Personal reasons but it reminded me a lot of Cincy. It was super sad but it got me to thinking about a lot of things and the things I am grateful for, one of which is Cincy. 

I also learned that the success I have as a missionary is determined by how much work I put into it. All the factors of success are things that I control and are not dependent on other people's agency. That is so great to realize and now I feel a lot more successful as a missionary. 

In district meeting today Elder Rindlesbacher talked about how we need to make decisions together as a companionship because if one companion decides to do something and the other isn't on board it creates contention. That is so true. I really think that communication is key. There are times where Hna Hurley makes decisions and doesn't tell me and then we get frustrated because we haven't communicated. That is so important. Just express your feelings because a lot of time it is just miscommunication. 

FRIDAY

I biked for the first time. Also, we went and met some of the appointments that were set up on exchanges. We have a really awesome lady named Lula who I have high hopes for. She is so nice and I think that she has been prepared for the gospel. She sat and listened to us and talked about a few other things. I have high hopes. 

SATURDAY

There was a service project in the morning for the city of Sacramento. It was fun to get involved with the community. 

We went to a baptism for one of the Elders investigators. It was so beautiful and the spirit was extremely strong. She had invited a lot of nonmember friends and they ALL wanted missionaries to come and talk with them after being there. It was beautiful. 

I got to go to bed early this night because we had to skip lunch hour and dinner hour so we went home right after the baptism, it was nice to have the extra sleep. 

SUNDAY

We saw a lady with Alzheimers today. She is a less active but only because she can't remember that she was baptized into the Mormon church. She couldn't remember anything we talked about. It was really sad but she was so nice. She lives with her son who is disabled and he is the only person she can really remember. It was a spiritual time even through it was really sad.

We had a lesson with a lady named Selena. She is an investigator. We explained to her church and prayer. She said that she was interested. This is our second time meeting with her. 

MONDAY

We are going to play sports and then tonight we have FHE with the Ramirez family. I hope everything goes well with that. The daughter is crazy but so cute. We are excited to see them again. 

Mom, transfers are next Wednesday. I will be writing on Tuesday because P-day is changed on transfer weeks. So stop sending mail on Wed. just to be safe or whatever day you think is best. 

I love you all. I am having a great time and love it here. The work is really picking up and we are ready to "baptize" the people who are ready. 

Love, 

Hermana Porter. 

 

 

SHOUT OUTS

Daddy

AMANDA

Laura (card)

Mom

Luke Gillenwater


Christmas Present Ideas.

My mini black scriptures

Tights, preferable black

Mini PMG

Cardigans from target. They are ALL super cute. The ones from target are holding up the best. (xxl)

Sharpie Pens

Zebra Pens

Post it notes

stamps

pretty paper

study journals. 

But whatever you send, I will be happy with. Super excited for the tshirt quilt. 

November 3, 2014

           We got our Halloween Pillowcases.  We love them!!!

MONDAY

After last week emailing we went to the home of some of our members. The Villalobos family and had FHE with them and then the Rodriguez family. When we got to the Rodriguez house they really needed help with homework so we shared a short spiritual thought and the gave them some help. I love those two families with my whole heart. They are so wonderful and do all the best that they can with what they have. 

TUESDAY

The only really exciting thing that happened on Tuesday was that we went to see Pablo (the 16 year old boy we've been teaching). He said he couldn't meet right then because he had just gotten home from school and needed to do his homework. He said that we could come back on Thursday though and talk with him. We are so excited about him and his brother. I've never seen two people so prepared to receive the gospel. They have the light of Christ about them and it is so beautiful. 

Other than that it was a lot of tracting. WE really wanted to find people although it didn't work. 

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday was CrAzY!! We had interviews with President and Sister Jardine. They went so well. President had us study Hel. 3:35 before we came and we had to tell what we learned. That is such a good scripture. During that time of scripture the people are going through the pride cycle a lot and in that verse I came up with "The CHRIST CYCLE". As we fast and pray we will become humble and have faith in Christ, as our testimony grows we will have joy and peace in our heart and that will lead us to want to repent. And all of that will lead us closer to Christ. Not the most clever thing in the world but it meant a lot to me. 

We had dinner with our Bishop tonight. He made chimichangas (not sure how to spell that.) and they were SO good. One of the best things I've ever eaten. That made me happy. (but when does food not make me happy?)

We also were suppose to teach English class this night but it didn't end up working out. We went to a young women in excellence instead. It made me a little homesick because I felt like I should be at it with mom and not attending one as a missionary. Their Laurel president reminded myself a lot of me and it was a crazy flash back. That seems like another life ago. 

THURSDAY

This day was CRAZY in a new sense of the word. I really think I was dreaming the whole day, it was that weird. 

First we started talking to this guy at an apartment complex that we really felt like we needed to be at. There were a lot of members that lived there and also a lot of drops. We had a great feeling about it. We started talking to this man (who looked black but was actually Muslim) and he was talking to us about race and the priesthood. He was talking about how people misunderstand religions because they think Muslims are really violent which he then started to talk about when he was incarcerated. It was a weird situation, like i had said but it got even weirder when he started talking about how many cops were around. We turned around and saw a swarm of cop talking around the complexes. There were 3 or 4 cars and 2 or 4 walking around looking for someone. They guy then said "Hold on, i got to go make a phone call. " He grabs this black bag that was by his door and starts banging on the door for his friend to let him in. We felt that spirit leave right there. We started to leave and he came back out and was like, why are you leaving, and we just told him that we had another appointment that we had to be at. It was a super trippy experience. 

We then went to another part of those complexes and ran into some black guys who were super cool until their friend showed up. Their friend was crazy. When we went to leave we wanted to pray with them and one guy said he'd say the prayer. He then continued to roll a joint as he prayed. Needless to say we ran off as soon as the prayer was over. 

That night we were suppose to have dinner with Terzinha but she called and said that her mom had choked on an orange and they now think she is brain dead and wont wake up. It was so weird and sad at the same time. She is really struggling right now. 

FRIDAY

We had weekly planning and then we had dinner at the Ochoa house. Since it was Halloween we wanted to play a prank on the Elders. They were suppose to eat right after us so we found some masks and we hid. Hna Skidmore hid under the table and the rest of us hid in different places. When we jumped out they didn't even scream.  Hna. Skidmore grabbed Elder Poultons foot from under the table and he didn't react at all. Apparently the revenge is on though so we are watching our backs. 

Since we couldn't go out since it was Halloween we went and had a Zone Training. It was SO good. We talked about the atonement and talking back to negative thought. We talking about that through Christ we could change all things about our self. If we don't think we can then we don't understand the atonement of Christ. It was SUCH a great night. So beautiful. 

SATURDAY

WE did a lot of tracking like the rest of this week. Seriously, a lot of tracking. 

SUNDAY

 Great day. We had dinner at the Perez house and she is so close to being done with our skirt. Her and Karina are so beautiful and they are trying so hard. I cant remember if I already said this but she is really the Hispanic Jenifer Smith. She is so amazing and just serves people with all of her heart and does great thing for the church. Our ward would be no where with out her. 

We went to see Terzinha to see how she was doing. She just needed some time to talk so we just sat there and listened for and hour and a half. She said it was really hard because no one in her family understands the plan of salvation so it is hard to see them depressed. It felt so bad for her. I wish there was something more that I could do. 

MONDAY

Got my hair cut. That is about all that happened. 

QUESTIONS

Last week you sent a picture with your bishop and his wife.  You had on a new blue dress and a sweater I didn't recognize.  Where did you get them?

Me and my companion share clothes. So it was her outfit. Lucky right? We aren't completely sick of our clothes yet, so that is good. 

Have you needed boots yet?

Not really. It is starting to get colder. Tights would be nice and i should probably buy boots soon. 

Do you like the weather?

Yes, the weather is perfect. It rains maybe once a week and it isn't too hot but not too cold either. 

How many lessons did you teach this week?

Not very many. We don't have very many investigators. We are trying to pick up a lot this week. We had 7 this week. 

In what way are you growing the most?

How to rely on the lord and accept the things that come in his time. That is so hard but i just need to be really patient which is pretty hard sometimes. But I'm learning that this is his work and he will make everything okay if i just do my best. 

Did you get the pillowcases yet?

yes. I loved them. Best package yet. 

Are you getting mail at the apartment now?

Yep. I got one letter so fun. Hopefully another one tonight? 

How was church?

Good. Crazy Hispanics at fast and testimony meeting. Haha. I'll write you about it. 

What is your favorite thing to teach people?

The restoration? haha we don't teach a lot. I really like teaching them the importance of prayer. 

What is the three most important things you have learned from your trainer?
1. Planning. 

2. Sticking to your plans.

3. Praying about your plans. 

It is through the Lord that you find people and you can only do that through the Lord and you have to communicate with him. 

SHOUTOUTS

DAD

MOM 

MISTY

SARAH

JEN

BRAD

Love you all, 

Have a great week, 

Love,

Hermana Porter

 I got my haircut today.

 We got a flu shot and was sick all week.

 Halloween 2014

 Me and Jermiah Villalobos

Jonathan Rodriguez drew me these pictures :)

Xavier Perez.  Coolest. Kid. Ever.

Monday, October 27, 2014

This week has been crazy. I feel like I cant remember the day to day activities. Good thing we have planners right?

MONDAY

This turned out to be a really bad day. Email were great but the rest was bad. We were trying to find a post office so Hna Hurley could mail some packages. We found it but it took forever and we only had about and our to shop for groceries. 

It took a lot longer to get to the Walmart than we though it would. By the time we left Walmart it was already 6:00 (which is them time we should be proselyting) As we were driving home we realized that we were in East Sac (we live in North Sac) and had been shopping our side of our zone the whole time. 

When we got back to the house we realized that we had locked the keys inside the house so we had to call the other hermanas to come let us in. But the time we got out to work it was already 7:30. During the time we had to wait Hna Hurley had a bit of a break down. ( Can you Believe that she was the first to cry and not me?)

At 8:00 we had a appointment with the Rodriguez family. We watched The Testaments with them and the spirit was so strong. That family is so great and wee see great things that are about to happen with them. We think that the dad will start coming back to church soon and that the oldest son with be more invested. We are so excited to work more with them. 

TUESDAY

Not a lot happened on this day. We did have dinner with an English family. The Marriott's were just recently married and they are an older couple. The husband reminded me so much of Brian "Roger" Halverson that I had a hard time believing that they were not brothers. It made me miss Indiana a bit. I realized that the wife is me in 20 years. She said the same stupid jokes that I tell and we were strait up twins. 

WEDNESDAY

We ate so much food today that I though I was going to throw up. We had lunch at the Villalobos and dinner at the Gonzales. Hna Villalobos make us lentil soup and a great pasta dish that was from Venezuela and then the Gonzales family made fried chicken and Alfredo. 

We did a lot of tracking this day. We had a lot of potentials in one apartment complex so we went to work there. Half way though we realized that we were in the wrong complex. We wasted 1 hour of tracking. No wonder no one was in the right homes. 

We take turns teaching an English class on Wednesdays with all the other missionaries. This week we went to observe how they teach. It was so much fun. There is one or two investigators that come and the rest on ladies from the church who are SO funny. They crack me up. We had a great time and i realized that It is OKAY that i don't speak Spanish because these ladies don't know how to speak English and they have been in America for years.  

THURSDAY

We wanted to go and invite a lot of the people we had met to come to the ward Halloween party on Saturday. We stopped by a lot of less actives. A lot of them weren't home but that is okay. We stopped by the Ramirez house and non of them were home but the son. The son started talking to us and he said that he wanted to start coming to church and stuff like that. We left him with commitments to watch some of the Mormon messages. (when we returned on Sunday, he had! we were so stoked)

We had dinner at Terezina Perez house and she told us her conversion story and it was beautiful. She is awesome and such a trooper. She is 26 and there isn't really anyone that age in the ward. She is still dedicated and finds places to help where she can and makes friends with the older people. She is so amazing and cooks GREAT food. I didn't know how much I liked Mexican food until I had hers.

FRIDAY

It was Hno Rodriguezes birthday so we made him cookies and a card. When we showed up he was so excited. It was really funny. We gave him his cookies and card and had a short spiritual thought with them. The Rodriguez family lives super close to Daniel so we tried to stop by his house. His brother Pablo answered the door but said that Daniel wasn't home. We asked if him and his family would want to come to the Halloween party tomorrow and he said that he did. He also said that we could come back and teach time tomorrow if we wanted to. We were so excited. We had always felt like we should talk to Pablo when we were there but the opportunity never came up. We were so excited that he wanted us to return we did a happy dance in the middle of the Road. 

SATUDAY

We went over to Hna Baltazars that morning to see if she needed help with making stuff for the Halloween party. She said she'd LOVE the help.

We had the party and it was a blast. Elder Rindlebacher danced and it was SO funny. He is usually so uptight and serious that it was so funny to see him dance. He was cracking the whole ward up.  

SUNDAY 

We had dinner at Linda Perez house and she made the best food. It was almost like tostado but she called them enchiladas. We helped her make it and it was a lot of fun.  Hna Perez also came out with us to visit some people. She helped us make 2 return appointments. She reminds me of the Mexican version of Jennifer Smith. She is so motherly and honest it is crazy. She also offered to make us skirts. She is so sweet. 

MONDAY

Linda Perez took us out to get fabric for our skirt. I picked it out and it came to be pretty cheap. $9.00 for two yards. It is going to be super cute. She went to sewing school and said she didn't even need a pattern. She made a girl Halloween costume and it turned out so cute. I'll send a picture when she finishes it. 

We are going to play some games here at the church and then go grocery shopping. 

QUESTIONS

What boxes have you gotten from me and how many cards?

I've gotten 3 cards and 1 box that had the dress in it and shirts, WHICH I LOVE, and the blazer and those ADORABLE Halloween things. It was so cute. 

Did you get my apartment address because you can just send them to there. 

What is the best thing that happened this week?

Our lesson with the Rodriguez family and the Ramirez family. I can see them progressing so much and I love them. The Rodriguez dad is inactive and the whole Ramirez family is inactive. Also, Lunch at the Villalobos. I love her so much. She is the Hispanic version of me. 

Are you sleeping well?

Sleeping like a baby. Cant wait to get the Tshirt quilt. Ill be sleeping even better. And my first pillow case??

How many dinner appointments do you get a week? 

Mostly every night. There are Hispanic people that love us, English people, and Hmong people that love us. So we eat well. 

Are the members involved in the missionary work?

Our ward is really struggling right now. We are focused on helping them and a reactivating member since we are having a really hard time finding investigators. There are a few people who are really dedicated. We are also working on getting the youth involved. 

Are you working with less actives?

A TON of less actives. We need more people to help and support so that is what were doing. We try to get into a less actives home at least once a day. We can already see so many blessing coming from that. 

How are your shoes holding up?
Great. I love them. They are so awesome and comfortable. 

SHOUT OUTS. 

Mom

Dad

Ashley Vance

The Bishop and his wife.  She is the RS President. 

                                        Our District

Week 8

This week has been amazing. here is how it went.

 

WEDNESDAY

We had our first lesson with an investigator. We only had one since we were shot gunning. He seem awesome but we are thinking that we will have to drop him then pick him back up. He told us that he can only go to church once a month for the next year. We are praying that something will change but he doesn't seem to think church is really important. 

We also went looking for a less active family, the Ramirez family. We found then and he said that we could return on Friday to talk to them because his wife wasn't there. His wife showed up 1/2 through our convo with him and didn't seem too happy but said it would be okay if we came back on Friday. 

We are working with the Perez Family to convert Karina's boyfriend (also her baby daddy) and reactivate her brother. We stopped by just to see if anyone was home and Jonathan (the brother) was. We were just talking to him getting a feel for how he was doing and what he believed and what he had problems with when out of no where Hna Hurley asked him "have you been saying your prayers?" I was completely shocked. It really turned out fine and he told us no but that he had prayed recently and he doesn't feel that God is answering his prayers. We told him we would pray for him and that we could come back and talk to him more if he wanted to and he said that would be fine. 

THURSDAY

We had district meeting which was completely in Spanish. I didn't really understand anything other than we did some role plays. Sorry. 

We went to visit some only drops but they all ended up living in the same apartment of another guy that we had run into a few day before who was from Romania and super scary. We called the numbers but they were all disconnected so we got to throw them away. This made us realize how important keeping the area book up to date is and keeping it organized. 

We went to visit more drops but no one lived there either. So really no help at all. 

FRIDAY

We had our lesson with the Ramirez family and it went so good. They told us why they quit going to church and they said that we could keep coming back if we wanted to.  Their little girl Lixy is soo cute and is a bit of a hand full. They said that if we drag them by the ears they will come back. Were going to keep going back to help them. 

We had two miracles happen on this day. All of our back up plans had failed after the Ramirez family and we had no clue what to do. Hna Hurley said that we should just drive up and down Madison Ave. and see if we could find any of the apartments that we were looking for (non of them had complete addresses) and guess what WE FOUND THEM ALONG WITH 2 GOD SENT MEN. We were looking for a guy named Alverlardo (weird name, right?) and the numbering systems were all screwed up. We decided to stop and ask two men who were out smoking for help. Turns out one of them is named Jesse and is DATING a member. We got to talking about churches and he said he really wants to come to ours. He has been doing a lot of research on Mormon.org and loves our church. He also loves temples. He said "You can just see the Spirit of God radiating from all the temples. It has too be much more than just man made." And get this, he was completely sane. We were crying of joy. We had to give the referral to the English Elders but that is okay, we found him. 

We also found Alverlardo who had moved and was just back visiting a friend, who was super creepy. It was amazing that we found him but we don't think well teach him. His friend kept calling us and sent us over 6 text messages. The next day we picked up to tell him to stop calling us and he asked Hna Hurley out on a date. We had to tell the District Leaders but everything turned out fine and he hasn't tried to contact us since. 

SATURDAY

We spent pretty much all day organizing the area book. We had spent like 2 hours running around lost and back and forth and we figured that organizing it would be a better use of our time both now and for the future. It actually turned out to be so helpful and we can not go to an area and visit all the drop and potentials. It has helped us already. 

This night we had a lesson with Jenaro (Karina Perez boyfriend) turned out to be a big fight between him and the mom because he said he didn't want to change. It was super awkward and we didn't know what to do. Basically he told us he didn't want to change religions. He was happy with the Catholic church. We are still going to go back because he wants to know more but doesn't necessarily want to change. If we cant help him in a couple more visits then we aren't going to spend as much time there. 

SUNDAY

Spend all day at church. Didn't understand a lot because it was all in Spanish. It was good though. 

Had another lesson with the Baltazars. It went not as we expected but we feel that it is Hno Baltazars time. He doesn't want Sergio, the son, to get baptized because we thinking that he is too young and people are feeding him the answers. He wants him to make the decision for himself. When Sergio explains himself he does it in English because he cant speak Spanish that well. The mom tries to translate for him but the dad thinks the mom is just telling him, Sergio, the answers not how to say what he feels.

Hno. said that he would read the Book of Mormon and we can continue to come by. We feel really hopeful that it is his time and so does Hna. She said the lesson that we taught was perfect. It was so good and I think we are going to do a lot of good for that family. 

QUESTIONS

Is it crazy with 3 other sisters in your apartment?

It isn't. WE get a lot of separate time but it is great because we are like a huge family. It is actually really fun and we get along great. 

Do you have a washer and dryer?

Yes we do. And we can do laundry any day of the week which is super nice. 

What do you love most about being a missionary?

Working with and getting to know the members. They are so great and they want to help as much as possible. 

Is your whole ward Spanish speaking?

Sure is. and so are all of the Elder and Sisters in our district.

Are the other sisters Spanish speaking?

They are. WE are the only sister in the WHOLE Zone. WE are all Spanish speaking. 

How is the Spanish coming along?

The members and my companion tell me I'm getting better. I cant really notice a change. So hopefully that means better. 

Are you driving?

I am not driving, Hna Hurley is but yes, we do have a car. 

How much walking are you doing? 

WE walk around apartment complexes and once we get to know the area more we will walk more. It is kinda sketchy though so we figure the car is the safest place. 

 

Are you taking your meds?  

Of course. Send more please. I'm almost out. 

How are you feeling?

Feeling great. A little frustrated because i don't know when Spanish will come.   But other than that fantastic.

What do you  do for exercise?

WE go for walks. When Hna Hurley gets tennis shoes we are going to start jogging.

  

Do you eat only Mexican food?

Basically. We do have the Mong members feed us a lot because they love us so we get a lot of that food too. But it is mostly Mexican. 

SHOUT OUTS

Dad

Sarah

Mom

Misty

Elder Garbaro

Elder Anderson

Hna Warner

Bishop Faulstick

Have a great week. 

Love, 

Hermana Porter