¡Buenas tardes!
This week has been the definition of nutsy, but it's also been absolutely amazing! First off, I became a 'mommy'!! My 'daughter' is Hermana Vazquez form Aguas Calientes, Mexico, and she is so darling! We get along super duper well and are both so happy:) Imagine what a shock it was for her to find out that we would be whitewashing an area...poor thing. My goal had been for her to not be overwhelmed, but that was a bit inevitable in this case. She was less stressed after the second day, though, when we had the biggest rainstorm ever and lightning struck the power line right next to us and we were soaked to the skin all day long. She's been so brave, humble, patient, and kind. I'm so proud of my baby!
We moved into our apartment on Tuesday after the big training meeting all morning, and we've had an interesting time getting rid of the Elders' smell and doing some deep cleaning. I'm actually liking being in a 2-person house, and being the only one to show Hna. Vazquez the ropes is helping me to be a better missionary. It makes me think of John 5:19, part of which says, "The son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the father do: for what things soever he doeth, there also doeth the son likewise."
Remember how scared I was last week? Well, I'm absolutely ecstatic now! Ivan Guzman is the greatest area on planet earth with the best bishop and the most incredible ward ever! There are a gazillion returned missionaries in this massive ward, and everyone is so excited to help us out, especially since they haven't had Hermanas in 12 years! There aren't enough hours in the day to do all the wonderful work here. Seriously, there are SO many people who want to hear about the gospel, and they're all so kind; we've had to literally run like crazy people to teach them all! Hey, at least people are noticing us;) There were 5 baptisms on Saturday alone, and the potential for this area to keep growing is crazy. We invited more people to be baptized in 4 days than I have in the last 4 months!! And then 7 investigators came to church!! I love Ivan Guzman so darn much!!
There are a million stories to tell, but for now, I just want to share about 17-year-old investigator Anthony. He was a reference of another investigator, and the Elders taught him about the Restoration previously. We had a perfect lesson with him last night about the Book of Mormon, and I want for everyone to have the joy in their lives that we all felt then. He is so prepared it's insane and cannot wait to be baptized on September 3rd. I'm beyond grateful to have the chance to serve in the most marvelous area ever and to get to teach such wonderful people with such an astounding companion.
Alma 8:30 "And [Hermana Randall] went forth, and also [Hermana Vazquez], among the people to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost."
I don't know if I've felt the Spirit so strongly and so often as I have these past few days. It's times like these where I wish I could be a full-time missionary for forever:) I've also felt the power and strength of all your prayers this week especially, when I've needed more energy and help than ever; thank you so much. I love being a missionary with all of my heart, and I love all of you!!
Happier than ever,
Hermana Randall
This week has been the definition of nutsy, but it's also been absolutely amazing! First off, I became a 'mommy'!! My 'daughter' is Hermana Vazquez form Aguas Calientes, Mexico, and she is so darling! We get along super duper well and are both so happy:) Imagine what a shock it was for her to find out that we would be whitewashing an area...poor thing. My goal had been for her to not be overwhelmed, but that was a bit inevitable in this case. She was less stressed after the second day, though, when we had the biggest rainstorm ever and lightning struck the power line right next to us and we were soaked to the skin all day long. She's been so brave, humble, patient, and kind. I'm so proud of my baby!
We moved into our apartment on Tuesday after the big training meeting all morning, and we've had an interesting time getting rid of the Elders' smell and doing some deep cleaning. I'm actually liking being in a 2-person house, and being the only one to show Hna. Vazquez the ropes is helping me to be a better missionary. It makes me think of John 5:19, part of which says, "The son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the father do: for what things soever he doeth, there also doeth the son likewise."
Remember how scared I was last week? Well, I'm absolutely ecstatic now! Ivan Guzman is the greatest area on planet earth with the best bishop and the most incredible ward ever! There are a gazillion returned missionaries in this massive ward, and everyone is so excited to help us out, especially since they haven't had Hermanas in 12 years! There aren't enough hours in the day to do all the wonderful work here. Seriously, there are SO many people who want to hear about the gospel, and they're all so kind; we've had to literally run like crazy people to teach them all! Hey, at least people are noticing us;) There were 5 baptisms on Saturday alone, and the potential for this area to keep growing is crazy. We invited more people to be baptized in 4 days than I have in the last 4 months!! And then 7 investigators came to church!! I love Ivan Guzman so darn much!!
There are a million stories to tell, but for now, I just want to share about 17-year-old investigator Anthony. He was a reference of another investigator, and the Elders taught him about the Restoration previously. We had a perfect lesson with him last night about the Book of Mormon, and I want for everyone to have the joy in their lives that we all felt then. He is so prepared it's insane and cannot wait to be baptized on September 3rd. I'm beyond grateful to have the chance to serve in the most marvelous area ever and to get to teach such wonderful people with such an astounding companion.
Alma 8:30 "And [Hermana Randall] went forth, and also [Hermana Vazquez], among the people to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost."
I don't know if I've felt the Spirit so strongly and so often as I have these past few days. It's times like these where I wish I could be a full-time missionary for forever:) I've also felt the power and strength of all your prayers this week especially, when I've needed more energy and help than ever; thank you so much. I love being a missionary with all of my heart, and I love all of you!!
Happier than ever,
Hermana Randall
-Adios to familia Polanco--they truly have been my family here, I'm so grateful for them.
-Last night with the gang, love these ladies so much!
-Last night with the gang, love these ladies so much!