5 days! Cinco Dias!!

Hello ALL!

Well here we are, we have 5 days people! I'm so excited to be able to serve my fellow brothers & sisters in Salt Lake City, Utah! Sorry for not really having a ton to post but I wanted to just post at least one more blog before I leave.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, and sweet cards/more. I am so lucky to have such an amazing ward family and friends of my family to help me during this time. It was hard to be home, and will be just as hard the second time to leave again, but oh so exciting to be in a wonderful place teaching & loving the people of Salt Lake!

I leave for the field November 3rd and I'm in the central SLC mission. I will continue to speak in spanish, so I'll continue to keep the language :)

Well thats pretty much all I have to say, thats all I was told. Tons of new experiences and blessings are on their way! Thanks again for everything and for supporting me!

Con Amor,

(Soon to be) Hermana Blankmeyer

{My mom & I took new mission pictures yesterday for the new blog, check them all out of Facebook}

Glorious

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." -1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

First off I want to start by apologizing. I'm sorry and realize how late this post is, and I did it mainly so we could maybe get some more answers, so stay tuned... 

I was given the opportunity to really focus this week on my testimony. I want to do something a little different and share my testimony now (I might end up adding more throughout the post) I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I know one day He held me in His arms and told me everything that I would go through in this life, all the happiness and He rejoiced with me. He looked into my eyes and told me I would have hard times but I believe He decided to tell me only to help me become stronger. Im certain He knew I would serve a mission in Mexico, and He knew how much this gospel means to me in my life, and He knew that I would fall in love with the culture, people, and spirit there in Mexico. They are valiant and I hope to return back to them one day soon! I love my Savior Jesus Christ, He has done so much for me, that now my mind set is more of, What can I DO for Him? He is my older brother and He suffered E.V.E.R.Y.   S.I.N.G.L.E. pain, emotion, and did that because He not only loves me, His Father, He loves YOU.   I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. Especially in times of loneliness, or when we are unsure or afraid. He is always there and wants us to talk to Him so He can embrace you in His arms and grab your hand and walk the path with you. He answered a 14 year olds prayer, which changed the world. I know living prophets speak to God. I know that if we ever have questions, we can go straight to Him and He will answer. Some things in life we might not understand why they have to happen, but I believe He has a plan for everyone. 

On Sunday I was given the opportunity to teach the primary & young women. For those who don't know me super well, I love teaching (thanks to the mission) and kids make my heart super happy. I helped them understand the importance of covenant making by giving them 1 single starburst, then asking them to promise me to not open or eat it, and I would promise at the end of the lesson to give them something bigger and better (a whole pack). I related it to our baptismal covenants. What we promise & what The Lord promises. Every child obeyed and kept their promise and was able to receive the bigger pack, but I reminded them if they accidentally ate the candy we have the option to repent and try again. Teaching the young women (laurels - 16-18 years) was way different. I could talk openly with them about how important it is to stay true to who they are and do all they can to prepare for making covenants in our temple. The temple has blessed my life in ways I would NEVER have imagined. It is so special and sacred to me. If the world has gone crazy and I need a place that is peaceful, warm, beautiful, and teaches me about the important things in life, the temple is the only place I would go to. I made them a slideshow of the temples in chronological order so they could see where they were built in relation to year. I personally was shocked at how many temples there are in Mexico, all beautiful. The people there are a temple attending people. They understand the importance of the temples. I loved when Sister Reeves came to Mexico and taught us about how the people in Indonesia have 2 stakes. Both stakes had 95% to 99% of the people holding current temple recommends. Even if the people know that they would only be able to go to the temple once in their LIFE. That goes to show how important temples are. 

(If any are interested - ill post my video on Facebook later today!)

I went to the doctors on Wednesday, and the lady who was helping me spoke Spanish. She was from Honduras. She asked me so many questions about why I was in Mexico, for how long, what did you do for fun? She really had no clue about anything about the church or missions. I explained to her my simple testimony that I was a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I served the people in every way I could for the 4 months I was there, but I'm hoping to go back and finish my year & half service. I left my friends, school, even my family for that amount of time because this message that we bring has brought me eternal peace and happiness in my life and in the life of my family. Also back to my "what would I DO?" If He suffered and died for me the least I could do is leave everything and go help the people in Mexico understand that He loves them. I was tearing up when she started saying how lovely it is that people my age would do such a thing, and how beautiful we are inside and out. I was reminded of all my wonderful missionary friends that are serving, have a call, putting papers in, or even just preparing. I've never been so proud of all my friends and their influence on me. I know it gets hard on the mission and there are days were we just wanna get home and go to bed hoping it will all go away. But missionaries are strong. We are focused and we are loving. Missionaries have about 8 hours to focus on them, and thats when they are sleeping. From the moment we wake up to the moment we say our nightly prayers and go to sleep we are constantly thinking of ways to help our friends, neighbors, members, companions, investigators, and so much more. Thank you for all you do, and know Im praying for each and every one of y'all out there. 

HAPPY LATE PIONEER DAY! Our ward celebrated and had a fun get together with food, music from the primary kids & some outstanding young women (we might have a small youth, but they are A.L.W.A.Y.S. willing to help and you can count on them). We also watched some clips from 17 miracles. Im thankful for the pioneers and for the sacrifice they went through because they knew there was going to be a better life for them and their family. They followed the spirit and trekked. It reminded me of when I went on trek as "Caroline Martin Garr" (one of my ancestors that crossed the plains). She was an outstanding young lady. But it was in the HEAT of summer in Texas, and it felt like we were there for a month. Despite the constant sweating, bugs, and the muddy roads, minus the fact that many got heat stroke and were put into random families with people we didn't know. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat with all those conditions and worse. The spirit I felt during our testimony meeting was strong. I know that they way I felt throughout the whole time is nothing compared to what they went though, but something I will remember for the rest of my life. Theres no explanation that can do it justice. We also had a lot of fun during it too. I also am reminded of when we traveled to Nauvoo and walked the Trail of Tears in the Freezzzinnngggg cold winter. I was bundled up in practically everything winter proof, yet I was still freezing while reading these accounts. Some of us were crying and I realized that they had none of these kinds of warm clothes that have been designed for the winter storms. They had to walk barefoot in the snow, or even get frostbite. The pioneers are my heroes.

Thought y'all would enjoy a pic or two from TREK 5 years ago...

The tests have all come back positive, yet I am still experiencing pain. Im seeing a new doctor and I think when we get to sit down and talk with him we will be getting more answers and hopefully treatment so I can be on the road to Mexico! Thank you all for your loving words, prayers, and thoughts. Im surrounded by loving friends and family. I cannot thank you all enough for your love and support, it truly means the world to me that you read my blog and hopefully enjoy it. I love you all and am sorry again for the lateness of this blog!

Con Amor,
Sophia Blankmeyer 

Happiest place on Earth...

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

         -Matthew 26:41 

The 14th was a special day, IT WAS ELIZAS BIRTHDAYYY! She is now 15.. (C.R.A.Z.Y.) but it was super fun to spend the whole day with her, because we needed her out of the house. Why you ask? We decided to get her a trampoline for her birthday to help her with gymnastics! So Mom & Erik jr helped set it up and Eliza and I went to the mall and shopped, had birthday lunch, and then we let her open her other presents and she went outside to see her trampoline! It was such a fun day. 

I went to another GI this week. She was a lot better than the first one I went to, but my parents couldn't get an appointment until now and decided more than one doctors opinion is better. Although I'm so tired of doctors appointments, I know its the only way for me to figure out whats wrong and how to treat it to get back out to the mission field. I had to get an endoscopy the morning after the doctors visit and that was a long and tiring day, but results came back and everything is fine.  

"If you are lucky enough to live by the ocean... You are lucky enough..." -Unknown 

Our family spent our weekend in California for my dad's high school reunion! (Main reason why this post is late) We landed in LAX (with my dream and my cardigan) We grabbed our rental car, (its peak tourist season y'all) and we were off! We drove to San Diego (La Jolla Shores) so we could stay at my uncles house for a bit. We ate some true mexican food, (Delicioso) and finally arrived! His house is the best because its so close to the ocean. The distance from his house to the beach is around 20 yards. AKA at night when the windows are open, you hear the ocean like surround sound because its right there AND you can even smell the sand and feel the mist. Its perfect! We stayed there for 2 days. The first day we went to walk around the shops and town. We went into a couple stores and found a place to go to lunch. We went to the beach for awhile and then THE. BEST. PLACE. EVER. 

SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA TEMPLE 

THIS IS MY HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH, sorry Disneyland 

 Since I was a little girl I have dreamed of getting married in this place and today I would be able to go inside and see how gorgeous it was! It was basically a dream come true. The best part was my mom came with me AND we got to go into a spanish session!

The next morning Dad, Mom, Erik and I went to the beach to walk and take pictures of the sunrise, it was overcast (so no great pictures) but Erik and I had fun walking on the beach and getting stuck in the sand.

We then left San Diego and headed for Mission Viejo to my aunts house! It was so nice to go and see her and my uncle and to spend some time for them! We talked and played with their cats & dogs. Spending time with family is time well spent. We went to the hotel where we would be staying that was close to my dads high school reunion. 

It was so fun to have all the kids together. MANY new inside jokes came out of that hotel and the hours we spent bonding together. We got to watch some movies and wind down from our many travels. Sunday came around and we visited the La Mirada Ward and sang some of my favorite hymns, and heard some awesome speakers. One was a returned missionary of 3 weeks from MEXICO CITY WEST! He didn't speak any spanish while up there (which he probably could have and people would be able to understand) but his talk was on Finding Faith in Christ through our Weaknesses. I loved it because he talked about the mission and the fears he had there and how he was able to pray to The Father and gain strength and make his weak things strong. I have a strong testimony about Heavenly Father being with us every step of the way, its our job to pray for Him to be there and recognize when He is reaching out to us, whether it be by a friend, or in my case, better health. We saw some people my dad knew, which was pretty cool. 

We went to East L.A. It really made me homesick for Mexico. Erik had to stop and use the restroom so we went into a market place and everything was authentic and from Mexico. I asked a worker where the bathroom was and she looked surprised that a white girl like me could speak spanish! We went around an alleyway and saw some graffiti it really reminded me of mexico because its not your typical kind. Its actually talent. 

Afterwards we went to China town & Olivera Street. It was THE BEST to be in a place where everybody and everything was from Mexico. I really loved it because it was like being home. It is really hard to explain but when you live there for a while you become apart of it, you love the people, culture, food, and language more than your real home sometimes. We ate at a yummy mexican restaurant on Olivera Street and it tasted so right. We also visited a place called Philippe's a famous place and a restaurant my mom ate with her family a ton. (She even told us that it was the place where my grandpa got his car stolen...TWICE!) 

We decided to end off the right way by visiting the Pier. We did a lot of things this trip that we hadn't visited before so it was really neat. It was so cool to see the sunset on the pier. I loved it. It was breathtaking. It was fun and we took a TON of photos, (well abby and the parents did) 

Beach Volleyball anyone?

So that was this week! Oh and before I forget there we are taking pictures, some normal some not so normal, and we noticed there was a little girl staring at us like she didn't know how to blink, so naturally Abby took a picture of her...

Here are some more photos (THANKS ABBY) and I hope all is well, remember you are loved, and I am here with whatever you need. 

Con Amor California,

Sophia Blankmeyer 

Oh Creaciones del Señor

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:3

Well another week has passed, filled with spiritual experiences, laughs, and jaw dropping experiences. I went out with the Hermanas from my stake, in the spanish branch, and we were able to contact a lot of people and share messages with some, and offer service to others. These hermanas are so sweet and have such pure hearts. It was a little weird at first not being able to introduce myself as Hermana Blankmeyer, but we hopefully don't have to wait too long until thats my name again. We went to one house for dinner and we had a funny experience with some movers that came to help them with their car, and they couldn't believe that 3 white girls on the side of the street knew how to speak spanish with them! It was quite the contact but they were all really nice. We ate at a members house, some yummy authentic enchiladas and then we were late for another appointment so we had to leave and the elders gave the spiritual thought.

We went to the other appointment and it was a house with 5 guys! All over 16, and all from...VERACRUZ! NO PUEDE SER! They worked together and all left their families around 4 months ago so they could have a job here and be able to help their families out. When I told them that I was in veracruz I think the earth shook a little when they screamed, shouted, clapped, and cheered. The hermanas made them chili, since its against texas policy to live here and not eat Texas Chili. But they provided the tortillas, agua de melon, tortilla chips, and their home. We talked a lot about veracruz, and missions. Only 2 of the guys are members, so it was super cool! We taught them about having a question and giving a sacrifice in order to gain the answer to their question. It was really neat!

For the Fourth of July we spent it as a family. We went to Colorado and had a family reunion. So many years have passed since we last got together so it really was a blessing. I love spending time with family and sharing my experiences that I was having on my mission! It was a wonderful experience, especially in Colorado on Ralph Lauren's (yep the famous designer Ralph Lauren) ranch. It was beyond gorgeous and everywhere you looked took my breath away. I love looking at nature and seeing the gorgeous Earth that our loving Heavenly Father made for us so we could live here to become like Him and gain in understanding. The weather was beautiful, everything about it was gorgeous. Going through the mountains listening to vocal points "All Creatures of our God and King" really helped me feel the spirit of peace and thanksgiving.

Im thankful to live in a free country, I'm thankful for the many people who are fighting or have given their own lives so we can celebrate our freedom. Im thankful for the beautiful Earth we have been given, for this beautiful land that we have to live in. Im thankful for my family and friends who have been given me so much support in these times. Im thankful for the missionaries around the world who are teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Im eternally grateful for the gospel in my life and the blessings I have received personally, and as a family we have been given. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to understand the importance of the message that we have to the world.

Con Amor,
Sophia Blankmeyer

Fourth of July 2014 

Trust in Him

"There is only one thing more contagious than enthusiasm, and that is the lack of enthusiasm." -Thomas S. Monson 

Wednesday we had a W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. meeting with around 4 or 5 zones with our president and his family, since they are leaving for Monterrey on July 10th. It was a meeting that started with a group picture at the Veracruz Temple and started with the videos from the new missionaries, the missionaries leaving in this transfer, and some surprise videos from every zone. They're were funny, and really sweet ones. Then testimonies from the missionaries leaving really touched my heart. I have a long time until I'm there in their shoes but I know that I need to take their advice and really cherish every moment, good and bad on the mission. Everything is sent for us for our progress and learning. There are times when we don't understand why the trial is in front of us. But if I've learned anything from the mission so far, its that I need to TRUST IN HIM. He knows exactly why we are placed in our situations, and we should pray to try to understand the reason or find the way that He would have us face them. 

The kids of presidente and his wife spoke to us. They had us all crying. We sang "Para Siempre Dios este con Vos" (God Be with You Till We Meet Again) and it was a struggle for everyone to sing the song. There were parts where we just couldn't sing the notes because we were all crying, especially Presidente Trevino. He gave us some advice. 5 important points that we can be successful missionaries. 1. Be a worthy person, with virtue and have controlled thoughts. 2. Obey all the mission rules. 3. Have a divine companionship 4. Be diligent teachers and learners. 5. Have desire, faith, and love. 

On Wednesday I went to go say goodbye to a special family to me. We shared a scripture, my favorite one, Helaman 5:12 "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."  
I explained that I love this scripture because it says "WHEN" the devil, its a certain thing that we will all pass through. Sometimes its hard and we don't want the hard times that we are given, but we should be happy in ALL our circumstances and try our best to keep going forward. I explained that I wanted to share something so special to me because they are so special and it would be the last time I'd be with them. Not a dry eye was in that house. They are so much like a family to me, they have done so much for me and it finally hit me that I would be leaving this wonderful people and this wonderful work. I told them my plans were to come to the States to get better, than go straight back to the mission. But I wouldn't likely serve in that ward again. They cried with me and my companion. The spirit was really strong in that room as we were saying the final prayer. 

The next day we went to our food, and right after we were done eating we got a call from President saying Hermana Guerra would be leaving that ward too. Today would be our last day in Magisterio and so we ran back to our home and grabbed our journals and had about 3 hours to get everyone we wanted to write in our journals and take pictures with. Even though 3 hours sounds like forever trust me, emotions were everywhere and it was so hard for us to meet with everyone. I felt like we were running around crazy that day, from one side of town to the other every 5 minutes it felt like. When we finally got home we felt a little relaxed than realized we had SO much to do. We had to pack and get rid of practically everything. We were up really late cleaning and packing. 

On the plane, I sat by a man who spoke spanish, but the flight attendant didn't. I helped him order a drink and then talked about the church with him and about his family. At first I was a little hesitant which isn't like me, especially as a missionary, but after we started talking everything felt right. Then I had a flight from Houston to Dallas, in the airport after our flight was delayed for about an hour. I was feeling really down and then a lady and her sweet daughters came up to me and started asking me questions. We took pictures and talked in spanish. It felt really good to speak in Spanish and help her out. She is a recent convert with her two daughters and they are visiting her mother in Fort Worth and wanted to know where a church building was that they could visit on Sunday. 

It is so weird being home. Being released was hard too. I love being a missionary, I want more than anything to get better so that I can get right back to work. I'm doing my best to live like a missionary, so weekly emails are still the way to communicate with me and I'll be updating my blog in the meantime. 

Saturday we went to a baptism in the morning! A young women in our ward has been taking the discussions and she had made the decision to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized. I wouldn't have asked for a better way to come back. I didn't know her but I introduced myself and told her how proud I am and He is with her decision. I was pretty much in tears because I felt the spirit so much in that baptism service. Her words were so powerful and I finally realize how important baptism and the covenants that we make, thanks to the mission. 

Sunday we went to the Spanish Branch, which made me feel at home. Everything was in spanish and it helped bring peace and comfort to my heart. I said hi to some of the hermanas that I went with Hermana Munyer and Cattich before the mission. Then we went to my ward, and I was able to see my old building and people in the ward that I have known for so long. Then I went to another ward for a friends mission farewell. It was crazy to see him get ready to go and see some friends who are home for the summer. I kinda forget that life keeps going while youre on the mission. People grow up and schools out. I really miss everything about my mission. Every minute Im reminded of how much I miss the mission and how much of a desire i have to get back out to the field. We will see this week what the doctors feel we should do and see what can I do to get back as quickly as possible. 

Love you all and your love for me! Thanks for the many hugs and comforting words y'all have given me! Im thankful for the many prayers and know that they will be answered and I will be able to return and finish what I have started. 

Con mucho Amor,
Sophia Blankmeyer 

Hermana Guerra and Hermana Blankmeyer at the Acuario 

Elder Hourigan, Hermana DeFriez, Hermana Arteaga, Elder Schriener, Hermana Guerra, Hermana Blankmeyer, Elder Gonzalez and Elder Bonilla at the last district meeting with Hna. Guerra's birthday cake 

Hermana Blankmeyer and Hermana Trevino at the conference 

Hermana Blankmeyer and Presidente Trevino at the conference 

Hermana Blankmeyer and Sinai Cisneros 

Hermana Blankmeyer and Hermana Cisneros 

Family Gomez Cano with the hermanas 

Hermana Guerra, Diana Laura (first convert), and Hermana Blankmeyer 

Mother's Day

This week was different. We had divisions and I was RIGHT on the beach. Like literally we ran on the beach in the morning, but it was only for about a day and a half. The next day we had a sister meeting where all the sisters of the Veracruz mission met.   It was a celebration because of Mother's Day and all that good stuff. It was super spiritual and beautiful. We even got to watch a little bit of Frozen and the story of Esther. 

Unfortunately my companion and I were pretty sick this week, but we still saw miracles and progress with our investigators. We had 2 girls come up to us and say that they want to be baptized. We are so thankful for the people and experiences the Lord blesses us with. 

The elders had a baptism and we were there to help.  After the service we taught her how to read and write in Spanish! She is so sweet and such an example to me. 

Mother's Day here was BEAUTIFUL. Flowers, cards, candy EVERYWHERE! It is always celebrated on March 10th no matter what day of the week it falls on.  So I got to Skype with my mom a day early, Saturday.  The holiday is HUGE in Mexico because they associate the day with the virgin Mary.  We bought some little treats for some ladies in the ward that are our "mommies". 

I love you mommy and thank you for everything you do for me! Thanks for being my hero everyday and for choosing me to be your daughter! 

I want to thank everyone for the prayers and hope you know that you are always in mine! There are hard days, but they are there to make you appreciate the next day better. I love the people and the gospel! 

I was able to bear my testimony on Sunday, in church, on the Book of Mormon. I know that it is the most accurate book in the world. I learn something new every time I read it. It was written for our day and we should abide by its teachings. Joseph Smith translated it through the power and authority of God. He was a prophet of God and through revelation he restored the church. The same church that Christ had established when He was on the Earth. We are so lucky to be able to have this knowledge. 

Many investigators ask us many different questions but the most common this week was more about why we are on missions. It was really impactful for them to hear that we leave EVERYTHING for 18 months - 2 years to be here for them. The spirit that we felt was indescribable when they really realized what that meant. 

I love you all, hope you are enjoying life, and staying healthy and strong. Keep up the good work and be the best you can be! Remember that everyday is a gift and we should do all we can to make the BEST of everyday! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Blankmeyer