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 

Now is the time!

"It is accounted unto you for righteousness if you proceed according to the best light you have."- Wilford Woodruff

It is crazy thinking that it is already past fathers day now! Time flies here.The prophet taught us in general conference that now is the time, we must hasten the work or we will stand before God at judgement and regret that we never worked with ALL our heart, might, mind and strength when we are fully capable.  I'm doing everything possible to be worthy of these promises. One of my greatest desires is to inherit eternal life in the celestial kingdom of God. I have learned so many things that I wish I could pick up the phone and tell you all about them.  Reread the Ensign from general conference. Study it daily. That is scripture for us now. 

This week was magnificent because we did a lot of service.  I had divisions which were kinda scary.  "Divisions" is going off on my own with another member in the ward teaching investigators the whole lessons in Spanish.  I relied on the Lord and He sure did His part in helping me. We taught new people and it must have went well because they came to church! There was another baptism and we were invited because we had starting teaching him.  But technically he was in another ward's boundary so we introduced him to the missionaries in his ward. But he invited us to his baptism and it was such a wonderful time! 

Crazy lightning storms happened that made Hermana Guerra and I have to hold each others hands for comfort, but we are safe, no worries.

We went to the aquarium today because it was Hermana Guerras birthday on the 14th! She is now 21! 

My zone saying goodbye to our mission president. Our last pday with him.  After we made him a video.

Hermana Guerra and me

Practically the whole bus was filled with our zone.  We got in trouble because apparently we aren't allowed to have so many missionaries out together like that.
 

Hermana Guerras birthday was the 14th and the family Cisneros bought her cake and we celebrated her birthday.

Sorry my blog entry is super short today. Keep being strong and super wonderful examples!  I love and miss you all and will promise to write more next time with more pictures. 

Con Amor

Hermana Blankmeyer

When it RAINS it POURS!

Creo en Cristo y lo acepto como mi Salvador.- 2 Nefi 25:29

¡Hola todos! ¿Como estan? Pues yo estoy bien ahora, pero espero estar un poquito mejor. 

This week we were going to have divisions and I would go with one girl from the ward that wants to go on a mission, and speaks a little English, and my companion was going with a sister that just got back from her mission. Unfortunately one was sick, so as 3 we left.   I wanted to learn how to basically do everything by myself so my companion and I set a goal and were off.   I'm glad she was there to catch me when I fell, but she told me that at the end of the day I did really well. The spirit was always present and I was able to do the things that I didn't believe I could do. I know that The Lord helped me during all of my lessons, finding, and remembering streets/directions. 

My companion was a little sick in the beginning of the week, and turns out after many doctors visits and test, she needs glasses. Like daughter like mother, haha no se crea. Pero si, ella tiene lentes ahora y es un poco raro, para los dos. (Sophia is saying that they both wear glasses now.)  Everything was better and then I got sick, I went to the hospital and they thought it was my kidneys because it felt like someone was stabbing me as I walked.   We figured out it was when I walked, and always after I ate that I had the pain. They gave me medicine and we thought all would be well. 

Meanwhile when we went to pick up my companions glasses, we stopped and talked with an Hermana in the ward. (Literally our mom she is wonderful) She drove us to the market to grab something and we looked outside just as we are about to leave and BAM! water EVERYWHERE. It started to pour rain... We ran to the car, and were soaked, but that was just the beginning of it. We started to drive, and the roads here don't have gutters, and if they do they are spouting with water. Streets turned into rivers, if you didn't know where you were driving you would get stuck. Luckily this hermana knew where to go, and which roads to take.  It was like the car turned into a submarine at times.  We came home and since the doctor said to rest, we did. 

Saturday morning was terrible. We had the job of cleaning the building and it was still raining so bad.  We had water up to our knees, while walking the streets with our umbrellas at 7 am.  We cleaned and the rain still continued to downpour , we finally heard that there was somewhat of a cyclone in Oaxaca, and then realized for that reason it had been raining nonstop for days. Dark skies continued.  It was nice to get somewhat of a break from the blistering sun, but be careful what you wish for ;) 

Sunday morning we went to the hospital again and I had practically every test done to see what the problem was because the pain wasn't going away. They came to the conclusion that it is Colitis and I should just take it easy.  We were in the hospital for hours and none of the medicine was helping take the pain away. I couldn't sleep due to the pain either, it was the worst. Blessings and prayers were happening but everything was staying the same. 

Today my companion and I decided its best for our investigators to hear the message we have rather than us staying inside a lonely home. I want to work! I literally cried when the doctors said to rest for 2 days because I knew that meant no time to get our investigators to come to church. We luckily saw Diego and his family on Sunday afternoon and talked with them and apologized that we didn't teach English class or invite them to church because we had been sick. This week we will do the same with the rest of them, apologize for not being there for them this week when we had appointments and all that. I really learned a lesson about trusting in our Savior and allowing Him to bear our burdens. I KNOW without a doubt in my heart that He was there with me at every step in my sickness and especially when I felt like I was unable to bear it. If we pray and trust in Him we can feel His love and remember that "from the Garden to the Cross, He walked a mile in my shoes." He might not take away our pain but He will comfort us and give us strength to endure it.

May we all try this week to be better at serving and trusting Him in all we do. I pray that everyone stays healthy and happy. I'll get better so no need to worry. 

Happy Birthday to Elder Anderson & My daddy & my companion! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Blankmeyer 

Be Ye Doers

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." -James 1:22

I have never been so excited to write you all about my week here!  I don’t even know where to begin and I pray I don’t leave anything out – so please bear with me. 

We are teaching a girl named Ana.  She doesn’t know how to read and write in Spanish.  After she said a prayer one visit she told us that she wants to learn how to read and write so that she can serve a mission like us.  Literally, the feeling I had was indescribable when she told me that, because less than a month later she was baptized which only confirmed my feeling. 

Also, in our English class, after expecting no one to show up we had a lady with four boys attend.  She asked where the English classes were held and we ended up teaching them. Their ages are 12, 6, 4, 3 and I am in love with this family!  The boys are so sweet and polite and their sweet mom said that she wants to go back to the U.S. and live there again.  She said that she had gone to church before, but since they are from Predios (poor area) they don’t own clothes appropriate for church.  We told her that it doesn’t matter what she wears, and I offered my clothes so that she would feel a little more comfortable.  She said she could find something.  We continued talking with her after her two boys started playing soccer with other guys from the church.  We went to her house and taught them some more about the gospel. She ended up not being able to make it to church, but three of her boys came and it was so great.  I even gave them pass along cards to entertain the younger two during the meeting – my companion thought that was brilliant. 

We had three contacts that I have to tell you all about. One was found when we were walking.  We passed by a lady that said, "wait, you’re the missionaries, right?"   We were shocked and at the same time said "yes!"  She told us that she knew a little about the church and she asked if we would pray for her son-in-law who is in bed dying and doesn’t believe in God. We absolutely prayed with her in a little alley where we met, and then she left.  After our prayer, there were two large dogs messing around and finally came running after us.  The owner got them and put them away and the neighbor came out and started to tell us how pretty we were and how nice we looked in our skirts, etc. She is a sweet grandma who had cookies – now whoever said don’t take candy from a stranger, I’m sorry but this rule didn’t apply for like five minutes when we ate her chocolate chip cookies!  The first I’ve had in months.  It was her birthday, too, that day so we gave her a mango that Hermana Catalina gave us, and left.  

The other was a friend of Diana Laura, but she asked if she could practice English with me; she speaks well!  Then my companion asked me to contact her in English and that was literally the weirdest thing. I don’t speak English anymore, haha but it was good and we will follow up on those. 

Another miracle happened; we were able to get into a less active member’s home. The husband actually served a mission here in Veracruz!  He has a little girl and she is really sick and they don’t know what it is.  In Mexico you go to the doctor, get your test done, and wait a week until they know what you have, then another week until they know what medicine will work best, etc.  It’s a long process.  We went into their home and sang, Count Your Many Blessings, and we shared D&C 121:7-8.  "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." He then asked if the elders would come give her a priesthood blessing.   It was amazing that he had the faith to ask for one! 

I’m working this week on my faith.  I’m identifying an attribute of Christ and applying it more in my daily works. I know that this will help me represent Him and help me find more opportunities and work as He would. Hopefully I am successful in this pursuit. 

I love and miss you all soooo much!  It’s crazy that we are already in JUNE! June will be an awesome month; we are excited for it. 

Con Amor,

Hermana Blankmeyer 

Elder Schrieners birthday! Chocolate cake with strawberries and just a fork to cut it. Yumm

my district 

Elder Hourigan, Elder Schriener, Hermana Guerra, Hermana Blankmeyer, Hermana DeFriez, Hermana Aretega 

President Harold B. Lee said, "There is only one day that you and I have to live for, and that's today. There is nothing we can do about yesterday except repent, and there may be no tomorrow. The thing for us to do when we arise from our beds as God gives us a new day, is to take whatever comes to our hands, and do it to the best of our ability." -Harold B. Lee

So I hate to say it but again this week was us getting sick. We still continued to work, because we basically will work until the day we work ourselves to death because that is how strongly we both feel that the people here need to feel Christ and our loving care for them. 

We ran into Paola (the 19 year old with 2 sons and a boyfriend) and she said her boyfriend wants to get married! yeah!!  We are trying everything we can to help plan the wedding and such. I love her so much. She is such a sweetheart. We just need her sister Jazmin (18 with 2 sons and a boyfriend) to have her boyfriend agree to marriage. He says he doesn't want to because divorce papers are a lot to go through... (wrong thing to think about when you are wanting to get married)

We did a lot of service this week. More like random acts of kindness to people here. It really helps me think of what the Savior would do if He were walking the streets of Mexico. 

I got the package y'all sent me on the 14th! It had everything in it and THANK YOU!!

I shared a scripture with America. (1 Nefi 3:7, And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the thing which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them)  She is preparing to go on a mission and she started her papers. I told her about how I felt kinda nervous about being called anywhere- because the world is a big place- but then I read that scripture before opening my call, and when I read Mexico I felt peace and a sense of "I can do this". She will make a great missionary.

We ended up going to the hospital one day.  My companion felt nauseous for 4 days straight and turns out she has an infection in her kidneys. She is fine now and has medicine but that took 2 days out of the week that we would have worked. I have a rare type of sore throat but they have me on meds and it doesn't hurt but I still sound like a man so that's fun. However, that night when we were home listening to hymns, I read Alma 26:30, "And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some." and it really helped us both. The spirit was super strong in that moment. 

Sunday we got ready for church.  The elders, Hermana Guerra and I had a baptism! We were super happy for her! It was cool too because since we didn't work on Saturday, we didn't have anyone to walk with for church. But while we were in companionship study before church a lady called us on the phone and asked where everyone was for church. She was a contact from the elders they had given her our number, she was there 30 min early. So we quickly finished and went to church. I love the ward here. There was this one day where the food appointment canceled on us, after we spent 30 min walking trying to find it. But some other Hermana in the ward heard about it and told us that no matter what, if there is a day we go without food we go to her house and eat. The love that the ward members show us has been amazing. 

There was also a Young Women meeting last night in Pachugo, Mexico with Sister Reeves. It was broadcast to the church building and we were able to attend. The things that Sister Reeves shared were marvelous. 

Windy and hot days are what we get here.  But I'll take anything as long as I am here sharing the gospel with the Latino people. 

Love you all. Miss you all. Pray for you all. 

Con Amor,

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