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 

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 

TODAY is the day to get it done!

This is the Huerrera family on the day Veronica got baptized.  I feel a lot of love from them. The Dad always makes me feel like what I am teaching or saying is the most important thing because he repeats it to everyone.  I love this family so much.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." -Alma 34:32

So this week I had interviews with the President! I saw the huge stack of newbies that come in tomorrow! Crazy how time flies, and how that was my last interview with Presidente Treviño. I have learned so much from him and his family, and they are like my own. It is sad to see him leave but I know many great things are ahead as he will serve as an Area Seventy. 

My "miracles" this week are Paola, Ruben, Armando and familia, and finally Mario y Glatis. I feel like I am here for them specifically.   Each one has a unique need or circumstance and I am sure that I am a tool in the Lord's hands to help each of them for a different reason. 

Paola can't put the Book of Mormon down! She is my age and has 2 sweet little boys. Her boyfriend and her are working on getting married! She is so excited to be baptized. 

Ruben, is the dad of Diana Laura, when we met him he said there are 2 rules in his house. The first one is NO ONE talks about religion and the other no one talks about politics. But look at where we are at, his 13 year old daughter is now a member; baptized last month.  Amazingly he is trying to learn more about the gospel. He is really a great dad and he even offered to have us over for a meal. They are a great family and I feel incredibly happy for them. 

Armando it is actually hard to find time to teach him, but his wife is ALWAYS home and listens to our message. She really wants to have her family for all time and eternity, and she should because she has a wonderful family. Even a sweet 2 year old girl. 

Mario is 13 and really is a great kid. He reminds me of Erik and that is why I love teaching him. 

Glatis is also a wonderful lady. She really wants to learn more about the church, and does everything she can to learn more and fulfill the commitments she makes with us. 

Some elders were joking about Hermana Guerra (my companion) leaving the area.  Then they said that it would be a "whitewash", which is when we both leave in the middle of the training and new people come in. It was a joke but I feel so attached to these people here that I felt sad at first when they said that.  I AT LEAST want to be here for the wonderful miracles we have seen in the people and families lives as they come unto Christ.  I would love to continue to see the lives of all that we teach change and to see them baptized.  But I know that The Lord knows whats best for me, even if I don't get to see them get baptized.   I am pretty sure I will be here for at least 6 more weeks! 

On Saturday we worked like DOGS. Ironic because many dogs were angry with us this day too.   But, anyway we literally had SO MANY people to meet with that we left 2 hours earlier just to have time for everyone.   We even had NEW people to meet with. It would take forever to write about each experience but, that's what my journals for, which is almost full already. 

I love it here more and more each day. Especially the rainy days, weird huh? (most of you know I'm not a fan of rain) I mean its a break from the sun, not from the sweat and humidity but still something about rainy days on the mission makes me really happy. 

The ward is outstanding and I can feel my love for each member increase as they start to have more confidence in me.  I know this is exactly where I am needed.  I try to live everyday as I should so I may be able to help others from the minute I leave the apartment until I return. 

Love you all, you are in my prayers and hope all is well! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Blankmeyer 

(I was told I was an honorary Mexican, pretty much the BEST compliment you could ever receive as a gringa.  They also say I have "blonde" hair, funny I guess the Mexican sun has bleached it a little.)

ATTACKED..but blessed

SOOOOOOO it's my SECOND MONTH ON THE MISSION!! AND Cinco de Mayo...nbd (no big deal) or anything but I am stoked about being here and with this lovely gente! 

If I had to sum up this week in one word it would be ATTACKED.  Before you freak out (mom) hear me out:

Dogs-  after one of our lessons we were standing outside (she lives on the second story) and has a big dog. It started to bark and freak out and I did not think much of it. Until....I turned around and saw a huge black dog come out of nowhere with its eyes blood shot red. It literally looked like a dog out of a horror film. It was, in every way possible, upset and here I am in the corner of an unstable staircase with my companion behind me. I had no idea what to do because not only did we have to get it to stop being upset, we also had to get it to go down the stairs. I said a prayer as I turned my back to the dog. The barking stopped and when I turned around I saw it silently walking down the stairs without hesitation.  Not only that, it started to walk the opposite way that we needed to go.

People- Obviously I am from the U.S. I am a gringo and always will be. Here some of the people do the most disrespectful things at me. Most of them are drunk, and it's really annoying.  But luckily, I am with my native companion and she at least 6 times a day tells me to walk quickly past people and to not turn around when they say certain things, etc. I feel bad but at the same time I am SO BLESSED to have a native companion that knows EXACTLY what to say and how to deal with them. 

Bees- This was terrible... We were walking to one of our appointments and all of a sudden I see a huge bee following me. I kept walking not drawing attention to it, until there was literally 4 and my companion starts freaking out. We were frantically dropping our bags, and running in a street trying to get the bees to leave us alone. They were VERY persistent. One of them got in my companions hair at the same time there was a lady crossing the street towards us. She noticed our predicament and she stopped to helped us. I had prayed again that we would be protected and they would stop following us. We were not stung; they immediately left when I finished the prayer AND we got her name and address.  We will be stopping by her home one day soon. :) There is an analogy with the bees here I'm sure of it. (..sharing the gospel... busy as a bee)

Even though we were "attacked" by many different things, prayer was a vital part of my week. When I was feeling unsure or not safe, we knew prayer would be the only thing to help us, and it did. 

We had a wonderful experience while teaching Oscar (the 8 year old who's mom is a less active, and who's dad died a couple months ago). His grandma was taking care of him and the twins while the mom works. She explained that Oscar had said and done some disrespectful things and she needs his help around the house. We were asking why he did it, and I felt that it was because he missed his dad. I continued with the prompting I got. I explained to him that it's hard being the oldest and the example. It's hard being "the man of the house", and it's especially hard when you have a hard day and all you want is to talk to your dad. We both started to cry because I shared how hard it is and how I know that his dad is so happy with his decision to be baptized and to be the example in his family. We sang, "I am a child of God" and I really tried to put myself in his shoes.  It really was a spiritual experience. 

For Urbano, he is trying his best to break his addiction with smoking. Hermana Guerra and I decided we would also give up our own little "addictiones."  We both crack our knuckles and it's extremely hard to stop, especially when you do it often.  It is allowing us to understand that if it is hard for us to stop doing something so simple, how much harder it is for him. We encourage him and praise him when he gets through the hard days without giving in to his cravings. 

The most important thing that helps us share this work is the smiles we bring. I notice the difference when we look dead tired, because we trekked miles upon miles in the sun. Then we get to a door looking exhausted we don't have the wonderful opportunity to share our message. But when we are happy, and when I personally put myself in their shoes or at least just want to share my testimony with them I see a positive difference. 

I feel like this is my home. The people here are my family. I wish everyone could be here with me experiencing this, because the spirit I feel here is remarkable. Everyday is my favorite day.

I love you all and am praying for you! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Blankmeyer 

VIVAAA MEXICOOOO!

Hi everyone! This is super exciting because I get to update everyone on EVERYTHING that has happened since my last preparation day (pday).

I got off the plane in Veracruz around midnight, we took pictures, and arrived at the hotel. All of us were D.E.A.D. tired after traveling all day. We went straight to bed. We woke up the next morning, packed up and headed to the church offices to learn everything we needed to know. Then we headed to the chapel across the street and met our companions/trainers! 

My companion is from Mexico! :) She is learning English (everyone in the mission needs to know both) but she is THE BEST. She has only been on her mission for 3 months, and just in this area.. so once she is done with me she will have been in the same area for 6 months of her 18! She fell during her first couple of weeks on her mission here so she had to be careful with walking.   Because she really hurt her foot, she pretty much has only been on her mission half the time she really has due to her injury for the first part. I'm thankful that she understands enough to get around because I'm terrible with directions here. 

Mexico is EXACTLY what you picture it to be but at the same time its the EXACT opposite. I LOVE it here in Veracruz. Everyone warned me about the humidity, but this Texan can handle the heat (although we do love whoever invented fans). Taxis and buses are everywhere and we use them when we need to pass to the busier type of streets because its safer than walking. By safer I mean you're at least INSIDE one of these death traps, ha ha. But really though, the buses are so rusty and torn up you wonder how they even get them to work, and then there is a MILLION people on it... oh, and did I mention that the minute your foot steps on the bus it is already going, so... HOLD ON TIGHT!! Taxis are better, but they also drive like crazies...so its all good. 

We have lunch with members everyday, and so far I have had tacos, tortilla chips, beans, mangoes, pears and apples with yogurt and granola, soup, rice, meat, jello, I think that's all. I don't know what it is but everyone here makes water with a fruit and it is literally heaven on earth. 

We taught so many lessons my second day. We have TONS of investigators. The church is EXPLODING here. 

Abril is the first person we taught. She is 18 years old and she has such a strong testimony of the church. Her father will not sign the baptismal papers and allow her to be baptized. She is trying not to upset him because then he will not pay for her school. She lives in a place called Predios. Predios is not where the poor people live, it's where the dirt poor people live. Literally, shacks are built out of cardboard and scraps of metal to be made into a house. Families, children, babies, grandparents, people of all ages live here. It is the saddest thing. She offered us some water and I saw that it was the last that they had. The dirt roads are littered with babies clothes, shoes, bottles, diseased cats and dogs.  I even saw a dead dried up frog. The people are so humble and it really did open my eyes to see babies living in these conditions. 

We didn't have light in our apartment because they had forgotten to pay, but luckily, I had a flashlight, so we could do our studies at night in the dark. The next morning I woke up and did my daily routine before getting ready to shower.  But while I was showering, in the freezing COLD water, I felt something weird on my leg. I dried my eyes with my towel and saw a lovely cockroach climbing up my leg. Once I had killed that there was an even bigger one on my towel. Need I say more... that my shower was pretty much done at that point. 

We went back to Predios and talked with Abril and her aunt. Her aunt is a member and was not feeling too well so we went to check up with her. We sang a hymn and talked to Abril about her dad and his change of heart. She bore her testimony in Spanish about how the church is true. She knows it with all her heart, and she wants to make the right choice but she kept saying " No puedo, yo quiero pero no puedo" I cant, I want to but I cant. Tears filled her eyes and I shared a scripture with her and asked her to put her name in the scripture to personalize it more. She did and she felt the spirit so strong when I bore my testimony that her fathers heart can change through faith and hope. 

Catolina is a WONDERFUL old lady. She is a recent convert and shes in her 80s-90s. She is the cutest little Mexican abuela. She always tells me I'm a gorgeous gringa and she ALWAYS asks me to say the prayer. Literally, whatever I say she repeats (in the prayer) it is SO HARD not to laugh because she tries to say it at the same time that you are so shes not echoing but its impossible. Shes so sweet I love her to death. 

Diana Laura is around 14 or 15. She is so cute and her dad knows a lot about the church but isn't a member. She came to church and after the second hour found us and practically said, "When can I be baptized?" 

Carmen and her family live in Predios. And just when I thought that area couldn't get any worse, it does. They live in the gutters of predios. We literally have to walk in the gutters to get to their house. Good thing I'm a tiny one because I have had to fit in some tight spaces here now that I think about it. They are such a sweet family. We taught the kids and even some of their friends that were over. 

Barbara lives in Predios and shes a little old lady too. She lives with her brother (i think) and he got baptized last week! Whenever we teach her we have to have pictures and speak slowly and repeat and repeat and repeat and then we ask what we had taught and she says "no se en verdad" I don't know honestly.... then you repeat and repeat again haha! She Is a cutie. Her only set back is that her mom was a devout catholic and she doesn't want to upset her mom but Hermana Guerra explained that her mom is in a place with God and knows of the truth. It brought tears to Barbara's eyes and she said, "I know its true, I can feel it." 

Urbano lives in Predios and is also old. His wife is a member but he has a problem with smoking. He was going to be baptized but he continued to smoke so we are working with him on that. 

FOUR of our investigators came to church on Sunday! I also got called to help play the piano in primary! I'm beyond excited to help out in the primary because its what I love most. 

The earthquake that happened, we felt. I at first was freaking out because I thought it was just my eyes going crazy but then we found out there was an earthquake and we definitely had felt it. 

Everyday we speak with everyone on the streets and gain new contacts. Ive learned a lot since I've been here. The random pops you hear at night are in fact gunshots, the taxis honk to see if you want a ride and at least every other car is a taxi, bells mean ice cream/ shaved ice. People on motorcycles are selling tortillas and they honk their horn going up and down the streets every day. There are people in cars with stereos on top selling the equivalent of donuts. Ive pretty much seen every animal and insect known to man. Yes there were 2 cows by the Pizza Hut one night and a drunk horse.  Also, the music here sounds a lot like F.U.N., One Direction, Bruno Mars, and that's because it is. They listen to regular American music but they also have their own. I'm already getting a pretty sweet missionary tan and its only been a week here... No one here expects me to speak español so its pretty funny when they talk and I understand what they are saying. 

There is more I am missing but I cannot think of what it is now. The weather is perfect, but Ive never craved a swimming pool so bad in my life. Miracles happen everyday and I'm so thankful for it. Days go by super fast here which is weird because its already been a week, and it feels like a day. 

I love you all and hope you all know you are in my hopes and prayers!

Con Amor,

Hermana Blankmeyer