Goodly Parents

Hola a mi bonita familia :]

This week was a pretty long week haha. The Lord has blessed us with finding and teaching a couple new people who are interested in learning about the gospel. This past week we had the chance to help out with seminary at 6am. It was so early. As we were waiting for the seminary class to start I saw a man outside moving his trash to the front yard. Without even thinking my feet moved towards him to go talk to him haha. He was a sweet older man who said we could come back and visit with his family. As seminary started there was only 2 students, and one of the students moms. The teacher wanted us to sing "To Bring The World His Truth" and thought itsd be more beautiful with the help of missionaries. As we started singing the first lines of the song I got emotional, "we have been born as nephi of old, to goodly parents who love the lord". As we kept singing I couldnt help but think of my family back home. My heart filled with gratitude for being raised in such an amazing home. After the song the teacher talked about how majority of missionaries leave on missions because they were raised in good homes with good paretns. She asked us missionaries if we would share our testimonies. As I started to speak my eyes filled with tears. I shared of how grateful I am for all the sacrifices my parents have and are making for helping support me on my mission. I quickly seem to forget that as much as i am sacrificing here, my family back at home is sacrificing just as much to help me be here. 

From this experience I have reflected on the things my parents have taught me back at home that I've used on my mission. Like being compationate and sacrificing your wants to help others. I remember EVERY birthday my mom would ALWAYS wake up early in the morning and put up birthday decorations and cake and everything all set up and nice for our birthdays :] even spending one birthday away from home mom still thought of sending birthday decorations and cake to make my feel special :] Today we found out a lady in the ward had her birthday. she invited us to go out to eat with her on her bday which was a pday. We could have easily said we will go another day because we dont have enough time on our pday, but we felt we should spend time with her on her special day, even if it took time out of our day of rest. The lady, Hermana P, bought us jack in the box cause she heard we like hamburgers haha, We saw that she bought herself birthday flowers and birthday cake. I felt for her that she was spending her birthday time all by herself. As we sat and ate together we joked around and talked and just had a good time. We gave Hermana P a birhtday card and stuffed teddy bear, nothing big. As she read the simple birthday card she started to cry. She looked at both of us and said, "Thank you hermanas, for coming to spend time with me on my birthday. All my family lives in mexico and I have no one to come and visit me. Thank you...Thank you." 

Another life lesson i learned from my parents is to take the time and talk to those in need. I can recall the many days and nights mom would just sit and listen to what was going on in my life. I cherish the moments I had with just me and dad sitting in his big diesol truck and talking about my future and giving me loving advice. On Sunday I saw one of my missioanry friends struggling to hold her emotions back while sitting in sacrament. I couldnt ignore that she was sad and stressed. So I tapped her in the shoulder and we walked out side to talk. As I sat listening to all the things causing my friend stress I felt the saviors love. I know he would do the same to anyone he sees who is going through a hard time, wether or not he knew the person. 

Also many times back at home I have learned the important lesson of having patience haha. Usually I learned this lesson with my sister Kelsey ;p Today as we were washing our clothes we found out we didnt have enough quarters to put our clothing in the dryer. And every month we are given a specific amount of miles to use that we cannot go over. So since we are SUPER in need of more miles for driving and without any quarters my comp and I used a clothes line mom sent to me many months ago and we hung up our wet clothes. After an hour of stressfuly figuring out how to put up the annoying clothes line we started to laugh and take pictures instead of bicker. I remember many times at home when Kels and I would have moments of stress and in the end we just started busting up laughing because of how silly the situation was. 

Though life is hard I've learned the best way to go through out life is with a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart. Sounds kind of silly haha but the best way I deal with stress of anything that hurts me is by laughing. I remember the word of dad, "laughing is the best kind of medicine!" and i could picture him saying that while doing a goofy dance haha. I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for my family members. You are the ones who keep me going, besides my Heavenly Father and Savior of course. Usually ill catch myself looking at a picture of the family or looking at something that was sent to me from home. How grateful I am for this moment I have to help others, to bring them into the light! This gospel is what makes me who I am. Sad to think I have a little more then 5 months left to be a missionary. But with that thought in mind it pushes me even harder to make a difference in everyone who passes my way. I love you all :]

*For my brother Elder Aus & week of Miracles

Saint Patricks Day

This week has been full of miracles!! I want to share one story with you but for some reason I got the prompting today (a REALLY strong prompting) to focus this email to my brother Austin. I'm not really sure what you are suppost to hear from me austin but know that I'm going to try real hard to be lead by the spirit right know to know what the Lord is trying to tell you :]

Missioanry work is hard. For the fam at home ask Kels about it haha. This work was not meant to be easy., look at the life of Christ. his whole life he was doing his fathers will even though many hated him for it. They beat him and spit upon him and crucified him. And even then when he was on the cross, he loved them and forgave them "father, forgive them for they know not what they do". Even after christs death we understand that he was working in the spirit world organizing the work to being more souls unto him! He never stops doing this work. We are far from being like the savior, but we as members are asked to do the same work as our savior, to preach his gospel. when we were baptized we "took upon us the name of christ" meaning we promised to do as the savior did. Austin, I know you are working SO hard in your mission!!! To the point where your legs are starting to give out on you haha. And for this you heavenly father is extremely proudof you  and grateful for your service. Can you picture yourself at the end of your mission? I hope you picture a tall tan man with worn out shoes and soul but still with a smile on his face :] this is the most important work we can be doing. I know even after my mission and when the name tag is ripped away from me (haha cause i never wanna get released) i will still be doing missioanry work. ive come to realize HOW IMPORTANT it is to proclaim this gospel to EVERYONE because without baptism they will not be saved. This week I want to ask all of you (ecpesially austin) to read 3 nephi 11. I want you to see what is the FIRST principle christ teaches the people when he visits the nephites. That chapter in the book of mormon changed my whole outlook on   missionary work. I love you all. And austin, even if you cant see the fruits of your labors yet, i promise you....they will come. in the lords timing. 

This week our main focus was getting J baptized. Starting out the week J explained to us he was not ready to be baptized, he felt he needed more time. He said he wanted to know more before being baptized. During one of my personal studies I prayed so fervently that heavenly father would help me feel how J was feeling, and that I may find scriptures that could help J really understand the importance of baptism and that he was ready. As I was reading I came across 3 nephi 11: 29-30 "... and I and the father I r commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. and whoso believeth in me and is baptized the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of god. and who so beliveth not in me and is not baptized shall be damned" (versus 32-34). At first I felt this message was a little TOO strong and bold to share. Then I realized that these are the words of our Savior. He is lovingly bold. I can picture him crying out to each of his brotheren and proclaiming that that they need to be baptized or else they will not be saved. 

We read this scritpure and explained that these are the words of his loving savior PLEADING for us to follow him, repent, and be baptized. This message touched J's heart, he prayed right there to know if he should be baptized and after the prayer said he felt at peace. We explained that this was the spirit testifying to him that he is ready to be baptized on sunday. Hna W and I did EVERYTHING we could to help J prepare for his baptism. 

How grateful i am for this gospel in my life. I LOVE MY FAMILY! how happy i am to have them for eternity because honestly 1 1/2 years is way too long to be away from y'all haha. I lvoe you all and pray for you always (especially you Kels ;]). Thank you for supporting me and loving me when im far away.

Howdy from Houston!-

Got a referral but no code to get in

Found out I have another transfer with Hermana W :D we are so excited. we need each other and the area needs us! We have only 3 people who we are teaching on a regular basis. J our investigator is doing well! His baptismal date is THIS sunday. We pray that all goes well and he can pass his interview and be baptized :] PLEASE pray that J will be ready to be baptized this sunday! G is our other invetigator and is doign good! she is so ready to be baptized but for some reason wants to wait another month. which is okay :] she will be even mroe prepared for her date. every time we see G and N they ALWAYS feed us. they know that the missionaries dont eat much so every time we pass by they always are so selfless and make food for us. i am really grateful for them :]

I dont have anything really new to talk about haha. We are trying really hard right now to find people to teach. I have faith that god will help us find those who are ready. I know that at moment when we are ready to just give up! God is ready to start blessing us. And I know he will do that with this area. We are down to nothing...but he will teach us how to work this area if we allow him. 

this week i came across a scripture that I LOVE and really helped me gave me a boost to keep going, "From that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentace...that they might also be born of God and be filled with the Spirit" (alma 36:24)

i loev you all so much :] thank you for all your support and help!

Long week

First off thank you my sweet brother Elder Jaeger for sending me a letter :]  i got lots of laughs and a few tears from it :]i wrote you back and will try and send it soon. sorry my letter is short-this is what i sent to my mission pres so thought itd be okay to send to you all too :] i love you and hope you have a good week!

Flat tire... not on the bike this time

We had a REALLY hard week. We tried our hardest to have member present lessons this past week, at least 13 of our set lessons (at least half being with members/part member families) cancelled right before or after the lesson was set. This week I did realize how grateful I am to have an amazing companion though. We could have EASILY just lost our faith and not work as hard, but we tired really hard and kept the faith :] We were blessed to have lessons with J and G.

J was a man OYMed on the bus and ever since his accident where he almost lost his life he has been wanting to live his life to the fullest. He sees his life as a blessing from God, he sees it a miracle that he is still living after being punctured in the heart with a knife a few weeks ago. Because of his accident he decided to take better care of his body. He has come to church 3 times know and loves it, we are planning on having him come to the Devotional on Sunday. J has an amazing testimony and so much faith in God. He wants to do the right thing. 

G and her husband actually take J to church on sundays. This past week we got to visit with her 3 times. She has been going to church for about a year now and I ever since I've met her shes been SUPER ready to be baptized and make this step. We asked how she felt she says see is 100% she is getting baptized :] we invited her to pray and fast with us to know if God wants her to be baptized march 9 or 16 because she is ready. For some reason she just wants more time until she is baptized. But she said she would pray and fast this past sunday to know! After that she started asking AMAZING questions about the temple like when she can start taking the temple prep classes to prepare to receive her endowments and get sealed to her husband! She told us we need to come back for the sealing :] 

Downtown Houston
It's a little scary at night

I loved studying the Atonement this week. I like in alma in verse 16 how it talks about that he who exercises faith unto repentance receives mercy which satisfies justice and he who does not repent is exposed to justice and has to pay the consequences. Its interesting to see how important it is that we ACT on our faith!!!! Christ already went through the pains and consequences for us, so why would we not use the atonement in our lives? If we dont repent then christ suffered for us for nothing because in the end we would have to suffer for our own sins which christ already paid for if we do not repent (d&c 19). I realize the importance of NOT procrastinating the day of your repentance. While reading in Jacob 5 and going through the footnotes I see how important it is to repent daily and always live a righteous life, because we don't exactly when the Savior will come. We dont need to be preoccupied with guessing WHEN he will come but more we need to be prepared DAILY for when he does come :] and we will be ready. And we will come boldly to the thrown of grace. 

I have a great desire to help ALL come into this gospel, to receive the blessings that god has for them.

B-day THANK YOU!-

Happy Birthday to my sis from Chile

First off I want to give a BIIIIIIIIIG THANK YOU for the birthday package and everything that you put inside! Tuesday morning I got a call from the mission office saying that my mom called in and said I needed to go get my birthday package HAHA so somehow we were able to go to the office (30 min away from home) and pick it up :] My comp said I have the best mom ever haha, and its true :] My comp Hna W put up all the birthday decorations, made the cake from Kels, breakfast, she was just so sweet. And telling everyone it was my birthday haha. On sunday two members brought me some birhtday cake even though I had it 2 days ago :] Even mission President called and wished me a happy birthday. I REALLY missed you all though but even though I was away from home, with all the many birthday decoartions and balloons hanging around I felt at home :]

Went to the Zoo for my birthday

Tradition to eat part of the
cake before its cut!

On my birthday I had time to think about where I was at a year ago. Crazy to think a year ago on my birthday I got set apart as a missionary. I was excited but had no idea what I was getting into. I learned and grew A LOT in my 21st year of life. Weird to think when I am 22 1/2 ill be home. My mission has defiently taught me how to stand on my own two feet. I want to make a difference in the world. I want to keep changing peoples lives even after my mission. 

This thursday i will hit my year mark...I dont know what to think. Sometimes it honestly feels like its been YEARS since ive seen you all haha. Lucky me on my year mark my comp and I get to go to the temple because we have youth recent converts who are going so we get to go with them :D I'm so excited!!! The area is doing good, we are in the process of findning news. For some reason we have a good amount of same aged as us men who we are teaching haha, one of them opened the door with no shirt on the other day HAHAHA so freakin awkward. Thats what I get for having a cute companion. 

I love you all and hope everything is going well :]

Bus rides & sharing the gospel in JAIL

Buenas dias a mi familia :]

Had such a good week! Valentine's day was fun, my companion and I ended the day with watching this SUPER old mormon video "together forever" HAHA with cookies, pizza, candy, ect. Thank you to my amazing mother for being so kind and sending us stuff for Valentines :] Oh also the whole valentines day when we were in the car we wore some heart glasses that mom sent us haha.

Downtown Houston TX

A lot of things happened this week. This past week was my first time riding on the bus in Houston! It was pretty fun. We first get on the bus and the driver starts driving away before I even start to sit haha so I almost fell over. As we were sitting on the bus Hna W realized one of the passangers was a lady we have been trying to get ahold of for 3 weeks! We went and talked to her and set up an appointment :] I was SUPER nervous to talk to people on the bus. I didnt know how to walk up to them, what to say, I've never done it before. After a few minutes I got enough guts to get up from my seat and go sit behind a guy who I thought I should talk to . Right as I sat down next to him I realized he was sleeping...I started laughing because NOW everyone saw me sit down by this guy who is asleep. My companion eyeballed me to go talk to the guy behind me but I was nervous. Then I thought, "Well, maybe I can just ask him a direction question." I I turned around to him and asked, "Are we going to Downtown?" As the 26 year old started to reply I noticed something hiding on the back of his neck. I quickly realized it was a SNAKE haha so I replied, "WOW is that real?" He, E, laughed and pulled the snake from behind his neck. My companion and I were so amazed. He said the snake was a baby python...haha we were tempted to hold it but decided itd be best just to tke a pic of it. We then started talking about life and he started to explain that his mother passed away after Christmas and his dad died 2 years ago. I asked if he went to a church and he explained how after his mother died he stopped going to church. That that experience weakened his faith in God. It was a perfect opportunity to talk about the Plan of Salvation and how he will be able to see his parents again after this life. We were able to get his information so the missionaries can stop by and visit. We were able to talk to about 6 more different people on the bus, it was a really cool experience. All the people were pretty different. After talking to one guy who asked what I represented he remarked, "No I dont want missionaries to come visit me. I just started talking to you cause you have a pretty face" HAHA I just said, "Well thanks...if you want to learn more heres our website". I am excited to ride the bus more and find those who are prepared :]

Houston Bus Rides with friends 

Last night I realized how worn out missionary work makes you. After I fell asleep I woke back up at 11pm. I dont even know why but for some reason I thought it was time to get up HAHA so I pulled myself out of bed and started praying. As I was praying I thought, "Why isn't she praying too?" I was so confused and so I thought, "Well maybe I have more time to sleep" and crawled back into bed haha. I think it would be so funny in heaven to read through your prayers because I'm pretty sure in all my morning prayers I'm talking about what happened in my dreams. 

This week we also found out one of the less actives in our ward got put into jail. We decided we should go visit him and give him some hope that things will turn out okay. We got to the Jail in downtown and had to wait an hour for it to open. So we called people to try and set up appointments. Finally we were able to go in. As we walked through the doors there was a pretty good size line to see those who were in the jail. Lots of people could tell this was our first time visiting. We really did stand out from the crowd. Finally after a lot of confusion and an hour later we were just waiting for our friend to come up to the glass window. As we were waiting I was looking at ALL the other people who were talking to the inmates. Basically, I saw mothers with their children on one side of the glass trying to speak through a little speaker to their husbands on the other side of the glass-dressed in orange. It broke my heart to see families so close but so far apart. The spirit was totally not there, mothers were screaming to their kids to be quiet and yelling and cussing through the speaker to talk to their loved ones who were locked up. 

Instantly a feeling of gratitude came over me of how blessed and lucky I am to have been born to loving parents who raised me in the gospel of Jesus Christ. With this knowledge I learn of the things I need to do to make me happy, and free. As we follow Jesus Christ we really are freed and do not become inprisoned by things of the world. Finally we were able to talk to our friend. I've never met him or seen him before but somehow his face seemed familiar to me. Since we were not allowed to take ANYTHING with us to talk to the inmates we just taught through testimony to him. We told him how much God loved him and that through is son Christ we can be clean of all sins. We told him how much his family loved him and prayed for him always. He explaiend to us that many years ago he was SUCH a faithfl member in the church, he had even gone through the temple. Something happened in his life where he started to turn to alcohol to solve his probelms and became an addict to alcohol. As he talked to us he had shame in his countanence. You can tell he was upset for what he had done and wanted to change. Before leaving we asked if we could say a prayer with him, he said he would offer the prayer. With people screaming all around I could barely hear his soft words, but what I did hear touched my heart. In a place of no hope I felt peace, I felt the spirit. As E prayed his eyes filled with many tears of sorrow for what he had done and for gratitude for his family and the missioanries. Leaving the jail I came out with having an even greater desire to share the gospel with everyone. I want EVERYONE to have what I have, I feel for those who suffer.

Pizza with the Hermanas

I look at my life know and am grateful for this opportunity I have to see how our actions today really do take a big role on what happens tomorrow. This past week we also had a zone conference with our mission president. He talked about setting life long goals, we had a few minutes to write out what we wanted in our futures and how we would acheive them. One thing I mentioned was how I want to be a good wife and mother and that the mission was helping me prepare to do that. Reading my patriarchal blessing reminds me of the potential I have and how I want to always be a strong member of the church so I can fulfill what God has in store for me. Thank you for supporting me and giving me this opportinuty to serve a mission, to help others, to save souls. As I am about to hit my 22 years since I was born I still to this day am so grateful for the loving family I have. I cannot put into words my love and gratitude I have for you all :] I pray for you all individually and lvoe you with all my heart. How joyful the day will be to hug you all again :

Miracle Baptism

Hermana Jaeger is in the first row ~ right side ~
5th one in black jacket/peach shirt.

Wow this week has gone by fast!! This past week I was able to meet our investigator L. The first time I met him, right away he reminded me of my brother Garrett :] so kind, doesnt want to get in anyone's way, has a good sense of humor, always looking our for others. My first lesson with him was so cool! His mom and sister are members. Right in the middle of our lesson L speaks up and says, "Hermana's, I've been praying to know if I need to be baptized. The other night I was praying in my moms room and I felt something in my heart. At first I didnt notice what it was but now I understand that it was a sign from God that I need to be baptized". Haha we were soooo excited and taken back!!! We invited him to be baptized this Sunday (5 days later). He was super nervous but we all knelt down and L prayed to know if he should be baptized on Feb 9th. After the prayer he said he felt good about the date :D so the next few days we taught all the lessons and planned a baptism. I'm getting better at not getting stressed out with limited amount of time haha. Sunday came and the baptism went well :] At first L was REALLY nervous! I think it was because all of us were running around like chickens getting everything set haha. But it was so cool to see him get baptized. After he was baptized and came and sat by hermana W and I we asked how he felt and he responded with a big smile, "I feel GREAT!" L has a special little place in my heart, especially because he reminds me of bro Garrett :]

I love my companion Hermana W so much!!! We get a long SO WELL and seriously everything that comes out of her mouth happens haha. Examples; during church we were SO HUNGRY and wanted a valentines cookie. After church a young woman comes up to us and gives us this BIG valentines pizza cookie haha! we wanted a baptism together and after a 1 1/2 of being together we had L baptized. She is just SUCH an amazing person and I have so much love and respect for her :] We have had some great times together already.

Downtown Houston Texas

The other night we were driving and we pull behind two cars. As we are waiting at the light the car infront of us had his back hood pop up. We thought it was so weird. As the trunk slowly pulls up we see these HUUUGE speakers blasting bumpin music and lights ALL inside the hood. We started laughing so hard and were trying to get our cameras out to take a pic. Then we read the message and it had some bad words in it haha. The light turned green and the hood went down and the car drove away. 3 seconds later the car next to us had his back trunk start pulling up HHAHAHAHA we were in so much shock!!! This second car had huge speakers too with decked out lights and music in the trunk haha. To this day we regret not taking a picture. The poeple here in Houston city are craaazy. We had to go to downtown houston and look up some people. One guys info directed us to this SUPER nice apt complex that we couldnt go in without a pin to buz in :[ im pretty sure my whole wardrobe cost the same as one of the plants sitting outside haha! Then we went into the city and we pull up to this weird building. We walk in and find out its a jail haha but the guy had already been released a few days ago. 

I love it here in Houston Texas :] I'll be sure to take some more better pics. Love you!

Wha'd up Houston

Hello Houston freeways!  They call this spaghetti bowl.

Me & my new comp Hermana W

Found out that I'll be serving in the city! And in a car! My bike after 7 months needed a break too! I'm so excited! Its seriously a HUGE area and im pretty sure im going to get lost haha. I love my new companion Sister W. She is so cute and such a good missioanry. I love her.

Well the day and a half before I left Brazos was hard and sad. So many members wanted me to come over and say goodbye. Tuesday night there was a handful of members who wanted me to go to the church so I can say goodbye to them. It was sad :[ Some of the members cried so much! But I knew I was done int he area and God wanted me to help another area. I hate goodbyes :[ One mebers E P gave me a birthday cake because I wouldnt be around to celebrate it there haha it was so nice. I went to visit I but she was in the hospital again so I didnt get to say goodbye. But I know the Lord will take care of her.

 The morning of transfers we were packing up to leave. Then as I turned to go back and get more stuff I saw an old man pushing his walker in the cold. It was P :] I tried to stop by and tell him goodbye but he was sleeping so I left a card for him at his door. He said he was so happy to get it he woke up to walk over to my apt to say goodbye and wish me luck :] I started crying a little. He is such a sweet man and it will be a miracle if I can see him again after my mission. But I am so excited to work here in this other area! Hermana W and I get a long really well.

I love this man!  P walked 20 minutes in the cold to say goodbye to me!

Other then that I am doing well :] I know this is where I'm suppost to be. I love this work and I love being a missioanry. Sad to think that this month I'll hit my year mark. To my brother serving in Chile .. Austin live it up, the mission goes way to fast.

Baptism, Sheri Dew, Leaving Brazos Bike area after 7 months!

My comp took a pic of me praying

Wow this has been one of my most favorite and saddest weeks of my mission. Today I found out that after 6 months here in my Brazos bike area I am being transfered to somewhere new. I'm excited to see where is the next place God wants me to work but I am sad to leave the people I've grown to love so much

                       

Fixing a flat tire ... again!

This week I got another flat tire haha! 3rd new tires this transfer. My bike is ready for a break but I just want to keep going!

It's cold today.  Piled on the layers.

 I dont even remember all that happened this week. It just flew by! But I do vividly remember Thursday night. I'm pretty sure the weather got down to like the 20s thursday night. As we were biking over to see J's I asked my companion if I could grab some more clothes to put on. I walked out of the apartment with 3 scarfs, two beanies, 2 shirts, 2 sweaters, 3 pants, a skirt, and boots haha. As we biked to J's house which is 15 minutes away I had a moment to think about my situation. WHY would I put myself on a bike in the winter with 20 degree weather pushing through the wind blowing against me if I didnt know this church was true? As I started getting wind burn I started crying. Not becuase it hurt haha but because with all my heart I know this cuhrch is true. 've realized that I will do anything to share and spread this gospel to the world. We showed up to J's physically tired but spiritually strong. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and specifically about the spirit world. He was really interested in knowing about what happens on the other side after we die. As we finished the talk I started to bear my testimony. My eyes filled with tears as I tried to allow the spirit to speak through me to my investigator, J. As we left Jorge kept expressing how excited he was for his baptism tomorrow :]

Friday we woke up early to leave at 7am to go to the Sister conference. We walked out to the Hermanas to get a ride with them and one of the doors was so frozen over that we couldnt open it haha.   What a BLESSING that the whole day friday we were inside because the weather dropped down to the 20's! The weather was bad and my comp and I were unable to pick up Sheri Dew. I received so much guidance during the sisters conference!!! President Ashton talked about how he wants our missions to change our lives. He wants us to go home a different person. He said, "I dont want you to go through the mission, I want the mission to go through you". I've seen the mission change who I am. Its a daily process. He also mentioned how to "not worry about family at home! The Lord is taking good care of them". That gave me great comfort because I do naturally worry about my family. The world is a harsh place. People are critical because they are in the world. But those people need to be "in the world,. and not of the world". And to my loving sister who HONORABLY got released from her mission and served with all her heart, to you my love I say, "the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1samuel 16:7). Hermana Jaeger God knows you :] He has a plan for you. He knows exactly what you need to go through to become perfected. Trust in him like you are doing and everything will be okay :]

Frozen door.  Won't open.

So going back to sister conference, we had the priveledge of having Sheri Dew come and speak to our mission! wow she is amazing. Sheri Dew talked a lot about how we are the noble ones who have been saved for these days. She went on to explain that the prophets of old have been testifying of the last days and how bad they are going to get. Sister Dew then explained, "god knows all. He knows these last days are going to get rough. Do you thing he would just send ANYONE to preach his gospel in these days? No. He saved the noble and great ones for these last days. You are his noble and great ones. He knew you would be the ones to not fall into temptation, to stand up against the world and not be afraid to share the light and gospel of Christ. You were born of noble birth". At the end of the Sister Conference Sheri Dew had to leave quickly for a conference call. I was a lil sad I couldnt talk to her but was so happy to have listened to her! At one point I lost my companion so another sister and I went to go look for her. I saw her in Presidents office so I walked in. I noticed she was talking with Sheri Dew....hahah I was so taken back. Sheri Dew was so nice and I got to introduce myself and talk a little with Sheri Dew :]

J's Baptism.  A joyful day.  Comp Hermana C and I

After the Conference we got home at 6, ate chips for dinner HAHA then at 6:05 members came to pick us up to get everything ready for the baptism of J!! As we entered the church I heard the sweet sound of the font being filled with water. We walked into the room with J to get everything ready. J was so excited, adn nervous haha. He was so funny and giddy! As we were taking pictures all together J kept being funny and putting rabbit ears behind my head during the pictures.  The baptism turned out beautiful and the spirit was really strong :] J was so happy and took lots of pictures to send to his mom in Mexico.

Sunday we were waiting for church to start. As I was distrcted and waiting someone mentioned to me 5 minutes before church was about to start, "Where is J?" Ahh I forgot he was going to receive the Spirit that day and I didnt even think to call him!!! I freaked and started to call and text him but he didnt pick up. We hurry and got on our bikes and started to bike to his house. As we got to the home the lady who lives in the house said, "No J left. I think he went to work." My heart dropped. I couldnt believe I forgot to call him in the morning. As we were turning to go back to the church we get a text from one of the members, "Hey J is here at the church". Haha I was so excited that it made me bike super fast back to the church :] J received the gift of the Holy Ghost and is an official member of the church :] The temple president spoke in our branch too! He gave a great talk and shared an experience he had, "Well 2 weeks ago I actually had the priveledge of meeting J at stake conference! He explained how he was planning on being baptized and wanted to know more about the church. after talking for awhile I asked him, 'J do you have any ancestors that you want to the temple work for? To be baptized for?' J responded, 'Yes, my father". My eyes filled with tears again. I know J's dad helped with during our lessons so he could feel the spirit and know of the truth of this gospel. Now J has the chance to do the work and be baptized for his father. I know J's dad is just waiting with excitment, he's been waiting since 1994. After sacrament J showed me a picture of his father. They look exactly alike. We set up a time this week to start doing family history work to find his fathers info so we can all go to the temple together to do baptisms for those who have passed. So J can take his dads name to the temple :]

Hermana S and I are being transferred!  I'm gonna miss her.

I'm sad to leave the B area. I wont be able to keep visiting J and help him do the work of his Father. I wont get to see the familiar faces I've seen on a daily basis. I wont bike these same streets again. But I know and have felt like my work here in the area is done. On saturday after J's baptism we were biking on a normal road. Everytime we pass this specific road theres always a BEAUTIFUL white crain that just sits in the water. As we were biking we passed the same spot and I spotted that white crain I saw him lift his beautiful wings and fly away. That's when it hit me that I was leaving the area. Now its' my time to leave and find my new home. Help and lift others in another area. I know god is going to put me where I can help those in need. I'm ready and excited for the task :] I'll go where He wants me to go.

Another week in Brazos

Sheri Dew is coming to our mission this week for sister conference.  Guess who president picked to go pick her up from the airport....my companion and I hahahahha im so nervous!

Love her ... Hermana S

Woo hoo well this friday if everything goes according to plan J will be baptized :] We have been teaching him just for a few weeks but he is so ready! Just pray for him that he feels ready too :] This past week we taught him about the word of wisdom. He actually does drink coffee and thought it was weird we don't. We taught this lesson at a members house. Right after the lesson ended the member said, "Okay here you go I made you some cinnimon tea!" HAHAHA J was like , "Umm hermana we cant drink that!!!" We had to explain that we cant drink any tea from a tea plant. Those gray lines are hard for me personally I just stay away from all kinds of tea. But J has been keeping la palabra de sabiduria which is awesome! He had work this sunday so missed spanish branch BUT went to the 9am session and took the sacrament :] Hes a great investigators.

Met a new guy this week, G. Yeah he's name is pretty common haha. The first time we met him he was so excited and gave me a hug! HAhaha but he was exitced to see missionaries again. Our first lesson he explained how he was away for a year and during that time he read all the bible AND the book of mormon!!! I was so shocked! He knows the BOM is true and joseph smith is a prohphet! He said, "Sometimes I even watch the joseph smith movie that the elders gave me!!!" The only downer is he is planning on getting baptized in the pentacostal; church next month. What he doesnt know is we are planning on having him be baptized in our church next month haha :]

It was time to take out the couch :(

OH! So this Thursday we left the appartment early so I could go to the doctor, then get my new bike, go to the pharmecy, go drop off the loner bike I was borrowing, then go home. All during those 4 hours the housing inspector of the mission went and did a surprise check on our appartment.....haha what a blessing we werent there. He had a huge list of all the things we need to do to fix the appartment. He called us later that day and said, "Did you get my love note?" Haha referring to the list of to dos we have to do. He mentionedd how gross our couch was and we needed to throw it away cause its so old. He also mentioned that we need to have weather proofing on our doors so bugs dont come in. My comp responded, "Yeah cause the other week we found a dead mouse! Well actually maybe the mouse came form the couch" hahah it was so funny.  Long story short he wanted us to carry this HUGE old nasty couch our of the apparment to the dumpster which was so far away. We got the elders help and it was fine.  Dah i got to go! haha I love you all and will talk to you next week :}

Finally P-Day! Elder Russel M Nelson, my sis, temple

I cannot explain how much I needed this P-Day hahaha. So We had stake conference this weekend and Elder Russel M Nelson from the 12 came here and spoke to us!!! Oh my gosh it was the coolest experience ever! Sunday morning he was the last speaker and at one point he asked all the little primary kids to stand up and wave their arms to him! Our little investigator K came and she counts her self as a primary kid :] our mission presidents little 8 year old daughter sat by us and we had to help interprate the talks into English for her. Anyway, as the primary kids stood up he asked them to sing Soy Un Hijo De Dios. Their little voices were so soft and sweet, just like the spirit. I cried. At the end Elder Nelson, who is 89, took both his hands, kissed them, and waved them to all the children :] He stood at the door for like 2 hours afterward to shake everyones hand :]

Me and my sister!

oh no I only have 8 minutes left cause ive been emailing mom and kels HAHAHA ill send a written letter home but know im doing a lot better. it was hard to hear about kels going home but I am relieved to know she is honorably released from her mission and is safe at home :] I went to the temple today and prayed so much for my sister. Kels and mom I also put your names in the temple.

Houston Texas Temple trip

Kels I know God loves you. My mission presidents wife receved some revelation for you that I want to share :] God doesnt go by measurments. Like in school we see how we are doing by our grades which tell us how we are doing and where we need to improve. But God doesn't measure like that. He loves you because your his precious daughter. He is EXTREMELY happy to see that you served with all your heart :] He knows your heart and he knows your sacrifices. He is so proud of you for serving more than other teenagers would! God wants to teach us what we are ready to learn. He realizes your sacrifice and is so grateful for the missionary you were and the person you have become.. I am so proud of you my sweet sister Kelsey. I cannot put into words what an inspiration you are to me. You are my best friend and I will do everything and anything to protect you and to make you happy. As I entered the temple today my mind flooded back with a moment when we served together in the temple :] I got emotional. I didn't want to take of the temple clothes because I felt like I was at home. So after the session, in the locker room I sat in my white dress and said a prayer that I will have the strength once I put my street clothes back on to do the lords will and that I can feel okay for the next 7 months. And you know what, I feel okay :] I know God will help me. I know he will watch over you Kels and I am just so happy you are back safe in loving arms. :] Take care, my heart is always with you all. P.S. Kels every time I put on my nametag I still think of you, my other Hermana jaeger (my sister)