2/9/15

Walking Down the Boulevard 

Well, this week went well. I love our new area! Lots of exciting and new things.


We have this father and son investigators. (Like 80 years and 50) they are great. The son lived in the USA for like 8 years and was looking and looking for a church. He said he had a dream where he went to our church and he felt really good. So he went there and now he is here continuing to progress! He loves it and reminds US of his baptismal date. Its pretty cool.


Also, there is a sweet convert. shes been going to church for years, but wasn't baptized because she wasn't married to her husband. Anyways, she is wonderful and tries so hard. Shes even been called as a counselor in the relief society! 

We were teaching a family of "eternal investigators" (Same reason, need to marry.) and when we finished the lesson, we asked if they had any questions. Well, The husband went off on this story telling us about how his wife thinks he is cheating on her and then it was a calm big fight of words. So, when they finished, My companion and I had no idea what to do because we cant counsel them. BUT! We had a wonderful member with us who explained to them that we cant give them counsel like that and that they could talk to the bishop. He also said a few other things, but it was wonderful. Then the bishop went right away to visit them and see how he could help.


I really cant think of much else. The food is tasty. We have a bakery right down the street... You will never know good bread until you eaten the sweet bread. Its so good! I'm trying to be good... but sometimes the smell just wins and I cave. Haha.


Oh! one day we went to visit another convert. She had a friend over and this convert LOVES to share the gospel with EVERYONE! If the plumber comes, she invites them to listen to the missionaries! if she needs something from the store, she invites them to listen to the missionaries! That's what the world needs more of. Members willing to open their mouths and share the gifts the gospel gives. Anywho, so her friend was there. We tried to teach her, but the convert just wanted to explain everything. So, we just helped her when she said apostasy and explained the Book of Mormon to her. It was special.


Looks like I am out of time, but I love you all and hope you all have a wonderful week!!!
JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!!!
Hermana Stanger

2/2/15

Well, SURPRISE!!! Only 1 transfer in Hidalgo. Now i am in Boulevard with Hermana Alcantara. She is from Mexico. Unfortunately, Hidalgo was closed. I don't want to "close" an area again. Its a lot. Because not just 1 has to pack and such, but both. And you gotta clean everything and there just isn't time to do that!!! Haha, but oh well.


2 years flew by fast. Family, I hope you all do something tomorrow. Something like go to the temple or something special... please.


This week was pretty great. We tried to work really hard. On Tuesday we had a member that accompanied us pretty much all day. It was such a productive day!! We met lots of new people and he helped us to know where some of the old investigators live or less actives and such. It was really great!!


Saturday we had a ward activity done by the missionaries. Not going to lie, it was pretty cool. We did like a GIANT game board on the church floor and every spot had a challenge. The focus was on the unity. So, every activity everyone had to work together. Games like 3 legged race, but the WHOLE team, or everyone had to sing a song, or carry a balloon together, or everyone in 1 piece of paper, or we even made a giant dartboard!!! It was pretty cool, and the members loved it. One sister was so happy because she never has time to spend with her children, but she got to be with them and enjoy their time together. It was awesome!


I'm not sure what else to write because I just feel like sleeping. But it was a great week. Today I got my first "death letter" which means I am coming home soon. That's good and bad. Theres not enough time!!!!! Time is something super important. Its passing so fast, so use every moment for good. Lift someone who is down. Help someone in need. Look for time for others and share the gospel!!!!


Now to end with a question.


If Jesus was in front of you and asked why you didn't share the gospel, what would be your excuse?


Love you all and hope that you can share what you love!!!!
Hermana Stanger

1/26/15

The Funeral Singers

Well, this week, I wont lie, has been tough.
Monday, the ward pulled together to help clean the house of an elderly lady. Hermana Conchita. She is a wonderful little sweet lady, but she lives in awful conditions. She cant really get out of bed and so she uses a bucket as her toilet and then it sits there because shes alone and few visit her or have the nerve to take care of it. So, her house doesn't smell the best. But this week, they finally decided to help clean it up. Well, we got it mostly cleaned. The next night she didn't feel good, and finally went to see the doctor.Turns out her rib and pelvis were broken. And she was starting to get pneumonia. So, she was in the hospital. On my companions birthday, she passed away. Saturday we were asked to talk in her funeral and to sing. We Chose "Each Life that Touches ours for Good." It was really special.Then we shared our testimonies with her neighbors and "family" that was there. It was a super spiritual moment. She will be missed, but she is a lot happier now.


Also, another Hermana, Hermana America is bed ridden. she s a light of life! She loves to laugh and make jokes. She has been stuck in her bed for more than a year because she is waiting for a hip replacement. Well, yesterday she went in a coma, and is not doing well. They don't think she will be coming out.


But truthfully, it just helps me to be so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. We have the possibility to be with our loved ones for forever. It makes me so sad that there are SO MANY who don't even have a clue. They see death as the end. Theres nothing more. they will never see them again. But it isn't true! There is a chance. You can have your loved ones for forever. Yeah, there is a cost, and its not easy, but Christ payed for most of it. We just have to do our part. I KNOW families are made to be together for forever. They are meant to last. Don't give up. Hold tight to the rod and keep going. Do what you need to do to live righteously. Repent. That's for everyone including me. We can all do so much more. We can be so much better. Live everyday like it is your last because you don't know when it really will be. So, just be awesome and do what you should.


Yeah.


Also, now is time for ya'll to help. Any ideas for activities that you have done and were a wonderful success, we are all ears! Any ideas for how we can help the member have more excitement for the work and to love one another? If you have any ideas for any of these things, let me know! Thank you!!!


Also, I just want everyone to know that this is the truth. God lives and loves us. The Book of Mormon is true. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christs church on the earth. The gospel is true. And I know families are forever. If they weren't, theres no point! Show them you love them! And know that I love you!! 

Tengan un bonito día y disfruten cada momento!!! Les AMO!!!!!!!
Hermana Stanger