Hey family
!It's good to hear from you all. This week we had Christmas Zone conference and Christmas lunch/dinner with the missionaries in our part of the mission and the president. It was fun to be all together and exchange gifts (my district did secret santas). Plus it's always awesome to hear from President and Sister Madrigal. They are amazing. I love when SIster Madrigal speaks, because she gets all animated and firey. This time she started by asking us to raise our hands if we believe our calls came from the Lord, and if we believe we've been set apart and have authority to teach, and then she asked if we believe we can have 100 baptisms in a month as a mission (we've been having between 50-90) and some of the missionaries didn't raise their hands. She talked about fear and how it's a tool of Satan and then she got louder and pounded on the pulpit and pointed at us and said "If you don't believe you can have 100 or more baptisms in a month, arrepientense! (Repent!)" It was awesome.
She talked about a lot more but I don't have time to write it all. Pretty much it was amazing. Mom, you definitely have the power to change the lives of the missionaries and motivate them. I can't really imagine you pounding on the pulpit, but you have your ways too :)
One of the sisters who is going home bore her testimony in zone conference and talked about how much she loved the people here. I want to be like that. I love the ones I know, but it's not the same as that pure, Christ-like love where you can love complete strangers even while they're rejecting you. I'm still working on that.
Dad, your spirit/passport experience was awesome to read. It definitely motivates me to pray to be able to be sensative to spiritual promptings and to have the courage to act on them immediately. I am always inspired by your example.
These days we're still working with Juan Aruaz and his daughters to prepare them to get baptized. THey had a baptismal date for Dec 19 but yesterday he said he didn't feel ready and we moved it to the 26th. He is a single father and has been fighting for the custody of his daughters for over 2 years and finally has them. I think having them live with him is definitely helping to soften him and motivate him to live accoring to Christ's teachings to be able to give them the best.
Ok before I forget. Hermana Madgrial said if you said packages, send them with only "N Dance" for my name, not Hermana Dance or anything that lets them know it's for a missionary. Also, decorate it with pictures of the virgin mary and the pope because then they don't open it. They've learned that when things come for North American missionaries, they're nice or expensive. So if it's decorated with Catholic stuff they're either more afraid to open it because of God or they know it only has bibles, rosaries, etc.
Welp I'm out of time but I love you all and I'm stoked to talk to you soon! I think I'll probably call on Christmas morning, but I don't know the time difference. I think you all are 7 hours ahead. So I guess sometime in the night of Dec 25.
Love you!
Love,Hermana Dance
D & C 61:36
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hello all!
So, I already forgot what I wrote about last week and what happened this week. Everything seems to blur together and then I get all anxious when I get here because of the time limit and I can't think of anything intersting, cool, or inspiring to tell you. Kerble snoff boffit.
Here we are in December. It's weird to think it's Christmas season when there's no snow or cold, but I don't really mind :) I like the warm.
Winter here is pretty much over so now it's sunny and windy windy windy all day. It's pretty perfect actually.
Sorry I probably won't be able to send you guys anything for Christmas. I wanted to try to make something but I don't think I'll have the time or the money to do it or send it. I think you all understand though.
So this week the district president, Presidente Espinosa, went out to teach the recent converts about the priesthood with us. He's really young (29 I think) and was already the bishop of Volcan for 4ish years until they called him to be the district president in August.
I learned a lot more about the priesthood and how awesome it is listening to him. BUT what I really wanted to tell you all about him is what he does when he reads the scriptures. He has his mission Book of Mormon that he uses when he teaches lessons at church or to other people, but when he reads at night, he uses a blank Book of Mormon. If he finds something he wants to take notes on or underline, he writes it in his used scriptures.
When we have things marked and notes written, when we go back and read, we tend to look at the scriptures the same way. But when we start again with a completely new book, it's a new experience and we learn a lot more.
I've definitely had this experience as I've been reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, because I've had to dig in deeper to understand the words, plus there weren't any notes from before. I've gained so many new insights.
Presidente Espinosa said that on his mission he would read and blank one, mark as he went, give it away when he finished, and start over. Now he doesn't do that because he doesn't have the money to keep buying new books. But his example inspired me and gave me an idea for a goal for our family.
We are six, and if we each made the goal to read a new Book of Mormon this year, marking as we go, we could give away six marked Books of Mormon with strong testimonies at the end of 3-6 months (depending on how fast we go).
I decided that's what I want for Christmas. I guess it'd be for Christmas next year, but think of how awesome that would be. And if all our extended family did it as well--man, the western U.S. would be rocked :)
I know we will receive blessings for sharing and also for looking at the scriptures with a new eye.
Ok I'm out of time but I love you all and I'm excited to talk to you soon.
Love,
Natalie
Will Liz and Jamison be in Latvia for Christmas too?
So, I already forgot what I wrote about last week and what happened this week. Everything seems to blur together and then I get all anxious when I get here because of the time limit and I can't think of anything intersting, cool, or inspiring to tell you. Kerble snoff boffit.
Here we are in December. It's weird to think it's Christmas season when there's no snow or cold, but I don't really mind :) I like the warm.
Winter here is pretty much over so now it's sunny and windy windy windy all day. It's pretty perfect actually.
Sorry I probably won't be able to send you guys anything for Christmas. I wanted to try to make something but I don't think I'll have the time or the money to do it or send it. I think you all understand though.
So this week the district president, Presidente Espinosa, went out to teach the recent converts about the priesthood with us. He's really young (29 I think) and was already the bishop of Volcan for 4ish years until they called him to be the district president in August.
I learned a lot more about the priesthood and how awesome it is listening to him. BUT what I really wanted to tell you all about him is what he does when he reads the scriptures. He has his mission Book of Mormon that he uses when he teaches lessons at church or to other people, but when he reads at night, he uses a blank Book of Mormon. If he finds something he wants to take notes on or underline, he writes it in his used scriptures.
When we have things marked and notes written, when we go back and read, we tend to look at the scriptures the same way. But when we start again with a completely new book, it's a new experience and we learn a lot more.
I've definitely had this experience as I've been reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, because I've had to dig in deeper to understand the words, plus there weren't any notes from before. I've gained so many new insights.
Presidente Espinosa said that on his mission he would read and blank one, mark as he went, give it away when he finished, and start over. Now he doesn't do that because he doesn't have the money to keep buying new books. But his example inspired me and gave me an idea for a goal for our family.
We are six, and if we each made the goal to read a new Book of Mormon this year, marking as we go, we could give away six marked Books of Mormon with strong testimonies at the end of 3-6 months (depending on how fast we go).
I decided that's what I want for Christmas. I guess it'd be for Christmas next year, but think of how awesome that would be. And if all our extended family did it as well--man, the western U.S. would be rocked :)
I know we will receive blessings for sharing and also for looking at the scriptures with a new eye.
Ok I'm out of time but I love you all and I'm excited to talk to you soon.
Love,
Natalie
Will Liz and Jamison be in Latvia for Christmas too?
Monday, November 30, 2009
a short update
Hi family!
I hope I got all the email addresses right. I don't really have any time left because I was trying to figure out some stuff with my camera and a jump drive for the English manuel that mom sent me, but I wanted to send you all a short update.
I accidently brought the wrong cord for my camera, so there are no pictures this week, sorry!
The Pinedo family was baptized on Thursday! After lots of stress and crazyness getting them married at 3:00, we rushed back to Volcan for their baptism with their younger son at 6:00 p.m. Satan definitely was working against us because so many things went wrong (we showed up 40 minutes late for their wedding time, the witnesses wanted to come seperately and came late, a few days before the baptism Martin and Mila (the couple) had a big fight and Martin said he didn't want to get married anymore, etc etc.) But with lots of work, prayers, and the help of the Lord, everything came together and worked out.
It was so great to see them all together in their white clothes, and the branch has been very supportive. We still have a lot of work to help them become strong members, but I know the Lord is pleased with them and their decisions.
Now we're trying to help prepare them and get them excited to go on the branch temple trip in January. They don't have money so I'm not sure if they're be able to go but I know if they show the desire, effort, and sacrifice, that the Lord will help them.
A couple of our other recent converts are planning to go as well for baptisms.
Ahhh ok I'm out of time, sorry this is so short.
I love you all and I'll write you a better letter next week, I promise!
Love, Hermana Dance
P.S. The church is true :)
I hope I got all the email addresses right. I don't really have any time left because I was trying to figure out some stuff with my camera and a jump drive for the English manuel that mom sent me, but I wanted to send you all a short update.
I accidently brought the wrong cord for my camera, so there are no pictures this week, sorry!
The Pinedo family was baptized on Thursday! After lots of stress and crazyness getting them married at 3:00, we rushed back to Volcan for their baptism with their younger son at 6:00 p.m. Satan definitely was working against us because so many things went wrong (we showed up 40 minutes late for their wedding time, the witnesses wanted to come seperately and came late, a few days before the baptism Martin and Mila (the couple) had a big fight and Martin said he didn't want to get married anymore, etc etc.) But with lots of work, prayers, and the help of the Lord, everything came together and worked out.
It was so great to see them all together in their white clothes, and the branch has been very supportive. We still have a lot of work to help them become strong members, but I know the Lord is pleased with them and their decisions.
Now we're trying to help prepare them and get them excited to go on the branch temple trip in January. They don't have money so I'm not sure if they're be able to go but I know if they show the desire, effort, and sacrifice, that the Lord will help them.
A couple of our other recent converts are planning to go as well for baptisms.
Ahhh ok I'm out of time, sorry this is so short.
I love you all and I'll write you a better letter next week, I promise!
Love, Hermana Dance
P.S. The church is true :)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Herro family
Helllooooooooo!
Happy happy Thanksgiving week! Today I just realized that Thanksgiving is this Thursday (I think).
We're baptizing a family of three this Thursday right after their wedding, wahooo! We're planning to do something awesome for them to celebrate but we're not exactly sure what.
Later today we're going to help another couple get married because some elders from before promised to help them. They don't come to church and I don't think they're quite ready to leave the worldly lifestlye/parties but we'll see.... If not, it's already easier for the missionaries who come after us because they're already married.
Welp, what else is new around these parts...my camera lives!! Wahoo!! Charlyn took it home and worked some gypsy magic and now it works :) Ok well I think she really just set it in her room to dry because her room is hot but either way, it's working now. I'll send you some pictures next time even though I'm ashamed because I'm getting chubby cheeks...and chubby other parts as well. Eeek!
I'm glad to hear that James is doing well. I've written him a couple times and heard back from him once and it sounds like he's doing well. How are Zach and Nicky doing with the new baby? And Randy and Coleman? This week I had a bunch of random dreams about pretty much all my cousins in some way or another so they're all in my thoughts and prayers :)
Things are going well here. We had our first English class on Saturday and I think it went pretty well. Only a few members came but I think it will grow and we're going to pass out flyers to investigators and contacts.
The rainy season/winter is pretty much over now so I finally get to see the sun! It makes me happy and it's awesome to be able to see the mountains. I live in a beautiful place! Plus now we're planning a trip up the volcano for a Pday in December with some members and investigators. I'm excited :)
The branch in Volcan is growing. Thanks for your comments on retention mom, I will keep them in mind because retaining members has been a problem here as well.
I love the gospel and I love the Lord. I know the Lord is mindful of His children, that He loves every one of us and answers our prayers. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it has the power to change lives because it teaches us the principles that Christ taught. I love you all and I'm praying for you!
Love, Hermana Dance
Alma 9:6 Why doesn't God send more authority than 2 young people to declare His word? People ask us this sometimes. 1 Corinth 1:26-27 If He sent some huge powerful person, it wouldn't really require much faithAlso Alma 9:8-10 He keeps saying that we need to remember-remembering is so important, that's why we have scriptures, church, etc. It reminded me of the talk you gave in the first zone conference in the Baltics mom about Helaman 5:12
Happy happy Thanksgiving week! Today I just realized that Thanksgiving is this Thursday (I think).
We're baptizing a family of three this Thursday right after their wedding, wahooo! We're planning to do something awesome for them to celebrate but we're not exactly sure what.
Later today we're going to help another couple get married because some elders from before promised to help them. They don't come to church and I don't think they're quite ready to leave the worldly lifestlye/parties but we'll see.... If not, it's already easier for the missionaries who come after us because they're already married.
Welp, what else is new around these parts...my camera lives!! Wahoo!! Charlyn took it home and worked some gypsy magic and now it works :) Ok well I think she really just set it in her room to dry because her room is hot but either way, it's working now. I'll send you some pictures next time even though I'm ashamed because I'm getting chubby cheeks...and chubby other parts as well. Eeek!
I'm glad to hear that James is doing well. I've written him a couple times and heard back from him once and it sounds like he's doing well. How are Zach and Nicky doing with the new baby? And Randy and Coleman? This week I had a bunch of random dreams about pretty much all my cousins in some way or another so they're all in my thoughts and prayers :)
Things are going well here. We had our first English class on Saturday and I think it went pretty well. Only a few members came but I think it will grow and we're going to pass out flyers to investigators and contacts.
The rainy season/winter is pretty much over now so I finally get to see the sun! It makes me happy and it's awesome to be able to see the mountains. I live in a beautiful place! Plus now we're planning a trip up the volcano for a Pday in December with some members and investigators. I'm excited :)
The branch in Volcan is growing. Thanks for your comments on retention mom, I will keep them in mind because retaining members has been a problem here as well.
I love the gospel and I love the Lord. I know the Lord is mindful of His children, that He loves every one of us and answers our prayers. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it has the power to change lives because it teaches us the principles that Christ taught. I love you all and I'm praying for you!
Love, Hermana Dance
Alma 9:6 Why doesn't God send more authority than 2 young people to declare His word? People ask us this sometimes. 1 Corinth 1:26-27 If He sent some huge powerful person, it wouldn't really require much faithAlso Alma 9:8-10 He keeps saying that we need to remember-remembering is so important, that's why we have scriptures, church, etc. It reminded me of the talk you gave in the first zone conference in the Baltics mom about Helaman 5:12
Monday, November 16, 2009
Placentero nos es trabajar
Hola familia!!
Thank you for the flood of emails this week! I like seeing mom and dad write together in the same email-it creates a happy picture in my mind of you two at the computer together :) Plus then I get to guess who wrote which part. Sounds like things are going well with you all. How are the new missionaries? Have the ones I met in the MTC arrived yet? I told them to tell you hi...
Today was transfer day but luckily I'm still in Volcan with Hermana Rodriguez. She FINISHES her mission the next transfer (Dec 28). So for sure I'll be here until at least February because I'm the one who will know the area and the investigators when she leaves. I'm stoked because it's beautiful here and not as hot and I love the members.
The Martinez family has daughters around my age (Charlyn is 22 and Dayana is 19) and today they took us to a nearby river to hike and play and then we ate lunch at their grandma's house. It was beautiful and we had fun but I don't know if you'll get to see the pictures because my camera fell out of my pocket into the canal...Charlyn rescued it for me but it had been submerged for over a minute so it might be dead. I'll see what kind of operations can be done.
Don't worry, things are definitely safe around here. I feel completely confident that we aren't in danger-they just wanted us to take precautions. And don't worry, I'm not getting infected by rabid puppies, haha. I wash my hands lots :)
Thursday we had the baptism of Felipe Castillo. I made paper cranes in different colors and hung them from the ceiling. Each crane had a question and reference from 3 Nefi 11 and while Felipe was changing we divided the members and investigators into groups to work on the questions together. It turned out really well. Felipe cooked for his own baptism, which I felt kind of bad about but he wanted to do it. He's awesome and is going to be a strong leader.
I've definitely been seeing the Lord's hand in my life. I feel more comfortable here and my Spanish is coming along. I would say I talk around 1/3 of the time in the lessons. I'm working my way up to half :)
I feel happy and I'm trying to find creative ways to serve and to help people here and create something awesome because that's when I'm happiest. Like last week I made a worksheet with questions and references for Candida, our recent convert because we don't think she's reading the scriptures. We also met with a Peace Corp volunteer last week who taught us how to give English classes so Saturday we're starting classes at the church. I'm excited to make lesson plans and games for them :)Plus I'm becoming better friends with the people here. Charlyn and Dayana go out teaching with us sometimes and I feel like they're really good friends.
The Pinedos, the family we're trying to help get married, are awesome too. They're a lot of fun and they like to learn. We're planning their baptism for the 26th of November (the day of their wedding).Other than that we're just looking for nuevos and teaching other investigators. Eek I'm out of time but I love you all! Sorry I didn't share an awesome scripture or experience but I'll write a real letter tonight! The church is true!
Love,Hermana Dance
P.S. Sarah Jayne! Letters are headed your way late because the post office was closed a lot for the holidays. But know that I love you and love hearing from you! Make your mark cuz you're a Clark!
Thank you for the flood of emails this week! I like seeing mom and dad write together in the same email-it creates a happy picture in my mind of you two at the computer together :) Plus then I get to guess who wrote which part. Sounds like things are going well with you all. How are the new missionaries? Have the ones I met in the MTC arrived yet? I told them to tell you hi...
Today was transfer day but luckily I'm still in Volcan with Hermana Rodriguez. She FINISHES her mission the next transfer (Dec 28). So for sure I'll be here until at least February because I'm the one who will know the area and the investigators when she leaves. I'm stoked because it's beautiful here and not as hot and I love the members.
The Martinez family has daughters around my age (Charlyn is 22 and Dayana is 19) and today they took us to a nearby river to hike and play and then we ate lunch at their grandma's house. It was beautiful and we had fun but I don't know if you'll get to see the pictures because my camera fell out of my pocket into the canal...Charlyn rescued it for me but it had been submerged for over a minute so it might be dead. I'll see what kind of operations can be done.
Don't worry, things are definitely safe around here. I feel completely confident that we aren't in danger-they just wanted us to take precautions. And don't worry, I'm not getting infected by rabid puppies, haha. I wash my hands lots :)
Thursday we had the baptism of Felipe Castillo. I made paper cranes in different colors and hung them from the ceiling. Each crane had a question and reference from 3 Nefi 11 and while Felipe was changing we divided the members and investigators into groups to work on the questions together. It turned out really well. Felipe cooked for his own baptism, which I felt kind of bad about but he wanted to do it. He's awesome and is going to be a strong leader.
I've definitely been seeing the Lord's hand in my life. I feel more comfortable here and my Spanish is coming along. I would say I talk around 1/3 of the time in the lessons. I'm working my way up to half :)
I feel happy and I'm trying to find creative ways to serve and to help people here and create something awesome because that's when I'm happiest. Like last week I made a worksheet with questions and references for Candida, our recent convert because we don't think she's reading the scriptures. We also met with a Peace Corp volunteer last week who taught us how to give English classes so Saturday we're starting classes at the church. I'm excited to make lesson plans and games for them :)Plus I'm becoming better friends with the people here. Charlyn and Dayana go out teaching with us sometimes and I feel like they're really good friends.
The Pinedos, the family we're trying to help get married, are awesome too. They're a lot of fun and they like to learn. We're planning their baptism for the 26th of November (the day of their wedding).Other than that we're just looking for nuevos and teaching other investigators. Eek I'm out of time but I love you all! Sorry I didn't share an awesome scripture or experience but I'll write a real letter tonight! The church is true!
Love,Hermana Dance
P.S. Sarah Jayne! Letters are headed your way late because the post office was closed a lot for the holidays. But know that I love you and love hearing from you! Make your mark cuz you're a Clark!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Holidays, interviews, and the latest happenings in Volcan, Panama
Ahh I never feel like I have enough time! This week was filled with Independence Day, Day of the Flag (Not really sure what that is), and interviews with the president. We didn't see much of the festivities but I don't mind because I'm not a big fan of parades anyways.
My first "real" interview with the president was awesome. It's weird because since I've seen the "behind the scenes" of a mission president's life and you two are serving I sort of felt like I was talking to dad when we had interviews. President Madrigal asked about the work in Volcan, who we're teaching, how my companion is, etc. and then he taught me from the scriptures. I know he is called and led by God. I know that even though I don't know how to express myself very well in Spanish, he understood and was able to respond in a way that helped me the most. The things he said to me were very specific to my needs and helped me a lot.
Felipe passed the interview and his baptismal date is set for this Thursday. We're really excited for him and so is he. Aside from the we've been working hard to find new people to teach this week. President Madrigal promised my companion that if we worked around the chapel we'd find a family to baptize, so that's what we're doing.
Today the elders are in Volcan to help us clear the yard of bushes and branches as a precaution because it's really dark where our house is. This week we've definitely seen the Lord's hand in our lives helping protect us. It's never been anything dramatic, just kind neighbors watching out for us and men who are members or who we know walking or riding past our house at exactly the time we arrive at night so they can make sure we get in safely. I know we're being protected and watched out for :)
Eek where did the time go!?? I guess I'll finish by talking about what I read in Mosiah 24:12-16 this week. When the righteous people of Alma were in bondage, they called upon God for help. He lightened their burdens so they didn't feel them (he didn't remove them). They were patient, faithful, and cheerfull in their afflictions. THEN, after God saw how patient and faithful they were, he delivered them the next day. Just another demonstration of how miracles FOLLOW faith.
Welp, sorry I can't share more but I love you guys!
Hermana Dance
Acts 27:10-11, 20-25 follow the prophets and we'll be safe!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Happy Dia de los Muerto
I don't have much time again because the internet was being crazy and not working. I'm glad you got the pictures. Elder Bustillo, and awesome elder from Honduras who was in the CCM with me and is in my district now taught me how to change my camera so the size of the pictures is smaller and I will be able to send probably six or seven in one email next time.
Thanks for the emails and letter. Dad I just got another talk from you from DearElder but I haven't read it yet because the elders gave it to me right before we came in to check our emails. I'm sure it's awesome.
So yeah, I guess you'll usually be hearing from me on Monday now and sometimes Tuesdays. Mom, thanks for sending me a real letter :) I just got some letters from people who wrote me around October 7th or 8th so I think the mail is pretty slow...I mailed you something last week but I sent it to the office address-Cesu iela or something like that. Let me know when you get it so I know how much time I have to leave in the future :)
It sounds like your Sisters Conference went well. I'm sure they loved it and thought it was fun. And that's good you're getting more bold-I'm sure they won't be offended, they pretty much worship you and dad :) That's how we feel about our president and his wife so I'm sure it's the same for you two. They're very sweet to us. After Zone Conference Sister Madrigal gave Hermana Rodriguez and I this homemade raisin bread and it made me think of you Mom just because I know you're always doing sweet things for the missionaries too.
Things are going well here. We've had two baptisms since I've arrived and we have another scheduled for Friday the 13th of this month. Hopefully nothing spooky happens :) Felipe, the one getting baptized, is awesome. He came to church yesterday and took notes in our lesson and in priesthood. He is reading the Book of Mormon, he has good questions and he's progressing fast. He's already planning on going with the branch on their temple trip in January to do baptisms.
We're also teaching the Pinedos, this awesome farming family. We're working to get them married on Nov 26th so they can get baptized after. Their 20 year old son, Martin Alexander wants to get baptized also. They're just a really sweet family and we love being around them. Mila, the mom, marks their copy of the Book of Mormon when we come over to teach them :)
Spanish is slowly improving and I can understand more. I still feel like I can't express myself much but I will learn. This week I've been reading Acts in the Bible. I'm realizing how much more I should've studied the scriptures before I left. I know the Book of Mormon, but I've never even read all of the Bible before. I'm learning so many awesome things from reading Acts. It's easy to see that every time the church has been established, it has face great oposition. In the times of Joseph Smith, but also during the times after Christ came. The apostles suffered a lot of persecution.
I've been thinking about what you and Dad told me about how faith helps us be led to and recognize people who are prepared to be baptized. I found a lot of examples of this in Acts. Acts 14:27 says that God "opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" and I'm praying that he'll do the same for the people in Panama and also for the people in the Baltics.
I know this is Christ's church and that it is the only church that has the authority to do the ordinances that bring us salvation. I know God lives, and that he loves us. And I know with Christ we can do anything. Love you all!
Love, Hermana Dance
Acts 18:9-11
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