Amigos y Familia <3
I want to start this week off by reminding you of the promise that is in Preach my Gospel. It says, "More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children." I testify that that is SO TRUE. But it also comes with the most fear, sadness, and stress than you have ever experienced. But the happiness and joy out ways it all, Heavenly Father has blessed me SO MUCH and I've gone to bed with a smile on my face pretty much every single night this week. Missionary work is amazing.
One experiences knocking doors this week I wanted to share: We always knock 3 times, because it gives them 3 chances to open the door to the most important message they will ever hear. We knocked, and we heard a little kid go, "Quien es?" (Who is it?) It's funny because we could literally see the shadow of someone look through the peep hole, and a mom say "Son los Angeles." (It's the angels. Awesome to be referred to that, right?). We heard the little kid go, "Abrir la puerta!!!" And the mom said, "No!" On the second knock, the kid screamed it again: "Abrir la puerta!!!" And we could tell that he was trying to open the door, and his mom was holding him back. On our third knock we heard him crying and saying, "Abrir la puerta abrir la puerta!!!" Over and over. They didn't open the door, but both of our hearts were a little bit broken. I'm a firm believer that little kids are closer to Heaven and the Spirit than anyone else. He knew that this message we carry is so important, if only his mom knew it too!!!
Another really amazing door knocking miracle happened this week. We've reached out to Kham quite a bit but haven't heard from him in a while, he pretty much dropped off the face of the earth (that happens quite a bit as a missionary). We stopped at his house and met his brother, Khom. We talked to him for a bit, he asked us how long we have been missionaries. As we explained our purpose a little bit, we saw his eyes change. He suddenly said, "You know, it's people like you that helped my family get here. We were in a refugee camp for a really long time and it was just awful. Something a little kid should never have to go through because it is traumatizing. A Christian couple sponsored us and that's how we were able to get out and live here. God bless you guys." We felt like crying tears of joy, it feels so nice to hear those things every once in a while. He wasn't interested in that moment to hear more, but hopefully once we find Kham again we can teach him too!
This transfer my companion and I have a goal to use as MUCH Spanish as possible when we are together. We've been doing so well! As my companion would say, "Somos Latinas." I have been praying for the gift of tongues so much this week as well. Prayers + Effort = Success. I have seen the gift of tongues work in me SO WELL this week. We had a street contact the other night and it ended up being like 30 minutes long because the guy had so many awesome questions. And at the end of it I realized I understood EVERYTHING he said!!!! And I was able to answer everything. He even told me that I had very good Spanish. Wow. Gift of tongues is so real.
Yesterday, we had a lesson with one of the people we are teaching named Sergio. There is a member that always comes with us named Hermano Ayala and he moved here from El Salvador. We walk with him because we aren't allowed to drive members of the opposite sex unless there is a woman with them too. We had the best conversations both to and from the lesson, and we all found ourselves laughing and having the best time. At one point he looked at me and said, "You know I have seen your spanish improve so much from the first day you were here." (In spanish, he doesn't speak english). I was so touched, THE GIFT OF TONGUES IS SO REAL!!!! And I LOVE SPANISH SO MUCH!!!!!
I have also seen the promise come true to me that if I love the people that the gift of tongues will come. Sometimes I feel like I'm actually in a foreign country because I learn so much about the different South American cultures that are here. I'm pretty sure like 70% of this town in Hispanic haha. I've learned to love their cultures, and I understand their backgrounds and the way they understand the gospel a lot better now. This love is IMMENSE. This is what makes me so happy. These people are AMAZING, I wish I could introduce you to all of them.
A few more things:
This week we have been pondering about whether or not we should stop teaching Dora. We have been teaching her for quite a while now, the whole time I've been here at least. She has shown very little progression. She has lived here for about 6 months now and came from Guatemala, she doesn't know a word of English or how to read. But this week we taught her the importance of coming to church, and guess who came to church?? DORA!!!!!!!!! She doesn't have a car so we lined up a ride for her. We were literally so excited we almost cried. I think she was slightly overwhelmed because we have an English branch and a lot of people tried to talk to her in English. But I know she felt the Spirit! And she brought her 2 little sons with her and they LOVED it.
Also, I don't remember if we have mentioned this but we teach Sunday School in Spanish every week. And translate in Sacrament meeting. I don't translate much yet, but I do the prayers and testimonies!
I also want you all to know that I am SO HAPPY!!!! I finally feel like I'm starting to get the hang of being a missionary. Knocking on doors isn't really scary anymore. Especially because the people here are literally so nice. :)
Have an amazing week!!!
Con Amor,
Hermana Hansen
P.S. For those who were asking, I didn't get attacked by anymore wild animals this week (phew). But unfortunately I got eaten alive by mosquitoes, my legs are so covered you would think I have chicken pox HAHA. Also, I got my facebook up this week! I will be using it for proselyting use only, mostly to contact people I am teaching through messenger. My companion and I spent a long time cleaning my timeline out, I think she is slightly scarred. I was a weird 13 year old. Also, I started driving this week too!!! No one has died yet, so that's good.
PICTURES:
1. My facebook profile picture
2-4: We got to go up to our ward campout for a little while on Friday! This is where the mosquitos got me. But it was beautiful!
5. This was some weird shrimp/fake crab meet salsa/soup thing a member gave us this week. I wanted to eat it but I got to the point where I physically couldn't swallow it. Thankfully my companion noticed I was struggling and dumped like half of it into her bowl while the member's back was turned. I have no idea what I would do without her :')
6. Dora and her family at church!!!!!
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