Just a Song Before I Go...

I don't really know what to say. I honestly didn't think I would ever come to this day. But, the time passes for everyone, even me. And as much as I didn't want it to come, here we are. It's hard to have to end the mission. It was the best thing I ever could have decided to do. I love Argentina and the people I've come to know here. And I'm grateful to the Lord for every miracle, every blessing, trial, disappointment, and every opportunity to learn, which, if you add it all up, is basically every second of everyday of these last 18 months. Needless to say, I've learned a lot of lessons here on the mission, all of which are priceless.

From this first day....

Perhaps the most important of all the lessons I learned, was that of the reality of the Atonement. When I first arrived in Formosa, November 2014, I quickly discovered that I had miscalculated just how much I would be walking and what type of shoes I would need. And I paid the price for that miscalculation. My feet were covered, literally covered, in painful blisters and cuts. Also, for whatever reason, my feet began to blow up like a pregnant woman. I could hardly walk it hurt so bad. But one must walk as a missionary. And with every step I took, I offered another prayer, asking for strength to keep walking. Every night and every morning, I prayed that my feet would callous over. Then there was the fact that the amount of Spanish I spoke was exactly zero. I felt so helpless; so lost. "What am I doing in Argentina?" I asked myself. "I'm not contributing to anything." Again, I prayed. I prayed to be able to talk to SOMEONE. And in answer to those prayers, I received a simple answer. "I'm here. Don't give up." And somehow, each day, I was able to find the strength to keep walking. Something I've come to learn about the Atonement is that Christ will not take our pains and suffering away, rather He will strengthen us to be able to face them and become stronger. And He did just that those first 2 transfers.

Another lesson I learned is the importance of obedience. Not just to commandments or mission rules, but to the promptings of the Spirit. I found a quote this week from President Monsen from his address to the Priesthood in the April 2012 Conference. "When God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right." And as scary as it is sometimes to talk to people on the street or the bus, we always receive blessings for acting on those promptings. I can't even number the times the Lord fulfilled a promise for fulfilling my end. And in regards to obedience to mission rules, Hna. Ostler and I had put specific emphasis in exact obedience to every mission rule when we found Claudio. Sometimes it's a sacrifice to deny a glass of ice cold water in the 120 degree summer heat, but the blessings of heaven are poured on all those who are willing to sacrifice for the Lord and His work.

This past week, Hna. Alduenda and I had the chance to attend the baptism of a woman we taught a couple of times in another part of Corrientes. It was a really simple service, but it taught me another lesson. It's not about me. It never was. And it never will be. The scriptures teach us that without charity, we're nothing. But what is charity? The pure love of Christ. How did Christ love? Selflessly. Everything Christ did was for someone else. He never did anything for Himself. Everything I've learned in the mission, is to help other people come unto Christ through His Gospel.

To experiences like this...

I know the church is true. I know this is where we can learn what the Gospel is and how to apply it in our lives. I know that Christ lives. I know that His Atonement is infinite and real. I know that the power of God has been restored to the Earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the church is led by living prophets and apostles today. I know families can be forever. This is a Gospel of happiness and I know that it brings happiness to all who live it.

I want to thank everyone who read this silly blog and supported me on this crazy adventure. All the prayers and love sent down this way have been felt and appreciated. I love you all so much.

Con mucho amor,
Hermana Hein


 

Wonders and Miracles

Hi All:

It was a week of wonders. Really, just another week in the books. But it was a wonderful one. It was hot and humid but that's not really anything new here. Yesterday was great. Claudio came to church and loved every minute of it. When we passed by the fruit stand Saturday morning on our way down to our first lesson, Claudio stopped us to show us the white shirt he'd bought for church.

He was so excited. We made plans with René to go pick him up after the first hour of church (our meetings our backwards, making Sacrament Meeting last) to be able to make it to Gospel Principles. He LOVED it. He even called us after church to ask us to bring him the book so he could study it more during the week. Then, when he came in for Sacrament Meeting, all the members came and welcomed him and introduced themselves and were just so nice and great. And the meeting was excellent. Emiliano Orellano is heading out on his mission this Thursday to the end of the Earth in the mission Argentina, Comodoro Rivadavia and he gave a great talk about discipleship. The spirit was really strong and Claudio said he was excited to come again next week.

Graciela and dog, Titan

This week, we also did divisions with the Hermanas in Barrio IV of Resistencia. I was once again with the lovely Hermana Palomino but this time I went to her area in Resi. It was weird. I forgot how nice Corrientes is compared to the rest of the mission. Haha. It was like going home. I was back in the dirt roads and janky neighborhoods of Argentina. We had a good time.

Hna. Ostler and I with some of the awesome
members of Rama Costanera

Teaching the Gospel to the overly serious rock band Maná.

This week, we were studying a lot about the Atonement and the effects of this most selfless act of love. It's amazing. Christ was willing to give everything for us and our sins. On one condition: that we follow Him and live His Gospel: Have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Christ is willing to pay for our sins. But we have to be willing to pay Him back. And it's not a bad deal. I love the Lord. And He loves us. He's doing everything in His power to help us return home one day. I know He lives. I know the Gospel is the way to get there. But we must be diligent and humble in completing the terms the Lord has set for us. I love you all so much and I hope you all have a great week!

Lots of Love,
Hermana Hein

The Road Goes Ever On

Well... It was one of those weeks. You know? The ones where nothing happens? Yup. The most exiting thing that happened was the unexpected journey we took out into the middle of nowhere in search of a man named Alvarez. We had taught him once before in front of a pile of bricks house on calle 1; a long, dirt road that leads out to the end of the world. At the end of the lesson, we asked what his address was and he told us, "Sometimes here, sometimes there." Oh. Okay. We'll just come back here. We planned to return Wednesday morning, but when we arrived at the house, the woman told us Alvarez lived further down the street. But further down the street? Nothing. We did find one house tucked away in a tangle of thorn bushes next the train tracks... But we didn't find Alvarez.

Doing Yard Work with Antonia

The youth in the branch here get together every Tuesday and Thursday at the church to play volleyball. A LOT of youth come; the majority, non-members. As missionaries, it's our job, our calling to introduce as many people to the gospel as physically possible. And this was an advantageous opportunity. So, Hna. Beckstead and I, along with the two elders in the branch, plotted to do just that. We wanted to show a quick video during the activity, a 5 minute Mormon Message or something. But we just haven't been able to organize ourselves sufficiently to actually do it... until this Thursday. After running around for an hour and a half, trying to figure out which cords connect to the projector and how the sound system in the chapel works, we managed to get the video up on the big screen. Success! The chapel filled up with volleyball youth and we played the video. After it ended, there was an uncomfortable silence... "Now what?" we silently communicated with the elders across the room. They shrugged. Finally, Darian, an outspoken new convert and the gangleader of the volleyball crowd shouted, "A FUERA!" (outside)  and the herd of youth filed out. It was a bit of a hassle at first, but I think it went pretty well in the end. A bunch of non-member youth had casual contact with church material.

With Andres, we've been bringing a recent convert of the Elders, Gerardo, to lessons. Needless to say, we managed to make things even MORE awkward. Here we are, two random North American girls teaching two middle-aged, Argentine men about the Law of Chastity. *facepalm* But it's been good to have Gerardo there. Now Andres has a friend.

I read a talk this week from President Eyring called "Where is the Pavilion?" It talks about how we are the ones that distance ourselves from God and not the other way around. God will never leave us. He will always be there. Even if we don't want Him there. But a lot of times, we don't recognize His presence. Especially in times of trial, we need to look for Him; reach out, maybe even a little blindly and say, "I'm here. What do you want me to do?" He will answer. And when we humbly accept His will over our own, we remember. And we see. He is never far from us. But we may be a little far from Him. I know He loves us. I know He's there. We just have to open our eyes a little.

Sending lots of love and besitos from the south,
Hermana Hein

     

Leap of Faith

Well, I'm still here in Sàenz Peña with Hermana Beckstead. We're really excited. We wanted to stay here. This place is magical. But one can't help but get a little anxious around transfer time. You just never know what your fate will be. But the Lord knows. And we just have to trust Him. I have a firm testimony of transfers. I know they're inspired. Anyway. This last week was a good one. Full of miracles. This week, we truly witnessed the hand of the Lord directing the work.

A number of weeks ago, we contacted and taught an old lady who, we weren't entirely sure was totally there. After giving her a Book of Mormon, she attempted to give us 100 pesos in return. But we obviously refused to take the money. While planning one night this last week, she came to mind. "Hey. Let's go visit Elena." I said. Hna. Beckstead was a little apprehensive. "Uh... Okay." So, the next evening, we went by, still not entirely sure why. As we attempted to teach Elena about the Restoration, she kept standing up. "We need to go talk to my daughter-in-law." She said. "Uh... Alright. Can we finish here?" We asked. Finally, after finishing our broken lesson, Elena stood up again. "Alright. Let's go visit my daughter-in-law." Hna. Beckstead and I looked at each other, bewildered. But, one gets used to such weird and awkward situations as a missionary, and we followed the strange old lady out of the house and down the street to her daughter-in-law's house.

The Gonzalez family was a little confused as to why we were there with their grandma when we first showed up. But the 18 year old daughter, Meli, began asking us questions about the Book of Mormon, having heard of it before. Soon after, her mom came into the house with a brand new baby girl, Luz. It was almost disconcerting how well received we were; how many questions they had. They were asking all the RIGHT questions. "How do we know if our baptism's valid?" Well, you have to have the proper authority. "Who has the proper authority?" Well, let's just tell you a little bit about Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Priesthood. "How do we know what's true?" We picked up the Book of Mormon. By reading and praying about this book. "Okay." They said. They all accepted our invitation to be baptized on October 3. And we're really praying that they make it there, taking up our challenge to read the Book of Mormon. From a tiny whisper from the Spirit to go visit some random old lady, we found a family prepared to receive the blessings of the Gospel.

That's only one example of the way the Lord is directing us here in His work. The list continues. The spirit is consistently prompting us to act. But we have to choose to do it. When we exercise our faith and act on those tiny promptings we receive, our faith grows. But it's always a leap of faith. Indy never would have found the Holy Grail had he not first taken that giant leap of faith. We have to do the same. Not just as missionaries. But as human beings. As children of God.

I know this is the Lord's work. I know He is leading us to the people that we are here to teach. I know He lives. I have received that witness personally by reading the Book of Mormon. I know it's true and I know it's another witness of Him. I'm grateful to be here on the mission and for the people I have come to know and love. It's an amazing opportunity. Thanks for all the love and support I receive from you all at home. You don't know how much your prayers do.

Sending prayers from the south,
Hermana Hein

Note from editor: No pictures this week, so I took the liberty of putting in this clip of Indiana Jones and his "leap of faith."

22

So... I guess that's the name of a really famous Taylor Swift song that I don't know... When asked how old I was on my birthday, everyone started singing it to my confusion. Sorry. But anyway. Thursday, I completed 22 years of life. Weird. We celebrated by going to Resistencia, yet again, for multizone conference with President. That's always a great spiritual experience. And It was good to get to hang out with some old friends, like Hermana Nakken. Love her. It was a pretty good day.

Zone Conference

 The rest of the week was normal. We worked. As one always does in the mission. We've been teaching a less active lady named Antonia and it's been a really cool experience. Let me just elaborate...
One hot morning, we were walking down a dirt road at the very outskirts of our area, keeping our eyes peeled for the doors we should knock. We walked past one unassuming, crumbling brick house with a mess of cacti in front and saw a little old lady with flaming red hair raking dead leaves in the dirt. We had already walked past, but I just remember thinking, "We should go talk to her..." Without even a word to my companion, I turned around to head back to the house. To my great surprise, Hermana Beckstead had done the same. We discovered that this old lady was actually a member. And that she had been inactive for a long time. But for whatever reason, the Lord had sent us back to talk to her. After that lesson, she told us that she wouldn't be able to come to church that Sunday but the next Sunday she would come. Unfortunately, Hna. Beckstead and I forgot. Until, two Sundays later, there's Antonia, sitting in the chapel with her bright red hair and a smile like she'd never left. Most of the members didn't even know who she was. That's how long she'd been gone. But despite her many years of inactivity, Antonia is now ready to come back to church.

We helped her in her garden on Wednesday and I actually got to wear jeans for once. MIRACLES HAPPEN! No but really, she's super sweet and prepared to receive the blessings for living the Gospel. It's interesting how the Lord's hand is always with us, guiding both Hermana Beckstead and I back to this old, pile-of-bricks house to find one little sheep that had been lost for years.

This place is awesome. I still, after nearly 6 weeks here, can't figure out exactly what it is. But I think a lot of it has to do with the members. The branch here is struggling. Despite the huge church building and the 1,300 baptized members here in the city, there's only a good, 30 people that come consistently. But that small group of faithful saints is AWESOME. Talking last night to the one and only counselor to our branch president, Hermano Guazo, I realized what it is: understanding of the baptismal covenant. He understands our duty to God to serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. And he's pretty much given all of that to this branch. But he's still going. Because he knows that there's no one else here to do it. And it's our responsibility as members of the Lord's true church to accept His will and do what He asks. I'm really grateful for that example of faithful discipleship.

It's been a good transfer. I've learned a lot and it's hard to believe that it's almost over already. Summer is on the way. My old tanlines are already coming back. Can't wait to show off my shackle line from my ridiculous Danskos. Haha. #missionlife.

Keep the faith. Follow the example of the members of the branch here in Sáenz Peña and hold fast to the covenants you've made. And the Lord will bless us more than we can imagine. These things I know to be true. He lives.

Lots of Love,
Hermana Hein

Don't Walk, RUN!

Well... mission life continues. Here we are after another eventful week in Sáenz Peña. This week provided us the opportunity to head to Resistencia for Consejo. Consejo is always the actual best. And this time, was even better. We were privileged to have the presence of Hna. Scadlock's family there. It was incredible. I can't even express the amount of faith that family has. They were each given a moment to share their testimonies and it was one of the most spiritually powerful moments I've experienced on my mission. Wow. I'm just in awe of that family.

At Consejo

Here is a wonderful, faithful family, who have experienced something so so difficult, and yet their faith in the Lord; a faith that easily could have been shaken by the tragedy they experienced, remains unshaken, if not even stronger. They're such an incredible example to me, and to so many others. They each bore powerful testimonies of the Plan of Salvation and the reality of the Atonement. Hna. Scadlock's little siser Taylor, shared a simple testimony that left everyone in the room in tears. The Spirit was like a thick fog hanging in the room.

I too, know that the Plan of Salvation is real. And that this life isn't everything. We WILL live again, thanks to Jesus Christ. I know He lives. I know He gave His life so we wouldn't have to be alone in these difficult moments. He loves us. And although, sometimes, we may not understand exactly why certain things happen, if we put our faith in Him and in His perfect Plan of Happiness, we can come to an understanding that all things will be made right when He comes again. I love the Lord. I know He's there. I can't deny it.

Hermana Nakken and all who have been her companions.
Minus the Elders in the photo bombing in the back.

That's why I'm still here. Honestly, if I didn't believe that Christ lived, I wouldn't still be in Argentina. But every single day gives me a new opportunity to see His hand. I've witness so many small miracles here. It's the best.

One thing about Sáenz Peña... we're just a struggling little branch. Even though there's tons of baptized members here. But the 20-30 faithful members we DO have, are AWESOME. Let's just take a look at President Avalos for a moment. He's the branch president. Every week, he makes an hour and a half long journey here to Sáenz Peña to be at church. Not just an hour and a half in a car. Oh no. He doesn't have a car. He doesn't even have a moto. He drives a HORSE CART to church every week. For an HOUR AND A HALF. If that's not the most boss thing you've ever heard I don't know what is. Yeah our branch president is sweet.

Hermana Beckstead and me.

Also. We have a number of youth in the ward that host a volleyball activity at the church several times a week that has given a ton of non-member youth the chance to get to know the church a little bit. Hna. Beckstead and I are working hard to gain the confidence of the members and help them build up the kingdom here in Sáenz Peña. There's so much work to be done here and so much potential. I'd never quite understood the importance of working with members, but here, I've come to realize just how key the members are to this work.

I love the mission. I've learned a ton and still have 8 more months to learn even more. Never forget the love the Christ has for all of us. He lives. He is the Savior of the world. Keep the faith.



Con cariño,
Hermana Hein

A Fire Inside

Welll well well... Here it is: The update. Transfers.

Having only spent 1 transfer in Barrio III of Resistencia, I had assumed I would be staying another... I assumed wrong. Both Hermana Tello and I got transferred out of Barrio III to new areas with new companions. Basically, the entire mission got slashed. I don't think there was one zone in the whole mission that stayed the same. Crazy stuff yo. But alas. The Lord works in mysterious ways, as they say, and for now, we're just going to have to be okay with not knowing all the whys.

Farewell Lucas.

I was a little sad to be leaving Barrio III. I had really grown to love it. Not to mention Lucas. That's hard. You help someone grow to understand the Gospel and come to know the Lord and then you're just gone. You help them in such a profound way but then, the Lord sends you elsewhere. And you have to say good bye. (Which always sucks. Lemme just tell you.) But you do what the Lord asks. Because He knows best. We do not. (As much as we sometimes believe we do.) He sent me to Saenz Peña with Hermana Beckstead. Whitewash.

Neither one of us knows the area. Hna. Beckstead came from Reconquista, Santa Fe. Funnily enough, she was comps with my MTC Sista Hna. Nakken. Awesome. Anyway. We got to the area last night around six, opened up the area book, picked a couple of names, and headed out. As we walked the streets of Saenz Peña, we both felt this build of excitement; a burning in my chest you could say. We're on the brink of something big. We're both just so excited to get lost in the area and find the people the Lord has prepared for us to teach. We're ready.

I just wish sometimes that I had the words to describe what the mission means to me. It's so crazy. Everyday brings something new. A new miracle, a new adventure... In my case, a new area, a new companion, and a new pension. I know I've said before that the mission is basically the definition of change. And it is. You've gotta learn to adapt. That's the key. Learning how to adapt to the many changes the mission brings. It teaches one patience and humility. Funny how the Lord works that way... Casting us into difficult situations to help us learn. Man I love it.

Hna. Beckstead and I met up at the terminal in Resistencia yesterday and since then, I've just been so excited. Maybe it was because we just clicked. (Lemme tell you what, it's been a struggle finding anyone who shares my feelings about Harry Potter here on the mission. But the search is at last over... I found her.) Or the fact that she was just so ready to work hard. Or it even could have been the adventurous ocarina music that greeted us at the terminal in Saenz Peña. Whatever it was, a fire lit inside me and has been burning ever since. Again I say, we're ready.

Surely this coming week will bring a ful laso de aventura. Stay tuned. Things are gonna get interesting.

Lots of love,
Hermana Hein

Over the Hill

Welp. It's been 9 months. Can't. Handle it. Time in the mission is so weird... I think back on my first couple of week in the mission and it seems like it was yesterday. But then, when I think back on everything that's happened in that time... it's been a lifetime... So weird. It's like a time vortex.

This week was pretty good, the highlight of the week being Consejo. A big meeting for all the leaders of the mission. It was great. I always loving hearing from President Franco. He takes his calling so seriously and really works hard to make sure we're all okay. And every time I have the privilege to hear from him, I'm so uplifted by his wisdom. Together, we read the story of David and Goliath and talked about how we don't need to be afraid because the Lord will fight our battles for us. We may some times feel small and inadequate to the task at hand, but if we put our faith in the Lord, it doesn't even matter if we're facing a 9 foot giant with naught but a sling and 5 stones. We can do anything. I was also able to see Hna. Nakken at Consejo so that was pretty great. ALSO... that day was the day of my cumple mes. 9 months. Which obviously calls for a whole bunch of ice cream. No complaints there.

Half-way there...

 Other than that, not much happened this week. We met a bunch of new people, so we're hoping to see some progress there. It's been crazy. We've lost a lot of time in the past couple of weeks for various reasons, but we're hoping to get some good work done this week. We have to do divisions again this week and interviews with President so this week is going to fly. And next week is week 6 ya! WHAT??? I JUST BARELY REALIZED. I CAN'T. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TRANSFER??? Well... It's almost over. That's awkward...

Well... sorry this week was so boring and all over the place. It was a good week. Even though it seemed really short and uneventful. But anyway. The work goes on. There is no rest for the servants of the Lord, as I said to Lucas the other day.

Scarves made by Hermana Franco

As always, I just want to bear testimony of the truthfulness of this Gospel. Everyday, I have the privilege of witnessing the changes it makes in people's hearts. Even mine. True conversion doesn't happen until we learn to love the Lord and show our love by obeying the commandments. I have learned to love the Lord because I've learned who He really is. I'm so grateful to Him for His sacrifice for me and for all the people I care about. He lives. I know it.

At Consejo

Love you all!
Hermana Hein

PS. Pics. A ful laso de helado por 9 meses! Also, Hna. Franco knitted scarves for ALL OF THE HERMANAS IN THE MISSION. So Hna. Tello and I decided to take some model shots. And of course. Lookin fly for consejo.

Not in Kansas anymore...

Hello All:

Transfer Tuesday. Guess where I got transferred? Resistencia. Capital. Am I amped? Yes I am. It's a whole new world here in Chaco. We're definitely not in Kansas--er-- Formosa anymore. Here I am, companions with Hermana Tello de Chile. She's so cool. She actually got to the mission the same time I did. I'm super stoked to work with her. It's a weird thing, transfers. You get to the new pensión and think, "What can I touch? Do I need to ask permission to use the bathroom?" But no. You don't. Haha. Lots of transition. But as I've said before, that's the mission.

Hma. Dustin & me at the bus station. Good bye for now.

Not going to lie, it was a little hard leaving Terminal. I've been there for 5 transfers and I definitely felt like it was time to move on. But spending 8 months in the same area definitely gives you time to make a lot of lasting friendships. And I've never been good at goodbyes. It's rough. But it will be really good to have fresh eyes searching for those the Lord has prepared. And I'm excited to help new people.

Yesterday, as I was riding on the bus over here, I was thinking back on my first bus ride in Argentina and how terrified I was. I had no idea what I was doing. But as I was on the bus leaving Formosa, I didn't have that fear anymore. The Lord doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Those first transfers were hard, but the Lord helped me through. He knows what I have to do and He's been preparing me from that first day. and He still is. I'm a missionary now. This is life. And it's awesome.

Into the City

With every transfer, every new area, and every new companion, you learn something new. I'm not sure what it's going to be this transfer, but I know that whatever it ends up being, it's what I need. We're not put in these places with these people on accident. The Lord knows what He's doing. Just gotta be humble and do what He asks. That's when the miracles come.

One last Formosa sunset.

Well, sorry this was such a shorty. My brain isn't really present today. But anyway, I'm grateful to be here and excited to get to work.

With lots of love, Hermana Hein

The Work is Hastening

Well... another week gone. Time just flies. As a matter of fact, today marks my 8 month mark in the mission. Hard to believe but alas... here we are.

The week was good. Another of those weeks that feels like nothing happened. Things do happen. But when you do the same thing everyday, it all kind of runs together. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. It's just hard to keep track sometimes of the little things that happen. But I'll see if I can remember.

A couple of weeks ago, Hna. Dustin and I were walking down our street toward our house, when this girl named Micaela stopped us in the street. She asked us about the Book of Mormon and wanted us to come back to her house and tell her about it. It was late that night and we didn't have time right then, so we fixed another time to come back and left. When we did go back to teach her, she was the coolest, smartest person ever. She completed her commitments and really did her part to search for her answers. The last time we went back to teach her, she told us she can't keep taking the lessons because her whole family is really Catholic and they wouldn't accept her if she lived a different religion. Oh man. That hurt. She was really sad about it too. She told us in our second lesson that she was Catholic but that she really wasn't in agreement with a lot of their practices. So obviously we gave her a Book of Mormon and told her to read it. And she did. "I believe everything you've told me." she told us. "It all makes sense. But right now, I just can't risk losing my family." I shared with her Alma 26:27 "bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success." (It's one of my absolute favorite scriptures BTW) We invited her to keep reading the Book of Mormon and keep pondering its message. And she will. The Lord has his time for every person. We had the opportunity to plant that little seed of the Book of Mormon. And just as the seed that grows in secret, (Mark 4:26-29) one day, she WILL be ready. The Book of Mormon works MIRACLES.

In other news, Hector's the best person ever. Love that guy. Such a weirdo. But so great. He's like my spirit animal. We went to talk to him last night to see how his first fast went. (Friday, we talked to him about fasting with purpose and committed him to fast on Sunday. When we asked him what he could fast for he suggested, "a girlfriend?" Haha. Maybe...) He only managed to fast for the night before. He had to eat breakfast. *eye roll* But anyway, we got talking about miracles. "I don't really believe in big, amazing miracles," Hector said. "sure they can happen, but the everyday miracles are people. God's not going to take away all of our problems if we ask Him. He's going to send people to help us in our trials. Those people are the real miracles."  I should just reiterate at this time that Hector's really not a sentimental guy. He's really intelligent and closed off. But he continued. "Like you guys. For me, and I'm sure for other people too, you're a real help." (my tender heart!) It was seriously the sweetest thing. I'ma miss that guy...

Just as my title suggests, the work IS hastening. After a long time of drought here in Barrio Terminal, the work exploded and we've had baptisms almost every week this transfer. Yesterday at church, they had to fill more cups for the Sacrament because there were too many people there. That doesn't happen! It was so cool. Less actives are reactivating and we're finding the people the Lord has prepared for us to find. After church, I was watching all the people file out of the building, giving besitos and waving as they all headed off on their motos, and I was just hit with the coolest feeling. I can't even describe it. It just felt right. It was like, "Yeah. This IS the right place." Ugh. So cool. I love the Gospel so much. It has changed ME. I'm here to help other people make that change but at the same time, it's happening in me. I love the Lord and I love this work. I'm so grateful to be apart of it. Just take a peek at Alma 26:16 to get an idea of my thoughts. It's a current fave. Well, until next week, sending lots of love.

Hermana Hein