we're going to baptize the sin out of this city. it's a dirty job, but someone has to do it

Where to even start with this week?

Well it snowed! I never thought I would say that on my mission. It didn't stay, but we did have a little layer on our jeep when we woke up, so I was pretty excited.

So last Monday we had an fhe with the YSA. Cody (i'll have to tell you stories on him later) was in charge and we did a walk of faith. We had a lesson and then we all had candles, and had to walk this path that he told us to by ourselves with only a candle (light of christ) while carrying a large rock to represent our trials. This woman came out of her house as Hermana Sanchez and I walked by and she's like "what is going on? I was sitting in my house, and I just felt this amazing feeling/spirit come over me, and I looked out and saw all these moving lights!"
We talked to her for a little, and we're going back to teach her.

This girl Erica came that night, she's been coming to a few of the activities, and she came up to me and started asking me questions about the church. After I had basically answered all her questions just with the Restoration, she told me that she had found a book of mormon somewhere and that she's been wanting to read it, but didn't know where to start.  We've been seeing her quite a bit, and she is the sweetest girl in the world. There was a camping trip for the YSA on friday that she couldn't go to, but she made a "survival kit" for everyone that went, and hand picked scriptures for everyone and wrote them on each of their kits. She is so cool.

And then, there is Cleophus. He LOVED the faith walk. He wouldn't even blow out his candle afterwards, because he still wanted "the light". He came to church on Sunday and I was a little nervous because all the classes were about tithing and food storage, but he loved it. especially tithing! I asked him how he liked church and he said in his super thick kenyan accent, "it was awesome!"
We got Brit, Cody and Sean to all come have a lesson with us after and we talked all about the book of mormon. We talked about them sailing across the "great waters"..and he asked if that's what I was named after...but at the end, everyone talked about how they feel the spirit differently and we extended baptism again. He thought for a minute and he said, "yes. yes I want to!" So now he's preparing to get baptized in December, right after my birthday.

what else? ohhh goodness, remind me to tell you all about Holly sometime... that was an adventure. Let's just say after talking to her for 10 minutes she looked at me and said, "you look really scared. are you ok?"...i'm handing her off as a spirit world referral.

so the other day Hermana Sanchez and I were making cupcakes for this kids birthday. We haven't used the oven yet, because members feed us everyday. I walk into the kitchen after a few minutes and its all smokey and smells really really bad. I open the oven and its on fire! The elders before us had made a pizza, dropped it in there, and didn't clean it out. So we clean it all up, put in the cupcakes again and call it good. It smelled bad again, so I open it again, and there's another fire. I was crackin up. Hermana Sanchez wasn't too happy. And it took all day to desmoke our house, but it was great. I laugh a little bit more each day with what I find out here in Silver.

Well, I guess I'll just have to tell some other stories later. It's super windy here...anyone up for flying kites across state borders? sounds good

have a good week. I'm praying for you dad
love you!
love,
hermana kaitlyn aguas

p.s. I saw a dog that looked just like Sirius Black and cody saw a mountain lion the other day. not a big deal.

"Everyone wants to be on the Jesus Team"

Dear Family,

I have some very important news. My investigator, Cleophus, sounds like Rafiki. 

Love,
Kait

We had an AWESOME day the other day. So we had an appointment with Cleophus for Saturday and he cancelled on us Friday night because he had a commitment come up. I was super bummed because he said that he's been praying about whether he needs to be baptized again (he's catholic). Well, Saturday morning we go walking towards campus and Hermana Sanchez just yells "CLEOPHUS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"...and there he was, just chillin!
We set up another appointment for an hour later at the institute. We got there, and we forgot the keys, so we just went and had our lesson on a bench under all the trees. We were talking for just a little bit and he turns and asks, "How do you baptize?"
We pulled out a picture/pamphlet of Jesus Christ being baptized, and we explained it a little more. He was really quiet and he started reading the pamphlet. He went over "Why do I need to be baptized?" and "What is the Gift of the Holy Ghost"...then by divine intervention it turned strait to, "How can I know?". He then read a part that said, "when you are baptized with the proper authority, all your sins can be washed away"...he asked "what is the proper authority?" We brought it back to Joseph Smith and he asked if he could be baptized again, and how long it would take to prepare. We extended another baptismal date and he said he needed to pray about it. I asked if we could pray right then, and so he said a prayer..in the middle of all those trees...asking to know where the Lord's kingdom is once again..and the spirit was SO strong. He said amen, and said that he felt better and less confused.
oh I loved it.

We also have this other kid named Robert, who we've been trying to teach...but just have never been able to meet up with him cause he is super busy with the football team. When he's not playing, he's either working out for football or watching football. Last night we were at the institute and we're like, "we really want to meet up with Robert" but his football game was going on, and he just couldn't get himself to leave. after a few minutes his friend had given up and was saying that he wasn't coming. Then Hna Sanchez and I, almost at the same time said, "what about halftime?". We took preston's phone and called him, just asked him to come over for a few minutes. AND HE SHOWED UP. and we started talking, they played a little bit of pool as we were talking, and he stayed. Then Cleophus showed up and started listening/playing too. With both of them, Robert decided to miss the game he was watching (big deal for him). And he's coming back!

I love the YSA

as for other events, the leadership conference was cool. looooooooooong drive to tucson, but we had four sisters in our jeep so that was fun, and then we had a giant sleepover with six of us. Makes me kinda nervous to go back to college, not sure living with 6 girls is my forte. but then I got to see a bunch of my friends at the training, so it was worth it.

halloween was good too. Hermana Sanchez and I dressed up as Elders for the halloween party. What made it better, was that was the first time the ward saw us--broke the ice real quickly :)    The members are spoiling us here..its pretty great.

yep. life is good. How is everyone back at home? can't believe brett is done with soccer! tell everyone I say hi!
love you...have a LOVELY november!!
love,
hermana aguas

"Que Paso" "that sounds like pasta"

Hey familia!


 As for how the new age is affecting the mission. Well..it's gonna be going crazy. President told me when he asked me to train that, "we're training those who are going to be training the young missionaries. so train them right, and quickly". The way we do training, is a trainer trains for 12 weeks (two transfers) and by the end of the 12 weeks, the new missionary, if asked...should be able to train. That's the program I used with Hermana Hallett, and now I'm doing it with Hermana Sanchez.
Our compliment (aka, how many missionaries we are supposed to have) is 190. I think we currently have 178 missionaries. by January, we are supposed to have 210...most of those being sisters. But they just told us two days ago it was bumped up again to 250! Which means we have to open up 72 new areas! I don't know how we're going to do it..but we are!
President just invited me to go to this big leadership conference and training for a few of us missionaries, just so we can get all ready. so I'm actually heading back to Arizona this week (just for a day or two) and then back to NM. 
needless to say, it is CRAZY awesome.

We've been trying to do a lot of work on Campus. WNMU reminds me a lot of Snow, except its a University. The President of the school gave us full access to everything, so we get to hang out with the students wherever, and then contact at most of the activities. The institute is this really tight knit group of kids, like a family, and they've already welcomed us in. And they are so excited about doing missionary work- so I've really been trying to "train" them into finding/ teaching machines...and convert that whole campus. It's going well so far, and a few of them have talked to me about wanting to go on missions and what they need to do to prepare.

I'm teaching this guy named Cleophus. He's from Kenya, and he is a STUD. We were teaching the restoration, and hermana Sanchez was talking about how Christ came to the earth and while here, established a church. Before she could go on he interrupted, turned to me and said, "I have a question. How can I KNOW which is Christ's true, original church?"
I got the biggest smile on my face and I said, "well we're going to tell you!" Hermana Sanchez then shared the first vision and we talked about the book of mormon. He was super accepting to all of it, and now he's praying to see if he needs to be baptized.

What else. What else. I love New Mexico. The weather is SO much better, the leaves change color, and the people here are SO friendly. Just a small town where everyone knows each other. Worlds different than Tucson. I still have the crazies. Tons of people have been telling me its hippie town and lots of people do witchcraft...so, that should be an adventure. We've heard a couple crazy stories from the people here and the elders. Homeless people also like coming up to us, then when they find out we dont have money start yelling at us. I ran into one of them later and gave him a hot dog, and he wouldn't look at me. I kind of laughed on the inside. Also...I'm like the ghost of Silver City. Almost everyone I've met has said, "I've seen/met you before"...and then when I explain that I just moved here a week ago they say, "that's so odd..because I know I've seen you". I'm now using it to my advantage and leading it into a Plan of Salvation lesson :)

But really, I feel so good here. I've loved my other areas, so much...but this place I've gotten the feeling over and over again, that THIS is the place that I was meant to go. This is the place that I'm supposed to be. It's a little bit of a bummer that I don't get to speak spanish all day, but we're still finding some...and so help me, I'm gonna teach Elder Chamberlain spanish by the end of this transfer! I don't know. I can't describe it- but I know there are people here that I'm supposed to meet--and I better be doing all I can so that I can find them.

Tell Heather Pack she was the first person I thought of when I heard New Mexico. What town is she from?

Also, this is a random favor, but could you send me a blank personal progress book? I was explaining it to Hermana Hallett because she's a convert, and she said she would love to do it, so I wanted to surprise her and give it to her at Thanksgiving.

well love you! have a good halloween!

-hermana aguas

lack of communication

So...sorry about the whole not emailing till wednesday thing.
transfers
driving

but surprise, 
I MOVED TO NEW MEXICO

We were waiting Sunday night to hear if we were being transferred. All night. Hermana Hallett and I both wanted to stay because we have had crazy success lately and really wanted to stay with our people. Usually we get calls NO later than 10:15. if you dont get a call it's a good thing. 10:30 rolls around, and nothing. We started celebrating that we got to stay together, and stay in El Dorado.

10:45 comes around (remember we're supposed to be sleeping at 10:30) and we get a call. Elder Johnson said Sis Hallett was leaving. (we thought if it was anyone, it would be me cause I've been here longer). We talked for a minute, they said I was staying, and we hung up. I hurried and called Elder Banner, my district leader, to tell him the news and the APs call us again. I answer and Elder Johnson said, "Sister Waters...you're gonna hate me, but...you're moving too."

shock.

but it gets better.
he said, "Sister Waters, President needs you out in New Mexico, to pink wash (take over an elders area), and to train again. Also, you're going to be over an english ward, a young single adult branch, and a spanish group"

So, here I am! I'm with Hermana Sanchez. She's from St. George and I really like her. There were no sister missionaries at all in New Mexico, so...we're opening it up. And the closest sisters are AT LEAST four hours away.  I'm in this little snow globe of a town called Silver City. Just this little college town in the middle of nowhere. The stop lights are turned side ways, so they look like sixlets candies, you can walk on a street, feeling like it's flat and then two minutes later you'll look down overlooking the town. The people are super quirkey and I feel like I'm in an episode of the twilight zone. and I LOVE it.
We don't really know anything that's going on, but HEY...we'll figure it out. also, I have a hunch that i'm not going to trust the post service that much, so mail may take longer than the usual. Just as a heads up.
I'm so stoaked though. It's nice to be on campus again, and I get to do a lot of work with the institute. (YSA AND still doing spanish? what could be better?)

Sadly, I'm really really going to miss El Dorado. We've been teaching the most incredible people-- which sadly I haven't written too much about because of lack of time.
but a quick recap on some of the best.
Jesus- we met him in the parking lot and he's like 'MORMONS! COME TEACH ME!". we taught him, the next day he came to a baptism, came to church and LOVED it...wants to keep coming, bring his family. He's been reading the book of mormon, and said he knows it's all correct and wants to be baptized. (this is all within a week!) he is THE FUNNIEST person I have ever met, and he's kind of a spaz. but I love it. when he found out I was moving he's like "BUT WHAT AM I GONNA DO?! who is gonna baptize me?!"
so great

Bella- has the most beautiful spirit I have ever met. She has this relationship with God that is absolutely incredible. As soon as I gave her a book of mormon, she just started beaming, and she's like "hold on". She ran to her book case, and there she pulled out three copies of the book of mormon and a triple! She said they were her old boyfriends and she's always wondered what they were, and as soon as she saw us she wanted to hear more. She loves the fact that we have continued revelation and modern prophets. She has a 9 year old boy who is extremely gifted and when she was talking about raising him as a single mom, she was basically quoted from the family proclamation for what she wants. she is perfect.

and then there is Marcelino..my dear, dear mexican cowboy Marcelino. He was the hardest to leave, although it was a close race between him and Victor. When I found him, he had no relationship with God...and now, he loves the plan of Salvation and he's growing in his faith like crazy. He says that he hardly ever talks to people, but he feels really good talking to us. He didn't know we were leaving, but when we went over to say goodbye he said, "wait, before  you say anything..I have a present for you." he pulled out of his sleeve these straw weaved flowers that his mom made for us in mexico. I really didn't want to leave then. Right as we were heading out he said, "by the way...I love your book"

ahhh...and so many more, but I just don't have time.

well I love you fam. oktoberfest looked awesome!
enjoy halloween!
-hermana waters

p.s. MOM IT'S COLD HERE..as in, it actually feels like fall. AND some, not a lot, but some trees change color. I hear we may even get snow in december!!!! YES! peace out tucson, i'm in New Mexico now!

"Apostacy is a not strength" "so...it's a weakness?"

no time. fail.

 

BUT my mission is doing a super cool challenge, which I think you should all do too.

Joseph Smith took roughly about 65 working days to write the book of mormon. isn't that nuts?

and so, on october 20th, we are all reading the book of mormon in 65 days.

ending on december 23rd, joseph smith's birthday.

 

you all should do it.

especially you kelsey.

 

also...a quick thought on prayer.

 

The first vision came because a 14  year old decided to pray.

The Atonement, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane was a prayer to the Father, to take away all our sins and cover our pains.

So if that's how powerful prayer is, what are your prayers capable of doing?

 

love you all!

xoxo

hermana Waters

 

save my lambs

So remember that one time that I thought a temple would be coming to Tucson? And do you also remember when the prophet of the Lord got up to a pulpit and announced to the entire world that

MY MISSION IS GETTING A TEMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

temple.

temple.

temple.

 

all of us in the stake center gasped and the cheered. We were all freaking out with fist pumps in the air and acting a bit too giddy. We didn't even hear the other temple announced

In fact, it's a wonder that we even heard the second announcement.

MCKAY YOU CAN SERVE IN TWO YEARS...

and KELSEY DIANNE.....as soon as they said 19, I turned to Hermana Hallett and I said, "my sister. My sister is going on a mission! she's gonna be out at the same time as me. THIS IS PERFECT!"

 

oh man, i'm still so stoaked. All I could think about was the impact this is going to make. perfect timing too.

I know without a doubt, that this is the time that I WAS supposed to serve, but now so many others will get to serve too. aw man. yep, definitely can't convey my excitement.

 

mission.

mission.

mission.

 

so stoaked.

 

conference was beautiful. Anyone who didn't watch Saturday Morning...uhm, go watch it. Now.

Kelsey, pay special attention to Russell M. Nelson's talk. He describes the restoration and the basic truths perfectly.

and Oaks...man. loved it.

 

okay. okay. I loved all of them. You just see them all up there and you KNOW that they are men of God.

needless to say, I have a bit of a love affair with general conference, and someone better find me some tickets for the next october!

 

 

and as always I was blown away by Jeffrey R. Holland.  It was something that I've been working on the most here lately. I've been striving to know my Savior more personally. And then he came out with that and gave us all a spiritual slap. "Have I been so long with thee and ye still have not known me?"

 

"The unbelievable was true, He was crucified, His mortal ministry was over, His struggling little church seemed doomed" and they returned to how they were.

All those miracles, and experiences, teaching, and changed lives, didn't seem to change them enough.

"[Peter], do you love me more than you love all of this?"

"Yea, Lord. Thou knowest I love thee."

"[Peter], do you love me?"

"Yea Lord, thou knowest I love thee"

"[PETER]...do..you.love. me?"

 

"yea Lord, though knowest that I love thee."

 

and yet we stay the same

 

“I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. ... It is the work of the Almighty and it is to change the world…So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can't quit and we can't go back.”

 

are.you.kidding me?

 

and then when he said, "every missionary who has ever stood in that baptismal font and raised their hand to the square saying 'having been commissioned of Jesus Christ'  that commission was to change your convert, but more importantly to change YOU forever."

 

"Kaitlyn, do you love me more than you love all this?"

"Yea, Lord. Thou knowest I love thee."

"Kaitlyn, do you love me?"

"Yea Lord, thou knowest I love thee"

"KAITLYN...do. you. LOVE. me?"

 

Yea Lord. I love thee.

 

So perfect.

 

I want you all to know, I love the Lord.

and He loves all of us.

not everyone knows that. or remembers that.

but we should.

and we should love Him too.

 

love you all!

xoxo

hermana waters

 

can you see the luna?

Hey family-

 

favorite line of the week:

Adrian "sorry my mom isn't here, she's trading icecream with another lady..."

me, "oh, that's okay."

Adrian, "I thought ice cream trading was illegal!"

 

Sounds like everything is getting busy, getting ready for the trip! Enjoy California for me, and tell Brett to send some love from Phoenix (or wherever he is going)

I can't believe it's already October! From the looks of it down here, you could have fooled me. The only reason I know it's close is because people are stocking up on costumes, candy, and pumpkins are popping up. They don't have as many here though. I've only seen a few small piles at the grocery store.

 

To be completely honest, I don't even remember what happened this week. I do know that lots of good things happened, but Sister Hallett and I both can't remember what on earth went on.

The relief Societ broadcast was incredible.

We had a relief society fiesta with the stake beforehand. It made me laugh a little because everyone was trying to say "hola" as much as possible, quickly followed by, "I don't really speak spanish". But that wasn't the good part. I loved how everyone talked about the Atonement and what we are capable of doing with and through it. Sister Reeves especially got to me. When it showed the video of Christ, speaking about how He Wept--I was just speechless. It reminded me of an experience I had a little go, where all you have to do is remember that you are not alone. That the Savior will take his time to hold onto you, because you are His.

 

"But, behold, Zion hat said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me-but he will show that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

 

Anyways, everyone should watch her talk. and then watch these videos. they are all  incredible, unfortunately they don't have all of them up, but some of my favorites are up. Especially the "Go and sin no more"

check it out here: http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos?lang=eng

 

anyways. gotta go.

love you

xoxo hermana waters