palabra.

So, remember how I was supposed to leave on February 13th? Well, I caught bronchitis (remember how I always got it a few years ago). Well it's back and they want to keep me here until the end of February. Aka my whole district is leaving. Aka I'm loosing my companion. Aka I'm not leaving yet :(

 

I guess I'll just be able to learn more spanish. Maybe I'll just jump into another class and learn portuguese or something. You never know how bad cabin fever is, until they tell you that you really can't leave.

 

PSYCH!

 

I'm really not sick. I got my flight plans the other day! *it's okay mum, you can breathe now. hopefully you continued reading this email and didn't call the mtc to fight*

I leave Provo Monday morn at 4 am. I don't have my actual flight plans with me, I completely spaced on that front BUT I will write you the exact times. My flight leaves around 7:05 (I think) and so *hopefully...if all goes according to plan* you'll be recieving a call from between 5 am to 7am monday morning. *p.s. did you send that calling card?* 

I arrive in Pheonix around 8:30 ish..and then have about an hour layover until my Tucson flight. But I think it will be just enough time to check in at the gate, so not sure if I can call again. I'll be arriving in Tucson around 10:26.

 

TUCSON. HERE. I. COME.

 

As far as I know, there are 7 people traveling with me....3 English Sisters, 3 English Elders and 1 ASL Elder. ....only one speaking spanish....this should be good.

 

quick overview of what happened this week:

our good pals Russel M. Nelson and Jeffrey R. Holland stoped by to visit. Really wish they would have stayed longer. I could have stared at Jeffrey R. the whole time. Oh wait, I did. Pretty sure he saw me too. It would have been super great had I shaken his hand. oh well, I'll have plenty of time for that in the celestial kingdom :)

 

Christian (have I told you about him?) He's our youngest investigator. 17 years old. Well he's getting baptized on the 10th! *When we committed him I figured we would say the end of february to make sure he was taught everything, and just have other elders baptize him once we left* But Hna Spencer was like "so...you wanna be baptized on the 10th?" Let's just say I exploded with laughter during the lesson. Probably should not have done that. I'll work on that.

 

Speaking of laughter, we scared the life out of our teacher the other day. Hna Spencer and I always get to class early. Hno Parke was sitting in the classroom by himself, I looked through the peep hole and saw that he was coming to the door. I said "don't go in yet, he's coming". We hid by the door and and soon as he opened it, Hna Spencer jumped right towards him screaming. His face turned white and then red...he was all out of breath and he said with wide eyes, "bueno....buenos dias". Oh that child. our new daily goal is to scare him daily.

 

I also had a dream *short story* that Hna Mullen took us on a field trip to California to decorate her wedding reception. Elder Lebaron accidentally caught one of them on fire, and burned the entire thing down to stop the wedding. (hna spencer's letter probably has a better version)

oh...and Hno Brown stole my dictionary the other day, rolled away on a rolly chair and started cackling as he did it.

I will be best friends with them when I get home.

 

In case you can't tell, I love my teachers.

 

Sorry this is so random, I forgot my journal and planner so everything is all blending together. plus I'm getting super stoaked to head out to Arizona. We have infield orientation this week (and one of the teachers is Izzy's brother) and packing. All on top of all our other classes and teaching appointments. It's muy loco how fast time goes here.

 

Speaking of which, If you see Lindsay, tell her good luck and that I'll look for her on Wednesday! I'm not hosting anymore, so I'll just have to go back to good ol fashioned stalking.

 

P.S. did I tell you I bore my testimony in sacrament AND sang for the musical number. MOM I SANG IN FRONT OF PEOPLE. aka, one of my biggest fears. This mission is paying off :P

 

P.P.S. can you somehow get ahold of Sarah Fisher, and find out if she got that internship in D.C. pretty sure she'll either be finding out, or leaving this next week.

 

The gospel is so true. And I can't tell you how VITAL prayer is. God has ways of directly communicating with us or through other people. The other day I had a question that I've been wondering about for a few weeks. I hadn't told anybody about it, but I was just praying and was planning on fasting for the answer. On Thursday, Hna Mullen had us teach each other as ourselves. No more being investigators, just us. Elder Henze started teaching me one lesson..and then just stopped on got quiet. He said *completely in Spanish by the way*..."I feel really overwhelmed right now. In a good way. But I feel like I need to tell you your Heavenly Father is SO proud of you right now. And that he's just waiting for you to get out into the field. he is SO proud" He then said something word for word what my patriarchal blessing says and then answered my question. I know there is NO way he said that. It was only through the spirit of revelation and prayer that I was able to  hear those words. The spirit is real, and the church is true. We all have agency to accept that or not...but our happiness will THRIVE and GROW if we accept it.

 

I love you family (and friends). You are all answers to my prayers. I see every single one of you, and notice how each and every one has helped in some part of my converstion. You are all missionaries to me, you don't need a tag to wear Christ's name over your chest. (even though it is an awesome feeling)

 

Mum, I think it would be really cool to do something different with scripture study. I know you started over again right before I left..so hopefullyl if you're not too far into it you wouldn't mind starting over. I want you to get a cheap copy of el libro de mormon...and each night you read with the fam have the kiddos and dad mark a verse that has helped them sometime in their life. Whether it was through our tough times, or if it's just a super cool verse. WRITE IN THE MARGINS WHY...and maybe a date? If any of them are favorite scriptures, write their name next to it. You can even have bruce and all those boys write in it when they come over too. Kasja, erik, heidi. All of them. It would just be fun to get a big group marking session. I just think it would be more fruitful in reading and then I can read it (either when you finish) or when I get home. So will you do it? I promise it will be a lot more meaningful, and you'll remember a lot more than running out the door trying to fit in a few verses. I know i have learned so much more as I've done this, and I've recieved a lot more answers.

 

Well, I am WAY over on my time. But I will HOPEFULLY be calling you on monday, bright and early! ya ya!!!!

dear elder me while I"m here, but other than that start sending mail to tucson.

 

"so i'm leaving on a jet plane....."

 

love you all. be good. read the conference ensign. bear your testimony. have a conversation with God everynight.

 

love,

kait....hna aguas.

 

a few video's

its a bit blurry. oh well.

dulce corazon

*this is kelsey. the italicized section is the dear elder email my mom sent kaitlyn after she "accidentally" stalked her at the temple.*

Hola Hermana.

I may or may not have seen you Sunday on the Temple grounds...don't freak!!!!

I did my little drive by like i always do when I visit my mom and dad ...going to do a little shout out to you and send my love, when low and behold a sea of missionaries are walking down from the temple. Oh my....what do I do now. You are right, it is like the armies of Helamen....I drove slowly...drove up past the temple and there you were on the temple grounds almost ready to cross the street...but not yet....I was like oh no.....I drove by and watched you(stalking?) I was toying if I should stop, wave whatever....but I knew that I had to be obedient, because that is what you are doing and I am such an obedient girl too(darn it!)

But I felt like Heavenly Father gave me a glimpse of Heaven to know that you are doing great. I know you are...but I feel like it was my gift.

So it was around 4:10...if that was you great... if I was seeing things....still great......It showed I had willpower where I would normally have malled you!!! It is a good thing Kelsey and McKay were not with me because this may be a whole different story.

Anyway, it was great seeing you. It was my gift and a tender mercy in my life.

I am doing really well, and am very happy.

I love you so much and so proud of my missionary daughter serving the Lord,

Loves and Hugs

Mum

I hope you felt the love at 4:10!

---------------------------------------------------

YOU SNEAKY MOM *now is the time where I refer you to a youtube video: "Jimmy Kimmel: Sorry kids, I ate all your candy. the last part"

 

so, I have a story for you.

Last Tuesday I was walking out of the temple after finishing a session. And I won't lie, we missionaries always look around to see if we know anybody. It's provo. It could happen. So as I'm walking out by the fountain I look to my left, and I see a girl. She looks at me in the same way. Before Hermana Spencer realized what  was happening, I had ran away from her...booked it to the girl and attacked her. She did it likewise. And it was my friend Elysse from EFY! I died. really, DIED. I was giggling and screaming and on the brink of tears all at the same time. It was so good to see someone, and I was like "IM A MISSIONARY NOW!". We talking for about 20 minutes or so, and it was so fantastic. I have a picture of her on my memory card...so make sure you get that pic up so she can have it too!

 

*Shout out to Elysse!!! I LOVE YOU! team A and team T...except...not really :) maybe we'll go country dancing when I get home

 

 

second story.

 

on Sunday, I was walking back from the temple *and about 12 people can testify to this* and I said, "uhm....that's my car....no really...I think that's my car. that's my car. That's my mom. Guys, my mom is stalking the mtc. That's my mum"

I thought I was just thinking things, and we didn't think too much about it, but I told everyone I'm like "pretty sure that's my mum"

SO THEN...monday night I get your letter which said IT WAS YOU! I busted up laughing. I knew you would see me eventually. Hna spencer and I stick out because we both have green coats. So I will have you know, that was me, I saw you...but we saw each other at different times...and we both knew it. I think it's hilarious.

Hope I wasn't doing something too stupid when you saw me :) I was talking to a few british elder's right before that.

 

Mum, I've seen a TON of people from PG here, and yes I saw the Heder boy. I don't think he knows me...but I see him around. I've also seen Elder Thurgood, Winston Surhiez, Hailey, Rachael, KaLee, a few girls from school, Braxton Atterton, Ryan Christiansen, and 4 kids from efy!!! (one was one of my boys) another was Trent Harrison, who we were participants together when I was 16. Alec Curtis (who I have a picture with where i'm wearing tye dye)..we were participants when I was 18..and yesterday I ran into a girl Anna McKay who we were participants together when I was 15! it's crazy. and I know there are more, I just can't remember. Sister McKay is actually the companion to one of the girls I hosted.

 

After 7 weeks I FINALLY met someone going to my mission! (2 sisters actually) One is the same mission, Tucson Spanish..so she'll be here for awhile. And then the other girl I actually hosted. She's going to Tucson English speaking so she leaves the same day as me! Her name is Sister Chidester, and I'm almost positive that we'll be companions for our flight (since I wont be flying with Hna Spencer). She and I clicked really fast and she said as I was leaving "you've been such an answer to my prayers...because I didn't know if I would be able to do this. It's been really rought, but you are exactly what I needed and I'm really excited now". She's about a year older than me, and I hope I see her before we head out.Which by the way, no I haven't gotten my flight plans yet. I think I leave either the 13th or the 14th, but I don't know when yet. And I DO get to call at the airport. I'm not sure how long yet...because some people leave at like 3 am and it depends on how long I'm at the airport. but i'll let you know as soon as I find out. I should know by next pday. which by the way is my last one here! but yes, send the calling card!

 

quick scripture and then I get kicked off. (today is super busy. we hear the prophet is coming, so we have made out specific game plans to make sure we get a seat. it's called operation profeta...and it's quite intense) but I was reading in Alma 17:9 where when I Liken it to myself it says:

"And it came to pass that [kaitlyn] journeyed many days [on her mission] and [she] fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto [her] a portion of his Spirit to go with [her] and abide with [her], that [she] might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, [her brethren, the children of God], to the knowlege of the truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct. And it came to pass that the Lord did visit [her] with his Spirit, and said unto [her]: Be comforted. And {she was} comforted."

 

pretty sweet right. I love the scriptures. Well I must depart. Operation profeta is in full force and I WILL NOT be in overflow.

love you all! thanks for everything! and yes mom, I will be sending stuff home, probably next pday!

love you. be good. remember, sending me letters is vital for your salvation!

love,

hermana aguas.

called to serve our king.

So the other night, the mtc decided to get a bit creative and shake things up (which I was super grateful for, I was on the brink of sleeping through an entire devotional) and they had us sing called to serve. But instead, they did a different piano arrangement, and had us sing really quietly like we were marching. They put up a picture of Helaman's army and they said "there are 2000 of you. There were 2000 strippling warriors. YOU ARE THEM" and when it came to singing "Called to serve our King" we all stood up and sang the last verse again, just singing louder than I have ever heard in our life. Sounds cheesy... but, I didn't cry at my farewell...and tears came to my eyes when we did that. So so so cool.

 

Well, good news on this end Julio AND Georgina were both baptized this week! Glory hallelujah. I was a little nervous about Julio during our last lesson, because he had slipped up with the word of wisdom, but we talked to him about it and how nobody has perfect days, but through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven, and we can committ again to obey with exactness. I'm so glad it worked out. We are now teaching a woman named Andriana, our first lesson was last night so I'm still trying to get to know her. She is very proud of being catholic though, and she's been dropped by like 4 sets of Hermanas...so somehow we have to figure out a way for her to trust us. Who knows.

 

Also, NEWSFLASH the gift of tongues is real. On Saturday I tought 4 members in the TRC, and one of them, who was from peru, asked if Hermana Spencer and I  were in the intermediate class. And then the two guys after that, were my age and reminded me so much of Erik and Kirk so I was just joking around with them a lot during the lesson. Just not even worrying about my spanish. When we came out Hermana Spencer was like "Hna, your spanish was incredible in there! Look at her go". Don't get too excited though, The Lord knows how to keep people humble, because the next day I had to take a speaking assessment test and I forgot everything.... mehr.

 

Also, our district was getting a bit of "cabin fever" aka, too much time staring at white cinderblock walls in our classroom...so we took a little field trip during our down time. (we usually walk to the temple, but some missionary slipped on the ice and so we weren't allowed to go) Instead we walked around the mtc, found a piece of ply wood (there is tons of construction here) and played snowball baseball. Then there was a mini snowball fight and then more baseball.  We were in the way back of the mtc, where people's backyards meet up so a few people came by and said hi. It's weird to know the outside world is just right there. It would be so easy to get away. But I love it here, so we decided to stay :)

 

Also, two of our elders are leaving today for guatemala. It was super sad last night saying goodbye. As Elder morrow was praying for how grateful he was that we've all been able to learn and grow together and rely more on Christ everyone was on the brink of tears. It's crazy how close you get to people here. KaLee Mortenson also left today, Hailey Wankier leaves next week, Rachael Garner the week after that and then it's my turn. Can you even believe that? I have less than 3 weeks left...a normal missionary stay. It's bittersweet..but I'm so beyond ready for Arizona. I watched a mormon message the other day (which by the way, watch it...because then you can see why I am so excited) but go tolds.org and watch the mormon message of the El Salvador temple dedication. Just listening to the youth speak spanish and their entire culture gets be so excited. Arizona here I come!

 

Also another thing I encourage you to read (if you can find it) is Elder Bednar's mtc address on June 9, 2009 called "recognizing the spirit". It's all about how you can tell if it's just your thoughts or the spirit. And it's incredible. If I have time I might write down a few quotes at the end

 

But I've had this thought this week, which I thought I would share.

I have grown to absolutely love personal study. The other day I spent over an hour just studying my Patriarchal Blessing, and yesterday an hour on 2 chapters in 2 Nephi. It's not normally like this, but I have learned so much from it already. But I wish I would have realized this earlier. For people who struggle with studying scriptures- don't force yourself to read. You will get bored with reading, the words on the page will all blend together, and  you will lose motivation to ever do it. Take a step back. Go to another source of scripture. Listen to talks by General Authorities. Even if you can't get yourself to do that, go small. Watch Mormon messages. Then listen to Authorities. Take notes on what impacts YOU. It wont be graded, it wont be seen. Only by you. It is your own source of personal revelation. Then with that revelation and personal revelance, you can study the scriptures they mentioned in their talk. Even if it is just one verse or one chapter. Apply EVERYTHING they said that applied to you in the scriptures. If you don't think it applies, try and find a way it can. Scripture are for our profit and learning. We must liken them unto ourselves. And by doing these things you will recieve personal individualized answers to you.

 

It is so cool. So will you commit to do it (I hope everybody is nodding their head). I know that you will find a better understanding of yourself and the Savior if you do that. No longer will you always turn to worldly temporary answers, but you have your own personal guide on how to survive life with your good buddies the scriptures, the apostles and your patriarchal blessing. Your own personal D&C. I know it's impacted me on my mission, and has made me realize how individually God loves me. I am his daughter, and He wants nothing more than to give me every happiness...and the reason I am on this mission is to find my brothers and sisters, and let them know they can have that too. It's already there, they just don't know it yet.

 

I love you all and hope you have an incredible week. I would love to hear from all of you, especially if you try this and have experiences with it. I draw from your strenght and love.

 

love you!

love,

hermana aguas

como se dice, sippy cup?

aka "how do you say sippy cup"

Life sounds great back at home..seems like everything is getting back to normal for the most part. And I'm so glad you saw Sister Melick. I stalked her on wednesday so I could give her a hug. I may just have to do it every wednesday, but I'll for sure do it the week before I leave. Which p.s. I've been her five weeks. that's crazy business. when did that happen?

And thanks for the month package. you sneaky mom. Hna spencer's fam sent food too so we had a fiesta. chips, salsa, diet coke and homemade cookies. Hna Baker and I were making a video and she started laughing and sprayed us all with diet coke. I was in tears. I don't know if I've told you much about hna baker, but I adore her. seriously, if I had to be stuck on an island with three people it would be her, hna spencer and hailey wankier. I would just laugh myself off the island. So, hna baker talks in her sleep...and at 2 am this morning she started talking in her sleep. Except she was reciting Doctrine and Covenants 4...in spanish! I was just giggling in my bed like none other.

Really, I'm convinced that the mtc should not be this fun...but somehow it is. Joy in the journey right?

Since I last emailed there has been a hot dog eating contest. Elder Lebaron finished 3 and started dipping his hot dogs in water to get it down. He had the hardest time not spewing over everyone. Elder connors finished four, and was having the mental battle...and elder henze finished 5...I think? he was just cruising. it was disgusting. and it wasn't those dinky hot dogs either, they were the huge brotworst style. sick nasty. let's just say they were sweating hot dogs and trying not to die all during russel m. nelson's talk.

which, by the way was so great. He actually answered specifically something I was praying about in my patriarchal blessing. it was NUTS. I walked out thinking "wow, super glad that a general authority desides to mosey on by the mtc on a lovely tuesday and speak to my soul. no big"

I got a calling! I'm music director. I'm still trying to figure everything out...it's not hard at all, but they expect to have a musical number in a few days..and I'm fresh out of ideas. I may even get desparate and just go up to the pulpit and sing. that's what happens when there are four sisters in the entire zone. not a big deal.

We are starting to have espanol fiestas. aka they are called "english fasts" where you aren't allowed to speak any english for the entire day..but we decided to be optimistic and call it a party. I probably sound so funny, but esta bien. (it's all good). but at lunch a teacher sat by us and heard us speaking, he asked how long we had been here. When he heard 5 weeks he started laughing.

not really sure what that means.

oh mom! there is a talk you need to look up. It's by Jeffrey R. Holland.. I don't know the exact title, but it's something like "my mission and yours" and it's him addressing the mtc while Gordon B. Hinckley was prophet. It blew my mind. you should find it and have everyone read it. I think they boys and kelsey would really like it.

he said a quote in it, from a french poem that says

"come to the edge" he said. "no, we'll fall"

"come to the edge" he said "no, we'll fall"

"COME TO THE EDGE" he said...so we went to the edge

and he pushed us

and we flew.

we need to GO THERE to create miracles.

He also talked about Salvation, and he said something along the lines of "Why is it so hard? why is this mission so hard? why aren't people just coming to the font? Well...why would it be easy...when suffering in Gethsemane wasn't easy. When dying on the cross wasn't easy? We all need to feel a little bit of the garden, and carry our own cross to learn"

it was way powerful. So i suggest you find it. Well I'm out of time, sorry there wasn't much in here. But good news Georgina and Julio have baptisimal dates! miracles happen!

Love you,

give everyone (especially Grady) a kiss for me!

love,

Hermana Aguas

Hey Family.

This is going to be really quick because I have no time. I have to leave in 30 minutes and my hair isn't dry and i'm in sweats-- but it's ok, because i'm going to the temple.

Anyways- thank you so much for the package and the stamps. I was just about to go buy some (yes, i'm already out) when you sent me some more, so it was perfect.

And mom- you really don't need to send me food! I still have food from christmas that I don't know what to do with. I'm never in my room.. so i never eat it. I appreciate it though. Packages are so fun here.

Oh and the pictures were great. Could you send me the one of Heather Foster and I at my farewell and the one of Nate and I standing by each other (not the close up) ?

so Mikayla and Megans weddings sounded fantastic! Wish i could have been at both of those sealings - but the MTC is a pretty good excuse.

Haily Wankier (efy) and Kalee Mortenson came in this week  and I stalked the drop off curb for over an hour- waiting for them. I attacked them when i saw them and when Hailey, Rachael and I gave a huge group hug it was super cool because 7 months ago we were all talking about mission and now we are all at the MTC!

Speaking of that- i've been here a month? ok- when did that happen?!

Oh mom - I said the prayer in sacrament meeting entirely in spanish. In front of everybody. You would be proud.

Oh! The story of Hna. Flirt
So there is this sister- who the elders (every elder at the MTC) Just flock to. After awhile we started calling her Hermana Flirt (don't know her and not in a mean way.. but in a funny way) well- the other day i'm talking to my district at lunch and Hna. Spencer gives me this strange look. I turn around and Hna Flirt is in my face. She's like "i know you." I looked confused, but realized she looked familiar too. long story short - after 10 minutes of guessing we realized that we played soccer together.. when i was on that purple team! Her name is Sydney and we were way good friends. All these memories started coming back and i realized how much i loved her. She's going to Ukraine on her mission and came in the week after me. Bt out of all the missionaries in the MTC, she recognized me when I haven't seen her since JR. High. It was so funny.

Then everyone laughed at district meeting because i'm friends with Hna. Flirt.

Well, its 2:40 and I need to go to the temple now! I sent you a memory card of the pictures i took before the broken camera, so i hope it finds you safely. Love you!

Oh! and dad- thanks for sending some love. i needed it that day!

love, your daughter Hna. Aquas.

Elder Swag

Hello!

Sadly mum, I'm "not allowed" to tell you the EXACT time I go to the temple. However, I will say that I attend a session at the provo temple EVERY tuesday...in the afternoon, and by the time I get out of a session it is sunset. So, you do the math :P. And you better believe I scope out the seiling rooms. I told hna spencer "this is where my parents got married, let's sneak around!" oh missionary humor. we enjoy our good clean fun.

stories. let's see.

So on sunday, we were doing our annual temple walk after church and meetings, and we ran into an elder from Mexico City, Mexico. He is going to Kentucky on his mission learning english, so we told him if he helped us with our spanish, we would help him with english. He taught us a few phrases...more like slang, because our teachers never tell us words for "awesome" or things like that. Well, obviously, we took it upon ourselves to give him a cultural experience. We taught him how to introduce himself to americans by saying "Hello, my name is elder Swag". And we said when he says goodbye, he needs to say "Teach me how to Dougie". After he mastered those two, we then told him some "kentucky specific" things he NEEDS to know. So we taught him "Where is the chicken?!" (chicken. Kentucky. aka kfc)

He caught onto that one, so he started saying "Where is the house of Colenel Sanders? Where is you Colenel? I want my chicken!" It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO funny. (that was necessary). I took a video of it, so I'll send it to you soon. I cannot wait to get into the field and just be surrounded by that.

mum, remind me to tell you the story of Hma Flirt. That needs to be saved for a letter.

On a more serious note. Did I tell you we got a new teacher? she's been out of town all of christmas break, so we finally got her back when the new semester started. Her name is Hermana Mullen and she is literally the answer to my prayers. I understand a gagillion times more spanish with her and she knows how to be stern in a sweet way. I actually look forward to doing language instruction when she teaches. (say what). anyways she was talking to us and bore testimony which really made us think why we are here, and that this is OUR MISSION...that even though we have a schedule, we have agency, and we choose what we do with it. It made me feel like I had a little more control over my mission which is nice. I can't really describe how incredible it was, but maybe I'll have you guys read my journal sometime and you can see everything she said. She ended by saying "what would you do to bring someone unto Christ? Anything?....But would you do Everything?"...I don't know it was way cool and exactly what I needed.

I also have a new investigator, named Georgina. She's 80 years old, from the dominican republic. She speaks absolutely NO english, and her husband died so she is living with her son and two granddaughters. She's really lonely, and doesn't have a ton of energy. She get's bored REALLY easily too. If she's bored she's play with her hair, she has even fallen asleep mid sentence with some other elders. It's ridiculous. I even asked someone if she has A.D.D because one day she was crouched up on a chair, (like how jared sits when he's typing) and had all her hair in her face and slurring all her words. Anyways, I just had to describe her so you understand the importance of our lesson last night. Well, in all our lessons, she's been bored. She just never paid any attention. Yesterday while we were preparing our lesson for the plan of salvation, I just sat back and stared at the wall thinking of Georgina and how on earth we were going to get this woman interested in a message from two 20 something year old girls. After a few minutes I turn to Hna Spencer and said "We need to bring in pictures of our family". We decided to only teach part of the lesson, about how we lived before we came to earth and how, despite sickness and death how we can be with them again. Basically the entire lesson was us showing pictures of our families (I even brought pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Davis and Grandma Chris....since she lives with her grandkids) and us bearing testimony of how much God has blessed us because we can be with them forever. And that we can be happy knowing we have a purpose here one earth, and in the life to come. And you know what? She LISTENED. the ENTIRE time. She talked to us, and opened up, and she asked if she could learn more about "this plan". We are going back on Thursday to teach her about the Atonement and life after Death. I think after that we'll really focus on temple work too, so she knows how her and her husband can be together forever. I think if she gets excited about the temple, she'll realize she does need to be baptized into our church (she has a problem with our baptism, because she was baptized into the catholic church...and says because she did it with Faith in Jesus Christ it's the same, and that her Pastor/Priest has authority) ANYWAYS. It was just way cool being able to recieve revelation like that. And it was so simple, but it made all the difference. I'm not saying it will work everytime, but advice I would give to missionaries, ALWAYS carry around a pic of your family, because people cannot disprove your family or your testimony. Also, revelation is the coolest thing ever on a mission. That's also a whole other topic in itself.

Well, I love you all! I hope Kelsey is posting these on my blog. I sent something special in the mail for you guys today, so hopefully you get it. It's the envelope with green pen on it.

love you. be good.

and mum could you get me Ron and Collette's address? I've been meaning to write them.

love,

Hna Kaitlyn Waters

p.s. the big news...besides antonio. is that at the end of this month the whole FIRST PRESIDENCY is coming to the MTC. the PROPHET is coming!!!!

Happy New Year!

Hello!

Megan sent me an invite as well with an invitation to go to the sealing, so make sure you tell her I will be thinking about her and wish I could be there for the sealing. And also that I adore her invite. I'll have to write her, probably next pday because today is SO beyond crazy. I don't think I'll get everything done. But guess what?! The provo temple is FINALLY open again, so I'm going to go do a session later today. Bless this day. I've missed the temple so much.

Also thank you so much for the package, the pictures and the camera! I'll have to send you a memory card soon so you can see all the crazy business going on over here. And it made me so happy being able to see all the pictures from Mikayla's wedding. It was bittersweet seeing my best friends all dressed up for it, and knowing I wasn't there. But I'm so happy for her, and she looked so happy. I thought about her all day and the day she went through the temple.

this week tons of funny things have happened like awkward marriage conversations with the Elders and mixing up the wrong words in spanish...what was supposed to be harmless actually meant something completely different (I'll spare you the details) but it's been a good week. It's getting strange because all the people I came in with, are now leaving because it's been 3 weeks and they are english. whereas us language missionaries are 1/3 done. It's really bittersweet, but we all say we will write and catch up when we all get back. We only have 2 elders leaving today for the Guatemala mtc, and two more leaving in a few weeks. Then there will be 7 of us sticking it out until feb 13th.

New Years eve was awesome. We celebrated at 10:15 with all your party supplies. I took the christmas lights and made a giant ball, and that was our ball drop...then we passed around a bottle of bubbly and pretended those prouline's were cigars. Yay for the joys of being a missionary. I'm super glad we didn't stay up, because everyone who did were regretting it big time during fast sunday. which by the way, I have BIG news...which I'll give to you at the end of the email. hopefully I don't forget. but when I say big, I mean MONUMENTAL!

So on Saturday, I had some incredible experiences. I've been really worried and frustrated about the language. This week....this week it was just hard. We had a lesson with our other investigator Antonio and the first lesson was okay, but the way we conveyed ourselves, we were really pushing him towards baptism. More like dragging. The second lesson, was a trainwreck. It started well, as we were talking about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. We had just finished the verse where it says "This is my beloved Son, Hear Him!" and Antonio just started asking questions like mad. And i had NO idea what he was saying. absolutely no idea. He tried so hard to reitterate himself, but nothing. He knew no english. And he got frustrated and I got frustrated. He had to leave, with no resolution and I walked out of that lesson feeling empty. I was so upset because the only thing keeping me from helping him come closer to Christ, and answering his questions...was the fact that I couldn't understand him. I couldn't convey to him the importance of the first vision, and what Joseph saw. It was not a good night.

The next day I went to a workshop, where I was able to teach in english to another Elder who has been her 2 weeks longer than me. He told me after that I have this indescribable thing about me, where he felt he could confide in me. Even though I only met him 10 minutes previously. He told me things in the lesson that he said he has never told anyone. He then gave me some great advice about the language and said basically...that as long as I study the gospel and know of His word...it will be conveyed when I teach, no matter how awful my spanish is. I liked what he said, but it didn't internalize until that night. Antonio, by a miracle, had us come back. Our lesson was so simple. We went in and immediately answered the question he had been asking and we had him read the last part of the first vision. We then said that Joseph was able to go to God with his questions and problems and that God really answered him.

I prayed that we would have love and understanding in this lesson, and that God would hear us. When we asked Antonio if he ever prayed, he said that he has but never received an answer while attending the catholic church. We taught him how to pray, simply by opening with "our dear Heavenly Father" or "Dear God" and ending with "in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen" We said everything else comes from feelings from your heart. Questions, thoughts, gratitude. problems.

Hna Spencer then shared an experience she had where her prayers were answered and recieved comfort about serving a mission. The spirit immediately came in, and even though we had to sometimes talk to each other in english to figure out things to say, it allowed the spirit to speak.

I then felt prompted that he needed to pray with us right then. He was really hesitant, and didn't know what to do. We asked if he wanted help, so we started him out..and he prayed. The spirit completely guided the lesson, and I was on the brink of tears his entire prayer. As soon as we said amen, he stayed hunched over and neither one of us said a word. He seemed confused and in deep thought. I asked "Antonio, what are you feeling?" He said after a moment that he felt good..happy and tranquil.

After a moment of soaking it in I said that that feeling of peace and tranquility was the Spirit. The same spirit that helped Joseph Smith. The spirit that helps know the feelings of our hearts and if the church is true. If Joseph saw God, and if the book of mormon is true. Hna spender than said she knows God speaks to us and helps answer prayers and questions. She knows that He will answer Antonio's questions and concerns. We both looked at each other and knew what we wanted to say.Hna spencer said "Anotonio, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the proper preisthood authority of God?" Antonio looked shocked and started rubbing his knees. He then looked like he was really thinking hard about a million thing. Neither of us said anything. We just let the spirit be there and held our breath. He then said "I believe Joseph smith saw God. I believe God can hear me. I believe NOW in the spirit. Yes. Yes I want to be baptized" as soon as I started  saying something he said "after the last lesson, I wanted nothing to do with baptism or the church. But tonight I felt it. I want to be baptized"

so now we are preparing him for January 17th!

I'm getting kicked off. But I've never felt that way before, I was so moved by that experiene. That no matter how awful we have been in our launguage and teaching before, the spirit will ALWAYS prepare them in His time.

love you all! talk to you soon. WRITE LETTERS and dear elders.

p.s. mum will you get kayci stringer's address?

love,

hermana aguas.

Family.

I'm going to try and make this letter shorter because i only have 25 minutes left of P day (well until i actually have to do stuff) so i'll try and whip stuff out. Mostly answering questions.

MTC choir: no mom, it's not in spanish. It's for everyone who wants to join in the MTC, so it's in english. I actually really like it, despite my singing abilities, but they haven't kicked me out yet, so I figure i'm good! As in where i stand, not good at singing. I'm convinced that if they added a few instruments, that's what heaven sounds like.

My branch presidency. My Branch President is Pres. Claybaugh-He's great and his wife reminds me of you. Then we have the Menloves and the Wasburns. The wives adore us (because there are only 4 of us sisters in our branch) I think both of them used to live in Pleasant Grove a long time ago. So we chat about how great it is, how we joke that they need to smuggle in Taco Amigo.

I laughed when you said you drove by or near the MTC because Hna Spencer's family did the same things. When I was walking to the temple I actually saw a car that looked like ours, but i knew it wasn't you guys. I actually talked to a family at the temple on Sunday. And they used to live in Arizona so they told me a few things and they said I would love it.

Shoot- I forgot I have to get ready for the devotional. Maybe i'll write after. If not, love you!

Love, Hna Aquas.

p.s.

how is the spanish coming? well keep me in your prayers that i can retain everything i'm learning, thats the biggest struggle... but i know i can do it eventually.

going into my 3rd week!

spiritual thought from devotional:

"your patriarchal blessing is like your own personal section of the doctrine and covenants"

"you may not have only been called to serve your mission because of the area, but you may have been called there because of your mission president."
-willian r. walker of the 70

Hola

This week. I´ll give a run down. to finish the 12 days of christmas it went

On the 12 days of christmas my mission gave to me

(one of the) 12 apostles speaking

11 missionaries in my district

10:30 bedtimes

9 hours of studying (at least)

8 doctine fundamentals

7...well...you read the other ones last time

and the perfect companion for the mtc

this past week we taught Fernando almost everyday. Hna Spencer and I gave him a book of mormon, and after a few visits we committed him to baptism! He said He had been thinking about it for awhile, and if he recieved his answer that it was true..that he would be baptized on Dec 30th. He then prayed for us, and it was the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard. And even though it was in spanish, I understood it perfectly. He said He was grateful for the scriptures and the guidance it has brought to his life, and he wants the Lord to bless him to find an answer. He said he was grateful for the missionaries and to bless our families. It was such a sweet sweet prayer. but then, the next day...they told us we weren´t teaching Fernando anymore, because...well. He is our teacher. (big shocker...good thing we found that out BEFORE we even taught him) When he came in and started teaching in ENGLISH, hna spencer and I just couldn´t stop giggling because it was SO weird to see him actually speaking to us. He served in Nashville Tennessee, and when he found out I was going to Arizona, he came up to me (mind you, I´m still thinking of our super reserved, timid investigator) he made the rock sign and in a fake rock out type voice he´s like ´´STATESIDE SPANISH!!!!´´ it was hilarious. He has actually taught me a lot...so I feel a little more at peace about this whole thing. I still can´t speak a ton of spanish, but I can understand a lot, and he told me that he always felt the spirit in our lessons, which is why he committed to getting baptised. For others, he wouldn´t even pray. which reminds me, we did a door approach yesterday with another teacher, and we got in immediately. He told us after that he was planning on being super hard on us and not letting us in. and that we would have to keep knocking until we got in, but hna spencer and I were just laughing the whole time because we kept speaking spanglish...and our laughter is what got us in. He said ´´i just couldn´t look at you two smiling and being happy without wanting to hear what else you were going to say´´lesson learned. all I have to do is laugh on my mission and i´ll get in doors.not really...but I thought it was funny. Also, someone told me, I might just get in because of my blonde hair and blue eyes. they said I would have for sure gotten in if I had gone anywhere in south america.

what else what else. We had some incredible devotionals this week. i´ll probably have to write you letters about those though, because heaven knows I can go on forever about all of that stuff. but one of the speakers was a producer of Mr. Krugers Christmas, and he also helped put together preach my gospel. I was laughing during his entire talk...and the whole time I was thinking THIS IS THE GUY WHO PUT TOGETHER PMG...God really does have a sense of humor.

So Christmas eve.Everyone was super happy. We ran around yelling Feliz Navidad to everyone. It was a super relaxed day. Still had classes and whatnot, but a lot of things were closed, because everyone wanted to be home with their family, so we had a lot of time to just study. We went to a workshop where we learned about personal revelation, and the whole time the teacher played christmas and instrumental music. It calmed my soul like none other...because, we can´t listen to music here on our own. however, i may or may not have found out a way to listen to church music during online study. hopefully its not breaking any rules. Because otherwise I would fall asleep during online study. grammer...not my favorite.

we then had a christmas fireside where they had a musical nativity. I´m sure it wasn´t meant to be comical, but you have to realize missionaries were acting it out, and it just came off really funny. Like Mary walked out...and when it said she gave birth to Christ she pulled him out from under her chair...who does that-. it was beautiful though. then we watched a christmas carol. The international missionaries were sitting behind us, and all the asian sisters had NO idea what was going on with the ghosts, so they had their eyes covered, and all the missionaries from mexico were going up behind them saying ´´oooohhhhooohhhhohhh´´ like a ghost. What a great sense of humor they have. I can´t wait to meet more down in AZ. then we got gormet popcorn, the really sweet stuff. and one of them from mexico turned and said ´´this is your popcorn. in my country it is buttery and salty.´´ INSTANT laughter. Note to self watching movies in a room with 2120 people ages 19 to 20 something...is probably the funniest thing you can ever do. then we opened one present and had a nativity acted out on our floor. everyone dressed up in sheets and odd costumes...humorous. and super ghetto. loved it.

hna spencer and I also hijacked a violin and played for awhile. I never realized how much I missed it until I got here. I hope I can track down some in the field, otherwise I might explode.

I figured since my last email was mostly spiritual stuff, i would give you more of the humorous side. Let me tell you, it would take 5 hours to write all the funny stuff...so ill just write you or have you read my journal sometime. thanks for the letters...keep em coming! I love hearing everything. mum i´ll hopefully remember all your questions and answer them in my letter today.

oh, i am getting kicked off.

te amo!

amor,

hermana aguas.

p.s. tell dad I wanna see him doing the dance game when i get back.

Feliz Navidad mi familia!

Guess what?! it's a Christmas miracle and they let are giving us 30 minutes to email on Christmas!

Just so I don't waste time, I'm only going to tell you what went on today (Christmas) because it's been such a unique and incredible experience. (and it's only 1:00 in the afternoon! still plenty of time for Christmas miracles)

But before I start, I have a funny story. Last night as we were saying district prayer, Elder Labaron said "Nuestros Quierido Padre Celestial. Feliz Navidad! amen."

For those of you who don't know spanish, the translation is "Our Dear Heavenly Father, Happy Christmas! Amen."

He meant to say please bless us to have a happy christmas, but he got mixed up. It took everything in my soul to not burst out in laughter during it. It's alright though, I act dignified mum.

That is, until we sang "once there was a snowman" for the closing song. Then all bets were off.

So this morning. The four of us Hermanas woke up and opened up our presents while eating your orange rolls (thanks mum! they were fantastic...and don't worry about them not being as sweet as normal. you wouldn't believe how muany treats we have. it's disgusting) Anyways...I'll probably give more details on this on tuesday because everything else is so much cooler.

 Well, this morning after opening presents, we were able to watch motab music and the spoken word and partake of the Sacrament with a General Authority.....drum roll please. ELDER BEDNAR.

They kept it super secret, and we didn't know who was coming to visit us until right before he came out. We all stood as he walked in, and everyone was so excited. We took the sacrament, all 2,140 of us. It took about 40 Elders to pass it. Then his wife spoke and said Ï am with ye always even to the end of the world

(just got kicked off the computer by an elder, now i´m on a slow one that is in spanish again. so we will see how this goes.)

Elder Bednar.  Today, he was so different than normal. Today he was relaxed, relateable and SO funny. I was laughing so hard at som of the things he was saying and the voices he made. Ya, he made voices like the cookie monster. It´s applicable to the gospel, I promise. But anyways, he was so incredibly heart felt in his talk today and it was directed so specifically at us that I can´t even describe to you how it felt in that chapel. None of these words or feelings witll do any justice. But I have never felt so at peace or at  home...than I did then. Not home, as in pleasant grove with you guys. But at home, in the heavenly sense, other than the temple. 

He explained when he comes to the mtc he does a question answer session. But that today was different. That we were in a place of the Lord, on the Sabbath, on the day that we celebrate Christ´s birth. So he was going to testify of ¨He who has sent you´

Neal A Maxwell said that there would be no atoning sacrifice without the character of Christ. Elder bednar said that that involves accepting God exists. Correct understanding of the character attributes and perfections of Christ. and the actual knowledge that what we are doing and the path we are on is part of Gods will.

He stressed how much we need to desire to find more OF him. not about him. OF  him and his character.

I hope I can get these stories out, but He spoke of a story in Matthew about the Savior, when he fasted for 40 days. Satan then came and tempted him. In the scriptures it speaks of creating food, and other means. But the only TRUE tempation was Satan asking Him to deny that he was the Son of God. Satan was asking Christ to deny who He was and His divine nature. Christ then said to depart, and when satan left the scripture speaks of the angels coming unto Him and ministering.

Bednar then pointed something out to us. He said Christ fasted for 40 days, he was tempted and He was spiritually exhausted. I think He could have been justified needing that spiritual upliftment from angels. However, if you look at the Joseph Smith Translation it says that he sent the angels to JOHN who was in Prison. When Christ could have felt sorry for himself, when anyone else would have asked for sympathy...He looked towards others.

When He was about to be crucified He went to the garden, and asked for His apostles Peter, James and John to stay awake with him, for just an housr so He didn´t have to be alone. When he returned they were asleep. I´m sure he was a little let down. Then He was betrayed by a kiss from another one of His apostles. He wrestled with every agony of eternity. Any mortal would have died, but He is the Son of God. He was able to withstand death, but was in so much pain that it made him sweat blood from every pore. When He could have felt sorry for himself, when He could have become angry or asked for people to feel sorry for him He didn´t. He healed the guard´s ear. He did missionary work telling the thieves they would join each other in heaven, He was concerned about His mother and made sure she was taken care of. And then He was lifted upon the Cross and prayed for US.

We cannot rely on testimony enough. Conversion is necessary. But only with Christ can conversion happen. My conversion must be to the Lord, and my witness of the Savior. Anything regarding the people, the callings or the organization should not negatively affect my conversion to Christ because He is why we are here. When you don´t think you can do this...you are right. You can´t. But through the Lord, we can.

His final words are what touched me the most, because of an experience I had yesterday. But basically he left us with this. He said "I want to leave with you all a blessing. A blessing for all of you who were willing enough to forget yourselves and choose to serve the Lord, and be away on Christmas away from family and gifts. I bestow upon you a blessing, that all your desires and diligence be towards finding the Character of Christ. I promise you and bless you with this,  and you will NEVER fall away."

p.s. everything above are his words. I just stopped using quotes. The spirit was EMACULATE in there. Truly, so many of the promptings and things said were that ÿou are in the right place at the right time. The Lord is absolutely proud of who you are. I could not have asked for a better Christmas, and I´m so happy that I am able to have this opportunity to be in here. I know Jared said I could have planned it better so I would only miss one, but honestly, this is the only place I could imagine myself in right now, on this day. I´m supposed to be here, and I can´t wait for what else lies in store.

I love you all and I hope you have a very very Merry Christmas full of love, but mostly of CHRIST. It´s how it should be.

Before I go I just want to leave with you something in honor of Christ's birth. "When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn't stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead he has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then God, puts the idea into the mother's heart and she puts it into the baby's mnid and then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are babies" -E.T. Sullivan

Christ was that miracle. Through Him we can do great things. Love you! I´ll rwite more on Tuesday.  P.s mum. you know to email me at THIS email address right because I haven´t gotten any emails from you.

love,

hermana kaitlyn waters. aka hermana aguas

i Mi Familia !

Hola. Como esta?

I'll just go in order of journal entries.

[wednesday] 
As soon as you dropped me off I got my tag (where i saw Sister Melic.. she also said my farewell talk was the best farewell she has ever been to.. I think she was just trying to make me feel good.) And I ran into some other ladies you know mum. I put my suitcase in my room and they said "this is your roommate Hermana Spencer". We both gasped and said we went to High School together.

*pre story*
The night before, Nate Jensen said "Anna Spencer is going to the MTC-wouldn't it be funny if you were comps?"

When i got my books I found out where we were! Weight lifted off my shoulders.

Then I went straight to class (I had been at the MTC for 15 minutes) and it was all in spanish. None of this half english half spanish business. No. All in spanish. It was so crazy.

Orientation we sang Army of Helaman. But they changed the words so it said:
"And we are now the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth"

Chills.


That night we had 3 investigators (spoke english - thank goodness) we taught in groups of 30 so it was more like a workshop. They were never resolved but it was really cool to see and listen.

[thursday]
Longest day of my life. 3 hours of spanish. Brain exploding. Investigator preview. Exhausted. Met branch Pres. hilarious Elders. So tired. Can't comprehend time here. Headaches = working hard. So tired. spanish. spanish. spanish. I was completely overwhelmed and frustrated. I was counting my blessings when that day was over.

*Funny story. So we got a video introducing us to our investigator Fernando. They gave us the impression that he was really an investigator and could speak no english (as well as other things regarding religion, family and past)

Hna spencer and I were walking around and i saw him. I sad "Hna Spencer, is that Fernando? She said she thought it was. We went  up to him and asked in spanish what his name was. He turned and we saw a teacher badge and he said "Brother Baker" in English. We said "no, usted priemera es fernando?" (Is your first name fernando?) He turned bright red and said no. Then we wet him- and it was the same guy! Everyone and i mean everyone is trying to convince us he's really and investigator, especially my teacher, who is my age. I'm like "NO! HE SPEAKS ENGLISH! HE'S A TEACHER HERE! WHEN HE RAISED HIS HAND WE SAW HIS GARMENTS!"

Can't get anyhing past Hernama Spencer and I :)

Speaking of that. Its her birthday today.

[friday]
Service. Spanish. Spanish. Spanish. Taught Fernando. Tanked.

Went to buy a lanyard but the morning before, an elder smacked an elder in the eye and had to get stitches, so they are banned from selling them here now. Also, did you know we aren't allowed to listen to music here at the MTC? Major bummer.

[saturday]

4 square is the celestial sport here. It's one of the only sports the sisters can play with the Elders. It gets super competitive. By the end of 9 weeks i'll be pro.

The Elders and I had an awesome conversation and basicaly I learned that God needs me to speak spanish. Even if I only teach one person in spanish - I need to have that skill so i can do it. It's probably the only thought that keeps me going through language study. It's just not sticking yet.

Had an awesome visit with Fernando where we gave him the B.O.M. the spirit was strong and I understood most of what he said. I just can't say it back to him yet.
Oh, language barriers.
But Hna Spencer and i were litterally skipping down the sidewalk after.

Oh! And we got a paper christmas tree hanging in our room!

[sunday]
The answer to my prayers. Finally I was able to slow down and breathe. We went to sacrament. The prayers and talks were in spansih, except for when the Branch President and his wife spoke and I was amazed how uch i could understand. Also, I counted 42 Elders and 4 Hermanas. Ya. (I'm one of the 4_ and that's all there will be for awhile. I'm ok with that. The Branch Presidency Wives spoil us and always give us "hugs from mom" i love it.

Then we watched music in the spoken word christmas special. The spirit was so strong during it and i saw a ton of people I recognized performing in it.

Relief Society at the MTC is fantastic. If it was like that in singles ward - more people would go.

Then we were able to leave and go on a temple walk. Glory Hallelujah. Freedom. I'm sad we can't go inside because it's closed right now- but the walks are great. More class..Online.

I joined the MTC choir! NEver thought i would say that, but I did. They may have me play violin here too-so mom could you maybe send me the music to "how great thou art?" (Oh! and the choir director was a session director at EFY one week-so we talked for awhile)

Then more study and devotional! It was all about feelings and emotion in conversion. I took 5 pages of notes. That's how much i loved it.

anyway- i live for sundays. because now things are becoming incredible.

It's gotten to the point where i have only cried twice, and it's from laughing so hard. I love the people around me.

My brach Presidency rocks. 2 of them used to live in PG. I tell them to smuggle me Taco Amigo, but they can be released if they do - though, they eat in honor of us.

Tell McKay good job on scoring 8 goals! (but he could get more if he starts playing to feet and stops trying to make only pretty goals. ugly goals still count)

I'm glad you saw the Robinsons. Ryan wrote me the best letter! It's actually the first one i got and it helped me get through my toughest day.

Also. The MTC really is hogwarts. My key would never open the doors. (luckily I have a companion) So I started saying "Alohamora" and it has worked every.single.time! Also, you can only walk in the buildings if you have church clothes, so on P day when you can wear sweats/jeans... to get to laundry and such you take tunnels! Hogwarts I tell you.

Te amo!
love, hermana aguas

Hello!

Here is my attempt in trying to give you as much information as possible.

I don´t know if you know this, but the 12 days of christmas started the day I came in. So here is our clever little song so far.

on the 7th day of Christmas the mtc gave to me

7 crazy elders

6 christmas pictures

5 minutes to breathe!

4 square competitions

3 straight hours of spanish (at least)

2 missionary tags

and the perfect companion for the MTC

or CCM in spanish

first things first. My companion...(make sure you tell Nate Jensen this) is Hermana Spencer. As in, Anna Spencer. Mum, you might not know the significance of this..but long story short...we went to high school together and played violin together. I ADORE her. I was super nervous about getting a companion, since you are ALWAYS with them, but when I found out it was her I literally praised the heavens. Pretty sure the entire MTC heard me yelling. It´s okay, I had a dork dot so they understood. Also, that has magical powers. It makes everyone 70000 times nicer to you. We keep it on the back of our tags in case we want extra slack. But yes, we laugh so hard together. We probably could write a book about all the inside jokes and stories that have happened already. My roommates are fantastic as well. There are only 4 of us, and it shouldn´t be legal how much fun we have in that little room of ours.

There are 11 missionaries in my district. 7 elders and 4 hermanas. 4 of them are leaving in 2 weeks though for the Guatemala MTC.  I´ll for sure miss them, because we are already super tight...

The days are jam packed. I think the thing I was most surprised was that most of it you are teaching to yourself. Let me explain. I thought we would CONSTANTLY have teachers with language and doctine and stuff. But in reality we only have a 3 hour class of straight instruction (usually of spanish) and the rest is up to us. Which really means we need to be diligent. For the most part we work really really hard, but sometimes, like last night all motivation was gone and we just told stories and read scriptures to each other. It dawned on me that our purpose is to invite others to the truth by the spirit teaching, and we ourselves need to be taught by the spirit in all things here. Hence all the time for personal-language-and companion study I´m teaching an investigator right now. His name is Fernando. We have taught him 3 lessons so far. OH yeah, did I mention it is ALL IN SPANISH! ya. its somewhat frustrating, but so cool at the same time. We placed a book of mormon on the second visit, and yesterday he told us he read some and he feels God can answer his prayers. however, he was raised catholic and doesn´t pray like us. We have tried teaching him how to pray, but with the language barrier it´´s been really difficult. so hopefully we will get that when we teach him tomorrow night again. He did commit to come to church though which I´m excited about.

oh, a few have asked about the mtc food. well, let´s go to the scriputues for that answer. Jeramiah 4.19

My bowels my bowels! I am pained at my very heart. my heart maketh a noise in me I cannot hold my peace, because thou has heard, oh my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war!

thank you for the letters, dear elders and the packages! I can´t wait to open up the presents. you are super clever mum. have fun with all the kids home. aka kelsey and brett. i bet christmas will be a blast, but we are having a fantastic time here.read matthew 1.21 and isaiah 9.6 in addition to luke chapter two. and have a merry merry christmas!

love you!

love,

herman aguas

mum & dad

- I'm alive! Barely. I am so tired that i'm pretty sure the muscles in my face have forgotten how to function. Luckily, it's great here. It's such a happy place (it looks like a mini temple square with all the lights) and people are so welcoming.

 It's only been 2 days and i feel like i have been here for weeks (besides having no clue where things are). I could go into long stories- but maybe i'll save that for email because i still need to read with my roommates, write in my journal and maybe sleep. (we have a service activity at 6:00 am tomorrow... no bueno) <-- spanish!

so here are the highlights.

-My companion. No worries, we went to highschool together and played violin together. People are floored when they find out. Her name is Hermana Spencer and i have the hardest time not calling her Anna. Love her.
-Besides Hmna Spencer, I have 2 roommates. Hmna Baker (American Fork) and Hmna Butt (Tuscson, Arizona!)  They are both going to Kirk's mission (Chile).
-My district is HILARIOUS. The elders are a riot. They are the only reason i can stay awake.
-I have already seen Rachael Garder, my efy boy, the kid who got set apart after me, Court Iorg and Rickey Callister.
-8 Elders ran up to Hmna Spencer and i and started speaking spanish. (knowing we were new) all we said was "Por Que?"
-All my classes..(besides workshops) they only speak to you in spanish. i can get the basic idea, but speaking is completely different.
-I'm teaching my first investigator, Fernando, tomorrow.. get this, completely in spanish!!
-We play this game called "try to guess people's first name"... pretty humorous.
-Met my branch Pres. today. He's fantastic. Also, the 4 of us sisters are the only ones in our branch. Represent.
-I'm so tired. ( I hear it gets better sunday )
-The Provo Temple is closed, so I can't go again until Jan. 3rd, I think :(
- I had 3 hours straight of spanish today. I'm going to explode! (they say if you get headaches, it's a good things. well- way beyond that)
- I have lots of stories. and i know i could write more.. but i'll tell those on P day.

But, i'm doing great. I'm happy. This place really is so special. I'll learn spanish one day..

te amo!
Buenos Noches!

love, Hermana Aquas.