Yes, I am writing from Pamplona again. So crazy. We are only here for Preparation day and I´m dropping off Hna Maxwell here when I head into Barcelona for leadership training tomorrow. Train ride again with Elder Dalton--WAHOO!!!! Maybe we can teach again. I really love this city and it´s feel. It kind of has this unexplainable Tucson feel for me, no sé. But unfortunately, that means no pictures again because these...sketchy locutorio computers don´t like my camera. SORRY! Next week we should be in SanSebastian.
Miracle story: One of our miracles this week was through the help of the members. I am trying to find out how to have members help us with each visit and I am making a lot of mistakes, but Heavenly Father knows that we are doing everything we can, at least everything that we know how to do and He is blessing us for it. We had one member literally rearrange her schedule to help us after she already told us that she couldn´t and we were preparing to just go alone. She felt like she just needed to go and her help and testimony were crucial in helping the Spirit touch our investigator´s heart. A few days later we had a cita set up and a member in the ward ready to help…but we got fired (cancelled on by our investigator) 20 minutes before the cita. So we called to tell the member and she told us to just come over to her piso and teach her. We felt like this was the right thing to do and we ended up teaching 7 people! 3 of them were no tmembers and it was a very spiritual lesson. The 4 members present are willing to help us anytime that we need now. We have seen even more miracles of the Lord preparing ways for us to reach out to the people in San Sebastián and to reach our goals in ways that we have not expected. I have felt my Savior´s love for me so strong this week and am learning once again that it is not the "how" that is important in the Lord´s work, it is the "why."
I feel like I repeat the same things every week. Maybe I should learn faster and not be lame. I´ll add that to the to-do list.haha Well, training. It has been a week. I can´t remember working so hard, consistently for so long. There are no breaks until I faint into bed. But that will pass because I can feel myself slowly adjusting. We are really focusing on getting members to EVERY lesson with us, which is stressful for me because it means lots of phone time and using saldo-our phone $ allotment. Hopefully we don´t run out. But I like the responsibility and the pace. I just feel better. And Hna Maxwell is great with helping and already taking on responsibilities. I put her in charge of our english class and organizing member availability hours. 2 companions working as hard as they can really makes the difference.
We are also taking our trash out daily. Weird you say? I shall explain. We are obedient missionaries in el faro. But more than that, we are striving to be exactly obedient. We have been challenged by Pte Hinckley to do all the big things right...and then do all the little things right, too. We talked specifically about taking the trash out daily in our last training. We have been taking it out regularly, obviously we are clean ladies, but we decided to strive to take it out daily. So we do. We were also promised incredible blessings if we keep our piso clean daily. I can testify to you that we are seeing these blessings and miracles. It is NOT crazy! The Lord´s promises are sure and Pte Hinckley is his mouthpiece for this mission. And I will do whatever they ask us to do because I know WITHOUT A DOUBT that it is from the Lord and He is just providing opportunities to bless us. So bring on the miracles!
We helped 3 people decide to be baptized this week! They are preparing for the 7th--Fabi--and the 14th--Alfonso and Ximena. We met Alfonso and Ximena from english class and they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. We decided to invite investigators every lesson this week to be baptized and we are about to start experiencing the benefits of this. Well, I gotta run,as always,but I love being a missionary! Even if I am sick and so tired every day!haha This time is short and sacred and consecrated. My Heavenly Father sustains me. I just love teaching and seeing people understand how important this gospel is.
Spring break didn´t sound very springy energy-wise, haha, but sometimes that is good, too. I am SO pumped for General Conference. We talk about it and invite everyone. Bring questions, receive answers. Ya, it´s just that simple. Get it? Got it. Good. SO much to say, no time. Well, just feel all the love I am sending. Hugs and kisses all around!
Love, Hermana Clarissa Dalton
Thanks, Sis DeWitt, for your wonderful emails. They always uplift me and say what I need to hear. You are so sweet and I am praying for Bro. DeWitt as well.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
OK, so today is the spanish Father´s Day--I didn´t know that until Elder Dalton told me the other day-and our locutorio is closed....so we are in the public library and the emails and feelings I´m having right now are just so close to the surface and well, tender, for lack of a better word, and I am crying like a baby. This just will not do!haha When did I turn into a watery basket-case?! Oh well, my testimony is growing a ton because it is getting watered frequently. Miracle stories:
"I have two miracle stories that I would like to share this week! First, on the train into Barcelona to pick up my new companion, I got to contact and teach a lesson with my brother!!! I cannot properly explain how much this meant to me. It has been a secret desire of my heart since arriving here in Spain and only my Heavenly Father knew. The man´s name was Alberto and he is a very active Christian. He wanted to talk to us about what we believe. With Elder Rhead, we taught the first and second lessons! His beliefs are very close to ours and he listened and liked what we had to say. I shared the first vision with him and we got a Book of Mormon for him when we got off the train. It was amazing to see my brother teach and how powerful his testimony is. It is a moment I will cherish forever.
Second, I have to tell you just how real the gift of tongues is in my mission and life right now. It was such an immediate switch that there is no room for doubt in my mind that it has nothing to do with me or my abilities. I am understanding almost everything that others say to me, translating for my companion and making phone calls all day long--this especially has been a weakness for me my whole mission/life. It is incredible to very literally feel the Spirit working through me and knowing that it is not me. I am living a miracle every day and that is the only way that I am able to be training and a senior companion right now."
How precious, right? I think I am seeing/have seen so many tender mercies and miracles this week because my Heavenly Father knows I need them. Ok, reality check. I promised to be 100% honest in my emails so,yes, I am training and I am a very young and inexperienced missionary who has recently become very aware of my lack of...well, everything missionary-wise, except for three things--Faith, Hope, Charity. And that is all that I need :-)
My new companion is Hermana Maxwell from Glendale, Utah. NO relation to Elder Maxwell. Yes, everyone asks.haha Her verbal spanish is great! She is already a wonderful missionary and we are working great together. As far as I can tell, she isn´t freaking out or frustrated with me and my bumbling around trying to "train" and be "senior companion." We are excited to work, work, WORK!!! Our area needs lots of work and we are going to do it together. In fact, I have already warned her that we are doing everything together because over the next 2 transfers we will get 42ish new missionaries and we are starting now to prepare her to train. Yee haw.
I am not exaggerating about the gift of tongues. It has been a sudden change and incredible to experience. I am talking on the phone all day and trying to take care of business. It is hard, frustrating and humbling, but most growing experiences are. The scriptures say, "and it came to pass" not "and it came to stay." I´m not going to lie; I have been close to tears since Friday, but no major or minor meltdowns yet, thanks to the gift of fervent and constant prayer. "Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies." I think I repeat these sayings to myself 100x a day.
I am happy and working hard, learning a ton and finding out what missionary work is REALLY like.haha Thank you for the prayers, I feel them daily and they keep me going.
Hug the Freeman´s and Sis DeWitt for me. Our Ward is so amazing. I had pics to send, but can´t until next week because we are at the library. Don´t worry, I have been a good trainer--I got pics with Hna Maxwell and treated her to napolitanas on the boardwalk today.haha Thanks for the family updates, Mom. They make me so happy and feel connected. Nothing but a mission would be worth missing what I am missing at home right now--and that doesn´t make me homesick, it makes me happy and work harder!
Much love and tender feelings--I am developing my tear ducts quite well here in Spain.
Hermana Clarissa Dalton
"I have two miracle stories that I would like to share this week! First, on the train into Barcelona to pick up my new companion, I got to contact and teach a lesson with my brother!!! I cannot properly explain how much this meant to me. It has been a secret desire of my heart since arriving here in Spain and only my Heavenly Father knew. The man´s name was Alberto and he is a very active Christian. He wanted to talk to us about what we believe. With Elder Rhead, we taught the first and second lessons! His beliefs are very close to ours and he listened and liked what we had to say. I shared the first vision with him and we got a Book of Mormon for him when we got off the train. It was amazing to see my brother teach and how powerful his testimony is. It is a moment I will cherish forever.
Second, I have to tell you just how real the gift of tongues is in my mission and life right now. It was such an immediate switch that there is no room for doubt in my mind that it has nothing to do with me or my abilities. I am understanding almost everything that others say to me, translating for my companion and making phone calls all day long--this especially has been a weakness for me my whole mission/life. It is incredible to very literally feel the Spirit working through me and knowing that it is not me. I am living a miracle every day and that is the only way that I am able to be training and a senior companion right now."
How precious, right? I think I am seeing/have seen so many tender mercies and miracles this week because my Heavenly Father knows I need them. Ok, reality check. I promised to be 100% honest in my emails so,yes, I am training and I am a very young and inexperienced missionary who has recently become very aware of my lack of...well, everything missionary-wise, except for three things--Faith, Hope, Charity. And that is all that I need :-)
My new companion is Hermana Maxwell from Glendale, Utah. NO relation to Elder Maxwell. Yes, everyone asks.haha Her verbal spanish is great! She is already a wonderful missionary and we are working great together. As far as I can tell, she isn´t freaking out or frustrated with me and my bumbling around trying to "train" and be "senior companion." We are excited to work, work, WORK!!! Our area needs lots of work and we are going to do it together. In fact, I have already warned her that we are doing everything together because over the next 2 transfers we will get 42ish new missionaries and we are starting now to prepare her to train. Yee haw.
I am not exaggerating about the gift of tongues. It has been a sudden change and incredible to experience. I am talking on the phone all day and trying to take care of business. It is hard, frustrating and humbling, but most growing experiences are. The scriptures say, "and it came to pass" not "and it came to stay." I´m not going to lie; I have been close to tears since Friday, but no major or minor meltdowns yet, thanks to the gift of fervent and constant prayer. "Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies." I think I repeat these sayings to myself 100x a day.
I am happy and working hard, learning a ton and finding out what missionary work is REALLY like.haha Thank you for the prayers, I feel them daily and they keep me going.
Hug the Freeman´s and Sis DeWitt for me. Our Ward is so amazing. I had pics to send, but can´t until next week because we are at the library. Don´t worry, I have been a good trainer--I got pics with Hna Maxwell and treated her to napolitanas on the boardwalk today.haha Thanks for the family updates, Mom. They make me so happy and feel connected. Nothing but a mission would be worth missing what I am missing at home right now--and that doesn´t make me homesick, it makes me happy and work harder!
Much love and tender feelings--I am developing my tear ducts quite well here in Spain.
Hermana Clarissa Dalton
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hey!
"The biggest miracle that I have seen this week is the gift of tongues that I have been blessed with. I have been able to do, say and understand things this week that I never have been able to do before and I know it´s not anything that I can claim credit for. The change was almost immediate after Hna Fuentes left. I could suddenly understand almost everything that was said to me in spanish and every time I open my mouth I am still amazed at the things that come out. Not one person this week has asked me to repeat myself or said they don´t understand what I am saying. For the rest of my life, this week will be a testimony to me of the literal power and gift of tongues and the veracity of the statement: “Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies.” Because it sure isn´t me. What an incredible experience and witness to me that I am where the Lord wants me to be, trying to do what He wants me to do."
SO no joke. This week has been incredible. The one day in Zaragoza was a great wake-up call that I need to get my buns in gear. The rest of the week in Pamplona was the 'breather and learning how to do things differently' break that I needed. This weekend back in San Sebastian where I have been in charge of everything has been an incredible learning experience. I am talking on the phone in spanish and setting up visiting and learning how to always be contacting from Hna Walker and organizing from Hna Smith. We are a great trio. I really love it and am going to be sad when we have to split up this weekend. We are going back to Pamplona for the week tomorrow. I will head to Barcelona with Elder Dalton Thursday, pick up our new companions Friday and who knows what is going on Saturday and Sunday! ahaha así es la vida. But all of that aside, I have truly felt my Heavenly Father qualifying me and just taking over when I open my mouth and have no idea what to say--but He does. So that´s all that matters.
I´ll be staying in San Sebastián to train, for at least 2 more transfers I´d imagine, but who knows. Apparently we have a TON of hermanas who will be pouring in over the next few months so everyone keeps saying to get used to training...ha...
Hna Walker is a contacting machine, like everyone we walk past gets a pass along card and/or Book of Mormon. It´s great and I´m learning a lot and it is definitely what we need here because we are finding new people to teach.
We are going to do some hiking and shopping today which I´m excited about because the weather is finally turning into the great weather everyone says is normal here, but I´ve never seen.
Your emails make me cry, everytime. They are so special and I can just feel the love and it is exactly what I need. Thank you. I can´t wait to see what this week brings! I feel like March is flying by and it makes me so happy because I´m READY for things to pick up pace.
Enjoy the pics! This trio is CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Much spanish love,
Hermana Clarissa Dalton
PS - Sounds like lots of running around...but that´s better than nothing going on or to do right? Thanks for your encouragement and updates. I love them! Tell the Posts how much I love them and I´ll visit them when I get back.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Hola a todos-
What a crazy week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Miracle story first:
My miracle story this week is simple and small, but a miracle nonetheless! We have been trying to reach 10+ 'member present lessons' as a companionship our entire time together and we reached it this week!!! I know it is not only possible to do this every week, but that we can reach and exceed the standard of excellence of 12 'member present lessons.' It will take work and we can do it!
Ok, so...I am in Pamplona. But just until March 16th. We´ll be working in a trio here AND covering SanSe which is over an hour away. Crazy. President is trying to kill me. And on the 16th, my new companion arrives...from the MTC. Heavenly Father AND President are trying to kill me. Ok, maybe humble me is a better word. Humble me to death...yep, that about sums it up.
I had about 30 seconds to say goodbye to Hnas Fuentes and Preston yesterday as we switched trains. It about killed me. But watch out USA, Arizona AND Tucson--Hna Preston is coming home!!!!!!!!!!!! (She went out with Connor and we all know her)--after her tour of France with her Mom. I love her SO much. I was in Zaragoza yesterday working with Hna Stephenson--we are both really green and it was our first day without our trainers. ahaha So maybe good stories...including me saying thank you to a lady who was begging. I might be losing my mind. Oh well, good laugh.
Well, I just got napolitanas with Elder Dalton, as we are both here in Pamplona waiting for our trainees. How fun is that? It is so good to talk to him and get a hug. Tender mercies. I have so much going on in my mind right now it is physically impossible to explain...so sorry. Maybe I´ll be more eloquent next week. I am super excited to start this new chapter of my mission and be stretched to the limits!!!!!!!!!!! BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Faith over fear. Every time. There´s just no other way. You smile and go and do. D & C 6:36.
I am happy and I am growing and changing--what else can I ask for?
March will be a month of miracles here in el faro (the lighthouse). Get ready.
I love you all and think of you more than I can say. Thanks for the love and support and most importantly the prayers.
Love,
Hna Clarissa Dalton
What a crazy week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Miracle story first:
My miracle story this week is simple and small, but a miracle nonetheless! We have been trying to reach 10+ 'member present lessons' as a companionship our entire time together and we reached it this week!!! I know it is not only possible to do this every week, but that we can reach and exceed the standard of excellence of 12 'member present lessons.' It will take work and we can do it!
Ok, so...I am in Pamplona. But just until March 16th. We´ll be working in a trio here AND covering SanSe which is over an hour away. Crazy. President is trying to kill me. And on the 16th, my new companion arrives...from the MTC. Heavenly Father AND President are trying to kill me. Ok, maybe humble me is a better word. Humble me to death...yep, that about sums it up.
I had about 30 seconds to say goodbye to Hnas Fuentes and Preston yesterday as we switched trains. It about killed me. But watch out USA, Arizona AND Tucson--Hna Preston is coming home!!!!!!!!!!!! (She went out with Connor and we all know her)--after her tour of France with her Mom. I love her SO much. I was in Zaragoza yesterday working with Hna Stephenson--we are both really green and it was our first day without our trainers. ahaha So maybe good stories...including me saying thank you to a lady who was begging. I might be losing my mind. Oh well, good laugh.
Well, I just got napolitanas with Elder Dalton, as we are both here in Pamplona waiting for our trainees. How fun is that? It is so good to talk to him and get a hug. Tender mercies. I have so much going on in my mind right now it is physically impossible to explain...so sorry. Maybe I´ll be more eloquent next week. I am super excited to start this new chapter of my mission and be stretched to the limits!!!!!!!!!!! BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Faith over fear. Every time. There´s just no other way. You smile and go and do. D & C 6:36.
I am happy and I am growing and changing--what else can I ask for?
March will be a month of miracles here in el faro (the lighthouse). Get ready.
I love you all and think of you more than I can say. Thanks for the love and support and most importantly the prayers.
Love,
Hna Clarissa Dalton
Monday, February 27, 2012
Mi querida familia,
My miracle story this week is three events that all happened on the same night. We were making copies for english class at the locutorio of a member. While we were waiting for the copies, I told an older Spaniard gentleman that I liked his glasses, which were plaid. He started talking and kept talking! It sounded like he was just excited to have someone listen. He wasn´t very interested in the gospel, but he was interested in english class when we told him and he even called the next day to apologize for not being able to come. This was a great confidence builder to me that it´s not really about what you say--it´s just about doing it and so many people just need someone to listen.
On our way home from the locutorio, we stopped to help a young lady carry the trash from a panadería to the garbage. She was very nice and grateful for the help as well. Not a minute later, we realized we were walking behind a lady in our ward, her investigator friend that we have been teaching but were unable to connect with this week and the member´s sister who is not a member. We were able to set up a noche de hogar with all of them and get the member´s correct number so we can get ahold of them now. After a rough day and rough week, it felt really good to just know that we were in the right places at the right times, even if our numbers weren´t as great as we would like or show it. This has been a hard thing for me to handle with weeks of low numbers, but it is helping me learn the real reasons behind the numbers and how I want to work effectively the rest of my mission. Everything we go through is preparation for something else--if we are willing to take the time to learn the lessons.
I, quite simply, have the bestest family and friends in the whole wide world and the UNIVERSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never really understood so much before the mission--especially how much I love my family and friends. All it takes is a few simple words or deeds to show it and I´m working hard to not forget it. I have been so blessed this week and YOUR prayers and YOUR birthday wishes and YOUR love has kept me going. <-not an exaggeration.
I just got back from a preparation day in Pamplona with Elder Dalton! We played some sports in the park with other missionaries in the zone and it was just what I needed. Elder Dalton takes such good care of me and is so sweet. I love being here with him and seeing each other grow and learn and just being missionaries. He is really an example to me of so many things.
Transfers are this week and I will be committing...HOMICIDE!!!!!!!!!!! Thats´s right, mission language--I will be "killing" Hna Fuentes (sending her home). I have no idea what that means for me or where I´ll be this week, if I get to go to Barcelona with her or not, no idea. But I was told that a bunch of missionaries got their visas and are coming and 6 hermanas are going home this week, so it´s going to shake things up. And we all know how much I love shaking things up! muahahahaha There aren´t enough experienced hermanas to train or hermanas to keep all the areas open and a new set in Bilbao...so basically I am telling you I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WILL HAPPEN, BUT I LOVE IT! CHANGE!!!!! Bring it on. I´m so ready.
Mom, thanks for the news, you know how much I like to know things. Give Thave(Thea and Dave) my love and congrats. What is their baby´s name? That is so exciting!
Speaking of exciting, THAT IS AMAZING ABOUT SPENCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(Utah cousin called to Arizona Phoenix Mission spanish speaking) Wow, qué bien. That should be fun-- that might have been Braden´s mission? Unsure.
I can´t wait to tell you about what has happened next week--pray for us! And remember like I do, everyday, the scriptures say "and it came to pass," not "and it came to stay" :-) Much spanish love,
Hermana Dalton
My miracle story this week is three events that all happened on the same night. We were making copies for english class at the locutorio of a member. While we were waiting for the copies, I told an older Spaniard gentleman that I liked his glasses, which were plaid. He started talking and kept talking! It sounded like he was just excited to have someone listen. He wasn´t very interested in the gospel, but he was interested in english class when we told him and he even called the next day to apologize for not being able to come. This was a great confidence builder to me that it´s not really about what you say--it´s just about doing it and so many people just need someone to listen.
On our way home from the locutorio, we stopped to help a young lady carry the trash from a panadería to the garbage. She was very nice and grateful for the help as well. Not a minute later, we realized we were walking behind a lady in our ward, her investigator friend that we have been teaching but were unable to connect with this week and the member´s sister who is not a member. We were able to set up a noche de hogar with all of them and get the member´s correct number so we can get ahold of them now. After a rough day and rough week, it felt really good to just know that we were in the right places at the right times, even if our numbers weren´t as great as we would like or show it. This has been a hard thing for me to handle with weeks of low numbers, but it is helping me learn the real reasons behind the numbers and how I want to work effectively the rest of my mission. Everything we go through is preparation for something else--if we are willing to take the time to learn the lessons.
I, quite simply, have the bestest family and friends in the whole wide world and the UNIVERSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never really understood so much before the mission--especially how much I love my family and friends. All it takes is a few simple words or deeds to show it and I´m working hard to not forget it. I have been so blessed this week and YOUR prayers and YOUR birthday wishes and YOUR love has kept me going. <-not an exaggeration.
I just got back from a preparation day in Pamplona with Elder Dalton! We played some sports in the park with other missionaries in the zone and it was just what I needed. Elder Dalton takes such good care of me and is so sweet. I love being here with him and seeing each other grow and learn and just being missionaries. He is really an example to me of so many things.
Transfers are this week and I will be committing...HOMICIDE!!!!!!!!!!! Thats´s right, mission language--I will be "killing" Hna Fuentes (sending her home). I have no idea what that means for me or where I´ll be this week, if I get to go to Barcelona with her or not, no idea. But I was told that a bunch of missionaries got their visas and are coming and 6 hermanas are going home this week, so it´s going to shake things up. And we all know how much I love shaking things up! muahahahaha There aren´t enough experienced hermanas to train or hermanas to keep all the areas open and a new set in Bilbao...so basically I am telling you I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WILL HAPPEN, BUT I LOVE IT! CHANGE!!!!! Bring it on. I´m so ready.
Mom, thanks for the news, you know how much I like to know things. Give Thave(Thea and Dave) my love and congrats. What is their baby´s name? That is so exciting!
Speaking of exciting, THAT IS AMAZING ABOUT SPENCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(Utah cousin called to Arizona Phoenix Mission spanish speaking) Wow, qué bien. That should be fun-- that might have been Braden´s mission? Unsure.
I can´t wait to tell you about what has happened next week--pray for us! And remember like I do, everyday, the scriptures say "and it came to pass," not "and it came to stay" :-) Much spanish love,
Hermana Dalton
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Clare's Birthday Email 2-22-2012
Hola mi querida familia,
My miracle story this week is tied in with la capacitación especializada(special zone training) and came about during one of the prácticas (trainings) with Elder Parrish. Background--One of our investigators who had a fecha (baptism date) this week has currently changed her mind because the Bishop said that her older sister can´t give the baptismal talk for various reasons that are between her and the bishop. Before she changed her mind, I gave her a little picture of Jesus calming the storm that I bought in the MTC and laminated and have carried with me ever since. I told her that we all go through the storms of life, but Heavenly Father is always mindful of us and will calm the storms in His own way and time if we turn to Him. So during the práctica (training) about using the power of the Book of Mormon Elder Parrish opened the book randomly to Alma 26 and picked verse 6 to start reading. The first phrase is "Sí, las tormentas no las abatirán en el postrer día..." ("Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day...") It was not by chance! It was a very powerful práctica and testimony to me of the Book of Mormon. We stopped by her house last night to try to share this scripture with her and just read from the Book of Mormon and let the power in the book do the work...but she wasn´t home. So we talked to her sister who has a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but is still praying for an answer to be baptized and a fecha (date). It was a very spiritual lesson. She has been sick and a member neighbor and her brother-in-law offered to give her a blessing and she said yes! She couldn´t really talk yesterday from a sore throat, but was able to talk to us. I pointed out that if she believes they have the power to heal, through the priesthood, this is another example of the testimony and faith she already has in the Restoration! She agreed and said she would pray with her sister for a date to be baptized together--which is what we have felt like should happen all along--to be baptized together. I believe all the difficulties and such this week are just Heavenly Father´s way of helping them and us work things out on His schedule and time. It has been just a witness and testimony to me."
I know that Keisy and Dalleli will be baptized. I don´t know when, but they will :-) Of this, I have ZERO doubts. Faith, not fear.
This week has been off the chain crazy--Monday/Tues we traveled back and forth from Bilbao for a capacitación especializada training with the zone. It was an hour y poco travel time each way,each day. We leave for Zaragoza in a few hours to spend the night (I get to see Hna Preston one more time!!!!) pick up Hna Fuentes´ last DNI card and visit some of her recent converts. We might actually get to get some work done in San Sebastian this weekend--but who knows!haha The training was incredible--we focused on how to leverage the power of the members, especially in working with the ward council and using the power of the Book of Mormon more, which --let me tell you--is my favorite way to do anything! I do not leave piso(home) without my Libro de Mormón and rarely talk without it in my hands.haha I LOVE just opening it randomly with an investigator, member or family and just start reading and trust in the Spirit. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Works every time. I always feel the Spirit every time I read anything from it.
Elder Dalton made me cry on multiple occasions this week. I don´t know what I did to be so blessed in this life with the family I have, but it is more than I could ever ask for. The best birthday present I think I have ever received, to date, came in the form of a letter from my dear brother, Elder Dalton. I will cherish it forever. He bore his testimony during the training, as well, and made everyone cry again and made them jealous that they aren´t serving with a sibling. What can I say? Heavenly Father is the best!
The intercambio(exchange) with Hna Moulton was INCREDIBLE! I love Pamplona. We ran to castles in the morning and ate an obscene amount of gluten-free crepes and had some very spiritual experiences with investigators and great lessons. Pamplona also has the best napolitanas in Spain, hands down. Beatriz wins. And it is because they have white chocolate ones. I learned a ton from Hna Moulton and hope we get to serve together again in the future.
I´ve learned even more this week that I don´t have time to explain, but it was definitely the best/worst week yet.haha But with the worst, I have learned so much that will help me the rest of my life. I just have to apply it and remember it. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for these opportunities to learn, improve, repent and trust in Him. I wouldn´t have it any other way.
I got the package Mom! Thanks to everyone so much! You all are amazing! Did you ever get my package from SLC with the red jacket and pictures and stuff? Hna Hoyos said she sent it.
Thatcher and the hawaiian food sounds amazing. It is so good to hear everything. Especially from Chloe! Way to go, girl! Get it!haha The YW activities sound like so much fun. Enjoy it all! And snow--woowzers! We have had a little bit more sun, thank heavens, and things might be warming up a little bit...we hope.
I love you all! Pray for me, please. I need them these next few weeks. Thanks for the birthday wishes and presents. I am borderline spoiled--shhhh, don´t tell anyone.haha
Much spanish love,
Hna. Dalton
My miracle story this week is tied in with la capacitación especializada(special zone training) and came about during one of the prácticas (trainings) with Elder Parrish. Background--One of our investigators who had a fecha (baptism date) this week has currently changed her mind because the Bishop said that her older sister can´t give the baptismal talk for various reasons that are between her and the bishop. Before she changed her mind, I gave her a little picture of Jesus calming the storm that I bought in the MTC and laminated and have carried with me ever since. I told her that we all go through the storms of life, but Heavenly Father is always mindful of us and will calm the storms in His own way and time if we turn to Him. So during the práctica (training) about using the power of the Book of Mormon Elder Parrish opened the book randomly to Alma 26 and picked verse 6 to start reading. The first phrase is "Sí, las tormentas no las abatirán en el postrer día..." ("Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day...") It was not by chance! It was a very powerful práctica and testimony to me of the Book of Mormon. We stopped by her house last night to try to share this scripture with her and just read from the Book of Mormon and let the power in the book do the work...but she wasn´t home. So we talked to her sister who has a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but is still praying for an answer to be baptized and a fecha (date). It was a very spiritual lesson. She has been sick and a member neighbor and her brother-in-law offered to give her a blessing and she said yes! She couldn´t really talk yesterday from a sore throat, but was able to talk to us. I pointed out that if she believes they have the power to heal, through the priesthood, this is another example of the testimony and faith she already has in the Restoration! She agreed and said she would pray with her sister for a date to be baptized together--which is what we have felt like should happen all along--to be baptized together. I believe all the difficulties and such this week are just Heavenly Father´s way of helping them and us work things out on His schedule and time. It has been just a witness and testimony to me."
I know that Keisy and Dalleli will be baptized. I don´t know when, but they will :-) Of this, I have ZERO doubts. Faith, not fear.
This week has been off the chain crazy--Monday/Tues we traveled back and forth from Bilbao for a capacitación especializada training with the zone. It was an hour y poco travel time each way,each day. We leave for Zaragoza in a few hours to spend the night (I get to see Hna Preston one more time!!!!) pick up Hna Fuentes´ last DNI card and visit some of her recent converts. We might actually get to get some work done in San Sebastian this weekend--but who knows!haha The training was incredible--we focused on how to leverage the power of the members, especially in working with the ward council and using the power of the Book of Mormon more, which --let me tell you--is my favorite way to do anything! I do not leave piso(home) without my Libro de Mormón and rarely talk without it in my hands.haha I LOVE just opening it randomly with an investigator, member or family and just start reading and trust in the Spirit. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Works every time. I always feel the Spirit every time I read anything from it.
Elder Dalton made me cry on multiple occasions this week. I don´t know what I did to be so blessed in this life with the family I have, but it is more than I could ever ask for. The best birthday present I think I have ever received, to date, came in the form of a letter from my dear brother, Elder Dalton. I will cherish it forever. He bore his testimony during the training, as well, and made everyone cry again and made them jealous that they aren´t serving with a sibling. What can I say? Heavenly Father is the best!
The intercambio(exchange) with Hna Moulton was INCREDIBLE! I love Pamplona. We ran to castles in the morning and ate an obscene amount of gluten-free crepes and had some very spiritual experiences with investigators and great lessons. Pamplona also has the best napolitanas in Spain, hands down. Beatriz wins. And it is because they have white chocolate ones. I learned a ton from Hna Moulton and hope we get to serve together again in the future.
I´ve learned even more this week that I don´t have time to explain, but it was definitely the best/worst week yet.haha But with the worst, I have learned so much that will help me the rest of my life. I just have to apply it and remember it. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for these opportunities to learn, improve, repent and trust in Him. I wouldn´t have it any other way.
I got the package Mom! Thanks to everyone so much! You all are amazing! Did you ever get my package from SLC with the red jacket and pictures and stuff? Hna Hoyos said she sent it.
Thatcher and the hawaiian food sounds amazing. It is so good to hear everything. Especially from Chloe! Way to go, girl! Get it!haha The YW activities sound like so much fun. Enjoy it all! And snow--woowzers! We have had a little bit more sun, thank heavens, and things might be warming up a little bit...we hope.
I love you all! Pray for me, please. I need them these next few weeks. Thanks for the birthday wishes and presents. I am borderline spoiled--shhhh, don´t tell anyone.haha
Much spanish love,
Hna. Dalton
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rough Week--Happy Valentine's!
Hello! :-)
"My miracle story for this week actually happened this morning. It has been a hard, trying week. It has been difficult for me to keep a positive attitude. I would have a great experience and then pessimism would set in immediately after. We did not have a good week numbers-wise and it is easy for me to get frustrated because I want to try and do new things, but Hermana Fuentes and I are not always on the same page and I´m not good with working with other people all the time. I went to bed frustrated last night and woke up still trying to shrug it off. I´ve learned that the first place I need to go in times like this is to my knees in prayer and then open the scriptures. We invite our investigators to do it every week--so we should be doing it, too, right? So I felt like I should start in PME, chapter 6. I read the Christ-like attribute of patience again and decided to do the exercise along with it. It was exactly what I needed: the comparison between Alma 17:10-11 when the Sons of Mosiah are frustrated and Alma 26:27 when Ammon is looking back and sees the blessings of their patience, diligence and long-suffering and how they were able to bring many souls to Christ because of their work. It´s not about the moment--it´s about the long run. These scriptures and the change in perspective were the answers to my prayers."
So yeah, frustrating week, but I decided that being frustrated isn´t going to solve anything so...I decided to make peanut butter cookies and valentine´s for the elders in our district for our meeting tomorrow! Yah! haha We all know that I strongly dislike valentine´s day, but might as well make the most of it. I took pics so you can see thefruits of my labors :-) When you have rough days, you do something about it!haha So I did and I´m going to keep my chin up this week.
Mom, you will find it ironic that the past few weeks, my mission has felt chillingly like the movie "Errand of Angels." Remember my comments about that? Well, it is so much closer to the truth than I even believed. And we are even getting to do intercambios this week!ahaha I will be in Pamplona tomorrow through Friday--that´s Elder Dalton´s district!haha We won´t see each other, though. But I am oh-so excited for the change and seeing how other missionaries work and their pace/style.
Thanks for the support and kind words. I can´t wait to read the emails when I get back to piso today! Life is hard, the mission is harder, but that's what makes it so worth it! Here are some pics-oh, if I look pasty-that´s because I am. Pray for me and the sun--we miss each other a lot. I miss my tan :-( haha
Keep smiling,
Hermana Dalton
"My miracle story for this week actually happened this morning. It has been a hard, trying week. It has been difficult for me to keep a positive attitude. I would have a great experience and then pessimism would set in immediately after. We did not have a good week numbers-wise and it is easy for me to get frustrated because I want to try and do new things, but Hermana Fuentes and I are not always on the same page and I´m not good with working with other people all the time. I went to bed frustrated last night and woke up still trying to shrug it off. I´ve learned that the first place I need to go in times like this is to my knees in prayer and then open the scriptures. We invite our investigators to do it every week--so we should be doing it, too, right? So I felt like I should start in PME, chapter 6. I read the Christ-like attribute of patience again and decided to do the exercise along with it. It was exactly what I needed: the comparison between Alma 17:10-11 when the Sons of Mosiah are frustrated and Alma 26:27 when Ammon is looking back and sees the blessings of their patience, diligence and long-suffering and how they were able to bring many souls to Christ because of their work. It´s not about the moment--it´s about the long run. These scriptures and the change in perspective were the answers to my prayers."
So yeah, frustrating week, but I decided that being frustrated isn´t going to solve anything so...I decided to make peanut butter cookies and valentine´s for the elders in our district for our meeting tomorrow! Yah! haha We all know that I strongly dislike valentine´s day, but might as well make the most of it. I took pics so you can see thefruits of my labors :-) When you have rough days, you do something about it!haha So I did and I´m going to keep my chin up this week.
Mom, you will find it ironic that the past few weeks, my mission has felt chillingly like the movie "Errand of Angels." Remember my comments about that? Well, it is so much closer to the truth than I even believed. And we are even getting to do intercambios this week!ahaha I will be in Pamplona tomorrow through Friday--that´s Elder Dalton´s district!haha We won´t see each other, though. But I am oh-so excited for the change and seeing how other missionaries work and their pace/style.
Thanks for the support and kind words. I can´t wait to read the emails when I get back to piso today! Life is hard, the mission is harder, but that's what makes it so worth it! Here are some pics-oh, if I look pasty-that´s because I am. Pray for me and the sun--we miss each other a lot. I miss my tan :-( haha
Keep smiling,
Hermana Dalton
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