Miracle story, quite an obvious one this week:
"I am very excited to tell you about our miracle for the week--the baptism of Keisy!!! Her older sister is a member of the church and Keisy arrived here with another sister from Honduras the same day that Hermana Fuentes and I arrived in San Sebastián. Her sister invited us over the next day to meet them and we started teaching them. She is fifteen years old and always laughing or smiling. It was difficult to teach her in the beginning because she would get shy and just laugh. It took over a month for her to be able to pray out loud with us without laughing. The youth of the ward did a great job inviting her, especially to seminary. She changed her baptismal date more than once because of little things that got in the way until she was ready to make the decision for herself. She had not been reading in the Book of Mormon or keeping her commitments for a few weeks in March when we went over to teach her sister. She came in in the middle of the lesson and interrupted me while we were teaching to say ¨Quiero bautizarme.¨ She had done this before so I ignored her. (In hindsight, maybe not the best reaction...haha) But she persisted and we found out that she was serious this time! So to test if she was sincere, I may or may not have grilled her with the baptismal questions with our ward mission leader...ha...ha...She went to Mini-EFY the week before her baptism and I think this had a huge impact in her conversion. Satan really attacked her family this same week and this has been very difficult for them, but she told us that she knew it was Satan trying to stop her from being baptized.
She is going to Madrid with the youth this week to participate in baptisms for the dead!!! I think this is the best thing she could be doing right now and will solidify her testimony and help her other sister who has not decided to be baptized yet. We have helped her read the Book of Mormon and pray every day the week before her baptism and also this week after. She told us yesterday that she has felt a difference because school has been hard for her and she hates it, but she prayed yesterday in the morning for it to be better and then read her scriptures and her day was better! I could see a difference in her Sunday at church after her confirmation and told her so. It is so incredible to see the changes happening in someone else´s life as they come unto Christ. I will never forget these feelings and this time that I have been so blessed to be a part of. It doesn´t quite seem real yet."
Wow! What a week. To quote a Cartel song "the highest highs and lowest lows." First things first, the baptism was amazing. We were preparing all week to help things go smoothly and, of course, everything and their ugly step-sister went wrong...but it all came together!haha I wrote down all the miracles that happened so no worries. I won´t forget. We spent a good chunk of time assembling the ¨pila¨ or baptismal font that is like a kiddie pool on steroids. (See pics) I won´t take a real font for granted anymore, goodnight nurse! But we had some fun with it (See pics...but don´t tell the Bishop...) One of the speakers didn´t show up so Keisy asked Hna Maxwell to take her place...the tension and redness in her face waiting for her turn were rivaled only by the extreme relief as the speaker arrived just in time. Oh, priceless.
What a gift we as missionaries have--to see other´s change their lives. I have never felt joy like that before. No quote or saying does it justice. Indescribable.
But there is always the other side, right? With the most amazing, spiritual experiences come the hardest challenges, usually during/right after. So true. I don´t think I will EVER understand some things that happen in families. Having to see people you have come to love suffer is truly one of the hardest things that happens in this life, especially when you are helpless to help, physically. But these experiences drive you to your knees and that is where I found myself this week more than once. And the tiniest bit of understanding that I have gained into the Atonement of my Savior is a priceless gift that I would do well to not forget. One of the greatest lessons I think I am learning is one entwined with that of patience, hope and faith--learning to accept when you have done everything you possibly can, knowing that it is not nearly enough and then trusting in the Lord.
I love being a missionary. I love being here in Spain on a mission. I love learning and growing and changing. I love seeing others grow in the gospel. I love you all and knowing we will be together forever. And most of all, I love my Savior and Redeemer, The Only Begotten of the Father, Jesus Christ.
Love always,
Hermana Clarissa Dalton
Alma 7
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Whew what a week. I feel like I don´t even remember most of it...which is probably true. I´ve been pretty sick, con gripe. Nasty cold virus, you know the drill. I HATE being sick as a missionary! There´s all this...guilt attached to resting and sleeping and not being able to work and teach. Blah. It´s horrible. I spent most of the week feeling lost or confused or guilty--or all of them!haha But I´m better now, mostly. Miracle story:
"My miracle story for this week has been the help of the members with visits and referrals. We have passed around a calendar the past 2 weeks at church with specific times during the week that we need member help. For example, Wednesdays- 12:30-2 and 4:30-9:30. Then we have tried to set up this member help the day before or earlier. This has made an amazing difference!There´s no scrambling around hours or minutes before a visit! I´m trying to build the habit of writing down in my agenda which members to call for the next day and it is relieving lots of stress. Also, we had more than one member come talk to us with a referral this Sunday. I hope this means they trust us as missionaries and in our ability to teach, even if our languages skills are not amazing...yet. It feels good to work with the members more. I feel so much more comfortable in a visit with members present. This is a huge miracle that my Heavenly Father knows I need in my mission right now."
Today is a holiday here, as well, so we organized playing basketball with some members/investigators. Now I can hear you from here, ok. "I thought you were sick!" Yes...I was. And today I felt good enough to play...and it is the first time I´ve been able to play since the MTC...so...enough said. You know me. haha It felt wonderfully amazing and I need to play more.
Fabi did not get baptized this week :-( but we are going on helping her decide when she will be. I think the hardest thing to learn sometimes is that everything is on the Lord´s time. It´s between Him and His son/daughter and we just get the privilege to be a part of it. She will get baptized soon, when she is ready. We are preparing for Keisy´s baptism this Friday and everything looks great so far :-) I´m excited. Hopefully this will help her sister realize that she is ready too. haha We shall see what the Lord has planned.
Cregan-CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like everything went well and...fast. That´s nice. Way to go Megan, eh! Superwoman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!haha I can´t wait to hear about Mylea and what she´s like. Be sure that everyone in San Sebastián will know that I have a new niece this week!haha Thanks for the pics Mom!
Sounds like everything is just rolling along at home, that´s what I like to hear. Here as well. Things just keep going and I just try to keep up. I´m learning a ton and relearning even more it feels like.haha But that´s life, good ol´repetition. I have come to love Alma 7. I have read it every day this week. I just love it. I also finished the Book of Mormon in spanish this week! Woot Woot!haha On to the New Testament.I´m so excited!
We received a bunch of surprise referrals this week so that will be fun to track them down and start teaching. Hopefully I will be more "put together" and organized mentally next week when I write.haha I need a week of recovery.
Thanks for the love!
-Hermana Clarissa Dalton
"My miracle story for this week has been the help of the members with visits and referrals. We have passed around a calendar the past 2 weeks at church with specific times during the week that we need member help. For example, Wednesdays- 12:30-2 and 4:30-9:30. Then we have tried to set up this member help the day before or earlier. This has made an amazing difference!There´s no scrambling around hours or minutes before a visit! I´m trying to build the habit of writing down in my agenda which members to call for the next day and it is relieving lots of stress. Also, we had more than one member come talk to us with a referral this Sunday. I hope this means they trust us as missionaries and in our ability to teach, even if our languages skills are not amazing...yet. It feels good to work with the members more. I feel so much more comfortable in a visit with members present. This is a huge miracle that my Heavenly Father knows I need in my mission right now."
Today is a holiday here, as well, so we organized playing basketball with some members/investigators. Now I can hear you from here, ok. "I thought you were sick!" Yes...I was. And today I felt good enough to play...and it is the first time I´ve been able to play since the MTC...so...enough said. You know me. haha It felt wonderfully amazing and I need to play more.
Fabi did not get baptized this week :-( but we are going on helping her decide when she will be. I think the hardest thing to learn sometimes is that everything is on the Lord´s time. It´s between Him and His son/daughter and we just get the privilege to be a part of it. She will get baptized soon, when she is ready. We are preparing for Keisy´s baptism this Friday and everything looks great so far :-) I´m excited. Hopefully this will help her sister realize that she is ready too. haha We shall see what the Lord has planned.
Cregan-CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like everything went well and...fast. That´s nice. Way to go Megan, eh! Superwoman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!haha I can´t wait to hear about Mylea and what she´s like. Be sure that everyone in San Sebastián will know that I have a new niece this week!haha Thanks for the pics Mom!
Sounds like everything is just rolling along at home, that´s what I like to hear. Here as well. Things just keep going and I just try to keep up. I´m learning a ton and relearning even more it feels like.haha But that´s life, good ol´repetition. I have come to love Alma 7. I have read it every day this week. I just love it. I also finished the Book of Mormon in spanish this week! Woot Woot!haha On to the New Testament.I´m so excited!
We received a bunch of surprise referrals this week so that will be fun to track them down and start teaching. Hopefully I will be more "put together" and organized mentally next week when I write.haha I need a week of recovery.
Thanks for the love!
-Hermana Clarissa Dalton
Monday, April 2, 2012
Hola a todos,
Pues...esta semana fue el ayuno de inglés. Por tanto, voy a escribir toda mi carta en castellano, discúlpenme...jajajaja But really, we had an english fast this week in the mission that just ended last night. It really helped, most of the time. Except when I try to talk to our obispo who is from Uruguay and very...dry with his humor that I can´t understand in castellano yet and basically thinks I don´t understand anything. Very frustrating, but he is the kind of person that I LOVE winning over because so many people are scared of him. muahahaha I WILL earn his respect and friendship....I have no idea how, but it might involve brownies, service and other forms of alimentary bribes. haha I was reading in Ether and chapter 12 hit me. Always been a favorite...but now has even more special meaning. Verses 23-25, substituting "writing" for "speaking" and "hands" for "tongue." Yup, that about sums up where I´m at right now with the language. But the power verse we all know comes in v 27 and then the comfort in v 29. So we keep on keepin´on and some day I will own in spanish and give some people here a good tongue lashing...pun intended :-)
Hna Maxwell´s spanish is actually very good. She speaks really well, but I recognize the 'deer in the headlights' lost look when someone speaks back...Want to know a secret?...I may go to the bathroom EVERY visit just because it forces her to talk with people. ahahahahahahahaha And she thinks I just have an overactive bladder. Silly missionary, tricks are for Hna Dalton.
Well, I was going to share some stuff from conference, but Mom said it all so excellently I loved the talks by Elder Oaks, Pte Uchtdorf and of course, Elder Holland. So much I needed to hear. We haven´t been able to watch Sunday Afternoon yet, but we will sometime this week. It was definitely a conference to remember just because it was so unique to be a missionary. We were the ONLY people who came for the Young Women´s session! Not even the members or leaders, let alone the investigators we invited...But 6 investigators came for the general session Saturday night! (Saturday morning session for you). We almost had more investigators than members in the capilla! Heavenly Father´s watching out for us.
We are preparing for Fabi´s baptism Saturday. This is all new for me so I´m sure it will be a wild ride.ahaha It always is. And Keisy told us out of the blue she wants to be baptized, so that will be the 13th. I was so shocked and didn´t believe her--she is a little crazy. haha Typical teenager, but she´s determined this time, we think, so oh yeah! And hopefully Alfonso and Ximena the next week. WE BAPTIZE WEEKLY IN SPAIN!!!! Did I tell you that yet? Because we do.
Oh and on adifferent note, we had an investigator cry when we invited her to be baptized and say she heard a voice tell her she´d receive her answer about baptism tomorrow...we were so pumped and I was like "yes! It´s about time!"...but then she told us she did receive her answer and it was no. She knows the church is true and especially the Book of Mormon...but this isn´t the church for her...?!?!?!?!...What do you say to that, eh? I thought "whoa this isn´t how this is supposed to go..." But that´s life. Quite the experience. She just needs time, right?
Thanks for the emails and love. Us missionaries REALLY need it sometimes, eh. Can´t wait to talk to ya´ll next week! I´m sure everything will be different again then, too! Each week is like a month here, and a month like a year.
Much LOVE, Hmn Dalton
Ah, I forgot the miracle story:
"Oh the miracles to pick from this week. We see them daily!!! I think I´ll share one from last week that I forgot I wanted to tell you. During a lesson with our investigator, Fabi, I realized that I had been talking for awhile and my companion needed to say something. So I ended my thought and smiled at her. She laughed nervously and said she didn´t have anything to say. I really felt like she did, so I just smiled and waited...and waited...and waited. My companion just kept saying she didn´t have anything to say and it had to be like a minute of awkward silence. It popped in my head to have her invite our investigator to be baptized. She had a soft fecha before, but it had been like a month. I indicated for my companion to invite her. She didn´t want to because by now the awkwardness was palpable. But she did and to our surprise Fabi said yes! She will be baptized this week! It was such a testimony to me that it doesn´t really matter what we as the missionaries are feeling as long as we follow the Spirit. It was definitely something that I wouldn´t have thought to do on my own or even say but the Spirit knew and what a great experience for my companion to have her first week here. And for me!"
Just one of many, as usual. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pues...esta semana fue el ayuno de inglés. Por tanto, voy a escribir toda mi carta en castellano, discúlpenme...jajajaja But really, we had an english fast this week in the mission that just ended last night. It really helped, most of the time. Except when I try to talk to our obispo who is from Uruguay and very...dry with his humor that I can´t understand in castellano yet and basically thinks I don´t understand anything. Very frustrating, but he is the kind of person that I LOVE winning over because so many people are scared of him. muahahaha I WILL earn his respect and friendship....I have no idea how, but it might involve brownies, service and other forms of alimentary bribes. haha I was reading in Ether and chapter 12 hit me. Always been a favorite...but now has even more special meaning. Verses 23-25, substituting "writing" for "speaking" and "hands" for "tongue." Yup, that about sums up where I´m at right now with the language. But the power verse we all know comes in v 27 and then the comfort in v 29. So we keep on keepin´on and some day I will own in spanish and give some people here a good tongue lashing...pun intended :-)
Hna Maxwell´s spanish is actually very good. She speaks really well, but I recognize the 'deer in the headlights' lost look when someone speaks back...Want to know a secret?...I may go to the bathroom EVERY visit just because it forces her to talk with people. ahahahahahahahaha And she thinks I just have an overactive bladder. Silly missionary, tricks are for Hna Dalton.
Well, I was going to share some stuff from conference, but Mom said it all so excellently I loved the talks by Elder Oaks, Pte Uchtdorf and of course, Elder Holland. So much I needed to hear. We haven´t been able to watch Sunday Afternoon yet, but we will sometime this week. It was definitely a conference to remember just because it was so unique to be a missionary. We were the ONLY people who came for the Young Women´s session! Not even the members or leaders, let alone the investigators we invited...But 6 investigators came for the general session Saturday night! (Saturday morning session for you). We almost had more investigators than members in the capilla! Heavenly Father´s watching out for us.
We are preparing for Fabi´s baptism Saturday. This is all new for me so I´m sure it will be a wild ride.ahaha It always is. And Keisy told us out of the blue she wants to be baptized, so that will be the 13th. I was so shocked and didn´t believe her--she is a little crazy. haha Typical teenager, but she´s determined this time, we think, so oh yeah! And hopefully Alfonso and Ximena the next week. WE BAPTIZE WEEKLY IN SPAIN!!!! Did I tell you that yet? Because we do.
Oh and on adifferent note, we had an investigator cry when we invited her to be baptized and say she heard a voice tell her she´d receive her answer about baptism tomorrow...we were so pumped and I was like "yes! It´s about time!"...but then she told us she did receive her answer and it was no. She knows the church is true and especially the Book of Mormon...but this isn´t the church for her...?!?!?!?!...What do you say to that, eh? I thought "whoa this isn´t how this is supposed to go..." But that´s life. Quite the experience. She just needs time, right?
Thanks for the emails and love. Us missionaries REALLY need it sometimes, eh. Can´t wait to talk to ya´ll next week! I´m sure everything will be different again then, too! Each week is like a month here, and a month like a year.
Much LOVE, Hmn Dalton
Ah, I forgot the miracle story:
"Oh the miracles to pick from this week. We see them daily!!! I think I´ll share one from last week that I forgot I wanted to tell you. During a lesson with our investigator, Fabi, I realized that I had been talking for awhile and my companion needed to say something. So I ended my thought and smiled at her. She laughed nervously and said she didn´t have anything to say. I really felt like she did, so I just smiled and waited...and waited...and waited. My companion just kept saying she didn´t have anything to say and it had to be like a minute of awkward silence. It popped in my head to have her invite our investigator to be baptized. She had a soft fecha before, but it had been like a month. I indicated for my companion to invite her. She didn´t want to because by now the awkwardness was palpable. But she did and to our surprise Fabi said yes! She will be baptized this week! It was such a testimony to me that it doesn´t really matter what we as the missionaries are feeling as long as we follow the Spirit. It was definitely something that I wouldn´t have thought to do on my own or even say but the Spirit knew and what a great experience for my companion to have her first week here. And for me!"
Just one of many, as usual. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
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.
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.
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
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