Hola Hola

Hola hola!

Mexico had it's independence day the 16th and the ward had a little party that we went to. Let's just say that is it so different from our ward parties! It was really cool. Everyone pulled out their long skirts and dresses and danced! Even the cute kids:) It was lots of twirling and swirling! I HAVE to learn how to dance before I leave and buy a sweet dress! 

We had a family home evening with some members and they have a little 3 year old, Manualito. He always will tell me, Guess what I have a girlfriend! and I ask oh really, who? and he says you! all creepy and cute! But he is such a funny kid. We were playing like a Mormom trivia game and his dad asked him, who died and suffered for your sins? He said all positive, David and Goliath! We just said... close. But it is amazing to see how much kids learn at such a young age, they are sponges for sure! 

This week, we decided that we needed to practice how to teach the trinity. I was role playing with my companion and I just kept getting frustrated not being able to say the words I wanted to say and it just sounded so confusing. So I decided to try again in a simple way. I started just saying how much God loves us and wants us to return to live with him. and at that moment it hit me that He really does love me so much and I started crying. I kept teaching and I said things I had never said before and it was just simple. But I realized that Heavenly Father truly wants us to return to live with Him, and He sent his Son to help us. But it really is all on us. We cant bring anyone with us to heaven and it all depends on what we do now on earth. We have these commmandments and we need to keep them to show God we are ready to obey his laws and we truly love Him too. At times it can be hard, but if we see the big picture, it is worth it! So keep up the hard work and press forward! God loves you so much and so do I:) 

Have a great week! love always, 

Hermana Peterson 

pics... The sisters let us try on their skirts and take a picture with them! 

This is Manualito :)

We finally climbed Tepozteca, a pyramid, that was a hard hike, but so worth it! 

Happy Mexican Independence Day

Buenas Tardes! 

I am still alive and feel great! I felt pretty crappy for about week, but I am finally back to normal. It for sure was rough with both of us feeling sick. But I got my Chari-bathroom bonding time in! FUN!! We were talking to this old man about the Bible and he just randomly said who wrote the Bible? We started to explain that it was written by prophets and apostles and he said no no no, i will tell you who wrote it! It was the Pope! We werent sure what to say to him... but i guess you learn new things every day right? ;)

Mauricio got baptized this week! That was the guy that had a coffee problem and his wife got baptized a few weeks ago. He had to have an interview with President Kusch and after President told me that Mauri is a very special man and will be a great asset to the ward. He was so happy to get baptized finally and it ended up being on his birthday! God sure does have His timing for everything. 

Allen who is 9 comes with us to church and the activities every week. He has been a great example for his mom and grandma. His mom told us that he has been saying he wants to serve a mission. So we talked to them both and we decided that he would get baptized on the 27th. His mom said said that it makes her happy that it is his decision and she will support him. I know he will help his whole family and one day they will all an eternal family.

I love you all very much! Have a great week and remember all your blessing:) 

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Peterson 

pics.. Mauricio and his baptism.

I learned to make pinedas! and it was on Dad's birthday. cool right?

Parasite??

Good afternoon! 

Well this week has been fun. My companion started feeling sick and then slowly it ate at me as well. I had a horrible migraine and just couldnt do much. We went to a ward baptism and let's just say I was worthless. I will attach a picture my companion took during that day. haha it's so pretty;) But by the next morning, let's just say the bathroom become our very favorite place! We were screaming to use it and fighting over it, so maybe it would be better to have one comp sick at a time. So I did miss church for the first time on the mission, weird. But we called our President and told him all the symptons and he said we probably have a parasite. woooop! So we will be getting some medicine the missionaries like to call "the bomb" today. Cant wait! But I will let you know how that goes for sure! 

As for a little miracle we saw.. we have this investigator named Julia and she has a 9 year old son. Julia is amazing and loves to learn! At first, she was teh only one interested and her son was kind of just forced to listen to us. But once vacation ended, she had to go back to work and doesnt have much time to talk to us. So we continued to just pass by and say hi. Her son started going to the church activities and loved them and then we would bring him to church alone. It was cool to see him completely change! But the miracle part was they live with their grandma and she never wanted anything to do with us. Julia said she spoke really bad about us and just didnt like her taking the lessons. But over time, she warmed up to us! At this one point we couldnt pass by to get Allen and instead grandma took him to the activities and stayed! She now is taking the lessons with us and is excited to learn more. I have truly learned how much children can help their families. They can be so much closer to God and just be open to things we as adults dont give a chance to. 

Well I hope you all have a fantastic week! Pray that I dont die;) JK I'm fine! Im in the Lord's hands! Love you all:)

Hermana Peterson

pics... bap=im dead

          waiting to eat with member=Hna Cortez is dead. 

Ivonne and Mauricio

HEYY! 

I have decided to tell you the long story of Ivonne and Mauricio this week. Ivonne and Mauri got married 2 weeks ago to be able to get baptized. They have been coming to the church for about a year now and finally got the money together to get married. They both had strong desires to get baptized and have big testimonies. We always have a pre-interview with our investigators before they have the interview with the district leader. As we interview Mauricio we found out he would have to talk to our President before he could get baptized. We also came to realize that he was still drinking coffee. He gave up alcohol before I got here and totally turned his life around, but just didnt agree with not giving up coffee. We reviewed why, read D&C 89 and told him if he wanted to get baptized, he needed to obey all the laws, now, not after. He was really upset and we said we could take the rest of his coffee out of his house if he wanted. He said dont you think you are being a little too pushy. We said no:) It's completely your decision, but we are trying to help you. We said we will say a prayer kneeling and after you can tell us what you want to do. After the pray he said, okay, you can take it. So we went to the kitchen and Ivonne gave us one under the sink and one in the closet and we left. (We might of watered a tree with it..) 

The next day Ivonne calls us crying and said that Mauri found out that she gave us the one in the closet as well and he didnt want to give both. She got mad at him and said you cant lie to the sisters and need to keep the commandments. She ran out of the house upset saying I dont know what you want to do, but with or without you I WILL get baptized this week. So we decided to go talk to him. When we went he wasnt there and we have to be home by 8pm, so we sent a member to go talk to him later. The member said he talked to him and everything was fine now. We were relieved. But when we went to their house with the District Leader, we could tell he was mad. He flipped on the leader, when he told him, he couldnt get baptized until he truly gave up coffee and still needed to talk to our President about other things. Mauri yelled at him and said if I dont get baptized Saturday, Im never getting baptized, and Im not talking to your President. So we just left him to calm down for awhile, not sure what was going to happen with him.

We were happy to see that he came to Ivonne's baptism. The baptism was so beautiful and spiritual! Ivonne is an amazing women and has changed so much to come closer to our Father. We had tacos after the baptism and I talked to Mauricio and asked how he was. He asid he was good and he is really happy for his wife, the baptism was very strong and peaceful. He said, can you send your mission president down as soon as possible? Im ready to talk to him. I want to get baptized! I asked how the coffee was, and he said he realized it didnt matter and he wanted to follow Christ more. He was completely changed and humbled. We have his baptism planned in 2 weeks.

It was a complete rollarcoaster ride this week with them. But it was amazing to see Ivonne's strength and testimony, as well to see Mauricio finally humble himself enough to come to realize what really matters. It's hard to see something so small stop people from doing the right thing, but they have agency. I know that when we put our faith in Christ, he will help us overcome anything and show us the way to go. 

¡Que tenga una buenísima semana! Les amo tanto:)

Hermana Peterson 

foto: Ivonne and her daughter before her baptism

Army of the Lord

Hola amigos! 

We were at lunch this last week and I was just eating my soup and the member just looks at me and says "Hey Hermana Peterson, do you have a lot of money?" I didnt answer first so she said like are you rich, thinking I didnt understand her. I said umm... no. My companion started laughing really hard and said dont lie! I asked her why and she said I can just tell by the way you eat your food. I asked her what that meant and she said you eat all fancy! and you also look like a doll. At that point I didnt know what to say. I just laughed and said I dont like to get dirty? But I thought I ate like everyone else...

This week we had people keep telling us that we are so different from other missionaries in other churches. We asked them why they thought that and they said it just feels different. When you talk to us, it doesnt feel like you're forcing or convincing us. You are just teaching and helping us. One man couldnt figure out the difference, and said I dont know what it is, but I just like crave for when you come and when it's about time, I get excited to know the sisters are coming! We explained that it was the Holy Ghost and that we are not teaching them anything, it is all the Spirit. How amazing it is that I get to work with the Spirit everyday to help people feel the love of God in their lives! What a priviledge I have to be a servant of the Lord and to know the truth and share it! :)

Yesterday, all of our appointments fell through so we were deciding where to go. I pulled out my agenda and started naming off people. I read all the names and then a small thought came to me to see Julia. I asked Hna Cortez and she said sure. We havent taught her for maybe 2 weeks because she works in Tepoztlan (my old area!) and is going to school as well and has a son. She wasnt able to go to church, so we just stopped by hoping she would be there. We saw her son and he said she wasnt home. Just as we were waiting there, she pulled up in a car! She asked is we here to teach and we said we just wanted to see how she was doing. She looked upset and we said if you have time, we would love to teach. She pulled out the chairs and sat us down all happily. She went on to explain that her and her son pray everyday and she found the Book of Mormon online to listen tp at work and has had the opportunity to talk about the gospel with a lot of her friends and she wants us to teach them as well! We had thought she stopped progressing and wasnt interested because she was so busy, but she was still reading and learning all by herself! It's amazing to find those people who just crave the gospel! I am sure God will help her with her job so she can come to church more. When we show our efforts, he always blesses us:) 

Well I hope you all have a great week and smile big! 

Love always,

Hermana Peterson

pics.. yes, when all the youth play soccer, I color with the kids:)

Changing Lives

Buenas tardes! 

This Saturday we had the baptism for Diana. She is the one with the boyfriend that is trying to stop drinking. Her baptism was so great though! My comp and I sang with our District leader and his companion "Ïm a child of God." and for some reason it sounded so amazing! The spirit was so strong at the baptism and we were all just so excited to see Diana take that step towards Christ. It is the best thing to watch your investigators grow. We had a lesson with her last week and her cousin was there and we asked her if she wanted to pray and she said I dont know how. At that moment, Diana took the iniative and taught her how. Hermana Cortez and I just looked at each other as if we were proud of our little daughter. haha But once people start teaching, they do learn more and feel more confident! I am positive she will continue to grow and be a great member of the church. 

When I was with my last companion, I needed hair conditioner and for some reason it is not too popular here. I was trying to find it and could only find shampoo/conditioner combo, Hna Marx said that this would work and gave me a bottle. She cut hair before the mission and I trusted her... I had been using that for about a month or more. Once day I read the directions and it said for body, so then I thought oh crap, it's soap. But a few days ago Hna Cortez asked if she could use it and I said sure. She then started laughing saying this is lotion! So I had been using lotion as hair conditioner for a month!! Man, it would really pay to learn spanish well;) But my hair is nice and soft on a high note! haha 

We did get to go hiking today for P-day up to a pyramid. It was really small and broken, but still... I stood on a pyramid! Cool right?? But the hike was really fun! It was so beautiful and we got lost a bunch of times and climbed mountains, but we lived. Being in the out doors is always a blessing and a reminder to me that God exist and loves us so much to give us the gorgeous nature we have.

Well love you all lots! Have a great week and smile big:) 

Hermana Peterson 

20 years old

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! It is so weird that I am 20 now! woow. A tradition they have for birthdays here is that you take a bite of the cake and as you go to do it someone always pushes your face right into the cake! I got two cakes from members and both times my companion destroyed my face into that cake! I love how cake feels up my nose:) But it was a good day! We had a baptism! 

Vero was married last week to her boyfriend, who was a less-active. But once she was taught that she could have an eternal family, she wanted to get baptized so bad! She really has a strong testimony of the church and loves sharing it with everyone. So she got married and baptized the next week. We went to the baptismal font to fill it up and we couldnt drain it, so I literally went fishing for bugs to clean it all out in my dress! haha We then turned on the water and came back a few hours later assuming it would be all ready... But the church ran out of water! We tried everything we could think of after that. Our last option was there is a like well of water in the front of church, underground, so we had all the young men haul buckets of water into the font! It took like 100 trips. It was quite fun! I have never had an easy baptismal day. Satan really works hard on us. But in the end she was baptized and all she can talk about is going to the temple in one year to be sealed for eternity with her husband. 

There is a new convert of maybe 2 years and she is 19 and he whole family loves the church but the father won let the mother and kids go. The daughter got baptized after she was 18 and he couldnt do anything about it. She has 2 brothers who are 13 and 9. Them and the mother want to be baptized very bad, but the dad wont usually let them go to church at all. The 9 year old prays every night for his dad to allow him to be baptized. If anyone ever says a prayer without asking for his dad, he makes them redue it. He also decided that he wanted to read the Book of Mormon. So he reads it every night with his sister. One night his dad came in and yelled and was mad saying your not a mormon! He said, "No, I am not one yet, I still need my baptism." Im not exactly sure what he said to touch his father's heart, but his dad saw how bad his young son wanted to go to church and now allows them to go:) It is amazing the faith children have. If we all had the determination and faith of a child, so many more miracles would happen. I know this family will one day be sealed in the temple. It might not be soon, but it is in God's hands and timing. 

I love you all so much. Have a fantastic week and keep the faith! 

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Peterson

6 months down! Wow :)

Buenas Tardes!

 

This morning I was able to finish reading the Book of Mormon.. in spanish! We finished reading it as a mission in 60 days, so about 10 pages a day. It was a great experience for me. I learned so much from it. I love the stories of the prophets and righteous men and women, I get to look up to. It reminds me that I am not the only one fighting to do what is right, but so many people before me, gave their lives and truly fought for Christ. I love how it has so many stories of missionary work, to encourage me to keep going and help bring people to the truth and joy of the gospel. But what I learned the most is that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Redeemer and Savior. The Book of Mormon tells us all about Christ's gospel and sacrifice for us. He truly loves each and every one of us and wants the very best for us. It shows us the admirable attributes He has and that we need to work to gain these as well. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ! I know The Book of Mormon is the word of God and can bring absolute joy into any person's life, if they just follow the teachings. I am so grateful to have this book in my life and to know of the truthfulness of it.

 

We have an investigator, Diana, and her uncle was baptized about a month ago. She is 19 and has really loved learning and gaining a testimony. She has 2 kids and a boyfriend, Cesar. He was never interested in our lessons and one day he said to listen and watched the Restoration with us. Something that day changed in him. We then started to make goals with him to stop drinking and he has now gone almost a full week without alcohol! Our second lesson with him, we asked him to pray and he said a very simple but so powerful prayer and cried. We decided that we need to see this family every day, as our last lesson of the day. They said how much they love having us there bringing the spirit into their home. Cesar said it just feels different when we are around and he is so grateful for our teachings. It was truly a great experience to see that we are helping a young family come closer to Christ and change their lives!

 

I am so grateful to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints and help people find REAL joy in this life! Have a great week. Stay strong and press on!

 

Love always,

Hermana Peterson

 

pics.. these are little ducks! But they have tanks outside that they wash their dishes in and clothes and everything and this one family had fish and ducks swimming in the tank! I thought it was cool until I realized I just ate with them off of dishes that they cleaned with duck and fish poop. ewww.

Cocoyoc

Good afternoon!

This was one tough week. I never really understood what makes a mission really hard until this week. We have had the hardest time finding people to teach and it has been really discouraging. We talk to about everyone, but people aren't really open to hear it. We were just getting frustrated by this point. But finally we had a lesson in an investigators house and it was really powerful. At this moment, I finally was smiling and remembered why I was here. I could see the joy the gospel brought into her life and that she was wanting to come closer to Christ and her Heavenly Father. At times, it can be hard to see the good in our hard times. But when I was able to see that I was actually helping someone, I finally saw the good in the bad.

 Being in a new area is difficult. I have to start all over and make relationships with all kinds of new people, try to learn all the streets, and peoples names. and that is hard! Especially when I am blessed with my dad's memory ;) But I guess it has only been one week! Our house is bright green and peach. We havent had light for 3 days either and one day we didnt have water. What a humbling experience right? But I am sure learning a whole lot! 

We had this amazing Super Family Home Evening in the church that we planned for the ward and investigators. We had 4 stations with different topics: The Book of Mormon, Baptism, Sabbath Day, and Temples. We had families teach each one and it went so well! The leaders here are amazing! I am actually in a ward now. It is cool to truly see that the church is the same everywhere. Which it should be! It is the church of Jesus Christ, not man. 

I hope you all enjoy your fun summer days and smile big for me! 

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Peterson 

Second area!

Hey all! 

So today was transfers and I am now in Cocoyoc, Cuautla!! It is probably 30 minutes from my last area.. haha But it is like a whole new world. I was really sad to leave Hermana Marx. We had to much fun together, but she is now training. My new companion is Hermana Cortez, who is from California. She already seems great! But it was really hard to leave Tepoztlan. I feel like that is my home. I absolutely love the people there. It crazy how close you can get to people in such a small time, and in a different language! 

oh so fun story... this week we were eating at a member's house and she gave us orange juice that she made, which tasted fantastic! We were eating this chicken dish that was a weeee bit spicy. So I was drinking the orange juice and I look at my companion and she gives me this like "no dont do it" face. I didnt understand and poured myself another glass. She then gives me the eye and wiggles her finger and points to her cup. I kind of laugh and take another sip. I thought she was making a big deal out of nothing and probably just saw the pulp. She realized I didnt get the point so she got her spoon and fished out this white thing and put it on her plate. I look at it and still think its pulp... until I see it start moving! I take a closer look and realize it is larva!!! At this point I was sick to my stomach. I drank 4 cups of the juice to get the spicy meal down! As Hna Marx gave a spiritual thought, I couldnt help but just stare at the bug moving on her plate, thinking I probably ate 10 of those! But Im happy to say it has been about a week and I feel fine, luckily:) So I learned to always trust companions, and dont question it!

My last Sunday in Tepoz we had 2 less actives came back to church. When we had our lesson with Itzel this week, she said how she took our challenge to read the book of mormon again and it has completely changed her. She says she has more energy and just feels happier. She was so excited to return to church since 6 months. She was all smiles in church! It was really fun to see her feel the joy of the gospel in her life again. We also had this other member come back and I saw his wife walk in without him and thought he wasnt coming again. My companion and I were upset and went to talk to her after sacrament. As I walked up to her, I saw her husband next to her and just screamed and jumped! I was so happy!! She said she thought I was going to hug him. But seeing someone come back to the truth and being changed is a great feeling! The best feeling:) This day I realized that I had complete and true love for the people there. My only desires were to help them come closer to Christ and help them know that God loves them. And through this I grew to love them myself. 

The mission is so amazing! I cant explain how fun and rewarding it is. I get to see people change and reach just a part of their potential! What a complete privilege! I hope you all have a great week and smile big:)

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Peterson 

fotos.. a sunrise outside my porch window in Tepoz and

my favorite family:) 

Sure and firm :)

Buenas tardes mis amigos!

We met this cute old man on the street and he said his wife would love to talk to us, so we followed him into his house and sat down with his wife. She was 87 and cute as can be! We just had one problem... she was practically deaf and read lips. Which probably wouldn't be a problem with any other Mexican, but for us, we talk different and she couldnt read our lips too well. We would practically scream at her and it was pretty interesting. At the end, I asked if we could close with a prayer. She didnt reply and my companion just told me to pray. So I did! But as I was about 20 seconds into the prayer she screams all excitedly and points to the pamphlet, and says, I can read these letters!! They are big! My companion and I just looked up from our prayer not sure what to do.. I just said awkwardly amen? and we just started laughing. The funny part is that that has happened 3 times with us! I guess old people must not want to pray with us.. 

One of our investigators, Saul, is very interested in the gospel and really wants to change his life for the better. He says that he has been praying for years to find out which church is the true church. He loves when we come to teach him and says we just bring him a great spirit and joy. We always tell him to continue to pray to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet. One day when we came, he said I have some bad news for you two. He went on to say that he has come to the conclusion that modern day prophets dont exist because the bible says so. I was pretty upset and thought well.. adios Saul at first. But we then just asked him why he thought that and listened to his feelings. Hermana Marx testified how she knew that prophets are still on the earth and then I just had scriptures flow through my mind and stories to share. It was a really cool experience for me. I just knew what to say. We handled the lesson with love and not a scripture battle. It was cool that he trusted us enough to listen and ponder what we were saying as well, he wasnt closed off, but said he would pray some more and we promised he would receive an answer. 

I use to always wonder how missionaries could go home from their mission and not want anything to do with the church. From this lesson with Saul, I learned why. We are constantly asked questions that test our faith. People pour out all their doubts and feelings and we have to be that rock to guide them in the right place. But if a missionary doesnt have that solid foundation and is wishy washy, they will easily fall. You have to KNOW for yourself and not let other people's doubts destroy your faith, but build it. From our lesson with him, I grew to realize how important prophets really are for myself. I know that this church is the only true church of God and I only know this from the joy and warm I have received from the Holy Ghost. I really recommend everyone to ask those "why" questions and answer them for yourself. Brother Gogarty once taught me, "if you stop asking, you stop growing." So ask and SEARCH for your answer. 

Have a fantastic week and enjoy your summer:) 

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Peterson 

picture.. sometimes we get completely lost and go for a hike through the forest.. wish I learned how to read maps before my mission! 

Learning Faith

This week was one big lesson on faith! Every two weeks we get 900 pesos, which is about $74. Luckily Mexico is cheap! My área is the furthest área in our zone, so every monday we have to travel an hour and a half to Cuernavaca for Distric Meetings. Which means we go there once a week. But this last week, we had interviews with our president as well. We didnt plan on having to go one extra time though. So as the week started we realized that we wouldnt have the means to make it to and back to Tepoztlán. We decided to pray together with faith to find a way to have enough money to do what we needed to get done. The next day as we were walking to an appointment, I saw 500 pesos on the ground and got so happy! But we tan examined it and realized it was a kid's toy and was worthless. We continue to pray for the means and didnt know how it would work out, but trusted it would. As we left our apartment in the morning the next day, I said, "We gotta look for money today, keep your eyes open!" Right after I said that I looked down and saw 50 pesos! I reached down to pick it up and realized it with only the corner of the bill. I then went searching for the rest of it, and did find one more corner. But it was too small and worthless. We found this hilarious at this point and just laughed. The next day we went to Cuernavaca, knowing we didnt have enough money to actually get back. So we went to the bank! We decided we would take out our own funds. As we were walking to the bank, Hermana Marx was crossing the road and behind a  car was 200 pesos! Exactly what we needed! We checked to make sure it was all there and real, and sure thing it was! We were so happy and grateful! I learned two lessons in this. The first, God will help us, but we have to do all we can first. He isnt just going to always give us what we want or tell us what to do. We have to make our own decisions and do what we can and he will make up the rest! We didnt get what we needed until we found a way to solve our own problem. This is like the Brother of Jared in the Book of Mormon. God wanted to help him, but he needed to use his agency and come up with his own solution first. The second lesson I learned is that God has a sense of humor. In the middle of our trial, he helped us see the bright side and kept us laughing and our spirits high. He is not a scary and mean God, he is loving and carinf, with a Little bit of a funny side too! In conclusión, we made it home and we gained faith in our Lord:)

Another lesson that I learned was from the most humble women I have ever met. Anna lives in a one room house with a tent inside, where she sleeps. She only has a bag of sugar and flour, a jar of jelly, and half a loaf of bread.  But as we were talking about our Heavenly Father with her, she said, "my house is simple, but it is full of love." That is when I realized that so many times we become greedy and want so many worthless things in this life. But the only thing that we can take back with us to God is our knowledge and our relationships, so that is what matters most. We need to remember that love and family is everything. We dont need very much to be happy. Anna is one happy women and she barely has anything, but she has a family and knows that God loves and cares about her. I know that I learned a great lesson from Anna and I hope to always remember what really matters in this life and fill my home with love. 

Right now it is 61 degrees and everyone here is wearing Winter coats and sweaters. It is funny to see people in coats that I wore in Rexburg in -20 degrees! But the weather is getting to my companion and I as well. We wore a cardigen once and even made hot chocolate another day! Weird, I never thought I would want to drink hot chocolate in Mexico! It is seriously the best time of the year with all the beautiful rain:) I hope you have a great week! Keep the faith and press on!

oh and I had 2 baptisms this week!

Les amo,

Hermana Peterson

Mold, bats, and babies!

Buenas Tardes! 

This week was an interesting week for sure. First my companion got sick in the beginning of the week, which means I got it as well by the end! How could I not? I am with her 24/7! So that made it a little rough to work, but we still went out there and did all we could! Also, we realized that we have mold growing in our house on about every wall. The land lady sent in men to just scrape it off and cover it back up with paint. Im pretty sure that doesnt kill mold! So if we just never wake up one day... you will know what it is from. Also, a bat got in our house one night! That was fun to see three girls just screaming and running around. haha But we did get him out! We also went to a baby shower for a girl in our ward, because she said she wanted us to meet her friends. I never thought I would go to a baby shower in Mexico! But I can check that off my list. It was pretty similair to the States. The games we played were a lot more confusing when you dont understand really what is happening, but that makes it more fun! We even played a game where we were blind folded and my companion fed me baby food... that's not weird right? But I had to make up for missing Emily and Bryndee's baby shower. 

We taught our first lesson in ENGLISH! Sabrina is 30 years old and from California with a little baby and married a Mexican. But teaching in english was surprisingly way hard and weird. I didnt think it would be, since that is my language, but we felt like we needed to speak more sophisticated since everyone actually understood everyone 100%. But it was a great experience. She said she had never heard of Jospeh Smith or his story before and really liked it and it only makes sense that we would have prophets still on the earth, because God still loves and directs us! So that was really cool to see her come to see the conclusion of that. Even though, we were like translating english to spanish to english in our heads, the lesson was still really strong and had a special spirit about it. 

This week I was able to see the progress of a few of our investigators. It is fun to see them come to the point where they realize how much they are changing and growing for the better. They start to see that what we are teaching is bettering their lives and they want to just share it with all their family. It is amazing how much just learning that Heavenly Father loves you and you HAVE a purpose in this life, can help people see life in different eyes. I know that the Gospel is truly for everyone and it can bring them closer to their Father and help them become who God wants them to be. 

¡Que tenga una hermosa semana!

Hermana Peterson 

¡Tenga Fe!

This week was amazing!! We made a goal to find 16 new investigators. Last week we only found 6, and the mission goal is 15 evey week. I dont think I have ever found more than 10 though. But my companion and I were determined, had a lot of faith, and went to work! Our first day, some random lady in the street refered us to this family she knew. So we went. The family was first back offish and then we talked about the unity a family can have through the gospel and the mom's entire attitude changed. She slowly went to find her kids and brought them all to listen to us. By the end of teh first day, we found 5 news! We were so excited and knew that we could do this easily with God on our side. Every day we slowly, but surely found more and more people that were prepared by God and ready to accept the gospel of Christ into their lives. I learned how much God truly helps his servants. We would contact someone that was referred to us and a lot of the time they were not there or weren't interested, but someone like a neighbor, mom, or sister was ready! When we did our part, God put people into our hands. It was so amazing to watch the miracle of finding more and more people everyday! We had a man just walk up to us and ask if we could help him quit drinking and he knew we were of God and could do it! We also had this member from another ward say he had a friend that wanted to get baptized in our area. By the end of our week, we ended up finding 17 new investigators! We exceeded our goal! :) I know that God was with us every step of the way. We had faith and worked hard, and he filled in the rest! 

We have now been showering with a bucket for 2 weeks! I took a 2 minute shower today! We dont have warm water, so we boil it and then bucket bath. It has been an interesting experience, but I think I appreciate warm showers so much more now! I also stubbed my toe yesterday and thought ouch that hurt! Then I looked down and my toe had a ton of blood! I realized that the tip of my toe was barely hanging on, so we super glued it back together! Im not sure if that was a good idea or not, but I at least have practically a whole toe. It does hurt in my shoe walking the hills here, but I'm tough! so it's whatever.. haha Lastly, I have learned that I am slowly becoming Mexican! Here they dont really eat chocolate candy or anything normal for candy. They all LOVE their chile covered gooey stuff... I dont know exactly what it is. ha But the first time I hated it and gave it to my companion, but now I actually enjoy it! I know I have been here too long, when Chile candy tastes good!

I hope you all have a buenísimo semana and enjoy the sun! Oh by the way, the weather here is perfect right now! It is not hot enough that we are even sweating! That is a blessing in itself. It is the rainy time, but it usually starts raining at night, every night! Our clothes have had a rough time drying, but oh well. 

Con amor,

Hermana Peterson   

The Work of the Lord

Buenas Tardes!

First I have to say I love my companion! She is from Las Vegas and is so much fun. I can't say we speak spanish all day though.. But it is a very different experience with an American. We can totally understand each other, so that might help. What I love is that you learn different lessons from each person you meet and especially  wihen you are with someone 24/7! She is very bold. We have an investigator who has been coming to church for two years, but herboyfriend wont marry her, so she cant get baptized. The thing is though, he is working in another statefor months! So in our lesson with her we asked her if she wanted to get baptized and she experienced her deep desire and we asked what God wanted for her to do. She said umm.. get married. Hna Marx said what else can you do? She looked really confused and said I dont know. I then felt to be very bold and upfront. I said you have two options here... on, get married or two, seperate. She looked at my with astonishment and said I never thought of that before, as her eyes started to wáter. At that point I felt pretty bad. But she went on to say she knows she needs to get baptized and wants to, so she would give her boyfriend two options. She is thinking it might scare him enough to just marry her or she is hoping at least. But I am glad that I have a good enough relationship with her to understand that we are only her because we love her and want the best for her. It's crazy how much I learn to love people and so quickly!

We went to contact a reference we had recieved and she wasnt home, so we talked to her neighbor. He seemed receptive and Hna Marx decided to give him a Book of Mormon. When we handed it to him, he then freaked out and said I have goosebumps!! Wow that feels great, I know this is from God. We thought wow that doesnt happen everyday.. We came back another day for a lesson and after we testified of Joseph Smith, he stopped us. He said I believe it, I believe it all and not because of your words but because of how I feel. He continued to say that he had had many people and missionaries come to his door and we were the first that he let in and he knew it was not a coincidence. We were very excited and I know that God always helps his servants with finding people He has prepared. We just need to be obedient and diligent!

 We ate at the relief society president's house and after her dog followed us. He usually does but turns around after 15 minutes or so. We were walking across a bridge and the dog was just going crazy all over the road. We kept walking and then I saw in the corner of my eye, the dog jump off the bridge and sqeal! He had jumped 25 feet into an empty river! We freaked out!! The dog limped away and we had no idea what to do. We went to our next lesson and by the time it was over it started pouring rain! The streets were filled with rivers and we ran around in trashbags. When we got home, we remembered the dog and thought he could of died in the rain or something! The president then called us and asked if we had her dog. We didnt have the guts to say it jumped off a bridge.. we felt so bad! But luckily on Sunday, she said the dog returned really late at night. Man we were relieved!  God even protects stupid dogs.

Que tenga linda semana! Les amo muchísima!

Hermana Peterson  

Transfers!!

I am officially a big girl! My mother (trainer) has left me and I now have a new companion! I am still in Tepoz but my companion is an American. I was a little upset when I was told that, because I really need a lot of work with my spanish. But today I met her, Sister Marx, and she is amazing! She is so bubbly and fun and I can't wait for the work that we have ahead of us! 

Saturday we had a baptism! Raymundo, my little grandpa, is officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! The baptism was so simple. We only had 4 members come. He didnt have any friends or family want to come, but we told him that his granddaughters were coming for sure:) (us) But the only part of the baptism that is important is the ordinance and I know that we have the power of God that is needed for this! I have really learned how much I love Raymundo, because I am not wanting to baptize just to have another number, but because I have the chance to bring him closer to Heavenly Father and to his kingdom. What a priviledge I have! Oh and I have learned that Ray actually trusts me now! We had his interview with the Elders and when they were talking (both American) he would look at me for the translation of them. Which is funny because one of them just finished his mission today and his spanish is great! So I am glad that Raymundo trusts me now:) 

I have learned a new saying that I love! "Cabeza de Charlito" It pretty much means ditzy... I heard it and thought it was so funny! My spanish teacher called me Charlito and now I feel offended! just kidding, it's somewhat true! But this week has been crazy with rain! One day we left an appointment to go home and it was just raining a little and then it started pouring! Outside our house with about a foot or two of rain! We were so soaked! I had fun in the rain, but my scriptures got a little wet:( they survived though! All is well. 

I love you all and hope you have a great week! Keep being amazing and share the joy you have with all!

Mucho Amor,

Hermana Peterson

Buenos Tardes!

How are we all doing? I hope that you can all enjoy the summer, as it is coming very close! Soak up the sun, but dont get too burnt or you will look like me! just kidding, I am still white. always will be. I am reminded this by tons of people everyday in the street! People love to just yell "wera" at me. Which just means white girl. But I dont undertsand why they have to say that when I walk by. It's not like we yell "mexican" or something, everytime they walk by. But oh well! It is true, I'm white! 

This week we were able to learn how amazing lessons can be when members acompany us! We asked our Branch President to come to a lesson with us for Joaquin. He has been coming to church for probabaly years, off and on, with lots of missionaries. He was the man who I said when you come to church, we will come and teach you. Which he did. My favorite part is that he brings 4 little kids as well. It is cute to see a man with children just so happy following him to church. He told us in one lesson that he knew the church was true and that the Book of Mormon was a good book to read. But we were not sure, what was holding him back. When we started the lesson, the first thing President Pineda asked was "listo por su bautismo?" (are you ready for your baptism?) Joaquin said yes. Which was nice to hear for us! Later in the lesson, we learned the only doubt he has is modern prophets. President testified of the truth of them and I think was able to help him. President has such a strong testimony and knows so much, that it made the lesson very powerful! I know we all felt it and I am so glad to know that the Spirit is with us in lessons. I know that members can help so much with lessons and help investigators understand that we are normal people and this gospel has changed our lives! I would really suggest this week to ask your missionaries if you can come with them to a lesson. They will be delighted and you will be able to participate in the work of the Lord and change lives! 

In Tepoztlan, all the streets are made our of big stones. Which is pretty, but I probably trip 5 times everyday! I honestly dont know how I have not broken my ankle yet. But yesterday, I fell down some steps at President's house and my ankle hurts a little. But I know that I can walk only because God is watching over me everyday! My fall was rough and it should of been a lot worse, but God is truly in my life, protecting my every movement:) Oh how I am grateful for Him! 

Que tenga linda tarde! Les amo:)  

Hermana Peterson 

fotos.. a member made us hamburgers and fries! what a nice change:) (she made me eat 2 and I couldnt do it! I dont like them that much...)

2nd foto, president Pineda, his 2 sons and Marco (our convert) for a FHE in their house with us.

 

Como Esta?

Hola! 

It is great to see God's hand in my everyday. I know for a fact that we wouldnt be able to do anything without Him and need to rely on Him for everything! We had a lesson with a wife of a convert and in the beginning she was very back offish and I thought well we wont be asking for a baptismal date today! We had small talk for about 20 minutes getting to know her first. Once we started to teach, the spirit of the lesson completely changed. We were able to testify of the devinity of Christ and his desire for all of us to return to Him someday and how importeant it is to come to know him now. As we got to the end of the lesson, we both felt that it was the time to ask about baptism and she accepted! This just proved to me how much this is not Chari's work, but God's. He knows his children perfectly and we must ask for his help to help them. 

On Wednesday we had a Zone Conference with President and Hermana Kusch. and for some crazy reason President choose my companion and I to teach everyone! Other then us the zone leaders and stake president taught, as well as President Kusch. We were really nervous! We taught how the Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. We cut out pictures and wrote out quotes. But I really learned so much about the importance of the Book or Mormon in my studies for this. The lesson went great and Sister Kusch came up to me after and said that my spanish is really good, and that I just need to be confident. A lot of the times I say entiende? (do you understand) and look probably way awkward. But I do know what to say, so I am working on saying it with confidence! People think I know more when I act like I do! So I might as well fake them out:) 

I do have a big awkward moment for the week though. We contacted this man, enrique, in the street and he told us where he lived and we set up an appointment. A few days later we went to teach him. We knocked on the door and a man answered. My companion didnt say anything so I said Hola! podemos pasar? (can we come in) he said no. I was way confused and asked why, he replied because no one is home. I then asked is we could return tomorrow then and he said no. At this point I didnt understand what the problem was, so I asked when would work for you. He looked at me like why are you talking to me? My companion then said, does enrique live here? He said no. hahah No wonder he wouldnt let us in! I would be freaked out too! But a lot of Mexicans look the same! ha We explained who we were and left. My companion laughed forever and said it was her best day! 

I wish I had enough time to tell you all the funny stories like this! My life is seriously a joke sometimes! But I love it:) I get a great balance of faith building experiences and comical experiences. I hope you all have a great week though! Smile and enjoy the sun:)

Love always,

Hermana Peterson

the picture is from our lesson, we thought we could have more unity if we matched:) 

Viva Mexico!

Hola mi familia y mis amigos! 

This week Hermana Obregon and I organized a family home evening at the church for all the members. We wanted them to bring their friends for us to meet and all be strengthened in our testimonies. We decided to watch the Jospeh Smith Movie. We wanted to use a projector and set it all up in the church, but had big troubles getting it to work! We tried two lap tops, a DVD player, and the internet with the projector but NADA! So we spent probably an hour or more with this and finally gave up and just watched it on a little TV. Lame right? We tried! On the other hand, it was successful! We had a member make food for after that everyoine loved and people brought their friends and we were all up lifted by the great word of God! I love this movie and my testimony of Joseph Smith was strengthened so much! He went through so many trials and hardships, but never gave up his faith. He can be such a great example for all of us. God is always with us, through the hard and difficult times, as well as the good! Rely on him. He will help us with any problem or situation we are facing. 

This week Marco was able to bless the sacrament for the first time! That was really exciting to watch. My favorite part about being here is the opportunity to see people grow. Marco has come so far and just loves learning more and growing and it is fun to watch his progress. He wants to have a party in the church for us to celebrate his baptism and meet his family. Honestly, Mexicans love parties and will take any excuse for one! They have so many holidays that they celebrate with lots of food! All of those little days on our calender (teachers day, doctors day, grandpas day..) they actually celebrate! Meeting with family and friends and lots of food is always a good idea :) 

I dont think I have mentioned this but my legs are getting so ugly! The bugs here just love my blood. I probably get 6 bites every day! and only me. My companion just watches and laughs at my pain. Rough life ;) But I guess my blood is pretty sweet! 

Enjoy your week and have a little party! It is Hannah's and Bryndee's birthdays this week so why not everyone celebrate?? I love you lots! 

Hermana Peterson

pics.. this little house is our church! casa de oracion (house of prayer) 

and this is a members fourwheeler.. I miss mine so I asked for a picture, it is not the same though.. haha