VIVA LA MEXICO

Update: I made it to the Mexico Training Center (CCM)!!!!! I am completely obsessed with everything. I traveled to Mexico last Tuesday (June 21) and arrived with over 100 other missionaries who are all serving in Spanish missions as well. I thought people at BYU were super warm and friendly, however, it doesn't even compare to the CCM. The spirit here is so strong. Everywhere you turn, someone is either praying, reading their scriptures, studying Spanish with their companion, or enjoying the beauty of the CCM.

If you know me, you know that I love talking to everyone and anyone I pass. Usually there is a 50\50 chance they are interested to talk or even respond, HOWEVER, here I still go up to people BUT only talk in Spanish and I always get a response because everyone is as desperate as me to practice Spanish ahah. I have met a lot of amazing people!

I got so lucky with my district as well. We all instantly clicked and have had so much fun. Maybe a little too much fun because last Sunday after reviewing the week together, we decided having fun is good but not the purpose of why we are here. This week we have found a good balance of enjoying our time in class and studies while remaining close to the spirit and putting Christ in the center of thoughts. I have seen such a difference already in my work ethic, energy levels, and overall experience.

Scripture: John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

A big part of the CCM is applying what we have learned in class through role plays with other missionaries (I teach lessons to other missionaries who act as investigators of the church).The first couple of days, I was frustrated because I had so much to say but could never get my point across because it was all in Spanish. I was putting in the work yet did not feel like I was seeing much of an improvement. I decided to take it to the Lord through prayer.

Afterwards, I noticed the importance of the Spirit kept being brought up in conversation, classes, and my scripture study. I quickly realized that I was relying on myself and my knowledge (which is slim) instead of putting in the work and then relying on the spirit to guide my conversation and thoughts.

Hermana Opager (my companion who is amazing and such a blessing in my life) and I got the opportunity to actually talk to members of the church here in Mexico through zoom. We studied really hard beforehand and then prayed that the Spirit will guide us to know what we need to say. The first two zoom meetings with the members went well, but it was hard to let go and completely trust that the Spirit would help us.

Our last zoom meeting ended up being with the first person we met. We got a little nervous because we couldn't share the same scripture again with him. We had no choice but to completely rely on the spirit to guide us in a 15 minute conversation in a language we barely know. My head all at once cleared and the nervousness went away. I just began to speak. No long pauses trying to say the correct conjugation or laughing trying to make up for awkward silences. My companion and I asked deeper level questions that led the man we were talking to on zoom to open up to us. I was able to share all my thoughts cohesively and end with a powerful testimony and promise. I wish I was a better writer so I could better explain the power of this experience, however I am not haha. Just know, when you put in the work on your end, pray for the power and guidance of the spirit, and then trust in God, you will be blessed.

I have continued to rely on the Lord and have seen an EXPONENTIAL growth in my abilities to speak Spanish.

Highs:

Eating tacos, fruit, and Mexican candy everyday
My district and I having an obsession with competitive games of volleyball (gives me an opportunity to practice love and patience)
Hermana Arne doing my hair this week
Singing hymns in Spanish
Having speed walking competitions
Teaching people the game chicken taco
When people in my district use the color code personality test to describe themselves or others
Beatboxing with my companion
Seeing friends from BYU all the time