Happy Valentines Day and 100 Days for ME!!

Hola Everyone!

Happy Valentines Day this week!! Hope you all have a wonderful time and remember how much Love I have for you and that the Savior has for you! And it will be even better because Valentine's day is my 100 day mark (well technically it will be my 101 day but it will be I have completed 100 days!) Crazy! A day of Love! I never thought that 100 days would come. haha. It always seemed so far away especially at the beginning of the mission. The first day I remember talking with Hermana Williams about how 100 days is so far away and now we are here! So crazy sauce to me! =) I am 1/5 of the way done. . time goes fast!

Well this week was pretty good. . had some downers but it was mostly wonderful and incredible as per the normal in the life of a missionary.

I am loving the mission! You meet so many wonderful people each and every day! No joke I have met all types of people and I am loving to see the different ways the Lord prepares each person!

Well this week was a WONDERFUL start!! We started with Hermana Nord's birthday on the 4th!! WAHOO!!! So wonderful to celebrate her birthday! And the other hermanas also had a baptism on this date, for Jose Ortiz! =) It truly was a wonderful day!

It started with Hermana Nord opening our bedroom door to balloons falling on her! We got her good! She was so happy to have them, and they all had cute little messages to her! =) We are the best! Then of course we did studies and all that wonderful stuff. Then we did deep cleaning. (on the first Tuesday of each month we do a deep clean for the apartment and clean the cars). So we did deep clean. Then afterwards we tried to visit a few people before the baptism but had no success so we went to meet the other hermanas to set up for the baptism! =) It was really wonderful! Jose was SO SO HAPPY!! He was glowing and smiling ear to ear! He is the greatest guy in the world. Just so happy to have found the gospel. He is one of those you truly can't take any credit for because he was prepared by the Lord so much. It was so great to see him be baptized.

The baptism was REALLY long though. haha. whoops. It went for about an 2 hours because it started late. . and then the talks talked literally for about 20 minutes a piece. haha. It was good though. All that matters is that Jose is baptized and that he is happy! Hermana Nord played the violin at it and did extremely well. She has so many wonderful talents. Jesus and Miriam attended though so that was really great! Miriam loved it thought it was really neat. She is still planning on being baptized on March 1 if they can get married. =)

Afterwards we went to Chili's to celebrate Hermana Nord's birthday and also the baptism! (and to have dinner because we were all STARVING!). haha. We had a great time talking and chatting and eating delicious food! P.s. Chili's changed their menu a tid bit! And it looks delicious!

But it was super great. . we were eating and we were waiting for our checks. Then our waitress brought our Hermana Nord an ice cream and they all sang to her. And then it was so nice because our waitress said someone had bought all our meals. WOW! What a great gift. It truly was just so nice of whoever did that. We were all so grateful to the people who bought our dinner. They are wonderful and they deserve some carpet installation in their mansion in Heaven. ;) It was such a nice act of kindness! We surely appreciated it! =)

Wednesday we went to Abuelita's for lunch like normal! On the way there we were blown a kiss from a car to the side of us. haha. I seriously love people. They make me laugh all the time. =) And it was even more surprising because at Abuelita's it was the least amount of food I have ever eaten there (it was still a lot of food but I was shocked! haha). It was really delicious though. She is just the sweetest old lady ever. Always just wrapping you up and kissing you on the cheek. She is adorable. =)

We also visited Yami this day. The Hermanas had visited her before but she had a baby and asked us to come back in a few months. So we are back! She is a YW leader in her church and seriously is so nice. She was babysitting and autistic child when we got there (he was sick and couldn't go to school). He was a cutie. But we taught her the Restoration again and just talked about what missionaries do. She wants to have us back and she said she would read the book of Mormon so we will see what comes from this! =) She is nice.

Oh my hilarious story of my life. . haha. So we had tried to visit Marta before Yami's home. Anyways. . Marta lives by Arelis (the one we dropped but she still loves us, and her mom is Ilda who I Love so much.haha). Anyways as we are driving to Yami's, Arelis calls us on the phone and no joke chews us out for not stopping by. She is like "I know you are missioanries and have a lot of things to do, but Jesus would still visit me." so of course we went back and we had a game plan, cause she can talk for hours if you let her. We were like okay in and our in thirty minutes. haha. yeah no, an hour and a half. BUT it was great because right when we get there Arelis has like 5 friends over. haha. And they were getting their coffee and of course offered us some and we said no. Then we had to explain the W.O.W to them. =) GREAT opportunity. And of course one of her friends is a Mary Kay sales lady representative, and yes family, you guessed it she wanted to wash my face. haha. (I feel like ALWAYS whenever we are at the mall they always want to wash my face and do a makeover on me. haha.) So she was determined so I gave up and just let her. It was actually pretty hilarious. I love her so much. I was dying the whole time. But from this lovely makeover we received 3 contacts! Wahoo! And we are trying to visit them all this week! And we are hoping that if they start to get interested and join the church maybe Arelis will open her heart a little more to the message! Miracles can happen! =)

Makeover night wasn't the greatest though. We had a lesson with Esteban and it ended up being okay. . not the greatest in the world. I truly gained a testimony of member presents though. Members truly make a difference in investigators! (SO GO OUT WITH THE MISSIONARIES!!!!!). ;)

We had brought the Hernandez family, Rosolio and Melina who were baptized this past August. They are the greatest and cutest family ever. Anyways, we are sitting in Wendy's waiting for Esteban just talking to them. anyways Esteban shows up and the look on his face was DETERMINED to tell us something then when he saw the members he was in complete SHOCK! haha. He was like "hey". haha. But he did get his feelings off his chest and basically told us he doesn't want to be baptized until his dad approves of his decisions because it is causing so much problems in his family. It was a hard lesson. We read Alma 20 with him though about Lamoni's father. And it was really great. Then the testimonies of Rosolio and Melina seriously made the lesson. In the beginning of the lesson Esteban wasn't really participating and just playing with his thumbs and then by the end he was almost in tears because of how powerful their testimonies were. Esteban was like I wanted to not listen because I know what you are telling me is the truth and I can't do anything about it yet. He is really stuck on the commandment Honor your father and mother and we are trying to explain to him that honoring and doing what they say is something completely different. It is your salvation on the line. It was good by the end. And we had the opportunity to fast with him on Saturday. It was neat. We saw so many blessings from that! =)

Thursday I think I about died. . . I was so FULL!!! I had the biggest bowl of soup in my entire life. . it was seriously like a gallon of soup. haha. It was thick too. Had a HUGE piece of chicken that was all whole. And then like a whole potato a person and carrots, and rice and beans and just so much stuff. I about died. I was like I can't do it. Then we had rice pudding too. haha. Oh man I was about a gonner. . . but I ate it all! GO ME! Point in heaven. I was dying the whole time though. But it truly is humbling that they want to feed us all the time. We ate with the Florres family who is seriously so sweet. And we know they are struggling finiancially so I truly just humbled myself and tried not to think of how much food it was but tried to think of what a sacrifice it was for them to feed us. So I ate it all. =) haha. And tried not to complain about it. ;)

They are so sweet though. We are going to teach Hermana Florres to make cookies this week! =) I am excited. I love doing service!

We also visited Miriam, Jesus and Natasha this night. They are so prepared. They are just the cutest family in the world. Miriam also told us that night that we are the reason she was supposed to come to Virginia and come to the United States. They also every time are always like this gospel is uniting our family more than ever before. And are always just talking about how wonderful it is. Theya re the greatest! I am hoping they can get married and all goes well with that. =) We are having a family home evening with them tonight! We are going to talk about love and how we can show service to others. It will be really great! I am so happy to have found them and be able to teach them the gospel! The Lord truly prepares people and puts them directly in our paths. =)

We had Zone meeting on Friday! It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. One of the Elders talked about the difference between fisherman and hunters. and how some missionaries are fishers, where they seem to always be bringing in loads and loads in huge nets. But others are hunters and have to take the time to prepare and track their prey and stuff. It was a really great comparison. I truly enjoyed it. Thought his lesson was the best of the whole day.

I also like a quote shared. Our theme for the month is finding through faith so a lot of talks and lessons were on faith. But this quote was by President Monson and it is "Your future is as bright as your faith". And that truly is true. Your faith in all the things that Heavenly Father has for you is what determines your happiness and the brightness of your future! Have faith that things will be better, that you can do hard things! =)

The cute sister training leaders also made all the hermanas a valentine. haha. they are adorable. make me laugh all the time!

Saturday was really great, had the opportunity to fast with Esteban and truly see immediate answers. I was having a rough day though, I think it was mostly I was hungry cause once I got food I was fine.haha. But we decided to visit Osmal and we talked to him for a little bit. Didn't really get to teach a lesson because his aunt had to leave so we just shared a quick message. But basically all our plans were falling through and we were having no success and then we had the feeling to go see Walter (he lives with Esteban's family). And we were like that is weird, he works Saturdays and we just don't see him really progressing (we were doing a DTR with him). So we go and we are talking to Walter and we are like saying what we do as missionaries and what not. Then a miracle happened! Esteban's dad was leaving the apartment and we talked to him! He was very firm that he is catholic and not changing but he did accept a plan of salvation pamphlet. We truly think that the lord wanted us to meet his dad. The best part was Esteban came home in the middle of us talking to his dad and he truly looked petrified and furious that we were talking to him. But then we explained we had been talking to walter and his dad came out and started talking to us and he was fine. haha. Esteban truly is hilarious. He make me laugh. He was so cute, wanted to take us out for pizza to end our fast. But we had dinner with the Richies so we couldn't. esteban though is truly incredible! he is the greatest!

Yesterday was great! Esteban came to church again! Which we were truly shocked because his dad was FURIOUS last week about it. So we were happy he still came! our cute little family didn't come though. Her sister was in town from Tennesee so we just went and visited them last night. They are the greatest. We talked about following the prophet and about a revelation from the prophet was family nights and then asked if we could do a family night with them. they are so wonderful. Natasha loves us. She is so stinking adorable. Always wanting us to be there and share messages with them. She is the greatest! =)

jesus was awesome too. He was explaining how one day he can't wait for Jesus and God to wrap their arms around him into a huge hug. I was like you are seriously so wonderful! I am so happy they are progressing in the gospel!

Well this week was wonderful! I am so happy to have this chance to share the gospel with others! The church is so true! I see so many lives changed everyday by them coming to the gospel! =)

I love you all! Remember I love you this week, especially because it is the week of love! =)

Love you, Happy Valentines day! Enjoy the Olympics! Family be safe in all of your travels! And don't have too much fun because clearly I am not there and you won't have that much fun without me. ;) Love you! Be safe, Remember who you are and where you come from and that Heavenly father and I both love you! =)

Love,

Hermana Gray  ~Your favorite~

The choices you make now have eternal consequences!

Red Robins

Awesome Shirts from the Chamberlains for Christmas

Movie Party

Our great apartment plays jokes on each other. This was a "person" in my bed from all of Hermana Nord's balloons from her birthday. haha. We are dorks. =)

Snow Day #2 & 3 and 4 people at church!

Hola familia y amigos!

I know I know, the headline is very disappointed seeing as when we have snow days here we literally do NOTHING. . . well we do stuff but it just isn't exciting to talk about. haha. Like our studies and what not, not really exciting unless you learn something extremely neat! But I will go a head and tell you all about our adventures this week anyways! ;)

Neat experience. . Last P-day while we were at the library writing you all of you! We met a guy named Matthew. The computers were all down for a minute and Hermana nord hadn't sent her email so we had to wait for them to be back on. Anyways so Matthew was talking to all of us and we were explaining what we do. He said he'd talked to the missionaries before but hadn't really done anything. Basically it was funny because he was trying to flirt with all of us and we didn't care to be flirted with. haha. So it was hilarious. Anyways we gave him a Mormon.org card with the Elders numbers on it. (They are English elders, the ZL's). So apparently after we left the ZL's started talking to him and invited him to FHE and what not that night in the singles ward. And he went! He is taking the discussions right now! So just think. . . all of you are in a way already doing missionary work! Just by reading my emails. ;) haha.

I also got such a neat little email from President Baker, he had this really great thing he said to me "Sister Gray-- the lord will refine your personality and character as you serve this mission, but you will still be the wonderful self you are, just shinier and with greater spiritual capacity. I hope this week was better and I know it will improve for you as you persist." What great advice! He seriously has the best advice each week for me. But I just liked how he was like you will still be the same you, just better and more spiritual! That is what missionary work is! You are you, just more in tune with the spirit! =)

Tuesday was super fun! Sister Hamilton (stake president's wife) and sister Chamberlin (branch presidents wife) took us to lunch! We met up with all the Hermana's in the surrounding areas at a little restaurant in Williamsburg called Blue Talon Bistro. It was SO SO delicious! I ate a really intense burger (I am totally American, I feel like I always order a burger or something but I think it is delicious so I'll get over it!). It was so good though! They called it "Hermana appreciation lunch". They make me laugh. They seriously are the sweetest ladies. They just take care of you. They are like our second mom's out here in the mission! =) They always are calling and seeing if we need anything. They just are so wonderful! =)

We also met with Estaban this night! And he set a BAPTISMAL DATE for the 17th of February!!! And this is like probably a legit date. He is working so hard to meet it. Although it got a little touchy last lesson when we taught about tithing. He is supporting all of his family in Guatemala. So it will be interesting to see. He did come to church yesterday though! and in church a couple of people bore testimony about tithing. WAHOO!!! An answer to our prayers! =) =)

Wednesday was a SNOW DAY. . haha. It started snowing late Tuesday and it snowed a good three inches. We were all bound to our apartment so we decided to walk to Red Robin, it is like half a mile from our apartment or less. . so we are walking more like trekking because it is uphill and there is lots of snow. I bet we looked pretty hilarious in all our snow gear and dresses with our little badges on. We were doing great. Then a cute little family pulled over and gave us a ride. They were like it is TOO dangerous for you sisters to be out here. we just laughed. They are in the English ward. But they were so great they dropped us off at Red Robin and we had a good little lunch. (I had yet another burger. . . telling you, American! This is why I didn't go out of the country. . . I wouldn't have survived!). =)

Afterwards we trekked back to our apartment, but first we decided to trek to walmart and buy ice cream. =) Yes, we are crazy. So we went to Walmart got our ice cream and then came back to the apartment and watched Ephraim's Rescue AGAIN. haha. For the third time in 2 weeks. =) We are dorks. We now can basically quote the whole movie and we decided the main lady the mom, is really annoying. She cannot speak in that accent. It makes us laugh. So we watched it yet again. and just played games and talked. Got to know each other better. We did studies for a little longer but there is only so much studying you can take at one time. We had a great time in with our snow!

Thursday was ANOTHER SNOW DAY! We were REALLY sick of our apartment. haha. we did actually get out of the apartment though because the McCoy's were super amazing and gave us a ride! Go them! Hermana Nord and I had a conference call with President BAker this day. We talked about the 12 week program with all the other missionaries I came in with. It was really a neat opportunity for all of us to share our progress in the program and discuss all the things we are doing. It truly is inspiring (although I truly do think English has it easier because they already know the language. haha. I was like this program would be SO much easier in English, but I will get over it. I am happy to speak Spanish though! Definitley a challenge but an exciting challenge!).

The McCoy's were nice enough to drop us at Wendy's so we could have a lesson with Estaban. We discussed the plan de salvacion with him and talked about the palabra de sabaduria with him. He took it all well and is progressing like crazy! He is getting some slack from his parents right now though so we will see what is happening. We have another lesson with him tonight. =)

This night we also went to the Hernandez Family (a cute little recent convert family). And celebrated Thiago's first birthday! She made us dinner and we had cake and celebrated. He is so stinking cute! I need to get a picture of him for you all just so you can see his adorableness. He is a cutie pie. =)

Afterwards they drove us to the Hamilton's home and we had a big ward party for Elder Jones (DL) and also Elder Larsen (ZL) who are going home tomorrow. Crazy! But it was so fun. We had the chance to celebrate their time here and Hermana Garcia made them all a cute "dead" cake with a lot of symbolism. They both spent like all of their mission here basically. It is insane. They have lived in the same apartment together for 18 months out of their whole mission. Which is basically my whole mission. It was so great. They both are the best and they are going to do great things in life. =)

This day all the Hermana's in my apartment also learned I am freakishly good at Mancala. (that little wood game with the marbles pebble things). haha. I DOMINATE this game. I think it was all the hours Chrissy and I played it growing up. They were all so impressed. I cream them like almost every time. =) Gray competitive skills right here. ;)

Friday. .. . we were RELEASED to teach the people!

It truly was nice to finally start teaching again. We met up with our cute little family we came in contact with Jesus, Miriam and Natasha. I think I told you about them last letter. He is a member and was converted in Mexico. Anyways we have had TONS of progress with them in such a short time. We are teaching them the lessons. We taught them the plan of salvations yesterday and they are just so excited. They want to have an eternal family. It makes me so happy to see them so happy! No joke I just feel their love for the gospel. It is such a great feeling. =) We set a date for March 1 for baptism with Miriam and Natasha. =) We did talk to president chamberlin last night though and there is some complications so Miriam probably won't be baptized on this date but Natasha still can. =) Natasha is 8 and is just the cutest little girl. SUPER shy. But she is opening up a little at a time. =) Miriam is so excited. I really wish she could get baptized sooner but they have to get married and that is where the complications come in. It is some interesting work here. =) haha. Can't give you too much detail but just keep them in your prayers! =)

WE also visited Judith and taught her  how to make banana muffins. It was super fun. She appreciated the visit. Especially with Angel gone. We are hoping to keep teaching her the lessons with him away. I think it will be great. =) She is having us over for Hermana Nord's birthday this week sometime. :) Judith is so nice though and fed us dinner (although we told her we had a dinner appointement. . .)

So this is where the great story comes in. . .haha. We eat dinner at Judith's. Then we are supposed to drive to the Chamberlin's for dinner. We are LATE. Like twenty minutes, but he knows this. And since he lives on base he has to get us at the gate and then we have to show id's and what not. So we are late. Driving. Our GPS is totally not correct. Yeah, let's just say we almost died. haha. HErmana Nord may have almost ran a red light on accident. But it is all good! =) We survived and we had two dinners. The life of the Spanish missionary. ;)

The dinner with the chamberlin's was super delicious though! Pasta bar. They are the greatest. I tend to really enjoy their house. ;)

Greatest story ever, or at least I think it was hilarious. . .

So we are following the other Hermana's back to our apartment from the Chamberlin's and we were going to stop at Natasha's and give her an English BOM. But the elder's had put the English BOm's in their car on accident and not ours. So we are at a red light and I get out of the car and go knock on their side window (their phone was dead or we would have called them). Hermana Sahleen looked like she was going to pee her pants. it was HILARIOUS!!! They were like I though you were a rapist!! Then I was laughing and I was like why would they knock? lol. But It brought me true joy to have this moment. Don't worry I am laughing writing about it and am getting hilarious looks from those around me. :)

I also got a fun Valentine package from Katie Hoggan! I was excited! =) It was super fun and I am enjoying all of it's contents. ;)

Saturday we tried visiting lots of people but lots of people ehaven't been home because of the snow. They are now finally out and about but we ate dinner with the Castillo's. So delicious. But hilarious story again. Hermana Sahleen used their toilet and it broke somehow. So she decides to text elder jones and he just nods from across the table and went and fixed it. haha. =) I laughed so hard when she was telling us what was happening after. Apparently it has happened before though so we weren't too worried. Elder Jone's is the greatest. All of us hermana's are going to miss him. He seriously is such a great District Leader.

Yesterday we ahd a great day! Our little family came to church and so did Estaban! They all loved it! =) I was so happy! We also had a lesson with the family and it was just so great. Miriam said a prayer at the end that was just so humble and sweet. I think one of the best parts of missionary work is being able to pray with a family. And see the joy they get with knowing their purpose! How can you not enjoy bringing happiness to others?? =)

I love you all! I hope you have a great week, even with the Broncos losing. =( I was sad to hear this. We were talking about it at oompa lumpa this morning. Marc. . . I am sorry. I cheered hard even without being able to watch it. =)

I love you all! Be safe! Enjoy the snow! And glad to hear you got my "hugs" =)

Love you,

Hermana Gray

Snow Day

Estaban

SNOW DAY!!!!

Hello family and friends!

Oh my goodness, yes you heard right, we had a SNOW DAY! What in the world! I was so super happy though! Snow made me so much happier. Which is weird cause I HATE snow but hey it was fun for a couple of days.

Well just so you all can hear about the crazy madness. . . so basically Tuesday we woke up did studies than wrote emails and what not.

So we start proselyting at about 3:00 and this night we are supposed to go to Angels for dinner. So we get a call from President Chamberlin (the branch president) and he is like you need to be home at 5:00 because a snow storm is coming. haha. Oh man do they take these things so literally. ANyways so we end up going to Angel and Judith's at like 4 because Angel is leaving the next day for South Carolina. . and they are seriously so amazing. They bought us pizza and we just talked to them for a while. We are currently teaching Judith with Angel gone so hopefully she can realize the importance of the gospel and change while he is making changes in his life. So literally we have to be in by 5 so we drive home and just do studies and what not this night. Write in our journals to catch up and what not because sometimes you have no time to write which is totally a bummer because I want to remember EVERYTHING! So we just studied and what not, planned for the next day.

So than Wednesday we wake up and no joke there is an INCH of snow!!!!! SO FUN!!!! We LOVED it! But it was even more hilarious because it was an ALL CARS GROUNDED day. So we couldn't leave the apartment in our cars. . . so basically we couldn't go out. Crazy sauce to me. But it was really fun. We watched like all our gospel dvds that we had that are approved from Eprhaim's Rescue to like the REstoration video. And we still had forever. We didn't feel bad watching them either because half of them are in total Spanish so it was language study. :) But it was fun. We talked and got to know each other better. Then we invited sister Caldwell and willey over for dinner (sister training leaders) and so Hermana nord and I decided to walk to walmart to go get some flour so we could make banana muffins. So we walked there and Hermana Nord fell on ice. It was hilarious! I about died laughing for a good 5 minutes. Then this guy rolled down his window and was like you girls are brave, beign in the snow like that. And we were like we are from Utah this is normal. And he was like you are still brave. . haha. So then we get to WAlmart and no joke there is literally like 20 people in ALL of walmart. I am dying laughing. I can't believe this one inch of snow kept so many people from going out. It is crazy to me. And supposedly we might get snow again this Wednesday which would be real crazy. But it was a fun day. Kind of get to relax a little bit. =)

Thrusday we tried to make up for all the people we missed visiting because of the snow. This day we had a really neat experience! Nancy one of the less actives here we always try to visit and she literally avoids us a lot of the time or just says she is busy. So we were like we should just see if she wants us to quit bugging her for a while. So we pull up deciding we are going to share proverbs 3 with her. Anyways we go up to her door she already has it open and she tells us to come in and sit down. So we do obviously. We share our message and she literally bursts into tears at the end and is like. "I prayed to know what I need to change in my life because I know I am not where I am supposed to be right now. and I knew Heavenly father would send you here to tell me, and your message is exactly what I needed to hear. I need to change my life and start reading the scriptures again." It was really intense and really a neat experience to see this happen in her life. We are now starting to visit her 3 times a week and read the book of Mormon with her. =)

This week was also hard because we ended up dropping Arelis. =( I was super sad about this. Basically she says she can't believe in anything more than the bible at this point in her life and she doesn't believe we have a living prophet. It got a little heated at that point but it died down when we bore testimony so that was great. She is a great lady though and one day she will hopefully join the church. =) She does make me laugh though because she has a 19 year old son and she pointed at him one day and was like girls what does he lack? and we were like I don't know. . she was like Jesus. . .he lacks jesus! haha. I was dying laughing. She seriously is hilarious. and than this week Ilda. . . oh man she got so bundled up to go outside to get the snow. She had like three jackets and a scarf and a hat that says "Jesus is my boss" I was laughing pretty good at that. She seriously makes my day. It was hard to drop them but it is necessary and maybe with us not visiting she will realize when we come again what a difference the spirit is. =)

WE found a family!!! Craziest story. so we were walking one day and we saw these two girls climbing a tree and Hermana nord was like we should talk to them. Anyways one of them is 8 years old and lived in the house. Her name is Natasha. Anyways we gave her a Mormon.org card and then we were like we'll stop by a different day. Then we did and her mom kind of wanted to avoid us but she was like mom listen to them. So we went in and just did a CCE and as we did that the mom opened up and was like if my husband wants to do this we will. So we set up and appointment for yesterday. So we go to stop by last night to do an FHE with them. And we go and the little girl saw us before we got up there and already had her doors open and was like my parents are sleeping so we are like ask them when we can come back. So then the mom comes out and is like come in and then Jesus the dad comes out too. Then we find out he is a MEMBER!!! What the!?!? Big shocker there! haha. But he is a member, he was baptized in Mexico at 15 and was super active, went to the temple and what not. Then somehow he ended up going to jail and now just hasn't been back. But he is like I want my daughter to learn the teachings fo the gospel and to go to the youth activities. And if my wife wants to be baptized I am all for it. Then he was even better because we asked the wife a question and she tried to dodge us and make him answer and he was like they asked you. You should answer. He was all for it though and I think the wife was a little shocked. But they are going to start taking the lessons so hopefully we can make some progress come from this.

Hermana Nord keeps telling me (I told her how in my blessing it said I would be a big influence on the less actives and get them reactivated) and she is like no joke there has been a difference in the less actives since you got here. They all are wanting to change again. It was just crazy sauce! So we found a part member family to start teaching! Go us! Hopefully we can get them activated, that would be a grand miracle!

As a companionship we decided on having 7 baptisms this year with one being a family and then hopefully in reality 2 families. =)

It also amazes me how much people trust the missionaries right off the bat. I have had people tell us the craziest things on my first encounter. Like I went to jail, or I had serious depression and tried to kill myself multiples times, or just that there spouse was abusive or seriously. . .what people trust the missionaries with amazes me. I still can't believe it. But it really is a blessing from the lord how people just naturally trust you. =)

Funny story, or at least I think it is. So after we dropped arelis we decided to go get some hot cocoa from the gas station and also use the bano. And so we get our hot chocolate and some guy buys it for us! How awesome is he! He is a member and attends the singles ward. He was like Can I buy your hot chocolate? It was so nice. But than this lady we are walking out and she walks with us and is like you girls need to be careful. . cause that there was just weird. =) Haha. All the people seriously have so much love for us. It is incredible. They always are giving us warnings. I don't know how many times we've been told. .. "now you girls don't go downtown even if your church wants you too it is just dangerous!" I just think it is so great how even just random people are looking out for our safety. =)

Estaban is one of our progressing investigators. He is really neat. He is 19 and from Guatemala. He is awesome. He was so great though. He calls us Saturday night and is in a panic and is like I need you to meet me at Wendys. I guess all the people in his apartment were drunk and one was threatening to kill him. (he doesn't drink or smoke or anything! Bonus for us!) and so he was like I need somewhere to stay tonight do you know anyone? and we literally helped him find somewhere to stay that night. It was incredible to me though just how the lord literally had him call us first. How much he trusts us when we have only talked like maybe 5 times total. it is just a miracle. And it made me laugh because the only thing he brought with him from his house was 2 BOM's (English and Spanish, we give then an English one in English class so they can practice) and a little restoration pamphlet. it made my day! He is the greatest! =)

I said a prayer in sacrament yesterday! Go me! =) It really was a great experience. I literally didn't know how to say something in the middle of my prayer and it was so neat to feel the Holy ghost bring words to my mind and know what to say. I was so touched. It was a neat experience. =) Afterwards President Hamilton (stake president) came up to me and was like your Spanish is really good. Everyone has been saying that to me lately which is surprising because I don't feel like it has improved at all. But apparently it is really good. =) Sometimes I just don't know what to study though so it makes me frustrated. I figure if I for sure read a chapeter from the Libro de Mormon I am good and then just try to practice something. Mostly right now I am focusing on teaching the discussions in Spanish. I just do little role plays to myself. haha. =) Awkward, but true. ;)

And a member at church told me I looked like I lift weights because I look really strong! Go me! haha. =) Strong muscles!

Love you all, hope you have a great week! Work hard, remember the Lord Loves you! =) And so do I!

Love you,

Hermana Gray

GO BRONCOS!!!! =) I'll be rooting for you!

SNOW DAY

HOW MUCH SNOW CAUSED THIS SNOW DAY. =)

SNOW DAY

Walmart and our walk to it

Ilda and her awesome hat!

you know you are in the ghetto when we both commented on how nice his stairs were!  He just redid them.  haha.  Go us.

Happy MLK Day! (better late than never)

I know those days when you are the one waiting at home and than realize you won't get a letter/email because it is a Monday holiday and ALL the libraries and everywhere your missionary can write is closed. Yep, sorry! The libraries were all closed. :( But at least it makes today a thousand times better! =) Happy Tuesday! haha.

Well wow oh wow did I absolutely have the WORST week of my whole mission. . . It was incredibly sucky. haha. But I am in a LOT better spirits as of today. I seriously feel so horrible for Hermana Nord. I am probably so psycho to her. I am just so happy one minute and sad the next. It is a serious problem. haha. I have some serious emotional issues happening right now. I seriously bawled for a good hour yesterday cause I was just having a crappy day and she was like I get it. She gave me lots of great advice. Let me read a journal entry where she literally said EXACTLY what I was saying. haha. I just don't feel like myself some days and it scares me SO much. It freaked me out so bad. After my emotional breakdown, she asked if I wanted a blessing. and I definitely did. =)

The elders came over, okay and get this, so I am already embarrassed a little bit cause it is kind of stupid to me that I miss my family so much that I am having this breakdown to begin with than we have to call the elders to get a blessing for me. Then so they can come in the apartment to give the blessing the Zone leaders now have to come so then I am super embarrassed even though I definitely shouldn't be because I have a right to use the priesthood. It was just stupid and I realized how dumb I was acting. But it still was embarrassing to me. But it's all great now and truly the priesthood is SO real. I have NO DOUBT that my blessing was directly from Heavenly Father through the mouth of his servants. Because in it it talked about like my sleeping habits. I have literally woken up probably 5 out of 7 nights since I've come on my mission. Which is HORRIBLE but true. and it said that my sleep would be better. and it also just talked about how my mind would become clear so that I could focus and think clearly (which is nice because it is SO hard to focus on a lesson in a different language when you are having an internal battle. haha) But it seriously was so comforting and I have been on a spiritual high ever since! =)

And this morning I read D&C 6 which is probably my favorite chapter ever at the moment. It helped my out SO much! So read it! Katie hoggan and Kinz I suggest you mark it in your mission scriptures because it helps so much in life on the mission! Make sure you have your favorite passages to read often. It definitely helps. =)

Yesterday was also the best day ever because President Chamberlin literally randomly called Hermana Nord and I and was like we want to take you to lunch. haha. Him and his wife are seriously the greatest in the whole world. They took us for Chinese food and we just talked. It was good. He kind of reminds me of dad a little bit so it was a good day. I think he may have talked to the elders that morning though but who knows maybe the spirit told him that I needed it. =) I definitely loved it either way! Free lunch is free lunch! ;)

This week wasn't all that bad really besides the homesickness. Which I think started because It started to freak me out that everyone at home is changing and progressing so much during this time and I am too but just me coming home it'll be so different. Especially it freaked me out that I won't meet Lexi until she is already one. haha. So I had a panic attack for a little while. haha. But It is good to realize that everything is changing but that I am changing too and helping others to come unto Christ and make their lives better! What other time in my life can I dedicate 18 full months to the Lord?? NEVER! (besides like when I go on a mission when I'm older but even than it will be way different work). =)

But this week wasn't bad at all! I also received three great letters that were all about homesickness and what not! I loved them! haha. I will forever cherish them. I especially loved what Moo said about someone holding the Gray name in high regard. and they better! it will make all this emotional trauma worth it. =)

Well we have a new investigator! His name is Osmal and it is really intense because he is a Jehovah's witness and used to be a pastor when he lived in Cuba. He is 27. And we had a really intense lesson with him. President Chamberlin came with us and it truly was just intense. Especially because I only knew half of what was happening. He was really argumentative for a while but he was open a little to the message. But it was neat because once we bore testimony he stopped arguing. President Chamberlin told me at lunch. He was like I was going to help correct you with your Spanish but I decided not to because when you started to bare testimony is when the environment of the lesson changed. Because you are learning the language and they just stopped and listened to you. Even though it wasn't perfect Spanish they could understand and than after they couldn't even argue with you. =) It was great. And after my testimony his aunt and uncle also joined the conversation so that was neat to me. We are hoping to see him again this week on Wednesday. =)

We took arelis to the doctor. Apparently as Spanish missionaries we get asked to translate a lot for doctors appointments. =) But whe was super awesome. Afterwards we went to her house and talked for a while. And she showed us a slideshow this week of Cuba. and it was just great. And it was hilarious. So we gave her a lesson and we were talking about like the prophet and just a bunch of stuff and she was asking questions. Anyways Ilda her mom, we had said we have hymns in our church and she no joke stood up ran and got her hymn book and literally sang to me while Hermana nord finished the lesson. It was HILARIOUS! She sang me like 5 or 6 songs. it was great entertainment. =) (imagine grandma yodeling. .  that is what it was like!). And it was hilarious because before this just randomly in the lesson she just started touching my hair and playing with it. She was a little amazed that it is it's natural color. =) I just laugh. everyone is amazed by that. But it makes for great conversation apparently. :)

We also visited Zuley this past week who is a less active 15 year old. SHe is so interesting to me because the whole time we are there she acts annoyed we are there but everytime she lets us in. So who knows. We are getting to her in some degree! ;)

Angel and Judith are the GREATEST in the whole world. . I LOVE them so so much! I am so sad! This also made the week rough!

Angel is leaving for 5 months to go and work. =( So sad! But he is doing well so far on the alcohol situation. and he truly is trying so hard to straighten up his life. We are a little nervous for him because this is excactly what got him into drinking again last time. So hopefully he can stay strong!

But we also think this could be a blessing. Because Judith isn't a member and we are going to try and teach her while he is gone. We think she is ready and interested so hopefully this can be the time where she will want to accept the gospel. Angel will always just cover for her during the lesson and answer questions for her but truly. . it will be a blessing in a way! I think she will for sure join if Angel can conquer his addiction.

Angel is the greatest though. He always calls us his daughters. =) He just loves us so much. He has also told us that we are the missionaries that have made the difference in his life. He tells us this EVERY time we go over there. So that definitely helps me to want to be a great missionary! =)

He also made me laugh. So I know dad will appreciate this:

So I was wearing my boots and he was like Hermana Gray what does your dad do for a living? I was like he's a doctor (so this had happened like last week)

So yesterday no joke he was saying he was like Hermana Gray I was convinced your dad was a Rancho (Rancher) because of your boots. And he was like I was going to tell you I would work for your dad for free just so I could go to Utah and leave Virginia and get away from all my friends who try to get me to drink with them. But he just made me laugh so much. He was so convinced that I was a daughter of a Rancher. My boots definitely still make a statement. I have had lots of people approach me because of them. They are definitely a great missionary tool! =)

Thay also fed us Mexican corn this week! Which I think allie will approve of! She was a little obsessed with it wherever we were. =) But I had some for you Allie Cat no worries. 

I literally feel like I probably eat three dinners each day because everyone is like eat some. I ate so much yesterday. Cause we went to lunch, we had dinner at a member's house than angel fed us again. I ate so much food and Spanish portions are not normal. haha.

But I did weigh myself at a member's home this week and I was the same weight as when I left! I think that was part of the food thing in my blessing before I came on my mission! =) go me though! If I can maintain I would be okay with that. :)

Another random cool thing. I had my signature analyzed by Hermana Garcia. It was really fun actually. You sign a paper and she basically tells you what is up about you from your signature. It was pretty neat because I think she did pretty well. =)

 She had me as closed off. Hard to read, friendly and open but people have a hard time getting to know the true me because I don't let people in easily. They don't gain my trust easily. I apparently have distance between me and my family (I personally think we are really close but maybe the mission in and of itself is DISTANCE literally. haha) I am apparently super smart because I write my signature small. And I don't like others to tell me what to do. =) haha. This was like a two minute read because we were out of time but wanted her to do it anyway. It was really neat though. I thought she did pretty good. :)

interesting to me that she got that all from a signature. Who knows. haha.

We had interviews with the president this past week and that was great. Had lots to say to him. We also taught him the Restoration as a companionship in five minutes. It was really good. And super easy because it was in English. Although it may have been easier to do it in Spansih because I kept lapsing into it. haha. =) He said some things I really needed to hear though so it was great.

We also had District meeting and They shared a quote that I like a lot: "If I were given 10 hours to cut down a tree, I'd spend 5 hours sharpening my axe."- Abraham Lincoln.

It is so true! It is ALL about planning. If you can learn to plan well you will be an efficient missionary because if you plan well you will have success because you will always know what you will be doing. And you can always have the Lord direct you when you are done or run out of your back up plans BECAUSE you planned and showed him you were dedicated. It's ALL about planning! So plan!

We also did FHE this week with the Hernandez family. We did Nephis bow story thanks to our FHE ideas at home! =) We had them "hunt their animals" throw balls at cups and then we'd give them animal cracker cookies. haha. They are so cute the little girls are adorable! =) So stinking cute. One thing that is a bummer about a mission is you can't hold the kids. But if I could man, I would be all over holding their little baby boy who is one. He is so stinking adorable. SO much hair and just the cutest smile. =) This FHe was seriously the greatest though.

Last week someone asked me what my biggest goal was for the year:

And it is to become the best missionary I can become. By learning Spanish and by bearing testimony each and every day that I know this gospel is true and that we have a Savior and the restored gospel on the earth today. I want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of the people here. And I know I can if I work hard.

I'll end with writing my testimony in Spanish for you. Short and sweet cause I don't have much time:

Yo se que esta iglesia es verdadero. se que el evangelio de jesucristo establicio en la tierra es en la tierra otra vez. Jose Smith es un profeta y mediante orracion el recibio una respuesta. su respuesta fue no iglesia en la tierra a este tiempo fue verdadero y porque esta razon es necesario por una resturacion. Yo se que esta restauracion fue y porque esta hombre tenemos el evangelio otra vez en la tierra. Yo se que el libro de Mormon es las palabras de Dios. Que Dios quiere nos tener la verdad y la oprotunidad vivir con el otra vez y mediante este Evangelio tenemos esta opprotunidad. =)

I love you all. Have a great week! I know mine will definitely be better because Last week was so horrible! haha. But If my week can improve so can yours!

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU CAME FROM! GOD AND JESUS LOVE YOU AND SO DO I!!

I love you, keep up the things you are doing in your life to improve!

Love you,

Hermana Gray

Welcome to the world Lexi!

Oh my goodness, was I so excited to know I am an aunt again! Don't worry I was freaking out all day Friday (and apparently for the wrong reason because she came Saturday!) but I was still just so excited about it! I was disappointed to open my email and NOT SEE A PICTURE! But I am assured by mom at the moment that it will be here within minutes! GOOD! Cause I have been talking about it all week! =)

this week was really hard for me. I missed home a lot! I definitely was struggling but I am doing a lot better today. haha. =) I never realized how much I miss you all until I got out here and it totally sucks sometimes. But I am usually better when I am in a lesson or something so that helps a lot. Just pray that I have lots of lessons so I can stay happier. haha. =) And of course I feel better when I am talking. . . cause hello I feel like I talk like a mad woman! =) So I think my comp could kind of tell when I was down cause I was quiet. haha. Which is abnormal of course. =) But I am doing better! Reading emails and getting letters helps a lot. I now feel lots better about life. haha.

Well, this week was pretty grand besides the homesickness! =)

We accomplished a LOT!

Last week we ate at Ricks philly cheesesteak shop on Pday! haha. Oh man dad would have been in heaven. It was really great actually! =) Very delicious. Then it was hilarious. . that night we decided we would make these brownies a ward member had given us. She had given us each our own individual mix with an iron skillet, super cute! Anyways we were going to make them on New years but didn't wake up so we decided we should make them. We totally made them and they were so NASTY!! I don't even know how to explain them at all! haha. So disgusting. . ugh! Anyways Hna. Johnson was like seriously thesea re so gross. So then she was like we should call the elders and take tehm up on their offer for a brownie mix. So she calls the Dl's and is like "We NEED brownies!!" Oh my goodness. . so hilarious! I about died for twenty minutes laughing. She said it so seriously. No joke the DL's were there within five minutes. haha. Their faces were priceless too. Then they forgot our cake pan they had borrowed and she was like "where's the cake pan!?" and then they had to run back and get that too. But I think they all thought we were on our periods or something cause they were like are you okay. . haha. So hilarious! Really we just wanted chocolate. =)

And all the HErmanas think I have the biggest candy stash ever! (Thanks fam!) THey are like you must really like skittles. haha. Yep, I do! Tons of skittle and other delicious treats. We definitely eat my candy a lot so feel free to keep it coming! ;)

This week we went to talk to Adriana who is our investigator with a baptismal date for the 24 of feb. But she wasn't home so we got into a really intense discussion with her husband about life and what not. It was really intense. Somehow Satan was brought up and it was a good thing we had our ward member there cause I felt bad cause I was SO SO lost. ahha. my poor comp, sometimes she just has to teach lessons by herself cause I am like "well I have no idea what's happening" and my face probably says that too. haha. ;) Good times. But we are trying to teach both of them together this week sometime so hopefully they won't avoid us like yesterday.

Tuesday night we ate dinner with Angel and Judith! (we actually ate with the a LOT this week! they cook good so I don't mind!) We had some chicken with rice and it was delicious. But this night we decided to teach them the Resto. Angel is a Menos activo and Judith is a non member. So we decided to teach this again. Anyways it was SO SO great! I gave basically the whole discussion. It was awesome. And Guadelupe, Judith's mom's friend was there. And she was eating it up. She was so interested! =) So I think we have ourselves a new investigator. =) But I had the chance to do the whole memorized version of the first vision in Spanish "vi una columna de luz mas brilliante que el sol. . . ." =) It was really great. And the spirit was so strong. And it was neat because this week they ALL were reading in the BOM and saying prayers and stuff. It was a great lesson. A true miracle.

Wednesday was pretty great. We had English class again! Which is still so hilarious to me but it is really nice. Gets the investigators in the church without them feeling pressured or anything. But we had a really frustrating lesson with Estaban after this. haha. We sat down and were talking about the resto and what not. Then we were like once you find out it is true will you be baptized. And he was like so offended. haha. whoops! But it was good. He was just basically like I am not going to pray about it because I believe it is good and what not. And he basically was just telling us he wanted to learn more about god so that is why he is listening to us and he like the different aspects of views and what not. So it is really interesting. He is reading in the BOM though so we are hoping this will soften his heart. And he wants to hear all the lessons so we are trying to see where this is going. Especially because he seems so ready. Anyways just frustrating but it will come. He seems golden. . haha.

Wednesday we had our usual lunch with Abuelita. It was pretty delicious. The funny part was the elders totally spaced so they had to eat TWO HUGE lunches. And then abuelita made them eat seconds. haha. It was hilarious. Elder Jones' was dying. It was so much food. Good times, treats them right for forgetting Abuelita's lunch! haha. =)

This day we tried to go to the library so I could do some training stuff. Anyways we went to the library but it was super full and then we went to Abuelitas and decided to go to the library after. So we go to the library after and there is like fire trucks and what not there. I guess a pipe broke and flooded the library! It had like 6 inches of standing water!! CRAZY! they lost thousands of books. . don't worry Hermana Nord thought I was going to have a break down in the car because the lose of books. haha. My face was so sad. haha. But we just came to the library we normally come to anyways and I did my Spanish assessment and what not here. It was pretty good and I knew a lot more Spanish than I thought  so that was wonderful! =)

And this day I shared the message at Abuelita's and Elder JOnes afterwards was like you have really good pronunciation. That's right people, take that Collin! My pronunciation is going to definitely beat yours! ;) I am rocking the Mexican accent. haha.

This day we also had an investigator tell us straight out she wasn't interestedand was just listening out of respect to her dad. So that sucked but in reality is ten times better because I would rather spend my time teaching those who are prepared to hear the message! So it was a bummer but great news too! Especially since we have been praying about finding who oif all our investigators is ready. So that was an answer to our prayers. =)

Thursday I don't know what was up I just was having the worst day ever! haha. It was totally sucky and I was just in a horrible attitude. And there was no way I wanted to exercise or any of that jazz. haha. We went to an member's home for lunch and had this like Chinese food. it was interesting but good. And I was just super bummed out all day. But that morning cause I knew we were eating at Angel y Judith's (every Tuesday and Thursday). I was thinking I really want their taquitos. And yes, heavenly father totally answered my prayers and it was taquitos and I was in heaven! My mood drastically improved. haha. I don't know what it is about visiting them but my mood is always ten timesbetter! =) That helped get me out of my funk and then I got a letter from Katie Hoggan so that made my day too! haha. =) I was definitely in better spirits.

Friday we had our first zone conference, well my first zone conference and it was all about our vision for the mission and what not. Especially because our mission is brand new! it has only been working for 6 months. So our mission president expects a lot. I think they had like 236 baptisms last year and what not. Anyways it was all about our vision and it was a pretty good meeting and what not, kind of boring. Except the testimonies from all those who were leaving was freaking sweet! I LOVED that part! The other Hermanas agreed it wasn't the best meeting ever but wasn't horrible either. It was all about the vision for the mission. The mission president gave us a paper with where he wants us to be and to choose what we as a companionship felt in our area we should strive for. And it was good to know in over half the columns we were where he wants us to be but the ones that really are important we weren't really close. So we are hoping to improve in getting investigators at church and what not. But it was good to see where we were at and where we should be heading! =)

I also got a package! Cuca's Christmas package arrived here! =) Wahoo! It had been at the mission offices for a while! But it was awesome! And I already am eating the Capt. Crunch. ;) Delicious! And the lotion smells really really good! ;)

I really am the best smelling missionary. . haha. and dressed. What can I say. I am just awesome! =) =)

Saturday we had TONS of success. We taught so many lessons! It was a great day. Angel y Judith fed us yet again! This week we helped them take down Crhistmas stuff on Thrusday and she was going to teach us how to make tres de leche but we ran out of time so we came back today and she taught us. And whenever you visit a Spanish person they must cook for you. So we had food, yet again at Angel y judiths.  =) But we learned to make tres de leche!! DELICIOUS! =) it was really good. Yep, definitely have to make it for you when I get back. And it isn't runny like the ones from Costa Vida and what not. So it was definitely a true Mexican tres de leche! After we visited with Angel y Judith though we were in the car and Hermana Nord just blantantly said "Hermana Gray, I really think you are a miracle for this area because Angel has never been keeping commitments or been able to stop drinking (he's been alcohol free for 2 weeks!) my whole mission. I think it is because of you. He really has been changing a lot with you in this area". So that was super nice of ther to say! I really hope it is because I am here that I can help others find the truth and what not. =) He calls me his "rubia" (I Think that's how it's spelled?!) But it's his blondie. haha. Everyone is obsessed with my blonde hair. Especially random people on the streets. Apparently I have also upped the cat calls in Hermana Nord's opinion. I think it's hilarious. But all the Spanish have been obsessed with the blonde hair. =)

yesterday was great! Had the chance to be in primary again with the little tykes. I seriously learn so much in primary! haha. =) It keeps you thinking in the simplest of terms too! Which is all you need to do as a missionary! =)

We also visited Minerva who is an investigator who speaks SO SO fast! I get so lost. But it was hilarious half way through hna. Nord is like I need to explain in English and Minerva felt so bad. But it really isn't a big deal. Then they keep having a conversation. And Minerva just stops and is like Hermana Gray say whatever you are thinking even if it has nothing to do with what we are talking about. So I just talked about fe and what not. It was really interesting but hilarious. =) She was like just talk. It is hard as a newbie to talk especially when you have NO IDEA what is happening during the lesson. The lessons where thye talk fast I tend to be quiet. . haha. Really I should just say whatever's on my mind because they listen to me because I take a while to say my thoughts and they don't interrupt me because I am learning the language. And they feel like it's rude so I tend to have more influence sometimes on a lesson.

Well, I love you family, Hope you all have a great week! I love to hear all about your lives! Katelyn I especially loved the Bachelor feedback! It was so stinking HILARIOUS! I about died laughing. You and your mama crack me up! Thanks for the play by play though! Thanks for all the sweet emails! WELCOME TO THE WORLD LEXI! =)

Love you family,

Hermana Gray

Be safe! And remember who you are and where you came from!

The view from my apartment, reminds me of home.

Our Tres de Leche

Feliz Ano Nuevo!

Hola familia!
It has been so great to read your letters and learn what you all have been doing for the New year! So crazy to think it is already 2014!!! so crazy, and it is even weirder to think that I won't see any of you at all this year. . so sad but true! But so exciting and joyous at the same time! =)

Well well well. . . . I have to admit that I think the way I describe my Spanish struggles EVERYONE thinks I am really struggling with Spanish. haha. I only received I think 5 letters this week about Spanish and then a couple of emails about it too. haha. =) And thanks to Katie Hoggan, a Spanish for dummies book which I laughed really hard when I got! =) But Really Spanish is coming along great! Just slower than I would like it to! I just want to be fluent RIGHT NOW but I know that it takes time so I am okay with that. It is just a bummer sometimes! =) Really though Spanish is coming great, I use it everyday so hopefully it will improve a lot with time! =)
This week was really fun! Definitely different bringing in the New year in the mission field. . =)

For our last day of 2013 we went out and taught people the gospel! =) haha. Usual missionary response! But true. We had the chance to visit with Arelis who is one of my FAVORITE people in this world. haha. She is this lady who just like adopts you in. And ilda her mom is awesome, she totally reminds me of Grandma Gray a little bit so it cracks me up when we go over there. =) But Arelis is so great, she is a devote catholic and her pastor says the only thing wrong with the Mormons is the book of Mormon (LAME! NOT TRUE! The bom is so incredible) But yeah. She was like but I promised you girls that I would read it so I will. We ended up reading the first chapter and introduction with her so that was great. She is really funny too because she doesn't understand why the priesthood can only be held by boys. She was telling Hermana nord she was like I belive if you put your hands on my head and blessed me to be healed you could do it. It was just an interesting lesson. She is really a funny lady though and is always so welcoming to us! =) She loves the hermanas!

For New years eve we went to the Richie's home. Just a member in the ward. They were super nice. They made us a bunch of different like fingery foods and we played games. We played signs and do you love your neighbor, and just bigger group games. And then we also may have watched some studio C with them! haha. It was fun! =)

We wanted to rebel that night and wake up at 11:30 and make brownies (a lady in the ward gave us personal pan brownies for Christmas!) and we were going to have brownies and ice cream and bring in the new year but NONE of the alarms in our apartment went off. haha. So apparently Heavenly Father was like "oh no you won't" but really there is probably a reason as missioanries we are supposed to obey the rules even on holidays! =) It was great though. We had fun and had taken some pictures the night before the new year! =)

The first day of the new year was TOUGH! We had NO SUCCESS number wise anyways. . it was kind of rough. But in reality we had an INCREDIBLE week! We taught 15 lessons! Which Hermana Nord said is the most she has ever taught in one week on her mission. But we had lots of success even with a whole day of zeros. Which is a rough way to start the new year. But we did have some success, just not number wise. Estaban came to English class!

We do English class every Wednesday, we teach them English. It is funny reminds me of my first days in the CCM. =) But it was neat, he came! It was only our second time ever seeing him too. But he is now super awesome and is a progressing investigator we have!

We also celebrated the new year by heading to Sweet Frog! =) It's a frozen yogurt place. Oh yeah, you better believe it, definitely had me some coconut frozen yogurt! It was delicious! =)

Oh man, I am looking at my journal to see what to write you and can I just say I am hilarious. And the first of the year was rough and interesting. Anyways. .  . the second.

So CRAZY stuff happened on the second. haha. We were teaching Fransico who is one of our really interested investigators. He just struggles with the idea of authority because he believe his baptism was good. And we are just struggling to explain that een though your baptism was sincere it didn't have the right wuthority. Anyways. . he is currently praying to receive an answer if it is good to be baptized again by someone possessing authority of God. But we teach him the plan of salvation the end. And we have a super great lesson, walk outside. . we are in the sketchy neighborhood mind you. It is like 9 at night walking to our car. . oh yeah, you better believe it our car is NOT THERE!! haha. We were DYING! Yeah totally thought it was stolen. So of course we are freaking out we call Elder Simmons and are like our car is not here. He has us call the police, then we call the hermanas who live with us to come and pick us up. And we are just like oh man. . .this is bad. So then we have to go be awkward and ask to stay with Fransico until the hermanas arrive. The hermanas get there and are like they told us we have to wait for the ZL's to get here. So it is like 9:30 at night and we are chilling in a parking spot waiting for the ZL's to get here. It was just interesting. We are freaking out cause ALL our bags are in the car because his granddaughter likes to play with them so we don't have ANYTHING! Just our Spanish scriptures. and pamphlets. Yeah, our car got towed!! Although we wouldn't have been surprised if it had gotten stolen. I have learned my lesson though. We will always take our bags in no matter how annoying the children are! ;) But yeah, definitely some heart jumping excitement. Got my blood flowing good for a good half hour. =)

We had a really great lesson with Estaban this week! I think it is hilarious cause we teach in the stair well! Hopefully this week we can get a member present so we can actually go in the apartment. haha. But we talked about the restoration and he had watched the video we left with him the first time we met. It was really good. We could just see so many ways the Lord has prepared him. Although he is a devote Catholic in his church but he did say he would be willing to come to our church one sunday. It was great because he came to English class on the Wednesday and it's at the church so we had the chance to show him the building sort of. And he really is into art, he is good at drawing so he was looking really intensely at some of the artwork of the temples. So that was cool! But he seems like he is golden! We just have to take the time and make sure we are teaching by the spirit and hopefully he can see the truthfulness of our message as he reads the BOM.

Oh and yeah, Estaban lives in the same apartment complex as Fransico. . Estaban is so nice though and is like a girl should never walk alone to the car here so he always walks us to our car. And then of course he was telling us the week before he saw someone get mugged like right outside the apartments and they had to be taken to the hospital. . yeah definitely helping me want to stay and teach at these apartments. haha. =) But we are safe and have spiritual protection too! We just need to remember to be careful in that area! =) No worries mama dear! ;)

Yesterday was my first Fast sunday in the field! It was SO great! I actually understood basically all the testimonies minus like two but they spoke REALLY fast! So I was okay with that. But it was neat to see how much I understood and how much is actually sticking! =) We had dinner yesterday with the Castillo family and it was SO SO good! =) DELICIOUS!! We also celebrated Elder Jone's birthday with some ice cream cake! It was fun! =) Elder Jones is our DL, he leaves this next transfer.

This week I received so much LOVE from everyone! Thanks to all! I received a package from Chrissy and the New Year's package you sent me mama dearest! =)

I LOVED all the letters! All the kiddos drawings are on the wall and yours too coll! haha. I was laughing really hard. And the hermanas thought you were hilarious to put the "any sisters I need to write let me know". . good times! But I laugh all the time about that! =) You aren't that bad of an artist if I must say. haha. But I LOVED the letters! Made my day! I also got letters from Tj's family this week and Katie Hoggan sent me pictures and a Spanish for dummies book. haha.

I can't wait to get a new niece this week!!!! AHHHHHH!!!! Cute little baby girl! =) I don't know if it is like some secret honor that I know the name or not so I don't want to ruin the name surprise if it is!! But I LOVE the name Tj and Meg! =) She is going to be so adorable! Can't wait to see some pictures of her! And mom have so much fun with the other kiddos too! You are the greatest! I also can't imagine dad taking on the sunbeams by himself.. haha. that'll be hilarious! I wish I could be a fly on the wall during that! ;)

Okay some questions I got this week from all of you all! =) And please ask questions if you have any because it makes thinking of things to talk about besides investigators easier! and I know I had tons of questions when I would write Collin but I can';t remember what they are now! haha.

Well mama dearest. We get $150 for the month. And we can spend it basically however we want but we are supposed to follow the guidelines in the white bible. We are supposed to buy food, shampoo, toiletries, stuff like that with it. Personal stuff (like printing pictures, I think like stamps and stuff we are supposed to buy with out personal money) And it is like a role over card so what I don't spend in a month I can have for the next month also. Right now I am pretty rich cause I came at the end of the month and so they gave me like 50 bucks for my last two weeks then I got refunded my 40 for the baggage at the airport on the card. So I am rolling in the dough. ;) Okay not really but it feels like I am as a missionary. haha. And No we don't pay rent or anything. And actually we didn't have to pay to get out car out either. We thought we would cause in the mission handbook it sounds like we would have to but we didn't so that was nice cause it was like $140 to get it out I think. =) We are definitely blessed. I am so glad the car wasn't stolen though. . .that would have been a LOT worse!

And Kam asked about after 5:00.

So basically our day goes something like this:

6:30 get up and pray exercise for 30 minutes

7:00 get ready for the day

8:00 personal study

9:00 comp study

10:00 language study

11:00 additional study (12 week program) which is a booklet for new missionaries and their trainers where we practice giving the lessons and stuff and role play and what not.

12:00 lunch

1:00 we start visiting

5 or 6 we take an hour dinner if we eat with a member it tends to be like an hour and a half with travel time and what not and Spanish people are very into feeding you and get offended if you don't stay long so president has approved staying for an hour and fifteen. And then depending on the member and where they live it can take about an hour and forty five minutes with travel time.

then by 9 you are supposed to be in your apartments unless you are in a lesson then 9:30/

9 you plan for the next day

and 10:30 you are in bed.

But basically during the holidays he didn't want us proselyting on the holidays after 5:00. For safety reasons so we could go to members homes and that was about it which we had people want us to go to their house so that is what we did. But if not we would have had to just go to our apartment.

But normally we can't proselyte on new people's homes after dark. Like we can't knock doors for safety reasons once it is dark. But we basically visit all the Less actives and investigators that we have appointments with but then if we run out of people to visit we will have to go home and do additional studies. But normally we can find at least one person to talk to a night for a good 40 minutes. So normally we are teaching a lesson during the night time. =)

I am trying to think of something else to share with you. haha. I am reading right now in 3 Nephi! It is super awesome! I am loving it. I love when Christ is on the earth. . such an incredible moment! =) I especially loved in chapter 17 when it talks about how Christ wept when he was blessing the children! So great. Just shows how much he really cares for use. I love that though. and just chapter 19 all about prayer. I really liked 3 Nephi 19:25 when it says that "his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countencance did shine upon them." So neat! I just love the smile upon them. I just LOVED it made me happy on the inside! =)

Oh yeah, totally forgot to mention this but I thought it was super cool! I totally got a RANDOM letter from someone I had never met before! He just happened upon my blog and was reading it and thought it was really neat so he wrote me a letter! He is LDS and his parents apparently live close to here and he was looking up some stuff about the stake and my blog appeared. But cool! I love getting mail so that was neat! =)

Well, I don't have much else to say! Except I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! I love you and miss you! It is really great though and I am loving the mission. Sometimes it sucks, sometimes it's great, but mostly it's wonderful! I am usually just my happy self normally so it tends to be great! I tend to realize when I am focusing on me those are the tough days so really I just need to have more charity towards others and focus on the work! Although sometimes it's hard! haha. =) But really it is so WONDERFUL and INCREDIBLE in the field! I can't wait to see the difference I can make in the lives of others! =)

I LOVE YOU, be safe and have fun!

Love,

Hermana Gray

Feel free to write me! ;) I LOVE every letter! It makes my day to go to the mailbox (online and the actual) and have mail! Love you family! and friends too! =)

Oh yeah, whoever asked about the weather, it is so undecisive! haha.

It was no joke 25 degrees the other day than yesterday it was 65!!!! haha. Who knows! But it is so weird to NOT have snow, I miss it which is weird! haha. But it is definitely a different situation with the weather. :) Anyways my randomness for you! =)

My fairy from the Francoms! haha. =)

Happy New Years, bring on 2014!

The new year's fairy may have visited my apartment! ;) I got all of my
comps stuff too!

I loved my letters from the family

This one's for dad!