Barrios

Nothing out of the norm has happened this week to talk about.  Some investigators are doing fantastic.... others not so much.  The usual.  So I figured I would answer more from the extremely long list of questions I have been asked.

Q: Is the rule of working with members only for Tijuana or all the Mission?

A:  It is the whole mission.  Actually, it is the rule for all of Mexico.  Wowzers right?  We arent allowed to knock on any doors unless they are a reference from a member.  It really is the ideal way to do mission work because if the investigator is a member reference, then they already have a friend to guide them in the church and someone to join in the missionary discussions.  The only problem is that as missionaries, we are entirely dependent on the members to get new investigators and only a handful of members have the desire for mission work.  Every lesson we have with a member we ask for referencias and everyone claims that they dont know anyone.  It can be frustrating, especially when appointments fall through and we cant go tracting to find new people.  But those few members that have that flame, and want all of their friends to hear of the gospel and love joining us in lessons with investigators, they make our days great.  I cant stress enough to you folks back home how important members are in mission work.  Everything works 100 percent better when members help with references and lessons.  Plus, when you do that, you become the missionaries favorite people... and you know there has got to be blessing that come from that. 

Q: Are the wards big?

A:  Just like the US it depends where you are.  Some areas are just branches, but most of the wards in the Tijuana city area are average sized.  And if we could get all the less actives to reactivate they could be twice their size.

Turns out I didnt have as much time as I thought to answer more questions, but I promise I will get to them!

Speaking Hebrish?

We baptized a Jew last Saturday.  I say we, but he was the investigator of the second companionship of Hermanas in our ward.  Still, it was really cool.  No matter where I go I cant seem to escape Jerusalem.  I dont mind.

Its very interesting.  There are such great differences between Mormon and Jewish religion.  Trust me, Ive studied it.  And because the Jewish beliefs are so strong its somewhat difficult to talk to them about the gospel and we often think that the Jews wont be convinced until the Second Coming.  But Im seeing it happen right now.  

The message that we bring is incredible and the Book of Mormon is key.  It really is the tool for the convincing of the Gentile and Jew and I am so excited to get to hand out copies of it to all those who are willing to accept it.  I would also like to put in a plug here for member missionaries.  Us full time missionaries cant do nearly as much good without you guys.  When you can invite your friends to hear the gospel, something that you hold near and dear to your heart, they are more receptive.  That is how Jose (our Jewish friend) came to a knowledge of the church.  Despite his firm conviction in Judaism, his loving friend, step by step, introduced him to the gospel and now he is a member. With out his friend, he would have never listened to the missionaries and been baptized.  We need you.  Mission work really is that of the members.  We are just here to teach the lessons, hand out pamphlets, and eat members food... chiste chiste.

But it really was a special moment for me. True, I never taught Jose and I didnt know him very well, but the other Hermanas asked me to sing a musical number at the baptism.  I sung How Great Thou Art, one of my personal favorites and as I sung Jose raised his hands, palms facing inwards and elbows down by his side, in a typical Jewish praising manner.  I recognized it immediately from my visits to the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  While it was extremely odd for a Mormon baptism and no one else did it, it was very touching for me to see.  It reminded me of a time and land that I love very much.  But not only that, I realized immediately the significance of it for him.  I saw the expression on his face and as I finished the last verse he raised his hands high above his head in final praise.  Sure, its not how we usually worship, but that doesnt make it mean any less.  I was so happy I was able to be there and experience a second tiny trip to Israel and see the great change in his life.

This work is good.  Be a part of it if you can.  You wont regret it.

Hermana Torres

First off, I wish you all a Happy Valentines Day.  Try to think about me if you have a moment.  

Now how about I tell you a little about the person Ive been living with for the past two months.  As usual, here is a list of fun facts about her:

She has 7 months out on her mission

Is from Queretaro, Mexcio

20 years old.

She loves headbands

Cant eat bananas

Birthdays are a really big deal for her

Is Mexicana

Lived in the good ol U.S. of A. for eleven years

Slightly obsessed with pears

Loves musicals

Quotes Disney movies all the time

Dont even get us started talking about The Office.  The quotes will never end.

She knows of every YouTube phenomenon.

Was an English teacher before her mission.

I have been pretty lucky so far with companions.  I have been great friends with all of them (a grand total of 2) so far.  Hna. Torres lived in the US for eleven years and so is fluent in both Spanish and English.  She is my walking dictionary.  We actually found out that in 2008 we were at the same EFY(especially for youth) in Bowling Green, KY.  We never met each other there, but its still cool nonetheless!  

Hermana Torres is great.  Due to her Mexican nationality, but American childhood she really is the best of both worlds.  She can correct my pronunciation, show me how to make a REAL burrito, and explain customs

and cultures.  But at the same time we can make missionary remixes of NSYNC songs, quote BonQuiQui and Can I Have Your Number?

She says that Im the first companion she has had who was taller than her... go figure.  Our situation is rather funny.  Since we are close to the border many people know a little English.  So they will try to talk to me in English, thinking I wont understand the Spanish... and then say it again for her in Spanish thinking she doesnt know English.   Little do they know we understand both.

Shes great.  We get along just fine and have similar ideas about a lot of stuff.... especially on how much we love food....

Exclusive Interview

Nothing fancy has happened this week... except for mission work.  That is always awesome.  So I just thought I would answer some more questions that I have been getting.

Q: Have you been able to see the ocean?

A: Sadly no.  But at night I can see the lights of San Diego.  Sweet sweet America.

Q:  Do you prefer snail mail or email?

A:  I am a lover of both.  Its so great to be able to log on each week and find so many letters to read and it is  perfect to get information to me fast.  However, I am a little bit old fashioned too.  Nothing beats a handwritten letter.  Especially the surprise of getting one at District meetings.  The only downside is that it takes awhile for them to reach me.  Two weeks mas o menos.  So if you need to let me know something fast or need a response fast.  Email.  If not,  and you have legible handwriting, I would love a handwritten note too!

Q:  How do you like the candy?

A:  For those unfamiliar with Mexican culture, here is a fun fact for you:  They eat chili with everything.  Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot chocolate, potato chips, the list goes on.  And yes, it includes candy as well.  Every type of hard candy is coated in chili powder.  It is... interesting.  Ive tried it a few times and it is no doubt something you have to get used to.  Usually after what seems like and hour of sucking on fire, you hit the sweet fruity center.  By the end of my mission I will be addicted to them and forcing them down my younger siblings throats.  Consider yourselves warned. 

Q:  Is it dangerous?

A:  Its aight.  They take really good care of the sisters in this mission.  There are only a few cities that we are sent to and they are all close the the mission home so that if anything happens to us the mission president can get to us as soon as possible.  Also, in parts of the city that are un poco mas peligroso, it is a rule for the sisters to go back to their apartments at eight instead of nine.  

For those have been concerned about my welfare, thank you so much but dont fret.  Im doing just fine.  I never feel like Im in any danger.  And for those who havent cared a smidge about me..... I will pray for you.

here are some random pictures of the beautiful city I am in.... and what I like to do in my free time.... missionarys arent as wise as you think we are :)

My 1st District in Tijuana

Tijuana at sunset

"Hola Senor"
( Eden's companion in the background says, "Huh, Hermana, can we continue with our companion study now?")

Double stuffed conversion

Ive been in Mexico for over a month now, supposedly doing mission work, yet I havent mentioned anything about our investigatores.  For all you know, I could have been down here for the past few weeks spending everyday eating tortillas and enchiladas.  Well I am proud to set the record straight and let you know that I have been working.  And to prove it, I will now introduce to you my first baptisms!!!!!

We had our first lesson with Claudia and Susana Montes my third day in Mexico.  They were a reference from their brother who has been a member for a few years now.  He has always tried to get them to take the missionary lessons but they have never been interested.  However, a week before I arrived they attended a Christmas concert put on by the missionaries, felt the Spirit, and decided that they wanted to know more.  

It has been so neat to be able to see every step of their progression, from lesson one and the First Vision, to attending church, and that lovely moment talking about the Law of Chastity.  They have been so accepting of it all, it made me wonder a few times if they really were gaining testimonies or just said yes to things to make us happy.  But we had their baptisms last Saturday and let me tell you, we had lots of apprehensions about how everything would work out.  One of the obstacles was finding white clothes that would fit them (they have a lot of personality and therefore need a lot of... body to keep it all contained).  But everything at the baptism went smoothly.  The Spirit was strong, and I could see tears in their eyes.  The best part was hearing Claudias closing prayer.  It was so plain, but very sincere and just PERFECT!!  And hearing their thoughts on how they felt afterwards just made my week... which actually was horrible lesson wise.

Hermana Torres, Claudia, Susana, and me.

Montes' siblings

They are the kindest most friendly ladies ever.  Every time we visit they give us food, health tips, presents for Christmas.  We really are their friends... actually, more like daughters.  I especially love them for how they have treated me and my language handicap.  When I teach they focus on what im trying to say instead of how I sound.  If I make a mistake they lovingly help me correct it and we continue with the lesson.  

We always joke around with them, even with my messed up Spanish, but its still fun.  One of their favorite things to tease me about (especially after teaching the law of chastity) is that right after my mission I will go to Spain or Paris and get married quick as lighting... I dont fully understand what makes them think that but I roll with the punches. 

People keep congratulating me on my first baptisms,but they dont feel like mine at all.  Well, they werent.  I was just lucky enough to be alongside them and watch the process.  And I am so excited to continue to see them grow and learn in the church.  

The work is moving forward people.  Its exciting, its hard, its love.  Do what you can to help it and I promise you will see the blessings come.

Spiritual Tan Lines

Time for a question answer session...

Q:  How do you feel about walking around?

A:  I love it.  Tijuana is very beautiful in its our special way and I love getting to walk around and see the colorful houses covering the mountains, tennishoes hanging from telephone wires, and even the graffeti covering the walls.  Not to mention all the taco stands we get to pass by and smell (one of which I got to try last week.  TAN RICO!!).  I´m glad we are a walking mission, but it does get frustrating when we walk muy lejos for a lesson to find that no one is home.  That´s when Heavenly Father sends us a stunning sunset to keep us company as we continue to another appointment.  I´m proud to say that due to all the walking in the sun I am officially a real missionary now.  Tan lines included.  My companion complains about getting a tan line from the straps on her shoes but I´m all for it!  Bring it on!  I was so happy the other day when I took off my shoes and washed my feet to find that the lines weren´t from dirt and dust but my actual skin. I´m ligit now!

Q:  How is the language coming?

A:  Slowly.  But in this manner my patience is improving.  It´s still very frustrating when I can´t say exactly what I want, but I accept it now.  I can understand most of what I hear, or depending on the speed of talking, follow the general topic.  I´m really good at pretending to laugh at the appropriate times when everyone else understands the joke but me...  It´s much more difficult for me to talk.  I know a decent amount of vocabulary but grammar kills me.  The order of words is always changing and don´t even get me started on conjugating verbs.  In the next life I´m going to search out whoever it was that thought it would be a fun idea to make six different ways to say one word... and then another six for past tense and so on... and when I meet them I´m going to give them a piece of my mortal mind.  And then we´ll hug it out and I´ll forgive them with my immortal heart.  But seriously, it´s ridiculous.

Q:  Do you like the food... is it too spicy?

A:  I love the food, and the food I don´t love I´m trying to slowly get accustomed to it.  There are a couple of drinks that are sort of funky and were tough to force down the first time.  But each additional sip gets better.  Everyone is pretty good at not giving me too much spice.  They bring out two types of salsa.  The usual for my companion and a baby version especially for the American.  But that doesn´t stop me from trying it.  After all, chili makes you speak better Spanish right? 

I was never a big fan of Mexican food in the U.S. but now I realize that that was because it wasn´t real Mexican food.  The stuff down here is much better.  Tacos are HEAVEN!  And don´t even get me started on enchiladas.  Hermana Torres and I have a long list of all the places we´ve passed by that we´ve smelled and have to try.  The only problem is that they have no portion control. 

The Fun People I Love

So I hope enough suspense has been built up from last week to really get you excited about this weeks post.  If not... thanks.  I love you too.  Regardless, as I said las week, my ward (Paraiso) is a little... special.  Lots of unique members.  So I thought that this week I would mention a few of them.  Names have been changes for my own enjoyment of making up new ones.

Hermana Science Fiction

This darling hermana has many ideas, strange ideas about the gospel.  What will happen in the Second Coming and how we will look after resurrected.  When she was younger she had to have surgery and she firmly believes that during the surgery they inserted a chip that monitors her.  Why?  Because she knows things... and they need to watch her to make sure she doesnt spill the beans about their secrets.  Now how does she know there is a chip inside of her?  She can feel and hear electricity.  Her house is surrounded by intenas... watching her, making her body hurt with all the electricity.  She is quite the character.  Her hearing isnt very good, which I now realize how ironic it is considering how she claims to hear electricity.  Regardless, due to her bad hearing, we always have to yell at her to make her understand.  It is quite a strange experiance yelling a prayer in a horribly obvious American accent.  But she yells right back at us, claiming that she still cant hear.  She also refuses to believe that I understand spanish.  Entonces, because she knows a decent amount of english, she will talk to my companion first in spanish, and then reexplain everything in english to me... es un poco frustrating.  Oh, and she likes to call me Hermana Barbie....... I dont even understand...

Hermano Highway

Is a recent convert and absolutely adores the sister missionaries.  Every time we go visit, as soon as we finish the closing prayer we migrate to the kitchen for hot chocolate and cake, doughnuts, cookies, pizza, something!  And when we leave he stuffs a grocery bag full of more goodies.  Once he gave us a literal bread basket.  No joke, the basket was made out of bread and filled with cookies.  It was heaven... and horrible temptation to have in our house.  He is also quite the gentleman.  About 60 or so years old, he is very worried about our welfare.  He always insists on walking us back to our apartment if its close to 8 o'clock y cosas así.  Since we have to have another woman with us every time we go to teach him, we always bring Hermana Soap.  We are secretly hoping that through our lessons they can have a charming little courtship.  Honestly, they are perfect for each other.  Hey, as missionaries we cant date... but they never said that we couldnt play matchmaker.  After all, our goal as missionaries is to put people on the path of the temple right?....matrimony included.  They only downside to visiting Hermano Highway is that he talks 90 miles per hour and hardly opens his mouth.  I never have any hope of understanding what he says.  Perhaps, after my mission, and several more years of studying Spanish, I will be able to return and have an actual conversation with him.

Well, no time left to mention the many other ..unique.. members of the ward.  But let me tell you, despite their qwirks, they feed us well.  Everyday we have lunch with a member and portions are crazy here!  I have no hope to loose weight.  In fact, Im afraid Im going to blow up here.  Not only are portions huge, but if you dont eat everything they give you they get offended.  You have to lick the plate clean.  No crumbs

, no sauce, nada.  And the same goes for drinks.  And when we arent eating with them, they are just handing us food.  We hardly ever have to actually buy food.  Members keep sending us off with more and more and more.... Im starting to seriously consider getting a tapeworm.  Im going to need it.

Tijuana - My Home Town Now