Fall

Hi Family and Friends!!! I'm so amazed that it's P-DAY again!!!! This week as been great, we have been really struggling with our investigators lately, they just aren't acting, they say they have faith but don't put it to the test, and that keeps them from progressing... Long story short, we have been doing a lot of FINDING! On tuesday I was in the area on an exchange with a brand-new Tongan sister! after studies and a good lunch we had some finding activities and tracting planned in the schedule and I just felt the prompting to go to 19th street. I didn't know why, but that's what we did. We found a parking spot and prayed and walked to the closest door, it was open! so I called "Buenas! Buenas tardes!" and this cute little lady popped her head around the corner! She looked sad. We talked a bit to get to know her and I started to testify about God's love for all of us and our families--when I asked if we could come back and share more of the message with her she asked us to come in right then and there! We started teaching the message of the restoration and she started crying and told us she has 2 daughters far away in El Salvador and it's so hard for her, that morning she had been feeling so sad and had prayed for help from God. She said that we were that sign. We gave her a Book of Mormon and set a return appointment and went back on Thursday, and she READ! she read 4 chapters! She loved it. She felt so much peace and comfort from the plan of Salvation and she said yes to baptism! and it was just a miracle! We are so excited to keep teaching her and helping her come even closer to Christ. Heavenly Father knows our efforts! He makes miracles happen. It takes a lot of faith to drop investigators, but when you do, He either leads those who are prepared to you, or leads you to them! Sorry this email is short, but I know that we all have a very special purpose here on earth, and part of that purpose is loving and serving one another. Always remember that God loves you as well as those around you!

Hermana Mitchell

whoo!

Helloooo family and friends! What a week! We're working hard with our investigators, we're going to have to drop some of them because they're just not willing or able to progress right now, but the Lord is putting prepared people in our path! Dropping investigators shows a lot of faith to the Lord that we'll follow his will and find those who are willing to receive us! so we're looking forward to finding :)

We had the most exciting activity this week for the "dia de Hispanidad" (I found out that 5 de Mayo is pretty much a made-up holiday that Americans have comercialized and that latino's don't actually celebrate... who would've thought? they're real independence day is celebrated in September) And it was WAY too much fun--tables from every country that members of our ward represent were themed with native artifacts and pictures and FOOOD! El Salvador, Nicaragua, Peru, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Gratemala!!! We had Tamales, Pupusas, Empenadas, Horchata, Cacao, Chicha morada! and the list goes on..... and on, and on. I don't know how my body handled all the food! It was SOOO GOOOD. La comida Latina es lo MEJOR en todo el MUNDO!

I'll have to end this email quick today because we went to the temple today and I'm short on time, but WOW. I learned so much. Heavenly Father's love and spirit and guidance is so strong in the temple and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here on earth right now and to know what Heavenly Father's plan and purpose is for all of us. It truly was the spiritual boost I needed. I really encourage you all to make it more of a priority to go to the temple and remember the promises that Heavenly Father has waiting for you as you obey His commandments. D&C 82:10

Les quiero TANTO!!!

Hermanita Mitchell

las nuevas!

Hellooooo family and friends! I can't believe it's Monday again--hooray! Today's the first day of a new transfer, We got the call Saturday night and...................... Sister Hewett and I are STAYING together! Still sister training leaders, and still in San Mateo!!! We have 9 new sister areas opening up this transfer so we'll be conducting even MORE exchanges, I just hope and pray that there's SOMETHING that the sisters can learn from me and the experiences we have together! I'm so happy. this is sister Hewett's last transfer (not happy) but I want to help it to be a very special one! She's such a great missionary and great companion and I'm really grateful that the Lord is keeping us together. YAAAY!!

Also, MIRACLES! So our investigator Mike is doing so good, he's fasted and has been praying to be able to come to work! He came to a baptism that the elders had on Saturday thought it was great! He said he wants to know what it's like since it's something that he's going to do! It was amazing. AND he finally got Sunday off from work and he CAME to CHURCH yesterday! that really put the icing on the cake. He just needs to continue to come until his baptism in a couple weeks so we can actually go through with it, if not it will have to be post-poned (sadness) but he's still progressing in the right direction--He said he's really seen his life change since he's met the gospel.

So this morning we had a district activity and it was SO fun! I may or may not have told you all that one of the missionaries in our district is from El Salvador--for lunch she showed us all how to make PUPUSAS! (I would describe them as tortilla pancakes stuffed with beans and cheese and meat, with a special sauce and cole-slaw type topping) This was the second time I've made them so this time they were much prettier!! We also had platanos fritos (fried plantains) and frijoles (re-fried red beans) and delicious crema from El Salvador too, It was quite the spread-DEICIOUS!

We went on 3 exchanges this last week--so Sister Hewett and I are DEAD! and once we get the list of where everyone is after transfers tomorrow, we'll start all over again! I got to spend some time in Daly City and teach with some WONDERFUL new sisters who are doing so well--We taught a Cuban guy and his accent was SO thick--It was definitely the Lord helping us understand his questions! I also went to China town in San Fransisco with my old companion sister Lau!! It's crazy that we're both over here on this side of the bay, It was definitely a blessing to have some time with her again--we've both grown so much over the last 6 months :) We taught some lessons in chinese and sister Lau translated for me :) We also got up in the morning and ran in Golden Gate Park! I definitely love my mission!

Well I'm going to sign off for another week, but remember that I love you ALL and that when you make sacrifices for the Lord, He'll bless you so much more in return!

ABRAZOS! Hermana Mitchell :)

Septiembre!

I can't believe the months of August is OVER! It went by way too fast. I'm really looking forward to this month :) We have a temple trip coming up in just a couple weeks and 3 investigators with baptismal dates for the month, and we're going to do everything we can (with the Lord's help) to help them progress to the waters! It's the last week of the transfer and I really hope Sister Hewett and I stay together--if we do, it'll be a RECORD! the longest I've ever been with a companion so far has been 2 transfers, so we'll see! We are working really hard and continuing to see miracles daily. I've been able to see "the gift of tongues" (orthe ability to communicate this true message without error in a foreign language) influence our companionship and I've realized that it comes and goes depending faith and humility. It's hard to listen to the Spirit all the time! but it's supposed to be so we can change and grow. I've learned that that goes for a lot of things, not just Spanish or opening your mouth to everyone in your path, but even the small and simple things--stopping to ponder the scriptures, praying for your companion, looking for service opportunites wherever you go. Being a missionary is a life-changing experience, every day I wake up with a purpose in my heart--and that purpose is to bring to do God's will. The way I live my mission will be the way I live the rest of my life. I love you all, remember to be humble and patient, and trust in God, He won't lead you astray if you put your trust in him.

Les QUIERO muchisisisisimo!!

Hermanita Mitchell