October!

This week was AMAZING! General Conference was an extra special boost! On Saturday we went to a wonderful member's house to watch it and our Peruvian investigator Mike came! The one who prayed and fasted so things could work out with his work! about a month ago he started to get really really busy and wasn't able to meet with us for a while, but just last week he called us and said he's been reading from the Book of Mormon again! I know he'll be baptized soon! just 2 more times at church, he's so ready!! He really liked conference too, I think I may have seen his eyes water from Elder Holland's talk :) and WOW  I loved President Uchtdorf's talk, It's given me a new moto for myself, "Our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we stand up dust ourselves off, and stride forward." It's so true. We won't get any stronger if we give up everytime a trial comes our way, and it's likely that more trials will come our way after we show that we can push through it with faith in the Lord... and that's how we're truly changed and refined. I'm so grateful to be a missionary NOW!

On Sunday we watched conference in the Stake center, and even though it was great in Spanish, there's just something extra special about hearing the actual voices of the Prophet and Apostles. between sessions the Tongan ward made a HUGE lunch for all of us! Tongans are the BEST!  We enjoyed a buffet of rice, meatballs, fish-heads(yes I ate it and it was delicious), chicken, steak, pasta, and sweet-potatoes! I love how food is such a defining characteristic in different cultures! :) and this mission is FILLED with diversity, I feel so blessed!

So Sister Hewett and I are now officially English teachers! We started our English class last Tuesday and we'll be holding our second one tomorrow night, hopefully we'll have more than one student like our first class.... we've been placing a ton of fliers up in different places like laundromats and restaurants in hopes that news will spread :) The elders in our ward had a baptism from their English class, and Sister Hewett and I need to do some FINDING since we've dropped almost all of our investigators and started over, so we're EXCITED! :) Sister Hewett only has 2 weeks left, so I'm trying to brace myself for when she goes! The ward loves her so much, and so do all the sister missionaries, she has been such wonderful sister training leader, and example to me! Well, I've got to go, the work continues, please join in and help spread the joy of the gospel to those around you, because it's truly for everyone :)

LES QUIERO!!!

Hermana Mitchell

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

abrazos!

HOLA mis queridos! It's another BEAUTIFUL day in the BAY! seriously, everyday I'm amazed that it's the end of August because it's been a breezy 70 degrees all summer long--much different from the East Bay and the 100 degree weather in Brentwood! We are continually seeing miracles here in the Oakland/San Fransisco Mission. Every transfer we have more missionaries come in than those that are leaving, and so many incredible SISTERS! they are so ready for this missionary work! we'll be transitioning slowly, but in a couple of weeks we sould have 5 SISTER companionships on bike--for the last few years bikes have been reserved strictly for elders! So that'll be fun to see! As a sister training leader, we travel all around the mission, so I don't know how likely it is that we'll get a bike, but I'm totally willing in any case! 

So Sister Hewett and I are constantly seeing MIRACLES! It's amazing having 3 companionships in our Ward, AND a senior couple, the work is truly hastening! all together we had 12 investigators in church yesterday--4 of them are ones that we are teaching personally! The members have been so KEY in helping our investigators come to church and want to stay! We have been praying so hard for the ward to have their own missionary experiences, and the power of prayer is REAL! We're still working with Mike, his fast was so powerful and he really wants to be baptized, he knows that he needs this change, now the only thing holding him back is work. He set his baptismal date for September 29th so he would have 6 Sundays to try to come only 3 times, we're still praying for miracles--we know it'll happen! We're working with the family Aranda, we're having an FHE with them tonight--the whole family are members EXCEPT for the MOM! they've been married for 16 years and she still hasn't come around to the gospel, BUT, it's the sweetest thing, for FHE her 5 children trade off teaching the lessons and we can see her heart changing--poco a poco. We also met our goals and taught 20 lessons this week!!!! Now it's time to push, we can do better :)

Exchanges are still going strong! I went with sister Oa from Samoa, she has grown SO much and her English has become fluent in the last 9 months, I'm so proud of her! and we have one amazing sister here named sister Pope, from Kansas. I love her! During the exchange, I felt like I was the one being trained! She will surely be a sister training leader soon :) I love transforming power of the atonement in this missionary work. I studied Lehi's Dream this morning in 1 Nephi 8. It's probably one of my favorite parts of the book of Mormon. I love verse 24--It's so important to CLING to the word of God, not just hold it every once in a while, or pick it up when times are hard. This life is about walking by faith and not by sight--without the word of God we're blind--so make it part of your life, it'll guide you! I also took a lot of strength from verse 33--the world will point and mock at us without a doubt, the important thing is:DON'T LISTEN! straying from the tree of life is part of Satan't plan, not God's--so hold on tight and don't let go, the light at the end is so worth it.

Our district is going to the Golden Gate today! and then to Mitchell's Icecream (the best in the WORLD!)

I love you all so much, you're always in my prayers!

Hermana Mitchell

BLESSINGS!

QUE TAL Y'ALL!? This week has been AMAZING! as usual! First off, I'M SO EXCITED TO BE AN AUNT AGAIN!!! I'm so glad that everyone's happy and HEALTHY!  YAAAY Becca and Aaron! I can't wait to meet little Jaylee in just 5 months!

This week we had an INSPIRING zone conference. The APs (Assistants to the President) are incredible missionaries, one of them just happens to be my first District Leader in the field (Elder Watson), and the other one was my Zone leader while I was serving in Brentwood (Elder Omori)! They are so amazing and inspired and It's so cool to see how far they've gone! Zone conferences, by the way are the most incredible spiritual recharge, not only do we get to see so many familiar and new missionaries and feel of their spirit and support, Sister Hewett and I recieved real revelation for ourselves and our Investigators and our ward and our area! We learned how to truly allow the Spirit to teach according to the needs of those around us through the way we ask questions that help them think, understand, accept, and apply the truths that we teach. We're going to work so hard to apply these principles! Our incredible Mission President closed the conference with a few of the many stories of the miracles of Christ and His healing power. Jesus Christ always cared about the 'one.' In Matthew 14, before He performs the miracle of feeding a multitude 5000, he ministered to the sick, one by one. He truly is our Savior and everything He does now, has ever done, and ever will do, will be for us. He wants ALL of us to have exaltation. And as a missionary we need to be like him, and focus on the one--so they can know Him individually and find that true joy through being healed!

Sister Hewett and I have seen miracles since then, We have 2 new investigators, Oscar and Maribel (a son and mother) and I KNOW that their whole family can and will be baptized! The journey is just starting with them, and I can't wait to see them continue to grow and progress towards the Savior! That is definitely one of the most incredible things about missonary work, guiding those around us and seeing their progression, seeing that light come into their eyes when they know the truth!

Of Course, we had a couple of exchanges this week, they were AWESOME! First, sister Lutui, an awesome tongan sister from Salt Lake, came to San Mateo with me, and she was so powerful and patient! Even though she doesn't speak Spanish, she was so willing to share her testimony, and the Spirit helped me translate every word! It was absolutely the gift of tongues! I'm so grateful that the Lord cares enough to help us in times of need, especially when it's for his work! Next I went to San Fransisco YSA with Sister Wiser, a brand-new 19 year-old sister! and WOW it's amazing how prepared these young sisters are for missionary work! I definitely couldn't have handled the city as a brand-new missionary. We had a great time talking to everyone and finding places to park on the crazy streets of San Fran! There is so much work to be done in the Young Single Adult program! It was a really neet learning experience of reaching out and trying to share the gospel in the hustle and bustle of the city! When it was all done I was SO glad to be back in peaceful San Mateo :) 

I just want you all to know that I LOOOOVE you! I'm thankful everyday for all of the support and love I feel from all of you, It really means so much. Have a wonderful week, and remember to PRAY for missionary experiences and invite those around you to find the happiness that you have through coming unto Christ! John 14:27.

Con amor,

Hermanita Mitchell