Wednesday, November 26, 2014

November 24, 2014


Hola a todos.
Motto for the week: God`s opportunity is man`s extremity.
It is almost always in the very end when we see the miracles! And I think I am nearing the very end, and so I am waiting to see a little miracle!  It was another week without our loved investigators in the chapel.  But I didn`t cry this week!  Instead, I thought about Nephi.  And how he had to create three different plans to receive the plates from King Laman.  Not because his first plans weren`t inspired, but because he had to learn something.  And then he ended up bring Zoram with him... he was doing missionary work!  And Zoram later became one of Nefi`s best friends.
We went over to Mika`s house to cut my companion`s hair... and just as Mica began, she said, "I`ve never actually done this before."  Hahah it was so funny, Hermana Gonzalez looked like she was about to die.  But she kept on smiling, she is awesome like that.
Also, a crazy man stopped us in the street and thanked us for all we do.  He then told us how in 2020 we will all be speaking the same language, all around the world, called "Esperango."  What the heck does that mean?
It is really hard, I will admit, to see a lot of sad things all the time.  Heavenly Father blesses us with the strength to love these people so much... that to hear of their sad stories really hurts.  But there is no other feeling like having the Spirit give you the words to say, to comfort those who are trusting so much in you.  Elder Holland said, "If we listen with love, we won`t need to wonder what to say.  It will be given to us-- by the Spirit and by our friends."  I absolutely love this... that when someone is confiding in us, all we need to do is listen.  We have two ears and one mouth, because we need to listen twice as much as we need to speak (I think Hermana Zanni said that).  And it is true!  Listen to them and to the Spirit, and words come that we have never spoken.
I am so grateful for the gospel in my life.  And when I see the hunger and abuse and suffering from serious sins, I know that all will be made right through the Atonement.  I don`t understand it all, but I know my Savior loves me and has a plan for me... and Heavenly Father watches over every one of His little children.  He is just so happy when we are happy and doing good things, and suffers from a sorrow only a God can know when we do bad things.  
Love you all.  Siga adelante!



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

November 18, 2014


We had a zone conference this last week with Presidente Zanni and Hermana Zanni.  Wow my mind is blown with how much I was able to learn from them!  The conference was 6 hours long but felt like 2.  One of the things that stood out is when Presidente Zanni said "Esta es la escuela de los Dioses."  Translates to This is the school of the Gods.  And it is so true... and not just the mission, but all of life!  We are being formed and shaped into a creature worthy of becoming Deity.  How amazing is that?  It hurts sometimes... but it is worth it.

This week was definitely a trial of my faith!  I left this conference with such a desire to work and to give everything.  We went out... and literally everything this week fell through.  We were both a little bit sick because it is so hot (speaking of which, our schedule changed due to the heat.  We now go to bed at 11:00, return to the apartment at 10:00, and wake up at 7:00!).  Our appointments fell through, no one came to sacrament as they said they would, and we had a few companionship struggles.  It was hard to stay optimistic... to keep this vision of success in our minds.  But I know that after the trial of our faith is when we receive the witness.  And if we endure it well, we will be exalted on high.  But I will admit... it just about killed me on Sunday when our investigators didn`t come to church.  I love them all so much... they have all had such hard lives.  I want them to find rest to their souls... and I know that only comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ!  

Sometimes it is hard to listen to so many sad stories from people´s lives.  Many deaths and trials and sicknesses. And you just love so much, and want them to accept these things and have peace and joy.  I found this scripture that I love.

Hebrews 10:39 "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe unto the saving of the soul."

I love this so much, and I am so grateful for the miracles I have seen all around me.  So many!  Something funny that happened:  Mika found an answer to a prayer through the Book of Mormon in Alma 36:1.  She asked me, "Can you translate this scripture into English?  Because I want to tattoo it on my back."  Hahah it was really funny.  I will have to explain a few things.

Something else that is funny that happened:  I saw a Rodent of Unusual Size from "The Princess Bride!"  No joke they exhist here in Argentina, and it was just about the sickest thing I have ever seen.  It was so gross... and it was a pet tied up to a tree!!  I was in a dangerous area and couldn´t take a picture with my camera, but maybe next time.

And I don`t know if you can tell... but I really struggle to write in english.  and spanish.
Love you all!

Love, Hermana Eleanor Briggs







Monday, November 10, 2014

November 10, 2014


Monday, November 3, 2014

November 3, 2014

Just photos this week, no time to write!
Hermana Richey and I laughing at the beach



Mika and Ivan! They are so amazing...just need strength and desire and faith to keep going.