February 16, 2015

Hola!

Okay so I am now in Alberdi, Rosario and training Hermana Strong!  She is from Southern California and she is AMAZING.  It kind of freaks me out how much we are alike... even down to the tiniest details. But she is so loving and humble, way more than me.  We have become fast friends.  Pray for her spanish... the first weeks are hard.

We live in an apartment with two other Hermanas, who just happen to be the sister training leaders and the mission nurse.  They names are Hermana Yi and Hermana Fairbanks.  We are all from the States and we all are doing a white wash!  This ward has never had a double white wash before... and it is so much fun and very exhausting hahah.

Our area is BEAUTIFUL.  Seriously, it looks like San Francisco in some parts.  We are definitely  in the city... but there are parts that are super humble as well.  It goes from very nice houses, to very humble.  We have a little bit of everthing.

The other day we found Rocia and her mom, Elba.  Rocia is 13 and was sitting outside on her doorstep in the city all alone at night, so we stopped and talked to her while on our way to a different part of town.  We began talking, and they live behind a Gomeria, which is a place to go when you need a tire changed.  I can`t remember what it is called in English hahah.  But we sat outside, it was a nice and cool night, and we were surrounded by a buanch of giant tracter tires.  And we felt that we should teach about prayer... so we taught them how to pray.  And suddenly, Rocia said, "Can I ask you something?"  I hadn`t been able to read if she was paying attention or not... so it was surprising to me.  "Si," I said.

She came and sat down by us and said, "I have a brother," and she suddenly started crying.  She continued, "and he does drugs and I want to help him.  Can you pray for him?"   We asked her to offer the closing prayer, and she told Heavenly Father, "Thank you for sending the mormons to save us here, and please bless that my brother can be free from his addiction."  It was so sweet and sincere as she cried during her prayer and had moments of silence to think about what she was going to say.

I am grateful that I can serve here and so excited to see the miracles that will happen here!  I miss the people in Capitan Bermudez A LOT A LOT A LOT and am excited to see them again as well. 

February 10, 2015

Okay we just had another transfer!

Y... me voy de acá! 

I am going to Alberdi, Rosario.  I will be in the same stake and zone, which I am so eternally grateful for.  I will also be training again.  I don`t know who yet... but I go to the mission home to find her tomorrow!

Blah everyone knows how much I don`t like saying goodbyes... but Heavenly Father helps me so much.  Can I just say how much I love Capitán Bermudez?  How wrong first impressions can be?  And how amazing less-active people are?

Okay... last week I was with Beatriz Mauricio, and she told us the story of her conversion.  When she was 7 or 8 years old, she went to an Evangelical Bible class every Saturday and loooooved reading the bible.  And one day she said to her techer in the middle of class, "I want to know what happenedhere on this side of the world.  Because there were people here too, right?"  She was only 7 or 8 when she asked that!!  Que inteligente.  And she said that every saturday, she saw two Elders (who back then didn`t have name tags) ride by on bikes, and they would always say hi to the kids.  Fast forward to when she was 16 and was baptized, and received a blessing that told her that she would be an example to her family.  Fast forward 15 years later... with five children and having been inactive for many years and then reactivating.  And they just went to the temple and are an Eternal Family.  It is so interesting, our choices we make and the way that the Lord gives us to come back to Him.

Annnnyways... so I have been saying goodbye to a lot of people.  I got the call from one of the asistants yesterday morning on calle Tacuman, and I started crying because I was so shocked.  The tears followed me from home to home, as I reviewed how much my life has changed because of the people here that I have met.  I will be honest... Capitan Bermudez is a sacred place for me.  Where I experienced much growth and understanding, moments with such immense happiness that there are no words, and bummer moments where things were REALLY  hard.  

But saying goodbye to Mica was the hardest one so far.  She is only smoking 4 or 5 cigarettes a day! In comparison to the 30-35 when I met her... I am so proud.  But as we talked and I shared Mosiah 2:41, I told her that if we all keep the commandments (her, and I, and Hermana Christensen) then we will all be able to live together in a state of never-ending happiness.  Un estado de felicidad sin fin!  And we talked about how amazing it will be, and I told her I was going to do everything in my power to love and serve my God and return to Him.  At the end of the visit, it felt so normal.  Like I was just going to go right back to them and see their marriage and baptism.  But, when we walked outside, I suddenly realized the sincerity of the moment.  And she said, "We will see each other around."  And then I had to tell her that we won`t... that even though my area is in this zone, we probably won`t see each other for a really long time.  It was kind of like explaining death to a little child... she couldn`t understand why we weren`t going to be able to see each other.  Then I started crying... really hard.  And we gave a big hug and I said, "La quiero mucho, " and we quickly left down the dirt road.  I think I was crying because I am worried about them because they aren`t progressing as much anymore... they haven`t gone to church in 2 weeks and it seems like she and Ivan ares getting tired of all of the opposition from her family (they have a LOT of oposition).

She watched us walk away, and I just bawled.  A few minutes later, we got a text message that said

no estés triste... nos vamos a seguir viendo siempre.  nuestra amistad es eterna... mika.  Te quiero mucho.

To translate it would be 

Don`t be sad... we are always going to keep seeing each other.  Our friendship is Eternal... mika.  Love you so much.

Well then I just started crying harder!  But it was because I was so happy and mixed emotions... but I know that the Lord has a plan for me. That He knows me and understands me perfectly.  That the miracles and progress I have seen here were blessings from Him.  And to Him I am eternally grateful and will serve forever. Because I know that as I do, I only meet more people to love.  

Well this was really sappy but it is just true and I love you all so much.  Pray for Alberdi and Capitan Bermudez. 

February 2, 2015

Hola Familia,

Wowowowowowow I had a really amazing week this last week.  I always have a story I want to share, and then I get to The Ciber to write you, and I am blank.  But I will do my best.

First of all... I have been studying a lot of the teaching of Paul.  He is so amazing!  A scripture that was shared with us in zone conference was this,

 

Timothy 1:12-16" And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, fort hat he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious:but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faithand love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first JesusChrist might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to themwhich should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."

so I was thinking about why Paul was such a successful missionary.  And some of the thoughts I had... his sincerity, his directness, and because he does everything because of his love for the people and his love for the Lord.

Anyways, this week we had 48 people in church!  In our ward, we usually have 33.  So this is amazing!  I sat there in Sacrament next to Yazmine, an investigator that is 11 years old, and Natalia. Natalia came with her family, after a very long time of not having come.  It was such a beatiful thing to hear the testimonies of the members... which have grown so much stronger over these last couple of weeks.  I was able to teach relief society and Gospel Principles as well... and we were able to feel the spirit so strongly as we spoke about the atributes of Christ and being able to choose our own lives.

A miracle that happened this week:

I had dinner with the Lator family.  Okay... I don`t quite know how to explain this whole situation.  They don`t have much money, but invited us over on Thursday night.  Their grandson, Kevin, was the boy who was just recently baptized.  

And as we sat at their table, which had a cute little table cloth and everyone was running around the little room to make sure we were comfortable and well-fed ( we ate canelonis, which are an italian sort of enchilada and are so amazingly delicious), I just took in the moment.  They repeatedly told us how grateful they were to us, and how they continually are praying for us and thinking about us.  And they made us little gifts.  Easy to say, we were all very happy and comforable around that table.  And I had a flashback to two months ago... when Hermana Gonzalez and I went over to their hourse for about the 5th time.  And, as usual, there were many people drinking and smoking out front.  And Hermano Lator received us, but told us not to say a thing about the church.  Because he was angry about a lot of things and said he would never again set foot in the church.  

Here we are now... they are fully active members.  And their grandson was baptized. And they read their scriptures everyday and pray everyday and are sharing the gospel with others.  And we at their table... without anyone drinking or smoking.  And the spirit was so strong.

I am so grateful for this beautiful gospel and that people can repent and change!  But it makes me sad to see people who lose so much time before doing so.  They missed many years without the blessings of the gospel.  And you know what made the difference?  A member invited them over to their house for a Family Home Evening. And they were again exposed to the spirit, and felt the love and friendship of someone, and came back to church.  Que maravilloso!

I know this is the work of the Lord here on the Earth.  And it isn`t just for missionaries, it is for every member of the church.  Those are the covenants we make at baptism.

Love,  Hermana Briggs

January 26, 2015

Hola familia!

Well I just don`t even know what to say... this has been an amazing week.  We definitely have been working really hard and being super obedient in all things... and in doing so we are able to see a lot of miracles here in Capitan Bermudez.

Well the other week we were walking in a part of town with all dirt roads where lots of little kids and families are outside playing and drinking mate (so that you can imagine it :).  We were on our way to a house, when we passed by two peoples standing outside against a car.  We walked by, but both felt that little tug that says you need to talk to them.  So we turned around and began talking to them.  Turns out he is a member! His name is Mario, and he was standing there with his daughter.  She isn`t a member... and after a few minutes of talking we set up another time to see them.

Fast forward a week later, and we were on divisions with the Hermanas Capacitadoras.  Hermana Hickman and I went to have our first lesson with Mario and his daughter... and it was amazing!  She accepted a baptismal date after we talked about the Plan of Salvation.  It is so fun and rewarding to get to know people and here about the problems and hard things in their lives, and then show them how they can apply atoning power of Christ to their trials and weakness.  And we as missionaries grow in testimony of this everyday... because you can`t testify of something that you don`t know.  

In church there were 42 people!!  Eso es un montón! It is ten more people that we usually have.  Mica and Ivan were there (and they are doing amazingly by the way...going to get married soon and then baptized).  Andrea, one of our investigators who is 14, was there as well.  She is going to EFY this week which is so awesome! We are all fasting and praying that her dad will give her permission to be baptized, because that is all she needs.  Also, the Familia Mauricio was there.  They were sealed in the temple last week as an Eternal Family.

I can`t even explain to you the beauty of this scene.  Beatriz and Jose Mauricio and there five children, all dressed in white.  They have faught so hard for so long to be able to finally make it to the temple.  They have withstood all types of temptation and afflictions in their family and in the world.  They are such an example to me.  Next week I will send a picture  of them!  But as I heard them bare testimony of their experience, I wouldn`t help but cry and know that one day I will see them in the Celetial Kingdom.  It was so amazing.  That is the goal!

Keep your vision pressed forward on what the real goal is... Eternal Life!  It doesn`t matter what we have to do and what we have to give up... all that appears unjust in this life will be made right through the Infinite Atoning Sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Hermana Eleanor Briggs

January 19, 2015

Hola Familia!!

No tengo mucho tiempo!

Pero bueno... this last week was a good one. We worked really hard all week to plan a "Choca de Fuerza" which is when missionaries from other areas come to your area and you go and visit everyone to help the less active members and investigators all come to church on Sunday.  So we planned and planned and planned and visited and planned and called and planned all week for this!  And as we did, we got to know a lot of less active members and also found some great new investigators.  One of them is named Gustavo.  We found him one day as gave up trying to find a house that doesn`t exhist.  We took a wrong turn and the moment I realized it, I felt that we were there for a reason.  We continued walking on this dirt road, with green palm trees along the side and a few horses and a lot of dogs!  And as we did, we passed by a man and his family.  They were all sitting down drinking mate.  I wasn`t going to say anything, but I immediately felt that we needed to talk to them.  I ignored the prompting for the second time... and BAM.  It was like I literally ran smack dab into a wall.  TURN AROUND AND TALK TO HIM it told me.  I said, literally almost out of breath, "Hermana, lets go talk to this guy," and I turned around so fast I probably freaked him out as we ran over to him.  

But he is so great!!  He has been praying to know why there are so many churches and how to know which is true.  He has had a hard life and has six little kids that are SO CUTE.  When we finished getting to know him and we shook his hand and looked into his eyes, they were like the eyes of a little child.  He just looked so eager to learn and grateful that we were there.

Mica and Ivan and doing great!! Last time we met with them, Ivan´s biggest concern was what baptismal clothes he was going to wear.  "I am not just going to put on someone else´s white clothes!" he told us.  Hahah it was so funny.  But they are planning on getting married and not telling anyone, and then being baptized.  They are so excited to go the temple next year!! Every time we go to their house they have quesitons about the temple.  I am so excited for them and I know they can make it!! They have changed my life so much.  To see someone leave so many things behind and come from such difficult and different circumstances... wow it is amazing to see and I am Eternally grateful.

I am so grateful for my Savior and that through Him all things are possible.  All things that appear unjust will be made right through His Atonement for all mankind. And there are a lot of things that appear unjust in the world.

Love you all so much!  Keep the gratitude and be obedient.  We have rules to protect us and bring us Eternal Joy.   Not this fleeting earthly stuff.

Love, Hermana Eleanor Briggs

So that is how we met Gustavo.

January 12, 2015

Mi querida familia,

Well it has surely been another week here in Capitan Bermudez, Rosario, Argentina!  You know, you can totally look at the "Street View" on Google Maps and see exactly where I am and what it looks like hahah.  We had to do it the other day to find a chapel.
We had the baptism of Kevin this last week!  He is so sweet.  He is now the only member of the church in his family.  He is 10 years old and a SPIRITUAL GIANT.  I mean it... he is so sweet and caring.  It hurts me to see that other kids around his house are mean to him.  But he just has a Book of Mormon and prays so fervently and asks Heavenly Father everything.  He will do great things and be an anchor for his family... until the time comes when they are all baptized!  Poco a poco.
But as always... something happens before a baptism to try to stop the progress of the soul.  For example... we had to take apart the Baptismal Font (faunt?) and jump in the front and then something happened with the clothes and then something happened with the food and then something happened with the witnesses........ oh my gosh I thought my heart would pop through my chest just from the stress!  Finally a member grabbed me by the shoulders and told me "Ya esta.. hay que disfrutar todo."  Basically, "It´s done... and we need to enjoy every moment."  And it is so true!  I am working on my goal for the year... to develop Aequanimitas.  Coolness of mind when under a lot of pressure.  Being able to think clearly and make decisions and be an anchor for others.  LETS JUST SAY I STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.
What´s important is that his family had a good time. He had 15 family members that came... aunts and uncles and cousins and the whole gang.  And we were able to talk to all of them and we are going to begin teaching the parents tomorrow.
Mica and Ivan came to the baptism as well!  They are doing so well.  I called them on Sunday to ask them why they weren`t at church... and he told us about how he watched the video of the life of Presidente Monson.  He told me how much he loves the prophet... and he quoted a scripture!  That is so awesome, because usually Mica is the one who speaks of the spiritual things.  Poco a poco!  They are going to hopefully get married within a few weeks... marriage is complicated here.  Keep praying!  Mica said how her whole family makes fun of her for listening to us and reading her Book of Mormon.  But she just yelled at them, "Cállate o te voy a cortar la cabeza!"  Jajaj you can translate that.
Love you all! Keep on keeping on.  No one ever said that Salvation would be easy.
Love, Hermana Eleanor Briggs

January 5, 2015

Okay... this last week.

I never wrote about saying goodbye to Hermana Gonzalez and Hermana Rasband.  Well... it was rough hahah.  We all cried a lot in the terminal.  As Hermana Gonzalez and I sat in the colectivo (bus) on the way to drop her off, we both cried. She told me how she wished she could have seen more progress in our area.  I told her how I was scared to train.  But Heavenly Father qualifies us for our callings!
It has been crazy but weird but good!  I feel a little bit like I am in a dream... Like Heavenly Father is giving me so much strength and support to get up and go running and study hard and walk all day and focus during my afternoon studies and then work some more and then plan for the next day and then go to bed.  It is like I am never tired and I am always focused!!  This is a new thing for me... I think that Heavenly Father knew I would need a lot of help with this whole training thing.
Because training is fun and exciting but hard because you want to be the best example and do everything perfectly with exact obedience.  I am still seeking revelation on how to help someone "acostumbrarse."  I don`t know how to translate that word, but basically get used to something.  I just remember when I got to Argentina and felt like a fish out of water, and my training was the only one holding a hose to give me any agua.  Hermana Christensen is so awesome!  Already speaks pretty well, has a lot of confidence, and wants to work hard.  I am so grateful to have her as my companion.
Mica and Ivan said they are going to take out an appointment to get married sometime this week!  I am so happy.  I was so content in church on Sunday as I sat next to Mica and heard that Hermana Mauricio (a recent convert) and her family were going to the temple to be sealed, and also a little boy we have been teaching named Kevin is getting baptized this Saturday!  I am so amazingly grateful, and a little sad that Hermana Gonzalez wasn`t here to see this the fruits of a lot of her work (she was here for 5 months).  We are just now beginning to see the miracles, and I know it will still be hard in the months ahead, but I know if I give everything that all will be well.
Last week we went bowling with Hermana Macias (from Ecuador) and Hermana Castro (from Mexico) and Hermana Eustaquio (from Peru) and Hermana Egbert (from Utah) and Hermana Martin (from Argentina).  So amazing how you can have such bonds with people who have totally different backgrounds.  Love them all so much!