Hey family,
Wow, this week has been absolutely crazy. We had exchanges with the sister training leaders (our second for the transfer, and you usually only have one), Sister G [[Mission President’s wife]]visited our area to study/teach with us, PRESIDENT G came to visit the following night to visit an activity we have biweekly in our ward to help build fellowships between members and investigators, and we spent half of Thursday in the Peruvian embassy trying to get things straightened out for Hermana V's visa. In spite of all the commotion, we had some really good lessons, and totaling up our key indicators for the week, we found that we met almost all of our goals! And I'm sure this week will be a little bit crazy too...unless (as I have been hoping), we don't have transfers! I love Hermana C and Hermana V, and I love the area. It has been a transfer of miracles.
I have lately been thinking a lot about faith, especially as the attitude we have towards life. We've been seeing a lot of success lately in our area, and much of that is due to the work of missionaries before us, and the mercy of the Lord. Honestly, I can't say that we deserve the amount of people we have found that want to listen to and learn about the Restored Gospel. It is a blessing that we don't deserve. Well actually now that I think about it, we as humans, don't really DESERVE any of the blessings we receive. It is through the grace of Christ that we have the opportunity to repent. It isn't of our own skill or talent that we have this gift. It is only thanks to Him. What matters is if we choose to use it. I was reading this morning a talk that I loved a lot, called "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ" by Elder Richard G. Scott. Since I'm out of time, I recommend that you read it.
[[ You can find this at: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng]]
Dad asked two weeks ago about my daily life. We get up every day at 6:30, exercise, get ready, study personally, as a companionship, and study the language (English for my companions and Spanish for me), and then we go to teach. We generally have about 6-8 lessons every day, between contacting, teaching investigators, and teaching less actives. About 80% of our references are from street contacting. We don't tract in this mission, but I often feel like street contacting is very much like tracting, since almost everyone says yes. Send more questions if you have them!
Sending all my love,
Hermana Romero
Monday, March 31, 2014
Photo from Zone Conference 2/12/14
From Mission President’s wife Hna G 2/12/14
"El foto de su conferencia de zona con Elder Duncan. Les amamos mucho. "
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| Zone portrait Feb 2014 Rosie - seated, far right |
Rosie added:
"My eyes are shut, of course! Haha
This is from a conference we had a few weeks ago, a photo of my zone"
2/10/14 What a great week it has been.
Oh my dear family!
What a great week it has been. I realized last night as I was writing in my journal, that, in spite of all our plans and our efforts, things never work out the way we plan them to! Almost never in this world do things happen perfectly. BUT, looking back at this past week, I have been able to see so many blessings and small miracles that I know that Heavenly Father has been guiding us to the people we need to visit, when we need to visit them.
We had a miraculous lesson Saturday night, where we finally found the husband of one of our most positive investigators, Luciana. Not only did they listen to us together (with their adorable little ones), but they decided to come to church as a family! What made me even more happy was when we came Sunday morning to help them get ready, they were all ready to go! And, in spite of the fact that we had ward conference and the meeting lasted a lot longer than usual, it was great to see that the speakers talked about things that were personally relevant to them.
Tender moment of the week: Steven, the son of this young couple (5 years old), during his first sacrament meeting, kept raising his hand to sustain all the people mentioned that were being sustained for their callings (it being ward conference, they read every single person of every calling for the ward and stake).
It makes me happy being here on the mission, and the little glimpses I have into the love Heavenly Father has for us. It's a love that is unconditional...it doesn't change if we follow his commandments or not, He will always love us. He's of course so happy and proud of us when we change and try to be better and obey his commandments because he loves us. I'm starting to understand that a little more as I get the chance to help others to come unto Christ as a missionary. Heavenly Father loves them so much. They are precious to him, and I am learning to love as He does. This makes me happier than anything else.
Sending y'all some pictures of my beautiful companions!
Love,
Hermana Romero
We had a miraculous lesson Saturday night, where we finally found the husband of one of our most positive investigators, Luciana. Not only did they listen to us together (with their adorable little ones), but they decided to come to church as a family! What made me even more happy was when we came Sunday morning to help them get ready, they were all ready to go! And, in spite of the fact that we had ward conference and the meeting lasted a lot longer than usual, it was great to see that the speakers talked about things that were personally relevant to them.
Tender moment of the week: Steven, the son of this young couple (5 years old), during his first sacrament meeting, kept raising his hand to sustain all the people mentioned that were being sustained for their callings (it being ward conference, they read every single person of every calling for the ward and stake).
It makes me happy being here on the mission, and the little glimpses I have into the love Heavenly Father has for us. It's a love that is unconditional...it doesn't change if we follow his commandments or not, He will always love us. He's of course so happy and proud of us when we change and try to be better and obey his commandments because he loves us. I'm starting to understand that a little more as I get the chance to help others to come unto Christ as a missionary. Heavenly Father loves them so much. They are precious to him, and I am learning to love as He does. This makes me happier than anything else.
Sending y'all some pictures of my beautiful companions!
Love,
Hermana Romero
2/3/14 ¿Quien tiene el barrio perfecto?
Hey folks!
So this week, we had one of the counselors of the Area Presidency (who is in charge of the church in Central America) come visit, and, as part of his presentation, he asked us, "¿Quien tiene el barrio perfecto?" ["Who has the perfect ward?"] Without hesitation, Hermana V, Hermana C, and I raised our hands. Not a single other missionary did. It cracked me up, but I really do honestly feel that it is true. Although, just as in any ward, there are members whose testimonies aren't as strong, the majority are so willing to help us...either by going to visit our investigators with us or offering their house for lessons or by attending activities that we've organized.
Other highlights of the week:
-I got my Christmas package! It was well appreciated by all (but don't worry, I haven't eaten all the Nutella yet!) and I am so grateful for all the time you put into it, Mom. Every single thing was something I need and love, and the socks are PERFECT!
-Elections were this yesterday. It is weird to be on the fringe of a huge cultural event and not participate at all, but we received specific instructions to not talk about politics at all...which makes sense. We are here to share the Gospel, not to do anything else.
-One of our investigators fasted for fast Sunday this past week! So tender. He's for sure going to be baptized on his baptismal date, I can just tell it. He is one of our most dedicated investigators, and I'm pretty sure it's because he has support of one of his good friends, a member of the ward.
I had a new idea for my weekly emails. It's called audiovisual thought of the week. I send you the name of a song (that you look up on youtube) or a mormon message, and share some thoughts. I've lately realized the ability movies or songs of the church have to bring the Spirit.
This week, the song is called This Is the Christ, as sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I was listening to it, and some of the lyrics really impressed me: "How many drops of blood were shed for me" (pondering the sacrifice of Jesus...He suffered for each of us individually. He loves each of us individually and can succor each of us individually. How incredible is that, that the only perfect human who ever walked the Earth humbled himself below all things for me and or you). The other line that impressed me "And with the saints of ages past, I too can testify--this is the Christ" I'm here to do exactly that. To testify of Christ, that his Atonement is perfect and covers everything, and that through him, our potential truly is limitless.
Dad asked about what my daily life is like, and I will write about that next week! I hope. Who knows.... I'm not always the best at managing my time on the computer!
I love you all dearly,
Hermana Romero
1/27/14 What an exciting week!
Hola familia!
What an exciting week! On Tuesday, we had interviews with President G (every three months, he interviews/talks with every missionary...we gave him a chocolate bar as thanks, but I don't feel like we did justice to the magnitude of his service). In mine, we talked about prayer, and he mentioned how one of his daughters calls him often, sometimes just to say hi. It reminded me of how I would call home during college because I wanted help or I wanted to tell you I love you or sometimes simply just because. It helped me understand that Heavenly Father will always answer our calls and he WANTS to hear from us, to hear about our day, to hear about our plans, and to encourage us to do things better.
On Wednesday, we had companionship exchanges with the sister training leaders. The majority of the things I learned apply to my area and missionary work (how to work better with members, the importance of asking for references and having members present in lessons, urgency, diligence, etc.) so I'm not sure how many details you want.
Then, Thursday, the coolest part of this week FOR SURE...Elder Quentin L. Cook, modern apostle came to visit the mission. It was an incredible experience and I loved that he said our most important duty is to help build the faith of everyone we come in contact with, and the prevailing theme that we have the capacity to see miracles here in this country. El Salvador is a beautiful country, and the people are so receptive. We need to work a little harder, perhaps, but I have confidence that as Jacob 5:72 says, the Lord himself will come down and help us if we work with all our forces.
My companion Hermana C is such a champ...She was baptized about three years ago and none of her family is a member of the church, so they don't support her very much or perhaps don't understand how much it means to missionaries to get email. This week she got a line from her family, which was the first time they had written her in three months! Instead of being disappointed, she said, "Woohoo! Maybe in three months they'll write me another line!"
((Mama, don't worry about last week...the thing about being a missionary is as you start getting more involved in the work and serving all the people around you, you stop worrying so much about home. I still love your emails and letters, but I don't rely on them for my happiness and faith like I did in the beginning.))
Oh my dear family, let me know if there is something you would like to hear about. Send me questions! I feel like I have become so involved in missionary world that I can't remember what is interesting to people outside of the mission. Although, I'm sure, being my family, you are interested in hearing whatever I have to say! But I would like to talk about what interests you...I continue loving you very much, and hoping the best for you all.
Love, Hermana Romero
What an exciting week! On Tuesday, we had interviews with President G (every three months, he interviews/talks with every missionary...we gave him a chocolate bar as thanks, but I don't feel like we did justice to the magnitude of his service). In mine, we talked about prayer, and he mentioned how one of his daughters calls him often, sometimes just to say hi. It reminded me of how I would call home during college because I wanted help or I wanted to tell you I love you or sometimes simply just because. It helped me understand that Heavenly Father will always answer our calls and he WANTS to hear from us, to hear about our day, to hear about our plans, and to encourage us to do things better.
On Wednesday, we had companionship exchanges with the sister training leaders. The majority of the things I learned apply to my area and missionary work (how to work better with members, the importance of asking for references and having members present in lessons, urgency, diligence, etc.) so I'm not sure how many details you want.
Then, Thursday, the coolest part of this week FOR SURE...Elder Quentin L. Cook, modern apostle came to visit the mission. It was an incredible experience and I loved that he said our most important duty is to help build the faith of everyone we come in contact with, and the prevailing theme that we have the capacity to see miracles here in this country. El Salvador is a beautiful country, and the people are so receptive. We need to work a little harder, perhaps, but I have confidence that as Jacob 5:72 says, the Lord himself will come down and help us if we work with all our forces.
My companion Hermana C is such a champ...She was baptized about three years ago and none of her family is a member of the church, so they don't support her very much or perhaps don't understand how much it means to missionaries to get email. This week she got a line from her family, which was the first time they had written her in three months! Instead of being disappointed, she said, "Woohoo! Maybe in three months they'll write me another line!"
((Mama, don't worry about last week...the thing about being a missionary is as you start getting more involved in the work and serving all the people around you, you stop worrying so much about home. I still love your emails and letters, but I don't rely on them for my happiness and faith like I did in the beginning.))
Oh my dear family, let me know if there is something you would like to hear about. Send me questions! I feel like I have become so involved in missionary world that I can't remember what is interesting to people outside of the mission. Although, I'm sure, being my family, you are interested in hearing whatever I have to say! But I would like to talk about what interests you...I continue loving you very much, and hoping the best for you all.
Love, Hermana Romero
1-20-14
Hola familia y amigos!
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| Me and my new companions |
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| My beautiful new apartment |
Another highlight of the week was that we were able to bring a ton of investigators to church! Living in Central America, where practically everyone is willing to listen to missionaries, it isn't that hard to get people to teach. The real challenge is finding people that will keep commitments (read the Book of Mormon, pray about our message, come to church, keep the commandments). It was a blessing to see that several had come of their own accord, that others were ready when we went to pick them up. I am really grateful to be here and to share the gospel. It has helped me learn and grow so much personally and in my testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that he is there for me in every moment, and as D&C 122:8 says, he has descended below all things. He knows how we feel in our lowest of low, and He can help us overcome our own self-doubts and fears as we choose to let faith be the thing that defines us.
Speaking of bringing investigators to church, I'm going to include an experience Hermana C and V had a few weeks ago that they shared with me this week. They were waiting at the bus stop for an investigator, Jonathan who had promised to come to church, and spotted someone they thought was their investigator. This is about how the conversation went:
Missionaries: (very excited) Ready?
Man: Yes, to listen to the word of God!
Missionaries: Let's go then!
Man: ...To where?
Missionaries: To church!
Man: Sorry, but I'm not part of your congregation...
Missionaries: But we talked to you this morning, on the phone.
Man: I think you've confused me with someone else...
Missionaries: But we gave you a pamphlet...
Man: No...
Missionaries: (finally realizing their error) What's your name?
Man: Edwin.
Missionaries: Oh....
I'm not sure if this story is as funny in English or when written out, but please just try to imagine all the enthusiam of a pair of sister missionaries and the confusion of a Salvadorenean man as you read this.
Love you all so much!
Hermana Romero
+with+her+crazy+dog,+Zoey+IMG_0371+(1).jpg) |
| Me and Mama Ruth (cook from Monte Cristo) with her crazy dog, Zoey |
1/13/14 - Va a creer, they changed my area again!
Hola parents!
We had changes this week, and I said a tearful goodbye to my (third, counting Mom) mom, Hermana W and headed off to Colonial II, stake San Salvador. Mom asked last week if I was close to the office...well now I am! The office is in my zone/my stake, so it's probably about half an hour away.
First off, the area. We are a lot higher up in the mountains, so it's a bit chillier (but still tropical!) and the whole area is pretty hilly. (Monte Cristo and Las Arboledas were both pretty flat). BUT the plus side is I'm getting in shape (since 18 months of pupusas and fried everything probably aren't going to do great things for my
health) and there are incredible views! I feel like I am in the Swiss Alps!
Unfortunately I am in a Ciber this week and my memory converter doesn't work, so I can't send you photos of my companions. Hermana V is from El Salvador (from the really hot part/the part near the volcano that just erupted, San Miguel) and she is amazing! I feel like I am going to learn so much from her testimony and the ease with
which she teaches and gets along with people. Hermana C is from Guatemala, and she is one of the sweetest people I know and she is such a hard worker.
The other day, Hermana V said "This is going to be a great change", and I echo her sentiments. I feel like I'm going to learn a lot from my companions. And the investigators here are great! Everyone is so willing to learn about the Gospel, the members are so supportive, and the leaders work so hard. I feel like I've died and gone to missionary heaven.
Love y'all lots and lots,
Hermana Romero
P.S. "Va a creer" (pronounced bah-cray-air) is a really common expression here, and it means "Are you serious?" Hermana V says it all the time, and it cracks me up.
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