March 30, 2015 - Week 65

How weird is that?? March is now over! But, we did have a pretty good week. It was pretty chill actually... It`s so weird that this week is the last week of changes... The time is seriously going so fast. I feel like I JUST started my time with Hermana Valenzuela but 6 weeks has already passed almost! But, we are having the time of our lives... So, that`s good.

Family Home Evening with Familia Bazan

This week, was pretty chill and boring. It was actually kinda cold. I think it`s starting to be winter here soon, so in the nights it was pretty cold. So, that sucked! But, it`s not even anything close to the cold at home... Haha. But, it rained a bit, too, so that is never good news for missionaries. No one wants to attend you when it`s raining out.. So, that was kinda lame. But, we still had a good week. We had a super cool lesson with this family (familia Figueredo) yesterday and it was so SWEET! Like, he is a returned missionary, but they are like less active members and we went to like figure out what they need and what their whole mindset and feelings are and stuff... And we had like a SUPER long but WAYYY cool lesson. We just like really focused on them and how we can help them and the spirit was SOOO strong. It was just really cool. I just love being a missionary.. For real. Like, honestly, it can be so easy to just get homesick or want to just go back to ``normal life´´ and stuff... But, when you are in situations like that and you just feel the spirit testifying SO STRONGLY that you are really in God`s true church and that this is the only way... I just forget about everything else! I just love it!! So, that was like the cool highlight of this week!

This week we also had our zone conference. It went well. We just talked about ministering to the people (which is awesome) and I learned a ton! But, we learned how to minister to the investigators, recent converts, and less active members using the Book of Mormon. So cool. So, that was fun. And also we have this goal to read the Book of Mormon as a mission (starting in April) like with a new copy and mark on things about Christ (in blue) and the atonement (in red). So, that should be a cool focus. We have a schedule and everything to keep us all on track as a mission togehter. And good news... We get done with the BOM the last day of my mission! So, that`s funny.

Ice Cream for P-Day

Today for p-day we did like nothing. We just chilled at home and then went to this mall to eat KFC. So, it was pretty fun just to chill together and stuff and not have a huge plan. But, next week I think we are going to go to Itaugua to buy stuff.

 

But, that is about it for this week! Love you and have a great EASTER! I am so excited... But, I totally didn`t even know that Easter was this week until yesterday! Haha someone just said... ``everyone is out of work this week cuz of Semana Santa´´ and I`m like ``What? Easter is THIS week? The same week as conference??´´ Haha so that`s cool. We get a cool conference/easter week! I`m excited! Have a great Holy Week everyone! :)

Love, Hermana Whittaker

Drinking mate dulce because it's getting cold outside

P.S. The other day I was sitting on my bed and my companion is like organizing her desk and all the sudden she is like on the bed too and just says ``HOLY CRAP DUDE! There is a huge taratuala in our room and I`m gonna have to kill it!!`` Haha cuz she knows the terror I have of spiders... So, she gets down and with a like a wave of courage... Kills it!! But, I didn`t even look at it while it was still alive... So I don`t actually know just how big it was! But.... The fact is... THERE WAS A TARANTULA IN OUR HOUSE........ 

March 23, 2015 - Week 64

Lucia on her baptism day

Yep... 100 days left. That´s crazy, right?!?!?!?! Yeah..... But, anyways... We had a great week. Why? Cuz Lucia got baptized on Friday! And it was a great experience. She told us that she felt so happy that she was baptized and that she is just super content. Also, we made two sweet... Like freaking awesome cakes for the baptism and nobody could stop talking about them!! They were lieterally in love. And it was like two box-cakes that we bought from the store!! Haha but they turned out great and we all just had a great time. Especially Lucia. So, we are so happy. And, she was confirmed a member and given the Holy Ghost on Sunday. That went well, too. And so that was really the highlight of our week! It was a great one. 

Other than that baptism... We didn´t have too much happen. I had like a lot of headaches... But, that´s alright. Also, we went to the chapel yesterday after church to get a package that a returned missionary brought from one of Hermana Valenzuela´s friend´s that was serving in Argentina with hjm. So, that was pretty fun. She got a cool package. Also, yesterday I got a sweet call. Hugo and his girls (Malena and Luz--from my old area, Aratiri) called me yesterday just to tell me thank you for everything and to tell me that they are super happy with where they are in life and that ´´thanks you for helping us return to church and to really feel content with where we are... ´´ It was beautiful!! I almost started crying! I miss them a ton but I am super happy that they are doing so well!! :)

For the other work.... I don´t even know. We are trying to work with that family that got married like the other week but they just don´t ever answer their phone. But, we did see them yesterday and told them that we are going to visit them this week on Friday... So, we will see how that goes! Also, there is antoher family. Ramon and Fanny that we are working with. We are hoping that they will progress cuz there are super cool and stuff.. So, we will see this week as well. We have a brownie appointment with them on Tuesday... So, should be good! Other than that... The only other news is that we are going to have our zone conference on Thursday. So that should be good, too.

 

Today for p-dady we really just did tons of checking things out and buying stuff. So, it was fun! But, we went to this tonwn called Aregua (which I have been to two times before) to find some cool things. Also, we went to San Lorenzo to this cool mall to buy an ipod charger for my companion and we found a freaking Quiznos! Haha that never happens. I´m pretty positive it´s the only one in this country. But, we split a sandwich and it was good! And guess what... We were so excited just to see all the stores and stuff... That we forgot the ipod charger! Haha so we didn´t even get it. But, it was a fun p-day!

That is about all for the week. I love you all so much a wish you the best this week! See you in 100 DAYS!!!!! :)

Love, Hermana Whittaker

Playing a new game - catch the camera. Set timer and toss till it takes a picture!

March 16, 2015 - Week 63

Hermana Whittaker and Valenzuela and a cake frosted with pudding.

So, we had a good week. But, it was pretty average. Not as fun as seeing every person that I know in the Stake Conference kind of week, so this letter might be a bit short!! Haha but we had a fun week. We just worked and stuff and did all that we needed to do! We did not have the baptism of Samuel though... So that was sad. It fell through and actually will not be happening any time soon.. But, it`s ok! He is a really cute kid who really has the right desires to want to be baptized and stuff... But, there is no way that he would be able to endure to the end and keep his covenants and stuff at this point in time. Long story short... His parents are divorced and they are just in this high school relationship. Like the whole... ``No.. I won`t talk to you and he won`t talk to me... ´´ Soooo, it`s just dumb cuz we are like stuck in the middle! And we aren`t here to be the parents... Just to teach and minister to their needs!!! But, that is what is up with that situation...

On the other hand... Lucia is getting baptized this Friday and we are so excited!! We have just been having the greatest lessons with her lately and she knows like SI O SI that this is the true church and that she is making the right decision! We are just like beyond happy for her! So, that is going to be great. Also, I just love teaching with my companion... (thought I would say so) We just do it so well together! Don`t get me wrong... It`s definitely the spirit and all... But, we are stellar together!! So, that is the news for this week! Super excited for this baptism and stuff... :)

Hermana Valenzuela and her apple trick!

So, I am still best friends with my companion and we are just having a blast and a half together... Something super funny that happened this week was that one night.. Hermana Valenzuela was a little  bit crazier or hyper-er than usual... And she just like shouts in the house.. ``I JUST HAVE SOOO MUCH ENERGY!!´´ Then she gets this large stick of ice we have in the fridge and breaks it in half with her hands... THEN... She grabs a frying pan we have and tries to break that in half... Didn`t work obviously and I told her she shouldn`t try it... AND THEN... She gets an apple out of the fridge and breaks it in half with her bare hands!!!!!! It was literally the funniest thing that  I have ever seen! I laughed for a good 10 minutes... Like crying-laughing... So FUNNY!!

And also... We found 2 other scorpions in the house last Monday! So, I`m thinking we have one of those crazy infestations.. Haha not really. But, we killed them and then we sprayed the whole house with permitrina (which will kill ALL bugs...) and from that point... We haven`t found anymore... Well, one little tiny one (the other day) but we killed it really easy. And so, we are good now :)

The snake display from the "zoo".

Last Monday... We went to the ``zoo´´ and it wasn`t open. And it wasn`t even a zoo really... Just like a crappy place. But, we had fun with our zone! We just made everyone laugh all day (my companion and I) and got lost on a colectivo... Typical stuf. And we went to this weird museum and saw a bunch of like snakes in jars and stuff. I don`t even know.... But, it was fun. Today... We have just been shopping around for stuff.... Umm like souvenirs?? Haha but it`s not like I have little time left or anything..... ;)

 

So, that is that! I love you all so much and hope you have the greatest week ever!! CHAU!!

Love, Hermana Whittaker

March 9, 2015 - Week 62

Well, this week was awesome!! First of all... We are having a baptism on Saturday! Samuel, the son of one of our recent converts, Tito, will be getting baptized on the 14th of March! We are so excited for him and he is super excited, too. He is 9 and just loves the church and stuff.. So, we are super excited for his special day. Also, our other investigator, Lucia, will be getting baptized in two weeks! Her date is the 20th of March. So, that is cool, too. I actually love the difference I have seen in her. It is the coolest thing. We have actually been working super hard with her so that we can help to her REALLY know that the church is true.

 It`s been so cool! Like ever since we have stopped counting numbers in the mission so that we can really FOCUS on the people and their needs... I have seen like miracles! It is really awesome. I remember when we first started teaching her (with her husband, Joel) that she was just kinda interested... But when we really get in there and find out was SHE needs as a person and how we can help her... We have seen the blessings! And that`s when I know and when I am sure that this really is the Lord`s work. Like it`s gotta be! He really is serious when he says, time after time in the scriptures, that He will help us in the work if we just do our part! We do everything in our power to help the people.. And he does the rest! I love it cuz it shows me that the promises really are true cuz I have experimented with it and IT WORKS! Haha that is just what I have been feeling lately. I love that we can teach and help the people not just to baptize so that they can just go inactive.. That does nothing. But to help them so they can know for themselves that this church is true and that it is the only true church on the face of the earth and to have a strong testimony to always endure to the END!!  So... We are super excited about her baptism!! And for Sam`s baptism..

Hermana Betty, Daihana & Micaela (Aratiri) and Julie (Itaugua)

Now I will talk about the Stake Conference we had... Remember how I have been in the same stake my entire mission?? Well, you can only imagine what it was like at the conference this week! I just know EVERYONE! But, really... It was so cool to see all the people I love in one place. I was just nonstop smiling for like 3 hours!! But, I got to see everyone from Itaugua and it was so cool... Including Lourdes, Sandra, and Natalia Maldonado.. Who were the first people I taught that got baptized! So, that was sweet! And guess what... Sandra is going on a mission!! She is just waiting for her call! So, I told her that si o si when she knows where she is going and when she goes to the temple... She has to let me know so I can go with her to see her and all! I am so happy!! They are the coolest people ever. Then, I see Angel!! Remember him?? He is that little 14 year old boy that was the first to get baptized in his fam... He went ALONE to the conference. He is the coolest kid ever!! Still strong! It was literally amazing to see all of these great people that (after a year!!) are still going strong in the church!! I can`t even express how happy I am! Then, I also see like everyone from Aratiri. Hugo with his daughters, Malena and Luz were there and they`re still going strong!! And, I find out that Hugo has received the priesthood now! WHAT?! Cool, right?? I am just so happy for all these people. I love them with all my heart and I can`t wait to visit them again... :)

Anyways... That was my awesome experience at conference.. Oh ya... And all the talks and stuff were great. President and Hermana McMullin were there and gave good talks as well. And so that is that! It was fun. Also, we just had a good week. I am so so so HAPPY with my new companion. Scratch that... She isn`t even my companion cuz she is my BEST FRIEND. But for realz.. Hermana Valenzuela is the coolest and we just kill it together. Not only is it like the best friendship just in like regular life when we talk and stuff... But also I have just learned like so much from her on like missionary things. We teach so well together!! I love it :) But, she is the kind of person that si o si will be in my life like probably... Forever. Haha but we are just insanely happy and excited stuff to be together.

 

So, that is my week! We are going to like the zoo or something today for p-day with our zone...  That should be fun.. Maybe. But, I`m excited. Also... We found a scorpion in our house last night!! In the bathroom. And we killed it. Well, Hermana Valenzuela killed it. But, it was scary! Have a great week! LOVE YOU!

Love, Hermana Whittaker

March 2, 2015 - Week 61

Hermana Whittaker & new companion Hermana Valenzuela

Ok... I got changes of companions and you`ll never guess who it is!!!! MY COMPANION IS HERMANA VALENZUELA!!! I am like pretty positive that I told you guys about her forever ago when I was in the CCM in Argentina... But, she is like my BFF! Also she looks like Emma Watson. She is American but grew up in Mexico for like her childhood, so she was only in the CCM for 2 weeks instead of 6 cuz she spoke fluent spanish. But, we became like so close in those 2 weeks and NOW SHE`S MY COMPANION! The best part is that we always... Like ALWAYS would talk about how we were going to be companions at the end of our missions and finish our missions together... We never thought it would happen!! Haha we are both like so happy!

Hermana Whittaker & Hermana Bautista

Anyways... We got changes and Hermana Bautista is like super sad and stuff cuz she has been in Anahi for like 7 and a half months and stuff... But the good news for her is that she went to Itaugua. My first area!! So, I was so happy for her cuz I love those people!! But to be honest, at first I did not want changes cuz I like just got used to being with Hermana Bautista and stuff... But Hermana Valenzuela....?! Like YEAH! I was so excited!! So, hopefully I keep up my spanish and stuff cuz now I`m with an American and it`s nonstop english... Haha but I`ll be fine. Not even worried about it.

Ok... So not only are we like best friends... But we are literally the same person!! I am not even kidding a bit. We like think the same about everything and it`s so cool! We have the same mind. It`s kinda really weird. But, I just don`t think I have laughed this hard in like 14 months!! We are the funniest people you could ever meet!! You don`t even wanna know how much we talk. It`s like ridiculous. But, it`s been so great. Like SO great. You don`t even know how much fun I am having!! It`s AWESOME! And I probably sound like a little bit like I`m overexaggerating, but I honestly feel this way! This will probably be my favorite companionship. We are gonna be so great together! And we`re gonna change Paraguay together!! ;)

So... More things for this week is that we had a wedding?? Haha like the weirdest thing happened, but there is this family (familia Figueredo) that have been members for a while (like 12 years) but they never got married. The guy is a returned missionary from Chile and he is so cool and the girl is from Argentina and she is so cool, too, but like 2 weeks before I got here... They got married (like civily) and they are like coming back to church and stuff. They are so cute and it`s just great. Well, anyways... They have some friends that like totally wanted to follow their example and stuff and told us that they wanted to get married, too. And the familia Figueredo like told us that we should start teaching them and stuff and so then my companion (Hermana Bautista--at the time) like calls the judge to set a date for a wedding and she sets it for the 27th of Feb. And then it comes around and I call everyone to really see if all this is gonna go through and stuff and then... BAM.. We have a wedding Hermana Valenzuela`s like second day here!! And it`s just awesome. So, they are now married and we are gonna start to teach them!! Hopefully this couple is like super prepared for baptism!! 

Wondering how the wedding happened - but it's cool!

Anyways... Another cool thing is that we totally had the BEST lesson ever with our investigator Lucia and we put a date on her for baptism. 20 of March. So... We are gonna be having a baptism!! She came to church yesterday and everything!! That`s cool, right?? And her husband (Joel) has to work a little bit harder on things with reading the Book of Mormon cuz he has his legal problem that keeps him from being able to get baptized... But, he`s doing good! Like they are just great... I love em. But, she is gonna get married soon, so we are so happy!!

And we just had like a great week. Like so good. I can`t even believe, though, that February is over now. How fast was that?? Like I knew it would be fast cuz there are only 28 days in February so it`s not even like a real month...... But wow. It FLEW. And it was pretty sad cuz like all my other best friends went home... :( Not really, but like Hermana Hunt and Braunersrither and Elder Laura... Everyone. But, it`s all good!! That is the mission, right?? I`ll see em all again and I am just super happy for this new change and companionship and all the cool blessings we are always seeing!! It`s so cool and this gospel is real! I know it and I LOVE it!! Have an amazing week... I love you more than life!!

Love, Hermana Whittaker