Transfer 13 Week 2

Sister Steele:

White and camera shy

 Sister Navarro:
Samoan, Chinese, and Filipino

The week started out with transfers. I met Sister Navarro and Sister Steele in Farmington. We hit the road... in the WRONG direction! We went south instead of west, and headed towards Gallup instead of Page. It wasn't till we were almost in Sheep Springs that we realized we were going the wrong direction. Sister Steele was crammed in the back with all of the suitcases, Sister Navarro was the driver, and I was in the passenger seat. I pulled out the map as we pulled over on a reservation road. I pointed to where we were, and where we were supposed to be. Sister Navarro burst into the loudest laugh I've ever heard. She got me going, Sister Steele politely giggling in the back, until tears were streaming down our faces. We collected ourselves and figured out the best shortcut through the Indian Reservation. Sister Navarro is such an absolute delight. I was so happy for her laughter in a situation that could've otherwise been SO stressful. She brings laughter to every situation and I am so grateful for that. So our drive which should've taken only a few hours, ended up taking around 7 hours with a fun scenic route through the rez.
My body isn't doing super well, I've had stomach problems the whole week I've been here. But the sisters are good at telling me to take a break when I start to get really lightheaded and tired. Just trying to drink a lot of water. I was so grateful for the California oranges daddy sent. They are so delicious! I haven't had any fruit as good as that since I've been out here. I gave a piece to Sister Campbell on our drive to Farmington and she was absolutely surprised that an orange could even taste that good.
I'm glad to be in Page. I'm just trying to figure out what I have to contribute here. I'm trying to learn what I can from Sister Steele and her quiet dignity. I'm learning from both of these sisters and their dedication to the work. I love being in a trio, as scary as trios sound. 

We had a great zone training in which one of the elders trained on resolving baptismal invite concerns. I have been trying for the past few months to role play as me; what I would say and feel if I were investigating the church. I figure if I can ask the questions and have the concerns I would really have, I will really learn what the spirit wants me to learn. So far I haven't been super impressed with how my baptismal concern has been resolved. I watched the elder as he sat silently and listened to the spirit. He asked me about my personal prayers. That was an inspired question, and one I hadn't been asked before for my concern of "I just don't want to commit until I know for sure". It made me think. Since that role play, I sincerely have been paying more attention to my personal prayers. Does it really feel like I'm talking to God? Does my conversation with Him reflect the relationship of Father and child? I told the elder that he did wonderful. That it was an interesting way to resolve my concern, one I hadn't heard before. He said it was tricky and that his mind kept jumping from place to place, led by the spirit. I know it was led by the spirit because I felt it. I then practiced and his concern was one that hit close to home. His was on personal worthiness. "I don't feel like I deserve it." As I promised him that he did, and testified of the love of God, the spirit taught me. I answered concerns that I have for myself. It's wonderful to learn so much from a few minutes of role play. An interesting thought came to my mind as I taught him, God decides who deserves His love and forgiveness- not us.

That's true when we struggle loving and forgiving others, and when we struggle loving and forgiving ourselves. Sometimes the only thing standing between us and salvation is us. 

We taught a man this week named Kevin. Such a wonderful young man. He has an 8 year old son and has partial custody of him. The spirit was in his home so strong. He was raised Christian. He kept saying "I'm just trying to find the truth". We taught him about the plan of salvation. He's already been taught the restoration. He reads and prays and comes to church every week. But he said something interesting when we asked him about his prayers to know whether or not the church is true. "I'm asking. But I don't expect an answer either way." That seemed wrong. We should expect answers. That's faith. If we understand the nature of God, specifically that He is a perfectly loving father, we should know that He wants to give us answers. He wants us to have the truth. He wants nothing but happiness for us. We can't be upset when we don't receive answers, that's sometimes a test of our patience and faith. But we can expect that God will communicate with us in some way. Because He loves us. But Kevin doesn't trust God in that way yet. I know he'll get answer. And I told him that. I know because there was a spirit in his home that suggested his frequent communication with the Divine. God knows him. God hears him. God listens. God is there. And He'll answer, in His time, when Kevin himself is ready to act on that answer. Real intent is key.

I love you all so much. 

I included a picture of me and Sister Garcia, and one also of a shirtless man at the parking lot chasing a mini poodle, along with a view of the reservation and of Page

Transfer 13 Week 1

TRANSFERRED:

PO Box 86 

Page, AZ 86040

I'll be just down the street from a perfect view of Lake Powell. My companions will be Sister Navarro and Sister Steele. I'll be in a trio for my last six weeks. I was shocked, to be honest. Totally shocked to be transferred. But I'm delighted, since the sister taking my place with me a brand new missionary trained by the lovely Sister Campbell! She'll do so great. I've had great anxiety about packing and she's had great anxiety about training since we got the call. We give each other hugs and say "It's gonna be okay" every few hours. 

The Lord is wonderful and He has taught me a lot throughout my time in Holbrook. One big thing I've been learning, and am still learning, is to be a "God fearing woman". I'm learning to say what God needs me to say, even when it's not what others want to hear. I've gained so much greater of an understanding of what love is. And I am learning better to love myself. 

Sister Campbell made me do weird self-affirmation things like Sabrina used to do. "I am awesome, and will become more awesome, and that's okay. I am called because God needs me here." She made me repeat it to myself once a day or else she would pester me mercilessly. She's been such a blessing to my self-esteem. She's so well educated in psychology, so she understands feelings from an "intellectual standpoint". We had many good conversations on long drives, and did a lot of problem solving a goal setting to help improve my future relationships and friendships. Best of all, she shared her contagious faith, hope, and obedience. 

I am so grateful for Holbrook. It's sad to leave, because it feels like home here. This charming strange corner of the universe feels more like home than home itself does at this point. The members here have been amazing, the work has been great, and I have learned so much. I look forward to all that Page will teach me, as well as my great companions there. 

Conference was fantastic this week, I was so grateful to watch and find so many ways I can improve and goals that I can set. I had questions answered through the speakers, revelation flowing like river rapids, and the spirit was so strong. God is teaching me so much. The most important thing I am coming to a greater understanding of is the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the center of everything. There is no time I have felt the Holy Ghost stronger than when I hear about the Atonement. There is nothing more that I feel I need to have a stronger testimony in than that event. I am realizing that my testimony of the Atonement is directly influenced by how much I am using it in my life. I am grateful for repentance. I am grateful for the perfect love of a perfect Father in Heaven. I am grateful that because of the even we celebrated this past week, I do not have to be who I have been.

"'Twas I, but 'tis not I." I am grateful to be able to say that with full confidence in a God who forgives sins, who heals wounds, and who urges me to press forward.

I love and miss you all,

many apologies if I don't send much mail this week,  

xxoxoxoxoxo

Sister Valdez

Pretty view on our drive

A dog irritated by all the traffic in Gallup

and packing packing packing

Transfer 12 Week 6

Happy Monday! It looks like it was a super fun week, I had so many pictures to look at in my inbox today! Everyone looks beautiful and wonderful and I'm so excited for all the fun things happening. I got a letter from Aaron today in the mail and I will consider that a miracle. 
I've been still sick this week, trying to fight this sinus infection, but never quite getting enough time to rest. It's not horrible just pretty painful and inconvenient. Also one of our relief society presidents kept momming me throughout the week, and doing an unwise mom-habit which is still hugging people when they're sick. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure the science behind why mom's never get sick has to do with them being the moms of their children and since my RS mom is not my genetic mom, she caught the sickness and I feel so bad for her! She came to church pinching the top of her nose like I have been for the past week and I was so sad that I gave it to her. 
Sister Campbell and I are having such a blast in Holbrook. This week we found a beetle and put it underneath a cup and left it for someone else to deal with (aka no one). And then we came back and the beetle was GONE! This morning on my way to shower I saw the same beetle again and I said "NOT THIS TIME, BUDDY." and put a study glass cup over him and now he will remain there until we get back from Farmington and have the courage to deal with that whole gross bug situation. Last time we just let the centipede rot under there until he was dry and crumbly and then we threw him away.
This week one miracle was a small learning experience about listening to the spirit. Me and Sister Campbell were walking on the sidewalk in a slightly more questionable part of town. There was a group of men standing by their car, a couple of them had cans in hand. We were on their side of the street and we came to a four way stop. We both looked at each other and silently agreed to cross so that we wouldn't cross paths with these men. I felt bad, because I know we're supposed to talk to absolutely every human being breathing and living, but I also didn't feel comfortable. So we took a different route. I didn't think much of it. 
Just ten minutes or so later we passed by a house where we had previously taught a sweet little old Hispanic lady. There was a man on the porch drinking a beer, and evidently other men inside the house. We walked right up and started talking to the man on the porch. People started popping out of the front door and soon we were surrounded with at least seven or eight men of a rougher looking crowd. Some of them had cans of beer, others were lighting cigarettes. The man on the porch didn't seem interested, but someone approached Sister Campbell and told us how young we looked, asked how old we were. "Aren't you girls scared going out like this?" One man named Jesse walked up to where I was standing and began telling me all about his ex and how she used to be a Mormon. He was lighting a cigarette and had tattoos along his hands, arms, and neck. He told me about their failing relationship and his addictions, and how he really is ready to give his all to God. "I'm actually really glad that you guys walked by." He said he wants us to help his ex girlfriend, and that he's ready to listen to whatever we have to share. I testified of the healing that comes from the Atonement of Christ. I gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon while Sister Campbell gave another copy to the man she was talking to. As we walked away we both pondered the first man's question. "Aren't you girls scared going out like this?"
We talked about the feeling we got when approaching the first group of men, the feeling that we needed to walk across the street. We also talked about the unnoticed fearlessness we had approaching the whole house full of the same looking crowd. We talked about the man Sister Campbell contacted: humble, quiet, asking about the church, and the Book of Mormon. And the one I contacted: open, spilling his guts out, looking for someone to vent to, and ready to open his heart to whoever God sends to teach him. We learned two things: 1)  The spirit is guiding us even when we don't realize it ourselves. Why else could we not  feel scared around a group of men like that? That's the difference between the first and second group. One we didn't approach, one we did. The outward appearance showed little difference between the two groups of men. But God sees their hearts. And He guides out footsteps. 2) God matches us with who He knows we can touch. I could not have contacted the man that Sister Campbell talked to- not in the same way. She's good with the facts, the explanations, she feels more comfortable with people who are timid and uncomfortable. His timid nature made her comfortable. Jesse's soul-bearing made me feel comfortable. Whereas Sister Campbell would not have responded the same to someone talking so openly to her. God knows who will connect. 
I know that God put us in their path. If only to teach me that small lesson on the way that the spirit works, and how to recognize how God uses our different strengths to reach different people.  

Theres a picture of my totally adorable companion and some medication that got me through the week. 

Also a picture of a totally adorable time that me and sister campbell took a nap on exchanges and a picture of when I made mistakes by eating an entire bag of cookies in one sitting. 

The car is packed and we're off to Farmington after I send this email, wish us safe travels! I love you all mucho grande, hope you enjoy the letters I sent off last Monday. Pinchy pinch between your toes.

OH I ALMOST FORGOT. This week I met a little girl who found it really necessary to tell me that both her and her grandpa have "twin toes"- AKA: two toes that are WEBBED TOGETHER.

You're welcome. 

Transfer 12 Week 5

The bad news is: Sinus infection. The most hilarious things I've ever seen have been coming out of my nose lately. That's the fun part. The not fun part is the PAIN! Man, I have never had pain like that in my face. One day it got pretty bad and we finally walked to the door of a members home and knocked in the hopes of getting some medicine. She answered and I was standing here with my hand on my face and the most miserable pout, I'm sure. Let me tell you, Mucenix pain and pressure max or WHATEVER it's called is heaven on earth. I sat on her couch and she put an ice pack on my face and mommed me pretty hard until we had to zip to our next appointment. I think I got sick because exchanges are horrible for your immune system.

It was wonderful to be with Sister Garcia and Sister Waite for those couple of days. They're doing such great work in St. Micheals. It's also crazy how well me and Sister Garcia can jump back into it. We talked about it quite a bit as we walked from hogan to hogan. What is it that makes a companionship unified, and how can I translate that into other companionships? - That was our topic of discussion. Lots of good ideas thrown out, no real conclusion. 

Speaking of companions, JEJJERS! Jejjers came to visit this weekend. We went to a members house and she opened the door and I squealed. She went to a correlation meeting with us, and she had lunch with us on Sunday too after stake conference. It's so crazy to see her in pants, that's all I have to say. She's still Jejjers. 

The miracle this week was our new investigator, Irene! Sister Campbell had to use the bathroom and there was a member down the street from where we were tracting. So we walked over and used their bathroom. They had two brand new puppies and I was sitting on the couch playing with them and asking about them when old Bro. C came out of the bedroom. He hobbled out and sat in his rocking chair and said "Okay, you ready for a referral now?" We eagerly nodded and he sent us over to his neighbor who agreed to meet with us, only if we could do it at a time so all her kids and grandchildren could listen too. He gave us a second referral who is a woman with cancer who he personally invited to take the lessons and she's already said yes. He called her to set up an appointment and we'll be meeting with her as soon as she's back from the valley. Members are awesome! And it's amazing what a difference it makes to contact someone invited by a member rather than knocked into by missionaries. The power and influence members have sharing the gospel is amazing. 

Irene was at stake conference which was a wonderful experience. There were some things said that I feel were directed right at her, and I watched as she nodded, agreeing with the speaker. I love watching peoples faces as they listen. On that note, even just in district meeting. When I play prelude that's my favorite thing to do. I watch. And sometimes the rowdiest most energetic people can reach complete stillness when music starts playing. I can tell by people's faces who is really listening to the hymn, who's really feeling the spirit, who's really pondering what they're studying. I love it so much. 

Sister Campbell is still a wonderful human being, she's been sick, but not as sick as me. Her and I are still getting along famously, even though she doesn't always appreciate when I try and tickle her after daily planning. She'll warm up to it, I'm sure. 

I miss you always and love you all so much and want to tickle you until the cows come home.

No fun pictures this week, just Sister Campbell sorting out an area book while I lay on the ground elevating my feet because I wrecked my ankles on exchanges. And a sweet potato that Sister Shumway is growing in the front window. 

Transfer 12 Week 4

Sister Campbell is my favorite thing! She is so hard working and it's doing great things for this area. Our numbers are increasing and I'm feeling so much better about the organization of the area. When we went on exchanges in Flora Vista we admired their system for organizing their new ward. So we adapted it to our area and I finally feel like we have a sense of direction in Holbrook. It's really exciting. I can feel the miracles creeping in!
I've been able to hold down solid foods all transfer which makes me really happy. And I've just been... happier. Sister Campbell is a words person. She uses positive words all the time. I forgot how much I miss nice words! If I come up after getting ready she tells me I look adorable. If I do something well, she compliments me immediately. It feels nice. 
This week we met a sad man named Truman. We tracted into him. We stood as his doorstep as he yelled about how God uses us as guinea pigs. He asked why God allows suffering to occur. We told him we had the answer. But he didn't want to hear it. We testified of a loving God, of the plan of salvation, of the Book of Mormon. But he didn't want to hear it. "If God loved me, why wouldn't he take me in their place? I begged him. I watched my girlfriend and my daughter die. Why would he let that happen?" Truman was asking the right questions, but didn't want the answers. It was interesting to watch. And slightly frustrating, because the answers are there. Because God is there. That's the interesting thing. We all have agency. No one can force us to believe in anything. God can't just strike us with lightening, because that's not how it works. You have to be open. You have to reach out. It made me wonder about times that I may be asking the right questions, but closing myself off to the answers. But we walked away from Truman's door at peace. God will work with him. God has been working with us. That's something I've realized. He has a plan for everyone to get home.

Another great miracle happened in the middle of a ward correlation meeting! A member of the bishopric popped his head in the door and said "Sisters! I have someone who wants a lesson from you." That's just what we love, someone coming to us! It was a less active sister who had wandered her way to the Holbrook stake center in search of an activity that her relatives were supposed to meet her at. Turns out she was at the wrong building. But we taught her. We talked to her about coming back to church and gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon. 

Sister Campbell let me pluck her eyebrows and I was so happy. 

We had a baptism this Saturday and it was so fantastic! Carrie threw both hands in the air and fist pumped after she got out of the water. It's amazing to see the enthusiasm that many of us so easily lose. We should all be that excited for every step made closer to our Savior. 

I am in a fist pumping mood today! I'm ready to head out to St Michaels this afternoon and learn from the sisters there. I'll get to see Sister Garcia and that's enough to make my week.

I love you all so much! I love hearing how everything is going back at home.

xoxoxoxox

Sister Valdez

Flowers

My exasperated companion

My adorable companion

and one extra picture just in case you thought my mission was making me into a more mature human being. 

Transfer 12 Week 3

What a wonderful week! Physically, just not super top notch because between MLC and exchanges my body always gets pretty shot. We came back from everything Wednesday night, and the next day had to give a training in Zone Training. It was on having charity and love for your companion and for those you teach. It was hard for us to come up with anything for training because me and Sister Campbell were love at first sight! Honestly, it feels like I have been her companion for years, and I can't remember what it was like without her. That's silly, but we are just having such a great time as companions. One of my favorite things especially was the drive home from Farmington. On the drive there we listened to a few songs and talked about funny stories and weird things that happened at home. But on the drive back, the Flora Vista sisters had given us some talks to listen to. They were about sacrifice, and about self mastery, and agency, and really good wholesome things. After the talks were over, we spent the next few hours of the drive just talking. First we talked just about the talks and the subjects and the parts we liked. Then we talked about application, and I was able to tell her things I'm worried about and doubts that I have. We talked so openly and the spirit was there, and I can see what a difference it makes. It's hard for me, because I love casual conversation, but it's been a while since I've had a really great long deep conversation. And I could feel the difference in the air. I could feel the difference of the spirit we had as we went home and planned that night. We talk a lot. Both of us. But I've realized I need to be more careful about what we talk about. There's a time and place for fun and casual. But there's nothing better than a conversation that edifies, one that brings you up, one that inspires and invokes change. It was wonderful.

Exchanges were so great. The Sisters in Flora Vista are doing wonderful. It's funny, because something I have been struggling with is accepting praise and love from the Lord. And it's exactly what I talked with one of the sisters about. I was able to testify to her that God is proud of her work, that she need not beat herself up about how she could do better. The spirit it meant to give us warm fuzzies, but then to also push us to do better. She had been doing so much pushing herself, and not letting herself be happy with the small successes, and with the small miracles. It's important to rejoice in this work. The sons of Mosiah sure did. As I testified of God's love, I felt it hit me like a pile of bricks. It's something I could be better about accepting, and the things I was saying were things that I needed to hear. Funny how the spirit teaches you as you open your own mouth and listen.
Our investigator came to church this Sunday and I was so happy. She came in jeans and a holey T-shirt and reeking slightly of cigarettes. I had a moment where I was watching her walk through the hallways and I realized how much God loves us. I've spent so much time (and still do spend too much time) caring about how I look and how I dress and whether or not my eyebrows are symmetrical. But I saw that woman and felt how much God loves her no matter what. The love is unconditional. He loves her exactly where she's at right now. He loves her with all the struggles she's still facing. He rejoices in the small successes and miracles. He doesn't compare. He just loves.
Here comes a relevant President Monson quote:

"Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount ofmoney you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy,discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."The miracle this week is that I feel so much better. Sister Jessee gave me an Ensign article about healing. I need to study it again. But that is a miracle: healing, growing, getting up, and keeping going. And I sure am. I'm enjoying this wonderful work. I'm at peace with where I am and where I am going. I'm grateful for Sister Campbell who keeps me laughing all day long. And I am so grateful for all the letters this week. They were so lovely, and I treasure them so much.
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxxo
- Sister Valdez

Sister Jessee & Sister Campbell

both 200% adorable

Transfer 12: Week 2

Dear little nuggets,
I love Sister Campbell. That is first and foremost what I want to say. I am grateful for her. She was trained wonderfully and her personality just goes so well with mine. We laugh so much. She knows internet humor. That's all that matters. We struggle to keep ourselves from giggling too loud at home. 
We've had a wonderful week, and seen miracles! The best was a new investigator named Churie. She showed up to church with some less actives. We had met her before when we were at the less actives house, and she sat it once or twice, but didn't participate a whole lot. But one Sunday she asked them to give her a ride to church. When I saw her, I chased her down and gave her a hug. I invited her to take the lessons. The night before, we couldn't find any members who could come along. We called several people, but no one could make it at that time. Finally we asked the relief society president, and she shot off a list of names. We called the one she most highly suggested. Her name is Carrie. We invited Carrie to come along, and she said she was too busy and would have to babysit. I felt defeated and we said "Thank you anyway" and hung up the phone. I slouched in my chair and texted another person from the list, and rested my head on my desk. The phone rang just a minute later and Carrie said "My husband said he'd watch the kids. I can be there. I've never done this before, so I'm not really sure what to expect." We explained the lesson we'd be going over. We threw out a couple questions that we might asked and told her she could think of answers to those, but that her most important role was to be a friend and offer a sincere testimony.
When she showed up in the morning, we went into Churie's house. On the table was a Book of Mormon, already opened, covered with underlining and highlighting. I asked about it and she said "I've been studying it every day with my bible." We taught the first lesson. Carrie shared how precious the gospel is to her and her family. We asked Sister Fish how she came to know it was true. She shared very personal experiences of her coming to have a testimony, and it seemed to connect and align with where Churie was in her life right now. "I know that you can know for yourself that these things are true, just like Carrie has. God will tell you through the Holy Ghost." Churie smiled, "Oh, I already know." She said. "The book has to be true, I can feel it every time I read, I get the chills. I can feel it when you guys talk. I know it's true." We invited her to be baptized on April 11th. We talked about what we'll need to do to work towards that date. She seems hesitant. She's afraid of being pushed into anything. But I have faith. God has been pushing her this whole way. He will continue to work on her, and all we need to do is be instruments. He does all the miracles behind the scenes. He sets it all up. I love her so much. I know that her testimony of the Book of Mormon will carry her to the waters of baptism. It's a wonderful thing to see someone the Lord has already prepared. It truly is His work.
Yesterday at sacrament meeting, Carrie was able to share her testimony and the feelings she felt as she sat in on our discussion. She testified of the spirit, and that we as missionaries carried that spirit. I hope that her testimony will inspire others in the ward, not just to come out with us, but to share with others. I was so grateful. It was a wonderful testimony meeting.
One of the less actives we teach also came to church! She has horrible leg cramps and has suffered many strokes in the past year. We go mostly to visit her daughter who has been less active since high school. We started sending a scripture to them every day, and when we went back to teach them again, the scriptures were all written on index cards and taped on the front door. They've been reading together every day, often reading more than just what we send. Last Sunday they tried to come, but Cheryl (the mother) got horrible leg cramps just an hour before church. She was crying in pain until about 2 pm when they stopped. I told her that if her legs would allow her to come, I would bear my testimony on fast Sunday. I'm so happy to say I was able to get up on fast Sunday and smile in her direction and testify of a loving Heavenly Father and Savior.
It's just funny, some things just don't count towards numbers. You can't measure how happy I was that she made it there. Or how happy I was that the new less active family we found this month made it there too. They are working towards the temple. For the first time this Sunday their schedules allowed them to come as a family. I was so happy. But there aren't any numbers for that. And that's okay. I keep wondering what I can do to know the Lord is proud of me. Sometimes I think maybe the numbers are the answer. Like maybe when I've brought 25 people unto Christ, then He'll be happy. The line still rings in my head during prayers "Are you proud of me, Father?". But this Sunday as I sat on the back bench and watched the ward surround these less-active members with loving arms, I was overflowing with joy. And I had a feeling of satisfaction, peace, bliss. I know it was just a fraction of the Lord's joy that He is allowing me to feel. I know that He is happy even with small steps, even if they don't add up to numbers. I know He rejoices, because I am rejoicing.

Alma 26: 11 "But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God."

I'm doing wonderful this week. I've learned so much in the past few months. I am so blessed to be in Holbrook and to be trusted by the Lord to work with these wonderful people. I love home, but I never want to leave Holbrook. I hope you're all doing wonderful and I love you all so very much. 

We're leaving after this for Farmington and we'll be there until Thursday. I'm not extremely happy with you people because I've gotten no letters this week! What's up with that? I hope it's because you've been doing wonderful things in sunny California. The wind is blowing here, so I'll just pray we don't blow away! 

xoxoxoxox

Sister Valdez

I made Sister Johnson wear the cheese hat

It snowed on our way to Gallup to get Sister Campbell

I got a weird fortune that's not really a fortune

and Sister Campbell is probably Tina Fey

Transfer 12: Week 1

Dear Family,
TRANSFER NEWS:
Sister Johnson is going to shiprock with Sister Howells
and I will be getting Sister Howell's companion, Sister Cambell. Pictures will come. You will love her. And so will I

This week has been wonderful. I caught a cold. Just as the cold went away, the wind picked up and now I am using a box of tissues a day for these horrible allergies. We had a great day one day, though, where I woke up feeling horrible. I was transitioning from the cold to the allergies and was all congested and exhausted from a night trying to breathe. I prayed so hard before studies to know whether or not I should rest. I felt that I needed to work. I knew that God, if I put my full energy into the day, would carry me through it. Let me tell you, I was miserable. But I made it the whole day. Sneezing and rubbing my nose raw with tissues, but I made it. It's been a interesting journey being sick this week and seeing the Lord carry me. It was funny to me that I felt like I needed to work hard that day, and yet it didn't mean the day was easy. I am slowly beginning to learn the way that God speaks to me. Some days when I was sick, He told me that I needed to listen to my body and rest. Some days He told me I needed to get up and push it through the whole day. Some days He left it up to my own best judgement (those are my least favorite situations). I'm grateful for these small trivial experiences, because they are small lessons in divine communication. Like a Divine Communication 101 course. And I know that learning to talk with and listen to God, as well as make decisions for myself, will help me with the bigger decisions. 
Sister Johnson was very sad to hear that she's leaving Holbrook. But I took her aside for a minute this Sunday to talk about it because I could tell she was distressed. We talked it over and had a good discussion for a few minutes about how the Lord knows where we need to be, and who we need to be with. I told her my feelings, and how it's hard for me to be at peace with the transfer as well, but I have been praying for the peace to accept God's will and trust that He runs this work. She is talking more openly with me now and I encouraged her to do the same with Sister Howells. Sister Howells is an amazing missionary and will be a great trainer for Sister Johnson. I'm grateful for the things that her and I have learned together. 
This Sunday after church we had a referral to contact. The gate had been locked before and finally we came by and it was unlocked! I passed Sister Johnson a Book of Mormon and she just shook her head. And I nodded. And she shook her head. And I nodded. I tried to get her to role play it with me before we approached the door, but she refused. We sat in the car, conflicted, as a woman approached her side of the vehicle. Without time for either of us to change our minds, we jumped out and chased her down and talked with her. She wasn't interested. But referred us to her friend... who also wasn't interested. But then we were referred to one of their boyfriends... who really wasn't interested. But we got to share a bit with each of them and invite each of them and that's what matters. We chatted with them and laughed and invited them out to an activity this week which they seemed more comfortable with. We prayed with them and went on our way. Then we went and contacted that referral. He... wasn't interested. But he was so nice. I asked him, "Listen, my companion is trying to get in some more practice presenting the Book of Mormon, would you let her just try on you?" So he stopped preaching to us about Jehovah and the bible and let Sister Johnson stumble through a presentation of the Book of Mormon. She testified simply of it's truthfulness. He smiled, urging her on, nodding and saying "Great, keep going!" In the end he still wasn't interested, but we met his wife and she was the sweetest lady. We gave her hugs and gave him a firm handshake and in the end it was a great interaction. Something he said to us was interesting though. We had stopped by earlier that week to knock on their door when the gate was locked. And there were two dogs outside. One of them was a puppy and was just wailing when we approached the gate. The closer we got the louder it cried. It made me cringe. I probably whined something like: "Oh, little pup!" and told Sister Johnson we'd just try back later. We both really felt bad for that dog. He was so scared. When we came and met the man, one of the first things he said was, "I can see right now in your eyes that you're trying to figure me out. But I'll tell you right now, I've already figure YOU out. Yes. I've been watching." He proceeded to tell us that he saw us when we saw his puppy. The pup suffers some emotional damage from being orphaned. "You know what I saw? I saw you two walk up and I saw you hurt when you saw that puppy hurting. You two have compassion. You're Christlike. I was watching. And I noticed." What a small thing that was. But what a big difference it made on how this man thought of us. We don't realize the small things that people notice. I also learned from this interaction that people don't have to say yes. That's they're choice. And when they don't, we don't have to be upset. The best you can do is have a loving interaction. And we did. We hugged strangers. We shared genuine conversation. We invited, we did our job. And the rest is up to the Lord. 
Something I have been especially grateful for is the sisters I am blessed to serve. I get to call and check up on the sisters once a week and it is one of my favorite things about being in this calling. One of the sisters talked to me on exchanges about something she felt was a distraction to the work. Her and I talked about it as the evening went on and I urged her just to be prayerful. Well as the weeks have gone on, she's been able to tell me in our phone calls that the distraction has been removed. She made the decision. And she has seen immediate miracles. I don't know if I can describe how much happiness comes to me from such a small thing. I was able to rejoice with her as she learns to give her full heart and attention to the Lord and His work. Hearing their success and miracles gives me so much inspiration. Talking with them about their challenges helps me grow. I am so extremely grateful for the wonderful Sisters that God gives me to learn from. It's always a heartbreak when one is moved or we are no longer in contact. 

 It's been a really hard, but wonderful transfer. Dad wrote me last week and his letter started out: "You are so funny. The first sentence of a letter you say 'The week was wonderful!' the next sentence talks about how the week was so hard." Well, life is both. Wonderful and hard don't have to contradict each other. With the Lord in this work, it's the hardest thing I've ever done. But it's the happiest thing.
Have a great week,
Sister Valdez

PS mommy thanks for the oranges, I cant express how delicious Californa oranges are in comparison to the ones I've had here! Fruit from home is just SO GOOD!

Transfer 11: Week 6

We got bikes! Wonderful wonderful! I've never been so happy. It was another hard week with a significant amount of tears and sweat and an equal amount of giggling and hard work. We talked to a lot of new people! I finally had to start forcing Sister Johnson to just speak up at the doorstep. I remember hating my trainer with a fiery passion when she made me talk during tracting but someones you just don't learn any other way! She did great and is becoming more confident. The most amazing family is the less active family who we bumped into- they moved from the Hopi reservation. They are the sweetest couple with a cute little girl who's about 7 years old. 
It's precious to see a family just now establishing themselves in a new home. The have started reading the Book of Mormon every single night since we started coming over. They got furniture that one of the motels is throwing out. The dad works at the hotel doing maintenance and the wife does housekeeping at a different motel. He works a second job at Burger King. They share a cell phone. They are so humble. So sweet. They are so excited about these ratty old arm chairs that the motel let them have. The spirit is in their home so strong, not because they have perfect family home evenings or amazing insightful discussions- but because they are trying. They're trying so hard to make a loving home where the spirit can reside. And it's amazing to me. It's amazing how simple things can be. 
Likewise I was thinking of a woman this week whose granddaughter we teach. Her house smells like cigarettes and she wears these big 80's glasses. She has ulcers on her legs that are healing and a kidney problem that makes her stomach swell up. She shows up to church in fuzzy white boots with her walker, and her books piled up on the seat of the walker. She sits in her recliner during lessons. Her hair is all gray and long. We brought a member out to a lesson and as we left their home she said "I know this is weird, but she's really... like... beautiful." I told her I knew exactly what she meant. There is no one more regal than that woman. And it's not about her appearance. It's not about her home or her mumu or the way she does her hair. But she's the most queenly person I've ever met. And it's amazing how a mission changes your perspective. 

I've seen the most wonderful home, and it's a tiny apartment with motel chairs. I've met the most dignified woman. And she's not anything you'd think from her description. I'm grateful for these new eyes. I'm grateful to see beyond what's in front of me, and see how much beauty there is. 

In other news someone fed us jello this week and it had CHEESE IN IT. 

TELL ME ON WHAT PLANET ITS OKAY TO PUT SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE IN JELLO.
I love you.

Miss you lots.

Sister valdez

Transfer 11: Week 5

So, this week was hard. This week was really hard. But this week was amazing and that's just how it goes sometimes. We had so many lessons this week with wonderful people. We were able to meet with a returning less active family who wants to be sealed in the temple. We found an investigator who has met with Jehovah's Witnesses, been to the Nazarene church, studied the bible, and despite her parents being very opposed to her abandoning her Navajo traditions, she has come to have a strong faith in Jesus Christ. And something she noticed that we said at the door is that we teach Christ's teachings. So she wants to see what the "Mormons" have to offer as far as bringing her closer to Christ. 

My body has been falling apart a little bit and it's been hard this week to keep working, but there have been mornings where I hit my knees and said "God, if you want me to work today, you're going to have to carry me." and He has. And I'm so grateful for the strengthening of my faith as I've put my foot out the door not knowing if I had it in me to do so. 

I don't have a whole lot of time to write a whole lot else so I'll make up for it by copy'n'pasting some of Holland's talk In Times of Trouble:

Have faith. “Has the day of miracles ceased?

“Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shalllast, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?

“Behold I say unto you, Nay; for … it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men.” (Moro. 7:35–37.)

Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. Theking of Syria, of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So, and I quote:

“Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

“… (They) compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” (2 Kgs. 6:14–15.)

If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it. His only ally is a boy who in modern times might be the president of the local teachersquorum. It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problemsand burdens everywhere. He cannot leave, and all he can see is an evil and merciless city like Chicago. With faltering faith the boy cries, “Alas, my master!how shall we do?” (2 Kgs. 6:15.)

And Elisha’s reply?

“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold,the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kgs. 6:16–17.)

In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you must remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can seeriding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed.

I close with this promise from heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings theFather hath in his own hands and prepared for you;

“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”

“… I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left … and mine angels (shall be) round about you, to bear you up.

“… The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” (D&C 78:17–18; D&C 84:88; D&C 78:18.)

Oh yes, “we’ll find the place which God for us prepared.” And on the way, “we’ll make the air with music ring, Shout praises to our God and King; Abovethe rest these words we’ll tell—All is well! all is well!” 

All is well, family and friends. I am tired, but I am yet strong! I love you all lots. I appreciate your prayers, they have been a blessing to me this week. I miss you all immensley, but there is nothing I love more than this great and marvelous work. 

Also I organized all my letters into binders.