Letter #67 01/06/2014 "En el Tiempo del Señor‏"

Dear Friends and Family,

¡Saludos!

This weekend has been a little stressful. After the mission I'm going to re-read my emails and count how many times the word "stress" appears. Fortunately, the church just came out with a "adjusting to mission life"/"how to manage stress" booklet. The things in it really work; I just wish they'd given it to me a year ago.

We are teaching a one-legged man named Alberto. His situation is complicated, to say the least. Teaching him has been a test in every aspect: charity, compassion, patience, listening to the Spirit, prayer, the gift of discernment, the gift of tongues, working with my companion, working with the ward. Everything I have learned on the mission seems to be especially pertinent now. My setting-apart blessing says that I "will stretch and grow in ways that will not be comfortable." Truer words have never been spoken.

This week is best summed up in the words of the Prophet Joseph: "In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be^aright, which is it, and how shall I know it?"

How do we know what to do when pulled from every side, pushed from behind, reminded, reprimanded, chastened, and pressured?

If any of you lack ^bwisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

We must listen to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost, which leads us to the presence of God. No one can stand in the place of the Spirit. No one can stand in the place of Jesus Christ or our Heavenly Father. We must listen, and read the scriptures that we be not deceived. We must have the faith to believe and expect that God will answer our prayers, if we ask not amiss.

In the midst of all the confusion, there have been moments when I looked up at the gigantic Uruguayan sky and felt deep gratitude for the blessings, oportunities, and the tests. I know He answers my prayers when I ask according to His will.

Love you forever,

Hermana Phillips

Letter #10 11/19/12

Dear Family,

My P Day is now on Monday! Sorry for not explaining that before. Things in Florida are going well. Last week we went to Montevideo for Zone Conference and went to the temple. We only go to the temple once a year, so this was a really special occasion. My companion hasn't gone her entire mission (9 months) and we're praying that this trip will last her another 9 and me another 12. We'll see.

We have 6 new investigators this week! We're not completely sure about how well all of them will progress, but it's always worth a shot. I just have to be a good missionary and teach the doctrine so they can use their agency. Otherwise it's on me. I am starting to understand the simple doctrines of the gospel in ways different and more profound than I ever have. Consider this: today we read 3 Nephi 11 in companion study. The first things that Christ does when he appears to the Nephites is introduce who He is, what He has done, and invites them to come unto Him. Next, He explains very clearly how this must be done. Remember your baptismal covenants, and partake of the sacrament worthily. Repentance is key. The reason we have a mile long list of inactives is because most of the probably did not repent properly before baptism.

Anyway, today is P Day and the elders in our district invited us to go play futbòl with them and possibly make tacos. We don't know if we're going to go. Why is it the only sport I'm good at is one of the only ones I can't do on the mission? Swimming...

Our Rama (Branch) is just the best. We have the best ever mission leader, Hermano Alanìs. I didn't serve a mission when he was younger, but if he had it would have been awesome. Sunday morning he texted us saying (translation): Buenos dias, Hermanas! I am full of gratitude to be able to serve with you in the work of our Father in Heaven, who has bless us with so much success and progress.

Amazing. Our Relief Society presidency is also amazing.

Yesterday we were blessed to bring our only (now) progressing investigator to church, Hermano Alberto Dotta. He is around 45 and lives at home with his parents. He is remarkably intelligent and has a unique view of the world. When we first started teaching him he explained his view of God as more of an energy or all powerful force. He asks really thoughtful questions that I have a hard time answering in Spanish :) but we try our best. He has confided in us that he has also been see a psychiatrist (or something, my comprehension of Spanish is still pretty low) because he has some problems being around a lot of people. Thus, we (I) were a little concerned about his first time in church. But really, the gospel and the church are incredible. He felt as comfortable as I could hope. Some of the doctrine in Priesthood meeting was a little over his head at this point, but we have a wonderful teacher for Gospel Principles. She teaches the beautiful truths of the gospel like someone lit a fire under her chair. The topic was Our Need for A Savior, and Alberto gave the closing prayer. He asked God: help me to know thee. It was a moment I hope I never forget. We have his baptismal date set out pretty far: the 22nd of December, but we're hoping to move it closer if he starts progressing faster. No reason to delay if he wants to be baptized!

My time is up. I love you! I pray for you! I promise I'll write to you but if you could send me stamps, that would be great. I can't buy any here, obviously, and also I can't figure out the postal system...

I love you!!!!!

Always,
Hermana Phillips