Week 3 - July 21, 2014 - Bell Ville

Wow, I have been on my mission for 2 full months.... ya, so I bought myself an alfajore to celebrate.  Never gets old!  

OK! first off, I want both of my grandpas to know that I am alive, well and will remain that way! This week we had a surprise pension inspection and all went well. I think you both will be at ease to know that we have a working Carbon Monoxide Alarm, and a clean apartment.  Also, the hermano cleaned our drain for us - yes grey- he pulled out a whole wad of hair from the previous hermanas.  I thought of you and thought you would appreciate him doing that service for me even here in Argentina.  Gramps Woolley- I thought of you too because now I can stand in the shower- wearing shoes of course- and not be standing in 4 inches of water! I hope you are both happy!!  However, this is funny because one of the things that I miss about home is my shower.  This shower stinks!!! In fact, showering is my least favorite part of the day by a long shot.  I never look forward to it.  Yes we have hot water and yes the shower is clean, but what I would do to have normal soap, shampoo, conditioner and SOFT WATER!!! Everytime I shower, I feel sticky, gross some times worse than before the shower and I always smell like smoke! Even the clean clothes I put on smell like smoke.  Its a rough life I live, But Im getting used to it!

About the golf course and river of bell vill.  Pretty ugly.  There was a flood from the river a few months ago and destroyed everything.  In fact, Hermana Gonzalez said that they stayed in the apartment for 3 straight days because the water and damage was so bad.  Now it is just trashed and ugly on that side of town. But I love it here.  The poor, druggy streets and all. Funny story.  One night we were on our way to an appointment and suddenly the police pulled over and told us to get out of the area immediately and never come back to that street in the night again.  We were freaked out, but all was well.  We took it as a protection from God and know he is always watching out for us so be at peace.  Other than that, Bell Ville is really tranquil.   However, it is known as the inactive area in the mission so we have been working really hard to visit 10 meno activos each companionship each day.  because yes... THERE ARE THAT MANY! It is loco.  The sad thing is, the people know the church is true and they have a testimony.  But 7/8 of them stopped coming to church because of the branch president.  The offended feelings got in the way and they are not willing to come back while he is there.  Really frustrating so we are trying to work with them in strengthening their testimonies (whip out their testies TYLER!) It is long, annoying and agrivating because they just don´t get it.  But we will continue on with the work!  

Even though the people can be hard to deal with, I am in love with the food they provide me.  How is it that every single letter home so far has included food and dogs? My favorite thing and least favorite thing here!  The food= I have no self control.  It is a process and I try to hold back but I have a problem.  If only everything didn´t taste so dang good.  I have not been sick and everything is pretty normal.  Loving the mish lyphe.  Because I only speak Mormon spanish (haha the language and vocabulary of a missionary and the lessons), lunch appointments and street contacts can be tough for me to understand what is going on around me.  And since no entieno nada... entonces... yo como.... mucho.....mas.  jaja.  It is how I pass the time.  I am curious to know if my weight is going to increase.  We shall see.  But I work hard every morning for a flat tummy with some killer ab workouts.  So I should be safe. espero.

Yes, this week was crazy! We worked hard and found lots of people to teach! I love the people here and their storues( from what I understand) are so challenging.  LIke cameron said, I hate the men here! They leave their wives and kids and it is all not a big deal.  I know 4 mothers with this problem right now.  One is even 6 months pregnant and her husband just left with another woman this past week. It is hard so all we do is pray, love and point them to the savior.  But its hard to take away their pain, anger, and hurt. We have 4 new investigators from yesterday and we will see what problems come to the surface with them! Pray for them, they need all the help they can get! It is crazy to think that I had so much before I came here.  I had it all.  I had the family of angels.  I had a home of cleanliness and the spirit. I had friends.  I had schooling.  I had work.  I had love.  Why would I choose to leave it all behind to have people yell things at me that I don´t understand, to be chased by dogs, to be completely lost, to be rejected? Because it is true.  Because I have tasted of the goodness and I want others to experience it as well.  I am here because I love my Savior and I want to follow Him.

I am so jealous of the wedding! I wanted to be there so bad.  I had my invitation out and ready on my desk on saturday morning and calculated when the sealing was taking place.  I stared at their faces- becaue it was during my studies for siesta- and longed to be there with my whole family in the sacred halls of the temple together! What power.  Never forget it! I have been reading the book on preparing to enter the holy temple so that we can talk about it with one of the new converts.  WHAT POWER! This gospel makes sense and it is all because of the temple.  We know that the Book of Mormon is true because Jospeh Smith could not have written such an inspired piece of work with out divine help.  It is the same with the temple ordinaces.  They were revealed to him and they are perfect.  We have a perfect God who is just, merciful, knowledgable and infinitely loving.  We have every reason to rejoice.

Man I am out of time.  A bit upset.  I have a whole list of things I want you to know that I am learning.  In fact, my 4 hours of study each day are my favorite part of the day! Becauese of my calling, mantle and time, I am learning so much more about the gospel and it only makes me want to share it in its plentitud and perfection even more.  Also, Never stop praying.  Prayer is my ultimate favorite time of the day.  It is the only time of the day when I know I am being undersatood, and when I can be honest with my self and my father in heaven.  Keep doing what you are doing so we can all be together again with God in his perfection and glory! 

I love you all and have so much to tell you next week.  Sorry no pictures this week, hope the written word suffices your hunger!

MUCHO MUCHO MUCHO amor!

Hermana Woolley

Here is a response to some questions I asked her?

Q:Where did you take the “Hurrah for Israel quote from?”

A:“my mission prep teacher at byu!”

Q:“How are your doing?”

A:great great! This week I was a bit homesick thinking of the wedding and tylers birthay but I am loving it here! I can´t believe that today is my 2 month mark! only 16 more to go! Sometimes that feels like FOREVER away, but I know it will pick up speed soon

Q:“The language should be picking up soon”

A:I sure hope so! I feel like things are well, and everyone says that I am crazy crazy good at understanding and speaking for less than 3 weeks here, but at times it is hard to not get frustrated and discouraged.  It will come and I recognize with how blessed I am, and have been so far with the language, companion, mission, president EVERYTHING.  So not to worry!!!

Extra Pictures - From her companions blogs

Week 2 Bell Ville - July 14, 2014

Ok there is a lot that I want to say this week, We will see if I can get it all in!!!

APRIL and JARED! Happy marriage week! I wish I could be there and experience the magic and love!  I have had your date on my calendar forever now and I can´t wait for you to make your family forever on sat! Best of luck with it all! Know I love you and look up to you in so many ways!

It was a crazy week because we didn´t do a lot of missionary work.  There were other things to do! The language is still hard, especially because the people have no mercy and just speak a million miles a minute.  Not sure how their lips are not on fire!!!!! Also, there accent is quite mumbled and sing song all under water with the nose plugged!! Impossible.  Yes, getting easier, but still challenging. As it should be!

No, O* was not baptized and didnñt come to church again this week so I am not sure if it will be happening in the future or not.  A bummer, but if he really is not dedicated, it is better to not make covenants he will later refuse.  

Also, embarrassing-- the scripture I meant last week was Moroni 8:2-3 ha. Hope you figured that out!

I am still the same me.  Zity City and all.  Kristen.  You and me both.  Thanks for your letter.  I laughed pretty hard.  I have a line of 4 right next to my ear.  People might think it is a tatt or bug bites or maybe just some curse for my imperfection.  qien sabe?

The main things this week.  A TALENT SHOW!!! This was what we were in charge of in hopes of getting more references and unity between members.  I think it worked! Anyways, after practicing our missionary number forever, multiple times each day, getting all the decorations ready, making over 100 empanadas and so much more, We were ready for the show!  It started late in the evening so we got permission for the mission president to stay out a little later than usual so that we could perform our number.  I don´t think we were expecting, or him, how late we really were out.  We didn´t get home until 12:25 am.  SOOOOO LATE!! We felt so guilty, and frustrated and tired.  But hey, our synchraizedd swimming number won the trophy!!! Everyone laughed pretty hard and I will try to send to you our practice round.  But, Look up the president´s son who recorded it.  MAybe he can send you a copy on facebook or something..... It was a crazy night and lots of fun yet strange in another country and language.  Evern the members breastfeed in public with no shield.  I was a little shocked by that, but hey.  What ever floats her boat I guess.

Next was the world cup.  Everything was good and dandy.  We had food, and messi.  We also had great company and messi.  We had a TV, and did I mention messi? haha the people are fanatics! We were crazy when we went into PKs on wed.  So excited for the final.  Yesterday, you could feel the excitement as we walked around. Everyone wore teh flag around and said hello to everyone! The game.  Yes we watched it.... with both our presidents of the district and branch.  He has a huge house and opened up a brand new 42" screen for the game! It was exciting! He is probably the richest person in Bell Ville by a long shot.  No idea what he does though! Anyway.  Way crazy.  People were screaming and blowing cannons 4 hours before the game started.  Yes, when we lost it was sad.  People on the streets weren´t happy anymore and they walked with their head down.  Kind of sad.  We wanted to tell everyone.  ITS OK WE HAVE CHRIST AND WE HAVE GOD WHO LOVES US.  But, after the game, even though we lost, it was dangerous out, so we went to the pension and studied.  Dad, I know you want me to be safe, but you didn´t have to pray that Argentina would lose to protect me!!!!!!!!! Come on.  Es un chiste.

ANOTHER note about the DOGS!!! We had a day of dogs.  They would not leave us alone.  Probably the most dangerous thing here.  We were walking home from lunch during siesta ( 12-5) and 2 strays followed us the 2 miles home causing havoc.  They would not leave us alone and fought with every dog we passed.  And since it was during siesta, we were the only ones out so no one could come to our rescue!! But, we used our scriptures as protection and jingled our keys so that the dogs couldn´t hear our pounding hearts.  We ran into some crazy pitbulls and fiesty things.  But all is well.  We escaped into our door, and the dogs scratched and whined for leaving them behind.  We thought we had escaped the worst of it.  Than later in the evening, those same two dogs FOUND US AGAIN!  like 6 hours later! We couldn´t believe it! What are the chances.  Now they followed us some more, and it was dark so we couldn´t prepare for the oncoming creatures.  We were dying with nervous laughter the whole time.  When we finally made it to the church, we darted in behind the gates and again they barked and whined, wanting to be let in.  Que feo.  We hate them.  I hope you can understand how big of a deal this was.  If not, I wrote all about it in my journal and I can explain once my 90% is done- dad- oh ya,  I write a ton, so I might run out of paper for the binder....

While teaching this week, we had a great lesson.  In that moment when we were talking about the importance of prayer, reading and church attendence, it hit me that these things are protection because they are moments when we think of christ.  Just like the sacrament.  They are moments of respect and love.  Never forget to do them!!!!! OUr investigator was talking, and I remember a distince moment when I realized that I was understanding what she was saying. And I felt the spirit.  Then I thought to myself.-"I can do this for the next 17 months"  I love it here and the food is making my fat.  Bring it on. But back to the gospel...

message to the pres

Hola President!

This week I realized the importance of the Doctrine of Christ.  These things bring us closer to Christ and give us the opportunity to always remember him and work to be more like him in this life.  This life is like a river with Christ at the head of the river.  We can get to him only by swimming up stream, against what the world says.  It takes effort, and it takes desire, but it is possible.  We have the steps layed out for us in his gospel of how we can achieve success and happiness through him.  Fe, arrepentimiento, el bautismo, El espiritu Santo, y perseverar hasta el fin.  He wants us to return to him, and he wants us to understand what we need to do (2 Nefi 31:3).  It is simple and it is clear for all to follow.  By realizing how important it is to have a relationship with him in the life, I have worked harder to say more sincere prayers and think of him with happiness and gratitude.  It has helped me realize my purpose and the desire to want to share it with others.  

There is a quote that says" If we listen with love, we won´t need to wonder what to say!" Elder Holland.  Me encanta!  With only being able to speak a little spanish, I can still be a missionary and have the faith to experience a miracle in the gift of tongues.  Love is able to be felt in all languages, and if that is all that I can offer at this moment, that it enough!

Another quote that I came across this week is this, " The temple is an ever-present reminder that God intends the family to be eternal." - Ezra Taft Benson.  This gospel makes sense, and the temple ties it all together.  I love the temple so much and it brings tears to my eyes when I think of the blessings that have been pronounced upon my head in his house, the blessings that will be mine, and the blessings that will be available to many here in Argentina with the coming temple in your backyard!  Families are eternal and families are love.  There is power in this message and I will try my best through obedience and diligence to share this message.  

I am grateful for all you and your wife do for us missionaries, and as always, wish you a great week.

Con amor, 

Hermana Woolley

It is true.  This whole gospel is true.  I love you.  I miss you. so see ya, love ya, bye!!

Yours truly, 

me- fat, zitty and all.

ps.  Had mate this week.  Just as awful as I imagined and remember .....only worse

Go Argentina!  World Cup excitment

 Making empanadas at the church

Branch Presidents son at the Talent Show

 What Bell Ville looks like

 Katelyn's zone

  Katelyn's kitchen and washing machine - she said this is much nicer than anything else she sees in her area.

Week 1 - ¡¡¡¡Vamos Argentina!!!! Week 1 - Bell Ville July 7, 2014

Shut up! I am here! HOLY COW!!  Can you believe it? ya, me neither!  After 3 long days of travel and a night in a hotel (5000 pesos per night!) I am in my first area with my trainer! We are in Bell Ville.  It is about 3 hours away from Córdoba and I love it!  My trainer is Hermana Gonzalaz from Mexico City.  Dad, you were praying for a native companion and you got one! I can be frustrating at times because I can´t speak very well with her, but every single person here says that I am the most impressive greenie they have seen.  They say my Spanish is crazy good for 6 weeks and no más.  The accent is hard to understand so every night I go to bed with a headache after trying to make sense of eveything that is going on around me!  

I feel kind of flustered writing you on a new keyboard in a new country so hopefully I can give you enough information about my life here so you can feel comfortable and excited for me and my new life here.  

I Iove everything here.  The food,  the people, the sacrament (haha their bread is better for sacrament- especially after fasting), the alfajores.  ALL! I am having the time of my life.  Don´t worry about me!  I often feel really lost and just walk behind my companion and do what she does.  She is 23 and super sweet- from what I can understand!  I buy what she buys, I sleep when she sleeps, I pray when she prays and I cross the street when she crosses!  Just her little duckling!  

The people are so sweet and are mostly nice.  Yes, I get yelled at, whistled at, and stared at ON THE DAILY.  Sometimes I feel scared, especially when my companion makes disgusted sounds to what they say.  Maybe it is a good thing I don´t understand anything and so it is hard to be offended!

In our very first lesson, when I spoke, some teenagers we were teaching literally LAUGHED.  They laughed at me.  So I didn´t open my mouth again in that lesson.  But not to fret.  Things are different now!  I am not nervous to make mistakes and most everyone we have met knows I am just learning the language and they are nice about it.  The Branch President had us over for lunch one day and I am the first missionary from the states- let alone Utah- who drinks Coke and loves it and does not think it is a sin.  They love me already!!! But the coke here is to die for and I could drink it for days.  A coke in hand and 10 baguettes and call me fat and happy. HOwever, all that we eat is not good.  One day we were given some cake thing.  gross. That brick of fruit cake was revolting.  It sucked out every ounce of saliva in my body and I wanted to dry heave. We´ll see what happens when I drink mate.  We are allowed to drink mate but only in our pensions.  Our president is SO chill and we can have lots of fun.  He is not strict with a lot of rules so all is good.  We watch disney movies together on Pdays- Today was frozen in english.  I wanted to cry because of all the memories at home while watcing it.  Especially the Summer song and Jackson.  oh mi corazon!  I miss you all more than you know and show my family pictures in every lesson.  People think we are all adorable and I agree.  I can´t stop smiling when I show others what is so close to my heart.

I´ve already been bitten by a dog.  Glad I could just get that over with right from the get go.  But it was a moment to be grateful for my baby calves.  When the stray tried to get me, it only got a hold of the extra fabric on my boot.  No harm done.  But yes, there are dogs EVERYWHERE! I have heard it is only worse in the summer when the air is warmer.  about that.  It is sooooo cold here.  Super weird.  I feel like the  time has flown and that it is time for the holidays. but no.  It is still July just on the other side of the hemisphere.  

I almost had my first baptism on Saturday!!  This deaf kid named Oscar had his interview and passed.  We set up his date, the baptist, the clothes and everthing.  Then when we called the President to let him know of the good news, he said it was a no go.  I was pretty upset-  Oscar is so ready.  But not quite yet I guess.  All the elders in our district were joking that it must mean that I was so close to being perfect!!! Casi.  

hmm, what else is important to you--- WORLD CUP!!! Uh, Im addicted.  We can watch the games so I have seen the last two.  We watched Messi score on Wed while we were in the airport.  The whole world literally stops while the games are on.  The airport was shut down until we won.  Chaos.  We watched the other game with some investigators.  We are able to be with them a long time.  President A understands how big of a deal this is, so we can stay and watch the whole game.  Also, we stay for about 2 hours for lunch with members or less actives.  We never have dinner, only lunch so it is double the time.  Anyways, after argentina won on saturday, I thought it was a war!!!!! bombs, cannons, crazy dancing, noise for 3 hours after the game even.  Honking like out of the wazoo and country pride all around.  I can´t wait for the game this week and Argentina´s independence day. Fiesta everyday!

Also, my first impressions of Argentina: 1. Its winter- in the summer (SOOOO much fog in Buenos Aires because it is on the coast.) 2. honking maniacs always.  3. if they could cage us up in walls, the walls would be plastered with Argentina Flags and cardboard cutouts of Messi EVERYWHERE. 4. They should change the color of the emergency vehicles- green is weird.  5. all dogs need to go to heaven.  NOW!

My district is great.  They are excited to have me.  4 out of the 6 of us are from Utah so they say I am from the fabrica- the factory of missionaries hahahahaha  I love it here and the spirit is so strong.  The members are working hard to do what is right and the church is true no matter where you are in the world.  The preisthood is the same and the authority is real. 

I bore my testimony in our branch of 50 yesterday.  My heart was pounding so how could I not?  I went up there and just kept praying that waht I said would make sense.  I tried to speak from the heart.  I said that even though I don´t understand all or can´t speak well, I can still feel the spirit the same.  It is the same language to me no matter where I am in the world.  That is because the spirit speaks all languages and it is because THIS CHURCH IS TRUE!  After I sat down, my companion said that what I said was in perfect spanish.  I still don´t believe her, but after what so many said to me after the meeting, my gift of tongues is working.  I am slowly getting better.  I have a crazy long way to go, but with the help of the Lord and the Spirit in this work, miracles will come.  I know it.  This gospel is true and important for all around the world.  It is necessary for me in my life, and it is necessary for those here.  God will make a way for them to receive it and learn of the truth.  

I am happy to be here.  I do have my sad moments, but there are way more great moments than sad.  I am walking a ton- we have bikes, but it is safer to walk through the city.  This is the truth and I am a servant of the Lord.  

Read Moroni 10 vs 3 I think.  My thoughts are always of you.  I love you SO SO SO freaking much! oh my gosh! (everyone here says freak and oh my gosh- yes in english!) Nos vamos! I love you! Till next week!

Con amor, 

Hermana Woolley

¡Hola President!

I am going to write this in English. I hope that is ok! 

I am loving it here in the mission! Hermana Gonzalaz is a great example to me and I can feel her love for me even though we do not always understand eachother with the language barrier. I am learning a lot and I love the people already. 

This week I learned a lot about God. I was reading through the stories of Alma, Ammon, Amulek and Omner and more. Especially in the chapters aorund 30, it talks about how without God we are nothing, but with God, we are everything. With him, all is possilbe. With him, I can learn this language. With him, I can preach his gospel. With him, I can be an instrument in his hands and help others to feel of his love and awareness. Each of us have such a piviotal part in God´s plan of hapiness and it would not be complete without one of his children. That is why we as missionaries are here. To further his work, and learn how to fully depend on Him in all things. We have reason to rejoice, for God is on our side and his plan for us is perfect. The gospel is true and it is for everyone. Though Him, I can do what may seem impossible. These missionary stories were really inspiring to me. There were times when they were disappointed or disheartened. This is normal. However, when we realize how great things are, we can have joy and we can have peace in this life. 

I have loved getting to know the people here in Bell Ville and to meet them- They are sweet and kind and a lot of them are prepared for the gospel. We are trying our hardest to get contacts and referrals to furthur the work. Everyone deserves to hear the word, and we are the ones who can bring them the truth. I am excited that this opportunity has begun and that I am able to work under your direction. I thank you for all that you have done and helping me feel instant love. I can feel a power working with you and your sweet family. Hoorah for Israel!

Hermana Woolley

With David Johnson

With the wives of the Branch Presidency at the MTC

 Blake Griffen look alike Elder.  He is from Australia.

 Flying to Argentina.

Wearing my Argentina flag necklace.

At the Buenos Aires Temple

Our hotel room the first night.

 The temple in Cordoba with Pres. Allaiud and Hermana Gonzalez

View from the Apartment (pension)

Wanda ready to be a missionary.

MTC Week 6 - June 28, 2014

We spoke with Katelyn three times yesterday.  First from the airport in Salt Lake.  She was excited and as ready as she could be.  She was with a group of 20 missionaries headed to Argentina (different missions – they are all going to Buenos Aires together and the will split up there). They rode Front Runner (mass transit) from Provo to the Airport.   She said it was quite the adventure with that many missionaries and SO much luggage getting on the train before the doors closed.   She said she was glad to be with so many missionaries because there were some pass along cards in her travel packet and it made her nervous as she isn’t ready to talk to strangers.  The entire group was sitting together on the plane so she would not need to talk to anyone quite yet.

She then called from Atlanta a few hours later.  The first thing she said was “I gave away a Book of Mormon on the plane”.   Her and her companion sat by a nice 41 year old father of four.  He asked them about their tags.  They explained they were missionaries going to Argentina and that it was a voluntary choice.   He was amazed that they would volunteer to go anywhere in the world for 18 months to two years.   He asked if he could ask more questions.  He asked if they believe in a merciful loving God (too many religions believe in an angry God according to him).  They said yes and explained it.   He asked why the people in Utah are so happy (he has noticed in his trips there).  Katelyn explained the joy of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.  He said that made absolute sense to him.   After more discussion, he took a nap.  While packing, Katelyn had seen an English Book of Mormon on a table.  She picked it up and packed it.   While he was sleeping, she took it out, wrote here testimony in it, explained how to find the church via lds.org and Mormon.org.  When he woke up, he asked more questions.  This time about families.  Katelyn and her companion explained that God loves his children and then asked how much this man loved his children.  He said “more than you can explain in words”.  They said, “that is how much God loves all of us – his children”  He said he agreed.  Then Katelyn took out the Book of Mormon and asked if she could show him some verses.  They read a few together and he said “I know and feel what that scripture says is true”.  They then told him they would like to give him the book as a gift.  He was very touched.   He said, today is my birthday.  I get to see my family and you are giving me this book.   He promised them he would read it.   Later in the airport, he came up to them again, expressed sincere gratitude and told them he would definitely read the Book of Mormon.

Katelyn was pretty excited about that.   She is ready to serve.  She has the spirit with her and a real, sincere, deep love for the Gospel and Jesus Christ.  You can sense it in her voice and demeanor as she speaks.  She is the same Katelyn we all love but she is a prepared missionary now too.

She called us one last time before boarding,  to say goodbye.  That was a bit of a hard moment for all of us but we are all excited for her.  

We have not heard from her to know if she has arrived at her mission yet.

(Her letter from Saturday is below)

Wow.  I can't believe the time here at the CCM has come to an end! I have loved every minute and last week a few in my zone were saying how they would love to just stay here the full 18 months.  As fun as that would be, we are ready to go to Argentina!! 

Business-- I bought a calling card, and sent home two packages (3 total) I am working on the weight, and will probably just have a heavy carry on.  I will call you from SLC around 8 am hopefully on monday, if not I will call during my 4 hour layover in GA.  If I forget to answer something, I'll just talk to you on the flip side!!! :)

This week has been one out of the ordinary! Crazy emotional feelings, but so spiritual! This week were THE GREATEST DEVOTIONALS IN THE HISTORY!!!!

Sunday night- Janice Kapp Perry and her sweet husband.  They randomly kissed for us and it was hilarious.  We hooped and hollared and even Pres. Nally stood up and clapped.  It was so great. I loved hearing from them about the power of music.  I already knew, but it was nice to be reminded again how simple music and doctrinal lyrics can be, yet have the power to invite the spirit so strong.  We sang a number of primary medleys and I was in tears.  I think everyone was. Then, we stayed and watched the Restoration.  That is the reason I am here.  BECAUSE IT IS TRUE! Watching Joseph struggle and his family see him go reminded me of uor goodbyes, but it is what is in the plan, and protection and comfort are always available.  After memorizing the First Vision in Spanish,  I had the opportunity to recite it in a lesson. I was so nervous, but as I opened my mouth and told that sacred moment, my teeth literally were chattering as I was holding back the tears.  The spirit has tesitified to me that Joseph saw God and Jesus multiple times, (in the grove, watching restoration, or reading about him), But this was such a powerful moment.  I love this work and I can't wait to continue to do it everyday!

Then, on to Tuesday night--- so uh, we had 6 apostles come HALF!!! and all 7 presidents of the 70! if you didn't already know, Missionary work is the number one priority! it was crazy to literally feel the authority that was present sitting on the stand! Here is this list of the 6 apostles - Elder Christofferson (spoke), Elder Bednar, Elder Anderson, Elder Nelson, Elder Ballard, Elder Oaks-- So cool! I also saw the Mellas, and David Russell here- going to Korea, I will look out for Dave Johnson tomorrow!   I am amazed at how much love there is in this gospel.  It is what makes it so powerful and perfect.  At the devotional, we sang Praise to the Man.  Very  fitting with all of the authority and martydom date of Joseph Smith.  Truly an honor.  One thing that Elder Christofferson said was this- "[Christ] knows you. He likes you.  He trusts you.  Honor His faith in you."  We have been called to the work and he trusts us with his gospel! We can be confident in ourselves and the power we have!  Like Ammon, I know I am nothing, but with God, I can be an instrument in His care who works to bring miracles.

Today at the temple, I felt so much comfort in the celestial room.  I thought I would be more worried and nervous than I am.  It must mean that this is all right.  That I am supposed to be serving, and that this is God's work. Doing sealings just helped remind me why I am doing this.  Because I want others to feel the happiness that I do and the saving power of authority and ordinances on the earth today.  The goal is Eternal life, and each day we can be getting closer!

There have been rough days, don't get me wrong.  There will be more to come OBVI! but I am loving it here and thriving off of the spirit and the love.  I am called of God.  I know that.  I have a purpose, as do all, and this is my time to share it with others. I know God is real and that he love us.  I know Christ is my Savior.  He lives, He is proud of me and I can feel him in my life.  What a blessing it is to recognize his  constant care.  I am nervous out of my wits, but I am ready.  

I love you all and I am doing God's work.  There is no better place to be.  Hurrah for Israel!

con mucho amor, 

Hermana Woolley

Sorry this letter is going to be short! But I will talk to you on MONDAY!! I loved email chatting with you each today though.  I can definitely feel your love and I want you to know that I LOVE YOU MORE AND I LOVE YOU MOST!!!! I was nervous to talk to you and call you because I didn't know what to say! But after emailing with you today, I can't wait to hear you voices and tell you all about my life!!!!!!!! Monday, oh monday I love ya oh monday, youre only 2 days AWAYYYYYYYY!!! (sung in a miranda voice so I hope you appreciated that)