Week 21 - Bell Ville - November 23, 2014

Wow folks, 

wow.  thanks you jerks!!! I have just been sitting here bawling for your letters! Today is a holiday so the cybers arnt open.  Now we are in a different one, and we couldnt go twice to print, so the letter today might be a little shorteer,,,,,. But you trunky foolllllssss!!! I was just fine on my 6 month mark, but today Ive missed you more than you may ever understand,

We did it!!! Six months have come and gone, and thank goodness that the time will only get faster from here!!!  I am so well and ready for the challenges God has lined up for the next 12 months.  Ive conquered so much already, and it kind of scares me how much I might change when I come home!  It is good though.  God is refining me in this sacred process and blessing me with countless blessings.

This week has been great with many miracles.  It was better this week for sure with the other hermanas gone.  Hna Vela and I were able to really work on our companionship with out the others interfering.

This week we went to Cordoba for a Joined zone conference! CAN I JUST TELL YOU THAT THE TIME IS SO CLOSE!!! the savior is on his way and the lord is preparing the way right now.  There is a huge porject that the church is putting out this week!!!!!! it is called HE IS THE GIFT!! look it up on christmas.lds.org tomorrow (I think it will be opening tomorrow the website).  We are going to be given a quota of 10 specific pass along cards each missionary around the world to spread the good news of Christs birth.  10 cards per missionary per week.  We have a billboard lined up in times square, the heading in youtube and so much more.  URGENCY!! we are going to be spreading the word like wildfire! You have no idea how strong I felt the spirit when they presented this worldwide plan to us missionaries.  I know this is the lords work and that it is so much more than knocking doors, or living with a companion, or learning a language.  This is all for Him, and he is the gift.  He is the reason for my joy and happiness.  He is my savior, master, brother, friend, and so much more.  I love him.  

Thanksgiving... uh doesnt exist hahahaha!  I will be with my trainer on thursday though! So it is kind of like my "family" is getting together for the holidays! Since she is the sister leader, we have exchanges this week! I am super excited to work with her again.

Paola came to church again by herself again this week.  Her baptism is planned for this week, but we will see if that happens because of her learning disability..... still some things to work out there.  But, we found her nieces and are now teaching them as well.  

Know I am well, happy and grateful for all you do for me.  The strength I receive from your letters and prayers makes it all possible.  You are the best and te amo hasta infinito y mas alla. 

Hermana Woolley

Hurrah for Isreal!

PS 1 YA! someone said Malcreada (spanish slang for rotten kid or the like) this week, and I couldnt hold back the tears (remember that you said it was my middle name dad?).  I just cried and it triggered so many memories It was pretty funny :)

PS 2 hunger games! How cool! haHA a member here told us all about it and even showed us the song that she sings to get everyone pumped up for the war.  too funny.  Im glad Ive forgotten about all the world y things.

 Six Month Postre (cake/dessert)  in my face yum.

 Pancakes

 Hermanas doing my nails.

Week 20, Bell Ville - Nov 17, 2014

Wow!!!!  Where to start for this week!!! ok, once again, I didn´t have time to write out what I wanted to say, so I hope that it comes out ok in the end :)

P*!!!! Our investigator has a baptismal date!!!!! The story with her is a little crazy.  She has a learning disability so it has been interesting teaching her.  But one thing that I have loved, is seeing her love.  She is so pure, and can definitely feel something different in her life.  For this reason, she continues to do the right thing.  This week, although it is always crazy teaching her because of the fact that she lives on the farm (killing rats mid lesson, raving dogs, huge farm machinery making obnoxious noises), she is progressing.  As we explained her situation to our mission leader of her circumstances, he told us that he wanted to see if she would attend church with out us passing by to pick her up.  It would be like a test to see if church really was imporatant to her.  We were feeling anxious about this, because she needs to come to church!  We went to go teaach her a lesson on sat morning, and to tell her that we would not be passing by the next day, BUT SHE WASNT HOME!!! we were freaking out, so last minute on sunday morning, we decided to go pick her up for church since we didn´t have time to inform her that we had planned on not going.  So, we walked all the way to the outskirts of the city to her farm to go and get her.  right as we were walking in her yard, we got a phone call from the missionaries at the church and they told us P* was at the church!!! SHE WENT BY HERSELF!!!!  We chatted with her fam to see what had happened.  They told us that she got up`early to shower and was waiting for us to get her, but we were late.  So finally she said, "I can´t wait any longer for the hermanas, Im going to church by myself!" And she walked all the way to the chapel, even though she didnt know the address of the church!  WHAT A MIRACLE!!! Now she has proved to us, and to the mission leader that she is in this for the long road.  We were so happy!!! a little bugged that we had to walk so much extra mileage, BUT she went to church! BY HERSELF!!! we were so so happy! :) and p* is happy too!

Im just gonna throw this out there real quick... Ive gained a little more than 10 kilos... thats about 23 lbs.  Phew, it feels good to just get that off my chest! Don´t be alarmed if Im different when I get home in a year... jaja I just get what I want when I want. and I feel just fine!

bueno, moving on....  I almost died by a man eating dog with teeth the size of a beast.  As we were walking down the street trying to locate some less actives, in the BAKING sun (which I hate and loathe, and despise and every other synonym to that word - and the worst part is that it is going to get worse! Its only spring!)  We were walking along, Hna Costello and I.  We heard some barking.  But didnt panick.  Barking dogs are always behind the fences.  As I looked to my left, i saw a dog charging towards us.  As if the fear from his noise and teeth wasnt enough, I soon enough discovered that THERE WAS NOTHING BETWEEN THAT DOG and his lunch... me. no fence.  no bird, no nothing.  I went into a pure panic and started running for my life and could physically feel the pain of him biting into my innocent calf.  all in my mind of course, imagining the worst.  Suddenly my comp screamed, WAIT WE PROBABLY SHOULDNT RUN! so we immediately started walking, going against every self defense method in my conscious.  But hey, it worked.  THe dog stopped chasing us, and we made it away without a scrath.  Only pounding hearts and a nervous laughter.  we treated ourselves to some ice cream after that little fiasco because we had basically beat the final boss on the final level of some crazy hard video game.  And that was that.  

This week I did a lot of walking.  Before, during siesta, you could find someone to talk to, but now with the blazing heat, it is IMPOSSIBLE to have success during those dead hours.  So, we just walk, and walk, and knock, and walk.  It is the life.

The hermanas are going to be leaving tomorrow.  Im distraught.  They definitely were the break that I needed.  Yes, it did cause a bit of drama living with 4 girls, but I am going to miss Hna Wade like crazy.  We truly are the best of friends and I will probably cry when she leaves. WE have seen miracles together, and she is a friend that I will always have.  en serio.  I cant wait for you all to meet her after the mish at BYU,

Another quick miracle before I run out of time.  We had a less active come to the church!! It wasn´t a sunday, but it is progress!!!!  She is an ex missionary, and after marrying a non member, she has fallen to the deep end.  After visiting her countless times, we finally have reached a LANDMARK! As we were talking about family history and I showed her my booklet, she got so excited.  So we set up a date with the ward consultant, and we went to do the work in the church!!!  She is so excited, and we are now one more step closer to her happiness! She had not gone to church in over 25 years, and since then, the church has been rebuilt.  So, the member took the iniciative and showed her through a tour of the church.  We were like, "I thought we were the missionaries... But this is even better!"  Now she knows another person in the church, and seen the changes, and has felt the love of God just by simply stepping inside his house for a moment.  

We are doing the work.  Again, its not easy, but There would be a problem if it was.  

"Si no intentamos, no lo hacemos. Si no lo hacemos, Por que estamos aqui?" Pres Monson.  

 (If we don't try, we don't do.  If we don't do, why are we here?

Do your duties and keep working hard back at home.  I cant believe that in one yr from today I will be released from this calling as a missionary!!! :(((

I love you all!

con mucho amor,

Hermana Woolley

Week 19, Bell Ville - Nov. 10, 2014

Bueno, this week I don´t have a lot to say!! It has just been so fun that I can´t remember all that happened.  Normally I prepare a letter outline so that I can hit all the best moments, but I forgot... sorry.  Looks like you may be getting more of a Cameron Herald Robins letter today. 

Hermana Wade!!!! She is my new best friend and we are killin it together.  She is from AZ and goes to BYU.  She swam with Kenzie Wells for a little before the mish.  We are basically the same person, and we have so much fun together.  The days don´t seem long, and we just laugh.  The very first day, the alarm went off and we got straight to work!!! We both got up, said our prayers, and started our exercise.  As I was timing myself while mastering a plank, I did a double take looking at the time.  IT WAS 3:30 IN THE FREAKING MORNING!!! Talk about butt crack of dawn.  We went straight back to bed. We had already done 20 mins of exercising!! It all made sense after. why it was so dark outside, why the other sisters didn´t get out of bed. todo.  The story is that Hna Vela had set an alarm to take a pain pill in the night, and Hna Wade and I just got right to it.  When we woke up at the right time, we couldn´t stop laughing.  And we haven´t stopped laughing since.  We are already talking about the fun times we will have together at BYU after the mish.  Being with her has been such a blessing.  I finally understand what it is like to have a friend in the mission.  Comps are great, but sometimes you just need a true friend.  That she is, and it has only been one week.

We had an investigator come to church! P*.  She might be legally insane, but we will find out soon.  

It feels so good to actually go to church and not be the inactive missionary.  It feels so good  to have investigators again.  It feels so good to bear my testimony.  It all feels so good.  I love it here and the days are only getting brighter.

I love you all!!!

Love, 

Hermana Woolley

PS I got a letter this week from Grandma Lambert for Halloween!! She said she sent it Sept 30, and I got it Nov 6.  I am not sure still with the whole package thing... sorry.

President,

How are you?

I am great!  This week was MUCH better.  It was difficult for me to stay in the apartment for so much time.  Now with the other sisters here with us, I have a lot less stress.  Sister Wad and I are good friends and are very happy to be together for this short time. Also, we are doing some

Interchanges so that Sister Costello can get out too.  Sister Vela is getting better, little by little, we are going to beat this!

This week we visited with many of the converts.  There are two with health problems and other lacking in testimony.  But, we are working hard and speaking about the temple.  Meanwhile, the other Sunday, 5 recent converts gave their testimonies in sacrament meeting.  Cool right?  Also, our branch has a temple trip planned to Buenos Aires at the end of the month.  For this we are talking a lot about family history and the blessings that the temple brings us and showers on us.   We are all excited.

We had and investigator come to church for the first time and after she asked us to help her full in her genealogy book.  She doesn’t understand everything yet, but she has a desire to move forward and understand Jesus Christ.   We are going to teach her cousins, dad and brothers.  Her name is P*.

We have other new investigators and plans to visit them this week.  We are working to make up the time we lost from the surgery and we will be successful.

Thanks for everything.  You are an example to all of us and we love you.

Hermana Woolley

  chocolate from an ice cream bar with dulce de leche in the middle.  divine. but kinda melty.  

Mate. LOVE IT! I finally drank my fist one here.  burnt my tongue. but tasty!

 Us "tracting" at the cemetery.  so so so creepy there!!!  Us three crawled into the place where they put the tombs.  My body was literally shaking and I was reminded of the time we went to the catacombs! haha

Week 18 - Bell Ville - Nov. 3, 2014

Family, Friends, Ward Members & Cuzco (mi cuzcito)!!!!

Wow... what a week of nothing! hahahaha  ok.  I havent read your letters yet, so I will print them and read them later tonight.  So sorry if I don’t respond to something important... I haven’t read it and just thought that you might like a letter instead of me using all my time to read your letters!

First off, I want you all to know that I love this gospel with all my heart! I love it! Because it is perfect!  It is not easy, and it never will be, but we knew the road would be tough before we came here!

This week I have been locked up.  I have not left the pension (apartment) for NOTHING!!!  I have not taught one lesson, not even crossed the street.  I did however take the garbage out to the curb as my comp was watching me from the balcony.  I felt so naughty. haha.  But ya, Ive just been cooped up!  We´ve watched Disney movies (2x each).  Ive read and studied a lot.  I´ve attempted to solve the Rubix cube without any luck.  I´ve cooked everyday.  I´ve cleaned.  I´ve slept.  I´ve dealt with Ruben- nuestro dueño (landlord).  We have had the floor crack and the shower flood in the past week.  And who has to take care of all the dirty work when their comp is on her death bed? oh ya, that would be me.  Truth be told... I´m scared that I´ve forgotten how to be a missionary!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, here I am.... in CORDOBA MY NEW AREA! haha.  Jokes on you.  Im still here in good ole Bell Ville!!!  I will be here for at least another 6 weeks with Hna Vela.  BUT, 2 hermanas have come from Merlo to help me out a bit.  Since the pension is so big, 2 more hnas are going to live with us for the next 2 weeks so that we can do exchanges.  Hermana Costello and Hermana Wade.  Both are gringas!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank goodness.  Such a relief!  I am way excited to have a bit of a change and have the chance to work again and do what I came out here to do!  I am a little sad because now I will be leaving most likely Bell Ville Dec 18.  Which means I will only have a few days to get to know my new area before we party the night away for the holidays, but you never know.  I could stay here for 7  1/2 months like Hermana Gonzalez!  

Bueno, there is not any news to update you on, so I am just going to share with you all some things that I have read and studied this week.  

While I was writing about my family for my pamphlet, I was filled with such a spirit!!  I KNOW that I am sealed to you punks forever, and I couldnt be happier!  It would be so much easier if you were really punks because then I wouldnt miss you... but know that I know that I have so much joy in my heart with the blessings of the temple.  

Bueno, que mas.... oh ya! I finished Matthew this week and as I was finishing his book, I read of Christs atonement.  I cried as I read the precious words of that sacred moment.  I know that it is real and it is perfect.  Use it Everyday.  It is the only way to get through!  I also was reading in Alma 7.  It is so interesting to me that in both Matthew and Alma 7, they explain so vividly the Atonement of Christ, yet immediately afterword, there is an invitation to be baptized.  Coincidence? I think not.  (Brother Heaston saying)  We can show our love, devotion, gratitude and todo by making covenants with Christ and choosing to follow him forever.  He constantly will be there for us.  All we have to do is act.  I love this gospel!!! Did I already say that? well its true, and I will keep saying it forever!!!

ok, update on hna Vela.  She really is healing slowly. For this reason, this morning I studied a lot about patience.  Do the personal study in PMG for patience! It will change your lives!   I feel so much hope now and am grateful for this opportunity to serve in another way.  When I was set apart, I was told to be patient with my companions.  Thats what I am trying to do right now!  Pray for me, but know that it is getting easier and I am happy!

Lastly, I want to share a quote from Elder Hollands talk called "The Miracle of a Mission"  he says, "I had a missionary ask me once if I would give my life for the church.  I said, ´¨Élder, I am giving my life for the church.´  I know what he meant.  What he meant was ´Would I die for it?¨´  Well, thats the easy part. Thats a snap!  On some days it looks really appealing.  Thats the easy part, to die for it.  Well, what God needs is people who will live for it, people who will go the distance, people who are in this race we´re talking about that will go all the way to the tape.  And some may die along the way, and thats wonderful, but he needs people who will finish the work.  He needs people who will wrap this up, and thats the pledge I make to you, and thats the pledge He has asked.  We´re in this together."

Holy Cow.  How cool right?  The hard part of this live is to live, but only by living can we love, learn and complete the job we are here to do for our Father in Heaven.  Keep on living on with patience.  The work is not done.  Live your testimonies and Endure with diligence.  D&C 103 :36, sorry I only know it in spanish but it says "Todo victoria y toda gloria os es realizada mediante vuestra diligencia, fidelidad y oraciones de fe."

Finish strong, We´re in this together.  Hurrah for Israel.

I love you all!!!!

Con mucho amor, 

Hermana Woolley

Her letter to the President,

Hi President,

This week we were in the apartment the entire time, but I have learned a lot in my studies and in serving Sister Vela in her pain.  I have used this time to take advantage to become more and to learn what the Lord wants me to learn.  I have worked a lot on the family pamphlet and also felt a very special spirit.  While writing about my parents, grandparents etc, I could feel the this is all real.  Everything is real.  Everything is perfect.  The temple is the House of God.  I have a family forever.  And now, I want to share this with everyone.  Thank you for the opportunity and challenge to do this work.

Also, thank you for sending two more sisters here to Bell Ville for some time.  I was starting to worry that I had forgotten how to work!! Haha.  I am excited to work again, and I hope that with this change, Sister Vela can feel better too.  I am going to do every thing that I can to be a missionary worthy of my plaque and calling.   I am going to be here in Bell Ville for six more week for some reason.  I am going to find my purpose here and fulfill my responsibility.

With love!

Thank you for everything President.

Hermana Woolley

Week 17 - Bell Ville - October 27, 2014

Hola pals!

This week without a doubt has been one of, if not, the hardest weeks of my mission.  I know I say that a lot, but Dios just keeps trying me!  There were a few nights that I cried myself to sleep, but sometimes that is all you can do as a missionary to calm down and relax.  So releiving.  

Yes, Hermana Vela had her surgery this week.  All is well now, and we are just on the long road of recovery.  After weighing all of the options, she decided to do teh surgery.  This will take less recovery time, allowing her to stay in the mission.   She is in a lot of pain, and it is stressful being a companion to someone when I feel so helpless.  I cant understand what the doctors advise me to do to help my companion, and now I feel like I have all the responsibility.  I have talked with the president, his wife, the mission nurse, and every other important person you could think of on the phone to get things figured out.  Talk about scary.  I now know more medical words in spanish than I ever knew in English.  hah.   Well, also  Im pretty sure I never want to be a nurse.  Lifting people out of bed to help them go to the bathroom gets old pretty fast. Send my props to all of the hospice nurses :)

Her surgery was on Thursday, and after sleeping in the hospital and just sitting and waiting a TON of time, 46 hours later, grease ball hairdo, nappy teeth, and basically starving, we were able to leave!!! I NEVER want to go back there, and it truly is like a terror movie.  Now we just sit in the pension day after day after day.  Ill let you in on a little secret.  There is nothing worse than soaking in your own sweat in the pension everyday, when you are completely healthy.  Maybe having your body cut open would be worse, but these past few days have been so long!  We just sit and watch life pass by.  Sometimes we watch a disney movie, (which many times, only makes me miss you at home), or we play the same card game for the 18th time in one day, or I clean every inch of the house.  Ive already read the entire missionary library, and the standard works 4 times so what more can I do???? haha chiste.  But its true, the kitchen is now spotless, the floor shining, the fridge odorless, and the oven less rusty. haha.  It is so frustrating that I can´t leave her for one minute.  We have to send the elders on all of our errands, which they probably hate just as bad as we do.  I cant even walk to the corner to buy myself some toilet paper when it is desparately needed.  Well, sacrifices bring blessings.  

Speaking of surgery, how is Jackie doing? Ive been praying for her and her family.  I hope all is all right!

Despite the pain, we went to the conference on Sunday, which was an hour drive en collectivo (like a double decker tour bus)  Bad idea.  Hna Vela was only in pain the whole time, so we sat in the wings, and didn´t hear any of the talks or the General Authority Raul something or other.  We only entered to sing our choir numbers.  No, we were not made a stake which was a bit of a let down, but the time will come soon! I just know it!

This week, I have thought a lot about wounds with the whole surgery situation.  Also, we sang DID YOU THINK TO PRAY.  One part in Spanish says, "Que reposo al cansado es la humilde oración. Trae consuelo al heridos, paz al corazón"  basically says, "Oh how humble prayer rests the weary.  It brings comfort to wounds, and peace to the heart"  hahaha how awful it is to translate! I cant even remember what it really says in english... but anyways.  Also, I read in the Story of the 2000 jovenes in Alma 57:25-27.  This talks about how we are all going to have wounds in this battle, but we will not fail, and we can succeed with faith filled prayer.  This got me thinking.  Prayer is something so simple yet so powerful.  It has the power to heal our wounds.  Spiritual, emotional, physical or whatever really!!!  If you have a problem in your life right now, my advice to you is pray.  Pray pray pray until it is all better.  Pray until you have nothing more to say.  Prayer will change your night to day. It has changed my mission, and it has changed who I am.  Cuando la vida es obscura, no olvides orar.  

Man, when I look back, I am a different me.  The mission isnt what changes people.  It is the spirit of the Lord every minute of every day that invites us to change and give our hearts to Christ, the only one who loves us completely.  Yes, I am the same old quirky me who dances in the night with weird voices, and commands my zits to leave from my face (but now only in Castellano saying, SALI CHE! - yes Im in argentina che.)  Im the same me, only rounder, smarter, sweatier, and closer to Christ.  There is nothing better.  

I would be lying if I said the mission was easy, but I would also be lying if I said that I am grasping every moment and loving the challenges I am facing.  This week I have learned more about faith, love, humility, patience, service, diligence, patience again, hope, service again, knowledge, obedience, and did I mention patience?  No but really, basically in this week, I was able to act like Christ in the whole circumstance.  It is a privledge and an honor to be hear in this moment, even if we are caged in.  I am a servant of the Lord, and I will always testify of his power and his love.  He is my Savior, and of these things I know.  

The best is yet to come! The Savior is on His way!

Hurrah for Israel!

Les amo mas que saben! MUY MUCHO (an Argentine phrase that is incorrect, but everyone says it)

con mucho amor, 

Hermana Woolley

transfers are this week! Ill keep you updated if i'll be here for another 6 more weeks!!!!  I love you all! Best wishes y cuidense!

At the conference with the missionaries in Bell Ville

Week 16 - Bell Ville - October 21, 2014

Hola! Como estan? Todo bien?  (Hello, how are you?  Is everything good?

Que bueno.  (Good)

No puedo creerlo! Yo cumplo 5 meses hoy! Que loco no? El tiempo es muy rapido en la mision.  (I can’t believe it!.  I have been out 5 months today!  How crazy, right?  Time goes very fast in the mission field)

First things first, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM!!!! I tried to call you on skype on Sunday but no one answered...... I guess we will just have to wait until Christmas.

Joke. oh man, Im cruel... sorry!!!!! No but really! Happy Argentine Mothers day from your cute little jokster sister missionary.  The missionaries from Argentina were able to skype their families, but you just have to wait until may!!! 

ok, I have a list of things written that I want to say, so I hope you can jump thoughts with me from paragraph to paragraph!

Yes, C* was baptized this week!!! In our last lesson with him before his baptism the following day, he said "Padre, ayudame Señor cumplir esta sueño mio de bautizarme" (Father, help me Lord to fulfill my dream of being baptized).  So precious.  He was so happy, and so were we.  This is what happens when we choose God and do what is right by following his commandments obediently in this life.  We are blessed with exceeding happiness and joy.  

Bueno, another crazy story from this week,  We were studying innocently, then the phone buzzes that we recieved a text message.  My companion screamed and said "Hermana, who is this from?"  Lo and behold, I have a teenage boy in love with me! ahahahahhahahahah The message said, "Hola wooly, te extraño"  (Hello Woolley, I miss you) we responded "Quien es?" (Who is this?)  Then this was his reply.  "Estoy enamorado de vos. (I am in love with you) Soy *. Simplemente estoy encantado con tanta belleza" (I am *.  I am simply enchanted with so much beauty). .... eh ok.  hahah He is an old investigador of the elders with 16 years.  The elders were laughing so hard when I showed them the messages.  What guts this kid has.  That is one thing I love about argentines.  THey dont get embarrassed for nothing.  it is too funny.  Who knows, I might just convert *, and marry him in a year in the Cordoba Temple. Sound like a plan? haha

ANNIE!!! Thanks so much for the quote! I love love love love to be in the mission and this girl said exactly what I feel.  The mission is the best and I love learning more each day and serving the Lord.

Dad, I loved what you wrote me this week about your p Blessing.  Mine says something almost the exact same. "You will be able to clearly teach so that your posterity and others you will be called to teach will no misunderstand but will gain a full understanding of following eternal principles."  Cool huh?

Yes, Im going to cut my hair this weekend! Ah IM SCARED! But there is an hermana who cut hair before the mish, so when she comes for the conference, she will cut off my dead ends. haha

Bueno, now the news of Hna Vela.  The truth is, that as we were writing yesterday in the library, She got a call from Pte Alliaud and there is a great chance that she will be sent home after the surgery this week.  For this, she had a mini meltdown.  The mission is not easy.  But there is no where else we would rather be.  We are emotionally exhausted, and we have trials everyday, but we are so happy and alive!  Yesterday was kinda hard with this news, putting my comp in fear and terror of what the verdict will be, so we decided to ask for a blessing from the elders.  I, too, asked for a blessing because I have been worried in how I can comfort my companion when the circumstances are so serious.  Elder Hannay, (Probs my best friend in the mish) offered to give me a blessing in english.  It was so powerful.  Not only was it a relief to hear english again, haha, but he said exactly what I needed to hear to bring peace into my life again.  His hands were so so so shaky on my head (like the old temple workers:), but it almost made it better haha.  I felt like the power of the preisthood was literally working through him on my behalf.  I want you all to know that I know that this church is true.  We have a living prohet, with his apostles, and we have access to the authority of God.  This is his restored gospel.  Yo lo sé.  It has been hard becuase we feel that we havent done anything to deserve this trial of health and surgery, but like dad said, Christ didn´t deserve anything that happened to him either.  At times it may seem unfair, but Christs love is so powerful, and we are undeserving of his goodness and sacrifice.  I will forever testify of this truth.  Jesus is the Christ, my Savior, and my King.    God is so real, and we are his children.  He hears prayers.  He knows us, and calls us by name.  (It was also cool/weird to hear my first name in my blessing multiple times, but it was a comforting feeling of love from a caring father.) Hna vela should be having her surgery tomorrow, we will find out today the details.

man, HOw quickly the time goes, the truth is that this transfer with Hna Vela has been particularly difficult.  For this reason, I have not had a lot to say.  When we come home late each night, I just dont have the ganas to write and complain about another bummer day.  I often feel simply discouraged or frustrated.  For this reason, I have goals to change, and it is all possible through Christ.  In these 40 days of fasting (its a talk called purificandoos (purifying ourselves))  there are specific things I am avoiding, or things I am adding to my daily routine to help consercrate myself in the work.  I know by doing this, despite how many times I mess up- God will give me the strength to endure, and the love to help the people here.  I hope that through my obedience and actions to change, I can be an example missionary, an effective missionary, a powerful missionary, and a worthy servant of the Lord.  It is a process and it is not easy, but I am working hard each day to better myself, and focus on the needs of those who are begging for the Spirit, and the love of Christ in their lives.  This past week, yes has been hard, but these are the greatest times we have.  To draw ourselves closer to our testimonies and rely on Christ and Heavenly Father.

Here is a quote that I love, Sorry, I only have it in Spanish, but maybe dad can translate it for the letter and blog.

"Recuerden, el Señor las ha llamado para tener éxito y no para que fallen.  Algunas veces parecerá algo terriblemente difícil, pero Él quiere que ustedes crezcan.  Él no las abandonará.  Su llamamiento fue inspirado por Él.  Él sabe  quiénes son.  Él sabe lo que necesitan. Él conoce lo que ustedes pueden llegar a ser y la experiencia de la misión es una oportunidad que Él les ha dado para descubrir cosas sobre ustedes, que no sabían; capacidades que nunca se imaginaron que tenían, fuerza más allá de la que nunca sintieron y la capacidad de amar y servir, las cuales las sostendrán el resto de sus vidas. Recuerden, ustedes han sido llamadas y Él ajustará la tarea a sus capacidades.  Lo testifico en El nombre de Jesucristo. Amén." Élder Richard G. Scott.

(Remember, the Lord has called you to be successful and not fail.  Sometimes it will seem to be something very difficult, but He wants you to grow/progress.  He will not abandon you.  Your calling was inspired of Him.  He knows who you are.  He know you need Him.  He is aware of what you can become and the mission experience is an opportunity that He has given you to discover things about yourself that you didn’t know; capacities that you never imagined to have, strengths greater than you have ever felt and capacity to love and serve, which will sustain you the rest of your lives.  Remember, you have been called and He will mold the task to your abilities.  I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.  Elder Richard G. Scott)

I echo this testimony.  When we have trials, God enables us with our divine potentail and his everlasting love. 

I love you all. Please pray for my companion.

Have a great week! Hasta Lunes!! (until Monday)

con mucho amor, 

Hermana Woolley

 Hermana Karina Hill.  Our dad's have been great friends since High School

Week 15 - Bell Ville October 14, 2014

Hello from the HOOD

HAHA! My zone leader says that I am ghetto worthy so I guess you could say I have finally reached my ultimate goal in life! haha He is a Mexican who lives in LA, and later SLC so he only speaks the truth.  He knows the hard stuff.  Now you can be proud that you are part of my family!

Also, some other crazy news, my jeans still have a butt slapping noise, so we haven’t hit rock bottom of obesity quite yet, but the food is getting tastier and I just keep eating.  Now the norm is that I eat an entire pizza by myself for lunch.  This makes my tastebuds happy, but my panza (belly) is growing like Allisons.  Yep, Ive got the gut of Grandpa Grey.

I hope Hawaii was torturous and that you all hated every minute.  First you leave me behind for Peru, and now Hawaii, WHAT IS NEXT! I hope every time you heard the sweet serenade of a ukulele, you wanted to scrape your eardrums out because it put you in a coma thinking of me your favorite daughter. haha joke.  half joke.  Glad to hear you were able to have a fun time and enjoy yourselves.

bueno, this week. My companion is really sick and needs surgury.  Please keep her in your prayers and put her in the temple too. I dont want to go into detail, but I will keep you updated.  Sorry, this email will be cut short because the hermana leaders are here with us so we have to get to work instead of writing a novel! It is so fun to be with all 4 of us.  It is what I have been looking forward to ever since I got my call... to work with hna Hill (Her dad Kent and Katelyn’s dad Spence were very good friends growing up and still keep in contact) .  And here we are together all day, and I am with my mommy trainer too!! It is a great day to be alive! These past weeks have been hard with the health of my compi, but to have a better motivation to work hard gives me energy and satisfaction!

FUN STORIES WITH HNA VELA!

OK! Crazy weather! One day I was dying of heat and then the next day, It hailed rocks the size of my fist or bigger! I was ssleeping, at midnight, and my companion couldnt sleep because she felt sick.  The power went out, and she screamed waking me up.  NExt thing we knew there was a crazy lightning show, followed by a hail that could kill the wretched dogs here.  Finally it all wrapped up with a downpour that washed away the piedras(rocks).  We were screaming ARREPENTIOS ARREPENTIOS (Repent Ye Repent Ye) off of our balcony.  It was so crazy and For sure people the next day told us they thought the wrath of god was being thrust down on them! hahaha 

Also, we made Arroz chaufa (Peruvian fried rice) this week! Peruvian food! it was tasty :)

Also, when the zone leaders left the area, we were able to use their bikes for the day.  What a terror.  My skirt got stuck in the wheel and I saw my life flash before my eyes as the bike came to an abrupt stop! I screamed for help from my companaion, slash was laughing so hard, that she hought I was crying and had gotten hurt! Nope, turns out all is well.  so a ripped skirt covered in black tire marks, but todo bien (alls well)! It was a work out for my poor legs, I waas used to walking three thousand miles not biking 6500 thousand.  I slept good that night for sure!

ALSO; she completed one year in the mission so we celebrated and had a surprise party.  I felt like a rebel planning with the elders with thecell phone in the bathroom so she wouldnt know I was talking with them.  She was appreciative for it after hahaha

bueno, que mas paso esta semana (ok what else happened this week)... Oh President came to our area! WE were able to have interviews with him, and he also spoke at the conference for the District. One thing interesting that he said is that we can not live in our past successes.  Always prgress or you will be falling behind.  There is a huge push right now with the temple work and family history before the temple opens so i really need some type of profile pic from each of those in my immediate family, and my 4 generations of grandparents! PLEASE!!! We have a super capo activity planned and I cant wait to baptize the world with family history!! We also sang in the choir, and the director cried at the end so I guess that means we sounded good? who knows with these crazy argentines haha!  But we will be having the second part of the conference on the 26tth to be made into a stake... supposedly.  All is hush hush so we are not completely sure if it is the real deal or not!

Our investigator! PASSED HIS INTERVIEW YESTERDAY! He will be baptized this coming saturday the 18th of october.  He bought a full pinstriped suit coat for the event and also told us that he will be cutting his hair! Such an improvement.  He is so prepared after workign with him for almost my whole time here in bell ville (since aug 14th) and we are blessesd now to see the change in him.  He had made the decision and nothing will change his mind.  I may have already toold you this, but whrn the JWs came to his door, he siad, "No thank you, SOY MORMON (I am a Mormon)!" haha, casi (nearly), but he will be mormon for real this weekend!!! :) :)

This week as I was studying I came across OMni1:26 agian, as well as the story of feeding the 5000.  So, I read the talk I gave for my farewell and bawled.  It is so easy to get down in the mission.  Let me tell you, but there is nothing like reading my own testimony and experiences of finding christ in my life to lift me back up.  I cried as I told my companion about the story with alec and him sending me a message that said "easy, do you know its true?"  Yes, I do.  Alec, I can never give you thanks enough for that one small message.  It has changed my life, and it has chnaged my mission.  Alec, Sabes que tienes un lugar muy especial en mi corazon y no hay espacio suficiente! Primos y amigos para siempre :)  [know that you have a very special place in my year and there is not a enough room for all of it!  Cousins and friends forever]

Keep living righteous lives because not only is it worth it, but it is impossible to continue living without it!  Know I love you all!  It true, distance does make the heart grow fonder.  You are all my prime blessings in mi vida.  this is embarrassing, I am realizing that i may have spoken some spanglish in this letter but I dont have time to fix it.  Perdon [excuse me].  jaja.  At least you know Im learning something out here in the hot, humid, wild wild west (not really- more east, but it flowed ok?)  

I would love to read your moments of difficulties and your testimonies of how the gospel helped you! Please send me your stories one and all! young and old! JAckson and the neighbor down the street! This gospel is so perfect and I want to share it with everyone forever!

Hurrah for Isreal!

Love, 

Hermana Woolley