Week 11 in San Fernando: Exchanges with Tigre, Capilla Abierta in San Fernando, and Leo's Baptism!

Hey guys! We're getting ridiculously close to my 20th birthday, and boy is that weird! But that's alright:) Thank you to everyone who took part in the pictures for my birthday! Let's get to the week shall we?:) 

Monday: A great P-day in Tigre! The river reminds me a lot of my home in Missouri.

Photos of Tigre:

 Puerto de Frutos: Tigre

 Shucks! No swimming ;)

 

Tuesday:

My fantastic cousin turned 20 years old! Here's a shout out to Dominique Temple who is serving in Chile! 

Wednesday: 

Consisted of a surprise zone meeting:) We talked about developing the mindset of baptizing weekly. We all participated in a group practice of how to have a short lesson with someone. 

Thursday:

We were able to visit with Leo. He's progressing so well towards his baptism. We've gone over the interview questions about 5 times now, per his request;) I can't wait to see Leo progress! He keeps asking us when he'll be able to receive the priesthood.

We were given an amazing vianda (take home lunch) from Hermana Mercedes

 

Friday:

Early in the morning we traveled to the mission house to have our zone conference with President and the assistants. It was an amazing experience! The spirit was strong, everyone participated, and we were able to learn as a team how to better find, invite, and verify. I'm sure going to miss the assistants when they leave in about a week. Everyone seems to be ending their mission! 

After the meeting we went on exchanges. I was with Hermana Carter in Tigre. We had gone to Tigre for Pday and I had really enjoyed seeing how beautiful it is, as well as take pictures of the river, which reminded me of Cape Girardeau back home. I was able to share a scripture with one of their investigators, which was just what he needed, as well as practice applying all we had learned in the zone conference. 

Saturday:

Capilla Abierta! What an amazing experience! Lots of people came, members and nonmembers alike, as well as less actives. One man came in from off the streets to listen. As we were testifying of the Savior he began to cry. He was incredibly prepared to be there at that time. It made the entire night worth it, to see one of God's children discovering the truth after searching for it for so long. 

Sunday: 

Leo's baptism! He came early to church, with his ENTIRE family! That boy is on fire! He is already such a missionary. I can already picture him 5 years from now with his tag out preaching the gospel in another part of the world. He has changed so much in these last 3 weeks. He's become like a little son to myself and Hermana Riquelme, and we were beyond thrilled to see him bring his entire family, who are not members, to all three hours of church, as well as his baptism! It was the highlight of the entire week. I love him very much and know he has big things ahead of him.

Love you guys!

Hermana Dickson

My ward back home wishing me Happy Birthday this week :)!

The Caldwell Family

The Cape Youth

 

The Cape Relief Society

 

Wonderful weekly update that Hermana Riquelme wrote for her family:

HOLAAAAAAAAAAAA, COMO ESTAN TODOOOS?? esta semana fue GENIAL , ahi les cuento que paso:

LUNES 1:

no teniamos mucho para hacer,asique fuimos a tigre,primero a un lugar que no existia jajjaj,fue bueno igual,despues del pday, genesis nos acompaño a ver a leo! el es un capo,enserio es un misionero sin placa y sin ser miembro! tambien vimos a carmen y sus nietos ellos siempre aprenden super rapido,estamos trabajando mucho con ella para que vuelva a la capilla por completo, hasta ahora no falto ningun domingo. fue un dia muy corto pero muy bueno!

MARTES 2:

Despues de los estudios en la mañana,y despues de comer,fuimos a buscar a melani para que nos acompañe y visitamos a jorge luis,el es un menos activo que estaba preparando sus papeles para ir a la mision,tiene la meta de ir a la capilla,leer y orar cada dia,tambien de hablar con el obispo y mandar sus papeles el 1 de julio.jugamos un juego con el libro de mormon y los nietos de carmen! es increíble la importancia de tener un miembro que nos acompañe! ellos hacen que cada dia sea distinto,son tan especiales!! no pudimos ver a fermina este dia pero sabemos que esta re bien con sus compromisos igual que leo!!

MIERCOLES 3:

tuvimos una reunion de zona INCREIBLE hablamos de algunas cosas que necesitamos hacer para poder encontrar mas elegidos y bautizar semanalmente. la clave esta en que podamos creer que podemos hacerlo,si no lo creemos nosotros no vamos a hacer nada por que las personas tampoco van a creer que pueden hacerlo en 3 semanas. fue tan genial,siempre salimos muy animadas despues de cada reunion!! despues de la reunion almorzamos con la familia mansilla y despues vimos a fermina,ella esta re bien,siempre cumple con sus compromisos,va a las citas que tenemos en la capilla! esta lista ya. igual que leo,el esta tan animado por su bautismo, ya nos estaba preguntando cuando iva recibir el sacerdocio para poder repartir la santa cena! el es muy especial,realmente un ejemplo,sus padres no estaban de acuerdo por completo con el bautismo,pero el siguio adelante por que el dice que quiere seguir a jesucristo y para que sus padres puedan casarse y bautizarse tambien!!

JUEVES 4:

dia de planeamiento semanal,muy buenoooo!! lo que mas me gusta hacer en planeamiento semanal son los inventarios :p por que mi compañera siempre tiene miedo,este fue el mas especial con ella,esta semana me senti un poco mal,y ella fue mi mama literalmente, me calento la comida y me la llevo a la cama,y asi muchas cosas para que me sienta mejor! la paciencia que me tiene es increible!! amo tanto a hermana dickson,ella me ayuda un monton en todo!! almorzamos en la pension,las viandas de la hermana mercedes son lo mas! siempre es comida taaaaan rica jaja. como ustedes ya saben amo comer cualquier cosa! en la tarde fuimos a ver a leo y a fermina tambien,la verdad que no tengo palabras para describirles ellos son tan especiales,y les amamos tanto!!  las lecciones con ellos son muy buenas y espirituales! 

VIERNES 5:

tuvimos una conferencia de zona GENIAL!!!! la cantidad de cosas que pude aprender es increible,los asistentes son tan capooos, siempre podemos aprender de ellos, en esta conferencia aprendimos a invitar,comprometer y verificar. presidente ayre y su esposa ahhh son tan especiales,les amo muchisimo. despues de la conferencia de zona,hicimos divisiones con las hermanas entrenadoras, hermana hawkins vino a san fernando conmigo y hermana dickson se fue a tigre con hermana carter! tenia un poco de miedo al principio por que fue la primera vez que me quede en el area sin mi compañera,pero fue muy buenooo,hna hawkins es una capa y tan tan buena!! aprendi muchas cosas con ella,oscar nos acompaño y visitamos a la familia poma compartimos una escritura con ellos y fue muy bueno!

tambien vimos a jorge luis el va ir a la capilla abierta del sabado,esta re bien,un poco mas animado por sus papeles! teniamos cena con la flia velazquez pero no llegamnos a comer por que teniamos que ir a la pension(eso fue muy triste jaja)

SABADO 6:

CAPILLA ABIERTA EN SAN FERNANDO! fue una experiencia realmente increibleeeeee!, ver como las personas tienen deseos de conocer la iglesia. un hombre estaba pasando por la capilla y los elderes le invitaron a pasar, cuando estabamos testificando de jesucristo el se puso a llorar,y dijo que el nunca habia sentido lo que sintio esta noche y tambien nos conto que el estaba buscando a jesucristo. eso hizo que toda la noche valga la pena! ver que uno de los hijos de dios encuentre lo que tanto buscaba,me anima a seguir cada dia para encontrar a los elegidos!

DOMINGO 7:

LEO SE BAUTIZOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Para terminar con esta sem,ana tan buenaaaaaa tuvimos el privilegio de ver el bautismo de leo,todo fue tan especial, el trajo a toda su familia desde las 9 de la mañana hasta la 1 y media de la tarde estuvieron acompañando a leo,eso fue increible!! nosotras podemos verle como a un hijo,en un par de años con su placa compartiendo el evangelio con las personas en alguna parte de sion.

fue una semana increible y terminamos de la mejor manera con un bautismo. 

Se que por nuestros esfuerzos ppodemos ver milagros en nuestras vidas y en las vidas de las demas personas tambien, dios nos ayuda siempre, solo somos instrumentos en sus manos,esta es su obra!!

 LES AMO MUCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. QUE TENGAN UNA BUENA SEMANA ;)

Hermana Riquelme

'

Week 10 in San Fernando: His Will, Not Mine

Hey guys! We've hit June, which means I'm a month and 16 days from hitting a year in the mission. I can't believe it. Neither can I begin to grasp the concept of turning 20 on the 12th of June. Talk about mind blown! My life has changed so many times since I put the tag on and caught a plane down to Argentina. I'm not going to come back as I left. But I am going to come back more "Mallory Dickson" than ever. Here in the mission I've been given the chance to find out more of who I am. Of who I can be. I have learned and am learning, that it is HIS will, not mine.

At the Capilla Abierta (Open House)

Martes: Helaman 11:13 "O Lord, wilt thou hearken unto me, and cause that it may be done according to  my words, and send forth rain upon the face of the earth, that she may bring forth her fruit, and her grain in the season of grain."

After writing you guys in the morning we went off to pick up lunch. It had already started pouring. The entire day it rained off and on. However, in spite of the rain and the cold we had both Genesis and Matias Mansilla accompany us throughout the day, Genesis in the afternoon and Matias in the evening. We were able to check up on Fermina and her progress,and teach Leo about the priesthood and prophets. The greatest moment of the day was hearing Matias state the first vision from memory. We had invited him to do so the last time he had accompanied us, and without even a reminder from us he told us that he had learned it from memory. As he recited it the spirit was present. Both Hermana Riquelme and I were so proud of him. He's going to be a great missionary.

 Later that night we went to contact a referral from Elder Stout, one of the assistants. It was a referral he had received two years earlier, and had just found it. It turns out that the man, Coco, had moved. We went to his work, and there we were actually able to meet him. He was very nice, and told us that he had actually moved to Victoria. We were shocked as he told us his new address, as it just happened to be in Elder Stout's current area! We were so excited to be able to call him and tell him the new address. We knew that it wasn't coincidence.

Miercoles: Alma 17:17 "Therefore they separated themselves one from another and went forth among them, every man alone, according to the word and power of God which was given unto him."

The morning was going well until about 10am. We were in the middle of our companionship studies when I felt really sick. Sick enough that I had to go lay down. I had my eyes closed and was trying to not focus on the pain when my companion came in the room. She told me that it was 10:30, and gently asked me if I felt up to going to the district meeting. I really wasn't sure. I wanted to go, badly, but I didn't think my body was up to it. I told her I'd let her know if I felt up to going. She nodded and grabbed the general conference of the Liahona before sitting down on the ground by my bed, keeping me company. As I laid there I said a prayer, asking if I should get up and go, or if I needed to rest. As I did so I didn't receive an answer in form of a feeling or impression, but the pain left. I took that as an answer, and off we went, a little late, but on our way. I didn't feel well during the meeting, but managed to learn from the spirit anyway.Something particular that was said really stuck out to me. It was a comment from Elder Roberts, one of our zone leaders. He said: Ïn the end the most successful missionaries aren't the most eloquent; but, rather, those who teach simply." The comment really struck both my companion and I. And it's true. The most powerful missionaries rely completely on the spirit. Many times I think we rely far too much on ourselves and our limited capabilities.

After the meeting we headed into the offices to say hi to Elder and Hermana Lines. I still wasn't feeling well. My companion talked to Elder Lines and mentioned that I needed a blessing. I wasn't going to ask for one, as I felt abashed after already receiving 2 health blessings here in San Fernando during my time serving here. However, my companion, lovingly and sternly, took matters into her own hands and told Elder Lines that I needed a blessing. Elder Lines instantly asked Elder Roberts and Elder Bonilla if they would help with the blessing. They agreed and we went into a side office, where I took a seat in the middle. Elder Lines and Elder Roberts helped with the blessing. It was given in English, a rare treat. As they spoke I could feel the spirit, and although I still felt physically weak after the blessing I felt spiritually strengthened. It was a powerful experience. More than anything was what my companion shared with me afterwards. She told me that I never needed to be embarrassed or shy about asking for a blessing. She told me that the priesthood was on the earth for this purpose, so that it could be exercised. She told me that I had the right to ask for a blessing whenever I needed one. It really stood out to me, and I'm never going to forget this lesson learned.

Later in the evening we went on splits with two youth from the ward. We were able to teach nine lessons with them in two hours and find three new investigators! However, more than that was the blessing of seeing the two of them growing and gaining more confidence in their ability to share the gospel with others:)

Jueves: Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

We got to watch the Joseph Smith video with Lilian! It was so great to see her! She actually gave us each a bracelet, thanking us for all that we had done for her.

The wonderful gifts from Lilian: beautiful bracelets!

She is just too fantastic.

 Later in the evening we were able to teach Fermina. We had an appointment with her in the church at 6:30. My companion and I were actually a little late, and weren't sure if she was actually going to make it. However, as we entered we saw her sitting down in a chair waiting for Us! We were able to teach her the Restoration. As I was sharing the first vision of Joseph Smith she interrupted me to say that she already believed that it was true. We are working with such prepared people here in San Fernando right now!

I'm working on a gift for Lilian:

Viernes: 1 Nephi 3:7 " And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." and 1 Nephi 3:15 "But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us."

Paula's 14th birthday! (One of the assistants' recent converts). We were able to help out with the party in the evening. We gave her as a gift a necklace with a quarter and a peso, to represent the two of us, Hermana Dickson and Riquelme:) Upon entering the church we ran into Elder Fabila and Elder Stout. Elder Stout asked me where my Capilla Abierta tag was, the tag we should be wearing until our Capilla Abierta, or open chapel, this upcoming Saturday. I told him I couldn't find it. He thanked my companion for having hers and jokingly thanked her for being obedient, giving her a fist bump. Elder Fabila had lost his as well. Upon noticing such I joking said: "Go rebels!" and gave him a fist bump. He seemed to think it was pretty funny, and the scriptures for today sum up the rebels and the obedient;) Enjoy!

Sabado: 2 Nephi 26:25 "Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price."

Saturday mostly consisted of helping out in Don Torcuato, a different area in our zone. We were helping with their Capilla Abierta. It was great to be able to teach many members, less actives, and people who aren't members about the church and the things that we believe:)

Also, Lilian was able to go into the temple!! I can't begin to describe how happy my comp and I were for her!

Domingo:

We had all sorts of miracles come to church! We went for Leo, (what an adventure. We had called him in the morning to wake him up before we walked over to pick him up but no one had answered. We went to his house anyway and tried calling and ringing the doorbell, but to no avail. It was about 8:45 and it takes 15 minutes to walk to the church from there, so my companion said we should start heading over. I knew that she was right, but felt like we needed to wait. While I was saying a quick prayer to know what to do, someone answered the door. We were able to wake Leo up, and get to church at 9:15, walking in the doors just as the sacrament was being passed. God truly is within even the DETAILS of our lives.) and saw Fermina present (she had come by herself once more!) as well as Lilian (she had also came alone as Zulma was unable to attend)! We also saw the Poma family, less actives that haven't come for months! It was an awesome Sunday.

All I can say is that God was present this week, as He is in every week, when we take the time to look for His hand.  

This upcoming week, take the time to look for it!

Hermana Dickson

Week 9 in San Fernando: The baptism of Lilian, giving a talk with the APs, and mission p-day

Hey all! Sorry I didn't send anything out yesterday. The entire mission took part in a mass Pday and we didn't have time to write. But here I am! So much, as usual, has happened, and I want to share all of it! So, let's get down to business shall we?

I was able to be with both of my "hijas" at the mission Pday :)

Best part of the week: Lilian's baptism!

Monday Alma 61:13 "But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in him, and he will deliver us."

Pday with the Zone:) We went bowling. Although I'm not very good at the game I managed to survive and not embarrass myself too badly!

Bowling: I guess we had a few that thought this was a moving picture ;)

After a very fun Pday my companion and I went to our scheduled appointments. Many of them fell through, and we were running out of backup plans, while not running out of time. As we were heading to our 8 o'clock appointment my companion told me that the name "familia Poma" had come to her mind. Not as a strong prompting or even impression that we needed to stop by. However, she had felt the need to tell me about it. I instantly told her that we would follow the prompting, even if it seemed small. My companion seemed to think I was a little confused, but I explained to her something my first companion in the field had taught me. Hermana Arnsten had explained to me at one point early on in the mission that we are in the service of the Lord trying to do what is right. When we are striving to do what is right and we receive a prompting it is our job to act. Not to question if it is the spirit or if it is us. If we are doing what is right, any good prompting we receive is of God, and should be followed. I explained such to my companion, and off we went to visit the Poma family, even though it would make us a little late to our 8 o'clock appointment.

We went, and found them. They are never home at night, and yet we found them, were able to invite them to an activity they hadn't been made aware of, and help them feel the love of the Savior, showing them that He had not forgotten of them. As soon as we finished sharing with them we headed off to our appointment. As we were walking to their house I thought I saw the sister walking in front of us. As we entered the building that led to her door we saw that it was indeed her, just entering her house. If we hadn't followed the prompting of my comp we would never have found Hermana Cardenas. We would have showed up at 8:00 and would have knocked and rang the doorbell in vain. There is no way we would have waited around for 24 minutes until she would have come walking up. And yet, there we were, arriving at the same time exactly. She later told us that she had forgot that we were going to stop by, and had been with friends. They had asked her to go with them to get something to eat or to talk, but that she had felt as though she needed to go home immediately, even though she didn't know why. She had headed straight home, only to be met by us. Through following the spirit we were able to teach the less active sister, one we had never been able to talk with before.

I can't stress this enough: FOLLOW THE PROMPTINGS.  

Tuesday John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

District Meeting! I learned of the importance of "Remember Him", or always keeping the Savior in the front of our minds before we make any decisions. Also that it is imperative that we plead with the spirit to know what to do, and then plan to DO IT. Hermana Riquelme taught us that we need to let people know we love them more often, with words and acts. Something our district leader taught us that stood out to me was that Faith=Personal Righteousness. Think About It. I talked about obedience, and how it is the way to show our love for the Savior. I think we all learned a lot from each other.

Hermana Riquelme and I made torta frita!  (Better stated, she made it and I cheered her on ;)!)

It was delicious!

Later on in the evening we had planned to visit Sara, a less active sister. She wasn't home, and we were ready to leave to go visit one of our backup plans when I felt inspired to see if the Calatayud was home. My comp didn't think it was worth it, as we had passed by many times and no one was ever home, but I was firm in my decision, and she agreed to stop by. We knocked and no one answered. Just as we were about to leave a sister opened the door and let us in. A less active sister that I had never met. With her we testified of the the power of the atonement. As we did so I could FEEL the spirit, potent and present. She could feel it too. I could see it in her eyes. She could feel, at least to a small extent, the love the Savior of the world had for her. That the Savior has for each and every one of you that is reading this blog or this email. He loves YOU, as an individual.

Wednesday: Mosiah 18:9 "Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life--"

Hermana Riquelme and I

 

The highlight of the day was visiting Fanny, an older member, and Raquel, who is about the same age but not a member. The difference was easy to see. Fanny and Raquel are both struggling with feelings of loneliness and pain. Fanny lives alone, and pines for her grandson who visits far less than he used to. Raquel is racked with  pain for the loss of her husband. And yet, one has faith in her Savior to such a degree that she ACTS, and is not acted upon by her circumstances. We CANNOT expect things to change in our lives unless WE change. Raquel cannot see that. And for that she dwells in her pain, questioning God, questioning as to why He would allow her to suffer such a thing. She has all of the answers in front of her, and yet refuses to see. It hurts me, truly, to feel the spirit and to hear her testimony, and yet, to have her blind to the very thing that can heal her and give her peace. It was a sobering sight. Surely there are things RIGHT NOW in my life that I cannot see. Things that God can see so clearly. Wishing that I would trust Him and be willing to change to see the changes in my life. The answers are surely in front of me, and yet, at this time perhaps I cannot see them. We must trust in our Savior, in our God. He sees the things we cannot see.

Thursday: Alma 18:36 " Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the creation of the world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father, Lehi, left Jerusalem."

We went over the questions with Lilian to prepare for her interview with the District Leader before her baptism. She knew Everything, and taught US quite a bit in the process. Her testimony concerning tithing was especially inspiring. She was so eager to be able to help the church in such a way and wanted a tithing slip to be able to turn in her tithing on Sunday. She told us, "For me it is a marvelous thing to have the opportunity to pay tithing." What a faith-filled, spiritual giant! How many members find it hard to "sacrifice" some of their money? And yet she is, absolutely thrilled and almost teary-eyed with the possibility of paying her tithing. It blew me away.

Friday: 3 Nephi 11:1-17

We attended the Meeting for the New Missionaries in the morning. Man did it bring back memories! Almost 9 months ago I was there, looking at President's drawing of the mission hill and secretly thinking that I would never get to the top. And yet, here I am, taking the plunge to the other side. And how fast it goes! I can't begin to describe it. As each of the new missionaries shared something they had learned in the their first 2 weeks in the field I was reminded so vividly of my own mission. How much I had to rely on Christ just to get out of bed. Even more so to get out the door. I remembered the fear and the tears. They are each such strong spirits, and they are going to do AMAZING things.

The Lord is truly preparing the missionaries that are being sent into this mission. Each transfer they come in more and more prepared. I'm humbled to get to work with them. We also had the interview of Lilian and the ward family home evening. Talk about a busy day! While Lilian was in her interview I bought her a triple combination of the scriptures and her friend bought her a nice bible from the offices. It's my firm belief that every member needs a nice set of scriptures, no matter the cost. It was my privilege to be able to help her out in such a way:)

Saturday: Doctrine and Covenants 18:15 "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"

Lilian and I

 The day of the baptism! I don't even know where to start. It was perfect. That's really all I have to say. Trying to describe it with my limited abilities wouldn't do it justice. After the service I gave Lilian her new scriptures. The excitement and gratitude on her face made it all Very worth it. We asked Lilian how she felt after the service. She said that she had been asking God for a long time as to what was the truth, and that she had just taken a small step on her journey to return back to Him. She thanked us for being there for her and for our patience. We assured her that it was a great blessing and privilege for us.

 Lilian and Juan Manuel 

Hermana Dickson, Zulma (friend of Lilian), Lilian, and Hermana Paz (Gospel Principles Teacher)

She is a beacon of faith and I hope to always trust in the Lord as she has and continues to do.

Sunday:

I gave a talk, Lilian was confirmed, and they all lived in happiness and bliss.... but really;) Oscar accompanied us. He kept asking us if we were going to visit Jorge Luis, a recent convert like Oscar who has been struggling recently. We kept trying to call him but he hadn't answered. And then we decided to go to his house anyway, even though we hadn't been able to get a hold of him. And we ended up finding him. Because Oscar was listening to the spirit from the start
.

As for yesterday (Monday), we had a Pday with the mission. All 227 some missionaries! We all met up at the Lincoln school, where we met for Christmas. We listened to President and his wife share spiritual messages as well as Elder Lines. Then the assistants and the office elders got up and sang the mission song. We then all joined with them, and the spirit was incredibly strong! Then we competed in a mission futbol tournament. My zone, Tigre, got into the final 4! After a great and super messy lunch we got to watch..... MEET THE MORMONS! Woo! It was a Blast!

So, what have I learned from this week? If you haven't noticed the obvious trend: FOLLOW THE SPIRIT. In EVERY situation. No matter what. 

Hermana Dickson

Week 8 in San Fernando: Mini Mission teacher and Cordoba Temple dedication

Talk about a ton of stuff to cover and never sufficient time to do so! This last week I reached my 10 month mark in the mission! How the time flies! Hopefully this weekly letter will be enjoyable, spiritual, and inspiring:)

Ausi and I at the Despedida a few weeks back!

So, without further adieu, let´s get started!

11 Lunes: Alma 22:4

A peaceful Pday:) The real beauty of the day was when we called President to ask him if we could continue teaching Lilian. There had been a couple questions regarding whether we could teach her, but after talking with President we were told that we could continue to teach her, and help her take the steps to be baptized and confirmed. My companion and I were absolutely thrilled! 

12 Martes: Doctrine and Covenants 123:16 "You know that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves."

A wonderful District Meeting! I actually shared a lot during the meeting. I shared regarding the chip metaphor Hermano Roberts had shared in the MTC (That we have to let people TASTE the gospel, versus showing them the bag and telling them how tasty it is. They have to EXPERIENCE it.) My companion talked about the lesson we had with the Chavez family and how we had followed the spirit. I also shared how the spirit truly was the key to everything, and that we needed to do more teaching and less scheduling for the next appointment. We were all able to learn from each other and left with a competition in the works, to see which companionship could find the most new investigators throughout the week. My companion and I excitedly accepted. (Having already lived the week, I can state proudly that Hermana Riquelme and I won! The most important result was that every one found many new investigators, and every companionship has at least one person progressing toward baptism!)

13 Miércoles: Helaman 5:12 "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

We were headlong into the "new" competition by now! Elder Miles and Elder Rios had found 3 new investigators, which put them up to 4 for the week. Elder Roberts and Elder Bonilla had found 4! We had found one, putting us up to 5:) We were already feeling more united as a district:) Also, had the opportunity to talk to Lilian on the phone and check up with her. She's so amazing! She already knows So much. She was reading the pamphlet about the plan of salvation after reading the one over the gospel of Christ three or four times! She's also starting at the beginning of the Book of Mormon and is doing everything she can to understand it and apply it. She truly wants her own testimony of these things and my companion and I couldn't be more happy to be teaching her and to see the progress she is making! 

14 Jueves: Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and , lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

We got to go to Zulma's to teach Lilian! She taught Us lesson 2 and 3, and all we had to do was testify of the truthfulness. We also went over the plan of salvation briefly, although she didn't really need it. Her testimony is so strong already! She will be baptized this upcoming Saturday (23) and confirmed on the 24th so that she can go to the temple with the other sisters on the 30th! How marvelous is this work!

15 Viernes: Alma 32:1 "And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to preach the word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues, and into their houses; yea, and even they did preach the word in their streets."

We went to see Raquel, a woman we had met the day before who was mourning the loss of her husband. We managed to find her house, although we had no direct address, and stopped by EXACTLY when she was home. We came in and began sharing our message with her. At one point the spirit testified to me, strongly, that the spirit of her husband was With us. With his wife. I shared such with her, testifying that the spirit of her husband was present. As I did so tears fell down my cheeks. My companion was crying as well. The spirit hit us like a wall, overwhelming the three of us- When we left the house Hermana Riquelme turned to me and told me that she was going to say the same thing that I had said, and that the spirit had testified of such to her as well. As she shared this we both felt the tears coming back. I'll never be able to deny that feeling in her house. How close and Present her husband was. It was extremely powerful and spiritual. 

16 Sabado: Alma 17:17-18 (Scripture summary: They headed off to preach the word of God.)

10 months! 

An AMAZING day! After studying Hermana Riquelme and I went to the church to help with the Mini MTC that would be taking place. When we arrived we were greeted by a host of "mini" missionaries. The other missionaries, or members of our zone, however, weren't anywhere to be found yet. Hermana Riquelme and I helped one of the sisters prepare a gigantic, bath-tub sized vat of hot chocolate before the rest showed up. (It's starting to get cold down there as it warms up in the United States.) We were later split into 4 "missions". Hermana Riquelme and I headed off Rancagua, Chile, where my cousin Dominique is serving right now! Right before entering the classroom we were told that we would be teaching the plan of salvation, and that we had 25 minutes to do so. I was a little nervous, not going to lie, as we had nothing prepared. But, as the spirit seems to do for me lately, I was provided with the direction needed to pull something together. It actually went really well and I loved it!

Later that night we headed to the cultural event for the Cordoba temple. I'd never seen one, so I was super pumped! We watched it with Lilian on our left, and Leo (a new investigator we found during the week) on our right. Literally surrounded by investigators: what a beautiful feeling! I loved the presentation. Lots of dancing and bright colors. At the end, white strips of banner that formed a screen on which to project the temple. All around the temple thousands of flashing lights, each light a person, a soul, a Latter-day Saint. And as I came close to tears I thought, "Did Joseph Smith know how great the church would become?" I know he did.  During one of the short videos at the beginning it showed an acorn sprouting. At first it was a little leafy plant thing. But then it suddenly became an enormous tree with branches strong and sure, stretching out in every direction. It was a metaphor for how the church in South America would grow. It was a Powerful sight , to see the huge tree spring forth from almost nothing. It was just like any other acorn perhaps, but inside something GREAT: President Uchtdorf and Elder Christofferson were the authorities of the church present. Pres Uchtdorf talked about allowing this weekend to be a new beginning, a fresh slate. To start from this weekend to create your own legacy.

Cordoba Temple

17 Domingo: 3rd Nephi 11:1 "And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place."

Let me attempt to describe the temple dedication of Cordoba. Everything about the dedication was simple and beautiful. I had brought along my notebook and as the various speakers shared was able to take notes, writing down both phrases heard and impressions received. There was much shared concerning the family and its importance. President Uchtdorf invited us to record this day for our own purposes and said that we must have open hearts, willing to receive the promptings and company of the Holy Ghost. He said this was a day to be remembered forever.

All I can say is this: As President Uchtdorf so appropriately stated, "This is a day to be remembered, forever."

Hermana Dickson

Week 7 in San Fernando : Got to Skype with my family for Mother's Day ;D

Man was this week wonderful! It might have been a little rough at times, as we tried to find people to teach or members to accompany us, but the miracles have come, the spirit has been present, and I got to finish off the week talking to my beloved family!

(Reed, excited to skype with his sister, Mallory)

(The blessings of technology)

(The first thing we saw when we turned on skype)

My companion and I started picking a scripture to go with every day, so enjoy the scriptures, and look them up, as we go through a quick run down of May 6th to May 10th:)

Wednesday: Alma 17:11 "And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

After weekly planning and lunch we headed out to work:) Out of the three members that said they could accompany us all fell through, leaving us a little lonely and feeling a little stranded in the calle, or street. As the day progressed and we just couldn't seem to find anyone, whether in their houses or on the street, I was getting a little frustrated. I wanted nothing more than to teach, to work, to help others. Out of our 5 scheduled appointments almost All of them fell through.

The view from my "backyard"

As the day started winding down I asked my companion if she wanted to visit the familia Chavez. They weren't written down in our plans, but regardless I felt that we should visit them. She agree, and off we went. To our great surprise and happiness they were actually home and had time to let us visit! We came in without a clue as to what we would share or teach. I didn't want to just share a scripture and skip out of their house. I had brought a block game for a different appointment that had fell through, so I decided to make it useful. I had found the blocks laying around the apartment and had decided they might be fun to use. Without a clue as to how I wanted to use the blocks, I told the family that I had a game for them.

Teaching the familia Chavez can be a little complicated, as it consists of active members, less active members, and non members. At the table with us was Sara Chavez (member), her husband (not a member), her daughter Claudia (less active), and the daughter of Claudia, Dana (not a member either). I poured the blocks out on the table and told each person in the family, including my comp and I, to take a block. Written on the blocks were different words, like scriptures, family, faith, priesthood, etc. As soon as each person had a block I told the family that we would be building a tower out of the blocks and that each block would be essential in building a strong and sturdy tower. I invited each person in the family to explain to the group of us why their block, the topic written on it, was important before adding it to our tower.

At Camila's Baptism

Hermana Yancey

Camila and I

Mis hijas y Camila :)

We talked of prophets, baptism, the sacrament, etc. The members bore testimony, and those who weren't members really enjoyed the game and were asking lot of questions. It was such a good way of bringing up a little bit of everything we believe in as members of the church! After the tower was built I asked 13 year old Dana to take out one of the blocks without making the tower fall. Due to how the tower was built she was unable to do so, and the tower fell. I then asked her to set it back up. Maybe it was just that particular block, and if we took out a different block we would get different results. Sara's husband tried next. He really took his time, trying to get the tower to stay upright, but had the same luck as his granddaughter. We then talked of how every block, or every thing, was essential, and that we had to have all or the tower would fall, and we wouldn't have the strength that we needed to carry on.

We then read Alma 38:2 which reads:

"And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end."

We then talked about the strength of keeping the commandments and Claudia bore her testimony. We then asked each member of the family to take one of the blocks. Based on their topic we assigned each one of them a reading assignment with one of the three missionary pamphlets. They accepted the "homework" and we scheduled to meet with them on Tuesday. It was an AMAZING lesson! The spirit was present and everyone in the family was edified. And yet, I had gone into the lesson with no idea of what we would be presenting. It was truly completely led by the spirit. I had had the opportunity to teach and to bring the spirit. God truly had heard my prayers.

Cool statue in the park

As we were heading over to a different appointment we ran into the primary president, who accompanied us and thanked us for all of the help we'd provided for Camila. What a miracle!

Thursday: Alma 26:31 "Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few?  I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us."

The morning started out with a great Zone meeting! I learned that no matter what the spirit tells me, I Have to act on it and Do what it tells me to do. That we teach and find whether or not we have a member to accompany us. That after many no's we'll have a yes.

We got to teach Lilian! She had gone to church the Sunday before and seemed very eager to learn more:) We stopped by Zulma's house, her friend, and were able to teach her the Restoration. I loved how excited Lilian was to learn. We invited her to be baptized the 24th and she accepted. We love her so much! We also visited with Estephanie and her family and talked about the mission, Walter and his little son and reminded him that his family is more important to him than money (Alma 39:14) "seek not after riches nor the vain things of the world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.", as well as Carmen about family history. It was almost the opposite of the day before, when we spent almost the whole day on the street! It was a great blessing:)

Beautiful sunset here

Friday: Ether 10:34 "Now Com did fight against them much; nevertheless, he did not prevail against them."

What a struggle! Lunch went really well, and we ran into President and his wife on the train back, no big deal. Great to see them:) We spent the rest of the day trying to invite people to the Noche de Barrio. We got there early to help set up. At first there really weren't very many people, but as the night progressed we had a better sized group. It was quite fun:) Despite our best efforts we were not able to have lessons with a member, leaving us with 5 lessons in total for the entire week. Needless to say, I was pretty stressed!

Saturday: 1 Nephi 4:6 "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."

A day of miracles and lessons with a member! We found two new investigators and were about to help Jorge Luis. We passed by the house to see if he was home. He actually was! We were able to talk to him and see how he was doing. By following the impressions of the spirit I was able to share an experience which got him to open up to us, and was able to share a scripture with him: Doctrine and Covenants 6:10,11, 15, 16.
 10 Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above—
 11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways.
 15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth;
 16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.

Domingo: 2 Nephi 5:27 "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness."

We ended the week with style! With Saturday and Sunday we were able to have 14 lessons, bringing us close to our goal of 20! Camila was confirmed, and I got to sykpe with my family!!!!!!! I love them so much, each and every one of them! Mom, Dad, Reed, Hyrum, and Emilie! (Yes Emilie, Charli too). It was an amazing week!

I love all of you and am praying for you! Keep pressing forward and relying on your Savior. He truly does know, so much better than we do.

Hermana Dickson

We don't take a lot of pictures while we are out working so here is a "taste" of Argentine culture ;).

Remember Amigo Pancho:)

Flan from Jorge Luis

Grabbing Hamburgers for lunch before P-day at the mission home last week.

Making french toast

Week 6 in San Fernando: Our miracle baptism :) and transfers

How is everyone doing? Happy Mother's Day early! (And for those of you who aren't mothers, tell your mothers happy mother's day.) Lots of changes, little and big miracles, and, as always, lots to write about!

First off, we had transfers today. Hermana Yancey, my first daughter of the mission, is now serving in Urquiza (part of my old zone Belgrano) with Hermana Bustos. She was an amazing companion in every aspect and Hermana Riquelme and I are really feeling her absence, but are also really excited for her and all of the miracles she's going to bring to her new area! In fact, as Hermana Riquelme and I were kneeling down to pray before leaving our apartment, the fact that we were now just down to two hit me. I had to wait a couple minutes to say the prayer, as tears started falling. I'll tell you what, the mission turns you into such a big baby. But it's fine.

On our last night with the 3 of us, we had morroc ice cream (kind of like mouse tracks in the US with vanilla, and dulce de leche granizado (with chocolate chips).

Hermana Yancey, yo, Hermana Riquelme

On Monday we had a wonderful Pday in the mission house:) We made cookies, played Uno (appropriate given that we're in a Spanish speaking country...), and played ping-pong:) We took the train back home and got changed just in time to go out and work:)

At the mission home last P-day

On Tuesday we had divisions with Hermana Hawkins:) Hermana Riquelme went with Hermana Duràn to Tigre as Hermana Yancey and I stayed in San Fernando. It was a spectacular day. We found new people to teach, and had 7 citas fijas, or scheduled appointments. Of the 7, 4 were there. We were able to teach almost the entire day straight! 

On Wednesday the rain hit! It was freezing cold, but we bundled up and went off to our zone meeting! As a zone we had 15 baptisms this last month:) It was truly a miracle and a blessing! 

On Friday Hermana Yancey hit her four month mark! It's crazy to think that she already has 4 months in the mission!

Picture of my "baby" as promised last week.

Hermana Riquelme

On Sunday we had a miracle of a baptism! 

At the beginning of the week we went by Camila's to ask for permission to teach her. We had actually brought her to church with us the Sunday before, but had been told that she was a baptism of the ward and not of us. Later, while talking with our mission leader, we were told that it was a baptism of the mission, and that as soon as we had the permission of her parents that we could teach her. We stopped by on Tuesday while in divisions with Hermana Hawkins and got the permission from Juliana, Camila's mom. From there we taught her all of the lessons, she had her interview with our district leader on Saturday, and was baptized on Sunday.

 It was such a beautiful experience! Her mom came, as well as her brother who is already a member. One of the young men baptized her. She had already been going to church alone for months, if not years. She is truly an example of strength, of truly trying to follow the Savior. To get up at 8 every Sunday, at the age of 8 and younger, and walk with her 11 year old brother to the church is incredible. We didn't have to do much to help such an incredible girl get baptized. When we asked her on Tuesday when she wanted to be baptized she told us "this Sunday!" We obviously did everything we could to make such a reality.

Baptism of Camila

Yancey, yo, Riquelme

We also had the Despida, or the missionary farewell, on Sunday. I was singing with Hermana Hawkins, Elder Wilhelm, and Elder Thurgood (Hermana Durán on flute with Hermana Lines on piano). I was a little nervous, as I'm not big on singing in front of a couple hundred people, but I was told that it didn't go too badly, so I guess there's that;) It was truly a beautiful experience to be able to sing and share my testimony in such a way with so many. We sang, Yo sè que vive mi Señor, or, I know that my Redeemer lives. At the Despida I got to see Ausi, Brenda and Fatima Pucheta, and Hermana Weitl. It was so amazing to see all of them. It was goodbye for now with Brenda and Fatima, as the two of them will be leaving for their respective missions in four short weeks: Columbia and Bolivia. They're going to do amazing things! I also got to hear from Hermana Olmedo. Ausi had me do a voice recording for Hermana Olmedo before the Despida started, and at the end I got to hear the response. It was great to hear from her!   

I love you all and am so glad to be out here serving in Buenos Aires. It is a place of miracles. It is a place of love. It is a place of second chances. To get to know God. Nothing has compared with this time thus far in my life. I have never been so full of love. Seeing Brenda and Fatima heading off on the mission. Seeing Ausi and hearing from Hermana Olmedo. Hearing from Hermana Weitl that Emanuel received the Aaronic Priesthood. Hearing from the sisters of Parque Patricios that Domingo received the Aaronic Priesthood as well. Simply having the privilege of being the "mom" of two beautiful and talented daughters. I've never loved more than I do now.

Con todo mi amor,

Hermana Dickson

(Mallory was assigned the same computer as last week that won't send pictures.  So a huge thank you to Hermanas Yancey and Riquelme who forwarded their photos!)