Letter 24!

June 19, 2013
Well another week full of rain has passed by! If you picture me in Costa Rica on the beach with the sun shining brightly....get that out of your head. Many times this week we were walking in the street with rain half way up our calves and most of our body soaking, haha...but I love every bit of it!! Hermana Garcia and I just laugh at each other. Especially when buses go rushing by and it’s impossible to dodge the waves of dirty street water.
The other day we had a lesson in a members house and they were nice enough to give us a towel to dry us off with and we ended up sitting on it so that we didn’t soak their couches. When we get home, sometimes Hermana Elvira brings us out some hot cocoa...ahhh, she is the best! She has been the house manager of many missionaries and so she has learned very fast the palabra de sabiduria and that we don’t drink coffee.
Well it was soooooo discouraging and sad that Maritza ended up not getting baptized this past Sunday. She told us that she needed more time as it is hard for her to accept another book of scripture and she just wanted more time to get a for sure answer. She has been going to church with us for the past 3 weeks and says that she wants her family to join her. She studies the book of mormon everyday and loves learning more and more. She has already been baptized in two other churches and so she just wants to be sure that this is right. Last week we watched the restoration with her...she loved it. the spirit was so strong as Hermana Garcia, a member, and I all bore our testimonies of the prophet Joseph smith. She said that the storty of Joseph smith was incredible and that it reminds her of herself. She feels so confused with all the many churches but says she wants to have a testimony lilke us. We know that she will get to that point and will be baptized because she really does have a sincere heart and really does want to do the will of the Lord. Keep her in your prayers because she is golden! hermana Garcia and I love her so much and pray that she will recognize her answer.
On Sunday after church we went to Hermana Rosarios house to eat dinner with her, her husband who is a menos activo, and her son who is an incredible return missionary. Hermana Garcia and I made a mexican dish ,well i didnt really make it just did what Hermana Garcia told me to do. Actually...it was really nice to eat something that
wasn’t rice, haha. I never thought that eating rice and beans here every day would get old, but it happened. But gayo pinto still has a special place in my heart always!
it was a surprise to find Jadira at the house of hermana Rosario as we have been trying to find this reference for a long time! It was so happy to set an appointment with her as she really seems interested! well we have another temple session to go to and a sealing tonight so i have to run...so excited!! I love you all and this gospel is so true!!!! Love, Hermana Pease

Letter 23!

6/10/13
Dear Family,
We had stake conference on Sunday and Elder Duncan(Of the seventy) came to speak as well as President Wilkinson. Both brought an amazing spirit to the conference. We had 3 of our investigators come with us and a less active was reluctant to agree to go with us. Our stake was split into two stakes and there is now 7 stakes in Costa Rica. The Church is growing and prophecies of olden time prophets are being fulfilled! So exciting!!
On Thursday we had divisions with the Hermana Zone Leaders. Hermana Garcia went with Hermana Marqcuez to Belen and Hermana Jones came to my area. Hermana Jones has about 10 months here and is from Salt lake City, Utah. She has special talents and when she talks to people everyone wants to be around her. She has an amazing spirit and has taught me so much! She made me laugh a couple of times with the different techniques she uses for street contacting. We had been walking in a suburb area and saw a family walking down the street to their house. We both thought the same thing and turned around to follow them. When we met the mom; Hermana Jones randomly said “does Louis live.” I was so confused and didn’t remember that we were ever looking for a Louis. The mom said no and Hermana Jones told her that Louis said that he lived in a red two story house which was the description of the house in front of us. The mom told her maybe the other street and then I realized it was a tactic.
I’m still trying to decide if it would be considered a sin or not to lie in order to help someone find their salvation, haha. Ill have to ponder more on that one, but our introduction was a lot smoother and she didn’t end up thinking we were stalkers. A few days later Hermana Garcia and I went back to that house to visit with the mom but she wasn’t home. We ended up talking with her mom, Anabel, who agreed to let us into her house to share a little message. Before we even said the opening prayer, Anabel began crying and shared with us that she just went through a divorce, has a lot of stress, and suffers a little bit of depression. I really don’t know if she will accept the gospel but in that moment I felt like i was there for one purpose, to be an actual representative of Jesus Christ.
Our Father in Heaven is aware of all of His children and knows our needs! I was so happy to give her a copy of the Book of Mormon and share my testimony of how it could bless her life. The Book of Mormon is here to help whatever challenge any person has. I pray that there isn’t one day that goes by that you don’t read from that true book. I love the book of Mormon and know as we read it our testimony is strengthened and as we apply it we become converted disciples of Jesus Christ! I love you all! And this gospel is true! Pura Vida!!! Hermana Pease

Letter 22!!

June 3, 2013    Hermana Pease  

 

Well just a quick update...I love this Costa Rica Mission and I am so grateful for my companion, hermana Garcia, and for all the people we are teaching right now. We have one lady who is progressing right now, Maritza! I absolutely love her. She speaks hardly any english but sometimes likes to practice. On Sunday we called her to remind her of church and when she answered the phone she told me in english with her cute accent...Im ready to go to church hermana Pease. That was such a happy moment! She studies a lot and is praying a lot. She has two children and is actually married!! Finally!!!! The rest of the family is always busy that we never even see them in the house and so not a chance that we would see them at church...but on Sunday Maritza told us that She really hopes her family will join her.

 

On Wednesday it down poured rain all day. Our umbrellas didn’t help us at all because we were soaked from our elbows down. We also happened to be working in the area where all the mud is and we only slipped 2 or 3 times, haha. At one point Hermana Garcia slipped on her rear end, pobrecita. But it keeps us laughing, haha. However by Friday, I ended up catching a cold with a little bit of fever. But Hermana Elvira(our apartment manager) was good to make me a hot lemon juice thing with honey. It fixed me right up and I feel a lot better. I only sound really funny, ha.

On Saturday there was a huge youth stake activity. All the youth received mission calls to be missionaries for a day. The missionaries in alejuela prepared a mini MTC. They had training for about 3 hours Saturday morning and then all the rest of us missionaries from the stake arrived at the stake center for lunch. After lunch we had "companion exchanges" and for every missionary they put about two youth. So for about 2 and a half hours I went tracting with two cute 14 yr. olds. It was funny to see their reactions to certain situations as they didnt know how to react, but we were able to teach two lessons in a house. I was surprised how much confidence the two girls had in the lessons. They had a lot of energy and are excited to be missionaries. After that we all joined together again and had a testimony meeting...the spirit was super strong!!! We have the truth now we just have to share it! And I am so proud of all the youth that are preparing right now to be super valiant missionaries. We have a lot of work to do but I am so happy to be here in this mission!!! I love this gospel! Hermana Pease

Pictures!!

For Preparation day today we had a water fight with balloons:. me, hermana Garcia, Elder Petlacalco, Elder Sperry , and Esteban Campos (amazing family. and he is the ward mission leader. And he served in el Salvador. I dont know what the ward would do without him as he already has 3 callings in the ward and is going to school full time. But their whole family is like that!)

front of our chapel in San Rafael (Ojo De Agua II ward)

 Last Sunday after ward correlation...the street was flooded and I couldn't resist! But apparently it was really gross because they made me pour water with desanitizer on my feet. I forgot that all the drains from showers and sinks flood into the street! haha....Anyways I love Costa Rica!!

Letter 21!!!

May 27, 2013

 

We had a level 6 earthquake last night and I think that Hermana Garcia and I and the Elders were the only ones who didn't feel it. When we walked out of our house, all the neighbors were talking about the earthquake that woke them up and sacred them. Hermana Elvira (our apartment manager) told us that we really must be filled with the spirit. Hermana Garcia and I were saying that we probably have lots of angels protecting us. I told her maybe they can work a little less harder cuz I really wanted to feel the earthquake! Apparently we have had 2 since I've been here and I didn’t feel either one, haha. No, but I am grateful for the protection of the Lord and I know that He is watching over us every day that we walk in the streets!

Well right now I feel like my weeks are just smudging together. But I think that’s a good thing because that means Hermana Garcia and I are staying busy, including digging in the mud again. It’s my favorite, when we ask people if we can help them with their painting or digging and they just look at us like we are crazy. And then we get to tell them that we are representatives of Jesus Christ and that we really do love to do what Jesus does, serve. So far our service of digging or painting hasn't brought many people to baptism but I know that it has given us the chance to fulfill our purpose as missionaries, which is to bring others closer to Christ and I am grateful for the privilege as well as I feel my relationship with my Savior and my conversion to Him is growing every, every day!

Hermana Garcia and I had set goals last week to have shorter lessons and more frequently. We also were able to set more time aside to make more phone calls with our investigators and with our Recent converts and menos activos. We have seen some awesome improvement in our goals and its been a tender mercy to be over achieve some of our goals...so that means we get to work even harder next week to over achieve our upcoming goals! All things are possible through Jesus Christ! My love for these people grows stronger everyday and It’s amazing to get a glimpse of how much our Heavenly Father loves each of His children.

I feel that Hermana Garcia and I aren't the most amazing teachers, but we both strive to work hard and be obedient every day! When we are obedient I can honestly testify that the spirit will be with us and the Lord will place tender mercies in our lives! Hermana Garcia and I were sad that Katarin and Chanis weren't baptized this past Sunday. They went to a young women’s activityy on Saturday and were enthusiastic afterwards as they told us all the details. We are seeing the light of Christ making a change not only in their hearts but in their faces. However yesterday we were devastated that they didn't come to church! We haven’t been able to get a hold of them yet but we know that they had lots of family coming in and the mom was sick so they probably didn't want to go without her either! hayayay!!! But we pray that next week they will be prepared to be baptized...they are sweet girls. Katarine is 15 and Chanise is 12 and reminds me of little Kendra. Chanise probably thinks it’s weird that I always give her a big hug before we leave but I always do cuz I feel like I’m hugging my little sisters!! Sure miss my sistas and hope that you all are preparing for your missions...study preach my gospel chpt.3 and learn the doctrine(the ¨why¨) and mainly live your testimony! We only have to have a desire to do the will of our Heavenly Father and that qualifies us for his grace. I love you all!!! Love, Hermana Pease....The gospel is so so true!!

 

Picture!

20th Letter!!

May 20, 2013

Dear Family....so supposedly I am training right now my 22 year old companion who speaks perfect spanish, haha. If I have ever felt inadequate it is right now. Hermana Wilkinson(wife of mission president) called me the other day to ask if I could run an errand for her and bring a couple things to the meeting that we were going to have the next afternoon. I was finishing talking with her and she told me that President wanted to talk with me. I could say this over and over, President Wilkinson is so inspired of God and I believe that he knew I was stressing out a lot of bit. He asked me how I was doing and I told him the truth...He then told me that he had all the trust and faith in me and that the Lord knows what He is doing. The talk was short but I was so grateful for the words he shared with me. I am growing and learning from these hard lessons in the mission and I am so grateful for my testimony that is growing every day as I put my faith in Jesus Christ!!

 

Hermana Portillo left on Wednesday and Hermana Garcia and I have been flying solo ever since. Hermana Garcia is from Puebla, Mexico and has a true and sincere testimony. I am grateful for her example and feel that really my training is just being extended. Well both learning and growing spiritually, and maybe physically as well. Well we both have gained like 15 pounds in the last month and a half...yikes, all the rice and bread we eat is starting to show. It’s funny cuz the Latinos are really blunt about whether you are fat or not and I think I was called fat at least 5 times this past weekend, haha.

 

Well on Sunday Hermana Garcia and I went to different families to bring them to church but no one could come. We were both super sad and just kept praying that one of our investigators would show up. We had ward conference this past Sunday and so the room was packed. Fransisco(who was baptized last week) received the Holy Ghost...He is solid and constant in his conversion. But turns out, we had miracles! Family Joarquin Garcia showed up after the sacrament!! They have come faithfully for three Sundays!! The two daughters have baptismal dates but the mom is still struggling with the idea of marrying her spouse who has a few addictions...they could use some prayers!! The mom and the two daughters are really awesome and especially the oldest daughter is excited about church. The other day she asked us what you have to do to be a missionary. This week we plan on taking them to the temple and then the temple president is going to talk to them and share some thoughts about the temple! I am so excited!

 

After Sacrament meeting we met a pregnant lady named Janira who walked into the halls of the church. She told us that Carmen had invited her to go to church, but none of us knew a Carmen in the ward. She was embarrassed and realized that she had gone to the wrong church. But we reassured her that there were no such things as accidents and that God had helped her come to this church. She went to Gospel principles with us and stayed for Relief Society and told us that she really liked church...and we have an appointment with her this Tuesday!! Hermana Garcia And I were so thrilled as we know that the Lord had a hand in guiding Janira to His church.

 

Our Heavenly father truly wants us to be happy and be able to receive blessing from Him, we just have to listen and act! Well thank you for all your prayers!!! The Lord has his kingdom on the earth how grateful I am to have the truthfulness in my life! Love, Hermana Pease

Pictures!!

This is my wonderful district! The two missionaries on the end(Elder McCallum and Elder Romney are our Zone leaders...super awesome!) From left to right: Hermana Sorenson, from California. Elder Petlacalco, from Mexico. Edler Sperry, from Utah. And my companions!

 Well I almost ate Iguana! One of our recent converts is from Nicaragua and loves to eat Iguana. He says that it tastes like chicken...I was really willing to try it but also a little nervous since President Wilkinson from day one told us not to eat it because all gringos end up throwing up a lot! But I didnt get the chance to try it because he ended up making it after our lesson with him. It was a little weird however watching him tear of the skin of the poor Iguana. Made me think of our poor pet Iguana...

 Baptism of Fransisco...we had a baptism yesterday! Fransisco seriously is amazing and chosen by God! We found him in the street and from day one was willing to change. He hasnt had a job for a long time but whenver we had lessons he was always so positive even if he was starving of hunger. This man has so much faith! He always told us that he just wanted to do the will of God. He gave up coffee like it was nothing, but it was because he wanted to do the will of the Lord. Before he had a baptismal date, he was asking us what he needed to do to be baptized. After his baptism he bore testimony that this was the only true church. Happiness radiated from this mans face and testimony. Later that night we had splits. A young women in the ward and the young mens president came with me to teach Fransisco. Hermano Brito offered Fransisco a job which would start early the next morning. Fransisco was so excited and it was such a blessing to see the effects of when we follow Jesus Christ and keep His commandment. Always, always, always!!! God blesses us when we keep his commandments. The commandments are not rules...they are miracle workers!!!

Learned how to make Pupusas today! Hermana Portillow was awesome to teach us gringos how to make this amazing food. Ok, mine werent very pretty but when I get home Alvin and I are going to make Pupusas.

19th Letter!!! (sorry so late)

May 6, 2013
One more week with my trainer!!!!!!!!! Can’t believe my mission mother is going to leave me really soon...I loved learning and growing from her! Hermana Portillo is a very smart and loving missionary. She knows every scripture by heart and knows every word that every apostle ever said. She is a recent convert of about 3 yrs and was actually a dedicated Catholic the years prior from her baptism. She was going to be a nun but I believe that missionaries caught her right in time. They taught her for 6 months, as she had many question and was a little hard in the heart. But when she bears her testimony of when she received a confirmation that this is the true church, it is powerful! She is still the only member in her family. Bless her heart, I believe in the beginning she was rejected by all of her friends and by her family for being baptized. She has sacrificed a lot to be here on a mission and only has7 months left! The Lord has a plan for this awesome missionary and she is going to lead many people to the truth...even after her mission. Well I think one of my favorite things this week was digging mud in the pouring rain while wearing a skirt. We are teaching a family right now who do not have very much for a house. Their floor is the dirt, which can be a disadvantage here in Costa Rica when the huge rain storms come in. Well while teaching a lesson to this family, the rain started pouring down on the tin roof of their house. A few minutes later, water was starting to run inside of the house. The mom and the grandpa grabbed a shovel and ran to the back of the house where the water was coming in. Dad, you would be so proud of me because there was one shovel left and I instantly grabbed the shovel and ran out to meet the mom and Grandpa, but then I realized I left my companions. So I went back inside to convince my companions to go out with me. When they turned and looked at me, they both laughed a little bit, I’m sure cuz I looked a little funny holding a shovel while in my dress, but then they realized I was serious and followed me outside in the down pour of rain. We were able to dig a little gutter for the water to drain away from the house. Wish I could have taken a picture of all the mud that was clumped onto my shoes and legs.
However, just for the record, we did end up finishing our lesson! They are a humble family and have a baptismal date. However they are super traditional Catholics and they are having a hard time recognizing their answer and having the desire to leave the Catholic Church. When we showed her a picture of Joseph Smith´s first vision, she told us that she had a dream and that in her dream she saw an angel and a pillar of light descending down, just like in the picture of the first vision. I kinda wanted to say, “ Hello !! That is an answer from God! He is answering your prayers telling you that all we are teaching you is true!” But Hermana Portillo was good to try to help her understand in a more loving way. However for some reasons she doesn't see the answers so clearly still. So we continue to pray for them!
Saturday we decided to knock on a door. We ended up having a lesson with this family ( mom, dad, and two daughters) and they committed to go to church the next day. When my companion and I went to pick them up, they were ready in their Sunday best. The Dad had told us that they were looking for a church to go to; I think that’s when we gave them the invitation to go to church with us! The mom and their girls are super sweet. After church they said that they really liked it! It was testimony meeting and Hermana Portillo and Hermana Garcia both gave beautiful testimonies and mentioned this family in their testimony and how grateful they were that they came to church. The spirit was so strong as they mentioned the beautiful doctrine of eternal families.
How grateful I am for the joy the gospel has brought me in my immediate family and extended family. It is a wonderful privilege to help other families find the joy and peace that I have through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Well my testimony is growing everyday as the spirit bears witness to me in every lesson that we have. It’s those moments that make all the trials of a mission worth it! I found a sweet quote from Elder Nelson that says, ¨ With faith comes trial of faith, bringing greater faith.¨ We will never gain faith without trials and as we endure through the trial, the Lord promises us more light, more faith, and more blessing! We have a perfect God and He has a perfect plan for us! I love you all family! The Gospel is true!! Love Hermana Pease!!

18th letter

April 29, 2013
Woohoo!!! We had another baptism yesterday! Arelis was golden and was definitely ready for this new life. Hermana and Elder Flake(who work in the temple) found Arelis when they went to eat at a restaurant. She was a waitress and Elder Flake simply asked her if she wanted to take the lessons. We were happy that Arelis lives in our area to teach. She was golden from the start and told us that she just wants to serve God and do His will. And that was perfect cuz thats all that God asks of us in order to be worthy for baptism. At first it was hard for her to realize that she could receive an answer without reading the entire book of mormon. She is diligent in reading the book of mormon everyday and had/has a goal to read the book of mormon from cover to cover. Every morning she traveles to Belen(15 min in bus) for work and doesn’t arrive home until late at night, so a few times my companions and I would walk to her house before our study time to teach her and help prepare her for her baptism.
It was last week when we went one morning and family problems had come up. But she told us that she wanted to get baptized and she knew that she was doing the right thing. She told us that even through the hard trials that she is facing she feels so happy. What a miracle it is to witness the change that the Atonement makes in the lives of those who are willing to follow His example. After her baptism, Arelis was glowing with a huge smile on her face. I know the Lord has a great purpose for this woman, she is faithful in going to church and is going to be a wonderful leader. After the baptism, Elder and sister Smith(also work in the temple and are from snowflake. Elder Smith Home taught Grandpa Pease years ago), Elder and Sister Flake, Hermana Garcia, Hermana Portillo, and I went to Arelis house for a Nicaraguan Barbecue. Yes rice is still included in the barbecue and yes it was delicious! Arelis doesn’t have very much, but she is so generous and loving and always wanting to feed us. She only has two chairs in her house that are about to fall apart, so some lessons Hermana Flake and Elder flake would bring folding chairs or sometimes we would borrow chairs from the neighbors or use the couple buckets that we could find from outside. While eating at Arelis house, it was fun to discover that Hermana and Elder smith and Hermana and Elder Flake are all relatives of mine through Jesse N. Smith. I probably should have figured that one out a
little sooner with the last names of Flake and Smith. I was glad to have my ancestor stories that I had brought with me to read of Jesse N. Smith and a few of my other ancestors. It brought tears to my eyes to think of all the hardships that our grandparents went through but yet were so valiant!
How grateful I am for the blessings of the temple and for the blessing that we can be with our family for eternity. If you want to really know how much you love your family...go on a mission! Living far away from the people I love has made me realize how blessed I am! Grandma Pease and Grandma Lewis, I am so grateful for your faithful examples and being so dedicated to raising righteous families! Lover my granparents and cannot wait for the moment to reunite with my grandfathers! I know that sometimes they come here to support me in the work of the Lord.
Well last week it was fun to be able to do some service for a family in the ward. Actually a service project that I have never done before...I cut grass with a machete. After cutting grass, I decided that I preferred a lawn mower. I think my companions were a little scared to have me use the machete since I had never done it before. Hermana Portillo teased me and said, woah, you got to be careful when a gringa has a machete. We walked back from our house with only a few blisters, bruises, and plenty of ant bites. Mom, if you thought ants were a problem in Arizona, come see how the ants rule the world in Costa Rica! You leave one tiny crumb on the counter and in 30 sec there is a line of ants. So I have learned that is normal to sometimes eat food and drink water with a couple ants.
Yesterday we went to Yerrica(our recent convert of a month) house and she fed us a dang delicoius tamale. About 10 minutes later I broke out with rashes and bumps all over my body that itched so bad! That was a new experience for me cuz I thought I wasn’t allergic to anything and that I could eat anything I wanted...guess I have to be careful with the Nicaraguan tamales. Allergy pills work wonders:) Well it was an awesome week to finish with an awesome baptism. I love the people here and can’t believe it’s almost time for companion changes...I love my companions and pray that maybe I can have them for another 6 weeks. I love this gospel so much and I love my Savior! Sure love you family and miss you! Thanks Alvin for this info of your mish and for the words of support...seriously means a lot! Ill keep an eye out for that companion! Love you all! And the gospel is true...don’t ever forget it and always live it! Love Hermana Pease

17th letter!

May 6, 2013

One more week with my trainer!!!!!!!!! Can’t believe my mission mother is going to leave me really soon...I loved learning and growing from her! Hermana Portillo is a very smart and loving missionary. She knows every scripture by heart and knows every word that every apostle ever said. She is a recent convert of about 3 yrs and was actually a dedicated Catholic the years prior from her baptism. She was going to be a nun but I believe that missionaries caught her right in time. They taught her for 6 months, as she had many question and was a little hard in the heart. But when she bears her testimony of when she received a confirmation that this is the true church, it is powerful! She is still the only member in her family. Bless her heart, I believe in the beginning she was rejected by all of her friends and by her family for being baptized. She has sacrificed a lot to be here on a mission and only has7 months left! The Lord has a plan for this awesome missionary and she is going to lead many people to the truth...even after her mission!

Well I think one of my favorite things this week was digging mud in the pouring rain while wearing a skirt. We are teaching a family right now who do not have very much for a house. Their floor is the dirt, which can be a disadvantage here in Costa Rica when the huge rain storms come in. Well while teaching a lesson to this family, the rain started pouring down on the tin roof of their house. A few minutes later, water was starting to run inside of the house. The mom and the grandpa grabbed a shovel and ran to the back of the house where the water was coming in. Dad, you would be so proud of me because there was one shovel left and I instantly grabbed the shovel and ran out to meet the mom and Grandpa, but then I realized I left my companions. So I went back inside to convince my companions to go out with me. When they turned and looked at me, they both laughed a little bit, I’m sure cuz I looked a little funny holding a shovel while in my dress, but then they realized I was serious and followed me outside in the down pour of rain. We were able to dig a little gutter for the water to drain away from the house. Wish I could’ve taken a picture of all the mud that was clumped onto my shoes and legs.

 However, just for the record, we did end up finishing our lesson! They are a humble family and have a baptismal date. However they are super traditional Catholics and they are having a hard time recognizing their answer and having the desire to leave the Catholic Church. When we showed her a picture of Joseph Smith´s first vision, she told us that she had a dream and that in her dream she saw an angel and a pillar of light descending down, just like in the picture of the first vision. I kinda wanted to say, “ Hello !! That is an answer from God! He is answering your prayers telling you that all we are teaching you is true!” But Hermana Portillo was good to try to help her understand in a more loving way. However for some reasons she doesn’t see the answers so clearly still. So we continue to pray for them!

Saturday we decided to knock on a door. We ended up having a lesson with this family ( mom, dad, and two daughters) and they committed to go to church the next day. When my companion and I went to pick them up, they were ready in their Sunday best. The Dad had told us that they were looking for a church to go to; I think that’s when we gave them the invitation to go to church with us! The mom and their girls are super sweet. After church they said that they really liked it! It was testimony meeting and Hermana Portillo and Hermana Garcia both gave beautiful testimonies and mentioned this family in their testimony and how grateful they were that they came to church. The spirit was so strong as they mentioned the beautiful doctrine of eternal families.

 How grateful I am for the joy the gospel has brought me in my immediate family and extended family. It is a wonderful privilege to help other families find the joy and peace that I have through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Well my testimony is growing everyday as the spirit bears witness to me in every lesson that we have. It’s those moments that make all the trials of a mission worth it! I found a sweet quote from Elder Nelson that says, ¨ With faith comes trial of faith, bringing greater faith.¨ We will never gain faith without trials and as we endure through the trial, the Lord promises us more light, more faith, and more blessing! We have a perfect God and He has a perfect plan for us! I love you all family! The Gospel is true!! Love Hermana P

16th Letter!!

Dear Family,    4/22/2013   

 

Have I mentioned how much it rains here...rain, rain, rain, every, every, every day. Haha...Hello winter of Costa Rica. We walked to the store today in the sunshine and once we walked into our house it was down pour of rain. And when it rains here, it rains! There is one roof that covers 3 houses, we are in the middle of the three houses and I think all the water on the roof drains into our house. Maybe the draining system in Costa Rica could improve? But it’s all good because I still am enjoying my cool whip container shower...Camilla I think I have mastered the hobo shower, haha. Yesterday we had 9 investigators at church...woohoo...I love miracles! On Saturday we did splits, Hermana Garcia and I went to find new investigators and Hermana Portillo and Karen(a young single adult in the ward) went to visit some investigators. But by the end of the day we were happy to hear Hermana Portillo’s tender mercy. They had gone to find Arelis (one of our investigators with a baptismal date for next week) but she wasn’t home. They ended up talking with the neighbors of Arelis. The Dad of the family was a wreck and was involved in things that were causing him much depression and guilt. By the end of the lesson with Hermana Portillo, he had told her that he wanted to change and that he wanted to feel clean. He and his wife aren’t married, but they now have a date for marriage and a date for baptism. We were especially happy to see them come to church yesterday as it confirmed to us that they are serious about following the example of our Savior. Our God is a God of miracles for sure! I’m realizing more and more that the only true teacher is the spirit and how important it is to be in tune with Him so that our investigators can feel of the truthfulness from their savior. I hope that each of you will find a way to be more in tune with the spirit and make sure to recognize the tender mercies that the Lord gives to us every day! Sorry this is a little short...our time got cut a little bit today! I love the Lord and this gospel is so true...dont be afraid to share what you know! Love, Hermana Pease...oh, and Pura Vida!

PICTURES!!!!

Companions at the MTC

Baptism!!

15th letter!

Dear family!   April 15^th , 2013

Today we had a meeting for all of us “newbies” who came 6 weeks ago and our companions. It was so good to see my old district and how the gospel has changed their lives...we all seem a little more humbled, haha. It was fun to hear the different experiences of cockroaches, earwigs, worms, being mugged, and of course all the inspiring conversion stories! We had a testimony meeting with President Wilkinson. I can’t express enough how amazing he is. One thing he always says (that I love), “ We are always happy but never satisfied”  (think that’s the right translation haha). There is always more that we can do to improve our lives. One thing that I have learned is that God is always preparing us for something better. Sometimes the preparing part is really tough, but the blessings and happiness we receive are beyond the trial we experienced. We truly have a loving Heavenly Father and a Savior who have paved the path for us...we just have to follow and endure! After our meeting we all headed over to the mission home for a big lunch. Sister Wilkinson was so awesome to make a traditional American meal of potatoes, salad, rolls, and roast beef. All of us gringos were so excited to eat something different than rice and beans! And then Ice cream and cake afterwards...I miss the desserts in the states, that’s for sure!

This week Hermana Portillo was sick and so for about two hours Hermana Garcia and I went out contacting on our own while a member sister stayed with Hermana Portillo. Hermana Garcia and I were a little sad that nobody wanted to talk with us! There was only one lady that said we could teach if I taught her daughter piano on a little keyboard...so of course we agreed and we set an appointment to return. On our way back home we got drenched in a down pour of rain for about 10 min...I felt it was appropriate for the setting.

We had a miracle yesterday!!!! Fransisco was baptized (The spouse of Jerryca who didn’t want anything to do with our lessons)!!! In sacrament meeting their two children were blessed (It was a miracle they sat still during their blessings!!) and then after church meetings we had Fransisco’s baptism. He bore his testimony after and said that he knew there is a prophet on the earth that has the priesthood and that he is grateful for this change in his life so that he can live with his family in the celstial kingdom. He has also told us that he wants the priesthood and I know that he is working hard to be worthy for it. He had to give up coffee before his baptism, which I know was a little hard at first, but he did it! So happy for this wonderful family and can’t believe the miraculous change! Only one more year and they are off to make higher covenants in the temple...I pray that they remain faithful!!!

Well the Lord is blessing my life tremendously. I am so grateful for my companions! It’s hard to understand them sometimes but I know they feel the same way about me, haha. But they are always so good to help me and encourage me. Costa Rica is starting to turn into winter....well more like monsoon season for 7 months, but I am grateful it isn’t snow! Also, our district leader took off our shower head because it had mold all over it. So right now we shower with a bucket of water and cool whip container....makes me laugh every time. Well I love my mission and I am so grateful for all the prayers on my behalf...thank you!! The gospel of Jesus Christ truly is the only path to true happiness in this life and in the life to come! I hope all is well in the United States and that there really isn’t a war going on between Korea , because that’s what they are telling me here! Pura Vida!!

Hermana Pease 

14th letter!!!

 6 WEEKS IN COSTA RICA!!

April 8, 2013

 GENERAL COFERENCE:

We had conference in Alejuela, which is about 15 min. in bus and is where our stake center is. There were about 10 people that showed up for the Saturday session. When we arrived me and Elder Sperry, my new district leader that replaced Elder Keysor, asked if they were going to set up a room for English. He said that tomorrow they were going to set it up for the Sunday session since they didn´t have another computer and not very many English speakers show up on Saturday. However I think he saw the pain in my eyes saying ¨"I NEED TO HEAR THE PROPHTS AND APOSTLES IN ENGLISH"...or maybe he heard me praying out loud...cuz he then said after a few second...just for you I am going to run home and get my lap top. General Conference was going to start in 15 min. and his house was about 15 minutes away. So he mentioned that it was going to be a little late. That man was my angel! I was so grateful for him! After he set up the tv for a few of us gringo missionaries, he raced off to work. I´m assuming he was a little late, but how grateful I was for his sacrifice!

On Saturday, we watched a re-mix of conference with many connection errors and skipping, and pauses, and then the computer freaking out a little bit...but what we did hear, was awesome! However, Sunday Session was a lot better! I think I saw Katherine Welch (an old friend from Kingman) and cousin Harrison!? If I’m right...woohhoo!! My cousin is famous!! I think my favorite talk was Elder Holland...Really powerful! I loved how he was talking about desire and to believe is a good start! We need to hold fast to what we already know because more knowledge will come. He said, " The knowledge is not the issue. It´s the integrity that you show towards the faith you do have." I have a firm testimony in this powerful principle. Sometimes we don´t know why we must follow a commandment...but the message is, just do it because you have faith that it is the right thing and you know God will bless you for it. Testimony and conversion is not a one time event...it comes with time and after the trial of our faith. And the more we exercise our faith, the stronger our testimony becomes, and the more we are converted to the Lord! FAN THE FLAME OF YOUR FAITH - Elder Holland.

I´m so grateful for the powerful spirit that was felt during conference! We had 4 investigators come for the 1st Sunday Session of conference. Berta, her two sons (12 and 9), and her sister(23 and has a baby). Berta was excited to listen to the prophet and she told Hna. Portillo that she received answers to her questions. Right now she can´t progress because, like most husbands here, her husband doesn´t want to get married. We are praying for a miracle on behalf of this family. Berta has kept all of her commitments and is working hard to change her life. I love this family! Well the gospel is true and I am grateful for the family that I have! I tried looking for you in the congregation but couldn´t find you! haha. The gospel is true!!! Love, Hermana Pease

13th letter!

6 weeks in costa rica!! The time flying by so fast!! Well I only have about 5 minutes to write so sorry if this letter ends up being short! Well last week I had a bird poop on my neck and I put on jeans for the first time today and they were tighter than usual. Kind of not so good!!! But kinda funny when I think about it. Last week was Semana Santa...holy week...to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Friday, everybody was wearing purple and walking to the big Catholic church...I have no idea why. It was a little awkward seeing one of our less active members, who we visit quite often, wearing purple and walking with the rest of the Catholics. Nobody has school and nobody has work. And Friday...was especially quiet in the streets...but it was a blessing for us, because everyone was in their houses. This morning we found out that we have companion changes in the morning...but for Hermana Portioll and I it is an addition...trio again!! From experience, Hermana Portillo and I both know it can be a little rough...but we are excited for the challenge and know that the Lord know what´s best for us. My testimony is growing so much and how grateful I am to have the truth and be able to live it! I know that Joseph smith was called of God and The Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to him in the sacred grove. In preach my gospel it encourages us to frequently pray to know the truth, pray to know the book of Mormon is the word of God and pray to know that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints is His church. I want to challenge all of you to act on this invitation in preach my gospel. I know that the Lord answers our prayers when we are willing to act upon the answers we receive. I am excited to see what the Lord wants to teach me this coming week...Until Monday...well, unless my P-day gets unexpectedly changed again, or we have an earthquake. Love you all! And stay strong in what you know is true! Love, Herman Pease

12th letter!

3/25/13

ONE MONTH IN COSTA RICA!!! Time is flying and I just wish it would slow down! Today my comp and I went to the grocery store. There was some music playing in the background and while standing in line a drunk Tico told me that he dedicated the song to me. I didn´t understand him but I didn´t really try to cuz he was loco, but my Comp translated for me later and I thought it was kinda funny. Yesterday we had 9 investigators come to church...that was actually a real big surprise! One of our investigators, Jesena, brought two of her cousins. I was really happy that Jesena came! I don´t think she has really had church or religion a part of her life but I have seen a spiritual change in her. She loves learning the gospel and loves reading the scriptures. The struggle that we are going to have is with her spouse. He doesn´t want to get married, even though they have been with each other for about 7 years now...ya, it doesn´t really make sense. Santos, the spouse, isn't really taking the lessons serious. So we are praying that some how he will be able to feel and understand the importance of living the gospel. They have the cutest baby and we love their family...so if they don´t progress in their commitments they are going to be hard to leave. They don´t have much, but Jesena is always giving us oranges and platanos. And like everyone else, gives us fresco(juice or soda) and pan(bread)...so if you are wondering if I am gaining weight...yes!hayaya.

Well right now I have a few spots on my body where I am growing fungus. I showed my companion the spots and she told me in spanish what it was but I didn´t understand her and then in English she said ¨mushroom.¨´ so according to Hermana Portillo I have mushrooms growing on my skin, ya kinda gross. She told me to be excited for when winter comes and it rains 24/7 for 6 months. She said that all missionaries get fungus on their feet:) Can´t wait! Last Friday it rained pretty hard for about an hour...I couldn´t believe how much rain! My companion just laughed at me...she said "that this was nothing. Compared to winter I think that that was just a sprinkle." There are 1 ft. deep gutters everywhere in Costa Rica and I think in about a month or two I´m going to be walking up the streets in rivers.

Well in many lessons I feel blessed to be able to understand what I can. I´m starting to teach a little more in the lesson but understanding the answers that my investigators give to my questions is sometimes hard, well most of the time hard, haha. But I know that there have been times when the Spirit has prompted me to say things that I wasn´t even sure how to say. I know that the grammar wasn´t always correct but I feel that the main point of the miracle is the the people can feel the power of the truthfulness that I have to say. I love knowing that God is truly a God of miracles! In preach my gospel it states; " patience is the ability to do God´s will and accept his timing." Patience can be hard...but I know that as we are willing do the will of the Lord and continue in trusting His timing that we will see miracles!! Thank you for all the prayers!! The gospel is true!!! Love, Hermana Pease

pictures!!!

picture of my teacher at the MTC. Hermano Zenger was awesome!!



First baptism!!!

1st picture): gayo pinto...the dish that costa ricans eat for breakfast lunch and dinner...love it!




                                                                     

2nd picture) I want you all to know that you are missing out on the best ice cream sandwich ever! "trits" are only made in costa rica...hope someday all of you get to try this delicacy.

11th letter

Dear Family March 19, 2013

 

 I wanted to share a picture of my teacher at the MTC. Hermano Zenger was awesome!! The last day that my district was with him he shared some spiritual lessons with us. One statement that he said I really loved, it was ¨"WHERE THERE IS LOVE AND OBEDIENCE THERE IS SACRIFICE." He gave some examples such as Abraham. Abraham loved the Lord and was very obedient and was commanded to sacrifice his son. He also pointed out that Adam was commanded to give a sacrifice and he did because he loved the Lord and was obedient. Many times I think of why I am here and why i am sacrificing a year and half and it all goes back to ...because I love the Lord and I want to obey him. I know that as we love our Lord and obey his commandments God will strengthen us through our hardships and even the sacrifices that we have to make. How grateful I am for parents and grandparents who have sacrificed so much and who have a desire to become more like the Savior! Because without them, without you mom and dad, I wouldn´t be here!

 First baptism!!!! Yerica has been attending church and taking the missionary lesson for about a year. She was ready and we were so happy that her spouse, Fransisco, finally agreed to be married. That really was a miracle. He was so against being married..but through prayers and fasting his heart was softened. Their wedding was on Friday and Yerica´s baptism was this past sunday. Fransisco and their two kids came to church for the whole three hours and stayed for the baptism after the relief society and priesthood. I was praying in my heart that fransisco would feel the spirit and have the desire to take the lessons. Our prayers were answered! After the baptism, Hermana Portillo and I heard Fransisco talking to a member and was telling him that he wanted to be baptized April 15th! We both ran over to him...my companion was asking him questions while all I could do was just stand there and smile at him. Makes me think of the movie the best two years..."we just think you look good in white"...cannot wait for their family to be able to go through the temple. The rule is if your investigators go through the temple while you are still on the mish, you can go through with them. Anyways...huge tender mercy for us! Moral of that story...many times, the progress of investigators depends on the faith the missionaries. Maybe that’s why Faith is the first principle of the gospel!

I love having an El salvadorian for a companion because she makes the best food! Usually for breakfast she makes tortillas and last week she made pupusas...Alvin, do you remember those? She said that’s a pretty traditional dish in El Salvador. I really liked them and I´m thinking i can´t leave Costa Rica until i know how to make pupusas...I almost got the tortilla down. Hermana Portillo is really patient with me and I think she thinks I don´t know how to make anything...I don´t know how to explain to her that they cook so differently here.

1st pic: gayo pinto...the dish that costa ricans eat for breakfast lunch and dinner...love it!

2nd pic: and of course i want you all to know that you are missing out on the best ice cream sandwich ever! "trits" are only made in costa rica...hope someday all of you get to try this delicacy.

Thank you mom for making me practice every day the piano! Last sacrament meeting the young woman who usually plays the simplified hymns on the piano didn´t show up. Everyone started singing and the conductor started leading and I realized no one was playing the piano. I snuck up to the piano and I think I caught everyone by surprise when I joined them on the 2nd verse. I think I caught them a little off guard cuz they were singing in a different key, haha. But I think many were grateful and many thanked me. They said that the room had a total different feeling. Music is so wonderful and I was grateful I could help bring the spirit in by playing the hymns.

Just a side, remember how i said I have been taking cold showers...apparently those were warm showers cuz our warm water broke just a few days ago haha...I´m loving my adventures here!

Right now we are working with Familia Garcia and helping them have the desire to be married...they have the cutest little boy. Jesena has really likes church and wants to continue in progressing but santos, her husband, is struggling with keeping his commitments. I wish there was a way that I could just make him see how blessed he will be if he acts upon the invitations of prayer and reading that we have given him. But as I have seen with Fransisco, the only teacher that can help him understand is the spirit. I am grateful for the fullness of the gospel that we have here on this earth! How blessed we are to have the power of God to help the children of Heavenly Father progress to live with Him again!

Don´t be afraid to share what you know so it can bless someone else´s life!

 Love you all!! Hermana Pease

 

10th Letter!!!

 Buenas!! March 11, 2013

The sun has been shining and people think I’m crazy when I say I love the heat here! But it’s funny because I think the Costa Ricans are crazy when they have big warm coats on when it’s like 70 degrees outside, haha too funny. We finally caught the two rats that were in our house on a sticky pad. Our 90 yr old apartment manager beat them to death with an iron rod,haha...oh how I love Hermana Elvita. She is a devout Catholic, like most old people here, but before I leave this town I’m determined to convert her. She calls me and Hermana Portillo her two other daughters. Every morning we spend our time studying and then we have lunch at Hermana Patricia’s house, who lives right across from our house. Then the rest of the day is filled with lessons and finding people along the streets, however finding families is our main goal as a mission.

Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m making progress in the language but I just keep praying that I am. There is a part in Preach My Gospel that says, “part of seeking the gift of tongues is to labor and struggle and to do all you can to learn the language.” “Trust that the Spirit will help you as you live the way you should and do your very best.” I think that is true with many gifts of the spirit that we seek to obtain. Yes, we are going to struggle and even have temptation and deception in our life, but we will be blessed when we work hard and strive to do our very best and recognize good and evil!

It was a Tender Mercy yesterday to meet Elder and Sister Flake from Snowflake (As soon as I heard their name, of course I knew they were from Snowflake). They told me that they knew Jessica’s grandpa, Lewis Tenney, very well. They worked under him at the Snowflake Temple. They raved about what a wonderful family the Tenney’s are...and of course I agreed because I am so happy to have a Tenney as a sister-in-law!

We had a lesson with Arelis and her husband and Elder Flake and sister flake joined us, since they had found Arelis. The lesson was awesome as they accepted the invitation to be baptized on March 31st. Arelis had gone to the full block of church and stayed for the baptism afterwards. I asked her what she thought of the baptism, and I think she said that she loved it...at least something like that, haha. But I know that she felt the spirit very strong and is excited to prepare for her baptism. She

is working on reading the whole book of mormon right now. Thank you for your prayers for these people in Costa Rica! They really are all so kind here...but I found out that not all people in Costa Rica are like the people here in San Rafael...Whenever we ask if we can share a message people usually always say yes. Apparently there are some other cities where that is not the case, ha...I don’t know how I got so blessed to serve here with an awesome trainer! Well there are families we need to teach! The gospel is true and I pray that we can all hold firm to the truthfulness of the gospel, because that is what is going to hold our families strong! Love, Hermana Pease

Pictures From Costa Rica!!

Number Nine!!

Buenas!! March 11, 2013

The sun has been shining and people think I’m crazy when I say I love the heat here! But it’s funny because I think the Costa Ricans are crazy when they have big warm coats on when it’s like 70 degrees outside, haha too funny. We finally caught the two rats that were in our house on a sticky pad. Our 90 yr old apartment manager beat them to death with an iron rod,haha...oh how I love Hermana Elvita. She is a devout Catholic, like most old people here, but before I leave this town I’m determined to convert her. She calls me and Hermana Portillo her two other daughters. Every morning we spend our time studying and then we have lunch at Hermana Patricia’s house, who lives right across from our house. Then the rest of the day is filled with lessons and finding people along the streets, however finding families is our main goal as a mission.

Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m making progress in the language but I just keep praying that I am. There is a part in Preach My Gospel that says, “part of seeking the gift of tongues is to labor and struggle and to do all you can to learn the language.” “Trust that the Spirit will help you as you live the way you should and do your very best.” I think that is true with many gifts of the spirit that we seek to obtain. Yes, we are going to struggle and even have temptation and deception in our life, but we will be blessed when we work hard and strive to do our very best and recognize good and evil!

It was a Tender Mercy yesterday to meet Elder and Sister Flake from Snowflake (As soon as I heard their name, of course I knew they were from Snowflake). They told me that they knew Jessica’s grandpa, Lewis Tenney, very well. They worked under him at the Snowflake Temple. They raved about what a wonderful family the Tenney’s are...and of course I agreed because I am so happy to have a Tenney as a sister-in-law!

We had a lesson with Arelis and her husband and Elder Flake and sister flake joined us, since they had found Arelis. The lesson was awesome as they accepted the invitation to be baptized on March 31st. Arelis had gone to the full block of church and stayed for the baptism afterwards. I asked her what she thought of the baptism, and I think she said that she loved it...at least something like that, haha. But I know that she felt the spirit very strong and is excited to prepare for her baptism. She is working on reading the whole book of mormon right now. Thank you for your prayers for these people in Costa Rica! They really are all so kind here...but I found out that not all people in Costa Rica are like the people here in San Rafael...Whenever we ask if we can share a message people usually always say yes. Apparently there are some other cities where that is not the case, ha...I don’t know how I got so blessed to serve here with an awesome trainer! Well there are families we need to teach! The gospel is true and I pray that we can all hold firm to the truthfulness of the gospel, because that is what is going to hold our families strong! Love, Hermana Pease

Eighth Letter!!

Pura Vida! March 4, 2013

In Costa Rica, that’s the answer to everything, haha. You ask someone how they’re doing and they say, “ Pura Vida”, haha. Yesterday was an awesome Sunday...My companion and I had 7 of our investigators come to church!! My companion said that this past Sunday was the best she has ever had. The Garcia Gonzolas family came to church for the first time and I think it was a really new experience for them since they’ve never really gone to church before. They have a little baby boy and 14 yr old daughter, however they aren’t married. So the next challenge for them is to become married.

I am finding that here in Costa Rica it is really normal to have a family with a man but never marry and many times as well to have a family with a man who also has another girlfriend. It is so sad to see...so glad I can be a part of sharing the truth of God’s plan for them! Jeryca (daughter standing is Sofia) is one of our investigators and she has two kids with a man named Fransisco, but not married. Jeryca has a baptismal date next week and we really hope that her goal of getting married this week follows through! It has been a little bit of a struggle since Fransisco doesnt really want to get married. Fransisco is Catholic and Hermana Portillo and I have been trying to teach him more about the gospel. He is a little hard hearted right now but we have been praying and fasting that his heart will be softened.

Well I havent seen any sloths yet! But we do have a raton(rat) in our house that we can’t get rid of...our apartment manager (Our house is pretty much connected to her house) , who is like 90 yrs old, usually comes to save us with her broom when she hears us screaming. Our house is actually pretty nice compared to what other sister have had to live in. I have only seen one cockroach...Im counting that as a tender mercy!

The food here is still amazing and I hate to think that I will ever have to leave it! Costa Ricans have one dish that they usually eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that’s rice and beans. The most common dish is the gayo pinto...next week I’ll send a picture of what I usually eat every day! It is still nice weather but supposedly winter is coming up, which is rain non -stop! Hermana Portillo told me that it rains every day from like May-December...can’t wait, haha!

Well I am blessed every day and I am grateful for my companion and all the investigators we are teaching right now! (We have about 13) The language is still a struggle for me, but the work goes on and I feel my testimony strengthening! The gospel is true! Love, Hermana Pease