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