Last week with my Pres.

Final pic with Pres. and Sister Owen

Hola Todos!!

This week was good, but also a bit sad.

This was our final week with President Owen. On Thursday our new President, President Henke, will arrive and take his place. Though I am sad to say goodbye to the people who have practically been my parents here in the mission field, I am trying to prepare for whatever guidance and revelation Pres. Henke will bring to the mission. 

Our baptism on Monday fell through, and her pareja won't come back to get married until the end of July, so we were pretty sad but are going to continue working and praying. Another sister (Paola) who we have been teaching, who has already finished reading the Book of Mormon, is down to one cigarette a day, and wanted to be baptized but was unsure because was afraid to come to church, finally came this week. After weeks of passing by her house with members and finding it empty, this week when we did not pass by, she came to church by herself. She arrived late, but as soon as they finished passing the sacrament she entered, and at the end of sacrament meeting she told us she was going to come back next week. We were and are thrilled :)

an awesome family who came to church (not Paola) 

I wrote this next part as part of my final Weekly Report to my mission President, President Owen, but thought you all might like to read it as well:

I have learned and changed so much in my time here on the mission. I came as a person who, in short, wasn't bad. I tried to be kind and do things right, but I have come to realize here that I have so much more to do. I have come to understand God's love and His plan for us. I have come to understand the potential that I, and we, have as His children. I have found that before, I had the same mindset, more or less, of the many people we talk to every day in the streets who tell us that we just need to not be bad to make it. I thought if I didn't break the commandments, if I went to the church activities, and attended the temple occasionally I would be good. And though perhaps I would be okay, I have realized now that He has so much more planned for us than for us to be okay. He plans for us to become like Him. He wants us not to only live with the weaknesses we have and learn to be thankful for what we see as our few strengths, He wants us to overcome our weaknesses. He has prepared a path, with all of the necessary trials and experiences, that allows us to overcome them, if we only learn to trust in Him, and if we make the most out of every one of them. 

I am trying and going to do all that I can to be the missionary that the Lord needs me to be. I will continue trying to learn how to give all that I have, without running faster than I have strength, and find and give joy in the journey.

Love you all like crazy!

Hermana Naatjes

10 months!

the Colonia Juarez temple at sunset

Hola Todos!

This week was good. We had two baptisms! Two 10-year-old kids (who are cousins) Flor and Alexis got baptized! (My camera died so I don't have pics sorry). Also Hermana Monica Juarrez is going to get baptized tonight in a couple hours, so we´re pretty excited. 

Me and Hermana San Martin are very excited, because WE FINALLY HAVE PERMISSION TO GO TO MATA ORTIZ!!!! (Mata Ortiz is a small colony known for its pottery about 16 miles south of Colonia Juarez). We´re headed out tomorrow, and we already have three appointments set for tomorrow and a sister who told us she always used to accompany the missionaries there so is familiar with the houses and the people. We´re hoping for the best! 

Hermana San Martin

I´ve also gotten a bit sick, but am hoping to recover quickly so we can keep working without having to take breaks. I am glad it was today that I got sick so I could rest without having to take time off, and am hoping by tomorrow I´ll be good.

Love you all and hope you have a great week! 

Hermana Naatjes

sunset in the colony

New companion!

Bailey and friends

Hola todos!

This week was good! I was a little nervous (as I always am) to have a new companion, and at first it took a bit for her to open up, but I have now found that we have much in common! She is named Hermana San Martín and is from Vera Cruz, has been on the mission for 6 months, and is the only member in her family. She is very sweet and kind and tries to do better every day. I am excited for all of the energy that she will bring here to the colony. 

Me and Hermana San Martin (waiting for our ride after shopping)

Hermana Marillita

Also saw a black widow spider and a snake this week, so that's pre´y neat. 

Black widow! (Neature!)

Blurry black widow (because she was nervous to get any closer)

The internet connection has been going in and out so this letter is going to be pretty short, but I love you all and hope you have a great week! 


Hermana Naatjes

Hermana Machu

Bailey and friends

Cambios

The last district meeting

Hola Todos!

Latest news: I will be staying in Colonia Juarez for at least 6 more weeks! But my companion Hermana Cruz is heading out to Ciudad Juarez. My new companion is Hermana San Martín. I know nothing about her, just that she´s been on her mission for 6 months, but I am hoping for the best!

I am grateful for all the time I have been given here with Hermana Cruz. She is a great missionary, always looking to brighten people's day. She occasionally gets frustrated or stressed out, but is always ready to laugh, sing, and work hard. I am sad that Hermana Cruz is leaving, but excited to see what more I can learn from Hermana San Martin. I have never met or seen her, but know there is a reason she is coming. I´m hoping the colonia will get a new energy on her arrival. 

The work here is very different and at times difficult, but I know there are people here who are looking for the truth. Practically every week I have been surprised and blessed to be able to find someone who is looking for the truth, and though they don't always end up accepting the message (which I am aware is most likely my own fault), I have seen miracles here, and know that they will continue if we keep working and searching diligently.

On Sunday we were able to find a family who lives on a ranch that we didn't know existed. We were told this week (by a mother who we found walking to pick up her kids) that by the river, past some of the orchards, there are more houses (ranches that are spread out) that are still considered part of the colonia--it's about an hour's walk. We went and found her with her husband and her aunt and uncle. 

The uncle actually has a Book of Mormon that he was given in passing by some missionaries and he has been reading it. He isn't sure yet about changing religion or going to a different church, but didn't say that it would never happen, just said that he didn't know what the point would be (which we will happily explain to him this week when we go to our next appointment with them). 

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Hermana Naatjes