Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Miracles happen when you decide that you are not that smart and need God"s help (May 25th)

Dear President, 
Thank you for your constant prayers for all the missionaries in the mission. I can say with confidence that this week they have been answered, at least for one experience that me and Hma. Tuquerres had. I was feeling that we needed to make a change in our area, and after the zone meeting, we were feeling really anxious to improve in our finding efforts. But for the first few days, it seemed nothing was really sticking with the people we taught. Then we decided to fast and consecrate our efforts. Then, one night where all our appointments fell through, we decided to pray. Pray for a new solution, pray to find a family that was waiting for us. After the prayer,I still wasnt sure where to go, but we thought to visit an old investigator. Right next door, we found a golden investigator. Her name is Luz( symbol), she"s married with one son, and understands the doctrine perfectly. She and her sister Marley, who also knows the doctrine perfectly as well, both came to church this Sunday, and Luz accepted to be baptized but not with a date yet. I am so grateful for this amazing blessing, knowing that the only way to obtain the rocio del cielo is trough the spirit. I am so willing to follow every impression I have from now on. I know we have to continue working, but this experience really has strengthened my testimony of the Savior and hope. 
Have a GREAT WEEK PRESIDENT!


Response:
"Thank you for sharing your expierience of faith on Saturday night. I pray for families for you to teach and resuce in Nazca. We love you!"

I have decided to begin all my letters with something I wrote to President, so that ya"ll can all see my efforts in the mission and not just think I am over here petting llamas and eating chupettes. (Peruvian popsicles) And also sometimes I just don"t know how to begin a super good and memorable letter.
Weas you have read, me and Hma. Tuquerrez had a miracle this week finding Luz and her sister Marley. They really are golden investigators. All of these little things that we had learned this week about contacting, teaching better, being more consecrated, following the spirit just clicked. We were so happy after that first lesson we had with them both that we sent a text to Pres. Douglas that night, thanking him for all his constant suppot. He sent us back another saying he was impressed we follow the spirit. Never had I had an experience in the mission I thought worthy enough to send to Pres. Douglas in a message. But this really was amazing.
In other way this week has also been really great. because Agusto RECEIVED THE PREISTHOOD. That man is gonna be a member of the seventy if I have anything to do about it. It really has been great seeing his change though. Sunday he came to church with all the chairs set up, a haircut, his new white shirt, lcutching his book of mormon. I wanted to cry, because he really is getting better everyday. Before we had found new inv. this week, he was kinda like our little burst of adrenaline, someone we could see when our spirits were a little down. But now, no more! But seriously, this week I have learned a good lesson. You can"t get water out of an empty bottle. "No puede sacar auga de un bottella basilla."
In order to keep constantly baptizing, we have to constantly find new investigators, and in order to teach better, we have to constantly study. Its all a pettern we have to follow in life.
This is something I have to constantly keep in mind, both in and out of the mission. God wants us to be more like stairs, and less like elevators. Instead of having an inconstant success, he wants us to be continually improving. There is no such thing as stagnant.
Speaking of things not being stagnant, I heard SEAN GOT MARRIED ALREADY! THATS AMAZING IM SO HAPPY ! Seriously, it is an amazing blessing to find the person who completes you in all ways. I think Sean and Ezekiel are that kind of couple.
Also, Meg graduates in a couple days, and DAN GETS MARRIED AS WELL! As my companion says "Tranquilla!" Seriously, I am way impressed by these milestones people are taking. It really is amazing.
I hope that this weeks stays fresh for everyone! If I forgot to mention anybody forgive me., because this internet place is the the worst place for concentration.
P.S. Thanks Mama and Dad for sending me money. I m sorry I have been so stressed about that lately. I promise to spend it with prudence.
Cuidense!
Love,
Hermana Addington


Hermana Bailey and I. She's a queen!!!:)


Augusto Ore"s Baptism with the familia Coche (May 18th)

Only the best and most spiritual baptism EVER. 






The Power of the Book of Mormon (May 18th)

Dear loved ones, 
(Blegh what was that about?) 
Although I did not receive not one correspondence from ya"ll this week, I will assume that a crazy robot wiped your memories last night and caused you to forget. And I will forgive you only on that condition. 
Anyway, bygones be bygones, this week was really great. Hmo. Agusto was able to be baptized with another family the elders were teaching, and as you can see in the pics, it was a pretty happy occasion. Looking at him, Agusto seems like a very timid person, but he has a testimony of the Book of Mormon like you would not believe. Everytime we began a lesson, he shared a scripture he has learned that day, and how he wanted to apply it to his life. When he gave his testimony afterward, holding his BOM in his hands, he was almost at the point of tears, sharing about his repentance, his willingness to make more sacred covenants with the Lord in the temple, (the best part), and how he is going to use the book of Mormon everyday to overcome the tempations waiting for him. It was literally like listening to a person being born again.Theres this scripture in Alma that says we were preordained with specific talents and responsibilities, and that its our job to develop them while here on Earth. I know Agusto is here for that. The next day, me and Hma. Tuquerres came to the chapel 30 mins early, and found Agusto setting up all the chairs in the sacrament room. He was dressed in all white, just ready to try on his new white shirt and tie the Elders Quorum brought him. 
In the last general conference, someone gave a talk about Shiblon like service, the type of service not motivated by titles or rewards, but pure love for the people you serve. Agusto right there was Shiblon. But it made me think if we are all willing to serve one another in that way. Honestly before my mission, I wasnt that aware of what other help was needed, so I didnt always offer it as freely and willingly. But now I have the firm determination to better that. 
I know we can find more people like Agusto here, who are willing to really put their time aside in order to act and learn by the spirit and faith. It isnt going to be easy, because after every baptism its literally like starting from Zero, new investigators, new baptismal dates, new everything. But I know that God only gave us this trial so that we can learn from it. 
Time is flying so amazing fast here. This last week President Douglas gave his last training with us. He taught lke normal, but when it came time for him to give his testimony, we were all crying, (even the so called tough elders.) He told us despite everything, he just wanted us to remember his as a president who taught doctrine of Christ. It seems like something normal, teaching doctrine, every president does it. But he taught me more than anything how to apply it. How to open my mouth and not have fear, how to really be a representative of Jesus Christ. In order to do that, we have to live like Christ lived.Alway serving, always telling the truth, always being faithful to his followers and his Father. President Douglas really has been that person. For all of yall who have served missions, you get me. (alls i can say about that.) 
I really hope that everyone is doing okay this week, with all your jobs and studies and whatnot. Grandma Judy, tell me the names of my ancestors please so I can put their names in my Fam History book! 
Also, Ames, I know the schedule doesnt get done until June, but I really want to take a piano class and a swing dance class. If theres no room, you could do either or. I think I really want the dance class first though. Girls just wanna dance. 
Also, I am not accusing you of not doing it yet, but I really hope yall put mony in my account so I can buy soiuvenirs today. If not its cool, it would just be better to get this done sooner than later. Theres nothing worse than going through a Peruvian store trying to buy stuff at the last second. All the vendors look at you weird. 
Okay, I love everybody! 
Chaio! Read Moroni 7 and Alma 13, and you will be glad you did! 
From down under Peru, 
Hermana Addington

One Last Swing Around the Playground (Photos) (May 5th)

We made one last swing around the playground of our house, and also took pics at church







Old Family / New Family (Photos) (May 5th)








Remember Lots Wife (May 5th)

This last Sunday in Chorillos was like a bittersweet movie.We arrived at church to find Hma. Hansen, who had began her mission here, with a new sister, Hma. Murrillo from Mala. They stayed with us before Hansen headed over to Ayacucho and Hma. Murillo back to Mala with her new companion. Then we had 3 sisters , Hma. Cook(Utah) Hma., Alvarez( Mexico), and Hma Galo( Hounduras) who stayed with us until finishing ther mission the next day. In the chapel we were also joined by Pres. Douglas, other missionaries finishing their misisons, many whoo had served in Bolognesi. It also happened to be fast and testimony, so Bishop Negrette asked me to give my testimony in front of everyone. Felt like a movie scene, everybody talking about their experiences. But the real miracle was that 2 investigators showed up for sacrament, one with his family and another we had only street contacted and now even taught yet! Then teh rest of the day we went with Hma. Hansen and Murillo, where we invited an inevestigator to baptism and he accepted. Then Hma. Cook, Alvarez, and Galo spent their last nights in the mission in our large house. We wrote in each others journals, they gave out advice ,and I finally finished packing. I loved hearing the things they had to say, seeing them still smiling and laughing, Hma.Alvarez the most(but mostly out of nervousness). I learned so much from each of them, even though I never had them as my companions, I felt like they left their mark on me. Then the next morning we all headed off in different directions.
Just now I received this letter from President, and I feel like ti hit me right in the gut of my heart.
  Hermana Addington, be of good cheer. Lift your Spirits. Be positive. Build up those around you. Spread the gospel cheer. Lift up your heart and be of good cheer! Be active, not passive. Be assertive and bold with love. Wake up from a slumber and let the Spirit lift you higher!! Pls don´t take these words to be hard. I speak to you as if you were my daughter. You will see more miracles through positive eyes!! Shake off the past and go forward with a changed attitude!! We love you!

This letter fom President reminded me of the talk I heard last night while packing to go to Nasca. Its by Jerrefy R. Holland, titled "Remember Lot"s wife, and is all about letting go of what happened in the past and making room for the future. This past transfer in Chorillos, me and Hma, Nielsen had alot of lessons, new investigators, and visited a ton of less actives and converts. But there weren"t any progressing until this last week. I was one of the most slow parts of my mission. I felt like me and Hma. Nielsen were working hard to find new investigtors, inviting them to baptism, inviting them to church, inviting less actives to repent, just pulling out all the stops, but I still didnt feel like the untiy in the ward was enough to really have the type of progression they were hoping for. But now, I have to make a decision, to not look back. To say, I did well on this project, this goal, and with this group of people. I worked as hard as I possibly could, and now, I can see what I need to do better i this new transfer. I have alot of new things coming my way now. I have my new raea in Nasca, 9 hrs away from Lima, have my new companion Hma. Tuquerres, (see pic I just sent), y new zone, my new investigators and less actives and converts and ward, and everything. Everything is kinda like evidence that God is telling me through President Douglas, "Okay, so this what you learned in your old area, you did okay. But here is a chance to work evern harder, be even better. I am giving you this new opportunity to prove yourself." Or more or less, I dont really have that much personal revelation right now. But still I am super excited! My zone i made up of Hma. Mendez (Mexicana) and Hma. Bailey(Utana) both are in family history. Also, somethin not so significant, he weather here is DRY. Like, I sweat but its not a humidity sweat, its more of a regular sun sweat, like at home! Thank the heavens, because I was about to die with all the water in the Lima air. 
I also hear alot of changes are happening at home! I am proud of Meg and Abby for being such strong young women (especially Abby if ya know what I mean.) Also, Dad looks real proud to hold that baby I am happy. Also, thank you Amy for setting up the deposit on the apartment. We can talk nmore about plans for that next week, which is MOTHERS DAY! Ill be calling yall on Saturday around 1, just as a heads up, so we can only talk for 3 SECONDS,NOTHING MORE. And then Sunday we have the 40 mins! Yay! Start practicing your Spanish! 
Also, thanks Sean for being beautiful! I love you! 
Also, saludos to Grandma Judy and Grandpa Clayton! I need more photos of yall to show people in my family history journal, so send em! 
I think thats all. Read Lots Wife my Elder Holland, and Alma 26, its amazing. Also, the talk Beware of Pride by Ballard. Thats all I can think of. ALso, Alma 27:18. soo good. 
I love ya"·ll! 
Hermana Addington

Part of Hannah's Mission Pres.'s letter to her: 


Hermana Addington, be of good cheer. Lift your Spirits. Be positive. Build up those around you. Spread the gospel cheer. Lift up your heart and be of good cheer! Be active, not passive. Be assertive and bold with love. Wake up from a slumber and let the Spirit lift you higher!! Pls don´t take these words to be hard. I speak to you as if you were my daughter. You will see more miracles through positive eyes!! Shake off the past and go forward with a changed attitude!! We love you!
This letter fom President reminded me of the talk I heard last night while packing to go to Nasca. Its by Jerrefy R. Holland, titled "Remember Lot"s wife, and is all about letting go of what happened in the past and making room for the future. This past transfer in Chorillos, me and Hma, Nielsen had alot of lessons, new investigators, and visited a ton of less actives and converts. But there weren"t any progressing until this last week. I was one of the most slow parts of my mission. I felt like me and






Cristo Blanco (April 27th)

Dear President,

This week has been a little bit better than the last. We ended up contacting a really good receptive number of people, found a less active family, and also started teaching an inv. family hwo had recent been through a few trials. Also, an investigator with a son serving a mission contacted us in the street the other day, and we have started teaching her. I am learning to be more patient and calm, and really make sure that our teaching is effective enough to bring the spirit. I have confidence that we are going to see results this week. There is still so much to make better, but little by little, this area is improving. Have a great week, and let me know how to better our ward!
HERMANA ADDINGTON
This lette is going to be really spotty and random, sorry in advance. I just have alot of important things to cover right now. 

This week has been an interesting one. I have learned I think in part to be more patient, as life in the mission is usually unexpectedly good and bad. 
As you can read in my letter to Pres. Douglas, we really have been striving to find new families. We have set up alot of appointments, and now we just fault the actual teaching and doctrine that will help them to progress. But I have faith that our work in this last week is going to change. It is going to be better, because I trust God knows what he is doing here, and our potential as a companionship. Also, Pres. and Hma Douglas are preparing to finish their misisons as well, after 3 years in Peru, they are heading back to their native Utah.It really was a great experience getting to know them, and seeing their influence in the mission, and most importantly, the missionaries themselves.
I am totally fine with La Jolla, it was a good place to live in before, and it really is a good price. Really, I am not completely sure about my fall semester classes yet, I think I will just need to talk with ya"ll in Ma. Which is going to be Mothers Day! I can"t believe it came so fast. I cant believe the mission is going by so fast. I have to take advantage of every minute while I am still here. I am trying my best to not lose focus and work hard as I can. 
I love everyone and promise my next email will be filled with better happenings! 
Hermana Addington

This is our convert Rocio and her two littlest kids, Luis( bigger) asnd Raphael (baby) I love them both so much! 






Cristo Blanco Photos (April 27)








Changes (April 27)

Dear President,

This week has been a little bit better than the last. We ended up contacting a really good receptive number of people, found a less active family, and also started teaching an inv. family hwo had recent been through a few trials. Also, an investigator with a son serving a mission contacted us in the street the other day, and we have started teaching her. I am learning to be more patient and calm, and really make sure that our teaching is effective enough to bring the spirit. I have confidence that we are going to see results this week. There is still so much to make better, but little by little, this area is improving. Have a great week, and let me know how to better our ward!
HERMANA ADDINGTON
This lette is going to be really spotty and random, sorry in advance. I just have alot of important things to cover right now. 

This week has been an interesting one. I have learned I think in part to be more patient, as life in the mission is usually unexpectedly good and bad. 
As you can read in my letter to Pres. Douglas, we really have been striving to find new families. We have set up alot of appointments, and now we just fault the actual teaching and doctrine that will help them to progress. But I have faith that our work in this last week is going to change. It is going to be better, because I trust God knows what he is doing here, and our potential as a companionship. Also, Pres. and Hma Douglas are preparing to finish their misisons as well, after 3 years in Peru, they are heading back to their native Utah.It really was a great experience getting to know them, and seeing their influence in the mission, and most importantly, the missionaries themselves.
I am totally fine with La Jolla, it was a good place to live in before, and it really is a good price. Really, I am not completely sure about my fall semester classes yet, I think I will just need to talk with ya"ll in Ma. Which is going to be Mothers Day! I can"t believe it came so fast. I cant believe the mission is going by so fast. I have to take advantage of every minute while I am still here. I am trying my best to not lose focus and work hard as I can. 
I love everyone and promise my next email will be filled with better happenings! 
Hermana Addington



This is our convert Rocio and her two littlest kids, Luis( bigger) asnd Raphael (baby) I love them both so much!