It was Ashton's birthday this week. We shared with her pictures and she had a similar experience out in the field. Such fun!
Would you make fun of me a lot if I started using the word "fetching?" I'm realizing that it's kind of unavoidable as an LDS missionary....
This week was pretty chill. Probably the highlight was with la familia Gomez. Remember Luzana and Monica? No, we still don't have permission for them to get baptized, but we had a really good time with them this week. Saturday was their mom's birthday, and Luzana asked us if we could come to their casa while she was at work and help them bake a cake for her. We made our way over, and as we walked in we realized just what a big deal this birthday was for these girls. They had completely cleaned and organized the small room where all of them sleep and straightened up the outside area where they spend most of the day. They bought a bunch of little balloons which we spent the next half hour or so blowing up, and even made a sign that read "feliz cumpleaños, mama!" As Hna Gonzalez helped them with the cake, they literally ran back and forth from the dispensa to buy ingredients, yelling and laughing and smiling as they went. Honestly, the love that was radiating from these chicas for their mom was almost tangible. Unfortunately we had to leave before Dominga, their mom, got back from work and I didn't have my camera to take pictures, but I really hope that she enjoyed the surprise.
On a spiritual note, if you have time, please read Joshua 1. I was having a rough day when I turned to this scripture and it really helped me a lot this week. God has promised us inheritances of our own, and if we push forward with strength and courage, we will obtain those blessings waiting for us. Honestly, I really enjoyed this chapter.
We found out transfers tomorrow morning. It's pretty much guaranteed that Hna Gonzalez will be leaving me. I'm really sad to me leaving my "mom," but at the same time I'm excited for the adventure ahead now that my training is OFFICIALLY OVER. Please shoot some extra prayers my way, because I'm just a tiny bit nervous for that... But IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME. Right? RIGHT. Also, I have not personally received the package, but if it's been signed for I'll probably get it tomorrow morning.
Thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers. It is ridiculously appreciated.
With lots of love,
Hermana Jeppesen
Monday, December 16, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
She got it!!!!
We were a little worried that we wouldn't get an email because it was so late in the day. She is 4 hours ahead of us and we usually receive her letters around 730am our time. Today we got it around 200pm which is 6pm. So glad it came and glad that she is safe and sound.
Aaaahahh, Christmaaaasss!!!!! Totally not at all trunky for Christmas right now....
Oh, and by the way... I GOT MY FIRST PACKAGE!! YAAAY IT DIDN'T GET LOST AFTER ALL! You have no idea just how happy that package has made me this week. Hna Gonzalez and I have been chowing down on the candy. She had never eaten candy corn before and just about ate 3/4's of the bag, she liked it so much. Also, the shirts are a HUGE relief and a lot more comfortable in the heat than the shirts that I had originally brought. I absolutely love them, so THANK YOU.
This week, I'll be completely honest, was a little rough. Hermana Gonzalez was sick two days in a row, so we couldn't leave our apartment on Thursday or Friday. On top of that, we had interviews on Tuesday with President Agazzani, which left us with very little time to make visits that day. Also, this weekend was a big annual celebration of the national virgin, Ca'acupe, and a lot of our investigators were out of town to attend the festival... Honestly, I don't really know a lot of details about the holiday, so you'll have to Google a bit more about that...
The good news is that the other elders in our ward had a miraculous baptism! The story follows thus:
Marco, 15 years old, stole some money from his aunt and uncle who he was living with, but when he realized that it was wrong and tried to repent by confessing and returning the money, they kicked him out of the house. That day, he contacted my companion and the sister trainer (on the day that we were doing splits) in the street and asked if he could go with them to the church. The Bishop took him in, and he's been taking the lessons from the Elders. During this time, he became friends with Mario, another teenager who lives with Bishop Hugo who has been taking the lessons and coming to church for a year and a half but never had the desire to get baptized. Sharing his new found testimony and his incredibly strong spirit, Marco convinced Mario to get baptised with him! What a miracle! Unfortunately, when the Elders went to get permission from Marco's aunt and uncle, they vehemently said no. Marco, however, has recieved a strong witness of the truth of the Gospel. Yesterday he told me his plans to hold out and stay strong until he's 18, get baptised, and serve his "2nd mission," the first one being the conversion of his friend Mario. The Lord really does prepare people and puts them in the right place at the right time to hear the message of the Gospel. I have full faith that in the Lord's own time, everything will work out for the good of this amazing kid.
Funny story! Halfway through writing the previous paragraph the power went out in the cyber that we were using, so I had to wait until we got home to borrow the computer of the lady that we live with! Hence my email being later than normal.
On another note, my training is almost over, and we have transfers in one week and two days. It's pretty much garaunteed that I'll be getting a new companion and my "mom" will be leaving me! Please keep on praying for us!
I love you guys, and I hope your holiday season is going fantastically. Yes, I do get to Skype you guys on Christmas Day, and I'll send you more details when I find out all of the rules and regulations and whatnot. Can't wait to see you guys!
With LOTS of love,
Hermana Jeppesen
Aaaahahh, Christmaaaasss!!!!! Totally not at all trunky for Christmas right now....
Oh, and by the way... I GOT MY FIRST PACKAGE!! YAAAY IT DIDN'T GET LOST AFTER ALL! You have no idea just how happy that package has made me this week. Hna Gonzalez and I have been chowing down on the candy. She had never eaten candy corn before and just about ate 3/4's of the bag, she liked it so much. Also, the shirts are a HUGE relief and a lot more comfortable in the heat than the shirts that I had originally brought. I absolutely love them, so THANK YOU.
This week, I'll be completely honest, was a little rough. Hermana Gonzalez was sick two days in a row, so we couldn't leave our apartment on Thursday or Friday. On top of that, we had interviews on Tuesday with President Agazzani, which left us with very little time to make visits that day. Also, this weekend was a big annual celebration of the national virgin, Ca'acupe, and a lot of our investigators were out of town to attend the festival... Honestly, I don't really know a lot of details about the holiday, so you'll have to Google a bit more about that...
The good news is that the other elders in our ward had a miraculous baptism! The story follows thus:
Marco, 15 years old, stole some money from his aunt and uncle who he was living with, but when he realized that it was wrong and tried to repent by confessing and returning the money, they kicked him out of the house. That day, he contacted my companion and the sister trainer (on the day that we were doing splits) in the street and asked if he could go with them to the church. The Bishop took him in, and he's been taking the lessons from the Elders. During this time, he became friends with Mario, another teenager who lives with Bishop Hugo who has been taking the lessons and coming to church for a year and a half but never had the desire to get baptized. Sharing his new found testimony and his incredibly strong spirit, Marco convinced Mario to get baptised with him! What a miracle! Unfortunately, when the Elders went to get permission from Marco's aunt and uncle, they vehemently said no. Marco, however, has recieved a strong witness of the truth of the Gospel. Yesterday he told me his plans to hold out and stay strong until he's 18, get baptised, and serve his "2nd mission," the first one being the conversion of his friend Mario. The Lord really does prepare people and puts them in the right place at the right time to hear the message of the Gospel. I have full faith that in the Lord's own time, everything will work out for the good of this amazing kid.
Funny story! Halfway through writing the previous paragraph the power went out in the cyber that we were using, so I had to wait until we got home to borrow the computer of the lady that we live with! Hence my email being later than normal.
On another note, my training is almost over, and we have transfers in one week and two days. It's pretty much garaunteed that I'll be getting a new companion and my "mom" will be leaving me! Please keep on praying for us!
I love you guys, and I hope your holiday season is going fantastically. Yes, I do get to Skype you guys on Christmas Day, and I'll send you more details when I find out all of the rules and regulations and whatnot. Can't wait to see you guys!
With LOTS of love,
Hermana Jeppesen
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| Hmmm... where did these AWESOME glow in the dark glasses come from? |
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| Our 6-year-old neighbor, Liz, loves to come over and visit us every single day. |
Monday, December 2, 2013
Fun in the.....Rain?!
Julia's e-mail came late today. I was hoping that all is well and then Dean reminded me that they are in Paraguay. I am glad that the Spirit calms my heart so I don't go to ballistic.
Hola, Mamá!
I love you, Mom, and I miss you too.
So this is what happened this week:
On Tuesday our zone traveled to Asunción for a special zone conference with Presidente Agazzani and a member of the 70 whose name I can't remember. He's from Argentina, and since the accent is so different I had a hard time understanding. I got a lot from when Pres. Agazzani spoke, though. I learned in a completely new way how the Atonement applies to me in my mission, and that just as it was painful and extremely difficult for Christ to accomplish this act, so will my mission be difficult and painful at times. The blessings, however, are innumerable.
Wednesday was awesome as far as the work. TRABAJAMOS A FUL.
For Thanksgiving I made mashed potatoes from scratch and ate some beef jerkey that you sent me in my last package. I gave some to Hna Gonzalez, Blanca (our landlady), and Liz (Blanca's granddaughter) and they said it was really yummy but super spicy. As for the day itself, it started out great, but after only an hour or two of trying to visit investigators we had to turn back home because of a super fun storm. I'm sure it would be a different story if we had a car or all of the streets were paved, but since we are 100% on foot and the streets had completely turned to mud, there wasn't really much we could do.
The next day started out the same with the ominous signs of a storm, so we decided to run out and make at least one visit to the girls we were wanting to baptize this week to see if their parents had finally given them permission. Halfway to their casa the full storm hit, so we trudged through it the best we could. The good news is that neither of us got hit by lightning! But we did get soaked through. Unfortunately, when we reached their home we found out that the father doesn't want Luzana and Monica to get baptized until he gets to know the church better. We are sincerely praying that he and their mom will be able to come to church soon and see how awesome it is.
It's really funny that you mentioned that you got sick and threw up Friday night, because so did I! I think it was a combination of the weather, an empanada that I shouldn't have eaten, and the fact that I ate WAY too much that day. Whatever it was, I ended up staying in the casa with a sick stomach all day Saturday. Luckily, Blanca, Liz, and Eli (Blanca's daughter) were super awesome nurses and took care of me all day.
On Sunday we went to church, had a long lunch with Hermana Lugo, and went back to the casa to do our daily studies. Once again, the storms came back and we found that we had no power or water in our casa when we got home. As it got later in the evening, we found out from a call from our zone leader that our entire area (we share our area with the ZL's) was blacked out! We couldn't do anything! Liz ended up coming in and spending time with us for the rest of the evening. The power didn't come back on until the middle of the night, and we didn't get water until about 10 am this morning.
So, yup. It's been an interesting week! Hopefully next week won't be quite so hectic.
I love you I love you I love you. Please keep sending me pictures! I absolutely love them! And please tell Hayden and Mia to email me this week!!! I really want to hear from them.
Please keep my companion and me in your prayers.
With LOVE,
Hermana Jeppesen
Hola, Mamá!
I love you, Mom, and I miss you too.
So this is what happened this week:
On Tuesday our zone traveled to Asunción for a special zone conference with Presidente Agazzani and a member of the 70 whose name I can't remember. He's from Argentina, and since the accent is so different I had a hard time understanding. I got a lot from when Pres. Agazzani spoke, though. I learned in a completely new way how the Atonement applies to me in my mission, and that just as it was painful and extremely difficult for Christ to accomplish this act, so will my mission be difficult and painful at times. The blessings, however, are innumerable.
Wednesday was awesome as far as the work. TRABAJAMOS A FUL.
For Thanksgiving I made mashed potatoes from scratch and ate some beef jerkey that you sent me in my last package. I gave some to Hna Gonzalez, Blanca (our landlady), and Liz (Blanca's granddaughter) and they said it was really yummy but super spicy. As for the day itself, it started out great, but after only an hour or two of trying to visit investigators we had to turn back home because of a super fun storm. I'm sure it would be a different story if we had a car or all of the streets were paved, but since we are 100% on foot and the streets had completely turned to mud, there wasn't really much we could do.
The next day started out the same with the ominous signs of a storm, so we decided to run out and make at least one visit to the girls we were wanting to baptize this week to see if their parents had finally given them permission. Halfway to their casa the full storm hit, so we trudged through it the best we could. The good news is that neither of us got hit by lightning! But we did get soaked through. Unfortunately, when we reached their home we found out that the father doesn't want Luzana and Monica to get baptized until he gets to know the church better. We are sincerely praying that he and their mom will be able to come to church soon and see how awesome it is.
It's really funny that you mentioned that you got sick and threw up Friday night, because so did I! I think it was a combination of the weather, an empanada that I shouldn't have eaten, and the fact that I ate WAY too much that day. Whatever it was, I ended up staying in the casa with a sick stomach all day Saturday. Luckily, Blanca, Liz, and Eli (Blanca's daughter) were super awesome nurses and took care of me all day.
On Sunday we went to church, had a long lunch with Hermana Lugo, and went back to the casa to do our daily studies. Once again, the storms came back and we found that we had no power or water in our casa when we got home. As it got later in the evening, we found out from a call from our zone leader that our entire area (we share our area with the ZL's) was blacked out! We couldn't do anything! Liz ended up coming in and spending time with us for the rest of the evening. The power didn't come back on until the middle of the night, and we didn't get water until about 10 am this morning.
So, yup. It's been an interesting week! Hopefully next week won't be quite so hectic.
I love you I love you I love you. Please keep sending me pictures! I absolutely love them! And please tell Hayden and Mia to email me this week!!! I really want to hear from them.
Please keep my companion and me in your prayers.
With LOVE,
Hermana Jeppesen
Monday, November 25, 2013
A Jerkey Thanksgiving
This will be the first Thanksgiving Julia will be in Paraguay. So of course I asked how she was going to celebrate. She even sent some pictures this time! I am so very thankful to her and her wonderful example of service.
No, Mom. Paraguayans do not celebrated Thanksgiving. It's kind of a strictly American thing. I have an unopened package of beef jerky though... I'll probably just eat that. Maybe I'll make some mashed potatoes or something to go with it!
That's so cool that Cody got to learn whatever Mayan language he had to speak! I kind of feel like that with Guarani. Once I feel a little bit more comfortable with my Spanish I really want to at least learn the basics. After all, I'm in the only place in the world where I would have this opportunity!
As for new investigators, we don't really have a bunch right now, but some of the people we've been working really hard with are finally ready to be baptized! Luzana and Monica Gomez, 12 and 9 years old, respectively, have been taking the lessons for I'm not sure how long. In our mission, an investigator has to come to church on Sunday at least 3 times in order to get baptized, and as of yesterday they finally have enough attendances to do so! I'm so excited for them! The only thing that we are worried about is having the definite permission from they're mom, Dominga. She really wants them to get baptized, but she wants to be baptized with them and she isn't married to their dad yet. I haven't even met their dad because he is constantly working. It's great that she wants to be baptized with her daughters, but we are praying that she will give permission, they will be baptized this Saturday, and they will bring the Spirit into their home as an example and motivation to their parents to get married and baptized as well.
Mom, I love you so much, and I am definitely praying for you while you take your tests and finish up the semester.
I love all you guys so much, and hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Con amor,
Hermana Jeppesen
I can send photos! (It's just SUPER slow on this computer...)
No, Mom. Paraguayans do not celebrated Thanksgiving. It's kind of a strictly American thing. I have an unopened package of beef jerky though... I'll probably just eat that. Maybe I'll make some mashed potatoes or something to go with it!
That's so cool that Cody got to learn whatever Mayan language he had to speak! I kind of feel like that with Guarani. Once I feel a little bit more comfortable with my Spanish I really want to at least learn the basics. After all, I'm in the only place in the world where I would have this opportunity!
As for new investigators, we don't really have a bunch right now, but some of the people we've been working really hard with are finally ready to be baptized! Luzana and Monica Gomez, 12 and 9 years old, respectively, have been taking the lessons for I'm not sure how long. In our mission, an investigator has to come to church on Sunday at least 3 times in order to get baptized, and as of yesterday they finally have enough attendances to do so! I'm so excited for them! The only thing that we are worried about is having the definite permission from they're mom, Dominga. She really wants them to get baptized, but she wants to be baptized with them and she isn't married to their dad yet. I haven't even met their dad because he is constantly working. It's great that she wants to be baptized with her daughters, but we are praying that she will give permission, they will be baptized this Saturday, and they will bring the Spirit into their home as an example and motivation to their parents to get married and baptized as well.
Mom, I love you so much, and I am definitely praying for you while you take your tests and finish up the semester.
I love all you guys so much, and hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Con amor,
Hermana Jeppesen
I can send photos! (It's just SUPER slow on this computer...)
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| This is what happens when you forget mosquito repellent in Paraguay... Words cannot express just how itchy my ankles were. |
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| We moved into a new apartment this week! Woohoo! Our awesome district helped us with the move. These are their "cool faces". |
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| Manuel was baptized three weeks ago and due to unseen circumstances was just confirmed yesterday. He is super amazing! |
Monday, November 18, 2013
Christmas List!
I found a company called Global Mission Shipping that will send packages over seas especially to South America. They send in bulk and it helps with customs, etc... If you want to send anything, give me a call or message me(Jodie Jeppesen, mom) and we can work something out. Thanks again for all the prayers and notes on her behalf.
THAT AWESOME that you found a company that sends packages! I still haven't received the other one yet. I'm praying that it will eventually get to me. As for requests:
NEED:
A watch (preferably water-proof and small. I lost mine in the MTC.... oops...)
Shoe liners, aka those tiny little socks at Target or Payless. Any color is fine. These pretty much don't exist here
My backpack. I don't want to buy one here because they tend to wear out super fast and fall apart.
WANT:
Cinnamon Altoids. A WHOLE BUNCH. It's so fun to give one or two out to Paraguayans because they aren't used to something so strong, and they love it!
Bratzlis! Is that how you spell it? This is a far off wish. The chances of you guys actually making them anytime soon and then finding a way to send them to me are beyond super slim. Maybe you could send me the recipe and I can find a way to make my own?
Chocolate
Lots of love.
I made a list but I left it at home, and these are all the things I can remember. Just send me whatever and I will be the happiest missionary in Paraguay!
In this letter (at Dani's request), I want to tell you all about my amazing companion, Hermana Gonzalez! She is from Panama, is 20 years old, and the oldest of 3 siblings, one of which is also serving a mission in Columbia. Before the mission, she studied international business and almost has a degree. She is making plans to attend BYU after the mission to finish up, and is learning English while I learn Spanish. She's actually getting pretty good!
As for personality, we are pretty much at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. In school, Hna Gonzalez was a super popular cheerleader, played sports (mainly volleyball), wore only designer brands, had her own car, etc. She is incredibly extroverted and is fantastic at talking with people and making them feel comfortable. Most of all, if something is the matter, she is not at all afraid of telling it to you straight. She really tries to do things in the best way that she knows how to, and always for other people. For example, these last few weeks she's been baking cakes NON-STOP for investigators, members, our district, EVERYONE. She says that she's done baking for a little while, but I honestly doubt it. We'll probably have 3 more cakes in our fridge by the end of the day.
Sometimes we get frustrated with each other, especially in the beginning, because of our very different personalities and ways of doing things. The best part about this, however, is that we've figured out how to work together and understand each other, and I can honestly say that she has become an amazing friend of mine. I really have learned so much from her, and I'm learning more and more from her every day. I'm so insanely happy to be companions with Hermana Gonzalez!
So now you know about my companion! As for mosquitoes, YES, I am using repellant. There's this thing called Dengue... and I really don't want to catch it. OH! On that note, could you also send me more super duper strong mosquito repellant?
Anywho, I love you guys and can't wait to hear from you next week!
LOVE,
Hermana Jeppesen
THAT AWESOME that you found a company that sends packages! I still haven't received the other one yet. I'm praying that it will eventually get to me. As for requests:
NEED:
A watch (preferably water-proof and small. I lost mine in the MTC.... oops...)
Shoe liners, aka those tiny little socks at Target or Payless. Any color is fine. These pretty much don't exist here
My backpack. I don't want to buy one here because they tend to wear out super fast and fall apart.
WANT:
Cinnamon Altoids. A WHOLE BUNCH. It's so fun to give one or two out to Paraguayans because they aren't used to something so strong, and they love it!
Bratzlis! Is that how you spell it? This is a far off wish. The chances of you guys actually making them anytime soon and then finding a way to send them to me are beyond super slim. Maybe you could send me the recipe and I can find a way to make my own?
Chocolate
Lots of love.
I made a list but I left it at home, and these are all the things I can remember. Just send me whatever and I will be the happiest missionary in Paraguay!
In this letter (at Dani's request), I want to tell you all about my amazing companion, Hermana Gonzalez! She is from Panama, is 20 years old, and the oldest of 3 siblings, one of which is also serving a mission in Columbia. Before the mission, she studied international business and almost has a degree. She is making plans to attend BYU after the mission to finish up, and is learning English while I learn Spanish. She's actually getting pretty good!
As for personality, we are pretty much at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. In school, Hna Gonzalez was a super popular cheerleader, played sports (mainly volleyball), wore only designer brands, had her own car, etc. She is incredibly extroverted and is fantastic at talking with people and making them feel comfortable. Most of all, if something is the matter, she is not at all afraid of telling it to you straight. She really tries to do things in the best way that she knows how to, and always for other people. For example, these last few weeks she's been baking cakes NON-STOP for investigators, members, our district, EVERYONE. She says that she's done baking for a little while, but I honestly doubt it. We'll probably have 3 more cakes in our fridge by the end of the day.
Sometimes we get frustrated with each other, especially in the beginning, because of our very different personalities and ways of doing things. The best part about this, however, is that we've figured out how to work together and understand each other, and I can honestly say that she has become an amazing friend of mine. I really have learned so much from her, and I'm learning more and more from her every day. I'm so insanely happy to be companions with Hermana Gonzalez!
So now you know about my companion! As for mosquitoes, YES, I am using repellant. There's this thing called Dengue... and I really don't want to catch it. OH! On that note, could you also send me more super duper strong mosquito repellant?
Anywho, I love you guys and can't wait to hear from you next week!
LOVE,
Hermana Jeppesen
Monday, November 11, 2013
It's getting hotter!
As for the weather.... oh boy. Not one person was joking when they told me, "Get ready to sweat!" Hope you enjoy your nice cool weather in AZ, because it's a whole different story over here!
I still haven't received the package, but I have been getting letters, and even got one from the Beehives of Elmwood Ward! It was so sweet! To be honest, I stopped and said a prayer this morning that your package would somehow make it to me in one piece. I know shipping is expensive, but hopefully it will get to me soon!
In other news, I'VE SURVIVED MY FIRST TRANSFER! YAY! I'm still in the same place with the same companion, but it's just wierd how the time is painfully slow and insanely fast at the same time. BTW, if you look on the LDS website and search for the Ytororo ward in the Ñemby stake, that's the area I'm serving in. We're maybe an hour or so south of Asunción.
The day before transfers was P-day, and my very first district activity! We all got together (3 sets of Elders and my companion and I) in one of the church buildings and made tacos... Mexican food cooked by a Panamanian with Paraguayan ingrediants... but they were super yummy! Then we went out and played a game of fútbol. This time I actually tried playing and had a super fun time, plus I only fell down once! Woohoo! I feel very blessed to have a district that doesn't make fun of me for being terrible at sports.
Tuesday night we got together for our English class in the chapel, but since no one showed up (which, honestly, is normal) we all hung out for a while. Elder Segovia, who is home now, happened to show a REALLY bad cluster of bug bites to Catalino and Ulises, two members who help us out a TON in our ward and come to everything. As it turns out, these "bug bites" were actually just one bug bite, and it was the venom that was spreading in that area of his skin. So what did they do? Ran to the dispensa (kind of like a convenience store) to by some supplies, then spent the next hour or so dripping hot wax onto his skin, scraping it off, poking the infected area with a needle and "drawing out the poison," then rubbing crushed garlic over everything. I REALLY hope I never ever get bitten by whatever this bug is.... I think I'm going to email him and ask how his foot is....
WE HAD ANOTHER BAPTISM THIS WEEKEND!!! Have I told you about Manuel? He's actually the boyfriend of Laura, the girl who was just baptized a couple weeks ago. We have to wait until next weekend for the confirmation since this weekend was Stake Conference, though. Manuel is a super fantastic guy, and is studying to be in the police force right now. The best part about him is that his testimony and desire to learn about the Gospel all stems from his desire for a strong, happy family. He has such a great love already for his future children, and he doesn't even have this family yet! He also has an incredible love for all of the people around him now, and always has a sweet smile on his face. I feel so blessed to be able to help him have the knowledge of eternal families and grow his relationship with Heavenly Father. Wow, I am so happy for him.
OH MY GOODNESS I JUST REMEMBERED GUESS WHAT?! Elder Christofferson is coming to the mission tomorrow!!! My companion and I are going to leave our casa super early in the morning to take a bus to Asunción to hear the words of an apostle of God. I absolutely cannot wait, and I'll make sure to tell you all about it!
I love you guys so much, and of course I'm praying for you every single day. Please keep praying for me and for Hermana Gonzalez! I'll make sure to send my list of things I want in my next email, as well as any service ideas I think of this week.
Love from your missionary,
Hermana Jeppesen
I still haven't received the package, but I have been getting letters, and even got one from the Beehives of Elmwood Ward! It was so sweet! To be honest, I stopped and said a prayer this morning that your package would somehow make it to me in one piece. I know shipping is expensive, but hopefully it will get to me soon!
In other news, I'VE SURVIVED MY FIRST TRANSFER! YAY! I'm still in the same place with the same companion, but it's just wierd how the time is painfully slow and insanely fast at the same time. BTW, if you look on the LDS website and search for the Ytororo ward in the Ñemby stake, that's the area I'm serving in. We're maybe an hour or so south of Asunción.
The day before transfers was P-day, and my very first district activity! We all got together (3 sets of Elders and my companion and I) in one of the church buildings and made tacos... Mexican food cooked by a Panamanian with Paraguayan ingrediants... but they were super yummy! Then we went out and played a game of fútbol. This time I actually tried playing and had a super fun time, plus I only fell down once! Woohoo! I feel very blessed to have a district that doesn't make fun of me for being terrible at sports.
Tuesday night we got together for our English class in the chapel, but since no one showed up (which, honestly, is normal) we all hung out for a while. Elder Segovia, who is home now, happened to show a REALLY bad cluster of bug bites to Catalino and Ulises, two members who help us out a TON in our ward and come to everything. As it turns out, these "bug bites" were actually just one bug bite, and it was the venom that was spreading in that area of his skin. So what did they do? Ran to the dispensa (kind of like a convenience store) to by some supplies, then spent the next hour or so dripping hot wax onto his skin, scraping it off, poking the infected area with a needle and "drawing out the poison," then rubbing crushed garlic over everything. I REALLY hope I never ever get bitten by whatever this bug is.... I think I'm going to email him and ask how his foot is....
WE HAD ANOTHER BAPTISM THIS WEEKEND!!! Have I told you about Manuel? He's actually the boyfriend of Laura, the girl who was just baptized a couple weeks ago. We have to wait until next weekend for the confirmation since this weekend was Stake Conference, though. Manuel is a super fantastic guy, and is studying to be in the police force right now. The best part about him is that his testimony and desire to learn about the Gospel all stems from his desire for a strong, happy family. He has such a great love already for his future children, and he doesn't even have this family yet! He also has an incredible love for all of the people around him now, and always has a sweet smile on his face. I feel so blessed to be able to help him have the knowledge of eternal families and grow his relationship with Heavenly Father. Wow, I am so happy for him.
OH MY GOODNESS I JUST REMEMBERED GUESS WHAT?! Elder Christofferson is coming to the mission tomorrow!!! My companion and I are going to leave our casa super early in the morning to take a bus to Asunción to hear the words of an apostle of God. I absolutely cannot wait, and I'll make sure to tell you all about it!
I love you guys so much, and of course I'm praying for you every single day. Please keep praying for me and for Hermana Gonzalez! I'll make sure to send my list of things I want in my next email, as well as any service ideas I think of this week.
Love from your missionary,
Hermana Jeppesen
Monday, November 4, 2013
Baptisms!
This past week, our younger girls and their dad hiked 22.2 miles from the Gilbert temple to the Mesa temple. It was a great accomplishment and we told the story to Julia. I'm glad to hear about her baptisms and the great experiences she is having.
Hey Momma!
Hey Momma!
Oh my goodness, I am SO proud those girls,
and Dad too! That must have been SO HARD! I'm glad that everyone was
safe and sound though. Were they able to walk the next day? The story of
the stonecutter who worked on the temple is actually one that I learned
in the MTC, and is now one of my favorites. How cool that they got to
experience something like that and end up in front of the house of the
Lord!
Sorry I didn't tell you more about the two baptisms
we had! The first was in the morning for an investigator named Carolina.
Honestly, she is the hardest person for me to understand language wise
because she has a very raspy voice and a sarcastic sense of humor that I
just can't translate. My companion has been teaching her for several
months now and she has made so many changes in her life, including
leaving her boyfriend in order to follow the law of chastity. She is
awesome and I'm very happy she finally made the decision to be baptized!
In the afternoon was the baptism of Laura. This girl
is just so darn full of the Spirit, and you can see it even more now
that she has that wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost! Her brother, Cesar,
did the baptizing, but since it was his first time she didn't go all the
way under the water at first. He had to do it THREE times before they
got it completely right, but she was crying by the end and gave her
brother the biggest, sweetest hug right there in the font.
This week we baptized 8-year-old Angie. Her parents
aren't members but she comes to church every single Sunday with her Aunt
and her cousins. That morning we had to go to the chapel early to clean
out the MASSIVE amount of bugs in the font so it would be nice and
clean just for her. I know that this gospel and the guidance of the
spirit will be such a blessing for her, and I pray that she'll be an
example for her mother to join the church as well.
I have more stories, but I'm gonna cut this email short to see if I can actually send some picture.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
-Hermana Jeppesen
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