Whoa, what a week! I received transfer news, we celebrated Easter, and there were some crazy-awesome announcements in General Conference! But, I’ll go back and start from the beginning.
Monday–I found out that Hna Vazquez had never been to IKEA, so of course, we had to go! We had a blast and spent way too much time there haha. Another great thing about Monday was that we had dinner with Ali and the other side of his family, the one he lives with! It was SO sweet and even though we were a little bit nervous about what they were going to say, they were super kind to us and asked a bunch of good questions.
Tuesday–We had a new zone meeting thing and it was incredible! We had four different discussions and we all counseled together to help each other. I am so amazed by the other missionaries and the things I’ve been able to learn from them, especially during this transfer.
Wednesday–We helped some members move, and then they fed us pizza!
Thursday–Nothing too exciting happened, except that we got fantastic Peruvian food for dinner!
Friday–Valeria, one of the youth who is planning on serving a mission, came with us to teach Ali! She is sooo sweet and she also brought us stuff back from her trip to FL! I am going to miss her SO much and I promised I would come back and visit. We are going to get froyo with her today to say one last goodbye.
Saturday–We went to Valeria’s house early in the morning to go for a hike, then us and the elders helped make breakfast before watching conference. It was really cool getting to watch in Spanish and realize that I actually understand a lot more than I thought I would! It was also an incredible experience to have the privilege of sustaining Russell M. Nelson as the new president of the church. As I raised my hand in unison with millions of other saints around the world, the Spirit truly testified to me that he is a prophet of God. I have no doubt in my mind that President Nelson was called to lead this church and that his words are the words of the Lord. The sustaining was truly a special moment that I never want to forget.
After both sessions of conference, we had dinner with another member family, and then afterwards, Hna Vazquez and I stayed to help make tamales for the next day! It was super fun and I got lots of pictures (you’re welcome, Mom).
After we got home, we received transfer news! I’m going to the Prune Hill ward, which is in the Vancouver East stake. And I’m going to be speaking English! I’ll admit, leaving is going to be really hard. The people here, including members, investigators, and my companion, have truly become my family. I love them more than I ever thought possible and leaving them is going to be super difficult. I’m also super sad that I won’t be teaching in Spanish anymore. But, I KNOW that God has a plan, and that things always work out better than I ever could have imagined. I’m willing and excited to see what’s in store in my new area.
Sunday–We watched Conference at church with members and investigators, and then had a fun potluck! Everyone was really upset about me leaving and I couldn’t go until I promised every one of them that I would come back! I am so grateful for the true friendship and love I’ve developed with all of them this transfer.
After that, we went home and watched the rest of conference alone in our apartment haha. And there was a super cool announcement made! I am so happy to see the more personal, Christlike ministering that will be taking place in our church, and I am grateful for the continued revelation our prophet will receive as we get closer and closer to the Second Coming. Also, SEVEN new temples were announced, including one in RUSSIA! What an exciting time to be alive!
I love you all, and I love our dear prophet. Remember to stay close to him, follow his counsel and his direction, and I promise you will be better protected from the chaos of this world. Have a fantastic week!
Love,
Hermana O’Barr
