July 13, 2015

Howdyyy yalll. It's HAWT.

We did a mission fast last Sunday, and wow all I can say is God is real and he loves us and miracles for days. Yesterday at church, Elder Amulfo Valenzuela from the 70 came and talked to our Ward! It was legit. The spirit was so strong and I was just like, yeah he's an apostle of God. He talked about e Book of Mormon and keeping the sabbath day holy. Do it. :)

We had a fun noche de hogar with Biviana and her cute family :) her and Hyrum have been reading the Book of Mormon together, and they're almost finished! My heart was so happy when they told us that :) 

We found a place to go do service! Woo! At an old folks rehab center, it was really fun to go play board games and color with them (: 

We found this less active family, and met with them last week and they gave us lunch cause #hispaniclyfe and we set an appointment for last Thursday, we thought the grandmother was an investigator! So we go over on Thursday, and she tells us how she was the first member of the family! It surprised us a lot haha we had a family home evening with them that afternoon, with all her cute kids! It was darling! They came to church on Sundayand now we just love each other and we're gonna go over and eat dinner with them this week :) 

We taught Ody again, with her husband. She's doing good, not reading the Book of Mormon though. It's hard cause she wants to know its true, but she won't act..we have a lesson planned this week!:)

Amanda is doing good, we taught her the word of wisdom and she gladly gave up Sweet Tea :) she says she'll drink coconut water now, ;) it's been so fun meeting with her, she is so prepared. This area has my heart! My testimony has grown so much, especially in my Calling. I know as missionaries we are called of God, to build up His kingdom here on earth. I know he really is preparing his children to hear this glad message, and he is also preparing them for who we are personally :) 

 On Friday before visiting an investigator family to give their daughter a birthday present, (this family, loooove them but they hurt my heart cause they're totes eternigators but about a month ago I got a strong prompting to not give up on them, and they've really been turning around!:) ) We were walking into their apartment complex to knock, and Hermana hoferitza STEPS ON A BEER BOTTLE AND HER FOOT POURS OUT BLOOD. It was so sad, we called all the mission nurses, the mission presidents wife, the sisters we live with, everyone. And no one answered. So we called the assistants and bless their hearts they came and saved the day and brought us back to our apartment for the night. Pobrecita, my companion. Moral of the story: Don't drink, kids. 

Sunday.

This is where we all learn to understand why my mission is a Novela [and i'd say this is a pretty normal day in the life of Hermana eastwood].

At church, there's this Hermana named Eva, she has diabetes, I've met her only a few times, and I just love her and she loves me! We were jus chatting and she just gave me the biggest hug and then church started.. Then during relief society, another Hermana runs out and grabs the husband of Eva and once he comes in, she FAINTS hardcore. The Hermana giving the class stopped, and we all just freaked out. We called the police and the firefighters came, and the elders have her a blessing. It was a whole Ward affair. It was CRAZY. And so scary. Still haven't heard from anyone how she is now.. But it was really sweet to see how much the ward cares for every member, and how they'll just drop everything To help.

Then, we went and saw one of our dear friends. We've been trying her all transfer and she hasn't been home, but our appointment cancelled and I got a feeling to try again. Loco. And perfect timing. She had just gotten home from being in the hospital for 4 days for her stomach, and we were talking and she said her husband was taken to jail on Wednesday, and it completely innocent and it's her roommates fault and he left and this poor girl is so alone and, man she just cried to us. We sang for her, and she cried more. It was so sad! She really needed someone to talk to and someone to listen to her. We followed the spirit and did what we could. 

NOVELA.

I love being a missionary. I love my mission.

 the end.

Happy Fourth of July from Tennessee!

ONE OF THE BEST WEEKS EVER.

God is real. God loves us. This week was amazing. 

We had a papusas and horchata for lunch on Tuesday, which is probably my favorite meals :) then we met this guy named Jose looking for a less active woman, but we didn't find her but Jose is awesome! We ended up having two more lessons with him with members and everything! He was reading the restoration pamphlet and the Book of Mormon and MAN we were just so excited about him! Such a miracle. He didn't come to church which was sad, but claro que si we have a lot of hope for him :) 

This is our next miracle: Melida. Hermana James and I met her one last week together, and she's just this SWEETEST lady and we've gone back weekly with Hermana flor, who is just awesome. In the past 3 weeks we've seen such a big change in her, because of the Book of Mormon. She's starting to read it, with a prayer, and is able to understand it. It's teaching me so much of the power in this book :) she came to church!!!! It was so happy, everyone was talking to her and were so happy to see her :) totes gonna make papusas with her this week too ;) #blessings.

We had a fun district meeting, I gave a training on helping and using the members, and elder spiked (LP shout out!) gave a training on commitments, it was really fun. I walked out just so happy and grateful to be here. I LOVE MY MISSION. I love my friends, I love the missionaries, and my investigators and these members. I am so blessed :) 

We had basically a flash flood in a crazy storm, SO FUN. I love Tennessee. We met with Ody, her husband and family are members. She wants to get baptized! But needs time or something. Keep her in your prayers, we love her (: 

Totes ate dinner from a taco truck this night, that was great. Life complete.

Thursday we did lots of knocking, and MAN I'm talking about right place right time. We met so many new people, and they're so interested, nice and prepared (: we're excited for the coming week to go back and teach them the gospel! 

We had a sweet miracle. A while back when elder spiker was here he was teaching a girl named Nancy. She would come to church and was super interested and they even helped her get married! Then they dropped off the face of the earth cause the husband wasn't interested. We went to visit them, and the husband said literally  I'm interested. Goes to show we plant seeds and it may not seem good at the moment, but with time those planted seeds grow and they can't be stopped :) #noeffortiswasted.

Basically I'm obsessed with my mission. and Tennessee. and everything. and I love my savior and I love being a missionary and I'm so grateful for all I'm learning and seeing happen. This is the Lords work :) 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY. You can bet I celebrated my freedom by going to bed at 9:) #Murica hope yall  had fun with fireworks! On Sunday they had all the missionaries, (the gringos...)stand up in front of everyone and sing America the beautiful...God Bless! 

LOVE YOU ALL HAVE A GOOD WEEK!(:

Hermana Eastwood 

I love my savior!

HOLA!!!!:)

Monday night we had an awesome Noche De Hogar with our Ward mission Leader and our investigator Amanda, and her friend Byron who is a member. It was so awesome! We talked about the apostles and elder L. Tom perry and wowwyyyy I learned a lot! But we had a really good time, and Amanda loved it! :)

Tuesday, we gave an investigator a blessing cause she's really sick, and we had an awesome lesson with the member that came with us. The priesthood is so cool, and God is so good!

Wednesday we had district meeting, I gave a training on becoming more like Christ, and focusing on Charity and hope, it was really fun except wow I'm such a spaz when I give trainings it's embarrassing. But it was really good, I love my district and my friends.:)

Thursday we met with Rosio and went over the plan of salvation. This was a lesson that just made me really grateful for my mission. She was talking about how much she's changed from coming to know Christ, and I thought, this is the reason I'm here. Because there is a light in this gospel, this gospel is hope and it really does change us.

Saturday we had an awesome lesson with Amanda again, we talked about the plan of salvation as well. She said 'hey yall I wanna know how I can have an eternal family,' and we were like well you're in the right place here's all the answers. It was a really awesome lesson, it made me realize how much God truly loves us. I know he does have a plan for every single one of us, and although we can only see a few steps ahead of us, he sees the big picture. And he puts people and situations and trials in our life all for our good, so we can grow and learn and one day help others. (Also side note we ate Colombian food and I had empanadas and they were delicious :) )

We were able to set two baptismal dates this week! For Amanda and Rosio, who were having a Noche de Hogar with me both tonight as well :) on the 11 and the 31 of July. We are so excited. It's been amazing to work with them, they both are so sincere, and teaching them has helped me to know this really is Gods work, and he really does prepare people to accept his gospel. I am grateful to be his instrument, to bring this gospel to them who are truthfully seeking it. I know we are blessed when we obey and work diligently, and keep our faith in Christ.

This week as we did service, and hermana James asked me what my favorite part of my mission is...I didn't stop talking  about it the rest of the night. There's too much to love!

These members are amazing, their example and faith and willingness to serve and help and share is amazing. I will forever be grateful to be able to serve around them, and come to know them and be changed by their humility and selflessness. 

My companions have all been amazing. It's so fun to love with your best friend and to just see how the gospel has brought us all so close, that through Christ we're able to help one another. Im grateful for the friendships I've made here :)

I've been able to see the reality and blessings of the gospel. We are really so blessed to be members of the restored church of Jesus Christ. I've seen the change this gospel has on gods children, and in myself. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost,and the hope we have through this gospel. I am so happy to be here, to share what I love and that I know this gospel is the biggest blessing we can have, and I know it can and does bring so much happiness to every one we meet. 

My own testimony has grown so much and just wow. I think this is one of the biggest blessings I've experienced on my mission. I was talking to my hermana this morning, and she said how I had a strong enough testimony to get me on a mission, to have the desire to share the gospel. I'm grateful for her. I sit here now, seeing I've learned and grown and I think, wow I feel like I didn't know anything before my mission, and I love every day because I learn so much every single day. I love reading the Book of Mormon, and I've been working so hard to know the truth of it. I truly know that our Heavenly Father listens to us, and knows us by name and heart. I know he loves us so much, and when we sincerely pray and try our best, He helps us-through other people.

I am so grateful for my mission, for how much I've grown and changed, and that the gospel is such a big part of my life now. I'm glad to finally realize what's most important in this life, and I am so grateful for my time I have to serve these loving people in Tennessee. I'm so honored to be a representative of my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful to be engaged in this work, to share His gospel and the good news :) I've learned its so important to really live your life like Christ, to live for others and do all you can in your power, (and His) to help them come unto Christ. I love my savior :) 

I started my mission with elder Nielson CCM buddies! 

June 1, 2015

So we had the most awesome pday night! We met a man named Luis, who is so prepared, we went back on Wednesday and taught him the restoration! He is so interested and so prepared, we are hoping he had been reading and praying:)

Then we met with like 4 members who live in the same apartment, with our investigator Rosio. She's amazing! We had An awesome family home evening, she just loves the book of Mormon and church and the members, we're so excited!(: her brother is a member, and she wants him to baptize her, it's probably going to be next month, (Julyy, WHAT?! Cannot be,ie e that's next month..) but wow we just love her so much and I'm so grateful to know her and to be able to work with her :)

ThEn we met this Less active lady, who is so sweet! And we had an awesome lesson with her about Joseph smith, then she drove us home after! SUCH AN AMAZING NIGHT!!:)

Tuesday we did a lot of knocking, with a surprise THUNDERSTORM!!!!!! It was so awesome! It went on for days, (like 30 minutes,) but there was wind thunder and lighting! So fun! We also met some really solid people, we'll go visit them again this coming week :) also it's been raining each day this week, but we love it! We come home every night and our shoes are soaking wet haha but the work goes on :):)

Wednesday we had district meeting, always fun. I love being with other missionaries, we always have a good time and learn a lot.

Thursday we had another awesome lesson with Rosio and Michael, our Ward mission leader about the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was so good, the spirit was so strong, I'm so honored to be a representative of my savior, an to preach his gospel. 

Then after that, we met up with Jhonny who bought us ice cream :) he has been out of town a lot, like every weekend, so he hasn't been able to come to church. But we love meeting with him! He's so awesome, we're best friends :) 

Friday we did weekly planning...I'm getting a lot better! Haha I used to have mini panic attacks each week, I don't know the problem,  but it's getting better and I don't dread it as much! Haha!

Then we went out tracking and saw a miracle. Everyone we knocked into was white, but said the Hispanics are here, just come later. So we thought okay we're not supposed to be here right now..so as we were leaving the complex, we see this Hispanic lady! We totally go up and talk to her and she's very interested and says we can come back!  After that, as we were walking away, I show hermana James this scripture, 

Alma 26:27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success." 

It was really amazing to see the Book of Mormon relate so directly to our life! I know if we put our trust in the lord, and pray for help to open our eyes, we will see his hand in our lives and his miracles :) 

We then had an awesome lesson with Amanda, and Byron-a member. She's so interested and has come to church so much, we're having a family home being with her and Michaels family tonight! She loves the Book of Mormon and church, and already knows it's true. She knows so much. She's a miracle :) 

Saturday we went out to dinner with a member, and had a miracle night. Our day was a bunch of door slams and no success, but that night we found a less active hermano, and his wife is not a member. It was kinda late, but we scheduled s family home evening for next week :) it's amazing how when we truly want to help others, the lord really will bring scriptures to our memory,many will fill our mouths with the words we need to say, and that others need to hear. 

Yesterday church was good! Rosio and Amanda came, they both loved it (: 

also this comes to my subject line, this homie of mine here was leaving church and I was like hey are you gonna come to class!? And he walks away really slowly and awkwardly and says "I need to go find my wife..."it was hilarious cause he's not married. I lol'd. 

I love this Ward, they are so caring and loving and willing to help. There's about two weeks left of the transfer, I really am sad cause I really don't wanna leave...but I know gods in from of this work and I'll do what ever he needs me to do :) I feel so blessed to be able to serve here with these amazing people, it feels like home :) 

Con amor,

Hermana Eastwood 

A quick thought of support from Paige

If someone feels inadequate, or like they're not good enough, or you
don't know enough, or you're not strong or brave enough, your
testimony is not good enough, just like elder uctdorf days, STOP IT. I
have learned so much from my mission so far, and I would trade it for
anything. I have come to know my Savior more, and I love him. I have
come to love the scriptures, and the companionship of the spirit, and
I never want to do anything to not be worthy to have him with me. I
have changed so much for the better, I now know who God knows, Needs
and wants me to be. I strive everyday to improve. I'm grateful for who
I am today, and for how much I've grown. My mission has helped me see
my faults, and regrets and mistakes, but I know without a doubt,
change is possible. We can let go of everything, and through this
gospel, we can become more like Christ, and we can perfect ourselves
through him. I know I still Have a long ways to go, but I am grateful
for who I am.
Or, since I'm in Nashville, in the words of my good friend Tim McGraw,
"I'm not as good as Im gonna get, but I'm better than I used to be."
:)

Everyone who is able to, No matter what you're feeling, I would
definitely strongly advise to make serving a full time mission a
priority. It is something only you can experience, and it is how one
can come to know their savior, and what's really important in this
life.
I will forever be grateful for my experience to serve as a missionary
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Hermana Eastwood

Hyrum's Baptism

I don't really know what to say about this week! But I'll start by saying We had a really awesome lesson with an Hermano from church named Sergio, (love him) and a lady named Rosio and Karina. We taught them the restoration, it was AMAZING. At church Rosio kinda fights a lot and expresses her opinion, but at the lesson, the spirit was SO strong, she just sat there and listened, and wow is sooo ready! Her brother in Texas is a member, and she wants him to come here and baptize her. She's been reading and is in the middle of 2 Nephi! We love her and are so excited!:)

We had ZONE COMFERENCE!!!

I LOVED IT. (It was a really spiritual time for me, but also cause I got to see my BFF Hna orellana and we played all day long HOLLA!!! ) anyways, The trainings were SOOOOO good. My favorites were on testimony, and change. They were soooo meant for Hermana Eastwood. I love the quote by Jeffrey r holland in the talk lord I believe, that says, "keep the ground you've already won, even if that ground is limited."

I know I will never know everything, and  we never will. And I know we all have doubts, but I know God has a plan for each and every one of us, we need to trust him. I know he will take what we know, and help us. I am so grateful to be a missionary, and to be his instrument, to be able to do his work and help his children :) 

HYRUM GOT BAPTIZED. Heessss sooooo darling! Here's the most awkward picture you'll ever see. Even Hispanic kids don't smile. But man it was so fun! I love this family so much,he's Viviana's youngest son! We were able to teach him, everything and he got baptized on Saturday:) him and his family are some of the sweetest people I've ever met. I'm so grateful to be serving here :)  

Here's some things also:

I need to live in El Salvador cause papusas and horchata.

Teaching The 10 commandments to an 8 year old

"K this means when you're married, only kiss your wife."

"AH now you're talking about nasty stuff!"

On Saturday I really needed chocolate so we went to Dairy Queen and ordered ice cream and the guy gave me it for free! Blessings. 

Okay wellll, hasta luego

Happy Mother's Day!!

If your life as a missionary is not crazy, you're not doing it right. 

We worked real hard this week, man we are so tired all the time!

Hermana James and I are doing really good, I love her so much. We have so much fun together and we work really hard and well together! Her Spanish is so good and I'm so blessed to have her as my companion:) I even got my first Mother's Day card from her!:) 

We went contacting and knocking a lot this week. And we were blessed. Not because we found a lot of solid people, [ though we did find a few diamonds in the rough though :) ] 

the blessing was that we were happy. It was Wednesday I believe that we had knocked on everyone's door FOR DAYS and no one wanted to listen. It wasn't until dinner time when the members asked how our day was when we realized what had happened, that no one wanted to hear our message. I believe God really helped us that day to not be discouraged, cause we were just so happy that day!!

That same thing happened again on Friday, except we contacted a potential the hermanas had met in the fall. Miguel, he is soooo interested! We taught him the restoration and he loved it! He invited us to eat lunch at his work and we can teach him more there haha and he said he would ask his boss to get Sunday's off so he can come to church, cause he's realizing life is not all about work and money. He's very prepared and we are so excited for him!(: 

All our appointments that night(Friday) fell through, so another potential we went and contacted! He wasn't home, but his daughter was home and she was soooo nice. We will go back this week to visit with the dad who is so nice as well (: 

It's cool to see how when we are diligently working and finding, God is with us and blesses us in more ways than just leading us To those who are ready, he can bless us with the spirit and feelings of happiness and joy, knowing we are in his work :) 

I know this is Gods work. I know he listens to us and hears our cries for help, and I know he answers our prayers.

I am so grateful for my sweet family, It was so fun to see them this last Sunday. I know families can be together forever, and That knowledge makes me so happy.

I am grateful for this time I get to give all I have to the Lord and share my testimony and His gospel! 

This is our picnic when we don't have time for lunch so we eat while we wait for the bus :):)

LOVE YALL.

Hermana Eastwood