Week 73: Now I Feel Like A Fit Pillsbury Dough Boy

1) Do you hear from any of your former companions, ever? Do you keep in contact with them?

2) Are you opposed completely from a Valentine's package?  I know you said no more treats.  But I feel like a "bad missionary mom" if I don't do something.

3) Do you read exclusively from the Book of Mormon in your scripture study, or do you mix up your studies and cover all scripture by studying topically?

4) How is the winter there?  Colder, snowier, wetter, etc than last winter?  are you holding up OK?

5) How is your health holding up?  Anything unusual?

1. I do every once in a while. My past companions that are still in the mission send me their weekly emails so that's fun. 
2. I'm not entirely opposed, I just don't know what you'd put in it....because the only thing you could send that would be used before I go home is food. But I don't think I need any of that. And anything else would just be more stuff to get home or leave behind. I've tried thinking of something I could use but I literally can't think of anything...sorry.
3. For me, personally, what I do is I begin my hour of personal study by reading the Book of Mormon for 10 minutes, and then I study out of Preach My Gospel (the missionary guide) for 10 minutes--I'm studying it from front to back, or at least that was the original idea but it's pretty slow going because I only have ten minutes--and then I study a Christlike attribute for 10 minutes. The last 30 minutes I use to study for investigators, so I'll use Preach My Gospel, the New and Old Testaments, the Book of Mormon, True to the Faith, the Bible Dictionary/the index/the Guide to the Scriptures, etc. It all kind of depends on the needs of the people we're teaching that day. I'm trying to read through the New Testament, but it's pretty slow going because one hour just isn't enough ever.
4. The winter this year is much milder than last year. There have been a couple single digit days but not many. And it isn't that snowy either. Today it was actually sprinkling/misting rain. I'm doing fine though. I'm pretty much prepared for anything so I just take what we get because the weather doesn't affect much of the work of salvation. The only reason it would is if it's below zero degrees (F) without windchill. Then we're not allowed to go out. Which makes me wonder how people in Russia or Mongolia or other really cold places ever get anything done...maybe we're all just super wimpy here or something.
5. Health wise I'm doing fine I think. About three times a week we work out with one of the sisters in one of the wards so this is probably the best shape I've been in my whole mission. I still have weird back issues at times, but it's just soreness. None of that crazy I-can't-move-ness so that's good. Plus I've been really trying to get my 5 fruits/veggies every day and drinking more water. A couple times I actually got 8 glasses and I was SO proud of myself. Because that's the hardest part of Fit for the Kingdom for me. (For those who aren't aware, Fit for the Kingdom is our mission "diet". We get points if we meet certain parts and if you get over 400 points for the transfer then you get a gift card to Subway, or something like that. Trust me, I've not gotten close to that yet but I am improving and that's what really matters, right? I'm just building healthy habits for the rest of my life. haha)

Wow I don't even know where to begin this week. SO MUCH HAPPENED. And since I've been pretty skimpy on the emails as of late (sorry) I'll try to give you a summary of the highlights of each day:

MONDAY

Okay so a lot happened but nothing worth noting this day. haha we're just building up the suspense here, okay.

TUESDAY

A sister invited us over for lunch so we visited her. Every time we visit she always gives us something random to take with us. This week it was tights, hand sanitizer, a heat compress, face wash, bowls and salt & pepper shakers. haha she's so great. 

We also knocked a lot of doors, which we haven't really done since I got here the beginning of December. Oh man it was so great. I've missed knocking doors. Every door is like a wild card, a surprise. We had some pretty funny/interesting encounters with people closing the door as they talked with us until it was maybe a quarter of an inch wide. One man we talked to did that and then, when we asked him his name, he took one look at us and closed the door. Another woman, when we asked if Maria and Reyna live there, told us that they didn't. We asked her name and she said "Reyna". haha man I just love people. They're so great. It's something that has really helped me to stay positive throughout my mission, because normally when we knock doors, we have experiences with people slamming the door in our face or telling us to go away or something. But it's easier to stay positive if you look for the good in those situations. And you know, someday those people will come round and they'll have true, lasting happiness and peace.

Also taught English class. We worked with Pablo, one of our investigators. He knows about five words/phrases in Spanish, so we went over the alphabet with him again. Oh man, I don't know why but it sure is fun. It's also really hard to say the alphabet in English now, it's been so long.

WEDNESDAY

Oh boy, was this a good day! Instead of our normal district meeting, we got to watch a Worldwide Missionary Broadcast with some of the Apostles and other General Authorities. It was truly amazing. For those who are interested, we have approximately 75,000 full-time missionaries now, serving in over 400 missions. How crazy is that?! Oh man, it was just so marvelous. I was able to receive a lot of revelation that I know is going to help me endure to the end with joy.

That evening we were able to teach a less-active sister in one of the wards. We just stopped by and she let us in, and I think it truly was led by the Spirit. We were able to have a really powerful lesson with her, that I honestly don't think Elders could have had--we discussed our divine nature as daughters of God and helped her recognize how she can have the Spirit more in her life. We're also going to be visiting her again this evening and I am very excited to help this daughter of God come even closer to Christ.

THURSDAY

Two of our investigators had their baptismal interviews and they passed with flying colors. Our district leader was actually in tears because he was so touched by this hermana's humility. Man I love these two. They'll be baptized this coming Saturday at 6 pm. They are such an inspiration to me. When I grow up, I want to be as humble as the G. family.

Also had dinner with a recent convert and his wife (she was already a member): the Hartung's. They are so much fun! They took us out to eat at a Thai restaurant (also delicious) and man, I just love being around them. They're so down to earth and humble. Unfortunately they're moving to Arizona soon so we don't get to be with them for much longer.

We had about 30 minutes before we had to leave our area for exchanges and we had some tracting (knocking doors) in the plans. That morning we had picked streets to knock and we'd both felt one of the same ones, along with some others. I knew that we'd both felt that one for a reason so we went and the very first door we knocked on we didn't even get around to knocking! A man opened the door as we walked up (he was waiting for someone else, but still) and we taught him a little about what we teach and he expressed interest in learning more! We set up a return appt for Tuesday (tomorrow) and we're excited to teach him the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! Inspired tracting: I love it.

FRIDAY

We were on exchanges and I got to be with my MTC companion, Hermana Capps. What made it even better was that she came here, which is one of her past areas! It was definitely inspired to have our exchange when we did (it was planned approximately one day in advance as opposed to at least a week, which is more normal) because we were able to visit some of the people that Hermana Capps taught while she was here and it was perfect! We had an awesome lesson with her convert, Gonzalo, as well as a lesson with an investigator couple (Samuel and Imelda) that she found. With Samuel and Imelda, we knelt and he offered the prayer, asking very sincerely if this is the path that God wants for him. It was amazing. Plus, they fed us tamales and mexican hot chocolate afterwards. haha score! (But the main reason it was awesome was the lesson, not the food, I promise.)

Also that day, we had to get gas but our receipt didn't print so we had to go inside to get it and we ended up teaching the cashier for about five minutes! Definitely not a coincidence people. As an hermana in my last area always said, "No hay casualidades". Y es la verdad.

SATURDAY

Had a meeting with Bishop Malley (Sycamore ward) and Brother McConkie, our ward mission leader, plus Brother Hartung (a ward missionary) and the elders that morning. We got to eat breakfast (Sis Malley is a fantastic cook....) and then discussed the work of salvation in this area. Bishop Malley is awesome, though very intense about everything, which is somewhat intimidating at times. But Brother McConkie is basically an angel and he just knows exactly when we need a bit of an explanative pick-me-up. The work truly is hastening.

Due to the meeting, we started our studies about an hour later than normal, and then we got a call during our language study saying that Jose and Ida (my investigators from Rochelle) were getting married in approximately two hours. EXCUSE ME?! So we were like, alright keep us posted and we'll be where we need to be when we need to be there. Later, we get a call saying Jose and Ida are at the church right now, but we were the closest ones to them (everyone else was in Rochelle--everyone else being the Rochelle Hermanas and Branch President Walters). So we run to the church and let the family in. The Rochelle hermanas get their soon and then we find out that President W has been detained--one of his locksmith jobs was going to take four times longer than expected, so he wouldn't be there for an hour, maybe an hour and a half. So we sent everybody else to go get lunch while Hermana Albrechtsen and I decorated a little bit. Luckily, Sister Owens, who runs the family history center, was there so she helped us out and it turned out pretty lovely. It's amazing what you can find in an LDS church building as far as decorations go. Eventually, everybody who needed to be there was in the same room and they were officially married. So cool. It was a little weird because apparently they had decided the night before that this was going to happen--and one of the Primary girls from our ward was getting baptized at about the same time so there was a bit of confusion--but it all worked out! haha I love those two and I am so happy for them.

Also had a great finding lesson with a member family, the Henricksen Family, in Dekalb. We taught about our mission vision--1000 baptisms in our mission in the year 2016--in relation to Lehi's vision at the beginning of the Book of Mormon. As we taught, Sis Henricksen told us that she had a coworker that we should go visit. Well, one thing led to another and right after dinner we followed her to his house and knocked on his door. It was awesome! He was ready to let us teach him before he even knew what we were going to teach him about! He is so prepared. We just taught him on the doorstep for a few minutes but we were able to set up an appt for this coming Wednesday at a time when Sis Henrickson and his whole family will be there. The vision is truly coming alive before our very eyes. And get this: he offered to feed us. Wow. Just, wow.

SUNDAY

Saturday night we had gotten a call from an unknown number and, come to find out, it was Howie A (from my first area in Normal)! He and his wife were passing through Sunday and wanted to stop in and see us both. Man I love those two so much. They also brought up a pan of cinnamon rolls. (They know us so well.) haha

Also, Saul and Francisca and Diego were all at church, plus Samuel and Imelda. Saul and Francisca were totally fellowshipping Samuel and Imelda--they're just too perfect. Also, Saul gave the lesson in Gospel Principles (he's not even a member yet people). Samuel shared a very sweet  thought/testimony at the end of our class, and Imelda seemed to enjoy herself too. Our Spanish group is getting pretty strong here; I love it. I love these people so much. I truly am so blessed to be serving as an Hermana in the Sycamore-Dekalb area of the Illinois Chicago West Mission. 

I have learned so much and I continue to learn and grow everyday. I am definitely not the same person that I was just 17 months ago, for which I am eternally grateful. I know that the Lord is hastening His work. This is the truth. There is no other organization or group of people on the earth that have the very authority of God to perform ordinances of salvation--for the living and the dead--and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He stands at the head of His Church, and at the side of His disciples. Each of us has the potential, as children of God, to bear the name of Christ and share His restored gospel with all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples. It is a privilege to be a full-time representative of Jesus Christ. I know that I am nothing; as to my own strength I am weak. But I truly can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Alma 26:12; Phil 4:13) This is the Church and Gospel of Jesus Christ, which were lost from the earth for nearly 2000 years. But God has not abandoned us; He has not ceased to speak to the children of men. He truly has restored His priesthood authority through a young man, even a prophet of the Lord, Joseph Smith. He truly did see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that spring morning in 1820, in a forest in upstate New York. I know it, and I know that God knows that I know it, and I cannot deny it. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and is another testament of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Together with the Bible, each of us may know the doctrine of salvation that we may inherit eternal life. All of this knowledge and even more is available to every child of God, if he or she will but ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true (Moroni 10:4). I know that He is your Father, and He will answer your sincere prayer, if you will but ask with real intent, believing that you will receive. Of this I testify, as a set apart representative of my Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, in His name, Amen.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

Fotos:

 1. With Gonzalo, Hermana Capps' convert here in Sycamore. He was overjoyed to see her again. I imagine that's what it'll be like in the spirit world, except probably even better. (:

 2. At the end of exchanges....it's super dark, sorry. haha but it was 8 o' clock at night. We do what we can, but we're only missionaries.

 3. Me with Jose and Ida at their wedding. (It wasn't even planned, but I totally match the colors we picked out for them...) They were so thrilled. And don't they look lovely!

4. Us with the Albrechtsens. It was so fun to see them again! They said when I come back to visit I can stay with them. haha I love them so much.

5. Got our hairs cut today. I love that members are willing to do that for us, for free. Even if we just used a garbage bag as a cape. haha it was definitely worth it. And doesn't my hair just look lovely....haha ah well. You know, you just stop caring after a while. Because there are more important things than how your hair looks--like the salvation of souls.

Week 72 This Tranfer's Theme: It's Just Too Much!

5 Questions:

1) When you have to speak in church as a missionary, do you have a "go to" topic you like to use? What is it? Or do the bishoprics give you a topic like regular?

2) I know you said not to send any more candies, or treats, but don't you want one last package for Valentine's Day?  Does Sister Albrechtsen. have any favorite treats?

3) How was the wedding this weekend?  Any good stories?

4) Annika Jaccard. got home last week, but I haven't seen her.  I was thinking about popping over to her family's home just to give her a hug in person.  Any message?

5) I have to teach on the Plan of Salvation in February to all the YW.  Any bonus hints you might suggest?

1. So far, I've been given a topic usually. I think I've only been allowed to pick maybe once. So I don't really have a go-to topic.

2. Her favorite is Reese's.

3. It was amazing! Wow, first off, the ward here is just phenomenal. We set up for the wedding Friday night and it was lovely. As for stories, Diego, the 7 year old son of the newly wed couple, almost walked out just before the actual ceremony because he had to go to the bathroom. haha luckily we got him back in before it got too far along.

4. Just tell her I love her!

5. Um......use Preach My Gospel? That's about as simple as it gets....haha sorry I'm not more help.

Well, I don't have much to say this week. I'm staying here in Sycamore-Dekalb with Hermana Albrechtsen--she's going to have killed both of her trainers. I am so blessed to get to be here for another six weeks. The people that we are teaching here are just amazing. The members are awesome. And Hermana Albrechtsen is wonderful. I'm excited to continue to learn and to grow with her here in Sycamore-Dekalb.

Something I learned this week was to appreciate the Spirit in my life. One day, the only homes we made it into was members' homes. And yet there was such a difference between homes of how you felt inside. One was a sister who is going through some medical issues and has a rough past, and at least this time always seemed to be bringing up hard times she's been through. Her husband isn't a member, and for some reason neither of us could feel the Spirit in that lesson, though I think it had more to do with something that happened before we went in, though we never did figure out what it was. And later we visited a less active family whose daughter was recently baptized. And it was so contentious in the home that it was really hard to teach. After we left neither of us felt at ease. Then we had a dinner appointment and we both thought it would be a respite compared to the rest of the day, but it still wasn't super peaceful. After that we stopped by our ward mission leader's home to counsel with him and his wife. Both of us were feeling confused and exhausted and we just needed some guidance. We both also got blessings of comfort and counsel. 

I truly am so grateful for the priesthood that has been restored. I know that Jesus Christ is the source of this power and authority. He gave it to his 12 Apostles during His earthly ministry, but after their deaths, there was no one who had the permission of God to perform ordinances and blessings, until Peter, James and John appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith, almost 2000 years later, to give him the same priesthood authority that Christ Himself had given them. It is such a blessing to have that power on the earth once more so that we can be sealed to our families not "until death do you part" but for time and all eternity. It is also a blessing to have it in our every day lives and be able to rely on priesthood holders, who worthily exercise their faith and authority for the benefit of others, whether it be through blessings of healing or ordinances such as baptism. I know that this power is real. It's healed me physically and emotionally and mentally more times that I can count. I know with all my heart that it is this priesthood power and authority, which all of God's prophets have had, that sets apart the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from all the rest. It is by that priesthood power--God's power--that a person can be baptized and truly receive a remission of their sins, because only God can forgive sins. Money won't give you a remission of your sins; only a broken heart and a contrite spirit, when you make a covenant with your God that you will always remember Christ, that you'll take His name upon you, and that you'll keep His commandments. Then and only then is His promise fulfilled--that He will forgive us of our sins, that we will be born again, and that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I know that these things are true, and I know that any person can come to feel and know their truthfulness, if they are willing to pay the price of divine knowledge.

I love my Savior, and I am privileged to be His representative here in Sycamore-Dekalb. I know that the work we do as missionaries--18, 19, 20, and 21 year olds--is the work of salvation. Everyday we go out and we offer everyone we see the opportunity to inherit eternal life. Because God works by two laws: mercy and justice. And it is through divine ordinances, and our own personal enduring to the end, that both of those laws may be fulfilled and we may feel at home in our heavenly home once more. I know all these things because I have read the Book of Mormon and pondered on its words, and asked God the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ if it is true, along with all the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which I am blessed to teach every day for 18 months. If you yourself do not have a knowledge of these things--if you do not know that these are true nor false, I invite you to find out. I know that they are true. And you may know if you will show your faith and read, ponder, and pray. It's as simple as one, two, three. Because God loves you and wants you to know what is true. That's it.

Love, Hermana DeBuck

1. nice zone foto: E. Trappett, Hadlock, Hibbard, Frark, Hastings, Clark, Weigel, McNatt. H. Webb, Henricksen, Albrechtsen, DeBuck, Beuhner, Osborne, S. Smith, Seyfi, Waters, Smith.

 

 2. "serious" district photo. (I just can't do serious, people...)

3. photo via my best friend from Japan (we know where he lives...)

4. Found this in a diner, and thought of Dad and Cameron.

 

5. The diner we ate at, in downtown Sycamore. Checking things off the before-I-die bucket list, one P-day at a time... (:

6. all the sisters in the Rockford South zone (Sis Smith, Sis Waters, Hna Beuhner, Hna Osborne, Hna Webb, Hna Henricksen. Sis Smith, Sis Seyfi, Hna Albrechtsen, me.) [I feel like I'm always on the end
somehow...]

 

7. Funny zone foto #1

 

8. Funny zone foto #2

9. district photo: Hna Albrechtsen, me (not on the end this time!), Hna Henricksen, Hna Webb. Elder Frark, E. Hibbard, E. Clark, E. Wiegel, E. Trappett, E. Hadlock

 

10. decorating the cake for the wedding
 

11. us and Francisca and Saul. I LOVE THEM.
 

12. everybody at the wedding. I think. (back row: Sis McConkie. behind the piano, Gonzalo Pizzaro, Megan (friend of Francisca), Loni Williamson, Francisca Freeman, Anabel (friend of Francsica), Francisca, Saul, Presidente Garza, Miguel (Saul's uncle), Brother Briscoe, Pablo, Javier G., front row: me, H. Albrechtsen, Diego (son of couple), Emma, James, Rosemary, Elizabeth, Christian and Brother McConkie.)
 

13. us and the cake...

 

 14. the weather on Sunday morning....this is what I'm living through...

 

Week 71: I Almost Didn't Send This Email

Questions:
1- what kind of training did you have that you got to visit with Brother Howie from normal? He messaged me that he got to see you.
2- how is the training going for Hermana Albrechtsen?
3- when is the next transfer? Do you think you'll stay put?
4- are you still liking your mini iPad? Is your keyboard case working right?
5- how are your promising investigators progressing?

1. We had new missionary training last week. The Elders that are in my first area are also a trainer-trainee companionship (the trainee was actually in Hermana Albrechtsen's MTC district) and Brother Albrechtsen had driven them up because he's just amazing like that. haha it was so good to talk to him and the Elders actually. I found out from my trainer a bit ago that someone we'd taught was baptized and when I asked the Elders about it they said they met with her on Monday and she told them she wanted to be baptized on Wednesday. So they made it happen. So cool! Man, I love that area. I may not have baptized anyone while I was there, but I feel that I've at least played a part in a few of the baptisms that have happened. I know I've made a difference in those people's lives and they sure have impacted mine.
2. I think it's going well. She hardly even needs training, she's so great. And we can't believe it's almost over! This is the last week of the 12 Week program for us. We're pretty excited because we get to watch ALL of the district. Movie night! (Just kidding, it's totally for training purposes. But we still love it.)
3. Next transfer is next week. We find out this Saturday what's going on. And yes, I think I'm stay. We're hoping and praying that we both stay actually. That would be the dream.
4. Yeah, it's good. I admit, it's grown on me. It's super useful, especially for missionary work. Yesterday we had a member with us who just got back from his mission a few months ago and he's pretty jealous that we get to carry around our entire Area Book with us, everywhere we go. (The paper Area Books are like a two inch binder and they're SUPER heavy....)
5. Oh man. They're amazing. Did I tell you they paid tithing last week? (I suspect it was supposed to be fast offerings, but they paid it all the same! There were some great testimonies on tithing and it really impacted them I think.) They're also getting married THIS SATURDAY. Oh man. I am SO excited. Wedding number three for this hermana. But this one will be a lot more low key (not put on by a Spanish branch, and put on for a very humble reserved couple.) It's going to be great. They'll be baptized the 30th of this month as well. They're excited. We're excited. The ward's excited. Everyone's excited. (: This area is amazing.

As far as news, I haven't got much. I'm nearing the end of my service as a full-time missionary, but I know there are many miracles to come. I've got some repenting to do *cough*journal*cough* but I know that "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven". We washed and vacuumed our car today, even though it's about 15 degrees Fahrenheit (excluding windchill...). I think the guy manning the car wash thought we were crazy, but we are obedient and we will be blessed.

Oh there is this tidbit: we've been assigned Jose and Ida, my two investigators from Rochelle. Jose is taking a 6 week long class in Chicago Heights and Ida is staying with her daughter during the week while Jose is away and her daughter lives in Dekalb. So we're suddenly in charge of their teaching until further notice. It's kind of really confusing actually. But I'm excited. We're going to visit Ida tomorrow. They're also getting baptized the 30th of this month and need to get married before then. But at least both of our couples have marriage licenses so it's really not that hard....it's just coordinating everything. Man. I love this week. It's so rewarding.

It's been a great week of achieving our goals and I'm looking forward to reaching new heights. The vision truly has been raised by the Lord and I know He will qualify us as we submit our will to His. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, and through Him we truly can do all things--even miracles, if it so be His will for us and for those in our care. I know that this is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives, and He has not forsaken us. He has called a prophet on the earth today, who has the authority to say "Thus saith the Lord..." because he speaks with the Lord and literally knows the words of the Lord as He speaks today. Miracles have not ceased. The heavens are not sealed. I am a representative of Jesus Christ Himself, and as such I invite all to learn of the message of joy which I share and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if this message is not true. I testify that God answers the prayers of those who have a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ. All people everywhere may gain a divine witness that the Book of Mormon is in fact another testament of Jesus Christ, that Joseph Smith is God's prophet of this dispensation, and that the Church that was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith is indeed the Church of Jesus Christ in these latter days. Will you put God to the test and ask Him for yourself if these things are not true?

Love, Hermana DeBuck

 

Week 37: Hermana Hunsaker & I Are Like An Old Married Couple, Apparently

5 Questions:

1) Did you get any of the severe weather this weekend?  Looked like big thunderstorms were heading toward northern Illinois.  I was worried bout tornadoes, but didn't hear of any.

2) Whatever happened with the third hermana in your apartment at transfers?

3) Tell us about your new bonus companion--where is she from?  How long has she been out?  How is the tri-panionship working?

4) Have you ever thought you'd extend your mission?  Is it too early to ask that?

5) Hows' the local investigator pool?  Growing, I hope!

1. No.... I think we had some wind but that's actually pretty normal.  So I was told before I began my mission that the reason Chicago is called the Windy City is because of the politics--well that may be
true but now I'm here and it's actually really pretty windy too.... I think we had some rain too but that's about it. Last weekend was worse weather than this weekend. We haven't heard anything about tornadoes so if there were any, it didn't affect us.

2. Um, she's here....oh, do you mean furniture and stuff? Well, it's all good. We actually ended up getting an actual bed the very first day so no one had to sleep on an air mattress (Hna Hunsaker was
disappointed), and then two days later, on Thursday, we got a desk and a dresser too. So it's all good. And this apartment is huge so everything fits well without making us feel too squished. And
showering in the morning is actually better than I thought. I go last every day (I like being last) and the other two just shower somewhat quickly, occasionally one at night, and it all works out--we don't get any extra time in the morning even though we have an extra companion. But it's all good.

3. Okay, so our new companion is Hermana Lunt. She's from Arizona, and she's actually been out 10 months--same as Hermana Hunsaker's total from Peru and here--but she's only been a Spanish missionary for about a month. She was companions with Hermana Capps, my CCM companion, and
they were in a zebra companionship (one English, one Spanish). Then when Hna Capps left, Hna Lunt got another Spanish Hna and I guess President Fenn called them at some point to see if Hna Lunt wanted to be a Spanish Hna and she said yes. So we're helping her with her Spanish and it's so fun! haha it makes me feel a bit like a trainer but I think it comes without all the stress of being a real trainer.

She's actually really good with Spanish; she understands pretty much everything, but just can't speak a ton yet. But she is improving by leaps and bounds every day. The only weird ish thing is teaching in a trio, because you don't want anyone to not be talking enough so we have to really work hard to teach with unity. Well, not really super hard because we all get a long really well and have a good time and teach well together, but it's just an added layer of something you need to be aware of. But it's good. haha if I'm completely honest, being in a trio was the one thing I prayed to never have happen to me on my mission. And, here I am. haha so far, so good. It's an adventure every day, but it's worth every minute. (: haha the other thing is trying to figure out bikes.....so here's the thing: we actually have 4 bikes (the 2 we use actually belong to elders but we're borrowing them) but the bike rack on the car will only hold two bikes. So we called Elder Hall in the mission office, he's the vehicle coordinator, last Monday, and he said he would work on getting us one for three--the mission doesn't have any available so they'll have to buy one. So we don't know how long that will take. Then the other problem is the bus. They only have a rack for two bikes as well, and we asked about bringing a third on the bus, and they said no. So.... we're not sure exactly what will happen now. Walking is NOT viable because it takes FOREVER. We threw around the idea of buying a Razor scooter (Hna Hunasker was ALL for that idea, haha) but it probably isn't very missionary appropriate. We actually figured out a plan where we can make three bikes work, even without the new bike rack, but it just takes a lot of planning. But it's so much better than walking, so: vale la pena.

4. I've thought about it, yes. Of course I'd love to because I love being a missionary. But my understanding was that it had to be for a very specific purpose. But I don't actually know. I do know that the mission president has to approve it, and maybe it has to come originally from him, I dunno. I'll have to ask Presidente Fenn about it next time I have an interview. I get the feeling it isn't very
likely to happen because I've killed two companions and been around many that go home and they all LOVE being a missionary, so I feel like they would have asked to extend but since they didn't, I imagine it's difficult to get an extension. I have received more light and knowledge: you can extend for 30 days, but you do need mission president permission.

5. It's doing alright here. We haven't been able to do a ton of finding lately so we don't have many new investigators. We're kind of working on cleaning out the pool so that we actually have people that want to progress. Speaking of.....

ANA AND LEO ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!! YAAAAAHOOOOOOO! Man. So here's the story: 

Background: Ana and Leo have been investigating the church for about a year now. Their two kids, Heidi and Chris, were just baptized in February (I think) and they're two of the greatest kids I've ever met.  I love them so much. Ana has told the hermanas that if she could get married today, she would get baptized tomorrow. She really loves the Gospel, and she's basically a member--she just doesn't have a record. haha. The hold up has been that Leo wouldn't marry her. But, I guess, after coming to two weddings in about a month, maybe five weeks, they've decided to get married! We were by the branch Presidente's (because they had donuts) and then Heidi told us and the general vicinity that on the way to church today her dad said he would marry her mom. Hna Hunsaker and I were both like "WHAT?" I think my heart stopped for a moment. When she told us, her parents were in a meeting with Presidente Montecino. So instead of going to third hour on time, we waited to see what would happen... (I don't normally do things like that, but I think this time was okay....haha) Eventually, Chris and Heidi were called into the office too, so then we were waiting with baited breath for a little bit. A short time later, the door opened again and Heidi came running out, almost screaming, "THEY'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Oh man. We were so excited we were almost crying/passing out. haha we had to sit down. Then Ana and Leo came out and Ana was crying and then we were all almost crying. Man. It was one of the greatest moments of my life....I'm so happy for them. The date they picked is in September, but it's a date with meaning for them so we can't really be too upset. Now I'm REALLY hoping that I get to stay in Bloomingdale for six months like I did in Bloomington....man. I'm so excited for them. Just thinking about it makes me happy (:

The only other things that are notable enough that I can remember them are as follows:
1. On Saturday Clarita (our investigator) and Omar (a member) got married. Woohoo! I'm still not a huge fan of Mexican weddings as a missionary, but this one was better because we got to help serve the food so we weren't in the same room as the music the whole time.

However, when we were in there I literally sat right in front of the speaker. Oh man. I thought my ears were bleeding. My poor stereocilia....

2. Had a bit of a scare Saturday night and thought I'd slipped a disc in my back. But it's all good and nothing is actually wrong. I just need to work on sitting up straighter in lessons and I prayers,
instead of almost bending in half.

3. On Thursday, we had to walk for a while (about an hour) and then it started to drizzle a bit and this random guy pulled up into a driveway in front of us, got out of his car and gave us a couple of umbrellas. Wow. So cool. And then, it was even better because his name was Juan, we're pretty sure he was Latino (I think he had that disorder where the skin loses its pigment because he was whiter than me, but had a Spanish accent in his English) and the umbrellas he gave us were from a Mexican store named La Rosita. Oh man. It was awesome. Made the day.

4. Yesterday we ended up teaching a man who basically laid out his beliefs and told us that all churches have some truth but no one has everything. And, I seem to have developed into quite the bold missionary--I think you'd be surprised--and I was able to testify that I know the whole and complete truth of the one true and living God is in fact on the earth today. Man. It was so amazing, because I could feel the spirit so strongly. If he felt even a portion of what I felt, I'm content. He admitted after I asked him to that he hadn't asked God if the entire truth is on the earth and we committed him to do so. It was one of the more interesting lessons of my mission but it's one I
want to remember forever.

This is the reason I love being a missionary: I feel the spirit so strongly when I testify of what I know is true. And I know that they must feel at least a portion of that same spirit that I feel. I know the the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through the boy Prophet Joseph Smith. I know the he translated the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ through the gift and power of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of God and that he speaks for God on the earth today. Most of all, I know that Jesus of Galilea is my Lord and Savior, and that He paid the price for each and every one of my sins; he satisfied the demands of justice that I may claim mercy through His Atonement and His Gospel. I know that my Heavenly Father lives and He loves me, and He wants me to return to live with Him after this life. I know that it is possible through the merits, the mercy, and the grace of Jesus Christ after all I can do that I will be saved. And because I know all this, I want to share it with the rest of God's children, because I know that eternal life is available to each and every one of us. I love this Gospel and He who gave it to us. I know He lives. And I know He will do everything He can to help me,  if I will just let Him in.

Love you all. Don't forget to read your Book of Mormon today--and everyday.
Love,
Hermana DeBuck

Week 34: Puedo tener parte de su cara?

5 Questions:

1) Will you please take some pictures of you and your companion?  We'd like to see what she looks like.

2) How did the wedding & baptisms go?

3) Did I tell you that Brytni B. was called to Nauvoo for her mission?  She spoke today--her farewell--and enters the MTC on Wednesday.

4) Any last minute advise to give Cameron for his AP Calc test?  It is the 5th of May.

5) Do you need anything else for the spring.summer?  Clothes wise, or anything else?

1. Yes. Lucky for you we already did that this weekend, so I'll attach them at the end of the email.

2. Splendidly! Man, this was probably the best weekend of my entire life....up to this point and probably forever. Why? Well...I'll explain at the end of the email. (: 

3. I think you did tell me, but I'd forgotten, so that's cool! Grandma's letter this week said cousin Jeremiah got his call too, to the Philippines (?) I believe. That's so sweet! He's gonna make an awesome missionary. Same will Brytni.

4. Review, review, review. And practice, practice, practice. "The Holy Ghost can't bring to your remembrance something that you've never learned." I'm a believer that one reason I did so well on tests was because I did my part to learn and to study, and then kept up my habits of scripture study and prayer, and the Holy Ghost was able to "enlighten" my mind and help me remember what I had studied. No joke. It's a real thing.

5. Clothes, no. I've come to the conclusion that I have/had WAY too many articles of clothing. So I'll be sending a box home soon (hopefully) and I don't think I will ever need more while on my mission. Of course I like having more options (who doesn't) but they're not necessary and who wants to lug it all around the state of Illinois? Not me--with my luck/blessing, I'll probably get sent to Beloit next. (;

However, I do have a request of sorts for summer/my birthday: so Hna Hunsaker is from Orem, right, and therefore we have both frequented many of the same places (when I say many, I mean a few really). Anyway, the point is she has these super cute shoes that she says are the most comfortable ever, and I was thinking that might be good actually because the walking shoes I have from the Sister Missionary Mall aren't the best thing to walk around all day in (the black pair always makes me roll my ankle...) So I was wondering if you could look into a pair for me. She said she got them at a store in Provo called "Modern Shoe" (I feel like we may have gone there last summer, you and I, momma). I'll just take a picture of her shoes and send it because I won't do a fantastic job of describing them. [She told me the style is called "Cobb Hill", and the brand is "New Style"] I dunno what color options are gonna be available, but if they've got black, that would be my first choice.

That is my final answer.

Grandma asked about the apartment here, so I'll attach some pictures of it too. It's a pretty nice apartment actually. We even have a balcony. (: The building used to be a 70s motel I guess, so it doesn't feel so much like a stinky apartment.

For some reason, 

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BROTHER!! What the junk, you're 18 years old (in two days). Who said that was okay....? I wish I could sing to you through email because I learned the Mexican birthday song from my last companion. And I'm sure you would just LOVE it.... haha but hey. For reals. Happy birthday. Don't forget to open your gift from me. And if you really loved me, you'd write me an email about your day/week/life. You know, the usual thing siblings do for their sister on a mission.

Finalmente, before I talk about my week, I meant to say this last (?) week: Happy anniversary padres! Love you a million Swedish fish.

So. To explain why this weekend was the best of my entire mortal existence:

Friday we have the car. And usually it's a pretty jam packed day because it's a lot easier to get to different places. But this Friday wasn't so jam packed. It was kind of weird actually. Our planned member present lessons fell through (we've not been doing so well with member presents because we dropped basically all the people we could teach in the morning, which is when the majority of the members are available) so we were trying our best to have something and eventually it paid off: we met with one of our investigators, Luis, who has cancer. And he almost accepted a baptismal date. We think he's totally "golden" he just doesn't know it yet. So we had a fantastic lesson with him and with a member, Hermana Fabiola. And then we finally met with Juan and Jovita--we still had to teach a few principles before their baptism Sunday morning and it definitely wasn't going to happen on Saturday. And here's the catch: Juan talks a TON. And Hna Fabiola is quite the chatterbox too. And it was the last hour of the day so we had to be pretty concise about it. We couldn't start right away because we were taking care of some things for the wedding so they were in the middle of the conversation when we were ready to begin. And neither of us hermanas are good at interrupting politely. So we had to bide our time until the opportunity arose--and then we snatched it and got started. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with the ability I've gained to interrupt politely. Still not fantastic at it, but I've definitely improved.

Then Saturday was the wedding. Wow. Mexican weddings are something else.....I don't even have the words to describe it. It was also kind of terrible because they were playing American music with Spanish lyrics--so it was very easy to tell what song it was, which is awful as a missionary. Man. I don't want to repeat that experience on my mission. But, it was also really good because we met some new people and finally got to do service; oh and Juan and Jovita were legally and lawfully wedded! So they could now be baptized! Woo! haha it was really good though. Hno Torres was the only hermano dancing, and man was it entertaining. I love Hno Torres... We also helped serve the wedding cake--sometimes it's still weird to me that you actuallly cut the wedding cake because I feel like you only ever see them whole, and in one piece, with no one eating it....but yeah. So the wedding was really good. It didn't end until after our pumpkin time though so we couldn't help clean up....man our members here are SO good to us. I love them all.

Then Sunday, we had to be at the church at 8 (the elders filled up the font for us, otherwise we would've had to be there at 7:15 or so...) in order to make sure everything was ready and good to go. Juan and Jovita got there around 8 too which was great (it was when we had told them to come) but there was one hitch: there wasn't any white ropa. ....uh oh. The only jumpsuits we had were for ninos, so that wasn't going to fly. So we basically had to wait for 45 minutes for the ropa to get there--it had been taken home to be washed we finally figured out. Oh man. Kind of nerve wracking. But hey, it was all good in the end. The ordinance was performed--my very first one!--and the service was great. Then in sacrament meeting, they were confirmed! WOO! haha maybe it's a little prideful of me, but: MY VERY FIRST CONVERTS!! Wow. Such a good day. I admit, I was pretty wiped out from the weekend in general and was almost falling asleep in the classes, but it worked out okay. (Someday brought donuts--I'm not going to ask who broke the Sabbath day...--and offered us donuts. Made my day...)

We had an appointment at 3:30 with a member and his soon-to-be-wife investigator, as well as the member's sister, who is the branch president's wife. (I think that is actually easier to explain in Spanish, for once...) And it was good except we were there for two hours. Which, wouldn't be a huge deal except for the fact  that my converts in Peoria were getting baptized at 6:30 and we were going to Skype at 5:45. So yeah. I was kinda freaking out a bit on the inside. But we finally got out and were only about 5 minutes from our apartment and the Martinez' were at home so we called and asked to use their WiFi. The Elderes ended up not skype calling until almost 6:00 so everything worked out. And I got to see Angelina and Maria again!! Man. For real, best weekend of my entire life. Oh, and the Albrechtsen family and the Silva family too. Man I love Bloomington-Normal. I mean, I love Bloomingdale too (those names are still confusing for me) but I love the two places for different reasons. And I'll always love both places. (: 

[Oh, and today I got an email from my trainer saying that she got a call from Hna Albrechtsen family, plus some pictures, so Hna Israelsen sent them to me. I'll attach one of those too and you (and I) can pretend that I'm in the picture too.]

So basically, this weekend will forever be etched in my memory for so many reasons that I can't even explain. But to sum it up, only a scripture will suffice, which I happened to read yesterday after all of this had happened: Alma 26:1, 3, 5

1 And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say thus: My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started from the land of Utah that God would have granted unto us such great blessings?

3 Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.

5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.

At the moment, the "number of [my] sheaves" is four. And while it's not the thousands upon thousands of sheaves that Ammon and his brethren had, it's enough to make me tear up, at least a little bit. To think that I have been made an instrument in the hands of God, that I have helped bring these my three sisters and one brother (literal descendants of the Lamanites) to the light of the Gospel, well, it leads me to another scripture: D&C 18:15-16

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

My joy truly is great. And I now have an even stronger testimony of these scriptures, and many others like unto them. La obra misional is the single greatest thing I could be doing, and it brings the most exquisite of joy to the laborers. I am so grateful to be a missionary and have the opportunity to serve these my brothers and sisters in a way that no other church or religion can, for I know this to be true: 

"We do not preach and teach in order to ‘bring people into the Church’ or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives. … We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this” (“The Purpose of Missionary Work,” missionary satellite broadcast, Apr. 1995).

Only we, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the authority to bring souls unto Christ, to help God's children receive exaltation in the life to come. And we, as members of Christ's church, have the responsibility to share what we have so abundantly been given. When we were baptized, we covenanted--we made a promise with God the Almighty--to stand as a witness at all times, in all things, and in all places. But He does not leave us alone in that work. If we will but open our mouths, He has promised on more than one occasion, that "they will be filled". I know that promise is sure, because I have seen it fulfilled in my life. I, Jill Perri DeBuck, do not alone have the capacity to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ with the voice of a trump (see Alma 26:12 and D&C 24:12) but I have been called by a living prophet of God and set apart by the restored priesthood power of God on the earth today. And with that calling, I truly can do all things (Phillipians 4:13). 

I know this is the only true and living Church of God on the earth today, and that it was restored by Joseph Smith, a man called of God to head this last dispensation. I know that the Book of Mormon is the instrument of God to gather scattered Israel, and that it is the one thing that brings us close enough to Christ in order to inherit eternal life. Only through the Book of Mormon do we know the truths necessary for salvation. And it is never possible to have read it enough. "Every day, every day, every day" is the only way. I love this Book with all my heart. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I am truly and eternally indebted to him, and to my Lord and Savior, my Redeemer and my Friend, Jesus Christ. He has prepared the way for us, and now it is our turn to accept it or reject it. And at the judgment day, all men shall know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph is a prophet, and that Jesus is the Christ.

Todo Mi Amor,

Tu Hija y Amiga,

Hermana DeBuck

P.S. Yes, we purposely matched with the colors they'd picked for their wedding. (:

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