just me walking by this big ol´ tree

just me cooking with Jessica Martinez (we call her ica)

We´re all doing 22............... guess why 

This week was good.

We had a lot of meetings and things but at the end of the week found good contacting time and tried so hard to find new prepared people... well it looked like it wasnt working but THEN...

we found not NEW prepared people but rather ´recycled´ prepared people.

Remember when I mentioned the miracle of getting all our investigators to "meet the mormons?"

well 2 of those were the daughters of Joel and Lucia (my converts who both just recently got baptised)

Their names are Dalma and Lucy and they are cool and nice but... until this week , showed very normal "too-cool" teenage feelings toward the church and listening to us. Seriously we had to almost BEG to get them to "meet the mormons" but... in the end we thought they liked it Ok. 

Well last week they came to their Dad´s baptism so we took a chance. We took a shot! We went to go visit them and try to have their parents testify and open their hearts to want to listen to us. Well we showed up to where their parents were and they were NOT there........so .... we taught Lucias Sister and a neighbor but THEN we headed over to Dalma and Lucy´s house (because we knew they were home alone so it was a perfect DTR opportunity) 

When we clapped (Paraguay´s equivalent for knocking) they happily said "come on in". Well after me cracking some jokes to break the ice we basically said..... "the other day we were talking and thought about how terrible we would feel if in 20 years or something you guys said something like ¨yeah the missionaries came over and taught all the time but they never invited us to be baptised¨ so we´re here to do that... Invite you guys to learn more and figure out what we believe and then, if God tells you its the truth, get baptised too. Would you guys let us start teaching you and preparing you for baptism on July 3rd?"

And they quickly responded YES!

This all seems like it was too easy... but if you know the vibe they were sending before you´d recognize the Change of heart miracle.

God prepares, we search them out and invite. His Spirit converts and then He changes their lives!

So.... 

My "last" baptism might be the daughters of the family that we have been working with and baptising little by little... one by one.... and my PARENTS would be able to come.

And then in a year Hermana Ross could see them all be sealed.

Hows that for a new dream worth fighting for?

PRAY FOR FAMILIA BENITEZ AND PARTICULARLY FOR DALMA AND LUCY

also... please continue to pray for Luis Souza (Enda´s husband). He is....kind of trying.... so God is kind of helping him. Luis needs to know he needs to know this!

And the search for more and more sheep goes on.

I have animo and ganas (most of the time) and I am still blessed with THIS chance so I will continue to try my best to take it and make the most of it that I can.

For all that we've grown

How could we forget

Those who don't know

Or just don't know yet

Let's harvest this field

From sunrise to sunset

The Master is coming

We are not done yet

Also it was my birthday.

I love being 22 a lot. I sing T-swift´s song on the daily. 

Almost everyone that I wanted to remember it did and some that I didnt think would remember not only did but gave my sweet showings of affection! (including phone calls, songs sung AND suprise presents sent from YbyYau!:D)

Hermana Holly Ross Decorated the wall by my bed like a boss! #RossTheBoss

The Elders bought me pie de limon and surprised me at English Class (which went extremely well). They had prepared exactly 22 candles... which makes me so happy!

Also Luis and Edna hosted a small gathering in my honor for hot chocolate and cake. #Cutest

I bid adeu to my 21st year of life with fond memories of service to the Lord EVERY day of it. It was probably the year that marked the most growth in my life thus far. 

I´m stoked to see what my 22nd year of life has in store for me.

It seems like one of those [years], we ditch the whole scene and end up dreaming

Instead of sleeping.

nothing much else to report but in a fitting close I will say that there are 22 full days until I am hugging mi Mamá y Papá.

until then...

I don´t know about you

but I´m feeling 22

XoXo

Hermana Libertee Valenzuela

p.s. I just feel like I have to mention how often Hermana Whittaker and I still are in contect, which is every night. We talk about a lot of things and we´re always feeling the EXACT same as each other. Also... we´re both equally FREAKIN´ STOKED for DISNEYLAND. 

ok bye

#Champions

Well... I already sent the pictures from the Best Day ever so... Idk what to talk about for the week. 

It rained a lot and then got super hot. (Im a poet)
We set a Fecha for Luis to be baptised. PLEASE pray that he will LOOK to LIVE!
Joel got all his legal stuff figured out and will get Baptised THIS SATURDAY!!! So will Kimberly Nicole!
We have been contacting A LOT. Pray that we can find those who are WHITE and ready to HARVEST.... Like... RIPE... because time is ticking. #5weeks
We had a SUPER great English Class this week and 3 investigators came! Plus it was WAY fun!
We had changes but we didnt change. Our Zone gained some newbies... among them ELDER LIRA!!!! MY BEST FREAKING FRIEND (the one I take pictures with throughout my mission) so... look forward to one of those coming. AND Elder Carpio is now our ZL and ELDER CHAVEZ is our DL!!!!
I love rendiring now. Its just Jokes on jokes on jokes (but like... we´re still focused and awesome missionaried and stuff)
but yeah.
my whole zone me cae super bien! 
Im just working hard and having a ton of fun.
I love my comp. We may move next door to a better house so that will be tight. FOR THE SAME AMOUNT. SCORE!!!
I gave an improv talk on sunday and told my ward that if they wanted an awsome ward full of fiel members... ITS ON THEM!!!! Basically I just talked about responsability. The Buck Stops HERE!
it was good and realllllllyyyyy guided by the spirit because the bishop literally told me right before the opening Hymn (which I lead.... I do everything... Im not bragging im kind of complaining... not because I care but... I want the ward to struggle to grow and they cant if they lean on missionaries)
Life is good.
I love this
xoxo Libbbbbbbbbb
p.s. got my FLIGHT PLANS today. oh gosh.
see you all soonnnnnnnnnnnn #ILOVEYOU

so... I tried to upload all these funny and cool pictures.... and they "failed to attatch" and now my time is up to even write. 

The good news is I´ll see you all in a month

XOXO Love 

Hermana Valenzuela

Just me, skateboarding

Hna Ross tried to teach me piano. #7yearoldregrets

I actually CAN still read notes O.K. (All cows STILL eat grass and Every Good Boy Does Fine FOREVER)

I found this Sweater so now I wear it

We got the bride ready...

....and the groom!

ELDER valenzuela!!!!! (JUSTIZ)

Doc Mcstuffins on the phone during the wedding #rude

LUIS AND EDNA DURING THE WEDDING :) HOLDING HANDSSS!!! SEW KEWT!!!!! (im void of all human contact#missionary)

Washing my feet so I don't get Pique

I took this really artistic clothes washing photo... I wish it was of myself

Hit the sack!

Group mirror selfie :)

Well... I had fun skyping..After quitting a 4 hour persuit of trying to get the internet to work in the Chapel we started calling other areas to see if they could help us out. My district leader (and other factors... but mostly he alone) made me so stressed I started laughing until I cried (but in a funny way not sad) so I left the chapel and started walking to where Elder Bingham was skyping. My district leader CHASED AFTER ME and I was like ... ¡¡NO!!

 so We just kept walking and they finally gave up and while we were finally on our way, some guys tried to snach/rob/grope us!!!!!!! and we had to RUN to this store where I know a Menos Activo works as the night guard and I was just like "Auxilio! dos borrachos están siguiéndonos!" and He stood up with his GUN! So....

the guys left us alone and we continued walking because I really wanted to skype. Right then Elder Chavez called and asked "¿por dodne estan?" and I was so frazzled emotionally I just sucked in air like a kid does right before he cried BIG TIME and hung up. hahahaha and then I WAS crying when he called back and I´m in HIS area so I don´t even know whats happening and he´s trying to get me to keep saying where I am but Im so shooken up I cant so Im just like saying weird stuff like "Im in front of a sign that says rafael... there is a picture of bread on it" and then he hands the phone and SOMEONE (I dont even know who) starts talking to me in perfect english and asking like verifying questions about where we are "You´re by Gimenez Fotos, aren´t you?....You see a bench now, don`t you?" and I was told to sit and stay where we were because someone was coming in a car to get us. Then Elder Chavez rolls up in a car with some member and I just wanted to hug them because everything was crazy! (but I didn´t because Im a missionary and they are boys)

Then we got to the house and they were like "Call your family"

hahahah 

can you imagine? 

As soon as Skype connected I BROKE DOWN.

But then I calmed down and got to see digital versions of my favorite people on the Earth! (minus a few...) #missyouZman 

In other news,

We had a wedding this Saturday and we have a baptism this coming Saturday!

Pray for Edna and also for her whole family because her husband isn´t keeping his commitments so she is getting baptised without him, but that it a hard thing. The gospel blesses FAMILIES!!!! but it does so more effectively as EACH family member CHOOSES to act for THEMSELVES in faith and hope of that promise. 

We are contacting a ton and working hard.

 I´m still trying to finish strong but my overwhelming love for my family keeps getting in the way and coating me with a thin layer of TRUNKY. But thats okay because I wash it off in my morning shower and keep moving forward (with a smile #JUSTIZizZOcute)

I´m still trying to be a good trainer... except almost getting us killed before Skype.

I´m still learning a lot. 

The mission is still the weirdest and coolest and hardest and best thing I have ever done.

The Book of Mormon is still true.

The Savior is still Jesus Christ.

This is still HIS work, gospel and glory (moises 1:39)

God the Father still loves you... 

"That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there” - President Thomas S. Monson.

And I still love you too... many not as perfectly and unconditionally as Our Father in Heaven, but I try and I do!

Life is Wonderful... and If you start to think contrarily (which is normal... I do it sometimes), try to meditate good and hard of where you´d be if you hadn´t chosen to come. 

Bodiless and "life"-less 

And as if THAT isnt enough... then choose to focus on the miraculous gift of the atonement and how LITERALLY whatever you are gong through or wherever you are or whoever you´ve become...

There is a way to make everything right again.

THAT is the power of the Atonement. 

The price has been paid.

That is the gift our big brother gave us, because He loves us too. 

That is why He organized His church, so we would have access to His gift, to His love, comfort, correction, guidance and power. 

Accept that gift and I testify that you will be able to see your life for what it is;

Wonderful. 

Not perfect...  At times... when you´re 22 at least, it is "miserable and magical" as T Swift so elequently stated.

But...

It´s good.

My family makes it GREAT! 

And the sure promise that I can have them FOREVER, if I do my part (and KNOWING what my part is)....

 that makes it Worth it!

#ENDOFBLOG

#SorryImNotSorry

I am stressed... but not drowning. 

Events wise this week: we were awoken in the madrugada Friday by a really sad phone call. 

The 2nd youngest little boy in my favorite family, the MARTINEZ family (the one I wrote on my blog about like 1 change ago), Fabian, died. He got stung by a ton of ants and 3 days later his heart stopped. It was REALLY sad and extremely preventable. 

We SAW him 2 days before and he was all puffed up and swollen and so I told his mom he should go to the hospital. She said her husband didnt want her to go and she couldnt take all the kids and plus he was getting better.... I believed her.

 I offered to call the bishop or primary pres. She was like "what are they gonna do?" and I said "Idk... they can make you a casserole? or watch the kids while you go to the Doctor... SOMETHING" "no no.... he is really fine. He is getting WAY better" Ok. We had our lesson and left. I called the Primary Presidenta ANYWAY because I am stubborn and asked her to at least stop by and check on the boy. She just gave me excuses of why she couldnt. She asked me to call the bishop. I asked if SHE could at LEAST do that (because as priorly mentioned I feel really stressed). She agreed. That night after consejo de barrio (which NO ONE came to) she called to tell me she had done nothing. She hadnt even called the Bishop. 

That night, I cried from frustration of not being able to force people to take responsibility! My tears solved nothing. My acts prevented nothing. And now little 3 year old Fabian is dead. And I am sad because I love him. But... Im also at peace because I really do know that God is in charge. I know that his life was already hard, too. His parents are not cumpliendo with all thier sacred responsibilities. His family is big and poor and so it will be nice for him to rest instead of the struggle of life. I know that he is saved by the grace of Christ.

 Happy day, All is well. 

But I feel saddened by the situation. 

 The HAPPY news of the week is that we had an INCREDIBLE lesson with the Souza family. God knows how STRESSED I am and... its really hard carrying MOST of the lesson... so I have been STRESSIN´ on HOW I could powerfully and effectively teach the Restoration to their needs. The Spirit TOTALLY guided. everything was VERY clear and just... Awesome. MARVELOUS! I loved it. They are getting married this Saturday. Hermana Edna said she is geting baptized with or without Luis and Luis promised he´d read and pray. so... thats Great! (He still wont give up excuses and come to church, but I told him straight up "Luis, Yo te prometo 2 cosas: #1 si quieres asistir, vas a poder, si NO quieres, nunca vas a llegar y #2 Te prometo que cualquier sacrificio que hagas para poder venir y obtener tu testimonio de que lo que hemos compartido es verdadero...CUALQUIER cosa que sacrificas, será multiplicado 100-fold!" 

So... He knows... now its up to him But... Prayers would help. 

 Other news. There was a showing of MEET THE MORMONS at out stake center and all our investagators couldnt come so we called some antiguos and they not only CAME but they DROVE US AND PICKED UP SOME OF OUR "FRIENDS" and brought them too (The daughters of our recent convert. They did NOT want to come but after much prayer CAME!!!!!) We were not told until the DAY before about the activity and somehow we had a total of NINE people there AND we are working with those Antiguos again!!! So... :) And... We are starting English Classes everyweek to try to find some news. Wish us luck #actuallyPrayforus Well thats the update because.... thats the life. I worry about all these people and try to help them while I can. The best way I can help them now is by offering them "everlasting waters" and testifying and promising them that they will "never thirst" as the Savior said. 

 Im trying. 

 XOXO HERMANA VALENZUELA

Its all normal missionary life. I am trying to get my comp into the routine.... training her in the ways.... trying to show her how to love it... 

 It is often said that the teacher learnes more than the student... 

Here is my weeks lesson: Hermana Ross is pretty chill and I think determined to stay and do this thing... but there were TWO things I personally wanted her to learn. #1 Gods way is the best way... Thats coming off well because we´re obedient and getting in the groove (for her... Im like IN the groove. this feels like all ive ever known...In smack dab in the middle of the groove) #2 If you´re not having fun, you´re not doing it right.... well here is the lesson. Its not like she wants to die 24/7... but I dont think she LOVES it (yet). 

That is normal, but I want to help her love it. So I am doing my best to point out how great the mission is, to help her see and feel it. Well.. I keep tearing up and proclaiming my LOVE for this work. It sounds sweet and all... but its real bitter when mixed with "its all going to be over soon". We listened to a song from the Missionary Tunes "the Work"... idk its a CD wyatt sent me. google it: "its gonna take work.... pushing though your back is sore....knock knock knocking on a billion doors!!! this work is gonna fix what dont work anymore" and I just.... cried. happy tears while I washed the dished because there is too much to do to hold still. 

I LOVE the mission. It´s so freaking hard and I cant wait to get home but its the best thing ever and I never wanna leave. I don´t wanna stop! I want to give up every second and I am determined to excercise my faith and endure til the end CADA MOMENTO!.... is that normal?contraditory? idk... but... that what I am teaching her/learning hardcore. I LOVE MY MISSION. I am exhasted and ready to keep going forever. Other News: - Hermana Ross is helping me know things about college so... thats good. I know what I want to major and minor in AND I know what that MEANS! hahahahaha (I will still have to pray and confirm these things when I am in a posición to ACT on them... because faith requires ACTS) -I saw Hermana Whittaker today and we were hilarious. per norm. -I will call home on Mother´s day! And lastly - An Elder who in in Argentina, my pal from the CCM (Elder Castillo... I think I sent home pictures). He wrote me this week and reminded me that the Lord kept working even when he knew his hour was near. He said it better and in Spanish... but it was a good reminder so... LETS DO THIS ONE (ten) MORE TIME(s) Until Next week, Forever yours and Forever young- HERMANA LIBERTEE VALENZUELA