Hello all my SPECIAL PEOPLE!! I Love YOU!

Hello momma! And all of my FRIENDS and FAMILY :)!!!!
I am thankful that God is answering prayers of mine. I miss you too! I am trying hard to allow myself to simulate into what God wants me to be. IT'S HARD. Will you watch It's a Wonderful Life for me? And A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? And Moonstruck? Those movies all came to mind this week. :) Goes along with our Christmas holiday spirit, remember? I will be with you, sort of, as you watch them for us ;)

Apparently, your package arrived this past Friday. I haven't been able to retrieve it yet. I will get it tomorrow at the latest. It also arrived with a package from Kiliana. THANK YOU. I love my family so much!!! Thank you all for thinking of me and praying for me! I need all the prayers I can get!!

Thanksgiving whizzed past. I didn't remember it was Thanksgiving until I sat down to write in my journal that night. I wrote things I am thankful for: the clouds, the stars, your emails and others' mail, gummy vitamins, toothpaste, papaya. You know, the usual things. It's a given that I'm thankful for the gospel in my life and for the knowledge of where I came from, why I'm here, and where I will be going. For the knowledge that I have an Eternal Father in Heaven who shapes me and blesses me every day, who I can communicate to as often as I want to and need to, anywhere I may be. Isn't that amazing? As the dust of the earth, we can communicate with the most powerful, most loving being in the universe.

I have a picture of the Savior up in my room. And maybe its just because I see the picture every day, but every time I see it, His face seems so much more familiar.

I had a long talk with President and Sister Carlos this week and was able to get a blessing from President. I've missed being able to get blessings from Pop whenever I want. I expressed concern to him about the language and feelings of inadequacy and really I think Satan tries hard to get to me. In the blessing he said something to the extent of, "The people here are able to feel the Spirit through you. Through your smile, through a simple touch of your hand. The Lord is accepting of your service." I felt overwhelmed with God's love and with the love of President and everyone who is supporting me. I am so imperfect. And I am amazed at the love that God and my Savior have for me.

Last week in planning, I looked through our less-active member's names in our area book. I kept thinking of one of the names: Benito. We continued our planning and I almost did not put Benito's name on our plan of people to visit in the week. But again he came to my mind. So, we wrote it in our planners. The day we went to visit him, it was raining. We wore our new rubber shoes and walked along a slippery muddy path, having no idea where we were going, but asking people where Benito lived. Here, if you are in the neighborhood, you can ask anyone where anyone lives and they will be able to tell you. The path was sloped downward and Sister De Fiesta and I held on to each other as our shoes slipped and collected mud and pebbles. The dirt here, when wet, is like clay--it is so slippery. We laughed and laughed, and saw a woman at the turn in the road, with a big yellow umbrella. She came to us in her rainboots and held our hands to help us onto stable ground. We asked her where Benito lived and she pointed into the distance, "doon", (this is like the boondocks) She led us to her outdoor faucet to wash the mud from our shoes and invited us in. She told me I looked like Drew Barrymore. She also told us that as few years ago she was feeling lonely and depressed in her home (she lives in a big house and her husband is always away) and she prayed that people would come to visit her. Then two elders showed up, asking for Benito. She bore testimony to us that we were sent from God, because she was in despair again, praying for visitors, and we showed up asking for Benito. She said she saw us from her window, and came to get us because she knew she wanted to hear our message. Her name is May. We taught her that God is our loving Heavenly Father and left her with a Book of Mormon.

Tatay Marinduque is well and back home now. We visited the family again and Tatay welcomed us into the home, smiled the entire time we taught about Sabbath day, and even participated in the lesson. Nanay fed us sopa. Later on in the week, Tatay rode a bike over with Ian to bring us ginataan--sooo delicious. He is so smiley now, and warm with us.

Yesterday was probably the most terrifying and humbling day of my mission. First of all, one of the speakers in sacrament didn't show up, so Brother Macutay asked me to speak on cleasing ourselves, body and spirit. I prepared a 15 minute talk in 5--record! Of course it was with the help of the spirit. I spoke, in Taglish, about how our bodies are temples for our spirits, and because God loves us and wants us to always have the guidance of the Spirit in a dark world, he has given us commandments--Word of Wisdom, Law of Chastity, Sacrament.

That wasn't the terrifying part though. This is: Sister De Fiesta and I were on our way to pick up a fellowshipper (a member who comes to lessons with us) and another member told us she could come with us. So, with two fellowshippers, Sister De Fiesta decided on the spot that we would do a companionship split. I would go with Krista to teach Lisa, Jannise, and Violetta, and she would go with Nanay Luming to teach others. This meant I would make conversation on my own with the investigators (in Tagalog), start the lessons (in Tagalog), teach gospel principles and ask questions (in Tagalog), and set up a return appointment (in Tagalog)...at the same time, following the Spirit. I didn't feel ready. We hadn't studied yet in the day. I had never traveled here on my own in the tricycles, etc. I prayed and prayed silently to myself and--I hate to admit--cried. (Honestly, I was a little upset with Sister De Fiesta.) But I found the courage somewhere. The first lesson with Violetta was a disaster and I'm pretty sure we left her even more confused than she was in the first place. On the way to the second lesson, in a tricycle, I prayed even harder to have comfort and the Spirit with me. I remembered the scripture that talks about how we, "treasure up the words of life and in that very moment it shall be meted unto you." I can't remember where that is. In the second lesson with Lisa, I just asked questions, and listened intently to her answers. Finally, her concern came out, and I was able to answer her questions. Later on in the split, our last appointment wasn't home. I had no idea where to go or what to do. I felt so alone and scared.

I remember when I went on the Brit Lit tour, and we were at DunAengus in Ireland. I was hesitant to go to the edge of the cliff like all of the other students and lay down. Brother Samuelson grabbed my hand and slowly guided me to the edge. It was terrifying, and I remember him telling me that I would have moments like that on my mission--where my companion would grab my hand and pull me to the edge when I wouldn't want to go. I've remembered that moment in the back of my mind and have kind of been waiting for it to happen. Well it happened. And I'm sure it wont be the last time.

I cried myself to sleep thinking about why God gives us trials like these. I was/am so humbled by the experience and I see that it happened so that I can be a stronger missionary. Sister De Fiesta talks about how here, when they want a tree to be strong, they hack it at the trunk with a machete. I know that through our struggles, we grow.

I read a talk by Elder Uchtdorf in the 2009 Ensign, talking about breaking through the clouds and storms in an airplane, then we can see the sun. God always sees the sun. Sometimes all we see are the clouds and the storms. He is all knowing. I love my Heavenly Father.

I love YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! Tell Victoria to BE STRONG! One more week til the MTC! AH! I wrote her a letter that she will get in the MTC. Tell Lindsay HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Tell all my babies that I love them so very much, and squeeze them so tight for me. I want pictures!!!!

With so much love and so many prayers and so much more to say that I don't have time for.
Your missionary,
Sister Fort
PS--Where should I send Matt Hoffman's letters next semester? Same place? For now I am sending them to his home address in California. Hi Matt!!!

Hello my mommaaaaaaa, and All of my FRIENDS and FAMILY!!!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING J
I always have so much to sayyyyyy.
I am happy to report that Sister De Fiesta and I are still kasamas and we are still in Naguilian. Transfers happen every six weeks, but it depends on where president prayerfully decides to put people--its that way with every mission. So you may get transfered, you may not. You never know. It almost felt like I was getting my mission call all over again...lots of excitement/fear/happiness/worry. I tell Sister De Fiesta that we will be in Naguilian para sa walang hanggan (forever). And that would be okay with both of us. I am loving the people, and I love Sister De Fiesta. We laugh every day.

We had our first FHE here with the branch this past Monday--we've been told that it's been a while since it's happened. After our experience, Sister De Fiesta and I now call FHE here Family Food Evening, and we understand why one might be a little hesitant to host. For about 20-something people, one family provided soup, sandwiches, buko salad, and juice. We taught the lesson--Love at Home. And played about a billion games I have never heard of (but I am taking notes). One is called "Bato, batobato, batotoy" and is similar to simon says. Lots of children and laughs and chaos.

The other morning we helped an investigator, Lisa, clean her yard from typhoon debris. We chopped branches with what looked to me like kitchen knives and machetes, piled the clean branches for firewood, and burned the leaves. Ashes fell on us like rain and Sister De Fiesta told me to make a wish. It was our third time to see Lisa, and we left her with a copy of the Book of Mormon.

The grandfather of the Marinduque boys was taken to the hospital this week. Usually every time we come over, he disappears somewhere after we shake his hand. He doesn't like the missionaries. His wife is the one who loves to cook for us. We rode a jeepne to Ilagan to visit him unannounced and brought the zone leaders with us. We sang "I Stand All Amazed" and "Angels We Have Heard on High," and he accepted a priesthood blessing. When the time came for us to go, he shook our hands softly and looked us in the eye and said, "Makikita tayo sa bahay." We'll see you at home.

We found the world's biggest chair in Ilagan. (Picture)

We were in Cauayan for a meeting and Sister De Fiesta and I had been looking forward to getting Zagu for days--its the closest thing to frozen yogurt here...more like a smoothie/shake thing. It was such a hot, long day. We ran out of time and ended up having to get back to Naguilian. Needless to say, I was disappointed, but you know, I lived...And this is so embarassing and dumb, but I said a little prayer that Heavenly Father would bless me with something sweet later on. Soooo we went about our work, teaching lessons, meeting people, etc, etc. We got back to our apartment exhausted and I had completely forgotten about my silly little prayer, because it was so ridiculous. And as we were both writing in our journals I hear, "Tao po...Sisterrrrrrrrrs" from outside our gate. And we ran out, and there were the Marinduque girls with doughnuts for both of us. On the way back into the apartment, I stopped when I remembered my prayer. Heavenly Father answers prayers. I know I say it in just about every email. But my eyes are so opened here. Even our silliest, smallest, least important prayers, he hears and he answers. Imagine just how he answers our more important, life-changing prayers. The answers always come in His time and in His way, but He is there. I have no doubts. And He hears our prayers. I told this story to Lisa our investigator, and she smiled, and said that she would pray to know if our message was true.

Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with the language and knowing scriptures and teaching. But I love this quote that I found in the Ensign: "My dear brothers and sisters, don't get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don't feel downcast or despair if you don't feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible--and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you." So, I'm trying. Always trying. And I know my Savior is right there with me.

I am so thankful for all of the support I am receiving! From you, Matt, Sarah Roughton, Jillian, Lindsay and Nathan, and Victoria. Tell them all I am so grateful. Tell Victoria I LOVE HERRRRRRRRR. Tell Alainna I LOVE HERRRRRRRrr and Jillian and everyone. Tell Sister Morgan I love her and think of her also. Tell Jared to write me!

I have the Marinduque's singing recorded! I will see if I can attach it in another e-mail. :)
Momma, I love you, and I am so grateful for all of your emails. I read them all and I think about you always. I pray for you every chance I get. I am so grateful that you have friendssss!!!! Tell them I say hi! I miss you ALL and love you ALL!!!!

It's ME AGAINnnnnnnn!! :) I Love You ALL!!!

Hello momma!

Thank you so so much for your emails! I love being able to hear from you and I am so glad you are doing well. And going on walks with Marie? Does she make you bread? :) Sister Thaine is sweet.

I forget to answer your questions all of the time. You should watch You've Got Mail for me and Serendipity and No Reservations! And 13 Going on 30! I made a list of American movies that Sister De Fiesta should watch. Go eat some TCBY for me too. Also, President Carlos really wants some Italian recipes! Maybe send some? Or email some to him? There are some people here with lice, and I'm just paranoid... Mostly what I like here are the baked goods, but they are really few and far between. I miss frozen yogurrrrrttttt. Hair removal creme would be nice, make up remover, Lipton soup!, fruit snacks, homemade rolls or cookiesssss mmmmJ Wishful thinkingJ Anything that will make my skin stop freaking out. I also liked those socks you sent to me. Garments would be nice too. Just what you can afford, Mom. Don't overdo it.

I cooked linguine with marinara for Sister D.F. this week.

I am in San Mariano right now with the elders in my district. We went to the crocodile farm! I held a baby crocodile (picture attached) after a few of the missionaries, and right as I was holding it, it decided to pee. I was the chosen one. :) We got here by jeepne, which are big metal jeeps with the backs open and two bench seats along the windows--they're usually pretty ghetto-fied. Google them. We passed through some beautiful scenery--green mountains with palm trees, caribou, wide rivers, puffy clouds.

Oh P.S.! We have electricity again. Still no water. But at least now we can see what we're eating for dinner.

We had splits this week in Cauayan. When I came home to Sister D.F., I found a flower in the fridge and a note attached, from Sister De Fiesta. It said she had a surprise for me and told me to go about my daily activities as normal, and it would be revealed. Mysterious. We went to our first appointment of the day--Jerry and Maryann. Before our lesson, they pulled out a big white folder and Sister De Fiesta said, "This is your surprise!" I opened it, and it was their marriage papers! Finally. They have been waiting for about 5 months to get married so they could be baptized. I squealed--almost screamed--with excitement. They set the date for Saturday. So, Saturday we had a wedding here AND a baptism.

The font at the chapel hasn't been used in almost a year, so the priesthood spent a lot of time Friday cleaning it out. Then they discovered the water wasn't running from the pump. The baptism was supposed to be at 1:00pm on Saturday, but we waited for them to fix the running water. By 4:30 the water was running, but it was taking so long that Sister De Fiesta and I filled buckets from the bathroom faucet and alternated dumping water into the font to speed up the process. Many people from the branch came to support them. I played and sang "I Stand All Amazed" on guitar for them. Sister Maryann bore a simple and sweet testimony. It has been amazing to see their countenances grow brighter and brighter each time we see them. And especially now. They are so happy.

Our lessons with Sister Shela have become so beautiful. She is opening herself up to us more and more with each visit. We teach her with her two little girls (in the picture with all of the kids, they are in between Sister De Fiesta and I) about Joseph Smith and how she needs to pray to know if he was a true prophet. We haven't been able to teach her with her husband, because he works at night. Without electricity, our curfew was 6 every day. But now we are able to stay out later. We had a lesson with them all this week, as a complete family. The husband is a less active member, but is so kind and happy that his wife is being taught by us. It's amazing the difference we felt in the lesson, with the priesthood holder of the family there. Sister De Fiesta does magic for the little girls--makes candy appear, etc. One day this week, we were just passing by to say hello, and when the little girls saw us they squealed and ran and shouted, "The sisters! The sisters!" Shela wasn't feeling well, and Sister De Fiesta asked the girls, "What do we do when nanay isn't feeling well??" They said in unison, "Prayyyy." "What do we pray for?" And one of the little girls said, "For Joseph Smith." :) They are little sponges. They came to church as a whole family yesterday. :)

We taught a lesson about the creation, and Sister De Fiesta touched the Cauayan of the home that we sat outside of. She asked the investigator, "Before this house was here, where was this Cauayan?" And we bore testimony that everything comes from and is created by God.

I played guitar for Sister De Fiesta in our apartment, and she made me laugh so hard. When I was done playing she said, "Wow. Do you see my eyes?" And I was like..."What's wrong with your eyes?" And she said, "They are heart shapes!"

This week is transfer week. I am scareddddddddddddddd. I have grown to love both the people in my area AND Sister De Fiesta so much. It has been a joy being here with her. Even through our no electricity, no water days, we have had so much fun together. I almost have a feeling though that I will stay in the area to lead it and she will be transferred. We will seeeeeeeeeeee. I know that whatever will happen is what God intends. I know that with my Savior, I can fill whatever shoes are given me to wear.

I love this quote: "Our individual worth is already divinely established as 'great,' it does not fluctuate like the stock market." Neal A. Maxwell

I love you momma. Send my love to everyone. I pray for you every day.
So much love.
Your little missionary,
Sister Fort
PS: First Pic, Me with the Baby Crocodile;/ Second Pic, All the Little Girl's happy to see us :), Third Picture is Sister Maryann and Brother Jerry at their BAPTISM!

HIiiiiiiiiiiiiiii EVERYONE! I'm Safe and Well!

Hello my Momma, and Family, and Friends:

Yesterday was a rough day for me. I started the day off with a prayer that I would see God's love somewhere. It was so incredibly hot outside, we went out of our way to visit people in the hilltops nearby, but no one was receiving us. Finally it was time to go home, and Sis. D.F. decided that we would walk. My feet hurt, and I had a pounding headache--we were still fasting. Right then a man came by on a tricycle and asked if we wanted a free ride. Sister D.F. turned to me and said, "God is giving you a ride." And I cried silently to myself a little. I knew it was a gift from God. Then we went to a less-active's home, the Marinduque family--they are such a lovely, lovely family--and the 17 year old boy Renel brought out his guitar and finger-picked "I am a Child of God." They sent us home with food. Another blessing straight from God. As His servant, we are taken care of. Sometimes my eyes are just not open to it.

ANYWAYS,
Our training meeting was fun. I can't believe Sister Carlos called me Sister Pence! It was so fun to see my friends from the MTC. It was our first time seeing each other since our first day. We all look so different, it's funny. I snuck up on Sister Pence, and when she turned around and saw me, she grabbed me SO TIGHT and hugged me for SO LONG. I could tell she's been having a rough time. We sat down and talked about some things. I shared scriptures with her that have given me strength, and she just looked at me and said, "I've missed you so much." President told us in training that we may not ever have a baptism, but one soul is great in the sight of God. That one soul could be our companion, it could be someone back home, it could be ourselves. That gave me comfort. Sometimes I don't feel like what I share in lessons is that amazing or life-changing--I am just Sister D.F.'s parasite. But she needs a companion. And I guess by just being her parasite for right now, I am doing something for the benefit of the souls we teach. She tells me that I am one of the companions closest to her heart. Maybe I'm on this mission for my companions.

For our Sister's meeting, the topic was "Bloom Where You're Planted." We made rice crispie treats and nobake cookies and flower brooches--you probably know all of this because of the blog. We talked about people who have been placed in difficult settings and are able to still bloom. Like Stephanie Neilsen--her story is beautiful. We watched it on Mormon Messages. I do believe that you can bloom whereever you are planted in life--even when you dont have a job, or when you live in a house made of bamboo, or there are no baptisms, or its 1,000,000 degrees outside and you have a pounding headache. It is not easy sometimes. Sometimes you silently cry to yourself on the way home in a tricycle. But the trick is to always try to get back up. TRY TRY TRY. I pray my guts out, and ask for my eyes to be open to my blessings, and I ALWAYS, ALWAYS see them, so clearly. Even if Heavenly Father has to send me a little angel like Sister De Fiesta to say, "Hey, God is giving you a ride."

I found some really great quotes in my study the other day: "Sometimes the Lord allows us to have trials to shape us into productive servants. His all-seeing eye is over us and ever watching us as our Eternal Heavenly Parent. When trials come, as surely they will to all of us during mortality, let us not sink into the abyss of self-pity but remember who is at the helm, that He is there to guide us through all the storms of life." Any time I hear God referred to as a parent, Mom, I think of you. Your love for me is the closest to the love that God has for me. I can't imagine it. I love you, Momma. Remember, "[You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]." Philippians 4:13.

I love riding in the vans here. They remind me of the Dodge Caravan we have for that little while, or they remind me of road trips with friends. Everyone piles into a big van, the windows are down, and there's usually some kind of cheesy, folksy Filipino music playing.

I've tried lots of new foods this week. Yema: which Sister De Fiesta told me is made from goat poop, but I don't believe anything she tells me anymore about food. She lies to me all the time. :) I also tried ginataan gabi, which is taro root in coconut milk. It looks pretty nasty, but tastes good. You should google it. Last night we had siopao, which the Marinduque family gave us.

I love the Marinduque family! They are less-active, but they all have a testimony of the gospel, and they are such warm people. There are about 5 teenage boys and a teenage girl that live in the house, a grandma, and some of her children. Renel plays the guitar. He gave it to me to play before a lesson, and we all sang Love at Home as the opening hymn, while I fingerpicked. Now every time we go there, he plays the guitar for us. The other night while Sister D.F. and I were planning, we heard Feliz Navidad being sung and played on guitar. (I will send a picture!) We of course jumped up and went outside to see Renel, Jolex, and the girl (I forgot her name) them holding a plate of food for us. The Lola, or grandma, insists on cooking for us every night.

Time's up. But I love you so much momma. Never worry about me. God is feeding me and giving me rides and protecting me and blessing me constantly. I am in His hands.
I love love love you!
Your little missionary,
Sister Fort
PS TELL GRANDMA I LOVE HER SO MUCH AND WISH HER THE HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY. I will send her a letter, but it will be coming by snail mail.

Your Little Missionary, SEESTER WHITE!!!!!!!

Magandang araw, Momma dear!

I could not believe Peter's news. What a wonderful, wonderful blessing. I have been praying for him lots, and I am sure that he has been carried through all of this by our prayers. It is such a beautiful thing that he will be sealed to his family forever!! It's amaaaziinnnnnggggg.

This e-mail may be a little scattered. The cafe I'm in right now is playing such LOUD musiccccccccccccc; I can't think.

Our area is small and so Catholic, and it is a challenge to find people who are willing to open their hearts to our message. We teach and teach, but people refuse to let themselves believe anything other than the beliefs they've been raised on. Which is so understandable, and sometimes heartbreaking for us. (I just think about some of our family members who have needed some time to realize the truthfulness of the gospel) But something I was told in a recent letter (from Matt Hoffman) has really stuck with me this week. They said something like the most important things I can do as a missionary is: 1. follow missionary and mission rules, 2. have FAITH in the promised blessings I have as a servant of the Lord, and 3. head the counsel of PMG and my mission president. That's all Sister De Fiesta and I really have control over. We are doing those things, and I know that as long as we are, God will work his miracles in His own due time. I know it. I am so grateful for the guidance I receive from others out here--especially from home. :)

President Rigucera, of our branch, and Brother Macutay, his counselor, thank us so much for their increased numbers in church attendance. But I honestly, truly do not feel like we are doing anything. All we are doing is opening our mouths, and being obedient. God is doing everything.

President and Sister Carlos spoke to our little branch yesterday. The members there ate up every word they had to say. Sister Carlos talked about the little acts of service and sacrifice we can perform every day, regardless of where we are from, how far along in the gospel we are, how much money we have, what color our skin is--we are all indebted to our Heavenly Father and our Savior. President Carlos mostly talked about how indebted we are and how we all need to play a part in building up the kingdom of God. The members referenced their talks the rest of the day.

We had a meeting with President Rigucera after church and we asked him about who was in what auxilary positions in the branch--we had no idea. We were feeling kind of lost as to who we could go to for fellowshipping, visiting and home teaching assignments, etc. There are many inactive members who could benefit from these things. President then organized the entire branch then and there--with auxilary presidencies. I was surprised that they didn't have all of those things in place already, but I felt the spirit so strongly in the entire meeting with him. This needed to happen. We talked about activities that the Relief Society could do, despite their numbers--Sister De Fiesta and I promised to come to all of the activities and help them strengthen their foundation. There are blessings that come when we fulfill our callings regardless of our circumstances. We will be able to bring investigators to these activities and to these already functioning organizations. We now have branch FHE established every Monday, and a Halloween party on the 17th of November.

For Halloween, Sister Carlos gave Sister De Fiesta and I two starbursts each :) Yum! That was all we did to celebrate though--eat tropical flavored Starburst. Today is "Fiesta ng napatay" or like the day of the dead. Everyone goes to the cemetaries...and I'm not exactly sure what they do there...

I taught for the first time this week! It was kindaaaaa rough, not going to lie. (I didn't get the chance to teach the youth like I said a few weeks ago.) We were on exchanges. I was paired with Sister Jose, who is about 4'11" and so sweet. We went to teach some of her recent converts in Cauayan. It was an entire family. What a beautifulllll famillyyyyyy. A mother, a father, and four gorgeous daughters. There was a lovely, gentle spirit in their home, and I taught them from Helaman 12--about the power of God--and we talked about prayer. They fed us crackers and TANG, and smiled when I spoke (probably because I sound ridiculous). But it was so fun, and helped me kind of see that...it's possible? To teach in Tagalog?

One morning this week, I woke up and told Sister De Fiesta that I had a really weird dream the night before--probably because of all of the roosters and the church bells that were ringing. (Okay, I love everything about being here, even the toilets, but one thing I cannot get used to are the roosters! I want to strangle them all. Haha. When they crow in the mornings, sometimes they are all in unison and it sounds SO creepy. Like moaning...people? I dont know. It's creeeeepyyy.) Anyway, I told her my dumb dream, and then she said that she had a dream about me before I was her companion. She said she couln't see my face, but in her dream someone said, "Take care of her. She is a mother in Zion." What incentive for me to work harder and be my best out here.

Last night we taught a lesson to a family named Lagasca. They are Catholic, but the mother does our readings and asks us questions (in the past two times we've met with her). Before the lesson, the kids in the street shouted, "hello seesters!" and hung on my arms and called me Sister White and called Sister De Fiesta Sister Black. There were about 12 or 15 of them. They followed us to the house, and we all sat outside and began the lesson together. Sister De Fiesta and I sang "I am a Child of God" to them, then taught them how to fold their arms and bow their heads and close their eyes for the prayer. I couldn't help but peek at them during the lesson. What a special and adorable sight!

Sister D.F. and I want to start a cooking schedule. Any ideas for cheap meals that involve rice??? I need recipes. ALSO! President Carlos LOVES Italian food. He would love for you to send him some recipes, I'm sure. :)

Daaahhh, There is so much more I want to sayyy, but my time is up. I love you so much momma. Thank you for your prayers. Let me know how the purification challenge is going--what you are sacrificing. My dresses cost about 15 dollars to be MADE, tailored to me, with the fabric I want, and the style I want. Isn't that amazing?

Sister De Fiesta loves pistacchios. Don't worry about sending things that are too heavy. Nuts, granola bars, make up remover!, garments, face washing pads or things to keep my skin and hair healthy. Oh! That CD player that Sister Derethal gave me doesn't work. I miss music. Really, anything is appreciated.

So much love!!!!!!!!!!!!! So many prayers!!!!
Your little missionary,
Sister White

P.S. HI MAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!