Faith and Fasting

Familia!

Les queiro mucho. The Elder next to me just sat down at his computer, put his hands on the keyboard to type, and almost his entire desk collapsed. I could not stop laughing! It was so hilarious and all the workers were stressing and I was trying to stop laughing and help but I couldn´t. And...there is a full blown dance class going on about 30 feet away from me. What a life!

I am so grateful that the Lord is aware of us and all that we do. He is taking care of us always. Hermana Lopez was transferred this week back to Xela for an emergency transfer need of another missionary. We were sad to leave each other. Even though my time with Hermana Lopez was short, I truly loved her and I learned so much from her. I miss her but maybe we will be together again someday :) And now I´m just loving Hermana Stephens! She is wonderful and we are happy together. She is from Texas, is almost 22, and has about a year in the mission. Her Spanish is unreal because she studied it for mil años and went to Spain and stuff so it´s all good. I am grateful for a President that loves us and helps us and follows the Spirit.

Fransisca, Oscar, and Aroldo will be baptized this Saturday. They are 3 little sobrinos that basically live with their aunt and uncle who are faithful members of the church. They live up in Terrero Alto and walk every Sunday to church. As we have been visiting them they have started praying a ton and are so happy and kind to each other and they said that they want to be baptized. They are super smart and the primary president and the ward are really taking care of them. The children here are SO darling! I can´t even stand looking at their little faces... I always just start crying or laughing or smiling or something. I am always a little stressed about baptizing children but this week while we were teaching them the Spirit reminded me of the Savior´s command...

 13 ¶And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little ^achildren to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little ^achild, he shall not enter therein.

 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and ^ablessed them.

Those words penetrated my heart as I looked into their eyes and listened to them pray and answer questions and read scriptures. They are so precious. We are teaching through little drawing and things they have to do so that they can show their mom and she can see what they are learning. The mom works in a place that makes bread and sometimes is up until the early morning baking so she sleeps there and they stay with the aunt, Gollita, that is a member and the grandma, Concepcion. They may have holes in their shoes but their hearts are whole and bursting with love for Heavenly Father and each other.

We are really working with Alex. This week we saw miracles with them. He and his wife are always bickering about random stuff and it is so frustrating. It is hard to get the Spirit there but it always happens! I have truly learned the power that prayer and hymns have in softening hearts and inviting the Spirit. We have been trying to get them to accept the invitation to be married so that he could be baptized... a miracle happened. We talked a lot about forgiveness and had so many family nights and everything and then this week we had a powerful lesson about the Word of Wisdom. He finally confessed that he had a problem with alcohol and she said that that was one of the biggest problems she had about getting married. So we planned a fast. On Saturday- we ate lunch, knelt down, and started a fast together so that Alex could completely stop drinking and so that they could know what Heavenly Father wants them to do as a family. Even though his whole family are members, none of them had ever done a full 24 hour fast before.

It was probably the most powerful fast of my life. We watched 17 Miracles with them that night so that could all forget their hunger. We talked about the pioneers and how they did not wait for perfect conditions, perfect weather, perfect clothing and food... they just accepted the Lord´s command through His servant, the prophet- and went. They just obeyed. And then suffered and were tested and tried but in the end--- look at what we have because of their obedience and sacrifice! They all came to church together on Sunday and it was precious to see them sitting together. The whole ward was loving it. Helia, the wife, had an interview with the bishop and through this interview we found out that actually they had been married many many years ago in an evangelic church and the process of the papers had just been paused and they never got entered into a computer. But they are married! And when we went over for Sunday lunch, they were all just about dead with hunger. The table was all set and we brought some random cake we made in the microwave... we all knelt together in the family and broke the fast, and Alex said he felt all his desires to drink leave. He said he felt weak but felt the power of God sustaining him. During the fast, he felt like he wanted to drink and eat but then he consciously turned his thoughts to the Savior and the feelings went away.

9 And he said unto me, My ^agrace is sufficient for thee: for my ^bstrength is made perfect in ^cweakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may ^drest upon me.

 10 Therefore I take pleasure in ^ainfirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in ^bpersecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am ^cweak, then am I ^dstrong.

We are hoping to have his baptism in the coming weeks. Keep praying for Alex and the Mendoza family. I know that the Lord loves us and blesses us when we sacrifice and obey. It was the most amazing experience for their family.

The hermanas are doing great! They are so wonderful and the hardest workers! We are seeing some good progress. I am learning how to love all the people and all the hermanas and the members and investigators and keep track of them all. I am learning a lot about the planner and writing things down (like on all the papers and napkins of the counter... sorry momma.) and learning that I don´t need to remember everything because the Spirit does. He remembers everything exactly and can remind me perfectly.

During the Sacrament yesterday we were singing the hymn and I was just thinking about everything that happened this week... as we sang ¨Trust in His redeeming blood and try His works to do¨... I cannot even describe the feeling that came over me. All we must do it trust in Him. And follow Him. And then everything else falls into place and it all works out. I love testifying that our Savior, Jesus Christ lives. He lives! He knows who we are and we are preparing the world for His coming. I know with all of my heart that Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon is the iron rod and will lead us to that precious, glorious, delicious fruit that comes from the Tree of Life. The gospel flame is burning bright inside of me and all I want to do is light that fire in the hearts of everyone around me. The hermanas, ward members, investigators. What a glorious work this is :) I am so grateful to be here. I love the gospel. I love Guatemala. I love the mission. I am so so so happy. Better and better every day. Fe y confianza en mi Señor.

I love you guys with all of my heart!!!

Hermana Jane McGill

Pictures!

Claudia's sweet baptism

Love this day!

The "duck" birthday dinner (see letter)

Hermanas training luncheon. It was in a beautiful garden.

Me and Lopezita

This was the sky the day of Claudia´s baptism. Unreal. Love huehue.

This is our investigator's daughter. She is so faithful and helpful in missionary work. An investigator she brought to church was taking the pic.

Happy Valentines Day

A pig we found during changes in Cambote.

Living the Dream

Hola! Que onda?

Way good week. Found some great people, some weird people, and saw so many miracles.

We had the best family home evening last monday! It serious was so awesome. We have this investigator Alex that I have told you about and he is great but just talking mil años to complete the process before his baptism. We are getting there. He wants to be baptized and wants to get married- now it is just that his wife (who is a member) is struggling with the decision to be married. But we went to their house for the FHE and the entire bishopric came with their wives and everything. That never happens. It was a miracle. The Spirit was so stong as we testified of the power that is in the temple, that truly can seal us as eternal families. He came to church on Sunday and he loved it. Just pray that his cute wife will accept his marriage proposal. 

We got invitied to the birthday dinner of a member and as we walked up to the house we noticed that their pet duck was missing... that is because he was the birthday dinner. But I have to say that duck ain't that bad. The mom of the girl sat next to me for the dinner and explained the entire process of killing, skinning, and cooking the duck. Hahahaha I love this country.

Then we met a kid named Felipe, that just moved into Antonio´s house, and within the first little part of the lesson he just lifted up his shirt and showed us his missing rib and the giant scar on his back from a knife fight when he was younger (he is only 19 right now). That was interesting. But he was super pilas and came to church and loved it. La familia S. is awesome. We still love them and are working hard. We taught the Restoration and when we explained the Book of Mormon, the 16 year old Marleni bascially jumped off her stool and grabbed it out of my hand. The mom recieved a Book of Mormon many years ago on a bus, and although she never read it, she still remembers how she felt and that she was interested in what it was. It is just hard because their son lives and works in the aldea and some of their kids study there on Sundays. The school system is super different here, along with every other system here. But they have programs to study all week long (mon-fri) or plan fin de semana which is where you just study on saturday or sunday so that you can work all week long. That is what they do and they couldn´t get accepted into schools here... anyway, the Lord will provide a way. I am helping them with their english homework, and we read the scriptures together, and teach and feel the Spirit. They are so special and I know that in the Lord´s time, it will all fall into place.

I have started a tradition that I love. I have a piece of paper, and every day I write one thing I love about my companion. Then at the end of my time with them, I give it to them. It is so fun :) I started it with Hermana Call and know I am still going strong with Hermana Lopez. She is a gem. We love and laugh and learn together every day.

I got to go to Cambote, another place in Huehue this week to teach with Hermana Robertson. She is awesome and is such a great missionary. She is a little bit scared of inviting people to be baptized so we worked on that and put some good fechas with people. The Spirit was there with us always. I have learned so much about that in the past few weeks. I have learned a lot about being brave, bold, and unapologetic about the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must be kind. We must love them first. But once the Spirit is there, you just need to testify and invite. That is the greatest way you can let people know that you love them, and that their Father in Heaven loves them- inviting them to grow closer to Him and make covenants with Him. I keep telling the hermanas, just do all you can to obtain the Spirit and follow it's propmtings. We must be obedient, we must pray always, and we must exercise faith in Jesus Christ. And... (Helaman 10)

 4 ^aBlessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with ^bunwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine ^cown life, but hast sought my ^dwill, and to keep my commandments.

 5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that ^aall things shall be ^bdone unto thee according to thy ^cword, for thou shalt ^dnot ask that which is contrary to my will.

Obedience to the commandments, ¨relying wholly upon the merits of he who is mighty to save¨ (2 Nefi 31:19)... that is how things get moving and the work starts progressing. You can spend so much time talking and teaching but really the power comes in the testifying and inviting. Every commitment we extend brings opportunities for people to repent and follow the Savior, Jesus Christ. Conversion then follows. The Spirit fills their lives and testifying that the things they are learning and studying are true. Those principles were made so evident to me this week as were teaching. Especially with Claudia. Ala... esa mujer. She really is something incredible. She has overcome so much and she is pure. Her interview was so stressful because she wasn´t in her house and our disctrict leader had to come down from the mountains to do it, but we found her in el parque central and found the closest restaurante and went to the top floor where it was all quite (as quite as Guate gets) and it all worked out. 

We got to the baptism and she had a ton of support from the members. It was one of the most beautiful services I have ever been to. One of those where you can feel the truth of the things that are happening. The Spirit was palpable. And everyone could feel it. (We had quite a few investigators there too so that was super special.) One of the current APs was the missionary that first found her a long time ago and he got to come down and baptize her. They told a little bit of the story of how they found her, and then after singing ¨I feel my Savior´s love¨ I got to share the experience of finding her once again - it was one of the hardest and longest days of my entire mission, but of course accompanied by the precious miracle of finding her house. The Spirit led us to her and we were able to find, teach, and baptize this precious daughter of our Father in Heaven. I gave her a little picture of the Savior so that she can always remember the love He has for her and the role He wants to play in her life. I shared that quote from Pres. Monson "Heavenly Father loves you- each of you. That love never changes... 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 it." She then shared her testimonyl. She talked about the power the Savior has to help us overcome temptation, and the plan that He has for each of us. Everyone was in tears. I love the power the gospel has to change us. To make us new creatures, and draw us closer to Christ.

This truly is the Lord´s work. His labor of love. I love the quote by President Uchtdorf- "Embrace and rely upon the hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart." He is our power. He gives me peace. I am so grateful to be a missionary. I love testifying of the truth. I love inviting people to come unto Him. I want to do His will, and I want to do it well. So much to learn and become, and so much to love and be grateful for. Living one day at a time and walking with faith in every footstep. The mission truly is a sacred time of life. I love it. 

I love my family! You guys are so special to me! Have a wonderful week.

Les amo muchisimo!

Hermana Jane McGill

Pressing Forward

Me and my new companion. I just love her.

Familia!

Is it possible that the mission really can just keep getting better?? Because it does just that. It just keeps getting happier and harder. But I like it that way. Keeps me humble and patient. It binds my heart to the Savior and points my hope to the future. Like Mom and Dad always say- the best is yet to come. My new companion is Hermana Lopez and she is so darling. She is from Guatemala City, la capital, and has a little over a year in the mission. I love her with my whole heart. She is kind and patient and strong and funny and we just work, work, work. We have put some real good goals for the coming weeks and I am so excited to keep working and see what the Lord has in store for us. Every night before we go to bed she says ¨I love you so much¨ in english and it makes me smile so big every time. Pretty sure Hermana Anderson taught her that because Lopez trained Anderson. She is great. 

We are in a new zone that was just made in Huehue. It is super small but we are strong and going to help build this new zone up. I can feel that the Lord trusts us and I am so grateful for that. There is nothing more powerful than knowing that Heavenly Father has put people and opportunities and things in your path to take care and bring closer to Him. With the power of the spirit and through bearing pure testimony of Gospel of Jesus Christ, we were able to put 2 fechas fijas and 8 metas for the coming weeks. We are just praying for each of these people and working hard to do all that we can. Alma 50:

22 And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times...

 23 But behold there never was a ^ahappier time among the people of Nephi...

I love the Book of Mormon and I love the power that its words bring into my heart every time I read from those precious pages. The work is progressing here in Huehue and we have had a lot of success this week. We have really been focusing on having the Spirit with us always. Especially by inviting Him to be our companion and guide through the power of prayer. It has brought a lot of power to the lessons and we were able to reach the hearts of a lot of people that we couldn´t before. Claudia is absolutely amazing and is going to be baptized on Saturday. Every day she tells about new miracles in her life, new scriptures that strengthened her, and new things that she has triumphed. She hasn´t had any alcohol in the past 2 weeks and she is 100% different. Everyone can tell. She is stuggling a little bit with depression, especially after coming off of this alcohol deal, but she is doing well and I gave her that talk from Elder Holland about ¨Like a Broken Vessel.¨ She said it was written just for her. I love the Spirit and I love that He really can prompt us to choose the right. Claudia has learned so much about that in the past week and it has been a powerful learning experience for me too.

The folletos in the tortillaria were a hit! We found the most wonderful family because of it!  I seriously love them so much. We had actually met one of their daughters in the street and then once we found out that her dad had taken a folleto from the tortillaria we went straight to their house and met the rest of the family. He read the folleto and loved it and wants to learn more! And their whole family plays instruments and sings. We sat there playing the guitar and the guitaron and singing for a lit bit while we waiting for the mom to come and I was in heaven. We had a mini family night when we met them on Saturday and it was so beautiful. Please pray for this darling family. Hna Lopez and I just feel that this is exactly what they need right now. They only problem is that one of their sons lives in an aldea that is in Huehue but kind of far. So they go there every weekend to visit him. I know that once we teach the Restoration that the Spirit will help them feel the importance of coming to church and they will stay here to come with us. They are so special.

Antonio came and sat by my in Gospel Principles and was highlighting his scriptures. I looked over at him and said ¨I thought you didn´t like highlighting your scriptures because you think it looks ugly?¨ He looked at me with the biggest smile and said ¨Well I have to start preparing to share the gospel on my mission.¨ I almost just burst into tears. He didn´t tell me but he has already started on all the medical stuff with his papers and is hoping to get ready to go by his year mark in August. He has no support from his family to go on a mission but at least they have started talking to him again and accept the fact that he was baptized. Oh man... what miracles. Antonio and Fred get to church so early in their white shirts and sit together, praying until the meeting starts. When I come to greet them they tell me I detract from the Spirit. hahaha I love those guys. They are also going on the ward temple trip this friday with Danissa and Alex. Best. 

We are just working and doing all we can. I have so so so much left to learn but I love learning it all! Spanish is progressing, testimony strengthing, and the church is being established here. Oh how I love these people, and oh how I love my Savior. I have been thinking a lot about that... the love that I have for the Savior and the love He has for me. I feel like He has been asking me this this week-

 15 ¶So when they had dined, Jesus saith to (Hermana McGill), lovest thou me more than these? (She) saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto (her), Feed my lambs.

I want to feed His sheep. I want to bring these people to the fold. I want to testify of the truth- boldy- before the world, and establish the kingdom of God here upon the earth in preparation for the coming of our Lord. These things have Celestial significance and thus need to be done in His time and in His way (Alma 37:47). This work can not be done with half of your heart, or when it is easiest, or most convinient. We are the Lord´s chosen servants, called to teach these people who He is. I know who He is and I love who He is. I want to be just as my Savior, Jesus Christ, is and I am so gratefu to be His representative. I know that He lives. This is his gospel and every person, in every time, of every world will have the opportunity to hear this message- because it is the truth. And it is the way to eternal life. (2 Nefi 31)

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life.

 21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the ^away; and there is ^bnone other way nor ^cname given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the ^ddoctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the^eFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is ^fone God, without end. Amen.

I love my family! You are my hope and my joy! I am praying for you always and always.

Hermana Jane McGill

Staying Put

Familia!

I love the mission. I love it so much. I know that Heavenly Father is so aware of us. Transfers - I'm just going to keep hanging out in my same area and Hermana Call is heading out. Who knows where she will go, but we are just getting all packed and ready to head up to Xela first thing in the morning! Journeys to Xela are so tiring... the luggage on top of the bus flopping all around and praying that it won't fly down the mountain since it isn`t latched to anything, chickens everywhere, people selling full dripping fruits all down the isles for 2 hours, people shaving, cutting nails, nursing, kissing, throwing up, blasting music, at least 10 different lanuages being spoken, and us just talking to everyone about the gospel... best. Definitely not the most spiritually inviting atmostphere but that is something I have learned- it doesn`t matter where you are, when people are prepared they will listen and understand through the Spirit. It is always fun to got to the bus terminal in Xela see all the long lost missionary friends that come down from the aldeas and mountains and join there to see where the Lord needs us next. Before they called about transfers last night I was saying my prayers and felt the most tender spirit surrounding me. I felt Heavenly Father say ¨I am right here with you. Right now in this very moment. I am watching over you and guiding these steps in your life. It is all going to be great. I love you, Jane.¨ It was probably one of the most powerful experiences on my mission yet. I realized that I often feel promptings in my mind and heart that apply to whatever I am praying about but they don`t feel so present- as in - if I could see Heavenly Father, he would be looking down at me and saying those words to me right in that very moment. I don´t know quite how to describe the feeling and the spirit that was there, but it was something I will never forget. His love is so real. He is my Father.

He just keeps taking care of us, leading and guiding us, and touching the hearts of these precious people here. I got a letter from a friend this week that talked about the power and influence that Heavenly Father has in this work. "He is a God of miracles". That hit me so hard. It was right after a planning session and I was just thinking about all these people and how we can get them to take these steps towards baptism. I just felt those words seeping into my heart and staying there. All day, as everything played out and everything was happening, I kept thinking about that- My God is a God of miracles. Trust in His power. We had many special little miracles this week. We went to Ashly`s house again and she was just the same... "I can`t be baptized until I have peace and figure out this situation with my husband (common law). I can`t be baptized and then live in sin and leave the church right after if he comes back to live with me and I can`t marry him right now. I need to make a decision and be faithful to it." A la gran... no matter what we testified of or how we tried to help... she was set on waiting. We were still praying fervently and invited all of the members to pray too. We had an awesome zone meeting and talked a lot about how Heavenly Father will not let people be baptized if they have not truly repented. That hit me hard for her. She cannot get baptized and then move in with her husband right after. We planned a great lesson on repentance and all the sudden she called. We went to her house and shared the lesson we had planned. And at the end she said "I made my decision. My husband is not a good man. I need something better. I need to dedicate my life to God. I have truly repented of all that happened, I am not getting back with him, I went and put my statements in with the government yesterday and it is all settled. I am at peace and will be baptized."

 ¨...For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and ^bcome unto me; for mine ^carm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.¨ (2 Nephi 28:21)

I love it. Heavenly Father helped some things happen that week in her life to help her make the decision. It was miraculous. Her baptism was so beautiful and she was amazing. We sang the ¨I love to look for rainbows song¨ and she was just in tears. We all were. She is clean and ready to start fresh with her darling children. She received the Holy Ghost on Sunday and bore her testimony in front of everyone. It was probably one of the best convert testimonies I have ever heard. I love her! I am so grateful for a merciful and loving Savior that will lift us and lead us and guide us so that we can return to live with Him forever. We were visiting her right before her baptism and a guy was walking the streets selling these crazy blankets. He told us all about how he needed money to pay his passage to get to the other side of the country... Ashly started giving him the low down on how if he doesn`t pray and fast and dedicate more to God it doesn`t matter how much he sells, he can`t be happy. She`s awesome. Satan did not want it to happen though. Her husband pulled up to the house right as we did the day before her baptism, her children were all crying, and it was a crazy day. We went to plan the baptism with the ward mission leader and I just had a weird feeling so I said "You will be there for the baptism tomorrow, right?" And he said "Actually hermanita... I am leaving for the states at 5am tomorrow morning." Oh that was good to know. But with faith rooted firmly in our God of miracles, it all worked out. 

We also had a fija fecha with Claudia for last Saturday but she fell into some more problems with drinking so we are up and at ´em again trying to get her off of all that. We chucked all of her alcohol and coffee out of the house and we talk to her everyday so that she can quit that habit. She was in tears and we had the most tender lesson on repentance and faith. We talked all about Ether 12:27 and she loved it. The second she made a decision to be baptized, or started reading her scriptures, or praying, or leaving for a church activity, all her friends would call and invite her to come out and drink. They would all bug her about it too if she said no. She went on a ride with her Mormon friend to get away from everything and they passed a fair. They got out to walk around and of course, in front of them was a GIANT table of alcohol... a lady was calling them over and they kept saying no. Then she would tell them to just come because nobody would see, and they would say no again, so she came down and tried to help them across the street to drink... talk about Lehonti and Amalickiah (Alma 47). She ran away, got back on the moto and left. She came to church and loved it and hasn`t drunk in the past week. Keep praying for her so she can be clean and keep her fecha for the 15th.

So tortillas are a staple here. You eat them with every meal, without fail. But they are different- homemade and corn. Real good. I'll bring you some. But anyway, an hermana from the other stake in Huehue moved her tortillaria over to our area and we have become buddies with her. She is actually  has become good friends with Ashly since she moved in and has been a great support to her and help with her baptism. But we put a bunch of different folletos in her place and they have been a hit! She has gotten us some good references and we have some fun families to go contact this week. Pray for these people. We are loving the work and finding joy in every step of the journey. I know that this is the Lord`s work. Joseph Smith was called as the prophet in these latter days to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth so that we can learn and grow and prepare for the coming of our Lord. There is no other way.

8 Now, the decrees of God are ^aunalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that ^bwhosoever will may ^cwalk therein and be saved.

All I want to do it teach these people the way they need to walk so that they can be saved. I love being a missionary and I love dedicating myself to the work of my Father. This truly is His kingdom, here on the earth. I keep feeling Him say to me ¨Bring these people to my church so that I can love them and take care of them in all the ways that they need.¨ That is my greatest desire and I will never be tired of seeking to bring these souls to Him! Praying for you all and loving you always,

Hermana Jane McGill

Pictures!

Noche de Hermanamiento. Hermana Call is leading the music.

We kind of matched this day

sunset

I love Gloria. She is often sick. Hoping to help her get to the temple.

Miracle baptism

She wanted to learn the hairdo

Me - teaching English!

Yes, he really is sweeping the road