2017

One week down and a new year began! How amazing is it that we have entered 2017? It sounds so strange! I so grateful to be serving here during this time of changes, new beginnings! How wonderful is the first of the year. 

So my new companion is from Santos. Sister Aranha(Spider) She promises that she doesn't bite! haha She is amazing. We are having a blast here in our area, Bagé. We're working really hard to stay alive here in the hottest part of the world, drinking lots of water, and we're almost drinking Sunblock also. Many people say that during summer they need to use umbrellas for the sun. I thought at the start of my mission, "Wow, I will never ever do that. How crazy." I spoke too soon. This week I used an umbrella for the first time. First it was raining cats and dogs, and the moment it stopped raining, the sun broke through the clouds and.... the world literally almost started on fire. And there was us, still under umbrellas. In the middle of the desert. haha

Anyways, I want to share with you all a letter that i got from a friend of mine that you will recognize. I asked him for some help because I never trained anyone and this is how he responded:

Hey there pal! How are you doing cousin?:)

I have trained and it is an awesome experience! Nothing will compare ever to just being a normal missionary and cruising around with your companion, but training is great! First of all, don't freak out if you are because it will all be ok. Your mission president is led by revelation and therefore he isn't even the one that assigned you to train, but Christ is! Imagine that, the Savior Himself trusting you! He's not going to let you fail so long as you try so you have nothing to worry about! Trust the training model and 12 week. Trust your ability to receive revelation. Keep being obedient and doing your best! Seriously Lauren, you are going to do so well. Don't get discouraged if you feel overwhelmed or like you're failing in any way. No one is perfect and you are going to make mistakes, but you were not called to be flawless, but called to serve. Serve with all your heart and you will be led to know exactly what Heavenly Father needs you to do! You got this!! Don't be afraid, just have faith and trust!! You're the coolest Lauren, it's really good to hear from you! Good luck! Love ya!

Elder Kleinman

I know that this is the Lord's work. I know that I was called to serve. I will never be perfect, which is something i told many of my presquisadores this week, but I know that every day more I have the chance to become more like my Savior in who's service I'm in. I know that He is working with me, at my side. I know that He suffered everything, EVERYTHING that I suffer. I know this. And I know that through Him I never have to suffer again. Through Him I can do anything and EVERYTHING. How grateful I am for friends like this who help me remember this important purpose and opportunity that we all have. 

Love you all and hope that you all will have an incredible start to the year!

Família do Presidente Ortiz