Earthquakes and Eating Ants

WHAT UP FAMILY?!

Another week gone and only one week left in this change. I can't believe I've only been here for a month. I feel like it's been so much longer. 

Let's see...this week we had an earthquake! We were sitting doing our studies and I felt like I was moving but I was sitting down. I noticed that the table was moving too. It took my comps a few seconds to recognize it but we definitely figured it out. When we first got to the mission, we got this little pamphlet on what to do during Earthquakes so the first thing Hermana Martinec and I did was run for our pamphlets...bahaha. It wasn't even that big and all the pamphet said was to stay calm. Or at least that's all I could understand since it was in Spanish. I'm not sure how long it lasted but after I felt a little dizzy. I think it was worse in other areas but we are safe and sound. 

We have some really great families in our ward that I just love. We ate at our Ward Mission Leader's house this week and his wife prepared an American meal for us...fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slaw and bread. It was so cute of her to do that. We ate at another families house this Sunday and they are so hilarious. The husband is trying to learn English and I love when he tries to speak. He always tells us that we are 'off the chains!' I don't know how to tell him that nobody actually says that in America...haha. Oh, he said that he really wants some playing cards from Las Vegas so if anyone wants to send me some to give to him, he would really appreciate it. :)

We got some rain this week. The first rain of the season. It was near the end of the night and we got soaked! But the air was so much cooler that night and I could sleep more comfortably. It rained again one other night, too. It was much appreciated. Everyone says that May and June are the hottest months and then it starts the rainy season and it gets cooler. Can't wait for that. 

Oh...about eating ants. So we have ants in our house...I'm pretty sure it's impossible to not have them. I'm just glad it's not cockroaches. Anyway, the yesterday, Hermana Garcia made french toast and eggs for us for breakfast. So yummy and so nice. We left the plate sitting out for less than an hour and had a napkin over it. There weren't any ants in sight. Well, I went and grabbed another piece to eat and took a bite. Then the skin on my hands felt like it was moving and I looked down and my hands were COVERED in ants...and so was the bread that I just took a bite out of!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH! I freaked out and spit the chewed piece out and threw the other part away, washed my hands and brushed my teeth for like 10 minutes. The rest of the day I felt like ants were crawling in my throat, but I'm pretty sure it was just my imagination....at least I hope. 

The Easter Bunny came to Mexico! haha MOM--I got my easter package and WE LOVE THE SHORTS SO MUCH. They are the coolest. My zone leader was jealous and said he wanted some, too. Yesterday morning I left some of the candy on my companion's beds while they were getting ready so we could feel like it was Easter. We didn't do much in church about Easter, we didn't even sing any of the Easter hymns. There was one talk on the resurrection though. 

Christen asked in an email what traditions they have here in Mexico. Well, this last week is called Semana Santa and EVERYONE goes on vacations so the work was a little slow. Also, there were a lot more drunk people on the streets. It's weird because all the borrachos seem to know English. It's super hilarious to hear 'Hey baby...where you go?' I've also received several marriage proposals...so if I can't find anyone to marry in the US...haha, just kidding. But seriously. Also, in different parts of the country, they reenact the crucifixion. I don't like this...they actually have someone who prepares all year to act like the Savior and they are literally nailed to a cross but apparently they don't die. The reason I don't like this is because Christ already suffered for us...the atonement was performed so we won't have to suffer like He did if we will repent.

ALSO...we had a baptism this week!! Adrian was baptized on Saturday and confirmed a member of the church on Sunday. The baptism was really nice and we actually had several members from the ward come to support. I can't tell you how much member support means to missionaries. I was super worried because no one was there at 7 (when we were supposed to start) but I realized that Mormon Standard time in on another level here. Mexican Mormon Standard time. It started at about 7:40 but we have people there and it was so nice. Adrian was really happy and I was so happy for him. He is starting a new life! Clean from sin and relieved of guilt. What a great blessing! He was talking about serving a mission...that would be so cool! The ward has really helped in welcoming him. 

There is always so much to tell you and not enough time! Ahh!. Today we have a zone gathering at the church. The zone leaders told us that this family from the stake wanted to make us stake so I was super excited. We wore our shorts because we were going to play volleyball, too. So we get there and guess what we are eating? Like literally a big pig leg. hahha...it still had some of the skin AND hair on it (I didn't eat that part). The meat tasted good, though. Oh Mexico...I love this place. 

Although it didn't really feel like Easter yesterday, I studied about the atonement and resurrection in my personal studies. How grateful I am for the Savior. I know that he came into this world in the humblest of circumstances to do the greatest work. He lived a perfect life and suffered ALL things because he loves us. He loves every single one of us. He knows each of us perfectly...and he knows how to help each of us perfectly. Although I can't fully comprehend the magnitude of His sacrifice, I know that He loves me. What an amazing blessing. I hope everyone had a lovely Easter and you were able to reflect on the blessings you have received from the miracle of the atonement and resurrection of the Savior. 

I love you all!!

Love, Hermana Durham

Pictures:

Our ward had a talent show. We were at the chapel for Adrian's baptismal interview so we got to see a little bit of it. Our bishopric dressed up and dances like the Minions. SO HILARIOUS. 

La Familia Losada. The husband is the one learning English. 

Eating the big meat pig leg thing. 

Modeling our shorts!!

Adrian's baptism! The man who baptized him was the one who made me do the spiritual thought in ward council last week.

Peace and Blessings

Hello everyone!

So this week was full of interesting things. We did divisions with the Sister Training Leaders. Hna. Martinec went to their area and Hermana Sanchez came to our area. She was fearless and really good at talking with people. I hope I can get to that point. She is from Mexico so she obviously can speak Spanish. I told her that I'm scared to speak and she said that the only way to get over that is by speaking and trying. I will say that I definitely tried more this week. Hermana Garcia forced me to talk, actually. We would be contacting and she would just be silent and it would be awkward so I had to say something. Spanish is my biggest obstacle right now. I know that the only way to improve is by speaking. Yesterday at church, one of the counselors in the bishopric was talking to us and asked me how my Spanish was coming along. I told him that it was so-so and he told me that I need to speak more in order to improve. We went into ward counsel and guess who he chose to give the spiritual thought? Yep...me. I should have seen it coming. I was freaking out but I didn't cry! haha. I gave a scripture about diligence and how we need diligence in missionary work. It was short and I know I made errors but I did it. I hope I won't have to do that again for a while!

So about the title of my email. I think it was Tuesday or Wednesday and my stomach was hurting. It was the weirdest thing. It would hurt really really bad and I would feel like I needed to throw up for like 5-10 minutes, then it would go away for a little bit and then it would come back. This was happening all day after we ate. So we were on this street trying to find a reference and I needed to stop for a minute. I was crouched down on the side of the road wanting to die but decided that I could keep walking. We were making our way up this hill and this man and woman walked by us. She stopped and asked my companions if I was ok. They told her that my stomach hurt and so she turned to me and said 'We are sisters in the gospel. Can I pray for you?' I looked at my companions for comfirmation that this was ok and they were both laughing (well, Hna. Garcia was trying to call our district leader to tell him I wasn't feeling well but she was also laughing). I didn't know what to do but I figured that a prayer wouldn't hurt. I thought she would just go home and pray for me. Nope. She proceeded to put her hands in the air, close her eyes, and I guess...give me a blessing. I was SO CONFUSED. The only thing I could really understand was when she yelled 'SANA' which means 'be healed' or something. My companions said she was like calling the devil out of me. There were both dying laughing and I was half laughing half whincing in pain. After she was done she looked at me and asked me if I felt better. I didn't but I told her 'un pocito' and she was like 'YOU ARE HEALED' and kept saying that as her and her husband walked away.  

So come to find out later that Hermana Garcia and Hermana Martinec knew this lady because she gave Hma. Garcia a 'blessing' before! Her name is Rafaela and her husband's name is Paz (or peace). I'm pretty sure that those aren't their real names though. Anyway, it was an interesting experience but unfortunately I wasn't healed and felt sick the rest of the night.

We have a really great lesson with one of our investigators who is on date for baptism. His name is Adrian. He is 21 years old and actually comes to church! What?! But seriously, he is renewing my faith that there are people that are prepared to hear the gospel. He said that he was feeling pretty bad. He decided to read some of the Book of Mormon and he read about the atonement and how Christ suffered for our sins. He thought 'can He forgive my sins?' After he thought that, he said he felt really good. He felt peace. We explained that was the spirit testifying to him that the Lord truly can forgive us of our sins and that it is through baptism we can receive that forgiveness. Adrian is truly prepared for the gospel. I had been feeling like everyone we talk to doesn't care to listen, or wants to listen but doesn't want to change. I was starting to lose a little bit of hope but this experience taught me that there are people who are prepared. It's just a matter of finding them. We should be having his baptism this Saturday. 

We also had a follow up meeting for trainers and trainees this week with President Kusch and Hermana Kusch. It was nice to see them and hear their counsel. I will be honest, the last 4 weeks have not been easy. I feel like I'm not doing enough because I can't communicate, but I was reminded that the Lord called me to this mission for a reason and that He will help me with what I need help with. I just need to get over my fears. That's much easier said than done but I am trying to trust more in Him. I know this is the work of the Lord and that He will help me. 

Let me just say I really like my companions. They are hilarious. Hna. Garcia always makes me laugh...and she is always falling. More like tripping. I don't know why. But both of them are super great and help me lighten up when I feel down. Hna. Garcia thinks I have a ghetto spirit because I'm so spunky...and ghetto. How many other people have told me that? Like a billion. Haha. Also, our district leader, Elder Matos always makes really funny faces and I can imitate them really well and she always makes me do the face. That probably isn't funny to anyone who reads this because you don't know what the face is, but trust me, it's funny. 

We also had a cool experience in street contacting. We started talking to this lady and her family and she didn't seem very interested. She told us that she was catholic. We explained who were are and our message. Just as she was about to leave she asked 'what is a mormon anyway?' and we explained that we are called Mormon because of the Book of Mormon. Hermana Garcia explained what it was and I gave her a copy. She was so curious and was flipping through the book and asking more questions. It was super cool to see that change once we brought up the Book of Mormon. That book has power. I have really started loving it. It truly contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ...the secret to true happiness!! It is truly convincing evidence that the gospel of Jesus Christ is again restored to the earth. Everyone should read it. 

Well, that's all for this week. PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL. 

Love, 

Hermana Durham

General Conference

Hola!!

So last week we went to Centro in Cuernavaca for p-day. We emailed first and then went and looked around the center. I fell in love. They have all these little shops with handcrafted things. Emily -- you would go crazy. I wanted to buy everything I saw but resisted. One day I'm going back and buying everything, though. When I'm rich and can actually speak spanish. :)

This week was another busy one. Get used to hearing that. Tuesday we had a special conference to watch the dedication of the CCM in Mexico. Elder Oak's dedicated it back in 2013 and it was recorded because he wanted all missionaries in Mexico to watch it. It was really cool to learn about how the Lord truly is guiding his work. Elder Oaks also mentioned that having a testimony is not true conversion. To be truly converted is to do and become. I got to see my companions from the MTC at the conference and Elder Montierth (one of the elders from my MTC district). The first thing he said to me was 'You are still white as ever'. Ok people...give me some time. The shoe tan line is really coming in strong. 

We are teaching and working with many investigators but not many of them are progressing because they won't come to church. It's really frustrating. But we are trying to keep our heads up. One of the problems is that there are a lot of churches here that go out and 'preach' to people...similar to what we do. However, the difference between us and them is that 1) we have the fulness of the gospel and 2) we are asking people to do more than just listen. We are inviting them to come unto Christ by helping them make covenants...like baptism. We are asking them to receive an answer for themselves and in order to do that, they need to read the Book of Mormon, Pray and come to church. People here love to listen but they don't want to change. So we are trying to find the people who want to change. In one of the talks in conference yesterday said that those who are truly seeking to find the truth will do everything they can to obtain it. So our search for those people who are prepared continues...

Speaking of conference...I LOVED IT. It goes by way too fast as a missionary. I was able to watch it in English and it was lovely. Some of my favorite talks were: Elder Holland (of course), Elder Bednar, Elder Eyring, Elder Ballard...ok maybe all of them. 

But did you all hear Elder Ballard's? Following up on his request for members to pray to find one person to share the gospel with? I'll admit, I didn't do that before the mission, but I've repented and now I'm realizing how important members are in this work. So you should all totally do that. And study preach my gospel!

I also loved all the talks about obedience. Man, this world is wicked. We need all the help and blessings we can get. We are given commandments to bless us. People don't always think that. They think commandments are just another way to tell us what to do. But it's a way to exercise our agency and faith and receive blessings. 

Something Emily wrote to me last week and something that I learned from Elder Eyring's talk is that blessings for being obedient don't always come immediately (also, consequences for sin don't always come immediately either) but they always come. God is bound to bless us but He blesses us in His time and when it is best for us. This is because we need to build faith. I am definitely working on building my faith as a missionary. Every day my faith is tested as I walk out the door searching for people who want to accept the gospel. People ignore us, don't keep committments, etc and I have to walk up and down big hills...oh and I don't know a lot of spanish. Every night I get home tired with bug bites, dirty legs and achy feet, but I marvel that I was able to make it. How did I get through the day? I am not seeing 'success' like I think I should see it...with buckets of people wanting to accept the gospel, but I am seeing it every night when we get home safe and we've done all we could during the day. In time I know the Lord will bless us with success, but I also recognize He is blessing me every day with little things. 

Ok, that's all for this week. I love you all. Here are some pictures from the special conference on Tuesday. The first is with Hna. Garcia, Hna. Junca, and Hna. Thompson. The second is our zone. The third and fourth is our companionship. Hna. Garcia told us we had to carry her since she is our trainer. She is crazy and I love her. 

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Hermana Durham

Adele in Cuernavaca

Hola!

It's Hermana Durham...or should I say Adele. This week, I had 2 different people tell me I look like Adele. I have NO clue what they are thinking. It's only because we have the same skin tone and light eyes. Half the time I look super gross because I'm sweating my face off. But maybe this can work to my advantage. If they think I'm famous, then maybe they'll want to listen to what I have to say. OR maybe I could go Gladys Knight status and hold a concert pretending I'm Adele. Oh the possibilities...

A lot of people comment on how pale I am. Mostly they tell me that I should wear a hat or sunscreen. But the best comment was from a member in our ward, Hermana Judith. She is hilarious. The other day we were leaving her house and she asked if I was wearing white socks! I couldn't tell if she was joking or not but she was laughing so I'm guessing she was. Then she told me my skin matched my shirt (which was off white). hahahaha Thanks, Hermana. I guess I don't realize how odd I must look here. BUT, although it is faint, I am getting a shoe tan line.

Also, the bugs had a feast on my legs this week. I felt like I was being eaten alive. I had bug bites all over my legs...and they looked like welts. We had a ward activity and one member tried giving me bug spray because she saw my legs. I told her I had some but it doesn't work very well. They've calmed down now, though.

We are really trying to work with the ward to get references of people to teach. Contacting on the street is great and all, but no one we meet wants to come to church on Sunday. I know there are people here that are prepared to hear the gospel, we just need to find them. I really think the members are key to that. 

We ate dinner with a member yesterday. She is a convert and less active and is coming back to church. She is super awesome! She was telling us about the family history sunday school class she is going to and how excited she is to do the family history and temple work for her parents. She has never been to the temple but plans on going when she gets all the information. It got me so excited about teaching people the plan of salvation and how we can be with our families forever. What a message of hope! We have the authority to seal families together for eternity. People who didn't have a chance to hear the message of the gospel on earth will have a chance in heaven. 

I watched the General Women's broadcast in Spanish. I understood less than half of what was said but what I understood, I liked. I really liked the video they showed (mostly because it has no words but also because it was super cute. When President Eyring got up I just started crying! I couldn't understand what he was saying but I know he is an apostle of the Lord. I can't wait to watch General Conference this week (I'm pretty sure Im going to watch it in English!) and to hear from the voices of living prophets and apostles! Everyone should watch it!

Although I still can't communicate as I would like, I love these people. Some days are super frustrating because nobody wants to listen. It's sad because I know this gospel will change lives. We have the secret to true happiness!!! Little by little we will get our message across. 

I know this gospel is true. I know that everyday I'm being supported in this work. I couldn't do this on my own. I know that God loves all His children. I know that Christ is the Savior of the world. This is His true and complete gospel! 

I love you all! Thanks for your support!

Love,

Hermana Durham

HOLA

So guess what...I'm in Mexico. And missions are totally as hard as everyone said. The MTC should definitely be more of a boot camp to get you ready for all the hills you have to climb. Also, they tell you to look your best everyday. That's not happening in Mexico. Sorry..

But first, let's start from the beginning of the week. I arrived on Monday night after a full day of travel. I tried sleeping on the plane but yeah...that didn't happen. We were greeting by President and Hna. Kusch and their assistants at the airport. I gave Hna. Kusch a hug and almost started to cry. I was so happy to be there! FINALLY!

We took a bus to the mission offices where most of the Hermana's stayed. Guess who I met? Hermana Junca...the missionary I blog stalked faithfully before coming. She is friends with Brooklyn and we bonded over our mutual friend and the fact that I already knew all about her mission life. haha. She is super cool and told me that she knew who my trainer was and that it was a good thing. That definitely put my mind at ease. 

Tuesday, we hung around the offices for a while until it was time to go to the chapel for interviews and to find our where we were going. I met with President Kusch. I love him and Hna. Kusch so much. He was born not too far from where Pop was born and grew up in So Cal until he moved to No. Cal after they were married. I asked him if he was a Dodgers fan and he said 'You know....I am but when I moved to San Fran, it was easier to be a Giants fan.' That killed me a little inside. But he said that he still has Dodger blue in his vains and that the last thing they did before they moved to Idaho was go to a Dodgers game. We talked a little about the greatness of Vinn Scully and then he gave me my assignment. I was assigned to the Civac zone in the Cuauhnahuac B area (I think that is how you spell it) with Hermana Garcia. AND Hermana Martinec. Yes, I'm in a trio again. I almost laughed with President told me because I had prayed that I wouldn't be in a trio again and then took it back in my prayers because I knew that if I prayed for something not to happen, it would happen. And of course it did. I don't know if that makes sense but anyway...it's a good thing. Both Hermanas are awesome and I have learned a lot from them already.

After we met, we headed back to our area, dropped my stuff off and headed to the chapel to meet with our mission leader. He didn't end up coming, but I got to meet some members who are awesome. Also, I started realizing that my spanish was super limited. I wanted to communicate with them and I couldn't say much. They were super nice and friendly, though. 

A little about my companions. Hermana Garcia is from Mapleton, UT and speaks fluent Spanish and English. I am so grateful for that. SERIOUSLY. She is awesome.  She is 22 so that is nice that she is a little older like me. She really knows how to be a missionary and I'm excited to learn more from her. Hermana Martinec is 19 and from LAS VEGAS just like me. I think there are 4 missionaries from Vegas here in the mission. She is cool and is finishing her training with Hna. Garcia. She has been here for 6 weeks. She is from the Sunrise area. 

The next day we hit the ground running. It's a little bit of a blur what happened in the last week. I honestly feel like the MTC was a year ago but it was only a week ago that left. I heard 'Guerita' many times that first day. I'm glad Amada told me what that meant before I got here! 

I'm sure mom is dying to know about my living conditions. haha.. I got lucky. I hear my house is probably one of the nicest in the whole mission. And it is very nice. I have yet to encounter a cockroach in the house. We have some ants but they are small so whatever. I have a toilet seat and a shower door. Yeah, I'm living the good life over here. I also haven't had diarrea yet! Just in case you were wondering. I haven't had anything weird and the first thing Hma Kusch gave us when we got on the bus on Monday night was a package of pepto-bismal that we were suppose to take every morning for the first week. I have been diligent in that effort so hopefully my insides will be happy. But I also know that it's only a matter of time...

Also, it is so hot. This is their 'summer' here and I sweat SO MUCH EVERYDAY. I wish I brought more shirts I can wear without undershirts. If anyone finds shirts like that, could you please send them to Mexico for me? Thanks. Just kidding...but seriously. It's hot and we walk everywhere. Don't worry, mom...I wear sunscreen everyday. I have started to see a slight different in shade of pale on my arms, though. That is exciting. Maybe I will be tan in 18 months. I'm highly doubting that but a girl can dream...

We are fed by the members. I am in a ward and we have another set of sisters in the ward, too. It{s a pretty big area so it's split. I've been in some pretty humble houses and I've also been in some pretty nice house. We have a good mix of both.

About our investigators. We have a few progressing but it's really hard to get them to church. The only investigator that came to church yesterday doesn't want to accept a baptismal date. We are working on it. I've helped in teaching some parts of the lessons and it's always very basic and simple. Man, learning a new language is frustrating. We found a two families on Saturday and are hoping they keep progressing because we know this gospel will bless their lives.

I think yesterday was the hardest day for me so far. At church, I really wanted to talk with the members, understand what they were saying, etc. but I felt incapable of doing that. My Spanish is so limited. I know I've only been here for a week, but I feel like I should be able to speak fluently (I understand that is crazy). During consejo del barrio, they asked that I introduce myself. I went after the other two new missionaries in the ward and they are both fluent spanish speakers. So I somehow choked out 'Hola, Soy Hermana Durham. Soy de Las Vegas. No hablo español muy bien pero estoy tratando' without crying (which I was close to doing all day). During our lesson with the family who fed us comida that day, I started crying when I was trying to expain that Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial (God is our Heavenly Father). I hope I played if off as though I was feeling the spirit but I'm not quite sure I did. I was feeling so bad about myself! I have explained that concept before but for some reason I was just feeling self-conscious.We were walking to our next appointment and my feet were hurting and so was my ego. I was crying walking behind my companions thinking, 'what am I doing here. I have no idea how to be a missionary...especially speaking spanish' We went to have a noche de hogar (family home evening) with a family in our ward and a menos activo. I was so worried about my Spanish but they were so helpful and loving. I gave a spiritual thought and again I started to cry. This time it was a little bit because of frustration but also gratitude for this family who was so accepting and helpful. The mom, Silvia, is amazing and told me that her house was my house and that she will be my 'mama' here and gave me this big hug that made me feel so much better. Her daughter is a RM and is super awesome. Her boyfriend just got baptized and one of the missionaries that taught him was Hna. Marx...Brad's cousin. I haven't met her yet and she probably doesn't know I exist but I feel like I have a connection with her. Haha. 

Anyway, I love Mexico. It is certainly different than what I'm used to in America, but the people are great. I'm trying really hard to not think so much about how bad my feet hurt (by the way...my thighs better be huge and muscular after this because I'm literally climbing mountains...maybe more like big hills, every day.) and more about what the Lord wants for these people. He loves them and I can feel that. I already love them so much.

THis gospel is true. I most definitely would NOT be here doing what I'm doing every day if I didn't know that with all my heart. There is no way. But this is the work of the Lord. He wants all of His children to return to live Him. It's not easy, this is hard work. Not just being a missionary, but being a member of the church. But if we keep moving forward every day with faith and hope, we will see miracles.

I love you all!! Thanks for all the support. I can feel your prayers. I hope you can feel mine. 

Con amor,

Hermana Kylie:) 

The only picture I took this week...me and my trainer, Hna. Garcia. Also, the last day I wore real make up. haha

Letter from the President

March 19, 2014

Dear Durham Family,

We are happy to let you know that your daughter has arrived safe and sound in the Mexico Cuernavaca Mission. She has been assigned to serve in the Cuaunahuac Area in the Civac Zone in Cuernavaca.  Her trainer is Sister Garcia.We are grateful to be able to serve with her in the work of the Lord.

This will be a time of much service and work that will bring growth and learning for your daughter.  We hope that her experience here will strengthen her testimony and prepare her to be a good wife, mother and future leader in the church.  Her experiences in the mission field will contribute to her development as a faithful and righteous servant of the Lord.

Your love and support will do much to lift and bless your missionary.  We hope you will write her regularly, encouraging her to do her best.

Together with this letter you will find a picture that was taken the first day that Sister Durham was with Sister Kusch and me.    

We thank you for the love and support that you will give to your daughter throughout her mission.  This is the work of the Lord and each day we see evidence of that in the lives of our missionaries and those they teach.  We know your family will be greatly blessed because of your daughter’s righteous missionary service.

Sincerely,

President Bruce C. Kusch

Mexico Cuernavaca Mission

Adios MTC!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOM!! I hope you have a special day! I wish I could be there with you but just know I'm thinking of you! AND I WILL CALL YOU TOMORROW!

Well, I'm in my last 24 hours here at the MTC. I can't really believe that I'll be in Mexico TOMORROW. WHAT?! How did this happen? I weighed me suitcases just barely...I'm at 50.2 lbs with both of them. Hopefully they don't gain weight overnight.

Not much has happened over the last few days since I last emailed, except that I've packed up all of my belongings. We have in-field orientation on Friday and it was a long day! It was super fun, though. All the missionaries that are leaving this week were there and we split into small groups and did a lot of activities and learned a lot of great things. Something that was talked about a lot is working with members. I can't tell you how excited I am to work with the members in my areas! At the end of the day, they show this video. Gwen told me about it before. It shows the growth of the church in the world since we were first organized. All the stakes and temples around the world light up. It was fun to see the growth of the church throughout the world and to imagine how much more growth is happening and will happen over my lifetime! How exciting!

We had our last classes with our teachers. I've said this before but I lucked out with teachers here. Both Hermana V and Hermano Z taught me SO much about being a missionary. Yesterday something Hno. Z said really hit me. He talked about having a vision for who we want to be as missionaries. What does the missionary who will be coming home in 18 months look like? More importantly, what does the Lord want me to become? Think about that for a minute. What kind of vision does the Lord have for you? As I sat and pondered, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to be a missionary. I am learning new things and gaining a stronger testimony every day. What a blessing it is to share the message of the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ with others. I don't think I know the kind of joy I will feel from this experience. I will be helping people come unto Christ. I will be helping people have better lives through the atonement. I'm so excited!

After our district meeting today, our branch sang "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" in Spanish, of course. I really have come to love this missionaries...some I may never see again. It's crazy how much you can love someone after knowing them for just a few short months. 

PEOPLE: The gospel is so true! I know this and I hope to help others come to know this, too. The gospel changes lives! It has changed mine. Open your mouths. Share the gospel with everyone you can come into contact with. I'm so grateful that is my full-time job for the next 17 months. Christ truly is the Savior of the world. God lives and wants ALL of His children to receive the blessings of this gospel. 

I'm going to send a bunch of pictures home. Get ready. 

I love you all! Next time you hear from me I'll be in Mexico! WHAT?!

Con amor,

Hermana Durham

Picture overload...I'm going to send a few emails with pictures. 

My district at the big map! MEXICO!

Name tags!

Hna. Vawdrey y Yo.

Our district and Hno. Zenger