Well, I'm officially back 10 minutes away from
Arraijan! I am now in La Chorrera, the Barrio Centro ward, serving as
JUST Hermana Bond. No leadership responsibilites, no worries, just being
a good missionary and dedicating myself to my Father in Heaven.
My new companion is Hermana Cabral, and she's from BRAZIL! How
cool, huh? She is a very dynamic girl, speaking 4 other languages, and
now learning spanish! She studied at BYU- Idaho before the mission, and
she is completing 4 months on the mission today! I am so happy to be
working with her, and we have already seen so many wonderful blessings
in our companionship. One thing I love that she says is, "BUT ITS HARD!"
We laugh a lot, and we find ways to be better. She is a forever-friend.
She is incredible.Monday, March 10, 2014
March 10
March 3
March is the best time of year. Especially because
birthday month has started! Turns out I have changes, and I will be in
my new area with a new companion in 2 days.
On Wednesday
we met Elder Amado, the President of Central America. He is incredible,
and the Spirit testified so clearly to me the things I need to change
and be better at. I thought it was interesting that he spoke almost 2
hours about marriage and having children to a group of missionaries.
Well, I supposed those are commandments, too!
I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation, which is the
plan of happiness that God has given His children through modern-day
prophets. I suppose this is on my heart because I just found out that my
Uncle Steve has finally lost his long battle to cancer. I dare not lose
hope, for I know that Christ lives; just as we may live. There is a
life beyond the grave, and I know that this life is a time of
preparation. I love my family, and I know that I can be with them
forever if I remain faithful and dilligent in keeping the commandments
and living a Christ-like life.
Find out more about it here: http://mormon.org/beliefs/
Find out more about it here: http://mormon.org/beliefs/
I love you all.
Happy Birthday, Butthead!
Monday, February 24, 2014
February 24, 2014
!! Hey, the blog is updated since December until today !!
To celebrate my one year mark on the mission, a member bought the 4 sisters in Chitre street hotdogs. BAD IDEA. I have NEVER experienced stomach problems like that in my life! I went to the bathroom 9 times. NINE. We were even contacting near the hospital and we had to run in the emergency room so I could use their bathroom there. HORRIBLE. Painful. I will never eat street food again. Then a nice zit came up on my face. What a memorable day in the mission of Hermana Bond! Life is never boring for me, huh?
To celebrate my one year mark on the mission, a member bought the 4 sisters in Chitre street hotdogs. BAD IDEA. I have NEVER experienced stomach problems like that in my life! I went to the bathroom 9 times. NINE. We were even contacting near the hospital and we had to run in the emergency room so I could use their bathroom there. HORRIBLE. Painful. I will never eat street food again. Then a nice zit came up on my face. What a memorable day in the mission of Hermana Bond! Life is never boring for me, huh?
We had karaoke night on Thursday, and a lot of the members had requested that I would sing a country song, since I'm a Texan. The other missionaries took it upon themselves to have me sing Shania Twain, and MAN I felt like a woman!!! It was so fun getting up there and singing for the members. None of them understood what I was saying, but they laughed as I danced around and used my country twang.
Today we, the zone of Chitre, will find out if we have changes or not. This is the week of Carnavales, and the missionaries who have changes will be leaving the area to work in the city until March 5th. Those who do not have changes will be staying here, but passing every day with the branch president in the chapel and out in the country. So, I guess we'll wait and see.
I have learned a lot this week from Doctrine and Covenants 88. I re-read the talk by President Eyring called "A Voice of Warning", and it impacted me greatly.
"The Lord would not use the word warn if there is no danger. Yet not many people we know sense it. They have learned to ignore the increasing evidence that society is unraveling and that their lives and family lack the peace they once thought was possible. That willingness to ignore the signs of danger can make it easy for you to think: Why should I speak to anyone about the gospel who seems content? What danger is there to them or to me if I do or say nothing? Well, the danger may be hard to see, but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, was to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you."
May we all strive to hear the voice of warning, and heed to those promptings. I love you all!
February 17, 2014
I was able to go to the temple on saturday with our branch, and I had brought family names with me. Presidente Carmack showed up last minute to do some interviews, and he asked if I wanted to preform the baptisms for my family names. A very, very special Saturday indeed. The most incredible part was being in the baptistry. A little old man had walked through the entire temple with the bottom of his white shoes unglued-- leaving sticky redisdue on EVERYTHING. I went to the cleaning closet, got a rag, and began scrubbing the tiled floors of the temple on my hands and knees. I just felt an immense JOY. One of the cranky members from our branch said, "Bond, get up. You cant do anything to clean this mess!" To which I replied, "Hermano, if this was your house, I would stand up. But this is the house of my Father, and I will clean this mess until it is gone." He wasn't too happy with my reply. But I was grateful to serve the Lord in a different way. I love the temple. One of the temple workers, Sister Broadbent, held my hand and said, "How great will be your reward!" I am trusting in that great promise.
Thursday night we had our typical "Group Night" in the chapel, but we organized it really well, and got the members pumped up for it. We had SEVENTY people come!!! 70! seven z e r o! WOAH! It was so great, and we had a wonderful time!
I hit one year on the mission this week. That is absolutely amazing. The Lord has brought me this far, and I am excited to see where the last stretch of the mission takes me. I have really been enjoying the Alma chapters in the Book of Mormon, and I feel as though those prophets wrote their accounts for ME. Life is beautiful, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ makes it even more so.
I love you all.
February 10, 2014
Happy Valentines!
This week was a Little hectic with lots of travelling, divisions, and growing experiences. I feel like we've been all over Panama this week, and right now I'm leaving to do divisions in Santiago (about 1.5 hours from our área). But we just keep running and running.
I realized this week that Satan can sneak into our minds and hearts without making a sound. There was a particular day that I did not feel well, and thanks to my loving companion, she said "Bond, change your attitude!" I love her for being bold. I was able to open my eyes, repent, and serve the Lord more fully.
We had consejos in the city, and it was a wonderful experience! Hermana Carmack is VERY inspired, and I'm grateful for the direction she seeks every time she teaches the missionaries.
The work moves forward. Take heart, take part! I love you all!
February 3, 2014
On a scale from 1 to TRAUMATIZED, I just need y'all to understand how horrible Wednesday night was for me.
This week while I was on divisions with Hermana Mendez, we went to eat dinner and the member served me "pollo de palo". (Chicken of the Tree) I thought, "How strange! Normally they say 'de patio!'" But I played around with the thing on my plate. The woman had forgotten to take the skin off! EW! And then I noticed the bones were placed strange. I took a bite and thought "Wow, this woman does NOT know how to cook!" I didnt eat any more of it, especially after Hna Mendez began playing with the skeleton of her "pollo de palo". I wanted to vomit.
We finished divisions the next day, and my companion was bragging about how their dinner appointment canceled so the branch president bought them pizza. "What! You got pizza!! I had to eat pollo de palo!" My companion was silent a just stared at me. "Bond, do you know what that is?" "No, they wouldn't tell me." Hermana Cambronero started laughing and said, "Iguana!!!!" I literally almost started crying. So, long story short, I will be returning home a vegetarian.
So, other than that, All is well. I'm excited to go to the city this week for Consejos with Presidente Carmack. Our zone here in Chitre is doing amazing things, and I am grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful missionaries.
I love you all!!
Happy Anniversary to my Brother and Cuñada!
January 27, 2014
New companion, another Tica, Hermana Cambronero! She is incredible, and we have ended every day laughing our heads off. I feel like Heavenly Father has, once more, blessed me with an incredible companion that has her heart focused on the work! We, in the 5 days we've had together, have taught many lessons, invited many people to be baptized, and felt the Spirit in amazing ways. I feel that this change will be one of seeing the fruits of our labors.
We started the change off staying the night in the city. Why? Because one of the less-active families I taught in Arraijan accepted the goal we put on them back in October and were sealed as an eternal family Wednesday night in the temple. It was SUCH a beautiful experience to be there, with all of the members I love from Arraijan, seeing this couple make covenants and be sealed to their 3 year old daughter. Words will never describe the influence the Spirit has inside of the House of the Lord. On top all of that, I SAW RODRIGO! It was so fun passing time with him on the temple grounds and hearing about all of his new experiences in his conversion.
I am happy. I am tired. I am HAPPY!
I want to remind y'all of the importance of scripture study. I hope you take time away from the world to study and soak up TRUTH that the scriptures have to offer. Remember that the words of the modern day prophets are also considered scripture, and you can always find new things to learn on lds.org! I invite all of you to take time every day to enjoy and rejoice in the scriptures! They are God's truth!
I love you all.
January 20, 2014
ELEVEN MONTHS. WOW.
We had interviews on Friday and it was a very healing experience. I asked President Carmack specific questions about repentance and enduring. He said, "Bond, just find your own way through." I looked at him, dumbfounded, and couldn't quite believe that such a smart man was giving me such a plain answer. He laughed and said, "Wow, that was pretty horrible advice!" What a humble guy!
"Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?" Mormon 5 was one of my favorite chapters of the Book of Mormon that I studied this week.
President Carmack asked me to study Doctrine and Covenants 121. Powerful things.
Hermana Gaete has changes, so I will be receiving a new companion on Wednesday. Hermana Wilson (who I was with last June) returned home to Massachussettes this past week.
The work moves forward! Have a great week! I love you all!
President Carmack asked me to study Doctrine and Covenants 121. Powerful things.
Hermana Gaete has changes, so I will be receiving a new companion on Wednesday. Hermana Wilson (who I was with last June) returned home to Massachussettes this past week.
The work moves forward! Have a great week! I love you all!
January 13, 2014
I had a very sacred experience this week where Heavenly Father allowed me to experience the pure love of Christ towards one of His children. I will never forget that moment, or the way my heart was lightened and purified. I am grateful for a Savior who loves us with a perfect love. I testify that He lives, and that we, through the plan of our Father, can become even as He is.
I know that we are in the last days, and as a dear friend of mine told me this week in an email, "we have already seen the best days." I know this is the time to prepare to meet God. I know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and I rejoice in the thought of walking in the presence of my Father in heaven because I have made eternal covenants with Him that will allow me to do so.
I love you all.
January 6, 2014
What opportunities did I miss out on today?
That is a personal interview I have each night with my Heavenly Father. I have realized that I am missing out on less opportunities now that I hold myself more accountable before the Lord. I invite you all to hold this interview with Heavenly Father, daily, and wait to see how many more chances you will receive to help those around you.
Presidente Carmack has challeged the mission to read the Book of Mormon before March 26. I have decided to read it in reverse order by book-- Moroni, Ether, Mormon, 4 Nephi, etc. I am really enjoying it, and am excited to dedicate all of my extra time to studying the Book of Mormon in these 3 months.
If you served in Central America, you will understand the following story:
You know those lame taxi contacts that you know they don't really want to know anything about the gospel? WELL, we had a pretty cool one yesterday on the way to church.
I was wearing a white dress, and I wanted to change into a different dress but Gaete told me to leave it on. So I did. We call a taxi, and we headed to church. The taxi driver asked me who I was. A missionary. He explained how the night before he had a dream: "A woman, just like you, was standing before me in all white. She told me not to be afraid. She told me to find the Church of Christ, and that heaven in the 3rd glory of God." I just looked at Gaete. He repeated his question. WHO ARE YOU. I am a representative of Jesus Christ, and I testify that you can make it to the Third Glory. He stopped the taxi, and looked at me. Gaete handed him a Plan of Salvation folleto. He gave us his number and asked us to come visit him this week. Pretty cool, huh? Im glad I didnt change outfits.
We saw Bob again! Bob is a Peace Corps guy who we met on a random bus in Penonomè 2 weeks ago. He saw us, and shouted out "Sisters!" He had taken to heart a note we left with him asking him to pray about the Church (turns out he has a lot of friends who are members, but he has never quite figured out why the gospel is so important), and explained that he was going to be in town a few more weeks and would like a visit.
I made tacos last night for the members who live in front of us. They decided that Mexican food is good. I even got them to eat picante!!
I convinced Hna Gaete to climb up on the roof with me for New Years. It was fun. We sat under the big Chitrè sky and talked about life. Deep, bro. Anways, we are excited for this new desire we have to serve and do better. Life is great!
I love you all!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Feliz Navidad!
A year ago I had just found out I was going to serve in Panama, and I
thought it was the best Christmas gift I had ever been given. Now, here I
am, living and loving Panama, and I am certain that this is the new best
gift.
More than anything, this year I am grateful for my gifts of the Holy Ghost,
repentance, the Atonement, and courage to overcome. What wonderful, eternal
gifts that our Father in Heaven gives us on a daily basis! We don't need
Christmas to remember Christ. We only need humble hearts and willing minds
to remember Him in all we do and say.
Last week we had a mission Christmas party, and it was fun seeing mission
friends. Then I had immigrations on Thursday because turns out my visa was
denied, so i'm just here on tourist terms. Cool, huh? We had successful
divisions with the Hermanas from Las Tablas on Friday and Saturday, and I
learned a lot from serving those sisters. I got to know a relatively new
sister from Arkansas, Hermana Scott, who is just ten kinds of amazing. She
reminds me so much of myself when I started the mission.
Well, Merry Christmas, y'all. Enjoy these special days, and soak up the
Spirit of Christmas. Forgive the people you need to, forgive yourself, live
and learn from Christ, and UNDERSTAND the miracle of forgiveness and
charity.
I love you all!
thought it was the best Christmas gift I had ever been given. Now, here I
am, living and loving Panama, and I am certain that this is the new best
gift.
More than anything, this year I am grateful for my gifts of the Holy Ghost,
repentance, the Atonement, and courage to overcome. What wonderful, eternal
gifts that our Father in Heaven gives us on a daily basis! We don't need
Christmas to remember Christ. We only need humble hearts and willing minds
to remember Him in all we do and say.
Last week we had a mission Christmas party, and it was fun seeing mission
friends. Then I had immigrations on Thursday because turns out my visa was
denied, so i'm just here on tourist terms. Cool, huh? We had successful
divisions with the Hermanas from Las Tablas on Friday and Saturday, and I
learned a lot from serving those sisters. I got to know a relatively new
sister from Arkansas, Hermana Scott, who is just ten kinds of amazing. She
reminds me so much of myself when I started the mission.
Well, Merry Christmas, y'all. Enjoy these special days, and soak up the
Spirit of Christmas. Forgive the people you need to, forgive yourself, live
and learn from Christ, and UNDERSTAND the miracle of forgiveness and
charity.
I love you all!
HAPPY NEW YEAR - Dec 30, 2013
that was exactly what I needed. It was a wonderful week of singing, talking
to all the families outside of their houses, and sharing special moments
with members of the church. We had divisions in Penonome with the sisters
serving there. I was able to meet really special investigators and
less-actives that they are currently working with. One brother said, "You
two sisters must have months together!" Hermana Arana and I laughed and
said, "No we only have about 4 hours!" He replied, "Thank you for following
the prompting to come visit me. You have brought the Spirit to my home in a
way that I haven't felt in years." It's neat how the Lord places us exactly
where we need to be!
We found a wonderful family who, in the first visit, asked us for the Book
of Mormon so they can read it. All of the less actives we visited this past
week came to church! Gaete and I taught the gospel principles class
yesterday about repentance, and it was a heart-changing experience for me.
It amazes me that there are saints who WANT to actively participate in the
work of salvation. Please, do not miss your privilege! Find your role, take
your place, and fight for the eternal cause of happiness and JOY!
I am excited about this new year. There is so much we will witness and
experience in 2014, and I'm sure we will all learn and grow in ways we have
never expected. Life is beautiful!!
I hope you all have a safe holiday season, and that you kindle a new
dedication to follow our Savior.He lives! He loves us! His Church has been
restored in an incredible way! Seek Him. It is amazing how far He is
willing to come, and how far He has gone to make our journey possible,
bearable, and enjoyable. Think, ponder, pray-- your answers are awaiting
you on the wings of peace, consolation, and everlasting HOPE!
Paint the sky with your desires. Live your heart's song.
I love you all.
December 16
I testify that the Lord answers prayers in a way that will edify His kingdom on the earth. For quite some time now I have been praying that my weaknesses may become strengths, and that I can understand more fully what it means to come unto Christ and be changed in Him. I have been called to be a Sister Training Leader, which is the only leadership position (other than training) that we as sisters can have in the mission. I never saw it coming, and quite honestly I was overwhelmed when I saw my name in changes--
CHITRE 3, GAETE Y BOND, Z-ELLAS
(z-ella is the nickname for the sister leaders)
So, here I am. In a new area that I know NOTHING about, with an amazing companion from Costa Rica, and doing divisions with 2 companionships every week to train and teach the 14 sisters in my zone. We also will teach 2 trainings each change, and solve any problems that arise between the sisters. We travel more, we participate more, and we fast and pray more. I have been so humbled to be in this position, and I dont think I've ever relied on the Spirit so much to tell me what to do.
I just want to tell y'all about the Spirit. He helps in every way you could imagine. I have been so extremely blessed on my mission to understand more fully His mission in my life, and the way I can more fully receive inspiration from Him. I feel as if the gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift I have ever received in my life, and I am grateful for the moments where I must rely FULLY on His guidance.
With Christmas around the corner, I want you all to ponder the life of our Savior. I know He of humble birth came here to do the will of His Father. I know He lives again.The Spirit testifies to my heart that Christ knows me personally.
I love you all.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Hermana Bondp! - December 14, 2013
I've got changes. I'll be in a new area with a new companion for Christmas.
Our zone made a tshirt and they misspelled my name. I'm now Hermana Bondp.
One of Rodrigo's neighbor's lost gold when a parrot flew into their house and ate it. The neighbor asked for Rodrigo's help and he said, "The only Person who can get your gold back is God!" So, he said a prayer and asked God to help him get the gold back. An hour later he was sitting in his house, and the parrot flew into his house, landed on his arm, and dropped the gold on his lap. He proudly marched back to his neighbor's house, and delivered the gold.
On a lighter note, I used a pickaxe for the first time ever.
I was really inspired by 2 Nephi 28 this week.
The Bishop found out I had changes, and asked me to give a talk yesterday in church. Of course it was about missionary work, but I felt very inspired to take a different direction. I talked about Doctrine and Covenants 110, and how Elder Ochoa told us in Stake Conference that this is no longer "missionary work", but is now "the work of salvation". We have got to leave our doors and share this gospel. And if for whatever reason we cannot, we must do our part with our ancestors. This gospel is glorious. I am so grateful for each gift and grace my Father in Heaven has given me during these short months in Panama.
I love you all!
I ALMOST FORGOT. Please remember the challenge given by President Packer about contacting one person before Christmas to share the gospel with! If you need ideas, you can look here!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Happy Mother's Day, AGAIN! - December 2, 2013
*note from Haley - So sorry this one is late everyone! I was sick all week and forgot to post this one. :D
This coming Sunday is Mothers Day here, so HMD again! And happy December to all of you. What a special time of year.
This coming Sunday is Mothers Day here, so HMD again! And happy December to all of you. What a special time of year.
Well, Hna Rios and I were SUPER sick all week, but we've bounced back and we're working hard again. Because we were sick we weren't able to go to the zone Thanksgiving, but we made up for it last night by cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Rodrigo.
Yesterday was a great fast and testimony meeting. I find myself strengthened and uplifted every time I leave from a testimony meeting here. There is a sister in the ward that always gets up to give her testimony and says, "I know that God lives." and sits down. I love her.
I went on divisions with Hermana Vasquez this week in her area, Burunga. We went to visit a less-active family with a daughter who wanted to get baptized on saturday. The father was indecisive and wasn't so sure that he wanted her to get baptized. I shared with him my experience from when I was baptized, and how my dad sat next to me that night and held my hand. After I got baptized my dad told me, "Michaela, I'm proud of you." Those words are most precious to me, because I could almost hear my Heavenly Father's voice echoing through my dad's. I told Yerania's dad that if he couldnt pray about whether or not it was a good idea for her to get baptized, to atleast pray for the courage to sit by her daughter the night of her baptism. Saturday rolled around, and Yerania got baptized. And her father came.
I just realized I don't have much more to say. We do all of the same things every week. The experiences, people, and neighborhoods just change. But, we push forward and do our best.
I love you all.
Monday, November 18, 2013
November 18th, 2013 - HALFWAY.
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I am grateful this year for a few things:
1.The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
2. That I am a missionary and representative of that Gospel
3. My family
4. Meals when I don't have to eat rice
Tomorrow marks 2 years since I was baptized into the church. Oh, happy day! The following day marks half my time here in Panama. Oh, sad day! Time flies-- up, up and away.
This week was all together wonderful. The Bishop of the ward where we're serving had asked us to rescue 5 families from inactivity. He gave us names, without addresses or phone numbers. We set out to find them, and did our best to ask around and get information from other members. No one knew who these people were, where they lived, or how to find them. Determined, especially after new goals that President Carmack put on us, we began in one neighborhood, and searched. After saying a small, sincere prayer, we took off down one street. I told Hna Rios, "Here. This house." We knocked the door, and a man came to greet us. We made some small talk and asked him if we could share a message with him. He agreed to listen. As we taught, I felt to ask him if he had come to our church before. "Yes. We haven't been in a year." I followed by asking "When were you baptized?" "A year ago." "What's your last name?" "Ayarsa." It was one of the families!! He directed us to one other person on the list, and we visited the next inactive family. And that family pointed us to the next family, who gave us the phone number to the next. Within 3 days we had found the 5 families. Yesterday ALL of them came to church, including Family Ayarsa with their 8 year old son who is preparing to be baptized! President Carmack was very inspired with the goals he put on the mission. I'm glad we followed his counsel in faith, and acted upon our promptings.
Saturday we went to the temple to support our ward, which was another suggestion given by President Carmack. We helped the youth and recent converts in the baptistry. Guess who went! Rodrigo! It was so amazing to see him in all white, performing sacred ordinances in the house of our Lord.
Sunday was a beautiful Sabbath. On top of seeing all of those families, I looked up at the front of the chapel to see Rodrigo sitting, ready to bless the Sacrament. After church he ditched us to do his home teaching, and I had never been so happy to be left behind! He makes us proud.
We also helped a family do their first fast. They have been members for 3 years, sealed in the temple, and have had callings all their time in the church. But they've just never observed the law of the fast. We explained the importance of fasting to them, and helped them understand why we fast. We helped them begin their fast, and when they finished, they had a renewed hope. I know that family will see the miracles they need. Faith is unbelievable. Haha, get it? Sorry...
I heard an inspired prayer this week.
"Padre, guíanos hacia tu camino. Por favor, te pedimos que nos ayudes a correr en el camino que has puesto." I was really impacted by those words. I then began asking my Heavenly Father if we are really expected to run. He gave my answer through the Joseph Smith book I am currently reading: "Joseph Smith said he did not care how fast we run in the path of virtue. Resist evil, and there is no danger." - Eliza Snow. So it's not that we're running FROM something in this path of life, it's that we're running TOWARDS our destination.
Well, folks. Eat everything american for me this week! I will be tearing up the streets of Arraijan, building up the Kingdom. I love you all!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Joseph and Heavenly Father
"we see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. althought we may settle for less, Heavenly Father wont, for He sees us as glorious beings we are capable of becoming."
"Hermana Bond, the best compliment I received on my mission was when someone told me that they wished their children would become missionaries like I was. Today I want to tell you that I hope my daughters become like you."
Inadequacy often enters our hearts due to much self-relfection, and feeling the weight of what we know we should do and what we aren't doing. I felt the direct love of God as this member took the time to plant that blessing in the soil of my heart. The reality of the gospel sinks deeper into my heart and mind each day.
Even though we are often harder on ourselves than we should be, we can take comfort in the Savior. Joseph Smith was a wonderful example to me this week of this very principle. When translating the Book of Mormon, he permitted Martin Harris to take the translation to show to his family, even though the Lord had told him not to. When the 116 pages that Martin Harris took were lost, he returned to the Prophet Joseph to tell him that he had lost the manuscript. Joseph's first reaction was, "OH! My God, my God. All is lost, is lost!" He spent a time rebuking himself, then facing the consequences of the Lord. He earnestly repented and sought the Lord's approval to begin translating again. After a time more, the Lord restored the translating privileges to Joseph and the prophet rejoiced. He said:
"...God was pleased with my faithfulness and humility, and loved me for my penitence and diligence in prayer. I am now fortified by the sweet feelings of receiving the Lord's forgiveness and a renewed determination to do His will."
I chime my testimony in with that of Joseph Smith's--
Our God is pleased when we are faithful to His commandments, when we humble ourselves to do His will, and when we use the free gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to leave behind our sins and walk uprightly before Him.
i love you all.
Monday, November 4, 2013
October 28th - No change is good change
this week was one where i was able to realize that i've progressed, grown,
and learned so much in the past few months- but that i have so much farther
to go. i love the way John put it: "grace for grace". we must take steps,
fall down, pick ourselves up, and keep marching forward.
i just found out that i do not have ANY sort of change this time around-
area or companion. how weird! i was a little nervous about that at first;
anyone who knows me knows that i am nothing but change. but, it ultimately
boils down to one fact- Jesus Christ is at the head of His church, and i
will do, go, and be where, what, and who He needs me to go, do, and be.
we had a few neat activities with the missionaries in my zone this week. 4
out of the 5 work days we were with other missionaries, helping them in
their areas, or attending some sort of training or meeting. it was such a
beautiful week to learn from the examples of the young missionaries i am
serving with here in panama.
we've been picking up our efforts to visit less-actives this week. to our
surprise, the attendance at church yesterday went up by almost 80 people!
that was such a blessing. that, and seeing Rodrigo and Leo and the Morales
Family be confirmed.
well, keep praying for the missionaries around the world; that we may
continue to learn and grow-- grace by grace.
i love you all!
and learned so much in the past few months- but that i have so much farther
to go. i love the way John put it: "grace for grace". we must take steps,
fall down, pick ourselves up, and keep marching forward.
i just found out that i do not have ANY sort of change this time around-
area or companion. how weird! i was a little nervous about that at first;
anyone who knows me knows that i am nothing but change. but, it ultimately
boils down to one fact- Jesus Christ is at the head of His church, and i
will do, go, and be where, what, and who He needs me to go, do, and be.
we had a few neat activities with the missionaries in my zone this week. 4
out of the 5 work days we were with other missionaries, helping them in
their areas, or attending some sort of training or meeting. it was such a
beautiful week to learn from the examples of the young missionaries i am
serving with here in panama.
we've been picking up our efforts to visit less-actives this week. to our
surprise, the attendance at church yesterday went up by almost 80 people!
that was such a blessing. that, and seeing Rodrigo and Leo and the Morales
Family be confirmed.
well, keep praying for the missionaries around the world; that we may
continue to learn and grow-- grace by grace.
i love you all!
November 4th
"therefore she ran forth from house to house making it known unto the
people." alma 19:17.
Rodrigo heard from a member that there was a young couple in the ward
without a refridgerator, so what did he do? he called us to come help him
move HIS to their house. we arrived and moved the fridge inside of the
young couple's house. the wife began crying on my shoulder. "Hermana Bond,
why are you doing this?" "because Heavenly Father answers every single one
of our prayers."
Rodrigo went to the temple today with the ward, and said he really enjoyed
it. this upcoming thursday we are going to the temple with a convert
family, The Martinez Family, for their sealing. the wife of the family
asked us to be her escorts in the temple. we are really honored and
excited! it's a huge honor, especially since one of my friends who served
here a year ago, Tanner Hardy, was the one who baptized this family.
there is a sister in the ward named Linda. when i first got here, i could
tell she didnt like me. but i just did my part as a missionary, and avoided
her. she would always tell me i was getting fat and i needed to obey the
word of wisdom. i learned how to laugh at everything she said to me. this
past week i had a strong impression that we should go visit her. we showed
up and she just looked at me like i had killed a puppy. "what are you doing
here?" "i want to get to know you, sister. can we come in?" she instantly
lightened up, and the Spirit was strong as we listened to her conversion
story and the many experiences she has had. she began to cry as she
explained how her husband had not been baptized with her family 10 years
ago, and how all she wants is to have the priesthood in her home. we cried
with her, laughed with her, and ended up eating peanut butter (you know who
i am). i asked her why she didnt like me before and she said she's always
hated gringos, but that i had gotten on her good side. i offered to help
her translate her Patriarchal Blessing into english, since that's the way i
learned spanish. sunday after church we went back over to help her begin
her translating. she is now planning her trip to texas for when i get home.
funny how a small conversation can change someone's heart, huh!
one of the members of the ward, Marta, received her mission call for
Columbia this week! she is really excited! she will be leaving when i hit
my one year mark on the mission!
i love you all.
people." alma 19:17.
Rodrigo heard from a member that there was a young couple in the ward
without a refridgerator, so what did he do? he called us to come help him
move HIS to their house. we arrived and moved the fridge inside of the
young couple's house. the wife began crying on my shoulder. "Hermana Bond,
why are you doing this?" "because Heavenly Father answers every single one
of our prayers."
Rodrigo went to the temple today with the ward, and said he really enjoyed
it. this upcoming thursday we are going to the temple with a convert
family, The Martinez Family, for their sealing. the wife of the family
asked us to be her escorts in the temple. we are really honored and
excited! it's a huge honor, especially since one of my friends who served
here a year ago, Tanner Hardy, was the one who baptized this family.
there is a sister in the ward named Linda. when i first got here, i could
tell she didnt like me. but i just did my part as a missionary, and avoided
her. she would always tell me i was getting fat and i needed to obey the
word of wisdom. i learned how to laugh at everything she said to me. this
past week i had a strong impression that we should go visit her. we showed
up and she just looked at me like i had killed a puppy. "what are you doing
here?" "i want to get to know you, sister. can we come in?" she instantly
lightened up, and the Spirit was strong as we listened to her conversion
story and the many experiences she has had. she began to cry as she
explained how her husband had not been baptized with her family 10 years
ago, and how all she wants is to have the priesthood in her home. we cried
with her, laughed with her, and ended up eating peanut butter (you know who
i am). i asked her why she didnt like me before and she said she's always
hated gringos, but that i had gotten on her good side. i offered to help
her translate her Patriarchal Blessing into english, since that's the way i
learned spanish. sunday after church we went back over to help her begin
her translating. she is now planning her trip to texas for when i get home.
funny how a small conversation can change someone's heart, huh!
one of the members of the ward, Marta, received her mission call for
Columbia this week! she is really excited! she will be leaving when i hit
my one year mark on the mission!
i love you all.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
After 8 Months
if i've learned one thing in the past 8 months its humility. i have learned
to fall to my knees and cry out "Thy will be done". this past week was when
Heavenly Father let me know He is pleased with my progress. after 8 months
in the mission, i had the pleasure to see the fruits of my labors. on
wednesday i woke up and dived straight into studying. i read a prophetic
promise that stated, "You dare not live for the moment; rather, you must
live for the eternities. Remember always that if you are obedient, you will
'have glory added upon your head for ever and ever'".
shortly after reading that, the phone buzzed with a message. it was Rodrigo
who said "what do you think about me getting baptized this saturday instead
of the 26th?" i immediately called my district leader, and we set up the
interview for friday. as we worked wednesday, i told hna rios that we were
going to ask a member to come with us to lessions in the afternoon. we
picked up hermana mendez from the ward, and she walked her entire
neighborhood with us. she bore powerful testimony to a few of her
neighbors, and taught me what it's like to love people through my words.
after a few hours with her, she said "hna bond, you know my son turned 8
yesterday? could he get baptized this saturday?"
i began to weep. as a zone of missionaries, we had placed a goal for 2
baptisms for every companionship in the zone. at the moment we set that
goal, i did not feel confident that i would be able to do my part. but, as
i learned more about humility, and applied my heart, mind, might, and
strength to the work, the Lord just provided the way! we set up Leo
Mendez's interview for friday as well.
the interviews went well, and everything was good to go. we talked to the
other sister missionaries in our wardon friday night and they shared with
us that a family i taught last change in their area was also getting
baptized saturday. i spent quite a while praying friday night, in complete
gratitude, for the way my Father has shown me His love.
saturday was the baptism, and a group of missionaries came to support us,
knowing that this would be my first. we sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" at
the service, and i was reminded that i truly do need my God's help every
step, every moment, every hour of this life. how beautiful are the ways He
displays His immense love for us!
saturday was also stake conference, and guess who came back! Elder Ochoa,
who i met last change, and who also spoke in General Conference. hna rios
and i sang in the stake choir, so i was sitting pretty close to Elder Ochoa
when the conference let out. he approached me and shook my hand (the
two-handed kind that i love) and looked me in the eyes. "sister bond,
you're different." "Elder, i had a baptism today. thank you for the counsel
you gave us in august. i did everything you said, and it worked!" "thank
you for changing your life. may God bless you always, sister, to be
obedient to the Lord's word." what a rich moment in my life.
after conference on sunday, we went to the bishop's house for dinner with
Rodrigo and some other families from the ward. Rodrigo, with tears in his
eyes, said "Bond, i want to tell you an experience God gave me today!" he
told me that after church, he was driving home, and he saw a family walking
on the side of the road, so he picked them up and offered to take them
home. they got in. the father of the family asked what church Rodrigo
attended, and he answered "i'm a mormon!" the father made a sigh and said
something along the lines of that Rodrigo had fallen into the routine and
was mistaken. Rodrigo thought for a moment and asked the man if he was a
member of the church. he said yes. and Rodrigo replied "if you really feel
that way its because you arent praying." i am so proud of him!! isn't that
cool? he is already having missionary experiences!
well, my heart is full, and i've never felt such desires to do what is
right. i know the revelation to Joseph Smith given in Doctrine and
Covenants 18:15 is true:
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance
unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall
be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"
my heart longs for that joy, and i know that through humility and
diligence, i will be able to receive many more blessing that will be added
upon my head.
i love you
to fall to my knees and cry out "Thy will be done". this past week was when
Heavenly Father let me know He is pleased with my progress. after 8 months
in the mission, i had the pleasure to see the fruits of my labors. on
wednesday i woke up and dived straight into studying. i read a prophetic
promise that stated, "You dare not live for the moment; rather, you must
live for the eternities. Remember always that if you are obedient, you will
'have glory added upon your head for ever and ever'".
shortly after reading that, the phone buzzed with a message. it was Rodrigo
who said "what do you think about me getting baptized this saturday instead
of the 26th?" i immediately called my district leader, and we set up the
interview for friday. as we worked wednesday, i told hna rios that we were
going to ask a member to come with us to lessions in the afternoon. we
picked up hermana mendez from the ward, and she walked her entire
neighborhood with us. she bore powerful testimony to a few of her
neighbors, and taught me what it's like to love people through my words.
after a few hours with her, she said "hna bond, you know my son turned 8
yesterday? could he get baptized this saturday?"
i began to weep. as a zone of missionaries, we had placed a goal for 2
baptisms for every companionship in the zone. at the moment we set that
goal, i did not feel confident that i would be able to do my part. but, as
i learned more about humility, and applied my heart, mind, might, and
strength to the work, the Lord just provided the way! we set up Leo
Mendez's interview for friday as well.
the interviews went well, and everything was good to go. we talked to the
other sister missionaries in our wardon friday night and they shared with
us that a family i taught last change in their area was also getting
baptized saturday. i spent quite a while praying friday night, in complete
gratitude, for the way my Father has shown me His love.
saturday was the baptism, and a group of missionaries came to support us,
knowing that this would be my first. we sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" at
the service, and i was reminded that i truly do need my God's help every
step, every moment, every hour of this life. how beautiful are the ways He
displays His immense love for us!
saturday was also stake conference, and guess who came back! Elder Ochoa,
who i met last change, and who also spoke in General Conference. hna rios
and i sang in the stake choir, so i was sitting pretty close to Elder Ochoa
when the conference let out. he approached me and shook my hand (the
two-handed kind that i love) and looked me in the eyes. "sister bond,
you're different." "Elder, i had a baptism today. thank you for the counsel
you gave us in august. i did everything you said, and it worked!" "thank
you for changing your life. may God bless you always, sister, to be
obedient to the Lord's word." what a rich moment in my life.
after conference on sunday, we went to the bishop's house for dinner with
Rodrigo and some other families from the ward. Rodrigo, with tears in his
eyes, said "Bond, i want to tell you an experience God gave me today!" he
told me that after church, he was driving home, and he saw a family walking
on the side of the road, so he picked them up and offered to take them
home. they got in. the father of the family asked what church Rodrigo
attended, and he answered "i'm a mormon!" the father made a sigh and said
something along the lines of that Rodrigo had fallen into the routine and
was mistaken. Rodrigo thought for a moment and asked the man if he was a
member of the church. he said yes. and Rodrigo replied "if you really feel
that way its because you arent praying." i am so proud of him!! isn't that
cool? he is already having missionary experiences!
well, my heart is full, and i've never felt such desires to do what is
right. i know the revelation to Joseph Smith given in Doctrine and
Covenants 18:15 is true:
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance
unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall
be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"
my heart longs for that joy, and i know that through humility and
diligence, i will be able to receive many more blessing that will be added
upon my head.
i love you
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