"O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.
Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God." - Mormon 9:27-28
After many, MANY prayers offered, Hermana Cabral and I are staying together another change, but we BOTH are leaving the area!!! We are really excited to see what the Lord has in store for us!
Our less-active, Jose, came to church all by himself yesterday. He stayed for ALL 3 hours, and supported the other missionaries in their baptism after church let out. He was so happy. I was so happy to see him happy! We had 8 of our less-active in church this week, out of the 11 we went to visit, and one of our investigators who is getting baptized next Saturday. Unfortunately we won't be here to see Norma be baptized. But she is our little "escogida", and she is going to be a great addition to the ward here in Chorrera.
I testify that God loves us and hears our prayers. I love you all. Happy Easter!
Happy Birthday, Cody Hoffmann!
Monday, April 14, 2014
April 7
Conference was flawless! The Spirit was so evident in every discourse! My testimony was strengthened. I love the Lord!
The Lord gave me a very special opportunity to follow counsel given Sunday morning in conference by "taking someone by the right hand" and lifting them up.
It was an inactive member that I am DETERMINED to help. Jose is only 34 years old but has thrown his life away to alcohol. In between sessions yesterday we went to Jose´s house, picked his hung-over body off the ground (taking him by the right hand and helping him stand), made him shower, and dressed him in a new church outfit we had picked out. I even tied the tie! He came to the LAST session. But he came. I will NOT give up hope on him.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church. I have no doubt of that. His tender mercies are over all of us who choose to repent on His name, and press forward with hope, faith, and charity.
I love you all.
The Lord gave me a very special opportunity to follow counsel given Sunday morning in conference by "taking someone by the right hand" and lifting them up.
It was an inactive member that I am DETERMINED to help. Jose is only 34 years old but has thrown his life away to alcohol. In between sessions yesterday we went to Jose´s house, picked his hung-over body off the ground (taking him by the right hand and helping him stand), made him shower, and dressed him in a new church outfit we had picked out. I even tied the tie! He came to the LAST session. But he came. I will NOT give up hope on him.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church. I have no doubt of that. His tender mercies are over all of us who choose to repent on His name, and press forward with hope, faith, and charity.
I love you all.
March 31
BIRTHDAY PDAY HAPPINESS!
This week absolutely whipped me into shape-- spiritually and physically speaking. We taught an outstanding number of lessons, we dedicated our time, hearts, and efforts to meeting everyone's needs, and we ENJOYED the fruits of our labors. The Lord has blessed us tenfold for our efforts. Dilligence, obedience, and faith is all it takes.
The Women's Conference was incredible! Mostly because they showed a video with the Kunas from the San Blas islands here in my mission. So cool. I loved the frase "nos necesitamos". We really do need each other, sisters! My companion, Hermana Cabral, is just such a prime example of that to me. I love her and her awesome attitude. This week the best advice she gave me was: "This mission is supposed to be hard. Accept things and move on!" She keeps me moving forward!
I finished reading the Book of Mormon for my 5th time on Wednesday. I testify with all I have that it still stands true. It was, is, and will always be another testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most true of any book on earth. I wish all of you could read it, and open your eyes to the fullness of the Gospel of Christ.
On Saturday I went to the sealing of Pachi and Itzel Ramos (a family I worked with in Chitre), and it was so incredible! They got baptized a year ago, and have been faithful ever since. They have worked hard to reach their goal of the temple, and it was an honor to see them kneeling across the alter!
Today we're going to eat lunch with a recent convert, then we're hopping over to Arraijan to visit TIO LAM!! I'm so excited to see him! My companion got me breakfast this morning, paid for my bus, and made me a sweet card!
I love you all. Isn't it weird that none of you knew 21 year old Bond?
This week absolutely whipped me into shape-- spiritually and physically speaking. We taught an outstanding number of lessons, we dedicated our time, hearts, and efforts to meeting everyone's needs, and we ENJOYED the fruits of our labors. The Lord has blessed us tenfold for our efforts. Dilligence, obedience, and faith is all it takes.
The Women's Conference was incredible! Mostly because they showed a video with the Kunas from the San Blas islands here in my mission. So cool. I loved the frase "nos necesitamos". We really do need each other, sisters! My companion, Hermana Cabral, is just such a prime example of that to me. I love her and her awesome attitude. This week the best advice she gave me was: "This mission is supposed to be hard. Accept things and move on!" She keeps me moving forward!
I finished reading the Book of Mormon for my 5th time on Wednesday. I testify with all I have that it still stands true. It was, is, and will always be another testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most true of any book on earth. I wish all of you could read it, and open your eyes to the fullness of the Gospel of Christ.
On Saturday I went to the sealing of Pachi and Itzel Ramos (a family I worked with in Chitre), and it was so incredible! They got baptized a year ago, and have been faithful ever since. They have worked hard to reach their goal of the temple, and it was an honor to see them kneeling across the alter!
Today we're going to eat lunch with a recent convert, then we're hopping over to Arraijan to visit TIO LAM!! I'm so excited to see him! My companion got me breakfast this morning, paid for my bus, and made me a sweet card!
I love you all. Isn't it weird that none of you knew 21 year old Bond?
March 24
This week went by so incredibly fast, huh? Actually, the weeks seem to be doing that now.
I am getting really excited for General Conference. 2 Kings 5:13. I believe Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet, and that our lives will be blessed according to our diligence in following the Lord's commands through his mouth.
I studied Jeremiah 18:1-6 this morning and was really impacted by this scripture. The Lord is so loving and forgiving. He, like the potter in this chapter, can mold us and shape us to be what He wants. However, sometimes we dont come out looking exactly how He thought we would. Instead of throwing us aside or replacing us, He patiently starts over again.
We heard some interesting talks on Easter yesterday. Hard to believe that that's coming up so soon. May we all strive to remember Christ everyday, not just on Easter Sunday. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an every day religion, not just a once-a-week one, or holiday one. We must determine to follow Christ in every step, and walk uprightly before Him.
I love you all!
I am getting really excited for General Conference. 2 Kings 5:13. I believe Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet, and that our lives will be blessed according to our diligence in following the Lord's commands through his mouth.
I studied Jeremiah 18:1-6 this morning and was really impacted by this scripture. The Lord is so loving and forgiving. He, like the potter in this chapter, can mold us and shape us to be what He wants. However, sometimes we dont come out looking exactly how He thought we would. Instead of throwing us aside or replacing us, He patiently starts over again.
We heard some interesting talks on Easter yesterday. Hard to believe that that's coming up so soon. May we all strive to remember Christ everyday, not just on Easter Sunday. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an every day religion, not just a once-a-week one, or holiday one. We must determine to follow Christ in every step, and walk uprightly before Him.
I love you all!
March 17
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE PAINE!
Little miracles.
Happy faces.
Changing hearts.
Incredible experiences.
Trusting the Lord.
I love you all.
Little miracles.
Happy faces.
Changing hearts.
Incredible experiences.
Trusting the Lord.
I love you all.
Monday, March 10, 2014
March 10
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)