6/30/14

Hermana Cabral sent me an email last week telling me how to have JOY in the work. That's what I focused on this week-- finding joy in every phase of the Lord's work.

I was able to go to the temple this week. I love the temple. It is always so special seeing the people I love, and the members I have served. I was able to sit in the Celestial room for a nice long while. I read the words in Doctrine and Covenants 35:21 

"For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified,even as I am pure."

It just gave me that extra push I need in my efforts of being converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

May you all find JOY in the small, hidden details. I promise you can. I love you all.

6/23/2014

Howdy! On Friday we worked with a returned missionary all day long. After one of the lessons one of the big airplanes flew overhead and he said, "Quick Bond! How much distance is between you and that airplane??" "I dont know, maybe 300 yards?" "NOPE! 2 MONTHS!!!" Ouch. 

We had some of the less-actives we've been working with in church yesterday. One of the men that came hasn't been around in about 7 years. One of the little old women in the branch who adored this man came up and told me, "Congrats, Hermana. You've done a good thing. Thanks for bringing back my boy." It's all worth it. I love thinking of the invitation that President Carmack gave us: "Find the next covenant the people need to make, and help them make it." And that's where we are.

It's been raining a lot lately. I fell in the mud. OOPS!

I went to Arraijan today for Pday, and saw Tio Lam for his birthday. I just love being around him. He makes me want to be better. I also was able to practice some dialect with the Kuna families I love so much.

This Friday marks 170 years since the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed. I would like to take the opportunity to testify of this noble man's life and death. I have come to know that he truly was a prophet of God, used in the Lord's hands to restore the everlasting gospel to the earth. I know that he faced his death with courage in his heart, having read from the Book of Mormon just moments before he was shot. I admire his strength and willingness to always obey the Lord's command. 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/safety-for-the-soul?lang=eng

I love you all!

the world cup has begun!

The World Cup has begun, and people's interest in the gospel has dwindled. 

Happy Fathers Day.

I went on divisions with the Sisters from Pedregal and I contacted a man named Eliezer. The sisters called me last night to tell me he went to church and stayed all 3 hours! Pretty cool.

The family we worked really hard with in these weeks and took to the temple, they showed up in PERFECT time to take the sacrament yesterday. I was just so happy to see them. One of our investigators also committed to live the word of wisdom. I am grateful.

I love being protected as a missionary. We really do have angels all around us.

Well, America, represent us well this week down there in Brazil.

I love you all!

6/9/2014

We took a family to the temple last night. They were baptized over a year ago, but haven't been to church in over a year. Very special. The husband walked up to me after the mini tour at the temple and said, "thank you for bringing us here. you will never know what you've done for us." WORTH IT. Out of 23 less-active priesthood holders our branch president asked us to find, we found 16 this week. I am pleased.

We went to the mission home last night so I could register for my classes at BYU. That seems way too real, and it's coming up way too fast. It was SO nice getting a hot shower, though! And of course I love listening to Hermana Carmack and looking at her art!

I loved reviewing the talks from General Conference, especially the Priesthood session. It's all available on LDS.ORG for anyone to read. My prayer is that we all may strive to be true disciples of Christ; come what may, and love it.

I love you all!

4/21

I hope everyone had a great easter!

Hermana Cabral and I stayed together!! She jokes and says that I had to go to Chorrera to pick her up, because they sent me BACK to the Chitrè zone. Haha.. Heavenly Father has a sense of humor sometimes. We're in a tiny branch called Santiago. We're already seeing miracles.

I told Hermana Cabral to thank me, that I took the matress with bed bugs. I am COVERED in these awesome, big red bites from "chinches". Blessings.

There are a lot of tiny miracles happening in my heart. I feel changed, and I feel that another wave of change is coming. The Lord always knows what we need, and the moment we need it. It's a privilege to be here, now, representing Him. I love this gospel!

Yesterday my companion said, "happy 14 months in the mission, Bond!" That hit me. Has it really been THAT long? So, so strange. But oh, how grateful I am for this time that I have had; and the time that remains! There is work to be done! 

I love you all.

4/28

Our most positive investigator gave us back the Book of Mormon yesterday. It hurt. I just hated every moment of standing in front of her gate; Fransisca hanging her chin, and not giving us a reason WHY. I just love these people, and I do my best to help them feel God's love for them. I respect their agency. I know they have a choice whether or not they want to accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that Heavenly Father trusts me with such a great errand.

"And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of theirfathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith andrepentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—

Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free."

Heleman 15:7-8

I love you all.

May 5

We went back to Chorrera on Saturday. The Bishop of our ward suddenly passed away last week of a heart attack. I am so grateful we were able to go and support the family. We ended up being the only missionaries that showed up to help set up the chapel for the service. When the Bishop's wife, Vanessa, saw us she said "Oh, my girls! My faithful friends. Thank you for being here with me!" That hug was one I will cherish forever.

I want to say thank you to all of my bishops who have helped me become who I am today. Bishop Stebbing, Bishop Vanderpool, Bishop Harmon, and Bishop Knight.

Wednesday was very rainy. The biggest miracle was that we found a house that we visited our first day here, but hadn't found again. When we showed up, Ana came out and began to cry. "I was praying someone would come." And there we were.

Alma 26:3. Mosiah 23:10, 18.

"Now we have a reason to live extremely well!"- Richard G. Scott

I love you all

5/12 - Mother's Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

And Happy Mothers Day to every great woman I know!

This week was... wet. Lots of rain. Lots of getting lost.

On Friday I just COULDNT eat all the food one of the members gave us, so when she went into the other room, i shoved the plate into my bag-- needless to say that all of my things smell like rice and chicken now.

Lots of miracles, and lots of disappointments. But the work moves forward!

I love you all!

5/19

2.5 years as a member of the church, and 15 months as a missionary! I'm feeling GOOD!

 

I haven't mentioned our biggest miracle in Santiago yet.

Our very first night here, as we were getting off the bus from the city, and hauling our suitcases to our apartment, a man stopped us. That's normal. "Who are you! When will you teach me about God?" We thought he was a normal... strange... Panamanian. But then he began speaking in English.

"Hi. I'm Max. I lived in Wisconsin. I want to hear about God."

Sadly, we blew him off for a few weeks, thinking he was not being serious.

Over the course of our time here, we've kept running into Max around Santiago. Finally one day we asked for his phone number and called him to invite him to a group night. He came. That night we spoke about temples. He was amazed. A few days later we taught him about the Restoration of the gospel, and handed him a Book of Mormon. "I already have one. A stranger gave me one while I lived in Wisconsin. One day I was mowing the lawn and a man walked up, handed me the Book of Mormon, and told me it would change my life. So I took it!" He is such an incredible man. He has accepted a baptismal date, and we are looking forward to teaching him and his wife (who also is reading the Book of Mormon) about the blessings of this gospel. Hard work pays off. Obedience brings blessings.

 

We had surprise interviews with President Carmack this week. They were beautiful. I really enjoy learning from him. He signed off on my Personal Progress, so that means I'm kind of officially a virtuous Young Woman! He said he'll be getting the medallions in soon.

 

Well, the work moves forward. Next week we find out about changes. I'm hoping to stick around with Hermana Cabral. I love that girl too much to let her go now!!

 

I love you all!

5/26

Yesterday was one of those beautiful Sundays. We had investigators, inactives, and some visitors in sacrament meeting, so as missionaries we felt JOY.

I learned the hard way this week that we should never ignore an impression from the Spirit. If He tells us to do something, we do it.

President Carmack should be posting soon about changes. I can't believe 6 weeks have already passed!

"Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer‍ unto Him."

I love you all!

April 14

"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!

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.

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?

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!

March 17

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE PAINE!

Little miracles.
Happy faces.
Changing hearts.
Incredible experiences.
Trusting the Lord.

I love you all.

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.

Yesterday we participated in a rescue in one of the wards in our stake. We were assigned to visit a family with the primary president, Hermana Fabiola. We instantly hit it off, and after our 2 hours together, the 3 of us were just having a blast serving in the Lord's work together!

I testify that as we serve and honor the Lord, He will provide the way to accomplish our dreams and aspirations. I know with certainty that our talents, gifts, and abilities will be magnified and multiplied as we more earnestly find HIM.

I love you all!

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!

This week has been interesting with all of the carnavals going on around us. But us 6 missionaries in Chitre are having a blast staying out of trouble. Saturday was the birthday of one of my zone leaders, so we baked him a cake and made his favorite lunch. We played some intense basketball and I got my toenail ripped off (not fun, I dont recommend it), watched a Disney movie "Aviones", and busted out in a water balloon fight.

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/plan-of-salvation

I love you all.

Happy Birthday, Butthead!

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?

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!