Another week in Federal Way

To the people I love the most,

 

I hope you all had the best week ever, and are enjoying the Christmas Season. I was thinking that you should all watch a its a wonderful life in behalf of me sometime this month just because its my favorite so someone needs to enjoy it for me. It sounds like Ron made it in town safe, and I am sure you all have tons of things planned. Well this week has been pretty dang good. We had our zone meeting this week which always stresses me out, but there are so many amazing things that we want to accomplish before the end of the year. I still have the added stress of having two new companions to the area who still don't know much of what is going on. So when it comes to planning at night I pretty much do it on my own. I am trying to just the best I know how, and not freak out to much because there really is no point. Of course like a normal part of missionary work you have to do sifting of people who really are prepared vs. the ones who aren't. Then we are always working on keeping up are teaching pool. We have been able to see a lot of miracles this week, and I just have to trust that things will work out how they are supposed to. Well first of all we got into see this lady Fanny who I might have mentioned before. Anyway the first time we met her we taught her the message of the Restoration. She said she had a desire to learn, but wasnt really doing anything about it. So we lost contact with her, and decided to spend our time focusing on other people. That was about a 2 months ago something well when stopped by her house this week to find alma and sent something up with her. Well Fanny wanted to set an appt up as well so we did. When we got into her house she basically just apologized for being so busy and distracted when we stopped by a few months ago to teach her. She has been reading in the book of mormon, and she really likes it. She was telling us how its like the bible. Funny how no matter how many times you say that to people you have to let them figure it out on there own. She has been reading, and marking it. I am hoping that we will be able to have more contact with her, and that she will progress. Then there is another girl named Noriko who has been investigating forever. I mean she has been through tons of missionaries had baptismal services set up, and something would always happen. Well a few weeks ago we have been getting contact with her and her husband. Her husband Mitchell is a member, but less active. I think she has a fear of becoming that way after she is baptized which makes sense. Anyway yesterday she came to church!!! I don't even know when the last she was at church, so that was pretty amazing. Then earlier this week we had a lesson with Luis. You know how I said he had plans to move out well I think those plans changed. Which breaks my heart, but I know one day he will be baptized. Then there is Serigo who loves church, but is getting a lot of family opposition. His family in Mexico is hard core catholic so he is afraid of that. Then he has adopted american parents who are against the church as well. He descibed it to us as just being pulled between us the angels and the adversary. He did come to the our Christmas Party on Saturday Night so that was good for him. Another thing that I also know was a huge hold up he family was going to come from mexico for Christmas, but he told us yesterday that they wont be making it. Which I felt really bad, but then again at the same time god works in mysterious ways. Then we also had an amazing lesson with a lady named Guadalupe who I am praying will progress, and be baptized in the next few weeks. She is such sweetheart, and we had such an amazing lesson with her. She also has a little 4 year old daughter who is disabled, and there is a Hermana in the group who also has a son has some mental disabilites. When I was telling Guadaulupe about this in the lesson her face just lite up. I talked to Hermana Maribel at the Christmas Party and she called Guadalupe, and they just had a really good connection. I am praying that everything works out. That is pretty much the main stuff of what is happening here, and really that is just a glimpse. As far as everything else this week Saturday we had the funeral in the Morning for Danielle's sister. Since Danielle called us when have been helping her put that together, and that was the first funeral I have ever been to. It just makes me really appreciate how much knowledge we have in the Gospel. The chapel was full of non-members so it was such a great moment for Danielle to step up, and want to put it together at our church. Its moments like that, that really allow you to realize the things that are the most important, and to just fall in love with everything. It also makes me grateful the plan of salvation so that we really can catch the eternal perspective doesnt mean its easy, but it gives it way more meaning.

Then Saturday night we had our ward Christmas Party with a dinner, program, and even santa came. Hermano Garcia comes up to me and says I know what your asking Santa for. I just said a hug from my family, but thats going to come a little late for Christmas this year. Then he says No... your going to ask for a boyfriend. We had quite a laugh joking about it. You got to love this time of year there is always so many fun things going on, and memories that will last forever. Well Family just know I love you all so much, and I couldnt be more grateful to have each of you in my life. I pray for you everyday!!! Have the Best Holiday Season. Love Always Hermana Grimes

Welcome to December

Good Morning Family,

 

Can you believe we are in December?! Also dad we hit fast Sunday number #18 who would have ever thought? Hang in there the next one will be here before we even know it. Well its so amazing to be here in this time of year I even put my Christmas pillowcase on my bed on December 1st.  There is always so many fun activities, and everyone is just in a good mood. This weekend they had a big nativity display at the stake center so we were asked to be hosts for a couple of the shifts. Then last night we totally got to watch the Christmas Devotional, and I loved it!! I don't know if you remember my big complaints from last year man that was a rough weekend. We did get to watch it this year even thought our investigator totally bailed out on us. We were already sitting down, and I couldn't really think of anything better than listening to the prophet so we stayed. I loved every single talk, and how much they talked about the gifts we have in our lives. Such as the gifts of being able to give and receive, and gifts of testimony, missionary work, sharing the Gospel, applying the atonement, and so on.

Well this week has been pretty dang good, and its gone by super fast. A lot of it has been adjusting to have two brand new companions so I have been having to explain a lot about the area, and who we are working with. Since they still don't know anything its been a little bit more stressful since I am having to come up with all the plans. I kind of feel like they could probably take a little more initiative, but I can't complain. Like I mentioned earlier I am not going to lie I was super mad for a min at my mission president for putting me back in a trio, but I know that there are things that I need to learn. Its amazing how each companion has different personalities, and ways that they do things. The first few days were a little rough just as we try and figure out our schedules are far as showers, who is going to pray, and where we are all going to sleep. Then teaching is a whole different story. I have been trying to make sure that I give them each enough time to teach so that is something that comes with time. Hermana Laney is still on the newer side so we are working on helping her get her confidence up in her ability to speak and jump into the conversations. There has been a few times this week where we have been checking up on referrals of tracting where  I just said OK I am keeping my mouth shut. Well we have definitely had our fair share of awkward moments, and I feel extra stupid because I would just jump in, but if I keep doing that it doesn't give them ways to grow. So I have had to bite my tounge and realize that its the Lords work, and it will work out how it is supposed to. Then there was another lesson this week that was an absolute disaster, but some how we have gotten a few return appts. Hermana Overy was jumping all over the place, and then started asking if she knew some story about the indians and the white god, and then mentioned something about christopher columbus. Its good because she knows her history, but I just wanted to die because she was already so confused anyway and I know that didn't help. Then it came to exercise so I like to run so I always have my comps go with me because I kind of have to. Well up to this point there hasnt been a problem. Well when I asked what they did for excersice they said they just stay in the apartment. Ok please tell me what kind of exercise is that? I mean if we have to be up I mine as well do something that is going to keep me awake. So we agreed that every other day we would go outside. Well the first day that it was on the running day we get out side, and Hermana Overy just made some comment of how much she didn't want to be out there or run. I said well you can walk, and I will run. Then she said well that would be a waste of my morning workout so they did end up running, but with some complaints. After she said sorry, and know its getting better. I really do love them both, and I promise I am happy its just all the adjusting. I really have gained a greater appreciation for them both, and its amazing how many things you can learn from your companions especially because you have to all work together. I would say I have been pretty positive about it all, and I am excited to see what the next little bit has in store.They really are such great girls, and it has been fun getting know them. I say this with every mission experience that I have had whether or not I can see the benefit at first that I wouldn't change anything that has happened companions or areas in the end I always know its what I needed.  As far as our investigators yesterday at church was Sergio who was a former investigator taught earlier in the summer. We got in contact with him again a few weeks ago because he was back in town from working in Alaska. Well saturday we were able to get in and have a lesson. That is something that is nice about having a trio you can enter any house you want...huge benefit!! So we watched the restoration video, and he said he would come to church. Sunday morning we went over to make sure and right as we walked up he opend the door, and told us he was planning on coming. He did, and he loved it. The only thing is he has some family opposition, and he smokes so we have a few things to overcome. Luis has been hard to get a hold of this week, but sunday after church he called and apologized for not coming. He has been working a lot of late night/ early morning hours he explained that it wasn't because he didn't want to its becasue he couldn't. So we have an appt set up with him this week so keep praying for him. Other than that we are working with quite a few other people who have some great potential so we are working on getting them to progress. Another thing is earlier last week we got new that Danielle's little sister had passed away so this saturday is going to be the funeral, and she is wanting us to help get things organized. On Friday when we went over to their house alfonzo gave me a 81/2 by 10 photo of Sean and Rileys baptism. Its a super nice picture with the whole family, and us missionaies. Its just funny because he got and new printer or something so he has been printing a bunch of stuff out, and said I could have that picture. We are going to be helping her with that this weekend, and also our ward christmas party is this week so that should be pretty fun.

Well family thats about my update this week there always a suprise and a roller coaster!!! You never know what is coming next. Well be safe I pray for you always, and know that I love you all. Enjoy every moment of this Christmas Season!!! Love Always Hermana Grimes

Last Transfer

Well Family,

 

To my favorite people ever!!! I hope you all had such a great week.

I am sure you are all super excited to figure out what exactly happend with transfers. Well we lost 2 hermanas so I knew that changes were going down. Well Sunday night we got the call and Hermana Escobar is gone which we kind of knew was coming just because she had been here for a while. Now she is companions with Hermana Stout in Kent. Now as for me I got not just one but two companions again. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about it. They are both sweet girls, and I am going to make the most of it. Hermana Stout and I were both a little worried so we are going to keep each other strong for the next few weeks and write each other every week. I serioulsy love that girl!!! Well I love every companion, and know that each one of them will be such dear friends of mine for life. Well my new companions are Hermana Ovary and Hermana Laney. They are both from Utah. Actually Hermana Ovary went to American Fork High School. See I told you sometimes the only way you would be friends is in the mission. They are both sweet, and like I said I am just going to live up every moment. Hermana Ovary has been out about 13 months, and Hermana Laney about 6 so I get to show them the ropes of Federal Way. I will have to attach a picture and send one home next week. This past week I actually got to go on exchanges with Hermana Stout so of course we had so much fun catching up. Do you want to know who I got to see? We went over to see Miriam and her family!!! She is doing amazing, and it was such a blessing to be able to teach her and be part of her conversion process. She was telling me how blessed she has been because of the gospel, and how she never would have expected her life to be that way. She showed me her book of mormon right now she had just read about lehi's dream, and practically every verse was underlined. That was probably one of the most tender moments this week being able to see her progess in the gospel, and knowing that I will keep in touch with her for life.

How was your Thanksgiving? I am not going to lie I have to keep telling myself that I can do the Holidays in the Mission. I know that these next 6 weeks will be more than i can ever imagine, and I am going to live up every moment. So we started the morning with a little mission activity were we just played sports, and got to catch up with other missionaries so that was pretty fun. Then we had weekly planning, and during that time we made apple pies to take over to people. Then we went over to Alma's house. Her husband wasnt home from work at that point in time yet so it was good we showed up when we did. She had been cooking all day, and was a little disappointed with they way things worked out with her husband. We ate with her it was just simple, but so special. We did have turkey, rolls, rice, beans, and corn. It was actually pretty dang good, and she made some pies so I did get some pumpkin pie. It was just so special that she invited us over. Then we played some type of bingo game with her kids, and the bingo cards were in spanish. Other than that after we did some knocking on doors but now one was really home. Then we went over to drop of a apple crumble that we made to Elvia. ( the lady I told you about last week.) That was about my day nothing super crazy, but one I will cherish forever.

Now on to some of the greatest news ever!!! So saturday we had an appt with Luis well since his wife doesnt like us to come inside he was waiting out side for us. Guess what he told us? He told us he wanted to find a new place to live, and he was being completely serious!!! I about died. If he moves out then he can be living the law of chasity, and then he can progress towards baptism. Now we are looking for a place that he could go quickly and cheap so keep him in your prayers. He was also at church on sunday!!! I love this guy.

Also sunday night we had an amazing Lesson with Maria and Leonel Jose's family. Well Jose was present for the lesson, and our bishop. We followed up on a reading assignment that we had left them in Alma chapter 12. It was perfect for what we wanted to talk about. Well it was such a powerful lesson, and they are ready to start progressing, and truly finding out for themselves. There is just a little bit of fear of the changes that would have to be made, but they are right there. Leonel started reading the book of mormon friday and is in 2 nephi, and he was telling us all about lehi and his family!!! Jose did so amazing and was so bold, and he totally rocked it!!! They are such a great family, and I am so excited for them. All of these people are right there...seriously so I am going to do the best I know how. Keep them in your prayers.

 

Just know I love you all so very much!! I was so sad to hear about simba that is going to be so weird. I love that pup. Well I hope you all have the best week. Know that  I am praying for you enjoy every moment. I miss you all!!! XOXOX Love Always Hermana Grimes.

Happy Thanksgiving

Good Morning Family,

 

Ok first of all can you believe that it is Thanksgiving!!! Dad it makes me think a while ago when I was packing all of my stuff up, and you told me before you know it you will be sitting around for Thanksgiving wondering where all the time went. Man, that seems like it was a while ago, but than again its crazy to think that it's already here. I read that you have a small group for thanksgiving, but really that is the best thing ever. Just know I will be thinking about you all so much, and I am so grateful to have each one of you in my life. Also enjoy the rolls do you want to know something so funny the other day I was telling Hermana Escobar that exact same story. In my defense it totally was not my fault even though I got the blame of running the best park of thanksgiving as well as the left over sandwiches. Just so you all know next year my rolls are going to be bomb so get excited!! As far as my plans we

have our mission Thanksgiving activity that morning so actually today I have to go get myself some new jeans because I ripped mine picking blackberries for that wonderful Jam I know you all loved.

Then the night before actually so wed. we have a ward activity of pie night so you better believe I will be making an apperance.

Then after we received an invite to go with our investigator Alma and her family. If that doesn't work out we have had about 5 other people who have invited us over so needless to say we will be well taken care of however it works out. Oh and just so you all know I have probably had a piece of pie every single day this month. Yep tender mercies if you ask me. It seems that all the desserts at dinner appts are pie, and everyone sends us home with pie. You better believe I am not complaining.

Well this week has been really good. I am telling you its like a roller coaster so you never know whats coming. We are still working on our finding. Which is a real test of patience and faith, and sometimes  I do things more out of strict obedience. Not necessarily because I am going to get the fastest results. For example we are supposed to tract 5-7 everyday because its the best time to find people at home. Well sometimes its a little hard as far as building up our spanish teaching pool, but I do it so that the lord can work his miracles in the lives of others that we are working with. Not to mention I really do like tracting, and I am pretty sure that is when Hermana Escobar laugh the most. I mean it mine as well be fun, and we hear the funniest things. Anyway we taught Luis, and i almost wanted to burst into tears as we taught the law of chasity. Its stinks because the desire to be baptized is there and he defiantly would do it this month, but its just going to take time. I love him so much. Also yesterday Jose Valencia and another recent convert Bonifacio both were ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood after stake conference. So that was pretty amazing, and so now we have to more priesthood holders for our little group. Last night we went and taught Jose and his sister and brother-in-law Maria and Leonel. They are such a great family. It was great because Jose was just on fire and he had starting reading the book of mormon again after he was baptized and now he is almost finished with alma. Also he was making comments to his sister about how he could baptize them when they both just said they were ready. Which we found out last night that she is scared to read the book of mormon. One because she grew up catholic and she really likes church and likes when we come over, but she is afraid of changing just because traditionally thats what she is. Also they both said they wouldn't get baptized if one of us got transferred. Then of course we went on to explain that the church is still true no matter what missionaries then we got to tease them a little more about how if we both say then they have to be baptized. So we will see what happens with them they are so great, and they have so much potential. Also this week we have found 2 ladies who I guess you could say have been under the radiator. They are members, and have just been less active so now we get to work with them to come join our little Spanish group. Also last night we were able to get in and see a potential investigator Elia who is a pretty strong Cristian, but we have gotten in to teach her about twice. Well last night she opened up so much to us about her whole life story. She is a single mom. Her husband left her about 7 years ago to go to Mexico to visit his family but ended up meeting another woman there so he never came back. So it left her to raise her four boys here. At this point she had never worked because she would stay in the home as he husband worked. So she basically had to start for scratch because she didn't know English, and didn't have a job. Last night she just opened up so much about the last 7 years of her life and not feeling like a good enough mom. Or how she works so hard and its under appreciated. She was just crying the whole time she was explaining everything. She is so amazing,

and it really is so amazing how fast you can grow a connection with people. Well she invited us to come over on Thanksgiving

so we will be making an appearance. Her oven doesn't work so she is going to just buy something so we are going to make a pie and take it over.

Oh also this week I had my last interview with the president. It lasted about 5 mins it was super quick, and basically he just was like well your almost done. Work hard, and know that the choicest blessing will come in your next few weeks in the mission field. I totally got all teary eyed. Then at stake conference it was all about missionary work. It started with someone who just got there call, then to a RM, then to a convert, and then all of the other leaders. The whole theme was missionary work, and how the gospel is moving. Then a member of the 70 came and was talking about when he was a stake president and how he would set apart missionaries, and give them one of the most sacred callings that they would have. Then he went in to explain how it was when they got released. Then once again I got all teary eyed. I don't know whats happening. Its just a lot of mixed emotions, and since timing is the weirdest thing ever it feels so close but not really.  They even talked about what it was like for the parents to drop missionaries off.

I guess I have just had a few moments as so many memories kept flooding back into my mind from the beginning. Crazy. Well family just know that I am so grateful for all you do and being such amazing supporters in the decision I made to serve a mission. Of course always listening to every up and down, and all your prayers. Have the best holiday!!! I love you all so much, and just enjoy every moment. Also transfer calls are this week so P-day will be Tuesday. Just know your in my prayers. I miss you all. Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to POPPOP!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CHELS!!! Love you both.

Love Always Hermana Grimes.

Hey Family

Good Morning Family,

 

How are you? I keep hearing how much snow Utah is getting, but than again it is that time of year. Which means ski season is right around the corner!!! Which I am not going to lie I am defiantly look forward to doing a little bit of that real soon. Which I know it will be here before I know it. So I am just going to enjoy every moment good and bad. I am not going to lie this week I have just felt like a balloon that keeps getting blown into, and pretty soon I might just pop. I know missions have rules and regulations, but man sometimes I never feel like I do anything right. Not that I do anything to break the rules, but sometimes the pressure of missionary work is just a little more than I think I can handle. Than again its supposed to make me into some better person which I don't know why its so much harder to recognize your own strengths. Another thing to is I am still just Linds, and so I don't really feel that I have changed that much. Then again maybe its more than I see, and I should learn to give myself more credit. I always wondered why if this is the best thing I could be doing right now, and probably the best I have ever been. Why we always think we are never doing good enough. I guess its all part of the gospel to keep progressing because if you not than your regressing. I guess I will just take little baby steps and see how this goes.

Well as far my week we are really focusing on finding people to teach. Like always, but we really have got to find the ones who are ready. I keep hearing the field is white already to harvest, but I think the hardest part is believing that its true. I guess that's OK because a lot of people have our cards unless they put them in the trash. I know no missionary effort ever goes in vain.

Now with our investigators we had a lesson with Luis this week. Sad part is he didn't come to church so something probably came up. Well actually none of our investigators came. Anyway Wed he let us come over to his house. His "wife" stayed back in the room the whole time. I am telling you this seems to be a common denominator here right now. Why can't spouses just be on the same page? Anyway we get into his house and he already has 3 water bottles on the table and all of his books ready to learn. He is so great, and I know that when he gets baptized he will be a great member. He even called us his angles which I thought was really sweet. The only thing is the girls he is living with is not his wife so they would have to get married, and they are both still married to other people. So right now he is on date for the end of the month. The thing is when he said that I just sank in my chair because a divorce would take at least 3 months, and since they both need divorces. Then they would have to get married so that just seems so far in the future. I guess he also has the option of moving out which could happen as well. Logically in my mind I don't quite see how this is going to work. Now I just have to work on doing what I can so that the Lord can do what he can. Obviously his vision is way better than mine, but this logical human brain that I have doesn't quite know how this situation is going down.

Also we got in to see Alma. I seriously love her. She liked church, but her biggest doubt is the book of Mormon. Which makes sense since it is the keystone of the religion. You have to have a testimony of the book of Mormon to know the church is true, and to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. Well she wants to read it, and she was really interested to read about lehi and his family who left Jerusalem. What I like about her is she is just so honest, and sincere. She didn't come to church yesterday because her daughter is sick, but when we went to knock on the door she was a least awake. So she is making progress, and I know she really wants it for her family. She did tell us that she just doesn't want the pressure, but she will read the book of mormon. Also she did agree to meet with us because she wants to learn. Also she invited us over for Thanksgiving so i am quite excited about that!!! I really love her, and her family. So I want her to keep progressing.

Then another funny thing we got in to teach Veronica and Angel her son. They haven't been at church because of sickness so hopefully next week they can step it up. Its just hard because you have a time when they are prepared and ready. You have to make sure they keep that desire. Anyway we were teaching the 10 commandments with hand signals. Another little girl that was there who is about four when we got to number 6 about not killing. She says well I have a 33 pistol de agua I was laughing so hard. Then angel said that number 10 was is favorite commandment. Then we asked what commandment 10 was, and then he said quiero una sticker. Once again I was laughing!! Just because he is five and really probably doesn't understand, but it just worked out perfect. Just so you know its the CTR stickers that you sent me in my package so they are being put to good use.

 

Well family I am still hanging in here, and I was thinking I just need a little helium to last just a little longer. Don't worry i will be just fine, and I know that every trial and hard time pay off. Just know I love you all, and am so grateful to have your support. Enjoy every moment. Love you Always Hermana Grimes

 

Welcome to November

Good Morning Family,

 

Happy Election Day!!! Its so crazy and quite funny because we have been getting quite a few comments. So a few weeks ago we met an older lady named Virgina. and she said well our next president is Mormon. Another guy told us he was voting for Mitt Romney because he was closer to god than Obama. Then another guy told us that Romney was against women's rights, and slammed the door. So I am sure that someone will keep us posted to let us know what happens. Also since it was election day at our apartment they were giving out a free "breakfast on the go". Well since you know we are up for anything that is free we got in our car at 7:50 am before our personal study just to drive up the the exit, and then we drove up an around to enter in another way just so that we could get breakfast. We were dying of laughter the whole time because of how stupid we probably looked, but really it was worth it.

Also Thank you so much for the most amazing Halloween package ever!! I got it the day after, but don't worry I still got the candy and pencils out. Thank you so much for all "my goodies." You all never cease to surprise me, and just so you know it means the world. Also I am expecting pictures of what you all dressed up as. Our Halloween was pretty chill it makes it a little hard to knock doors when kids are asking for candy so we couldn't tract after 7:00, and then everybody has lives so our appts fell though. We were able to stop by a see a few people, and the best treat ever we went to check up on our investigator who works at a pie company and she gave us a huge pumpkin pie. The pie was fantastic, but she had to drop us because know that she is working she doesn't have time to meet.

Other than that my week has been about a normal as it can get. Normal I guess as much as it can for being a missionary. We have been able to get in and teach our investigators Irma and Veronica. Luis came to church on Sunday, but came late so he was only there for the last hour. I was so excited to see him!!! I love that guy, and he was so apologetic for showing up late. I know he tries so hard, but his wife really is not really into the whole idea of mormons. So the fact that he is coming is the best thing ever. He always has the most sincere questions just because he wants to learn, and do whats right. Then we had a potential named Alma come to church. We have only been inviting her since July to come to church, and she always told us that she would but then would never get up in the morning. We just figured it wasn't her time so we gave her some space. Well on Saturday night we had a feeling to stop by, and she said she would get her kids up and come. Sunday morning when we stopped by like we told her we would she was actually up and ready to go with all her kids!!! She told us that she wasnt going to make any promises or it probably won't be an everyweek thing, but we told her she would never know if she never came. WE were able to get an appt set up with her for later on this week so we will see what happens. Also Jose Valencia and another recent convert that was baptized in July so before I came to Federal Way both blessed the sacrament for the first time. That was really sweet because they did it in spanish!! Oh and Dad we hit fast sunday #17!!! On friday night we had a lesson with Danielle and Alfonzo and boys. Well alfonzo was only there for about the first 5 mins, but the spirit in their home was so completley different. Its amazing how much the gospel really can changes lives, and how much of a difference I felt. It was amazing, and I am so excited for this family!! They were at church on Sunday, and they love it!! The boys went straight to primary, and sean loves the young mens group. When we were over there on Friday they were just answering the questions with no problem, and sean had a question about when the angles came to give joseph smith the priesthood. They really are such a great family, and I am so blessed to have been able to work with them.

Well family we are off to the temple today, and it is probably my last temple trip here in seattle as a missionary. Crazy!! Well just know I love you all so much, and pray for you always. Keep up the good work, and just keep being the best you can be. Enjoy every moment!! XOXOX Love Always Hermana Grimes.

Happy Halloween

Good Morning Family,

How is it going? I hope you all had a good week. Also do you have any plans for Halloween? I totally have an idea of what I am going to dress up as next year. I know not that it really even matters at this point in time, but hey it doesnt hurt to plan ahead. There is this cute girl who I love she is 6, and anyway we were talking about halloween a little while ago. I asked what she was going to be for Halloween, and she told me a witch. Then she said "well what are you going to be?" I just said well I think I will just be a missionary. Then this week we were at there house for dinner she is sitting over by me, and says "are you still going to be a missionary for halloween?" I just laughed and said yes I am. I expect to get pictures next week of all your costumes!! On Saturday we had our little ward Halloween Party. It was actually combined with another ward so it was so crowded, but it was fun to see all the kids dressed up man they sure do get creative. Then we had a trunk or treat. Ealier that day we had a lesson with our investigator Irma, and we invited her to come to the activity. Well she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to come, but she wanted to buy treats just in case. She had us follow her to walgreens so she could by candy for us to pass out in behalf of her. So that was really sweet. Other than that it was pouring so we were a little wet by the end of the night. Luckily a sweet lady let us climb in the back of her van to pass out our candy.

Even though Irma wasn't able to come to the activity she did make it out to church!! She is somebody who already qualifies to be baptized its just helping her feel the confidence so she can gain her own testimony. Saturday she was sitting on one side of the room and she said ok if the wall on the other side was baptism i would say I am getting closer. She stands up and starts telling us how much closer she is feeling. Honestly I thought she was just going to take one step which I would have loved because then I know she is at least thinking about it. Well she takes a giant step and then just keeps taking them she didn't get quite to the wall, but she is right there. Also yesterday at church was our primary program which I love. I feel like such a baby because I always tear up. Whats happening to me? It was really sweet because they invited the missionaries to come up and sing we'll bring the world his truth with some of the older primary kids, and then we did the second verse in spanish.

Also Luis who I love accepted a date to be baptized this month!! We had such a good lesson with him this week, and it was so cute because he was nervous that if accepting a date to be baptized he would have to be a missionary. His concern was that he wouldnt know enough. I thought it was the sweetest thing. He did he took some sincere time to think about it, and then he said well yes I will be baptized why not. The sad thing is he didn't come to church yesterday which is so not like him so we have to figure out what happend. 

Now on to the most amazing news ever!!! Sean and Riley were both baptized yesterday!!! The spirit was so strong I can't even describe it. I think what made it the most amazing is just the feeling of accomplishment of what they have gone though, and how much this is really going to bless there family. So let me give you a little bit of background information. The boys had there interviews last week, and were all set up to go. Now with child baptisms you have to have parent permission well mom has been completely on board the whole time. You could just tell how much she was ready to come back to church, and have this for her family. Well Alfonzo has been a little bit more hesitant, and he has a crazy work schedule so he wasnt present for a lot of the lessons. Well when we were talking to them he said that he wasn't sure if they could get baptized because they werent prepared enough. Well Danielle said at interviews that they were going to just do it anyway because she was thinking that maybe it was alfonzo who wasn't quite prepared to make the changes. This week Alfonzo had a meeting with the bishop just because he kind of has some different ideas like stuff that is kind of out of our control, and stuff that we really don't want to mess with. Then we had a lesson with Danielle and the boys, and danielle mentioned how she wasn't sure that they were going to be able to be baptized because alfonzo had been more hesitant about them being prepared. By this point we were really just stuck because everyone wanted it now it was just getting the permission for dad. Friday we decided to fast so that we could some how get him to recognize how important this was for his family. I am not going to lie I wasn't so into the idea of fasting. I know kind of selfish but I knew it was out of our power, and I needed to support my companion. I decided to just pray for the desire to do it, and I know that now I really do have a stronger testimony of fasting. Well friday we just dropped by for just a min, and then saturday we tried to set up a lesson with him but he wouldn't commit because of his schedule. Well Saturday we drove by and saw his truck so we were able to have a really good lesson with him. We talked about how the gospel will bless his family. We talked about how the boys need to have his support, but they can all do it together. We bore testimony of the importance of children and how easy they are to recognize what is good and true. He softend his heart, and said that if they wanted to be baptized he would let them because he didn't want to hold them back. We brought the boys in and talked to they right away of course they both wanted it. Danielle and the boys came to church. I actually went to the first part of primary with them so that they could feel more comfortable, and sean went off to young mens. Then the baptism was later on that evening. The whole family was present, and it was just amazing!!! The boys asked Hermana Escobar, and I to give talks so she did the one on baptism I did the one on the holy ghost. Then for the baptism we went and stood in the girls bathroom with Danielle so we got the back stage view, and then on the other side you could see alfonzo and the boys. Riley who is 9 is such a stud I am so excited for that kid he was so nervous, but he did such a good job!! There was so much support and love from everyone who was present, and now we have 2 more members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!!

Well family thats the update for my week. I think we might be going to the temple so p-day will be on tuesday. Just know I love you all, and pray for you always. Enjoy Every Moment, and I miss you all!!! Love always Hermana Grimes