HELLO LOVED ONES!!
Well its been another week here in Nerja. The temperatures keep going up and up along with the humidity. We work really hard and even harder trying to stay hydrated so we don't have to stop. Everything is going good. We are trying to contact the less actives here. There are more less actives then active members. We spent a whole afternoon contacting them. It is really sad. So many don't want anything to do with us. Or they are really nice but don't want to return to church. We pray for them because many are families. It has been really interesting because our zone focus this transfer is families. We have been studying about how the gospel helps families and been given the challenge to contact every family in our path. The purpose of a missionary is to invite all to come unto Christ though the restored gospel through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and persevering to the end (not exact but translating from Spanish LOL). But the reason we do this is just to open the doors to the Celestial Kingdom. The real goal is the temple. There we can be sealed as families forever. WHAT A GREAT GIFT FROM GOD! It has been a great focus and I am learning ever more about the mercy and love our Father in Heaven has for us.
Miguel is doing fine. We have taught him with a member, even a friend, and he seems really receptive. Also we have another Miguel. He is from Portugal. He has a friend that is a member. He actually lives in Málaga but works here in Nerja. He spends most of his time in Nerja but he really wants to receive the lessons because he wants to be BAPTIZED! But he is in Málaga on Sundays so he will be going to the ward there. The only reason we know is because his member friend called us to set up an appointment. We will have to coordinate with the sisters in Málaga on this one. It is hard cause they aren't in our district so we have to call the zone leaders before calling them. When he is baptized he will be in Málaga under that ward. But what a blessing to help someone come unto Christ. I love it! oh and his accent is so much fun to listen too!
And finally a little spiritual thought from personal study.
I have been reading through the Isiah chapters in the BOM. So many people dread these chapters. Me included but I have been praying that I can learn more from them. And oh boy does God answer prayer. I love the imagery and messages! One thing that I have really liked so far is the phrase "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." This phrase is generally found after a list of the sins and autrociteis these people are commiting. But I love the mercy shown. He can not turn away His anger because He is just and they are sinning. But no matter what His hand is streched out still. Searching, pleading for His children to come to Him. Repent and find true happiness. OH THE JUSTICE AND MERCY OF GOD! The more I learn the greater my desire is to share. Dear loved ones, please stay close to the Lord. Repent, do whatever you have to. I know this is the way. This is the Life. I know that no matter what God loves you but He truly wants to bless you. He can only do that by your righteousness. I love you ALL!! I know that this church is true. I know that our Savior lives and we will too. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. I know the Book of Mormon is true. The Lord loves you. yes you. and I do too.
HUGS!!!!
Love,
Hermana Petru
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Another Beautiful Week in Nerja! [Letter 24]
Sorry about the hold up folks, things got a little crazy, but we are all caught up now! Included in this is a picture of Sister Petru's Zone, from the Malaga Mission Blog
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEY THERE!
Well it's been another week here in Spain. We are working as hard as ever. I finally have gotten blisters for the walking. Crazy Stuff. We have some great investigators. We FINALLY got some to church. It was so great to see people coming unto Christ. Miguel really like church. He is such a great guy and very humble. He can't read very well so he has asked his sister to read the Book of Mormon to him. We are truly seeing miracles here. I can see the Lord's hand in His work and I feel so privileged to be here.
This last week we have a zone conference. It was a good bye for President and Hermana Clegg. They leave in about a week and we get a new mission president, President Deere. It is so sad to see them go because they have done so much for me and for the mission but it is time for them. I'm sure their family is oh so excited to get them back. President Deere sounds like a great guy and he is younger. He is bringing a 16 and 13 year daughters, I think, with him. The energy will definitely be different but will be great.
I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!! please read them. They can bring you happiness, light and truth. I hope and pray all is well.
love,
Hermana Dayna Petru
P.S. its already the middle of the Transfer!! CRAZY! Stay safe and SMILE (it makes people wonder what you are up to) ;D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEY THERE!
Well it's been another week here in Spain. We are working as hard as ever. I finally have gotten blisters for the walking. Crazy Stuff. We have some great investigators. We FINALLY got some to church. It was so great to see people coming unto Christ. Miguel really like church. He is such a great guy and very humble. He can't read very well so he has asked his sister to read the Book of Mormon to him. We are truly seeing miracles here. I can see the Lord's hand in His work and I feel so privileged to be here.
This last week we have a zone conference. It was a good bye for President and Hermana Clegg. They leave in about a week and we get a new mission president, President Deere. It is so sad to see them go because they have done so much for me and for the mission but it is time for them. I'm sure their family is oh so excited to get them back. President Deere sounds like a great guy and he is younger. He is bringing a 16 and 13 year daughters, I think, with him. The energy will definitely be different but will be great.
I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!! please read them. They can bring you happiness, light and truth. I hope and pray all is well.
love,
Hermana Dayna Petru
P.S. its already the middle of the Transfer!! CRAZY! Stay safe and SMILE (it makes people wonder what you are up to) ;D
Another week [Letter 23 - Nerja]
Good Morning FAMILY!!
It is another beautiful day in Nerja. This week has pretty much been like others. Working hard. Learning. Growing. We have found some great new investigators. They are so excited about the gospel. I am excited and privileged to see them receive the blessings of the Lord as they repent and come closer to Him. Hermana Crowder and I are getting long fine. I am learning different things from her. It is great to be able to change, become better. She does the work differently then Hermana Gibson. Neither is bad nor better then the other just different. It has been very good to see and learn from both. This next week we have zone conference. It will be a good bye to President and Sister Clegg. I am going to miss them. They are wonderful people and I have learned to much from them. I am also excited to meet President and Sister Deere. That is awesome that some of you were able to meet him. I hope you didn't tell him anything bad about me or praise me too much. Expectations can be hard to meet sometimes. Spanish is getting better. I am studying as hard as ever and trying new things. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I have realized the safest place to practice is at church because the members are so nice about helping me. The correction can be embarrassing sometimes but it it good to learn.
This week I have decided to start the Book of Mormon over. Oh the things you learn. Every page I learn and grow. I am truly grateful to the Lord for such a tool. I would like to share with you some of the things I have learned. And beseech you to search for more in your own studies. I know as you do that the Lord will enlighten your understanding and the Holy Ghost will be able to abide with you more fully in your life.
First question: What does the Tree of Life, Fountain of Living Waters, and the Love of God have in common? (1 Nephi 11:25)
What four things encourage personal revelation? (1 Nephi 11:1)
and a thought about 1 Nephi 9:5-6
Just do it. I have learned more so in the past week then in any time in my mission. Just to do what the Spirit asks me to do. Most of the time I don't know why. Many times the people I know I need to talk to want nothing from me. But I know there is a purpose in all things because I know that the Lord lives and He has a plan. Every time I follow the Spirit it becomes a little easier to follow it the next time. But YOU have to take the first step by walking into the dark. It is hard. I can't lie. It is oh so hard. But I know He will be there for you. Because He has been there for me. I know that God loves you. I know that He wants you to be happy. and I know that His happiness comes from following the commandments and the whisperings of the Spirit. So just do it.
Love you all,
Hermana Dayna Petru
Week 1 Transfer 3 [Letter 22 - Nerja]
Hello Loved Ones,
Well I'm sure you are all dying to know who my new companion is. Hermana Crowder arrived in Nerja on Wednesday. I spent the day in Málaga on Wednesday with the sisters there. Who are both from Spain. That day was definitely a test of my Spanish. I survived. This week again has been a trial of patience. When Hermana Crowder arrived pretty much all of our investigators stopped answering phones. We spent most of the weekend walking the streets and knocking doors. We have a few really promising futures though which is always uplifiting.
Hermana Crowder is very very very different from Hermana Gibson all the way from personality to appearance. Hermana Crowder has blonde hair. She is about five foot three and is always smiling. She has a higher pitched voice and reminds me alot of Hermana Yardley. Which is funny because Hermana Crowder trained Hermana Yardley. Makes me wonder if I act like Hermana Gibson. Anyway, Hermana Crowder goes about doing the work differently then Hermana Gibson . Each has their pros and cons but I am learning a new way. Hermana Crowder is bolder then Hermana Gibson. Which is good to learn but very different. Brings a different spirit to lessons. She also likes to contact more. I have never talked to so many people in my life.. We have started doing our contacting differently which is nice. Hermana Gibson and I would pray together then pick an area and loop and knock doors as prompted. With Hermana Crowder we pray seperately then together. Then one of us looks at the map and picks about 15 streets while the other one writes them down. We then look at the list and each picks 5 seperately. Then we read the lists. The streets that we have in common are the ones we go to. We knock ALL the doors in the street and talk to EVERYONE that we come across. Different but seems to be really effective. I think the hardest part so far is for Hermana Crowder. She has never been in an area as hard as this she says. There are a lot of tourist here which is hard. Many don't want to listen. I feel bad because I love this area and I want her to see how great it is too.
I am finally coming out of my shell a little bit more. I promised myself this transfer would be different and I would step up to the plate with my whole heart. I am talking more and am trying to contribute more in lessons. I am doing a lot more contacting by myself. Spanish is coming but a little at a time. Everyday I can feel my faith grow in my Savior more and more. What a privledge to share all this with the people of Spain. I love you all!!
Love, Hermana Petru
P.S. before you left your room this morning did you think to pray?
End of Transfer 2 [Letter 21 - Nerja]
HOLA FROM SPAIN!!
Well this would be the end of transfer two. I am not being transfered. I will be here for another 6 weeks! So excited. Summer is hitting so it is getting hot and the tourists are invading but the work is going forward. We continue to teach. We continue to contact. Contacting has to be one of the most adventurous things I have ever done. Think about stopping someone on the street randomly. Introducing yourself and then bearing your testimony. Then asking if you could visit them and explain a little more about your church. That is basically is what goes into a street contact if you can get someone to stop. It is quite adventurous because you never know what a person is like. It is exactly the same way when you knock doors. You are never really sure what will be on the other side. Some people are nice and will listen to you and then tell you no. Some people like to listen to you and then tell you that they believe there is only one Bible (2 Nephi 29). Some try to argue with you. Some look at you with hope and give you there address and phone number and ask you to stop by later. I would like to share with you one of my most interesting contacts yet. This last week we were contacting in Torrox Costa. We stopped a man and began talking with him. He asked what our mother language was. We said English. He popped right into English and had an American Accent which doesn't happen here very often. He said that he would love to listen to us and he had time right now to talk. We found a bench and started talking about the Book of Mormon. It was going really really good until we started talking about America. He had been in the Army in the language department and such. Apparently he had very high security clearance and all this. He says that there are things going on there and would just make our heads explode if we knew what was really going on. He went on to tell us a story about why he left and will never return to the US. Apparently he was being followed by the CIA because of the things he knows and they want him to stop spreading it. So he is in Spain like hiding out or something. Anyway, the way he was talking it reminded me of the BOURNE IDENTITY movies. So utterly strange. He took a Book of Mormon though and said he would read it.
Hermana Gibson and I have had some really good companionship studies and I am learning so much from her. The Scriptures truly can answer any question. Also if you have time I invite everyone to watch the Bible clips on the LDS.org website. Also WATCH (if this was Spanish I would use command form) the new Mormon Messages "Dare to Stand Alone" and "Love My Mother." Truly Inspiring.
Love you all,
Hermana Petru
PS Hermana Gibson is being transfered to Murcia. She leaves Wednesday.
Well this would be the end of transfer two. I am not being transfered. I will be here for another 6 weeks! So excited. Summer is hitting so it is getting hot and the tourists are invading but the work is going forward. We continue to teach. We continue to contact. Contacting has to be one of the most adventurous things I have ever done. Think about stopping someone on the street randomly. Introducing yourself and then bearing your testimony. Then asking if you could visit them and explain a little more about your church. That is basically is what goes into a street contact if you can get someone to stop. It is quite adventurous because you never know what a person is like. It is exactly the same way when you knock doors. You are never really sure what will be on the other side. Some people are nice and will listen to you and then tell you no. Some people like to listen to you and then tell you that they believe there is only one Bible (2 Nephi 29). Some try to argue with you. Some look at you with hope and give you there address and phone number and ask you to stop by later. I would like to share with you one of my most interesting contacts yet. This last week we were contacting in Torrox Costa. We stopped a man and began talking with him. He asked what our mother language was. We said English. He popped right into English and had an American Accent which doesn't happen here very often. He said that he would love to listen to us and he had time right now to talk. We found a bench and started talking about the Book of Mormon. It was going really really good until we started talking about America. He had been in the Army in the language department and such. Apparently he had very high security clearance and all this. He says that there are things going on there and would just make our heads explode if we knew what was really going on. He went on to tell us a story about why he left and will never return to the US. Apparently he was being followed by the CIA because of the things he knows and they want him to stop spreading it. So he is in Spain like hiding out or something. Anyway, the way he was talking it reminded me of the BOURNE IDENTITY movies. So utterly strange. He took a Book of Mormon though and said he would read it.
Hermana Gibson and I have had some really good companionship studies and I am learning so much from her. The Scriptures truly can answer any question. Also if you have time I invite everyone to watch the Bible clips on the LDS.org website. Also WATCH (if this was Spanish I would use command form) the new Mormon Messages "Dare to Stand Alone" and "Love My Mother." Truly Inspiring.
Love you all,
Hermana Petru
PS Hermana Gibson is being transfered to Murcia. She leaves Wednesday.
Good Morning [Letter 20 - Nerja]
Good Morning My loved ones,
It is another beautiful day in Spain. This past week was just so amazing I don't know where to begin! Hermana Gibson and I have been blessed with many people to teach. There are days where it seems there are only hostile forces at work but we are always guided to those that are willing and prepared to hear the good news of the gospel. The work is going forward and I am privledged to be hear to see it and in a small way be apart of it. This is the last week of this transfer so by the next email we all will know if there will be a change in the companionship here in Nerja. Hermana Gibson has been here for 4 transfers which is about 6 months. Sadly this means she may be moving on this next transfer. Thank you to all who have written I love hearing for you! Thank you Aunt Carol for the beautiful needle point. Mom sent me a picture of it. :D
This week we also had Zone Conference. We had wonderful workshops on contacting, teaching people and not lessons, and how to have a more effective study. My favorite had to be President Clegg's taller though. He talked of courage. Let us turn to Alma 62:19.
19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come out to battle against them, upon the plains; but the Lamanites, knowing of their exceedingly great courage, and beholding the greatness of their numbers, therefore they durst not come out against them; therefore they did not come to battle in that day.
Because of the Nephites exceedingly great courage the Lamanites would not come out to battle. We are all in a spiritual war now. Does Satan know that we have exceedingly great courage. The Lamanites knew that the Nephites would stand and fight or die for their cause of freedom and righteousness. In the words of President Clegg "its gonna be me or them and it's gonna be ME!"
The scriptures are full of examples of courage. Just ask Nephi or Lehi. President Clegg did a wonderful job of bringing the scriptures to life. Think of it this way. Dad has a dream and begins to go about Salt Lake City preaching the destruction there of because the people in Denver are going to come and demolish us but the Lord will protect us if we will repent. Brenda comes to him and is like "honey, I heard from some of my doTERRA friends that you are preaching the destruction of SLC and their husbands aren't very happy. They are thinking about killing you. Are you sure you need to do this?"
"Darling I was commanded by the Lord. I have to try."
"okay be careful. I'll be out at meetings so you are in charge of rallying the troops for dinner."
Well finally Dad has a dream that the family has to leave. He wakes and tells Randy, Harry, Mont, and Robert to pack the coolers and grap the tents. Randy and Harry are thinking "Dad is crazy!" while all four pack up the car.
I could keep going like this through the whole story. "it is a story about a family with their own problems and how they lived with faith and obeidence to the Lord. Even in their weakness the Lord used them just like he uses you. We are not any less then the people in the scriptures." President Clegg
SO my invitation this week is to find your favorite scripture story. Liken it to this day and age. Maybe your family or a challenge with school or at work and see how you can overcome and come closer to the Lord by living like Nephi, Alma, Ruth, Ester, Moroni. I know that the scriptures are the word of God. The Book of Mormon was written for our day for our benefit. Use the great tools the Lord has given us and joy will fill our lives. I know that God lives and loves us.
Love,
Hermana Petru
p.s. Do you know whywe are called Mormons?
after the Book of Mormon of course. Do you know why it was called the Book of Mormon?
After Mormon the Prophet. why was he called Mormon?
Well after the waters of Mormon.
Why were they called the Waters of Mormon?
Check out Mosiah 18:4 and then Joel 2:22
It is another beautiful day in Spain. This past week was just so amazing I don't know where to begin! Hermana Gibson and I have been blessed with many people to teach. There are days where it seems there are only hostile forces at work but we are always guided to those that are willing and prepared to hear the good news of the gospel. The work is going forward and I am privledged to be hear to see it and in a small way be apart of it. This is the last week of this transfer so by the next email we all will know if there will be a change in the companionship here in Nerja. Hermana Gibson has been here for 4 transfers which is about 6 months. Sadly this means she may be moving on this next transfer. Thank you to all who have written I love hearing for you! Thank you Aunt Carol for the beautiful needle point. Mom sent me a picture of it. :D
This week we also had Zone Conference. We had wonderful workshops on contacting, teaching people and not lessons, and how to have a more effective study. My favorite had to be President Clegg's taller though. He talked of courage. Let us turn to Alma 62:19.
19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come out to battle against them, upon the plains; but the Lamanites, knowing of their exceedingly great courage, and beholding the greatness of their numbers, therefore they durst not come out against them; therefore they did not come to battle in that day.
Because of the Nephites exceedingly great courage the Lamanites would not come out to battle. We are all in a spiritual war now. Does Satan know that we have exceedingly great courage. The Lamanites knew that the Nephites would stand and fight or die for their cause of freedom and righteousness. In the words of President Clegg "its gonna be me or them and it's gonna be ME!"
The scriptures are full of examples of courage. Just ask Nephi or Lehi. President Clegg did a wonderful job of bringing the scriptures to life. Think of it this way. Dad has a dream and begins to go about Salt Lake City preaching the destruction there of because the people in Denver are going to come and demolish us but the Lord will protect us if we will repent. Brenda comes to him and is like "honey, I heard from some of my doTERRA friends that you are preaching the destruction of SLC and their husbands aren't very happy. They are thinking about killing you. Are you sure you need to do this?"
"Darling I was commanded by the Lord. I have to try."
"okay be careful. I'll be out at meetings so you are in charge of rallying the troops for dinner."
Well finally Dad has a dream that the family has to leave. He wakes and tells Randy, Harry, Mont, and Robert to pack the coolers and grap the tents. Randy and Harry are thinking "Dad is crazy!" while all four pack up the car.
I could keep going like this through the whole story. "it is a story about a family with their own problems and how they lived with faith and obeidence to the Lord. Even in their weakness the Lord used them just like he uses you. We are not any less then the people in the scriptures." President Clegg
SO my invitation this week is to find your favorite scripture story. Liken it to this day and age. Maybe your family or a challenge with school or at work and see how you can overcome and come closer to the Lord by living like Nephi, Alma, Ruth, Ester, Moroni. I know that the scriptures are the word of God. The Book of Mormon was written for our day for our benefit. Use the great tools the Lord has given us and joy will fill our lives. I know that God lives and loves us.
Love,
Hermana Petru
p.s. Do you know whywe are called Mormons?
after the Book of Mormon of course. Do you know why it was called the Book of Mormon?
After Mormon the Prophet. why was he called Mormon?
Well after the waters of Mormon.
Why were they called the Waters of Mormon?
Check out Mosiah 18:4 and then Joel 2:22
Hello Loved Ones! [Letter 19 - Nerja]
Hello Loved Ones!!
This week has been good. Working really hard. I haven't been this sore since the start of my mission. Hermana Gibson and I have been running for pueblo to pueblo teaching and contacting with all our heart. There hasn't been an huge miracle but everyday there is a beam of light in the dark. It is these moments that light up the whole sky. It is kind of like a lightening storm. That brilliant flash of light lights up the whole sky only for a second but its enough to make it to the next place. I am learning so much about my Savior and the love He has. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn and to grow. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13 has new meaning.
This week we had what is called a "cosecha." Everyone in the my zone came, some traveling for like 2-3 hours. We gathered here in Nerja and surrounding pueblos and we contacted in the streets for about 2 hours. They found 28 people for us to follow up with. We taught one of them already. She is awesome. She is willing to experiment on the word. It is exciting to see. The energy that some of the elders have is amazing. I have no idea where they get it all sometimes. It was really fun. I am really looking forward to zone conference this next week. :)
It was great to talk to everyone yesterday. Smile. Keep growing. I look forward to hearing for you. Look to the Lord in all you do and He will guide you.
Love you all,
Hermana Petru
Pictures:
1- Elders Crespo and Velasco Elder Velasco is my district leader. Elder Crespo was transfered last transfer but he was really cool and a great missionary.
2-Hermana Gibson, yo, and Elder Velasco. This was at the Balcon de Europa. Very beautiful. As you can see it was very very windy that day.
3- Hermana Gibson and the infamous bus schedule that pretty much runs our lives right now.
4- Oh the entertainment we find. A very nice friend of Hermana Gibson sent us some easy cheese along with other fun American foods. This is what happens at the end of a long planning session.
5- Spanish Churros and chocolate. Churros are different everywhere you go even here in Spain. One place makes them differently then another place and they could be right next to each other. The most important part and the only part that is the same everywhere is that they are deep fried.
6- So I'm not sure what the story is behind this but it is a very Spanish thing to eat churros and chocolate. They only serve it in the morning. But it is really good. Hermana Gibson has a tradition of sharing churros and chocolate with everyone of her companions. Last week we finally had a chance to do it.
This week has been good. Working really hard. I haven't been this sore since the start of my mission. Hermana Gibson and I have been running for pueblo to pueblo teaching and contacting with all our heart. There hasn't been an huge miracle but everyday there is a beam of light in the dark. It is these moments that light up the whole sky. It is kind of like a lightening storm. That brilliant flash of light lights up the whole sky only for a second but its enough to make it to the next place. I am learning so much about my Savior and the love He has. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn and to grow. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13 has new meaning.
This week we had what is called a "cosecha." Everyone in the my zone came, some traveling for like 2-3 hours. We gathered here in Nerja and surrounding pueblos and we contacted in the streets for about 2 hours. They found 28 people for us to follow up with. We taught one of them already. She is awesome. She is willing to experiment on the word. It is exciting to see. The energy that some of the elders have is amazing. I have no idea where they get it all sometimes. It was really fun. I am really looking forward to zone conference this next week. :)
It was great to talk to everyone yesterday. Smile. Keep growing. I look forward to hearing for you. Look to the Lord in all you do and He will guide you.
Love you all,
Hermana Petru
Pictures:
1- Elders Crespo and Velasco Elder Velasco is my district leader. Elder Crespo was transfered last transfer but he was really cool and a great missionary.
2-Hermana Gibson, yo, and Elder Velasco. This was at the Balcon de Europa. Very beautiful. As you can see it was very very windy that day.
3- Hermana Gibson and the infamous bus schedule that pretty much runs our lives right now.
4- Oh the entertainment we find. A very nice friend of Hermana Gibson sent us some easy cheese along with other fun American foods. This is what happens at the end of a long planning session.
5- Spanish Churros and chocolate. Churros are different everywhere you go even here in Spain. One place makes them differently then another place and they could be right next to each other. The most important part and the only part that is the same everywhere is that they are deep fried.
6- So I'm not sure what the story is behind this but it is a very Spanish thing to eat churros and chocolate. They only serve it in the morning. But it is really good. Hermana Gibson has a tradition of sharing churros and chocolate with everyone of her companions. Last week we finally had a chance to do it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)