Temple Trip

Hermana and Hermano Avila went through the temple for the first time and all the missionaries involved in their gospel journey are in the picture. Such a special experience to be in the temple with Brother and sister Avila for them to receive their endowments. Familia Garcia, Lopez and Hno Rodriguez with his fiance Manuela were all in attendance.


L-R Jeanette, Hna Kearl, Lucy Avila, Hna King, Sergio Avila, "Stacy" Pasley, and Hna Johnson

Bad Driving!!!

We've teased Jeanette about her driving skills. When we saw this picture we figured it was Jeanette driving but according to her....This is what she wrote:
I've also included a picture to show you that I'm not the bad driver in this companionship--I've actually been able to find someone who's a worse driver than me. Hermana Kearl drove the car into a ditch when trying to turn around, and a guy had to pull us out. It was awesome. We gave him a pass along card and said, Hey if you had this much fun with the missionaries, think of all the fun you'll have when you're baptized and part of our church. Call us! He mostly didn't call us.

Baptism

Yesterday, June 29th, Garrett was baptized! Hermano Avila is the shorter guy who baptized Garrett. He doesn't speak English, and Garrett doesn't speak Spanish. But they're pretty much best friends. Jeanette is on the left, Hermana Kearl on the right.

Email from Jeanette 6-23-08

Sometimes I forget the real reason for doing this work. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own fear to speak about controversial things to people that I forget about the big picture. Today I was blessed with that kind assurance from Heavenly Father that He is real--that this work is something real and exciting. I received another building block to my testimony that Joseph Smith was such a marvelous man for not giving up through the painful trials and that because of him, we are able to have the truth once again on the earth.This week was such a blessing. Nothing extremely amazing happened except for the usual going to meetings, receiving more help and guidance to do our work effectively, and obeying that guidance that I received. Because I obeyed, we came away this week with 4 baptismal dates and a better perspective on this work that we're doing.We're still teaching Julio and Garrett. Garrett's going to be baptized next Sunday and Julio on the 13th. But along with that, we've given a date to Jesus Andraden for the 6th of July (Happy Birthday Emily and Jake). HE's a man in his forties from Mexico who started out so slow and somewhat stupid. He's told us of all the blessings that the Lord has blessed him with since meeting us (including receiving a miraculous phone call on Father's Day from one of his daughters that isn't allowed contact with him) and tells how he's changing. Even though to the ward he's just another single guy that's adding to the collection of single guys we're bringing into the ward, we've been able to see his change and how he's been blessed. He's going to grow even more after his baptism date.Last night, after a long day of not-so-goodness and stepping in a red ant hill, we met with another friend of Julio's and Jesus's. His name is Jose and is only 17 years old. We had only taught him once but we could just tell that he was interested. I remembered the talk that our Zone Leader gave us about being bold and challenging missionaries, and I offered him a baptism date. He was a little surprised but gladly accepted it. He's getting baptized July 26th on Hna Kearl's birthday.We're still trying with Jose and Maria. We asked them to pray about being baptized and they said they would. That's a huge step in progress with them. I have to learn to be patient with some people--I know when they are or aren't progressing and I just need to be patient knowing that some people take longer than others.The two guys we were teaching, Alonso and his cousin Jose, who were flirty are out the door. Others are also out the door and we're getting some new people in. It's so difficult still to talk to everyone without getting a little bit scared, but i'm trying so hard.
Love you all. Stay strong in the gospel!
Hermana Langston

Jesus is Coming!

Hermana Allred jumping for joy.

That's enought to make Jeanette dance!

Sweet Reunion

MTC companions for 2 short months. Sisters forever! Hermana Langston and Hermana Burke

Birthday Surprise!

"It ws Mary Elizabeth's birthday so we went early in the morning and decorated her room's door. Elder Sessions is listening after knocking. We waited forever before she finally came out. When she did she didn't look too happy."

"We warmed her up with a nice bouquet of flowers - compliments of some stranger who happened to bring them at the exact time we were there. She was so glad to see she was loved. That grumpy face when she came out of her room was a total front!"


"After a quick wardrobe change and hair brushing, Mary Elizabeth came back out for the picture. By this time we had a good crowd of residents watching."

Here is Jeanette, Hermana Kearl and the "birthday girl" standing outside a decorated door.

After a Fireside

Hermana Kearl, Jesus Martinez, Juanito Torres, Julio, an investigator, and Hermana Langston. This picture was taken at President Allred's home after a fireside.

Mexico Chicito

This is in Roseberg, Texas. The people in this area don't have a lot of money. Doesn't Jeanette look cute knocking on the door of this small house. This is what she wrote:
Que chido este gallinero!

More P-Day festivities

This is Jeanette and Hermana Hansen. They both have big smiles even though you can tell it's hot and humid in Richmond, Texas.

Just a break to cool off by the pond.
Jeanette chasing ducks at the local pond. What form! Why is she wearing all black on a hot, humid, day. I think it's time to send her some lavender or lemon colored pants.

Volleyball on P-Day

The English district and part of the Spanish district together. This is right after playing volleyball in 95 degree weather. Everyone was really happy that Jeanette suggested they have this picture taken. Jeanette was tired but it looks like she's giving attitude. That's Jeanette!

Zone Olympics

Here is Jeanette waiting to hear the question.


She thinks she knows! Fastest hands in the west

Apparently she knew the answer. YES!!!


Looks like a fun zone conference with different activities. The picture below is the "Prettiest Sister Missionary" contest. Jeanette was on the green team. You can see her scores on the chalk board. I know who I would pick as the prettiest. And it's not the team below!

Hermana Burke wearing her sweat band.

Hermana King doing her "I just won the bike olympics" wave.

La Cucaracha

This is how big the cockroaches are that I've seen. Not too big yet but we'll hang on to this picture and compare with others she may find! Looks like a nice house key.