Happy Thanksgiving!
I love this mission, you guys. I love learning so much about the gospel and putting it into practice. I love the Lord with all my heart and am so grateful that despite my weaknesses and tendency to forget Him, He still loves me too. I am so grateful for you all. I'm so blessed to have such a large, supportive family that radiates joy and happiness. I love life. I love being alive. I love waking up each morning! I love going to bed each night knowing i've done my best and deserving the short night's sleep. Thank you all so much for sacrificing so much. Thank you for your testimonies. You strengthen me just by writing to me.
Anyway, allow me to answer a few of your questions. Elba and Fernando are doing GREAT. They finally came to church!!! Last Sunday they didn't after they promised they would. We passed by their apartment on Monday and had a real nicechat with them. Fernando is so smart and in tune with the spirit. He explainedthat after searching for work with his friend in the morning, they found anopportunity to work. He had promised Elba he'd be home in time for church,but when the opportunity for money was before him, he couldn't resist. Hetold us, It's like Satan put that beautiful, shiny trap before me and I justcouldn't resist. He was so sorrowful and said, "The one Sunday when she[Elba] was ready and willing to go, I prevented us from going." Theyrecommitted to coming and sure enough yesterday they showed up. Elba was evenwearing a dress! And they stayed for all 3 hours. They are so faithful.Wendy is experiencing some slander from her friends and family. We triedtalking to her and addressing the doubts, but she just doesn't seem to wantto talk to us about it anymore. However, we have an amazing story about a womannamed Elsa. We met with her for the third time on Saturday and she was soexcited to tell us what she'd learned in her Plan of Salvation pamphlet. Shehad answered all the questions in the back, written out the answers, and thenhad gone to her sister's house to share with her what she'd learned.Elsa told us that it was so exciting to be able to know something and to be ableto teach her sister. She said that she felt like we must feel each time we teachand that sent chills up my spine when I heard it. My little Elsa is growing up!!My student is teaching her own student! Anyway, she's been reading the Bookof Mormon, she's been praying every night, and she told us that she KNOWSits true. It just feels right. She's studied a little with the Jehovah'switnesses and other religions and she said that this just has a completelydifferent feel. She said she wants to be baptized so as soon as she comes tochurch, we're giving her a date. I had a little eye-opening experience, too, when I went on sister exchangesthis week. I was with Hermana Burke for 24 hours!
This week has been a rollercoaster of emotions and events. I've seen some really bad days, but also extremely good days. I was able to go back to Galveston and do some final service there with my district, one other district,and the AP's. I love being able to bring fun and joy into the lives ofothers and I have seen where I've been able to do that this week. In church,Hermana Estrada, a slightly grumpy old lady was called on THREE TIMES to give a prayer. She's the type of person who really doesn't like to do it. The third time was in Relief Society and I said to her, "Hermana, you are going to be RICH with blessings after saying so many prayers." Her frown went away and she just laughed. It makes my heart glow when I can help others laugh and enjoy their lives.
My testimony is like gold to me. I treasure it and love to share it with others. I know that my Heavenly Father is real. I know that the atonement was a real thing that helps me everyday to heal and grow stronger. I love the prophet. I love reading the words of the prophets and apostles of Christ and I know that their words are the very words of Christ.I'm so sure that the Book of Mormon is real that I would sacrifice everything I have if it meant another soul could come to that same realization.This is the work of God.His children are coming to a true knowledge of their Savior.So many lives are being blessed by this gospel.Treasure your own testimonies. Live your testimony.I love you all. I miss you and can't wait for the day I can talk to you.
Have a very happy Thanksgiving and know that I am so grateful for you. I will be praying.
Love,Hermana Langston
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
I Love This Gospel!
Oooh eee I love this gospel so much. I love it, I love it, I love IT!! (Leg in the air). It brings so much happiness and not only that but protection.
Two good stories to tell: The other night Hermana and I were knocking doors in an area that we just felt needed to be knocked. I just KNEW there was somebody who needed to be found. After the night was over, we found a few "meh" people who had "meh" interest, but we set up an appt with them and returned the next night. Both of them weren't there so we kept knocking. We found a lady named wendy who spoke to us in really good English but is from El Salvador. She was home with her two kids who look black and so it confused us as to whether or not we should speak Spanish or English. But we sat down with her and spoke English. She first saw us a missionaries for a church. She was curious because she had been a part of another church before but didn't like it and she hasn't been to church since. She basically was "church shopping," you know what I mean? But we started talking, and we started teaching real doctrine, and suddenly the spirit was so strong. I saw tears come to Wendy's eyes as she listened. Suddenly she asked, "Are you two in charge of the church? Do you do the sermons?" A little confused and surprised, we both said no. She said to me, "because I feel something with you. I trust you. You just seem like you know what you're talking about. You [hna Mcdonald] seem a little more nervous or scared or something, but I can tell you [me] know what you're talking about." It kind of made both of us laugh but we explained that what she's feeling is the Holy Ghost. Her original church shopping attitude changed into her life story of how she feels so empty. Her reason for talking to us became less superficial, but instead filled a deep cavity that she perhaps didn't realize she had until she got a taste of what she could have in its place. She was more than willing to let us come back and said she'd be more comfortable in a church in Spanish, so we've set up another appt and she's excited to come to church on Sunday. I was so glad after that appt that we kept on knocking even after the original appts fell through.
The spirit has also protected us in a few small situations this week. One happened last night when we were trying to find the house of a less active member. It was out in the country and we walked up to this house that was very dark. I didn't feel in danger. But as soon as we got to the door, we both noticed a GINORMOUS dog just sitting there. The owner came to the door and was amazed that his dog didn't attack us. He said that Jesus must have been protecting us. Turns out that all around the house was warning signs for this dog and usually the dog is pretty angry. I felt like Daniel must have felt in the lion's den. Truly the Lord protects His servants.
Elba and Fernando are doing well. They're having a hard time financially but they're practicing more and more faith. The ward is needing more help and us sisters are trying to excite everyone to practice faith and have hope for the future. I love you all. I love this gospel. I know that its true. We have such a huge responsibility to help and lift others. Lift where you stand.
Love, Hermana Langston
Two good stories to tell: The other night Hermana and I were knocking doors in an area that we just felt needed to be knocked. I just KNEW there was somebody who needed to be found. After the night was over, we found a few "meh" people who had "meh" interest, but we set up an appt with them and returned the next night. Both of them weren't there so we kept knocking. We found a lady named wendy who spoke to us in really good English but is from El Salvador. She was home with her two kids who look black and so it confused us as to whether or not we should speak Spanish or English. But we sat down with her and spoke English. She first saw us a missionaries for a church. She was curious because she had been a part of another church before but didn't like it and she hasn't been to church since. She basically was "church shopping," you know what I mean? But we started talking, and we started teaching real doctrine, and suddenly the spirit was so strong. I saw tears come to Wendy's eyes as she listened. Suddenly she asked, "Are you two in charge of the church? Do you do the sermons?" A little confused and surprised, we both said no. She said to me, "because I feel something with you. I trust you. You just seem like you know what you're talking about. You [hna Mcdonald] seem a little more nervous or scared or something, but I can tell you [me] know what you're talking about." It kind of made both of us laugh but we explained that what she's feeling is the Holy Ghost. Her original church shopping attitude changed into her life story of how she feels so empty. Her reason for talking to us became less superficial, but instead filled a deep cavity that she perhaps didn't realize she had until she got a taste of what she could have in its place. She was more than willing to let us come back and said she'd be more comfortable in a church in Spanish, so we've set up another appt and she's excited to come to church on Sunday. I was so glad after that appt that we kept on knocking even after the original appts fell through.
The spirit has also protected us in a few small situations this week. One happened last night when we were trying to find the house of a less active member. It was out in the country and we walked up to this house that was very dark. I didn't feel in danger. But as soon as we got to the door, we both noticed a GINORMOUS dog just sitting there. The owner came to the door and was amazed that his dog didn't attack us. He said that Jesus must have been protecting us. Turns out that all around the house was warning signs for this dog and usually the dog is pretty angry. I felt like Daniel must have felt in the lion's den. Truly the Lord protects His servants.
Elba and Fernando are doing well. They're having a hard time financially but they're practicing more and more faith. The ward is needing more help and us sisters are trying to excite everyone to practice faith and have hope for the future. I love you all. I love this gospel. I know that its true. We have such a huge responsibility to help and lift others. Lift where you stand.
Love, Hermana Langston
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Let Us All Press On
Cooking with Fernando and Elba
Dear Family and Friends!It's raining and I'm wearing a sweater! A SWEATER! I love Houston in November!
The days are flying by and can I tell you a little secret? I'm scared for my mission to end. Good thing I still have a while. I love the spirit of the Holy Ghost and I just know it will be harder to keep it with me as much when I go home. I've felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost a lot this week.This ward is going through a rough time and one of the elders was emergency-transferred just recently so everyone is a little weirded out. We're not sure why he was, but it was very weird. The members love missionaries and love missionary work, but it seems like perhaps their hopes aren't very high right now because there haven't been many baptisms. Right now it is our responsibility as missionaries to instill hope and love towards one another in this ward. We're working really hard to find and bring people to baptism. Allow me to esplain...Elba and Fernando are our most golden people up to this point. Elba got really sick this week and was working herself too hard so Hna and I woke up really early to be able to help them make their pupusas and rice in the morning. Selling that stuff is how they make their living. Elba was so sick but she got out of bed and told us what to do. I think we didn't do much, but the fact that we were there bright and early to help meant a lot to them both. Fernando has been reading the Book of Mormon and practicing a lot of faith. The elders gave Elba a blessing of health and it was amazing. The words touched both Elba and Fernando. She is still very hesitant about coming to church. On Sunday, after a very stressful morning and guiding our other investigators through church, we went to Elba and Fernando's apartment. They were watching a movie but we invited them to a charla fogonera that was to start in less than an hour. Fernando was very excited to have an opportunity to show the Lord his sacrifice. He said, "I'd be more comfortable here watching this movie but I know that He will bless us if we go. Even if the sacrifice is chicito, He will still bless us." Ok so he doesn't actually speak spanglish but you can imagine what it'd be like if he did, right? SO...they came! It was a very uplifting and inspiring thing and what's cool is that a member took them to the charla, so they got to know her and socialize a little bit more.I realize more and more how CRUCIAL normal, average, everyday members are to this work. I've been nobody in this work. All I do is listen to the promptings of the spirit. And I work hard to do it. The people who make a difference in bringing people unto Christ through His restored church are the everyday members of this church. The investigators have gained much trust in this message by hearing sincere testimonies. They've seen how charitable these members are. Some members work 10-12 hours a day, yet still will come out with us missionaries because they want to look for "las ovejas perdidas." It's touched me so much to see how hard they're willing to work and what they're willing to sacrifice for their Lord.I love this gospel so much. I just can't believe I've lived my whole life in this gospel and only now have I come to see the marvelous truths that it holds. There is an eternal truth in this universe that none of us can escape. We can either accept that truth and live happily because of it, or we can fight it to the death and live in complete misery. I love sharing this message with others. Sometimes. Sometimes I get scared. If I were an angel, I'd totally trump up my voice and cry repentance like a big ol' trumpet slash trombone. Maybe I could get more attention as a trombone. Keep striving to better yourselves and look for opportunities to sacrifice. Just like Fernando's little sacrifice brought him blessings, so will your little sacrifices...aunque sean bien chicitos!
Love, Hermana Langston
Monday, November 3, 2008
Its better to offend man than to offend God
Hello Familly and Friends!
I've been so excited these past few days to come here and write you. This week has been flying by and we have been working more by the spirit than we ever have before. We've been able to see a little fruit of our labors and also the blessing of obedience. Not only that, but I've encountered fun little messes that I still haven't learn to clean up myself.
I haven't put any thought into what I'm going to do when I get home, but I hope whatever I do involves my family. What did everyone do for Halloween? What did the kids dress up as? I and my companion got to come in early for the night since Houston gets crazy on Halloween. We worked hard to meet our goals for the day then went home and enjoyed ourselves a nice frozen pizza and watched a Christmas movie while wrapped in a blanket. Nothing like Mr. Krueger's Xmas on a scary Halloween night.
Guadelupe isn't progressing as nicely as we expected but she is still reading the Book of Mormon and has lots of questions. We just need her to start keeping appts and maybe she'll progress better. The little girl Ana isn't technically progressing but we're still teaching her and her little brother and sisters. Its been amazing to feel the difference in their house after we turn off the tv, sit the kids down, and sing hymns with them. I'm starting to see more and more how blessed I was to grow up with the gospel teachings in my home.
Did we tell you about a couple named Elba and Fernando? We've known them for a few weeks now but just recently we had time to sit down with them. They just moved here from NC and they'd talked to missionaries a lot in North Carolina. Fernando is so sweet and humble. Elba is so hard working and strong. But she didn't want to go to church or be baptized into our church. After teaching the first lesson to Elba, we set up another appt to meet with the both of them. The second time, though, we just talked to Fernando who was so open to listen. He told us about one time he was taken to jail and he prayed to be released so that he could go take care of his wife again. He told the Lord he'd read the whole Bible if He'd free him. Fernando read the Bible and 30 minutes after he finished it, the guard let him out. When we talked about the Book of Mormon, his eyes lit up and said, "I'm going to read that book from beginning to end. When I finish it, I know the Lord will solve the problems I'm having with Elba right now." Last night we had a miracle lesson with them. We hadn't planned a specific principle to teach them but after talking to them and listening to their doubts, we sang "I Stand All Amazed" and I tell you honestly the words that came out of my mouth after that did not come from my own brain. The spirit inspired my every word and at the end of it, Elba was crying. When I asked, "Elba, when you know that these things are true, will you be baptized?" she only hesitated a moment and said, "yes." Her husband explained so much about the Book of Mormon to her. He's begun reading it and he understands better than any investigator I've met why the Book of Mormon "Is the most correct of any book on the earth." Elba let go of a lot of pride last night and we committed them both to learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and prepare for baptism. I feel so much love for them. They're like my second parents. When we went home, Hna McDonald asked me, "Was that you talking in that appt?" She could tell that the spirit was guiding me cuz, shoot, I sure can't say anything as smart as I said last night. In fact, I can't even say a firm no to people who I want to go away. We've had a creepy encounter from a sort of investigator who asked us if we could marry and then kept calling and calling and leaving messages and being too flirty. I tried to kindly tell him that it wasn't allowed and that we can't sit and chat because we're busy missionaries. He still kept calling so finally the district leader told him off. One day I'll learn to clean up my own messes.
This area is growing. It's happening slowly but since we got our new district leader, things have been improving. The bishop is very hard working. The members are very excited to welcome new people at church. We're starting to put this work back in order and we're starting to accomplish goals that we set. One thing I've come to learn is that this gospel teaches order. God is a god of order and the more organized we are, the more we are able to feel the spirit. Obedience by faith is the only way to learn of the happiness that God has prepared for us. Seek to organize your lives a little more. Seek to organize and clean your minds. Seek for that which is virtuous and lovely. The spirit will dwell with you and I'm telling you it's the most amazing feeling to have the spirit guide your very thought and action.
Este evangelio es bello. Este plan de felicidad es posible. Trabajemos para encontrar felicidad.
Love,Hermana Langston
I've been so excited these past few days to come here and write you. This week has been flying by and we have been working more by the spirit than we ever have before. We've been able to see a little fruit of our labors and also the blessing of obedience. Not only that, but I've encountered fun little messes that I still haven't learn to clean up myself.
I haven't put any thought into what I'm going to do when I get home, but I hope whatever I do involves my family. What did everyone do for Halloween? What did the kids dress up as? I and my companion got to come in early for the night since Houston gets crazy on Halloween. We worked hard to meet our goals for the day then went home and enjoyed ourselves a nice frozen pizza and watched a Christmas movie while wrapped in a blanket. Nothing like Mr. Krueger's Xmas on a scary Halloween night.
Guadelupe isn't progressing as nicely as we expected but she is still reading the Book of Mormon and has lots of questions. We just need her to start keeping appts and maybe she'll progress better. The little girl Ana isn't technically progressing but we're still teaching her and her little brother and sisters. Its been amazing to feel the difference in their house after we turn off the tv, sit the kids down, and sing hymns with them. I'm starting to see more and more how blessed I was to grow up with the gospel teachings in my home.
Did we tell you about a couple named Elba and Fernando? We've known them for a few weeks now but just recently we had time to sit down with them. They just moved here from NC and they'd talked to missionaries a lot in North Carolina. Fernando is so sweet and humble. Elba is so hard working and strong. But she didn't want to go to church or be baptized into our church. After teaching the first lesson to Elba, we set up another appt to meet with the both of them. The second time, though, we just talked to Fernando who was so open to listen. He told us about one time he was taken to jail and he prayed to be released so that he could go take care of his wife again. He told the Lord he'd read the whole Bible if He'd free him. Fernando read the Bible and 30 minutes after he finished it, the guard let him out. When we talked about the Book of Mormon, his eyes lit up and said, "I'm going to read that book from beginning to end. When I finish it, I know the Lord will solve the problems I'm having with Elba right now." Last night we had a miracle lesson with them. We hadn't planned a specific principle to teach them but after talking to them and listening to their doubts, we sang "I Stand All Amazed" and I tell you honestly the words that came out of my mouth after that did not come from my own brain. The spirit inspired my every word and at the end of it, Elba was crying. When I asked, "Elba, when you know that these things are true, will you be baptized?" she only hesitated a moment and said, "yes." Her husband explained so much about the Book of Mormon to her. He's begun reading it and he understands better than any investigator I've met why the Book of Mormon "Is the most correct of any book on the earth." Elba let go of a lot of pride last night and we committed them both to learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and prepare for baptism. I feel so much love for them. They're like my second parents. When we went home, Hna McDonald asked me, "Was that you talking in that appt?" She could tell that the spirit was guiding me cuz, shoot, I sure can't say anything as smart as I said last night. In fact, I can't even say a firm no to people who I want to go away. We've had a creepy encounter from a sort of investigator who asked us if we could marry and then kept calling and calling and leaving messages and being too flirty. I tried to kindly tell him that it wasn't allowed and that we can't sit and chat because we're busy missionaries. He still kept calling so finally the district leader told him off. One day I'll learn to clean up my own messes.
This area is growing. It's happening slowly but since we got our new district leader, things have been improving. The bishop is very hard working. The members are very excited to welcome new people at church. We're starting to put this work back in order and we're starting to accomplish goals that we set. One thing I've come to learn is that this gospel teaches order. God is a god of order and the more organized we are, the more we are able to feel the spirit. Obedience by faith is the only way to learn of the happiness that God has prepared for us. Seek to organize your lives a little more. Seek to organize and clean your minds. Seek for that which is virtuous and lovely. The spirit will dwell with you and I'm telling you it's the most amazing feeling to have the spirit guide your very thought and action.
Este evangelio es bello. Este plan de felicidad es posible. Trabajemos para encontrar felicidad.
Love,Hermana Langston
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