From a Great Adventure to an Altogether Better One.

No, this isn't a picture of Maclaine on P-Day exploring a local fiery volcano. To our knowledge, there are no cone-shaped, lava-spewers located on the island of Puerto Rico.

It's just that I was looking through our photos and found this picture of her from a year and a half ago on an weekend of exploration in Guatemala. It's fun to remember what she looked like such a short time ago.

That said, we're all thankful she's turned in her walking stick for a shepherd's staff and a name badge. By the way, in a month, she'll be nearly one third of the way complete. But don't tell her that, she feels like there's too many opportunities and too much of great work ahead.

When New Converts Call.

This is a post from Brian & Stephanie. This week, we received no email from Maclaine, but I think the following phone call made up for the lack of news from our daughter.

It was nearly seven o'clock in the evening when the phone rang. We didn't recognize the area code or the scratchy voice at the other end of the receiver. But after a few minutes and a call back on a number that had a little more clarity, we found that we were talking to Maclaine's first converts - her "duenos," or landlords.

The landlords had called to thank us for a small Christmas gift we had sent. But that was just the framework of the call. The true sweetness of the conversation was the strength we felt from these great people as they expressed their love for the gospel and their love for our daughter! Over and over again, in their non-native tongue, they continued to reassure us that "while your daughter is in Puerto Rico, you have nothing to fear, because we are her parents while she is away from you."

They also spoke of never knowing what it is like to belong to a religious organization, but through the love of the sister missionaries, "they understand the gospel plan." These wonderful people also told us that they have already shed many tears knowing a day will come when each of their missionaries will be reassigned. But they've also learned that they can, "deal with it when it happens!"

As parents, it is overwhelming to feel the love for our daughter as she preaches the sweetness of the plan of the Father. It's also overwhelming to know that her acts of faith and goodness have already changed the lives of people who will forever bless her dear name.

Finding the lost ones.

This week has been a week full of miracles. The biggest being the return of an inactive family to the church. The dad, Jose is a return missionary but was very inactive for about 10 ten years. We started visiting them a couple of months ago and thought that they would eventually come back to church but never this fast. They had plans to move to the States and he actually flew out for a couple of weeks to look for work and attended church out there, but decided to come back. We don't know all of the details of what happened but all we know is that they called us and told us he was back. Well, the whole family came to church yesterday, Jose went to the priesthood on Saturday and they asked us to come give a lesson for family home evening tonight.

What a joy it was to see their whole family at church yesterday! I feel like we really didn't do very much but were just a small part in the what the Lord was already doing for them and preparing them to come back. But, when I saw them yesterday I couldn't help but feel joyful and grateful for this miracle that we have witnessed.

We are also excited for the baptisms of Melvin and Dianna this week. We found them during consecrated finding time and have watched them grow as they have stopped drinking coffee, are reading the Book of Mormon and are enjoying going to church.

Also, last night we said goodbye to our recent convert Richard. He is moving to the United States for about six months to help his daughter who is in a bad financial situation. He has been very afflicted with the trial that his daughter is going through and has not been as welcoming as he was when he was an investigator. But, yesterday he was asked to say the prayer in Gospel Principles. He said it in English, although I think only the elders and I understood. It was a beautiful prayer. He thanked Heavenly Father for the church and for the help that He had given his family and sincerely asked that He would help those who were in need of help in these troubled times. It was so neat to hear him pray to our Father in Heaven and to hear his strong testimony in the words of his prayer.

Then last night we went over to his house with Carmen and Edwin - who have become really good friends with him and his family. I never want to forget the prayer that Edwin offered. The spirit was so strong as Edwin prayed. It was neat to see, this time with Edwin, his testimony through his prayer. He asked that Richard remember the covenants that he made at baptism while he was away. That is the only part that I remembered exactly but it touched me. To be there with these wonderful people who have just recently been baptized and to know that they have great testimonies of the gospel and that they feel changed by the covenants that they have made was a great experience for me.

Anyway, needless to say, this week has been really great. I feel blessed to be experiencing these miracles and I feel like I am literally living Ether 12:6 - we spent so much time living off of our faith and are now recieving the blessings for that. Wow. I love the Lord and am so grateful for Him and for the Gospel.

I decided yesterday what I am doing now is the most special and most important thing that I have ever done.

Also, I know that you are anxious to hear about the Christmas call thing. But I am too. I don't know anything yet about how it all goes down... so I'm sure I'll be finding out in the next week or so and will let you know.

This past week we also visited an inactive member named Maritza who has been inactive for years and years. She was deeply offended by something that one of the members said to her and decided that she was not going to go back. But, after having a really spiritual and powerful lesson with her she told us that she was going to try to come back (its a step up from "no. I am not coming back") She was praying for help from Heavenly Father when we showed up. I don't even remember what we were doing or how we decided to go visit her - it didn't seem like anything really miraculous to us when we decided but it was Heavenly Father working through us to help us arrive at the right time for Maritza. Anyway, I know Heavenly Father listens to our prayers. I know that He loves us. I know that He sent His son to the earth because He loves us.

I was reading in Luke 2 this morning and was amazed by the multitude of angels singing. It dawned on me that they were singing because they knew what it meant that Jesus came to earth. Only through Christ can we be saved and that is what they were rejoicing for.

Well, I love you all so much. I wish that you could be here meeting these people with me. There are so many members of the ward that I would love to introduce to you. We find out this Saturday if one of us gets transferred so we'll see what happens. But my time here has been amazing.

Love,

Hna. Neff

P.S. Moment of enchantment: I ate the best flan that I have ever tasted last night. I got the recipe so when I get home I'm going to try it.

It's the Season of Giving.

Hi everybody!

Thanks for your emails! And, Thanks for the advent calendar/letter surprise! Wow, it has been really neat to hear from my extended family and to be reminded that there are so many people praying for me right now. It helps strengthens me and reminds me to work hard! And Gabe! Thanks for all of your letters! I loved reading all of them – you are getting so good at writing. I love it!

But thanks everyone for all that you do and for all of your prayers and support! I love you all so so much. Dad, thank you for your suggestion about the 3 week family thing. I really want to try it. The families in our ward are really awesome and I know that they can be great missionaries.
Also, I got the Christmas tree in the mail from the ward! It was really fun to hear from the people in the ward!

Well, this week has been a good one. There aren’t any really amazing amazing stories or anything but we have two baptisms coming up on December 20th. I don’t know if I have told you about Melvin and Diana before but Diana is the mom (about 50) and Melvin is the son. They live in the same house with Melvin’s daughter. Anyway, we are really excited about their baptism. We found them in our consecrated finding time and its been neat to see their testimonies grow and their understanding deepen. Melvin even wants to share it with other people that he knows are suffering. He knows the peace that it brings.

It has been neat to see them grow and learn more. It is just like in Alma’s comparison to the seed and with our faith and works. It grows little by little and starts to flourish. The gospel enlightens our minds and our souls when we just give it the nutrients (or the faith) that it needs. Wow, I’ve seen it especially in my own missionary life. The more I read the more I enjoy reading and the more I learn the more I am filled with the spirit. I’m so grateful that Heavenly Father restored His gospel again on the earth and that we have the opportunity to learn and to also share of its goodness.

Melvin has stopped drinking coffee which was really awesome but Diana has been a little bit more difficult. I’m praying that she will understand the true meaning of the word of wisdom.
Anyway, I’m out of time for right now but I love you all so much and I hope that you are having an awesome, amazing Christmas season. I am so lucky to have you as a family.

Last night in the Christmas devotional they talked a lot about service in the Christmas season and I was so grateful for family that has always been such a good example to me of giving selfless service. I love you all! Tell everyone in the family that I love them and am thankful for their prayers and support!

Love,
Hermana Neff

P.S. Moment of Puerto Rican Christmas enchantment – A ton of Christmas lights and blow up decorations. Sponge Bob and Winnie the Pooh with Santa hats are especially popular. Also there are quite a few people that have their Christmas trees outside on the porch rather than inside! Gotta love it!

More Photos from the Island of Enchantment.

Heating up leftovers

"My apartment. The duenos live upstairs."

Halloween. Wearing stylish socks sent by her parents and showing off her new pillowcase. (Maclaine tells us that after a hard-day's work, she doesn't look that great. We know the feeling.)

Richard's Baptism. "Richard's mom has been a member for 35 years and has prayed for him to get baptized the whole time."

Every envelope the postman delivers has an extra dose of love attached.

Gratitude and a Large Helping of Juicy Turkey.

Hi Guys!!!

First of all, thanks so much for your emails, letters and packages! They strengthen me every time that I read them - especially the emails. But the packages were awesome! I got them at zone conference and EVERYONE came up to me to tell me that I had gotten TWO packages! But we have totally decorated the apartment and I have enjoyed a lot of Hot Chocolate and Sugar Free target crystal light :) It has been awesome too to have music. Good job Dad! Anyway, every little detail and thing was awesome, especially the gifts for Hna. Turcios. She loved the pens and getting a gift from Ruby - even though she wanted to open it right then, I made her wait until we leave on the 24th. :)

We had Thanksgiving in 2 members homes this week. I do have to say that I like the Turkey here better because its a lot juicier but I missed the Yams (gasp) and mashed potatoes and pies. But it was good.

But, well this week has been hard and its been good. I think those two elements will always exist in my letters home. I've had a lot of strengthening experiences.

Dad, really quick before I forget - about your comment about the recession and staying positive and grateful - That is one thing that I have learned a lot about here - always staying positive has helped me so much. I don't know what I would do if I didn't. It is sometimes challenging, but there is always something to be grateful for I've learned and it has helped me so much.

This week we found out that a dear dear friend of ours in the church died. She was baptized just four months ago but seemed like she'd been a member her whole life. She was always willing to do anything for anyone and always shared her testimony. But, I know that Heavenly Father has a purpose for her. She had been sick for a while and had almost died before but Heavenly Father had a purpose for her here on the earth - she needed to hear the gospel. This past week the youth went to the temple. She sent about 90 family names to go with them. I can just imagine her rejoicing with her family on the other side of the veil after they were baptized. It made me think and reflect a lot on the song White Dress. Its such a beautiful song - thanks for including it on the CD. But, I know that the plan of Salvation is true and that Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for each of us.

Well, I am sending a copy of the letter that I sent to my mission President and also the letter that he sent to everyone this week. I love you all so so so much and am so thankful for your constant love and support.

I love you!

Love,
Hermana Neff

Letter to the President
Thank you so much for your letter. And, thank you so much for coming to Thelma’s funeral yesterday. I was touched by your message yesterday and your letter today. I feel blessed to have known Thelma and while I will miss her presence here and her great friendship I am comforted to know that she is awaiting the Lord’s coming in paradise. When we found out about her death I was shocked, but a feeling of peace came over me when we prayed and when I read Alma 40:12. It was a great testimony to me of the plan of salvation.

We had a lot of appointments fall through this week, have had to walk a lot, and think hard about who else we could go visit to the point where I couldn’t think anymore, but Heavenly Father gave us the strength to keep going. It felt good to come home knowing that you did everything that you possibly could have done that day. On Saturday I was starting to get really tired just before consecrated finding time when a letter that my sister wrote me came to my mind. She quoted the General YW president who said, “I can do hard things”. I knew that the only thing there was for me to do was to keep going. So I did – I kept going and forgot about everything that was making me tired. We ended up finding a woman named Nilda who let us come and teach her for just a few minutes. I have a lot of hope for her. She said that she would like to know why there are so many religions when there is just one God. At the end of that day I had forgotten about how tired I had felt that moment and was grateful to Heavenly Father for giving me the strength to keep going.

One other thing that has helped me a lot this week has been reading my journal. Wow, it has helped me so much to build my excitement, recognize my blessings and remind me of my calling as a missionary. I remembered what you said – that our journals are our own personal scripture. I felt prompted to read my journal this week and as I read it I remembered spiritual experiences and remembered how much support and love I have from my family, from the angels that are watching over me, and mostly the love of my Heavenly Father.

I know that the work that I am doing is the Lord's work and I know that while I sometimes might not see the outcome of the work that I do, Heavenly Father will continue to work His miracles.
Thank you President for all that you, Sister Martineau and Tenery do for us!


Letter from the President
Elders and Sisters,

Sister Martineau, Tenery and I traveled to Cabo Rojo early Sunday morning to attend funeral services for Thelma Rodriguez, a faithful recent convert who passed away in her sleep Thursday night. As we drove, Sister Martineau began to read from the Book of Mormon out loud, from Second Nephi, chapter 25. She read Nephi's testimony of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection:

Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name. (2 Ne. 25:13.)

I thought of Thelma, who truly believed in Christ. I pondered her life since her baptism only a few short months ago. She was excited to share the Gospel with all who would listen. She willingly bore her testimony in a stake conference and a mission president's fireside, at my request. She was fearless in declaring the truth of the message she had accepted and was now living. She looked forward to the day when her husband and family would accept the Gospel. She was sure that day would come. Although none of them had been taught by the missionaries, they had agreed to accompany her to a Christmas pageant activity in the chapel later in December. She was preparing to attend the temple. She served every way possible in spite of physical limitations and illness.

Thelma Rodriguez was truly a latter-day saint.

My meditations were interrupted as we drove, when I noticed three signs standing close together by the side of the road, declaring the speed limit to be 65 mph, 55 mph, and 45 mph. How convenient. I could choose which law to obey, and drive as fast or as slow as I wanted to!

Then Paul's warning came to mind:

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (1 Cor. 14: 8)

My thoughts turned to the missionaries who taught Thelma. Surely they gave her a clear and certain sound to follow, because she was so deeply and firmly rooted in the Gospel of Christ. I recalled Thelma's story of the first time she heard the message of the Restoration. She and her mother listened to two elders as they introduced the story of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. She was intrigued, but wanted to know for sure. She said, "This sounds good, but I want to hear your testimony." They responded, bearing pure testimony of the living Christ, of Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Restoration, and of Christ's restored church. At that moment, Thelma knew, based on clear doctrine and the power of the Spirit, that the missionaries' message was true, and that she must act.

And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved. (2 Ne. 25:20.)

I thought of two humble missionaries, authorized agents of Christ, who taught Thelma plainly that she could not err. They were much like Moses who raised up a brass serpent before the dying Israelites, bitten by poisonous serpents. If the Israelites only looked, they were healed. The brass serpent, of course, was a symbol of Christ, who will heal all those who follow Him, cleansing them of the poison of sin. He is, and always be, the message we teach.

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Ne. 25:23.)

Thelma humbly accepted the cleansing ordinance of baptism, and came out of the water rejoicing, different, happy. She had a new-found hope of eternal life in her heart, and had experienced the "joy of the saints" spoken of by Enos. (Enos 1:3.) She had entered into the way, had experienced a remission of her sins, and had begun to drink of life-giving water like that which flowed from the rock smitten by Moses, water that eventually would become in her "a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14.)

At the funeral services I was asked to speak. I felt impressed to express feelings of love for Thelma, and then to bear simple testimony that Christ lives, and that because He lives, we too will live again. I promised Thelma's husband and sons that they will be with her again, because of Christ. I promised that He stands ready to strengthen, to comfort and to enable us to follow Him, to keep His commandments, in spite of the human weaknesses we all have. And this because He suffered every pain, every illness, and every infirmity that afflicts each of us. Eyes were filled with tears, and hearts were softened, as the Spirit confirmed the truth of the doctrine of Christ.

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (2 Ne. 25:26.)

May we never forget that our commission, like that of Moses and Nephi and Moroni, is to invite others to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him . . ." (Moroni 10:32.)

- President and Sister Martineau

Dos Muchachas Caminando

Hi family!
Thanks for your emails AND for your letters that you sent last week! It was such a fun surprise to get them! I love reading about whats happnin’ in Provo and in everyone’s lives and just everything, I luf it!

The football game sounds like it was fun! Its funny that you talk about it being cold. There is such a different standard of cold here – as in it really doesn’t get that cold but people think that it does sometimes. But, it has been more rainy. I guess December it gets a little more chilly during the nights and a little bit rainier. But, its been great. Last night we were knocking on doors without much success and I was kind of discouraged and then I looked around me and thought “Wow, I am so blessed to be here – I need to count my many blessings and never forget how blessed I am to be here”.

I’m glad that the German Shepherd story went over well. I wasn’t sure if it would be as funny written or not. But, the entire ward knows about it and every time they see us they remind us to watch out for the dogs! Which, speaking of my moments of enchantment this week are 1) we saw monkeys! At the college a few years ago did an experiment with monkeys but somehow 30 of them got loose and know there are 600 or so in the area! Anyway, we saw about 15 of them the other day! 2) We were tracting in the country yesterday and I saw that some of the cows were acting funny… as it turns out they were a bunch of bulls and they were all starting to fight with their horns and everything!

But, on a more spiritual note… yesterday while tracting we were walking these hills in the middle of no where finding houses and some guys on horses passed by (the weekends you see a lot more people riding horses ) then one of the them rode back after a minute and asked us if we had any literature that we could give him. We gave him a pamphlet on the restoration and who knows what will come of it but it got us talking about what the people think of us here. The past couple of days a lot of people have told us that they have seen us walking around town. “Ah ustedes son las dos muchacas caminando por todos lados… las he visto”. It must look strange to see to Young girls with skirts walking the streets but it reminded me of a blessing that Dad gave me when I was filling out my papers. He said that I would go teach the gospel to the people in their language and that as I walk the streets the people would know of my goodness. I always had faith that that would happen but never thought that it would be manifest to me in anyway. It was a neat experience to be able to see that blessing being fulfilled here in my area. Wow, how neat. Heavenly Father loves us so much. The priesthood is real.
I know that Heavenly Father lives and I know that He keeps His promises. I read today in Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21. It is so awesome. Well my time is up. I love you all so much and hope that you have a great Thanksgiving!
Love,
Sister Maclaine Neff


Here is a letter to her Mission Pres. that Maclaine forwarded to us:

Just an update on "la obra"the work

We did have a neat lesson with our new baptismal dates Elizabeth and Lili. They are both young mothers who have grown up without any kind of religious background but they truly do have the desire to change. Lili is not as prepared as Elizabeth but I hope that she will gain a stronger testimony as she reads. I am really excited about Elizabeth! She is only 19 years old and has a baby and a 3 year old daughter. She knows that she needs to change and wants to do what is necessary to keep God’s commandments. She doesn’t have a license and so getting to church is a struggle but something she said really made us excited. She told us to pray for her as she is taking the test this Tuesday and without us even asking said that she plans on coming to church every Sunday after she gets her license. There is still a lot that we need to teach her and some challenges that might come along the way but I know that she will be baptized. After the appointment I felt so much joy in knowing that these girls are planning to come unto Christ through baptism. I felt so blessed to be here and to know them and help them know more about Heavenly Father and the plan that He has for us. It was a joy that was immeasurable.

Anyway, with the ups and downs of the mission, I overall feel so grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve the Lord. I already have seen so many blessings in my life and in the life of my family for this decision to serve a mission. I love the Lord. I love His gospel and I know that it is true.

Out Boy. Out!

Hi Guys!

Thanks for your letters and your love – I love hearing about everything that is going on. And, laughed almost out loud when I read about Gabe and the tooth fairy quote. Luf iT! (You guys probably don’t even use the “luf “ quote anymore, but I think I’ll keep using it for a little while).

Wow, it has been a crazy week! I think that that is how my journal entries start every day “wow, today was crazy” but its usually a good crazy. But first I’ll just do the “housekeeping” things first because its not fun to end on those kinds of things. But thanks mom and dad for always being aware of me and sending me things – it means a lot. I haven’t gotten my pillow but they didn’t bring really any mail to transfers but we have zone conference in a week so I’ll be looking for it then. Then transfers are on the 24th of Dec. I think that we go to the mission home or something like that to have a “Christmas Conference” but I don’t think that Hna Turcios and I will be together after this transfer… we’ll see what happens. We’ve had a lot of fun together. Of course there are going to be times when something gets under your skin but I’ve realized that that is normal and is always going to happen – you have to take the best of whats happening!

Oh Dad, by the way great job on your talk! I love how you chose to look at the last days as the “great” days. We had a really neat conference (via satellite) with Elder Bednar, he was in San Juan but was answering questions of members all over Puerto Rico. He said SO many neat things. One of the things that he said was that the apostles have the same scriptures that we do… meaning that when we have a question or a concern we can always go to the scriptures. I realized this morning how precious the scriptures really are. In such a little space we have accessible to us the fullness of the gospel. He also said that to continue to be strong in the church we should learn its doctrines, keep our covenants and remember who we are – Children of God, the seed of Abraham. He talked about that whenever we are tempted by the adversary he really is just trying to get us to deny who we really are. Anyway, really neat.

But I’ll tell you a little bit about our crazy week – well, really just a crazy couple of days – just for fun. I’m still laughing about it. So Wednesday. Transfers. We have car inspections and were told to leave the keys in the car with the car unlocked – so I did but forgot that our car locks automatically. That was a nice little surprise after! They had already sent someone with the master keys but we had to wait after for 1 ½ hours or so. And it takes about 3 hours to get to our home so we were getting a late start (but I love driving to transfers – I feel so grown up !) Then I guess we were having too good of a time because when we entered the express highway I got in the wrong lane where you don’t have to pay because you have a sticker in the window. Ahhh! But we couldn’t turn around! I freaked out and thought to myself “I’m a missionary! I can’t be using the highway without paying! I veered off really fast and we got everything sorted out – I guess it’s a 100 dollar fine that they’ll send to the office but they can figure it out so its only 20. Whew. Then, we had to travel through San Sebastian and got lost in the beautiful jungly hills of Puerto Rico. It was a lot of time in the car but so pretty!

Then, (sorry what a long story) the next day it was thundering and lightning a lot and we were in an area just leaving an appointment that fell through. My companion was just about to open the door to get in the car after backing me up when a huge German Shepherd came running up to her. She is really scared of dogs but just stood still as it kind of circled around her. She decided to try to get in the car but the dog decided to get in first! I got out really fast but there was nothing we could do to try to get it to leave! And we were in the middle of the street!

We made a huge traffic jam because it was on a skinny little street but a bunch of people came to try to help us to get the dog out. No luck. It was making itself really comfy in our car – safe from the thunder. Finally after about a half an hour the owners came looking for it and took it away.

Yikes, it was crazy. I was laughing about it all day. Edwin said that the dog knew that we were missionaries and he wanted to be safe in our car. Whew, its harder to write a story like that to tell it in Spanish even! Anyway, I hope that you liked it!

The best part of the week was definitely the baptism of Richard. It was great. It being the first baptism that we were completely in charge of (Carmen and Edwin’s we did in the stake center with another ward) I was pretty nervous and anxious for it to come. After resolving a few minor problems, the hour finally came and it was a beautiful service.

Before I came on my mission I really didn’t understand the significance of baptism but now after knowing it makes it so much more special. I know that only through baptism we can come to live with our Heavenly Father again and that when we are baptized we covenant to live the commandments and to always remember Christ, that we have taken His name upon us. We felt the spirit really strongly throughout the baptismal service and especially when he gave his testimony at the end. He is a pretty quiet man, especially because he doesn’t speak Spanish very fluently so I was expecting that he wasn’t going to bear his testimony. But he did and it was perfect. He said that he was glad that he had left the bad parts of his life behind and that he wanted to live with God and with his family after this life.

I feel so grateful to be a part of his conversion. The members are being really supportive of him and I think that he is feeling a lot more a part of the ward family. I am so excited for him and to be able to experience the blessings of being a member of the church.

After the baptism I was pretty tired and couldn’t find the energy to talk a lot, so we drove to a place in our area to contact that day while listening to “Yo se que vive Mi Senor”. I learned the importance of meditation that day. I listened carefully to the lyrics and was reminded of Christ’s love for me. I was able to testify with so much more sincerity that night because I knew why I was testifying to the people – because Christ loves them, He died for them and He wants them to partake of the eternal blessings of His Gospel. I was very grateful to have had that experience.

Anyway, I love you all so much and am always praying for you. I know that you are praying for me and that I am being helped so much by your prayers while I am here. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I’m so thankful for my membership and for the knowledge that I have about its restoration through Joseph Smith. I love you all so much!

Sister Neff

Worthy to Stand.

I will not despair.
I will listen for the Master’s call.
I will be prepared.
I’ll be ready to surrender all.
I will go. I will do,
Be the witness that I promised you.
I will give all that I have
and put my heart in heaven’s hand.
I’ll defend the cause of truth in every land.
I’ll be worthy to stand.

Words by Tyler Castleton and Staci Peters

What a Mission Looks Like

Click on the photo to enlarge.

First Baptism- sort of.

HI guys!
Well, another week has come and gone. Every weekend I say, wow – tomorrow is Sunday already, or wow – tomorrow is Monday already! I don’t know if the time is going by as fast for you but it sure is for me!
I found out on Saturday that I am staying in my area for this transfer. We were expecting that but you can never be sure until you get the call late Saturday night from your district leader. When we got the news on Saturday that we would be staying here I was happy. Part of me wanted to have a change, just to be able to experience something new, but that night after having heard that we would be staying together here I started to think about what I want to accomplish in the next 6 weeks. I had a feeling come over me, definitely the spirit, telling me that this is Heavenly Father’s will for me to be here for this next transfer. It was a feeling of joy, peace, and excitement knowing that I am going to be here serving the Lord for more time. I have grown to love this area. Also, while thinking about goals/plans with the area I started to think about each street. We have contacted in almost every street almost every house in our area. While thinking about this I got excited again because I imagined the Lord preparing the people in those streets being prepared to here the gospel. What a beautiful experience I had that night when I found out that I would be staying and thinking about the Lord preparing people to hear the gospel like it says in Alma 16:16-17.
We are teaching Richard who will be baptised this Saturday!!! Wow, he has changed so much since we first started to teach him. Even though I taught Carmen and Edwin and was there for their baptism, I feel like Richard is my first baptism. It is a WONDERFUL feeling to be apart of his conversion and to have seen the change in him. I can’t wait to be apart of other people coming unto Christ through baptism.
Hmmm, I’m trying to think of a Puerto Rico enchantment moment…. Oh yes! On Saturday night we ate in the house of a member and their daughter’s family who are also in our Ward. The Elders came late and so while we waited we sang festive Christmas songs. How fun! They have this tradition kind of like Christmas caroling but different that everyone does every year. They get a big group together and go to different peoples houses singing Puerto Rican songs with the guitar and those instraments that you shake to make noise (I don’t know the word ) to sing. But instead of just singing a few songs and leaving they stay there for a while, eat food, party and then move on to a different house. I guess it goes on all night long! We didn’t do that on Saturday but we sung some song s – it was really fun. Really magical to be apart of a different culture.
Also, elections were crazy. We had to stay in after six because of all of the partying. And, its funny the party and crazy caravans are still going on. The Puerto Ricans take every opportunity they can to have a party!
WEll, I love you all so much. I hope everything is going great! I know that Heavenly Father loves all of you so much. Also, just really quickly, we learned about the gifts of the spirit yesterday and about the gift of tongues… mom had mentioned it in her last letter but I know that if we do the work Heavenly Father will bless us. I know that it might seem overwhelming to learn Spanish right now, but as the Puerto Ricans say “poco a poco” or little by little. Keep working on it and it will come. I love you all so so so so much and am so grateful that you are my family and that I can share this marvelous experience with you.

Luf YOwr!
Hermana Neff

So Sorry, Janice.

Wow, thanks for your emails! I loved hearing about Halloween and everything that has been going on. I laughed out loud here in the library when Ruby said that she thinks that Devin has eaten 20 of her candies. But, it sounded really fun and relaxing with the Chili. I got the package and letters from Mom and Ruby! Thanks so much! The “pun-kin” is sitting in my room as a little décor - well the only décor and its so cute!
For Halloween we had planning [meeting] in the night because we usually have it that day so it worked out great. I put up the decorations and we wore the florescent wristbands and necklaces and I wore the polka dot socks! It made it so much fun! I loved the socks – I felt like I was dressed up as a witch. It was a pretty cute combo – striped shirt, flowered skirt, polka dot sock, brown shoes, and florescent bracelets. I am going to try and print off a picture today if we have time (I have to go up to the city Mayaguez to take my drivers test!) But, it was a perfect end to the day to be able to dress up and have a little bit ‘o fun!

But, wow, this week has been definitely an interesting one. We ran out of miles for October on Monday so had to walk everywhere the whole week. It was pretty rough. Our area is pretty extensive so we could only work the areas that were relatively close to our house. It was pretty hard and pretty draining but by the end of every day we always ended up laughing a lot about something that happened during the day. That has been a blessing - laughter. And it has to do with my moment of enchantment – which this week isn’t so much a moment of enchantment but more of a Puerto Rican quirk. The Puerto Ricans love to talk – and they love to tell you everything. Everything. TMI to the max. Actually, my companion and I always say “Demaciado informacion” which means too much information. I shortened it to “DI”. But, it makes us laugh a lot. People like to tell you about weird pains that they are having or yesterday a young mom convert was with us and she was telling us about her birthing story. Whew. But, I am becoming more enchanted with the Puerto Rican people. I love to serve them.

This past week has been kind of rough, not only just because of the miles but also because of “la obra” – the work – like the missionary work. I’ve gotten discouraged a lot of times about the people that don’t open the doors and about not having success but have had a lot of blessings from Heavenly Father too. My mission president sent us his weekly email this week and it talked about that – about not getting discouraged and always looking at the cup half full. I am usually pretty good about that but wasn’t really this week. Now I realize all of the things the Lord has blessed me with. We found a young dad who is so ready to hear the gospel. He read 3 Nephi 11 and everytime we talk to him I get excited for him to accept the gospel. The last time we did and when he told us that he had read I got into the car and almost cried because I felt so much like he is prepared. We also have found 2 inactive members who aren’t on our list of innactive’s while we were knocking doors and that is a blessing. I could go on but time is running short.

Anyway, I know that the Lord loves us and that He is always blessing us. We need to have faith and we’ll see miracles. I love you all so so so much and am so grateful for you and your words of encouragement every week!

Luf,
Hermana Neff

P.S. We have transfers next Wed! We’ll see what happens! But do you think in your next package you could send my pillow? That would be awesome! And ah, I forgot to think about Chirstmas. I’ll tell you next week!

P.P.S. Thanks dad for doing the CD. I haven’t gotten it but am excited because a girl can only take so much Janice Kapp Perry at a time!

P.P.P.S. Thanks Ruby for the email! I love you so much and love hearing about everything!

Baptism Date

Dear Mom, Dad, Devin, Ruby, and Gabe and Jake

HI! I don’t think that you’ve gotten my last letter but I got all of yours this week! Wow! Thanks for everything! !!! I had received some other letters (including newspaper clips from Aunt Carol) but my Zone leader gave them to me - he said that all of my mail was about half of what the entire zone received. But I loved everything – I’m even wearing the cute clip that you got for me in Newport right now.

It was so fun to see the pictures and hear about the trips to Cali and Mexico. Grandpa Neff was really nice and wrote me a letter and told me a little bit about what happened . And California adventure – wow! It sounded like a lot of fun. And, oh my cute homecoming date! That looked like so much fun.

I hope that this weeks is a good Halloween week for you guys. We have to stay in our apartment after 6 because apparently it gets really dangerous here – people throwing rotten eggs and stuff like that. Plus, there are already Christmas decorations… but, My companion and I are going to have a little party – especially with the wristbands, treats and socks… don’t worry we are going to take pictures. Speaking of, I lost my camera. I don’t want to say it was stolen, but I haven’t seen it for a few weeks. But, I’m looking on the bright side because I’ve already printed a bunch of pictures from it and I decided its better to loose it now at the beginning of my mission than later. But my companion has a camera that we kind of share so its all good.

But this week has been good, crazy and of course a little bit trying. We are still having trouble finding people to teach but we have a baptismal date! Yay! Here is the story about that :
His name is Richard (60) (Just so you aren’t surprised by the pictures). He is the son of a member in our ward and is also our neighbor. We started to teach him when we first arrived here and taught him a few lessons. But, he was very hard to read, didn't like to be asked questions and very defensive when we would try to ask him questions. He has lived mainly in the United States and so speaks better English than Spanish so it is easy for him to be less talkative. He has gone to church every week for years but has never wanted to find out more about the church and had never read from the Book of Mormon before. But, my companion and I decided that he was not ready to accept the gospel and so decided not to visit him. Well, a couple of weeks went by - he was still coming to church but we were not counting him as an investigator. He asked us if we would come by on one of these Sundays. We decided to set up a lesson, teach lesson 3 and extend the invitation to be baptized. It was last Monday when we taught him. We had two appointments scheduled before that and a member ready to go with us. Well, both of the appointments fell through as well as our back up plans - I was discouraged. But we both felt that we would be able to extend the invitation to Richard and that he was going to accept.

When we arrived at his and his mother's house, I noticed that he was different. He was a lot more friendly and willing to communicate with us. Well, the lesson went great, the spirit was there and we talked about how he knew that he needed to change his life. But, with our encouragement and assurance that if he set this goal to be baptised that he would be ready he accepted to be baptized!
It is amazing to see the change that has come over him. Although he still is shy, he smiles more, answers our questions, sings the hymns, and is so much more receptive to our lessons. We taught the word of wisdom (which is his struggle) and he was completely ready to live it knowing that it was what he needed to do.
Anyway, I am really excited for him to be baptized and grateful to have seen the change that has come over him.
We are still having trouble finding prepared people in our tiempo consagrado. Many of our appointments have fallen through, but the Lord has provided us with many tender mercies that keep me faithful and hopeful. This week, I am going to focus on bearing a more sincere testimony and extending a more straightforward commitment while contacting. I hope and pray that we will be able to find more people ready to be baptized. With the Lords help I know that we can.

But, here are a couple of other highlights from this week:
Yesterday, we contacted in the rain! I was loving it. It wasn’t even a sacrifice for me. But I loved doing it because I just kept thinking of why I was doing it – because I love Heavenly Father and I love the Savior. I was teaching a less active member and I was reminded that that is why we do everything in the church – because we love Heavenly Father and want to obey him. But, really I loved tracting in the rain. We were soaking when we got back but I really loved every minute of it. I also loved yelling so they could hear me from their houses from the gates while it was raining “We are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!..” It reminded me of the primary hymn… “I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I know who I am, I know God’s plan, I’ll follow Him in faith…” Wow, I’m remembering the lyrics right now and loving them.
Another highlight was explaining yesterday to an investigator in church why we are baptized by immersion.

Well, I love you all so so so much and I love hearing from you every week. I was a little bit homesick after getting the mail but it comforted me to know that I’ll always have contact with you on Mondays! I love you so much and hope that you have a happy happy Halloween this week!

Hermana Neff
P.S. I ate the Candy Corn that you sent me in less than 24 hours I think… good thing I don’t have the limitless jar at home
P.P.S. Moment of Enchantment! We went to some caves last week that I explained in my letter that you haven’t gotten. It was really neat but even more neat to find out this week that they were Pirate Caves! This pirate named Cofrecí used them to live in and hide his treasure. Just call me Captain Jack why don’t ya! Anyway, it was pretty fun to find out! Luf youwr!
P.P.P.S Elections in Puerto Rico are crazy

Photos from the Isle of Enchantment.

The baptism of her landlords.

Making Guatemalan Tortillas with the Guatemalan sister missionaries.

The hills and the clouds that Maclaine loves in the area she serves in Southwestern Puerto Rico.

Standing by the lighthouse at the beach in her area.

Trial of Faith

Here is a compilation of a couple different letters. One is an email and the other is a hand written one while waiting at Walgreens for the Elder's to buy fishing supplies on their way to the beach on P-day.

"Hi Guys!

I have learned a lot this week about an answers to prayer - first with an experiance with some scary dogs - we were tracting and usually I'm not afraid of the dogs because they can never jump the fences but these ones definitley could. My companion and I decided to say a prayer and when we walked back there was only one of the dogs that was standing up. The rest were lying down and just barking. I KNEW that we were protected by Heavenly Father, it reminded me kind of of Daniel in the Lion's den. THe other answer to my prayer was yesterday when I spoke in church. Wow, the spirit helped me so much because I was able to say everything that I needed to say without looking at my paper that I had written. THe words came into my mouth clearly and I felt the spirit.

Well, this week has been another trial of my faith with finding people who are ready to hear the gospel. But even when we go out and tract and have no success I find a lot of joy in having faith in Heavenly Father and in being positive. I think that is one of the gifts that I have been blessed with is being positive in situations that aren't perfect - but I think that my parents have taught me well! "Positive Energy"!

I've been reading a lot about faith and miracles and I've found that Heavenly Father cannot perform any miracles w/out us having faith.

Here are a couple of funny things that have happened lately... I have no idea how much food I've been able to eat. The members keep feeding you and feeding you and feeding you. But it's always delicious. :)

Yesterday we were at the Bishop's house and he was cutting coconuts w/some other people. It was so neat to see them cutting coconuts underneath the palm trees. BUT, then I had to eat one. Have you ever tried warm coconut juice? Well, let me tell you, not that great. Actually, pretty gross- and my companion wouldn't drink mine so I had to finish it! Then I finished it off w/the coco inside- you know that kind of resembles a jelly-fish? Anyway it was funny and definitely something I'll never forget!

Well, we arrived at the beach and it's really pretty. I love driving in this part of the country. It's green and ' hilly' and there is a song that we always listen to when we drive though. It's kind of Alison Krausish and fits perfectly.

I started reading the Book of Mormon the other day and was so impressed by Nephi. His calling wasn't a missionary like Alma but it was to lead his family. I thought about us and our family-especially as I've been working w/ a lot of inactives lately - how we can always be an example and I'm so grateful that you are my family.

Gang Bangers on Horseback.

Editor's Note: This is a copy of a letter we received today from Maclaine. In the future, we will scan the little drawings she puts in her letters and on her envelopes!

Dear Family,

Well, right now I'm at a zone activity in Hormiqueros. The sisters are all in the kitchen cooking a Guatemalan somethin somethin. But there's not a whole lot for me to do... so I'm just relaxing. I'm pretty impressed - they are handling the meat and everything :) (Maybe I'll learn how to cook here in PR.)

It's a hot day, but in front of the fan...just perfect.

Well, there isn't too much to write but I just wanted to say hi and that I love you.

Oh, my little Puerto Rican favorite thing this week - the clouds! I don't know why, the clouds are so pretty down here. Driving down from a hill and seeing the countryside with the clouds covering them - I can't really explain it but they are so pretty and puffy. Even when they are black and rainy, I love them. Sometimes even more.

Another thing I don't know if I mentioned before but it's funny: All of the "gang bangers" don't skateboard or ride in low rider cars - They're going horseback. They all ride horses in the streets! It's so funny to see a tough looking guy with baggy pants and no shirt riding a horse!

This week, I'll take a picture of my house - it's cute. We even hang our clothes to dry!

I love you so much,

Hma Neff

Going to the Beach Today...

Editor's note: With hurricane Omar less than 36 hours away, why not go to the beach on p-day?

Wow, thank you so much for your emails this week. They inspired me so much and .... there just aren't words to describe. I love you all so so so much. I love hearing about everything that is going on and about everything that everyone is doing.

I had to write an extra email to one of the people in the office about my license so I don't have really a lot of time, but we are going to the beach today so I'm planning on writing a longer letter.

This week has been hard but there have been a lot of great moments too. We are in an investigator drought so it can be discouraging but we have visited a lot of inactive members which I love doing, I love being able to help remind them of their testimonies of the gospel and why they got baptised.

One little experience that I had yesterday I was really grateful for. We were in the house of a member and they have a girl, probably about 20-25 that has Cerebral Palsy. We all sat around and sang How Great Thou Art and I was sitting next to her and holding her hand. I was so touched and felt so blessed to be sitting next to her. Then I thought of Christ when He blessed all the children and all of the sick and afflicted. I feel so blessed to be a representative of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to preach His gospel.

Ahh, time is up but I love you!

October 5, 2008

This week has been good. Dad asked me about my district and my zone - they are awesome! There are six in my district, which two are the Zone leaders now. But, we are with them a lot - going to church, meetings, giving them rides etc. They are so much fun to have in the backseat. I don't love being the driver all of the time but, I'm getting a lot more aggressive - driving wise (Good thing? hopefully)

There is an elder serving a mini mission (a lot of P.R. members serve mini missions - they go to another part of the island and serve for a few months- its really neat because it helps them see missionary work and then helps them when they go back home to their wards) but he is hilarious so its fun to have the elders around. My zone is really great too. We've seen a lot of each other lately with conference ( we all went to the stake center with the members to watch it) and its really fun because there are 8 sisters in our zone. 2 of them slept over at our house on Saturday night - we had a little sleepover party. Well, not really - we were already stuffed from pizza and hot chocolate that some members gave us. But, it was fun nonetheless. (Did I just say nonetheless?)

Anyway, this past week has been good. We had transfers - so I got to see the whole mission as we gathered to be instructed from the President, APs and Sister Martineau. It was really great. I felt really strongly while the president was talking about our goals as a mission (that in Nov and Dec every companionship has a baptism) and our vision for the mission that he is a servant of the Lord, that these goals for the mission aren't his, but they are the Lord's. Anyway, it was really neat to make plans about how we are going to advance the building of the Kingdom of God.

Oh wow, and then conference... first of all ... lets give it to the girl who stayed awake the whole time! Yeah! It was so awesome. My favorite talks were Elder Bednar's about prayer, President Monson's about Joy in the journey, and Elder Christofferson's about the Building up of Zion. Especially in Elder Christofferson's when he talked about Zion that this gospel is the most important thing in our lives. I don't think I really realized that before, well maybe a little but not like I do now. I was reminded about my sacred responsibility as a missionary but also as a member when I return to give my life to Heavenly Father.

We also had the baptism of our Duenos! Wow, the spirit was there and they seemed so happy.

Well, I need to go but I love you all so much! I know that it is only through faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghostt, and enduring to the end that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.

Island of Enchantment

Dear Familia,

Thanks for the letters! Your love and support always lifts me up and encourages me. I love you guys so much and am so grateful that we are sealed together as a family.

Well, I don't know exactly where to start - this week has been really good. At times kind of challenging but really good also. I am actually kind of surprised by the challenges in the mission as a "greeny". They're not so much external but internal as I am learning how to adapt to different people/places/situations, but I am learning so so much. Today I studied about the true love of Christ - charity and about how much love Christ has for each one of us. In Luke 7:12-15 (I think) there is a really neat example of that and also in Alma 7:11-13 I love the description of the atonement. We watched Finding Faith in Christ and it was such a good reminder of Christ's life and also the important presence that He has in our life. That is one of the greatest things that I've learned being out here and testifying the gospel to the people. I have felt His love for others so much and in tesifying to them, I know His love and concern for them. Wow, its just amazing. Anyway, sorry for the random tangent and sorry if its too "missionary". But its just how I feel - I'm so grateful for the opportunity to teach and testify.

Puerto Rico is called the "Island of Enchantment" so, I decided that one of the things that I'm going to do everyweek is write a little "island of enchantment" thing that has enchanted me this past week. I love eating guavas that grow on the trees! At first I didn't really like them, but after a little while (and after learning that they were guavas - horrible that the name affected my opinion - oh well) I love them now! One weird thing that I tried to eat but could because their wasn't too much meat was a turkey neck. Luckily I didn't realize that's what it was until after. Carmen our duena cooks for us probably every day and I love it. Its greasy but good. Here, canola oil is a must for every meal :)

Another thing thats funny is that people say "mama" or "mami" as like a pronoun. Like "mama, see the cups over there, will you get me one". I wish I could say it, but probably not a good choice for a missionary.

Anyway, the last thing that I'll just say really fast is that we had a really neat Zone conference with President Johnson our area authority 70 of the Caribbean. It was really neat to hear his counsel. He counseled us to only teach the people that are ready to hear the gospel. In other words, the people that are keeping their commitments to read and pray. From that conference and just in the past couple of days I have been really impressed with the feeling that there are people that the Lord is preparing right now in our area to be baptized. I feel so blessed to be here and to be a witness to the work of the Lord going forth. It is neat to open up an area and to know that the people here are ready for the gospel.

Anyway, time's run out but I love you guys so much and always pray for you!

Luf,
Hermana Neff

Dogs, Roosters and Hispanic Music

September 8, 2008

Well, this week has been really good. We weren't able to get to work until Thursday because of meetings and mostly the rain. It was raining a lot so the leaders wanted us to stay close or stay inside...not fun. (We've had to buy a bunch of food storage things just to be prepared in case there is a hurricane.)

But, now the weather is looking great and we are out there teaching and knocking on doors. I LOVE my area! It's a town where everyone either has dogs or roosters. The only thing bad about the roosters is they wake me up in the morning. There have been times when I haven't loved that part, but Its probably a good thing because I wake up on time every day! Can you believe it?! The town is so beautiful. There are trees and hills everywhere and the houses are really neat too. They are all made out of concrete and have flat roofs but are really colorful. I've just been realizing the past few days what a tender mercy of the Lord it is to be surrounded by such a beautiful area.

I also love that we hang our clothes up to dry and that our neighbors across the street play old - Hispanic-ish music in the mornings. Not loud enough to distract our studies of course, but it sets a nice little mood.

Another thing that I love is our "Duenos", our landlords. I mentioned before that we are teaching them. They are progressing so much and can't wait to be baptized. But, they are such nice people. Their hospitality is amazing. They are always inviting us to eat (today Carmen said that there goal is for us to gain 200 lbs while we are living there - yikes!) or helping us with something. Wow, they are so neat. But, we've met so many people that are like that. So many people are anxious to feed you and visit with you. That's one thing I like about it here is that everyone (well, the people that let us in) is willing to stop what they are doing and visit with you. Its taught me a lot about charity and about loving other people and having an abundant mentality.

Well, as far as the work goes, it's going great! We have 4 new investigators this week and have some dates scheduled to return. We've visited a couple of inactive families also and I'm hoping that they will return to church. We probably are going to work a lot with inactive members as well as investigators. Pres Martineau said that there are 19,000 members in PR but only 10,000 are active. Wow.

But, I'm getting more comfortable and less afraid to teach. I was a lot more quiet the first few days but I realized that I have been called here to teach and to testify to the people about the TRUE church of Jesus Christ. That only through Him and the saving ordinances by the proper authority we are saved. I've felt the spirit in every lesson that we have taught, it testifies to me that it is true. Joseph Smith was a prophet and that this is Christ's church. I pray that the people here will open their hearts and ask Heavenly Father for themselves to know if it is true and then covenant with Him that they will obey His commandments.

Well, time is running short but I love you all so much and every time I miss you I look at your picture and am strengthened to know that I have your support and your love. I feel happier and ready to work after.

I am praying for you and love you!!!!!!

Hermana Neff


P.S. I receive mail every three weeks or so (transfers and zone conf.) so sorry if there is a little lag time!

P.P.S. My district leader just told me that I guess if there is a hurricane we have permission to make a 5 min call to tell you that everything is ok. Just FYI

"Spiritual Adventure"

We just received our first email from Maclaine. We are filled with love and gratitude as we see how Heavenly Father takes care of all the details and how beautifully everything comes together.

Instead of recapping, she says it all much better herself, so I will just forward parts of her letter.

On Saturday I was warmly welcomed to PR by my mission president's family (Sister Martinuea is so great. She, like all of the other older missionaries, LOVES to give hugs. Hugs are the best.) Then we went to church in another area to pick up my companion. She is so great! She is from Nicaragua and I am so happy to have her. She knows exactly what to say when I either have no clue what they just said or if I have no clue what to say. But, more than that she is a big strength and is always smiling. One of her goals is always to have fun too (don't worry in an obedient way), so that is good for me to kind of relax a little bit and not be so hard on myself.

Anyway, church was good. Oh yes, I drove to church to get practice because I am going to be the DESIGNATED DRIVER! I was panicking, but you just have to be defensive and its all right. Sunday nothing really special happened we just were at the mission home the whole day.

Yesterday we drove to our HUMONGOUS area! There are a lot of fields and we see cows and horses on the side of the rode sometimes. Every time I see one I think of mom and how she would love it. So, our area is really big! It used to be part of the Elders area but they have hardly covered it so a lot of the people haven't seen the missionaries before - really exciting! Driving down here was fun too. We went with a Senior couple - but it was great because every person I saw I thought, "we could teach them". Like one of my teachers in the MTC said, " When I went on my mission, I saw everyone in white". You just see everyone and the potential they have to have the greatness of the gospel in their lives. So driving around the area was really great.

We also met the bishop and his family. The ward is really really great. Everyone is SUPER anxious to help us and the work. We have a member scheduled to come with us everyday for two weeks! Not the whole day, but in the evening. Wow, that is unheard of. They were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the sisters. I am so grateful that I get to be here.

My mission has some really awesome goals for baptisms - one a week and a new investigator every day. (New Inv. is teaching someone and them accepting a second visit)My interview with President Martineau was really neat. He is great. I was getting so excited when he was telling me what he sees happening in our mission. He is all about the members and us working closely together. He says if we meet our goals, his goal is to have a temple announced before he leaves in two years! Wow, a temple would be so neat! Every time I remember those goals I get so excited.

Well, sorry this letter is SO long! But, just really quick. We are living in an apartment under our landlords "duenos". They are actually investigators with a baptismal date! We ate at their house yesterday (So yummy. Rice and beans with this weird looking thing that was delicious. Come to find out, its like a tamale but the paste is made with platano instead of corn). They have told us probably 1,000 times that if there is anything that we need, whatever it is, whatever hour to let them know and they kept using the phrase - confianza - which is like trust or to confide. We didn't have any food to really eat for today so Carmen made us some sandwiches to eat this morning for breakfast . Between them and the elders in our district I feel really taken care of.

Wow, sorry for the HUMOUNGOUS letter! There is so much that is going on but I love to tell! I love you guys so much and am so grateful to get your emails! Thank you so much for your prayers and your support. When I think about being away from the fam for 1 1/2 years its hard, but then I remember what I am here for. Heavenly Father has helped me to get here and I know I am here for a special reason. Its a spiritual adventure.

Ready to go to work.

Maclaine's mission mom sent us a quick note and a few pictures. We should hear from her tomorrow. What we know is this - she's traveling today to a new area that is a resort town on the western coast of Puerto Rico.

Here's a quick picture of Maclaine and her companion.


On a side note - on Maclaine's first day at church, she spotted a picture of one of the missionaries serving from that ward. In the photo, standing next to this missionary was his companion. To Maclaine's surprise, it was and elder Eyre that she knew from high school.

Home for the Next Seventeen.

Maclaine has arrived to her destination and today (Sunday) will meet her first companion and get to work.

In a short email message to her family last night, she said that she felt so welcomed and was so relieved to make it to the mission field.

Out in the field

We just received exciting news that Maclaine is leaving tomorrow and will be officially "out in the field." This was a surprise to us all. We can't wait to hear Maclaine's side of the story.

Here is some of her letter for the week. ( She wrote a cute little story about Andy which is posted on his site. I hope she had a chance to say good-bye.)

It has been an interesting week at the MTC. I'm with a new district - an intermediate district thats been here for about 6 weeks - so its definitely a different pace/atmosphere. They play a few games in class to know the Spanish and it actually is pretty fun and a good review for me for vocabulary. My teachers are amazing though. Hna. Semmons (She is from Dad's country - Me-hi-co) and Hno. Simmons. But, the challenge has been to not loose steam. It was kind of hard last week but I made some goals of things I want to accomplish that will help me in the mission field so this week will be great.

I think I might have already mentioned this, but the elders here are really great. I kind of had this idea that there would be a kind of separation between the elders and sisters, but there isn't! I feel like everyone is friends. I respect the elders so much and they respect us. I appreciate so much more now all of the sacrifices they make in giving up 2 years of their lives to serve. It's funny how much they mature once they are called to be missionaries. Well, I guess everyone does- sisters included.

Hmm.... what else? "Oh yes" (the youngest son on Swiss Family Robinson). We had a fireside on Sunday, which I always love. But, I went in and I was sitting on the first row of the stadium-style seating. And I saw a microphone positioned a few feet away. Last week they allowed a few elders to come and share their favorite hymn. So I knew something like that was going to happen. Then, as I was writing in my study journal a couple of notes the speaker said, "Now, I'm going to axk the sister in the orange dress right there on the aisle to help me by reading the words to this hymn" It was me! In front of the entire MTC! Anyway, I ended up being up there for about five minutes reading and then replying to a couple of questions that he had! Crazy! The funnest part was being " famous" in the MTC for that night and on Monday. Everyone told me I did a good job, but who knows if they are just saying that. Hahaha. anyway, it was definitely something to remember.

The fireside was really great though - It was about "feeding the sheep". Christ talks to Peter and I can't remember the exact scripture, I think it is in Luke, and he says "lovest thou me more than these (being a fisherman)" Peter replies "yes" and Christ replies, "Feed my Sheep". That is what I am here to do. It made me so excited. Anyway, I've got 20 seconds!

I love you so much and I know the gospel is true!

Sister Neff/Elder Neff

We were thrilled to get this week's - and last week's email, as Maclaine's email didn't go thru last week. She's been keeping us updated though, with written letters which is nice.

Her update is that she was supposed to leave last Monday, but her date has been pushed back a couple of weeks to keep an eye on her wisdom- tooth- gum situation. She developed a "dry socket" a couple of weeks ago and the doctor's want to keep an eye on her for a bit longer. We are praying for a quick recovery so she can get out in the field asap.

She is "SO THANKFUL" for all the love, support, prayers, letters, packages that have been sent to her, as are her parents. She said her district teases her for getting the most mail out of everyone. She is really missing her district that she became so close to the last couple of weeks, as they all left for their different missions on Monday.

Here are a few quotes from her last two letters, you might enjoy!

"Well, this week has flown by! I know, its so cleche... but it is true about how fast the weeks go. This week has been really really good though.

First, I saw Elder Neff on Wednesday! My classroom building is right next to the entrance so when I went out for lunch and then came back I lingered for a few extra minutes to try and see their whole family but I didn't . Even when we were in lunch I was trying to look out the windows as I walked by to try and see them in the line for the capillas (chapels). Hna Venegas finally said, "Hermana, I don't think that we are going to see them." I was bumbed but so happy when I saw Andy at dinner! He seemed to be doing alright. He was sitting down and he went to shake my hand but I gave him a little side hug. We talked for a few minutes, it was great. I saw him the next morning and he definitely looked pretty sleepy! He said that he asked and they told him that he couldn't give me a hug but he gave me a little side hug anyway. I've seen him here and there just passing by and saying hi. I saw him on Sunday and asked him how everything was going and he said it was great and that he really liked the Sundays. Which is totally true. Sundays feel so relaxing. Its funny a teacher read in his journal from the MTC and it said something like " yesterday was sunday and was so great and was a relaxing day. I woke up had breakfast, went to Sacrament mtg, went to preisthood, studied, had lunch, went to a district meeting, studied, walked to the temple, had dinner, went to the devotional, watched a church movie then planned with my companion" To a normal person it doesn't sound that great maybe, but for a missionary that is a pretty great day! That is exactly how my schedule is on Sundays, it is really great."

"This week though has been great. A little challenging at times, but great at the same time. I feel so blessed to have been raised in the gospel and also for my heritage. I am the only one in my district that has pioneer ancestors. I've never really thought about that before but we watched Joseph Smith:Prophet of the Restoration and wow, it was awesome, but It made me so grateful for my ancestors that accepted the gospel.

I am getting really excited to go and share the gospel. We learned yesterday about finding the people who are ready to hear the gospel. Heavenly Father is preparing them to hear it and its our job to go and find them. THere is a scripture in the old testament and in other parts of the scripture that says people are searching for the truth, they just don't know where to find it. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and be an instrament in HIs hands."

We'll keep you posted on when she leaves- have a great week!

Compelled.

As a father, I feel compelled to write a quick note.

I've got to come clean. I don't like to talk too much about the Tender Mercies of the Lord. Actually, I do. But I like to label it differently - if only to avoid the over-use of the terminology.

That said, today was a day of many small, refreshing and miraculous tender mercies sent to our little family by a knowing, loving creator. Without any details to share, suffice to say that time and time again on this very day, we have been witness to the individualized love our Heavenly Father has, and in the most timely ways displayed for our missionary daughter.

The compilation of so many little tender mercies is almost more than this father can either bear or comprehend. The day's events gives voice to the following scripture that we so frequently and easily pass by and then lay aside:

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in ALL things, and obey not his commandments."

Address at the MTC

Sister Maclaine Neff
MTC Mailbox #99
PUR-SJUW 0821
2005 No. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793

Week One.

Maclaine and the rest of the family survived the MTC last week. She sent us a letter that we got on Friday. It was her first assignment to write home to the family. We loved getting a letter from her.

She said she has a great companion whose parents are both from Chile, so she speaks great English and Spanish. She is from Toronto and Maclaine said, " so how long have you lived in Texas?"

Brian said you sure can tell the difference between an Elder's mission experience and a Sister's. Maclaine said that it was so nice because when her and her companion had gotten to their room, their roommates had made their beds and put a little treat on it.

We got our first p-day email this week. Maclaine had a little adventure in the oral surgeon's office due to a dry socket from her wisdom teeth that she got out a few weeks ago. Here are a few paragraphs about her dental experience and her first week in the MTC.

"But, as I was saying, it was pretty involved. I got a few shots and they took me into the surgery room and waited for everything to go numb while I was on the laughing gas. Then, they actuallly did a little mini-surgery it felt like. I won't tell you all of the details, maybe if Dad wants to here them I tell him. I know it would make mom queesy. It took about 20 minutes. They covered my eyes with a towel and everything. The whole time I was trying to recite the 1st vision, but the laughing gas was making it hard to focus so I couldn't get past the first line "vi una columna de luz mas brill......" then I would just keep doing it over and over again!"

"Will you guys pray for me that it doesn't and that I'll still be able to go to Puerto Rico? That would be awesome. I know that Heavenly Father wants the best for us and listens to our prayers. "

"The funny part of the story is that my face looks like a lopsided chipmunk! We went to Rite-Aid to pick up some medication after and I was really hoping that I wouldn't see anyone that I knew. (I didn't end up seeing anyone) But I had a mouth full of gauze and a make shift ice pack trying to communicate with the pharmacy then trying to still speak Spanish with my companion. I am totally smiling about it right now as I am thinking about it. My voice was really nasally for a while- it was like I was the guy from the 33 street joke!"


"Well, as for the rest of the week, its been really awesome. Already I feel like my testimony has grown so so much. It was more of an adjustment that I thought it would be but I think I'm used to everything now. It wasn't really the waking up at 6:30 was hard, it was just a lot to take in and do all at once. We are always busy, but we should be. This is totally the Lord's time and I am His servant and so happy to be His servant. THis whole week has just been a testament of how much God loves His children. He gave us prophets, He sent His Son, and He's given us prophets and His gospel again. Its so neat."

"I come away everyday just so excited to go and serve. My comp and district are great. There are eight of us. There are actually only two 19 year olds in the whole group. The others are just those who have waited a little while to go on a mission, but their stories are really neat. They all have sacrificed a lot to serve the Lord. One is a convert of just a year and sold his car, apt, everything to come on a mission!"

If anyone is reading this post this week, I hope you can join your thoughts and prayers with ours that Maclaine's gums will heal and that she will be able to go to PR as planned. Thanks!