Hello Family!!
So, sorry about the delay for email. Puerto Rico's independence day was on Saturday so they celebrated Friday and Monday. But it sounds like Mom has been having a great time in Hawaii! That is awesome. I'm excited that Dev is going to be able to let her aloha out.
The other day we were contacting and I was telling my companion that I didn't want to look or sound like a gringa. Well, it was funny because the next guys that we contacted asked me where I was from and when I told him from the U.S. he said, "Well, ya but you're latina, right?!!" Proudest moment of my life. No not really, but it was cool. Then the next guy that we talked to said that from my accent, he thought that I was from Columbia. That's two! THEN, a guy that we just talked to told me that I don't look or sound like an American, but some other Latin American country. Cloud nine. Anyway, I love Speaking Spanish!
We've had a good week though. We are still working with a girl named Jessica - 18 mother of 2. She has been to church four times in a row and says that every time she comes, she feels better and better! Its going to be a long road to conversion for her, she has a lot that she has to change but she is willing and she wants to change. I keep having this little image that I know with faith and with a lot of work it will come true. Its her, about 40 years old, dressed in white in Heaven finding me and giving me a big hug. I know that she can make it.
Another little piece of good news - she wasn't supposed to tell me because they still haven't sustained her in church, but Andrea is going to get a calling in the Relief Society and a pretty big one too! I am really excited for her. And, both Hector and Elliot blessed the Sacrament this last Sunday. It was such a neat experience to see both of them sitting up there.
Oh, so remember about me singing in church. Well, we had transfers this past week and I thought to myself, "Nah, President wouldn't make me sing... would he?" But, there was a lot of other things going on (Sister Turcios goes home this next transfer. It is so crazy.) and I didn't think about it until we sat down and President Martineau's son who just got back from a mission in Spain who is the one that "accompanied" me asked me, " So sister Neff, are you ready to sing today?" Me:"What? are you serious?" Anyway, nothing happened at the beginning of the meeting, president announced the transfers like normal, so I was feeling good. Then as I was sitting there, president started his talk, "Is Sister Neff here?" .... "Oh crap, he's going to make me sing in front of everyone," I thought. Yep. He had me come up and sing - in front of the whole mission. I was so scared. But it turned out to be ok. I went up to him after and thanked him for making me share my talents because if it were up to me I wouldn't share them, then he said, "So I'm helping you repent?" Ooo... ya I guess you could look at it like that. But, I actually really like singing a lot more than I did before. I think its because we sing a hymn before every lesson. Anyway, just little funny things that happen to Sister Neff in the mission...
Well, I better go but the work is going well here. We are just working hard and working on our faith too. I know that the only way that we can get back to live with our Father in Heaven is through his Restored Gospel. I read today in Mormon 8:22 and it says something that the Lords work will roll forth and His promised will be fulfilled. I really like that scripture because it gives me a lot of hope. I know that this church is true. I know that Christ lives and is at the head of this church. It has been a really interesting experience to be surrounded by SO many different denominations. They all are good, and like everyone here says, " todos buscan al mismo Dios" but I know that Heavenly Father has restored His truth to the earth and He wants His children to return to live with him.
I realize that I need to have more faith to find the people that the Lord is preparing. I will never know who is out there, or who the Lord will put in my path but I know that I need to raise my voice, have faith and the Lord will help me to find the people that are ready to come unto Him.
Thanks so much for all that you guys do for me I love you!
Sister Neff
P.S. Is the swine flu big in Utah? Someone asked me that today and I had no idea. It is the latest thing that is going on here. Apparently there have been a lot of cases and a lot of deaths and everyone is really worried about it. We aren't really shaking peoples hands anymore, just the people at church.... but no worries I'm good and taken care of and am washing my hands a lot :) Just curious if its like this everywhere or just here :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Finding her voice.
Hi family!!!
Wow, I just ate up everything that you wrote this week! Seriously, every little thing in both letters I was reading with a smile in my heart and on my face because I love you all so much. I am excited and both sad about Dev going. No, sad isn’t the right word but just more of a “my little sister is all grown up” kind of a feel. But it will be great for everyone. I know that we have all gotten so much closer as a family as I’ve been out here and I think wherever we are in the world – on little islands in the Pacific, Carribean or in Provo we’ll always be so close.
Well, this past week has been interesting. We have some really awesome investigators and we have transfers tomorrow. I really thought that I was going to be going but we are all staying!!! It can’t be 100 percent sure until President announces it (sometimes he gets up to announce things and gets some last minute inspiration). But, anyway, we are all really excited. I was scared to be in a trio but we all work together so well. Our new companion is just a little ball of fire and excitement. She also likes to cook – unlike me and Hna. M. We decided that we are gourmet sandwich makers. Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches have never been so good. No, but its been fun to learn how to cook things like meat. Por ejemplo, today she made us glazed wings and rice. Yum.
This Sunday was really awesome. We had all three of our investigators in church and they all loved it! Also President Martineau came to church because he was going to do a training for our missionary coordination meeting. Ya, that’s pretty stressful, having your mission president there at church. But it turned out to be really great. I just respect him so much. He talked about keeping our covenants and how it is scary at times but Heavenly Father will always bless us when we do it.
And… the other thing that happened at church was that I sang in sacrament meeting! By myself!
Ahhh! I was totally freaking out, I didn’t volunteer but my companion wanted me to do it so I did it. I sang “I feel my Savior’s love” in Spanish. Before I went up there…. Ok, I have to back up. So, I’ve known for a little while that I was going to do it. Well, we had to go to the mission home on Wednesday for a couple of different reasons and we were there for dinner. That was fun, just me and my companions having dinner with President and his family. So, the word got out that I was going to sing on Sunday. Then they started talking about how I should give them a little preview. I was definitely not up for that. I tried to weasel my way out of it but it didn’t work. President Martineau told me that we weren’t having beef steak for dinner. I had no idea what that meant but he explained it to me. Do you know what it means? Anyway, its about making excuses. So, we moved everything into the living room. There was no getting out of it (as I’m writing this I’m remembering how dad would have me sing around the campfire. I think when I get back I’ll be a lot more willing to do it) So, there I was, just singing to the mission President and his family in the mission home. How that for coming out of your shell?
So, that was a good little warm up for Sunday. But I was still way nervous. I came up to the podium and President Martineau whispered “Hermana, tranquila” (Hermana, calm down). But it went really well. The thing that I wanted to do the most was just express in my song the love that I have for the Lord. There is a part that in the song that says, “He knows I will follow Him, give all my life to Him.” I really love that line. I do want to give all of my life to the Savior. That is why I am here. I know as we give our lives to the Lord he will make so much more out of them than we can. I love the Savior so much. I know that this is His true church. I know that the only way that we gain salvation is through the sacred covenants that we make and I know that the Savior and Heavenly Father love all of the people on this earth and that is why we do missionary work.
Luv you all,
Sister Neff
Wow, I just ate up everything that you wrote this week! Seriously, every little thing in both letters I was reading with a smile in my heart and on my face because I love you all so much. I am excited and both sad about Dev going. No, sad isn’t the right word but just more of a “my little sister is all grown up” kind of a feel. But it will be great for everyone. I know that we have all gotten so much closer as a family as I’ve been out here and I think wherever we are in the world – on little islands in the Pacific, Carribean or in Provo we’ll always be so close.
Well, this past week has been interesting. We have some really awesome investigators and we have transfers tomorrow. I really thought that I was going to be going but we are all staying!!! It can’t be 100 percent sure until President announces it (sometimes he gets up to announce things and gets some last minute inspiration). But, anyway, we are all really excited. I was scared to be in a trio but we all work together so well. Our new companion is just a little ball of fire and excitement. She also likes to cook – unlike me and Hna. M. We decided that we are gourmet sandwich makers. Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches have never been so good. No, but its been fun to learn how to cook things like meat. Por ejemplo, today she made us glazed wings and rice. Yum.
This Sunday was really awesome. We had all three of our investigators in church and they all loved it! Also President Martineau came to church because he was going to do a training for our missionary coordination meeting. Ya, that’s pretty stressful, having your mission president there at church. But it turned out to be really great. I just respect him so much. He talked about keeping our covenants and how it is scary at times but Heavenly Father will always bless us when we do it.
And… the other thing that happened at church was that I sang in sacrament meeting! By myself!
Ahhh! I was totally freaking out, I didn’t volunteer but my companion wanted me to do it so I did it. I sang “I feel my Savior’s love” in Spanish. Before I went up there…. Ok, I have to back up. So, I’ve known for a little while that I was going to do it. Well, we had to go to the mission home on Wednesday for a couple of different reasons and we were there for dinner. That was fun, just me and my companions having dinner with President and his family. So, the word got out that I was going to sing on Sunday. Then they started talking about how I should give them a little preview. I was definitely not up for that. I tried to weasel my way out of it but it didn’t work. President Martineau told me that we weren’t having beef steak for dinner. I had no idea what that meant but he explained it to me. Do you know what it means? Anyway, its about making excuses. So, we moved everything into the living room. There was no getting out of it (as I’m writing this I’m remembering how dad would have me sing around the campfire. I think when I get back I’ll be a lot more willing to do it) So, there I was, just singing to the mission President and his family in the mission home. How that for coming out of your shell?
So, that was a good little warm up for Sunday. But I was still way nervous. I came up to the podium and President Martineau whispered “Hermana, tranquila” (Hermana, calm down). But it went really well. The thing that I wanted to do the most was just express in my song the love that I have for the Lord. There is a part that in the song that says, “He knows I will follow Him, give all my life to Him.” I really love that line. I do want to give all of my life to the Savior. That is why I am here. I know as we give our lives to the Lord he will make so much more out of them than we can. I love the Savior so much. I know that this is His true church. I know that the only way that we gain salvation is through the sacred covenants that we make and I know that the Savior and Heavenly Father love all of the people on this earth and that is why we do missionary work.
Luv you all,
Sister Neff
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
I have great new news! We have a new companion from Ponce - a sister that will be serving a mini mission for one month. I'm super excited to have her here! It will be an adjustment to be in a trio for sure - I've heard some scary things about it but it'll be great - especially to have a Borequa with us.
(Borequa is any Puerto Rican.They call them that be cause the Indians from P.R. called the island Borinquen. so... Borequa). I hope she teaches me how to be one.
I had my very first experience in another church yesterday. A couple weeks ago this guy told us that he would come to our church if we would go to his. ' Sure' we said, not thinking that he would really do it. Then the next week we were walking down the hall in church and saw him in Priesthood. "Oh, shoot - I guess we're going to the Pentecostal church." Well, I super didn't want to go but it actually was a really good experience for me and helped me realize a lot of things about the people that we find and teach and what kind of religious background they have.
Wow, it sure was different. The pastor had A TON of energy - I don't know how he talked that loud for that long. I think my favorite part was when in the middle of whatever he was saying, every 2 minutes he would lower his voice and say fast, "cuantos aman a Dios?!" Then everyone would shout a hallelujah. Seriously every two minutes. We even stayed for a couple of songs - that I liked actually and want to get after my mission. But, it was really a good experience.
It was a really positive message that he was saying and was good but I just realized how much was missing - especially the priesthood. But, I was really happy for all of the people their that love Heavenly Father so much. One day they will be prepared to receive more of the truth and to add on to what they already believe. Sister Martineau, our mission president's wife was quoting an apostle in a New Mission President's Training and she told us that a lot of the other religions are preparing people to accept the Restored Gospel. I totally believe that. After all, it is what happened to Elliot.
Just after going to that church, we were toquing (knocking... I continue to forget English words and sometimes I'll say things like little phrases and my companion will smile and I'll say, "I can't say it like that in English can I?" love it.) and we met a lady who we saw singing in the church and made an appointment with her. Cool huh! When we were in that church, I was just kind of thinking in my head... "Ok, who here is ready to receive the Gospel? Maybe its her!" And that's who we found!
Well, I love you all so so so much. I love the Lord so much and am so grateful for His Gospel and for the Book of Mormon. Thank you so much for all of your support and love.
(Borequa is any Puerto Rican.They call them that be cause the Indians from P.R. called the island Borinquen. so... Borequa). I hope she teaches me how to be one.
I had my very first experience in another church yesterday. A couple weeks ago this guy told us that he would come to our church if we would go to his. ' Sure' we said, not thinking that he would really do it. Then the next week we were walking down the hall in church and saw him in Priesthood. "Oh, shoot - I guess we're going to the Pentecostal church." Well, I super didn't want to go but it actually was a really good experience for me and helped me realize a lot of things about the people that we find and teach and what kind of religious background they have.
Wow, it sure was different. The pastor had A TON of energy - I don't know how he talked that loud for that long. I think my favorite part was when in the middle of whatever he was saying, every 2 minutes he would lower his voice and say fast, "cuantos aman a Dios?!" Then everyone would shout a hallelujah. Seriously every two minutes. We even stayed for a couple of songs - that I liked actually and want to get after my mission. But, it was really a good experience.
It was a really positive message that he was saying and was good but I just realized how much was missing - especially the priesthood. But, I was really happy for all of the people their that love Heavenly Father so much. One day they will be prepared to receive more of the truth and to add on to what they already believe. Sister Martineau, our mission president's wife was quoting an apostle in a New Mission President's Training and she told us that a lot of the other religions are preparing people to accept the Restored Gospel. I totally believe that. After all, it is what happened to Elliot.
Just after going to that church, we were toquing (knocking... I continue to forget English words and sometimes I'll say things like little phrases and my companion will smile and I'll say, "I can't say it like that in English can I?" love it.) and we met a lady who we saw singing in the church and made an appointment with her. Cool huh! When we were in that church, I was just kind of thinking in my head... "Ok, who here is ready to receive the Gospel? Maybe its her!" And that's who we found!
Well, I love you all so so so much. I love the Lord so much and am so grateful for His Gospel and for the Book of Mormon. Thank you so much for all of your support and love.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The librarian that can't be pleased.
Hi Guys!!!
Ok, Sorry about the suspended writing – we had P-day today instead of yesterday. The reason was because today (along with being my 11 MONTH MARK - crazy) , 30 years ago today Elder Worthlin opened up the Puerto Rico San Juan mission! Cool huh? So we had a mission wide activity to celebrate. It was really awesome the whole mission got together and we just played games outside and ate and talked and then at the end had water fight. I am soaked right now sitting in the Library chair … ooops! But it was really great to be able to talk with everyone, especially Hna. Turcios and other Hermanas that only have one or two transfers left. It was awesome.
So, this week has been pretty good. Nothing too too exciting has happened but just working in the Causa Celestial. I actually have been kind of homesick this week I think that its just because I keep thinking about Dad. Like being in church thinking hhmmm…. I think that they are probably in Sacrament Meeting right now and dad is sitting up front. Weird!! But don’t worry its like in a good way. It was just a little shocker for me but in a good way. I am seriously so so super excited for the awesome work that you guys will do in the ward.
Well, I love you guys so so much. I love hearing about everything that is going on. I think I almost started to cry when I was reading your letters just because I love you so much. I know with all my heart that this Gospel is true! I KNOW that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God. I know that Christ lives. I know that He has given us His church again and that we have prophets and apostles who have been called by God. I know this with all my heart. I love the Lord so much and am so grateful to Him that He has given me this opportunity to serve. I love you guys so much and I’m so grateful that we are an eternal family!!!
Los amo UN MONTON!
Su Hermanita Nefita
Dear President Martineau,
I really am so grateful to be here working for the Lord. The past few nights as I have said my prayers my heart has overflowed with gratitude for being here. Sometimes during the day things happen that make the work really hard and really challenging, but there is no sweeter feeling than at the end of the day as I pray to Heavenly Father feeling love and gratitude for this work. This is the best thing that I have ever done in my whole life.
As far as teaching and everything is going we are working with a few investigators that are in the first stages of conversion but all of them have A LOT of potential which is really exciting. Going into first lessons is always a little bit scary for me just because you never know how they are going to react but it was really neat yesterday - my companion's parents sent her a little excerpt form the Church news and there was this really awesome quote from President Hinckley. He was talking about his interview on 60 minutes and he said something along the lines of “ leaning into the stiff wind of opportunity is better than hunkering down and doing nothing’. Wow! I loved that quote it just inspired me to do the hard things in the mission. Especially as I go into a first lesson wondering what will happen, how they will react, etc. I think now of that quote – sometimes the ‘wind of opportunity’ is strong but I have a testimony to share about the truth with these people and I need to share it!
Well President, thank you for all that you do for us I really appreciate yours and Sister Martineau’s goals and visions for the mission!
Ok, Sorry about the suspended writing – we had P-day today instead of yesterday. The reason was because today (along with being my 11 MONTH MARK - crazy) , 30 years ago today Elder Worthlin opened up the Puerto Rico San Juan mission! Cool huh? So we had a mission wide activity to celebrate. It was really awesome the whole mission got together and we just played games outside and ate and talked and then at the end had water fight. I am soaked right now sitting in the Library chair … ooops! But it was really great to be able to talk with everyone, especially Hna. Turcios and other Hermanas that only have one or two transfers left. It was awesome.
So, this week has been pretty good. Nothing too too exciting has happened but just working in the Causa Celestial. I actually have been kind of homesick this week I think that its just because I keep thinking about Dad. Like being in church thinking hhmmm…. I think that they are probably in Sacrament Meeting right now and dad is sitting up front. Weird!! But don’t worry its like in a good way. It was just a little shocker for me but in a good way. I am seriously so so super excited for the awesome work that you guys will do in the ward.
Well, I love you guys so so much. I love hearing about everything that is going on. I think I almost started to cry when I was reading your letters just because I love you so much. I know with all my heart that this Gospel is true! I KNOW that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God. I know that Christ lives. I know that He has given us His church again and that we have prophets and apostles who have been called by God. I know this with all my heart. I love the Lord so much and am so grateful to Him that He has given me this opportunity to serve. I love you guys so much and I’m so grateful that we are an eternal family!!!
Los amo UN MONTON!
Su Hermanita Nefita
Dear President Martineau,
I really am so grateful to be here working for the Lord. The past few nights as I have said my prayers my heart has overflowed with gratitude for being here. Sometimes during the day things happen that make the work really hard and really challenging, but there is no sweeter feeling than at the end of the day as I pray to Heavenly Father feeling love and gratitude for this work. This is the best thing that I have ever done in my whole life.
As far as teaching and everything is going we are working with a few investigators that are in the first stages of conversion but all of them have A LOT of potential which is really exciting. Going into first lessons is always a little bit scary for me just because you never know how they are going to react but it was really neat yesterday - my companion's parents sent her a little excerpt form the Church news and there was this really awesome quote from President Hinckley. He was talking about his interview on 60 minutes and he said something along the lines of “ leaning into the stiff wind of opportunity is better than hunkering down and doing nothing’. Wow! I loved that quote it just inspired me to do the hard things in the mission. Especially as I go into a first lesson wondering what will happen, how they will react, etc. I think now of that quote – sometimes the ‘wind of opportunity’ is strong but I have a testimony to share about the truth with these people and I need to share it!
Well President, thank you for all that you do for us I really appreciate yours and Sister Martineau’s goals and visions for the mission!
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