Earthquake!

What a week!

First of all and the most important- R is getting baptized tonight! Wooohoo. Details to come.

CRAZY:

Earthquake

Then we had an earthquake! It was crazy! All is well, I’m just a little ¨shooken¨up (ha). But really- we were sleeping and the first hit was so big it woke me up. But I just thought I was shivering because it’s so cold. But then the second part hit and it was the craziest feeling. They have been warning us an earthquake was coming- so after the second part hit we jumped up and got our backpacks ready, tennis shoes by the door, I moved Hna R bed away from the wall and then we said a little prayer and went back to bed. Luckily another didn't hit. But it was crazy. Nothing bad- honestly mostly just cool and weird. 

BEST:

Then the miracle of the week- we have been working a lot with R- trying to teach her how to read. We started very simple, teaching the alphabet, teaching sounds with the letters, then reading words that were se-pe-ra-te-d like this. But then this week we wrote out scriptures in really big letters and she was able to read it after a couple times. Then the miracle, we open up to 1 Nephi 3:7 and she read it! And I love that the first scripture she read was "I will go and do."  It was so beautiful and crazy and I still almost don’t believe it. Then we continued on and read more and more then went to the introduction and read it- and she’s doing really well. And we know it's a little miracle and gift from Heavenly Father because she really wanted to be able to read the Book of Mormon before her baptism. 

But the part that was really sweet and tender and all for me was a couple weeks ago she was very frustrated about not knowing how to read and she had been crying with us and we were in the street and we stopped and I just looked at her and promised her, as a representative of Heavenly Father and with the authority of this calling, that if she would continue to prepare for baptism- she would be able to read. Afterwards I was a little scared about what I have just promised and such- but I felt the spirit so strong. And to see this promise come true-very humbling. 

The other little miracle is another about being obedient. It was raining- hard. It was dark, no one was out and no one was letting us in. It was so cold and it had been a really long day of a lot of rain. And we had 10-15 minutes before curfew and I was a little bit done with the day. You know?  It had been really successful and really good- just long. So we were heading up to the house and then I just thought "come on Ali. Its only 10 minutes more just one more door." So I just stopped right there and knocked the door- and it turns out to be a young (24 ish) girl who is wonderful. I am so excited to get to know her. We only talked for a bit because it was so late but we are going to return. I’m learning my lesson. Slowly- but I’m starting to learn to just try to be obedient in it all. And I love it. 

Rain, rain, rain

NOT THE BEST:

Oh my sweatshirt arm caught on fire this week. I was making muffins for the district meeting and we have our sketchy oven- the same that burned my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes (yeah they are still kind of nasty. But only the hair and its easy to cover it.) But it just had a little gas explosion thing- nothing bad. I only caught a little bit on fire. 

Oh this week was J’s birthday. A couple weeks ago grandma ball sent me a cheesecake pie mix so we cooked that up and had a real nice little fiesta. Man I love this silly little loving family. 

Oh then, we were walking on Thursday night and it had been raining all day. And the streets were a little bit flooded. So we are walking and all of a sudden I see the bus and I see the flooded street and right to late I realized what was about to go down. This huuuuge wave of water, not even a wave, a wall of water is heading for me. So I do the only logical thing and try to jump over it. So funny. Hna R got nothing and I am standing there soaked through. Completely. It was like a movie so funny. 

aftermath of the "water wave"

LOVE:

Oh this week I felt the love. Let me tell you. I got sooooo much. Thank you, thank you. 

On Sunday I got letters from auntie Steph (best surprise), gma simpkins- the Easter letter, mom- with the talk from Brad Wilcox. Gold. And dad’s postcard. This made me laugh so hard. Oh my- you kids. Always know what to do. Then I got a package from gma ball- with lots of yummy treats and a biscuits mix that we made pancakes with. Best.

(Oh and speaking of food I am doing much better. Ate chicken heart mush thing the other day but I also went on a little shopping spree and bought lots of healthy really yummy food)

And I got a package from mom- with the downeast gems. Thank you, thank you.  I love the skirt and it is the perfect size. Then at zone conference I got more! A package from Marilyn- hooray! And her relief society. Tender mercy to the finest. Then more postcards- one from mom, dad, jer and 2 from Meg. Oh these are so embarrassing. But I looooove them. hahahaha the elders faces. Oh brother. But I love it. 

I have seriously 12ish really really sweet pictures from the week- but the stinking computer isn’t working. But I'll just keep a trying. 

But oh man- I can’t even tell you the amount of love that was in this week. I am so excited for R. I really want you guys to know her-one day! But she truly has completely changed her life and its gold.

Well family I got a baptism to get to! I love you. Keep trucking, hiking, mostly keep a praying. 

xoxo bacan bacon xoxo

Hermana ball

Rain, rain and pancakes!

This week I have learned a lot- a lot about obedience, a lot about forgiveness and a lot about love. 

WORST!
First with the obedience, this Sunday we slept in 30 minutes extra. I hate it, I hate that we were not obedient and that it happened. We had a problem with the alarm, and I noticed it and just rolled back over and back to sleep. I'm so disappointed about this- because it really was stupid. 

That morning I thought about how I wasn´t obedient so now "R" probably won´t come to church- almost jokingly and in frustration with myself. But we called before church and she explained she was excited for sacrament. But when we got to church she was a no show- I was frustrated with myself. The fact I’d lost this, and ruined it for a couple minutes extra sleep. I just prayed so hard, for forgiveness, for her to show up and promised from then on I would be obedient. 

Right after I said my prayer and right before the sacrament hymn she walked in. I felt so much love and gratitude. Then during the sacrament I just prayed again and felt Heavenly Father and it was really special. A different feeling than I have usually had. I hate that this happened, that I made the wrong choice, but I am so grateful for heavenly father's forgiveness. And for the chance to take the sacrament- to listen to the prayer and feel that forgiveness and cleansing. 

However, I guess that’s what the mission is about- learning and growing and changing. 

This week I am also very grateful for my companion, Hermana Rodriguez. She is so patient with me.  With me stumbling through Spanish all day and trying to lead the sector. We have been reading the book of Mormon together every day in language study- she will read one verse in English and I help her with the pronunciation, then I will read the same verse in Spanish and she helps me. It has helped both of us in not only in our language skills, but as we read the book of Mormon together we find we have a different, and better spirit with us and we are a better companionship all around. 

BEST:

Things are crazy with "R". Crazy good. We have the baptismal interview tonight! And if all goes well the baptism is next Saturday! Woohoo. Best news. 

First, it all started when she prayed for the first time- we were standing outside in the street because her family doesn’t like us much- and she prayed and it was so real. I actually opened my eyes because I thought she was talking to me for a minute. Then I realized she was just really truly talking to heavenly father. It was so cool. 

Then the spirit was so strong and she had said earlier she wanted to wait for a while before baptism to investigate more- but the spirit is crazy and right there I was like- "so you feel this?  It's the spirit."  Then were just like "your ready"- baptism this month and that jazz. And it’s a "yes" and it’s happening. 

Then, every lesson with her this week has been gold. She just knows its true. 

She told her husband about her decision and he just laughed and said some pretty nasty stuff about us. But she just explained its true, she knows its true, she loves heavenly father and knows this is what he wants. Crazy. 

Then she visited her brother this week and came back and explained how he talked about how much she has changed, how her eyes and whole character is different and when he asked why she said, ¨its because I’m going to be a Mormon! ¨ Cutest. 

Then, she doesn’t know how to read- but we are teaching her how and with the spirit its crazy how much progress she has. She wants to learn so she can read the book of Mormon! Best. 

I am so excited for her.

We also had a little miracle lesson this week. So we had an appointment but it fell through- so we were walking back to our sector a bit disappointed and we were walking a different way then usual and we started street contacting and were talking with this young mom and her babe and asked if a different day we could stop by her house and share more about our message and she explained that if it was ok with us, now was a good time (yeah-. I guess that ok with us! Woohoo) So we walked with her to her house, and ended up teaching all the about resurrection and she ended up praying and saying yes to the baptism invitation! Crazy. We have another appoint. With her in Monday and I am excited to see what will come of it! More to come! 

My other favorite lesson this week was where we talked about God’s love and a quote from president Monson- about how heavenly father loves us- always and how this love never changes. And it was magic. Seriously, one of those times when I was just testifying that he truly loves her and he truly knows and loves us- and I knew it was true. I was a crying, she’s a crying and the spirit- gold. 

It’s so true. He is my father and a lot of the time I think about my relationship with dad- and how even though he isn’t here with me, how I know he loves me and how I write him and explain my day and all. And I was just thinking about the relationship I have with heavenly father and how it is becoming so much more real. How it’s the same as with dad- he isn’t here- but he loves me- and it’s a different form of communication- but I can't see him but as I pray I really feel it. 

FUNNY:

Funny of this week. Hna "C". We stopped by and chopped down these huge braches off of her tree. This was sketch. I’m standing on tiptoes with this saw. While they were all yelling Spanish at me. So funny. 

Then we had a FHE (Family home evening) with them and we made pancakkees- Chilean crepes. So good. However we had too much fun flipping them with the pan in the air- most landed everywhere else except the pan. So good. 

Also, last week elder Bradshaw sent me this link to a video with his letter and it was gold- we shared it in 5 of our lessons this week. In Spanish its "gracias a el." so probably thanks to him. But look it up. Love. 

NOT THE BEST:

This week I was attacked by another dog. Luckily I had 100 layers of rain clothes on so this time it didn't break skin- I just have a gnarly bruise on my arm. Love it. 

Yay I got two packages this week! Mom you are the best. One with the pink shirt from down east and love notes from meg (best love) and the other with the blue shirt and photos printed off. Thank you thank you. Best. 

I love it here. It’s really hard. Especially this week- with the cultural and language difference with Hna R. It's all-super great- just hard work. And I just am really grateful for you mom and pops and my heavenly mom and pops. 

Well family I've got to run. We have a baptism interview to prepare for! 

I love you! Keep praying, and reading, hiking and smiling. Sending the best of vibes from the rain and chilly of Chile (bad joke, sorry)

Xoxoxo 

Hna (dog whisperer) ball

Rain and looking like the Devil...

Hola Familia!

What a week. I can’t believe we only talked on Sunday. Man I love you all. That was such a power boost for this week. You all are the best. And I still can't get over the fact Jeremy has abs. What happened to my little baby brother? 

FAVORITE:

This week has been one of, if not my favorite weeks in the mission. It has been so hard and so rewarding. I love my new companion and I love that she is Latina! This week my Spanish has improved so much and I have learned new ways to learn, teach and serve. 

We have been working really well together. My favorite part of this week was working with Hermana R, she is an investigator and the mother of our recent converso J. (convert J). We stopped by their house this week and R explained how she has depression and lately she has been feeling very nervous and scared. So we turned to the story of Jesus and Pedro (Peter) about walking on the water. My favorite part of this story is how it explains something along the lines of how Pedro (Peter) was scared, and then he calls out "Senior (Lord), save me." And immediately Jesus extended his hand. We related this to her and how it's ok to be scared at times, but what really matters and shows strength is what we do in those moments that we are scared. We explained how Jesus had his hand extended for her and all she had to do was grab it. We have a baptism date for her and we promised that if she came to church she would feel His love and the spirit.

Well, she came! When she walked in I was so happy, literally giddy. Then it was the best sacrament meeting we have had for the 3 months I have been in this ward. During the week our ward had a ward temple trip, and this Sunday was testimony meeting- the testimonies were so pure and full of love. Also her son, J, blessed the sacrament and bore testimony of how this church has changed his life and what he knows to be true.

I have never prayed so hard on the mission- the whole sacrament meeting I just sat and prayed and prayed that she would feel this spirit. Especially during the sacrament. And she did- there was one point where she was holding my hand and had a little tear in her eye and I had a little tear in my eye and we just looked at each other and smiled and it was in that moment I knew she was feeling it.

After sacrament we had our gospel doctrines class and then J explained he had to leave- so he told his mom they were heading if she wanted a ride- but she explained how she liked it and wanted to stay for the women’s class. Best. And in relief society all the women were so welcoming and loving.

I am so grateful for this experience because it was yet another testament to me that Heavenly Father really is directing this work. She is his daughter, and He wants so badly for her to know of his love. It was amazing to see his hand in not only her life, but in mine. He knew I was having a little bit of a rough week and needed the reminder that its ok to be scared at times. He knew I needed to have the test of faith to trust in him, first that I would know what to say, and how to say it in Spanish. Then that I needed the experience to just pray and pray and trust.

I am so grateful for Him and his hand in my life.

BEST:

Also, this week my Spanish has improved so much. Just a little brag moment- I will probably pay for this is week- humility and all that stuff- but I am a little bit rocking it right now. I am so happy. It's hard and I still have a hard time getting my thoughts or points across in normal conversation- but in the lessons I am able to explain the gospel really, really well. And I am understanding almost 60 percent of the stuff Hna R. says - luckily her accent is El Salvador and much easier- but I am seeing progress with the Chileans. Hooray. But brag moment over because honestly it really is all the spirit and el don de lenguas (Gift of Tongues)- but either way it rocks. 

Ok lets see here- new news with Hermana R- I have been teaching her all the finer points of English and the American way. 'Merica jokes and what crunchy peanut butter is-  the words to Katy Perry "I kissed a girl and I liked it"- probably not the best song for a missionary.

Things are really well with her- hard because we are kind of still in that awkward part where we are trying to figure out how the other does stuff- and little things. But it’s really good. She says the longest prays. Ha-ha, I usually fall asleep it's so bad. She actually caught me once this week. Ahahhaha so funny. Now I have to make sure I kneel really uncomfortably.

Also, we both think we are thugs so it works out really well. 

FUNNY:

Oh, then you know D. and P.? So they are the couple that just had the bebe (baby). He is a death metal rocker and all this stuff in a band, but he loves his music and all the crazy stuff. So in our lesson this week we introduced them to Mormon message and while we were on YouTube I saw a singles ward thing so I showed it to him. Hah he loves it. Especially the "battle hymn of the republic" and a lot of the music in the RM. Go listen to it and try to imagine him and his one-month-old babe. Its super hilarious. 

 

Non stop rain

Oh, also I have been told this week that I am one of the best at the chopping of the wood. Ha-ha little do they know that it's the time I use to think all my angry thoughts. Usually about Spanish and how I can't say what I want to. It’s really good for the soul and spirit- however my shoulders are wreck. I think I need to not be stressed about the language because its coming.

This week we went back to the FBI.  This time I knew it was the FBI so this was good. But we are finishing up my visa so I am almost legal!

CRAZY:

Also, the people here believe we are witches of sorts. But for real- how they explain it it's like a Nanny McPhee thing or Mary Poppins. And they are dead serious. They believe we just pop in and fix stuff or do magic voodoo.  And then when the people are starting to get used to us, or even like us we leave. Hah which is kind of true. But lately I have been working on explaining how I am not actually a witch. (I think Jer, Meg and Nate might say something different when trying to wake me up however....)

drying our clothes off before heading out again

RANDOM:

Also, every single person I have asked on my whole mission how old they think I am every single one says 23 years old. It’s so creepy. Every single one. Except the 8 year old said he thought I was 30 maybe a little older. So this one hurt. Ha-ha but I actually found one gray hair the other day- I think this place is making me old. Booo. 

Oh funny thing- so we have to start taking pictures of proselyting. Of the teaching so you can expect some gems because they are so awkward. Ha-ha

Ok, so I was thinking today and there are a lot of things they don't prepare you for when prepping for a mission:

1.  Like we don’t learn how to help a pregnant lady not throw up in church with breathing exercises. 

2.  How to pick flees out of your bed. 

3.  How to stop dogs from attacking.

4.  Or how to build the most beautiful fires. 

5.  How to layer your clothes for the rain. 

6.  How to take showers by jumping in and out because the waters cold. 

7.  How to use gas stoves. 

8.  How to shove 7-8 people in a small car. 

9.  Or they don’t teach us how to dodge the drunken men kisses.

But I love it!  Everyday is full of crazy little adventures. I'll try to remember them for next week. 

Well family- I got to run. I love you all. Keep on keeping on. Head up the canyon this week for me and say a couple little prayers and send the American Fork canyon vibes my way. 

Xoxo this week a child ripped my lip open with his fingernail. The same fingernail he had just petted a nasty sick dog of the street. So if you think your week is hard, no xoxoxo

Hermana Ball.

PS look up the video "Earthy Father, Heavenly Father". Just watched it pops and thought of you. So good.  So much love. 

PSS  I didn't realize until after that in the rain I look like the devil. So scary- I wouldn't let me in. Ahh, so my goal this week is to look more approachable.