July 22

So I would just like to apologize for my post last week.  I realized it was very down-hearted.

I love. love. love. being a missionary.

I love my companion, my investigators, my area, my ward, my zone.

Everything.

I don't know what I have done in this life, but the Lord spoils me so much.

This last week was hard though.  I don't know why, but the Arizona heat has followed me here.  And we have been DYING.

But sometimes us dying is a really really good excuse to knock on people's doors.  Hearts seem to be softened a little more when two teenage girls walk up to your door sweating oceans.

So I guess I am grateful for that!(:

But despite the fact that 11/15 of our lessons fell through, we have been so blessed.  Because yesterday we had TWO INVESTIGATORS AT CHURCH?!

WHATTTT?!

I know, I know.  Try not to fall out of your chair.  I don't know how it happened either.  Seriously.

And the amazing thing is, both of these investigators contacted us.  The Lord really does put those in your path who are prepared.  And one of them, Monce, is this adorable 9 year old.  She and I just connect.  And her mom and I connect really well too.  I think for the first time I have received undeniable confirmation that I am here in Clearlake for a reason.

Seriously.  All of those times I want to complain, the Lord blesses me beyond compare and then I feel really really stupid for complaining.  So I have just learned that complaining really doesn't do a thing.

So for those of you who were confused, I live 14.7 miles away from our area with the most potential.  The one that is like a mini Mexico.  We call it Mexicito.

And our story of the week is sponsored by this wonderful place.

So the streets are all dirt.  My companion and I decided it was because we both secretly wanted to serve in South America, so the Lord is giving us a little taste.

So not only are they dirt, but they are like SUPER hilly... like scary up down with holes and runs and everything.  The English Elders that cover this area have trucks.  We have a cute little car that definitely is not made for this kind of terrain haha

Well Sister Chavez's GPS likes to take us the routes with the WORST roads possible.

The other day we literally almost got stuck.  We now park where there is still black top and walk everywhere else.  At least my tan is getting better...

Oh!

And here, people freely grow weed.  Well not freely, they have medical permission, but it is definitely a culture shock.

Well the other day we were knocking on doors and there is this pot of weed next to the door.  As we are talking to this lady and asking her if we could come in and give a blessing for her and her family, I see my companion out of the corner of my eye grab the leaves of the plant and start smelling them.

I am 1) Super confused and 2) Mortified!

The lady we were talking to looked so confused too.

So I tried to hide the fact that my companion is smelling the weed and we ended up leaving shortly after.

Turns out she had no idea what the plant was and thought is smelt like bubble gum.

Sometimes I just don't know what to do with her.

But it is amazing here and I love it!

Keep praying that all the missionaries will have success.  Because I promise that without your help, missionary work will completely halt.

I love you all!