celebrations

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas last week! We had some fun with the members and ate lots of food. We had a district Christmas breakfast one morning. We made French toast and one Elder made German pancakes, both were delicious and we had some fun playing a get to know you game. Later during the week we had a dessert party and I made cookie dough brownies and the same Elder made a banana cream pie . . . it was so good! I don't think I've ever had a banana cream pie before. 

     Anyways! Our Christmas here in Mexico went pretty well. We had fun and got to be with some of our favorite members for the holidays. And of course, the highlight was definitely talking to you guys on Christmas day! There is nothing quite like talking in person and I can't wait to do it again in May! I've learned since being here that they celebrate Christmas on the 24^th—that's their big day, and that January 6, the day of los reyes magos [the three wise men], is when people get lots of gifts. We have to wait another week to see what happens! 

     I don't really have much to say, this week was fun but pretty slow. We had to say goodbye to an Elder in our district—he went home for medical issues, and this week we have the New Year to welcome in! It is still crazy to me that I've finished a year of my mission and now have just over five months left to go. The mission has been great for me to do a lot of self-examination, to really think about my goals and aspirations and how I plan to accomplish them. I am planning to make some "resolutions" if you will for this New Year. I've learned a lot in my time out but with only five and a half months left I want to make the most of it! Specific goals with help me do that, and they can help you too. I also want to share a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants that I just love. You should all read it: D&C 128:23.

I hope you all have a great week and a wonderful happy new year!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

feliz navidad!

This week was AWESOME! And the reason it was so wonderful? On Tuesday we had changes and despite rumors and last minute changes, my companion is now Hermana Lopez!!!! Yup, my MTC companion and I are back together for at least one change and we are so, so happy! Everyone said we would never be companions and so we were hoping our last transfer would be together, but instead we are together again, now, in her first area. It is great because she already knows the area, knows the members and we too, already know one another. We had a bit of a rough time in the MTC but we got past it and I consider her one of my best friends. She is family and I know we are going to do so much together in this area and I am so excited! So thanks for all your prayers—they worked!

Katherine, reunited with her MTC companion, Hermana Lopez.

So this last week we spent lots of time introducing my companion to recent converts as well as investigators, and of course, saying hi to all the members. Every single member that saw her got so excited and they are all thrilled to have her back here again. The members love her and trust her and I know that as we work with that we will be so much more unified as a ward and that we can help more people. But this last week we went crazy trying to find Christmas decorations and a real, live tree. Walmart had them but for 600 pesos and we weren't about to do that! On Thursday we bought lots of lights, ornaments and tinsel for the tree and on Friday on our way to lunch we spotted some people selling live trees. We stopped by and talked to the vendor and he gave us a price of 350. We told him we'd come back after our appointment and he told us he'd give us a really good price. And sure enough when we got back, without even asking, he dropped the price to 250! He might have been really flirty but well, we'll never see him again and we got our real tree! We actually carried it home—it took nearly an hour walking—but it was 100% worth it. It is all decorated and our apartment feels a little bit happier with it! We just love it!

Carrying their miracle Christmas tree home.

I don't know what more to say about this time of year. I adore the Christmas spirit that permeates the world and it is just so fun to be here with my new family to celebrate this holiday. I love reading the scriptural accounts of Mary and Joseph and of the birth of Christ. While he wasn't born at this time, I love that we focus solely on his birth, on the miracle and the hope that he is to all the world. As it says in John 3:16, "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I testify it is true. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to return to him. He loves us so much he let Jesus come to earth, to suffer and pay the price for our sins, so that we can have eternal life. It truly is the greatest gift ever given to man. This is why I'm here in Mexico. That is why there are 88,000 of us sharing this message. Our Father loves us, our elder brother, Jesus, loves us, and it is thanks to them that we are here on the earth at this time. I know He has a plan for each of us and I pray that we will always strive to find that purpose, to believe in him and receive that gift, that chance, to live with them once more, forever. 

I love you all so much. And I hope you have a very happy Christmas!!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

Merry Christmas from Hermanas Bennett and Lopez!

one year

I hope things are going well back in the States! It is starting to feel a little bit more like Christmas but my usual markers, cold weather, snow and ice, are completely absent! It is still pretty warm here and there is no chance of snow. An Elder in my district made us dozens of snowflakes that are hanging up in our study room and with those plus our little space heater I can almost imagine it's wintertime!

     Once again this last week was difficult for work but we had lots of fun activities. On Wednesday we had our mission Christmas party complete with breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a talent show, a Christmas devotional and the chance to watch the movie "Frozen". We just had a blast enjoying our time together.

     Then on Friday we couldn't leave the house since it was the "Día del virgen" and people went crazy setting off fire works, parades in the street—people do a pilgrimage to Villada—and of course, lots of drinking. We had fun in our apartment listening to Christmas music and cleaning a bit, but mostly I watched my companion go through and pack her bags. She goes home on Wednesday and will spend tomorrow with the President so tomorrow I will get my third comp in this area! There are lots of rumors as to who it will be but I honestly don't know. But Friday night we had our ward Christmas party and we got permission to leave the house to go. It was fun! Loud, loud music, lots of food and of course, piñatas for the kids. Mexican fiestas are fun!

     With so much down time I've been reading more in the New Testament, focusing on the birth of Christ and all that preceded it as well as what followed. It just makes me love that short video that the church put out and I really hope you've all watched it and shared it. If not, do it right now!! I love you all, I know this Church is true and that Christ did all he could for us and now it's up to us to do our part.

     Have a wonderful week and remember the true purpose of Christmas!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

traditional

I don't have much to write this week! We are starting to have trouble finding people at home and ever fewer people want to listen to us on the street. They are all so busy and so many people leave to their "town" for the holidays. The highlight was this past Saturday. For lunch we had homemade lasagna (that was actually pretty good!) because they asked us what we wanted and my companion requested it. For dessert they brought out a cake and said, we bought this because it's a traditional dessert of Hermana Bennett! I was curious to see what it was and when I saw it I started laughing. They had bought a fruitcake! I can't honestly remember if I've ever had fruitcake and when I told them so, they laughed as well. I wonder who told them it was a traditional American dessert!? 

     That night, the President of the mission came to our ward for a noche de hogar (family home evening) and gave a presentation on helping the members to do missionary work. He gave us three tips which I'm going to recount for you as well:

1. One religious conversation every day

2. There is no two—there are no two works, only one work of salvation (members and missionaries work together as one)

3. Pray three times daily for guidance and the spirit to help talk to everyone

It went really well and the enthusiasm the President has was quickly spread to all who attended. And I want to invite all of you to also do the three things and help the missionaries out. Street contacts are not as effective (if missionaries are allowed to contact where you live) as references. Yeah, they might not accept, but if you don't offer them the chance, you're saying no for them. So, say yes! I love you all! I love this work and I love this season. It is all about Christ and what he has done for all of us so that we can return to live with Heavenly Father, but only if we choose so and do our part. 

I hope you have a wonderful, happy week, full of Christmas cheer!!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

The Christmas lights at the Mexico City temple.

A manger scene on the grounds of the Mexico City temple.

Katherine and her companion on the temple grounds.

happy thanksgiving!

This last week was rough for working but we had some fun activities. My companion got really sick on Tuesday and we ended up going to the doctor who said she had a throat infection. We headed home with medicine, one of which included shots! I am praying I never need injections—I might actually cry if I have to get one. Anyways, she had members help us with the shots and by Thursday morning she was doing a lot better. I spent my time watching church videos and reading the New Testament, which I am loving. I've never read it straight through in English but so far it's not too difficult in Spanish.

     On Thursday our President and his wife organized a Thanksgiving dinner at their home for all of the sisters! So in the morning we had to be in the offices and they arranged for a combi (a van-type vehicle) to pick us up and bring us to their house. We had so much fun cooking and getting the table set for dinner, it almost felt like we were back home with our family. The worst part? We all had to get vaccinated for the flu and I might have teared up a little at the end. I still hate shots. While with the President we found out one of the Elders in our district had to go home the next day for surgery. We ended up meeting up with our district to throw him a little good bye party later that night. It's tough to have changes and even more so when they are unexpected. 

     This last week we started teaching a family. Well, the mom and the children. The dad lives in Edmonton, Canada, working there year round and coming back once in a while. I can't even imagine doing that! But the dad was listening to the missionaries in Canada and so the mom and daughters wanted to know a bit more. They stopped us in the street a month ago and this Saturday we finally got to teach them. They are a really great family with lots of questions. We focused on the mom and the older, 11 year old daughter. We ended up having a pretty good lesson but oh my goodness did the daughter keep interrupting us! I almost lost my patience! I think it annoyed me most that she kept bringing up random other stories and details about their lives that didn't answer the questions we would ask. But we made it through and we are planning to see them again this week. I guess I have to develop more patience! Other than this new family we're a bit thin on the ground with investigators. But this week we have lots of activities planned and goals to push us. I love this work and the opportunity to be here in Mexico during the holiday season. I hope you all are enjoying it and doing all you can to help others and share the true meaning of Christmas. I love you all and pray for you daily!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

iztapalapa

Buenos días!!

This week we had two fun events! The first was that I finally got to go on divisions [William’s note: “divisions” is the word Katherine's mission uses for exchanges, when missionaries exchange companions] in my area with one of our sister training leaders! Hermana Monarrez is from Chicago but her dad is from Mexico and so while she has an accent, she speaks perfect Spanish and looks pretty Mexican. She is awesome and I loved having the day to talk with, and learn from her. I'm hoping one day we get to be companions! At one point during our divisions we found a little park and some swings and took five minutes to relax and recharge. We also celebrated her one-year mark, which she hit the day after we were together. I bought us ice cream to celebrate, cheese with blackberry and a chocolate cookie flavor. Delish!

On division (exchanges).

Last week we had a conference with a visiting Seventy, Elder Pieper. It was awesome and he taught us a lot in the few hours we had together. We talked about investigators and how we can know if they are ready or not. He commented that the "escojidos" [chosen] are humble; they are ready to change their lives and let go of their sins to have a better life. I had not thought of it like that, but all those I've baptized have been humble; they've known their weaknesses and sought to improve, to change, and be better. Elder Pieper also commented that we are all God's investigators, that we all should do exactly what we teach our investigators, to read, pray, and fast, and that as we learn and change, we will become converted. He said that our most important investigators are ourselves. If we do not continue to strengthen our testimonies and our foundation in the gospel, that after the mission we will distance ourselves and begin to doubt and question all we did on the mission. Our individual strength and testimony will be key in our families, both parents and siblings as well as our spouses and children. If we want them sure and strong in the gospel, we have to set the example. 

     That is my invitation for you all! Study, pray and do all you can to be completely converted to the Gospel, to following Jesus Christ and his example in all things. You will have a happier, more joyful life as you do so, and those around you will also be strengthened. I know this is the Lord's work and that He is coming soon. Now is the day to prepare, to do all we can for our ancestors as well as those around us. I don't want to get to Heaven and have someone ask me why I didn't share the Gospel with them when I had the chance. So keep serving others, help the missionaries and do all you can to "lift where you stand." I love you all and am so happy for all you do! Have an amazing week!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

A local street fair.

birthday songs

Hello, hello!

This week has passed by quickly with lots of events! Last Tuesday my companion left the area and I received a new one, Hermana Turcios! No one thought she would come here since she spent seven months here the beginning of the year and actually trained my friend Hermana Lopez (red-head from MTC) in this area. It was a bit strange for her and she took it kind of hard when the President first announced it but she's doing a lot better and we are working hard! This is actually her last transfer in the mission so on December 16th I will have yet another companion! This is the fastest I've changed companions my whole time here.

Katherine and Hermana Turcios, her new companion.

Anyways, a little bit about my companion! She's 20 years old from Honduras and studied and worked before the mission. She also used to play soccer but after some accidents and surgery she can no longer play or even run. Walking a lot tires her out and our area is, unfortunately, the largest of the hermanas in our mission. But, only four weeks left since this transfer is a week shorter (with the following a week longer) to accommodate for Christmas. 

     As most of you realized, Thursday was my birthday!! It was a fun day and I loved each and every one of the seven times people sang to me. My district bought me a delicious chocolate, chocolate cake, former companions called—with one telling me where she had hidden a birthday gift for me in our house. One of the families I baptized in my old area, the Ayalas, called me to sing happy birthday—Mexican style, of course. Another family in this area bought me a cake and tonight I got permission to go back to my old area and have dinner with another family we baptized, the Lopez family. So next week I'll have more stories to share! One of my favorite parts of birthdays here is that the birthday girl (or boy) has to bite the cake and that is usually the opportune moment to smash the face into the cake. I'm fully expecting it to happen tonight too!

The birthday missionary enjoying a cake from her district.

A birthday celebration with the Pichardo family.

This week we've studied obedience a lot. It is a simple principle of the Gospel but one that I think many overlook. But in my studies two things stood out to me. One, that everything is based on obedience, especially blessings. And that when we do what Heavenly Father says, that is, when we are obedient, he is bound to do his part. If we obey, we are promised the blessings and they will come. Heavenly Father will not, and cannot back out on his part. It is only when we fail to do our share that we cheat ourselves of the blessings. So, be obedient! Receive the blessings, and be happy!!

     I love you all and am so glad you're all doing well. Stay strong in the Gospel and remember to smile!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

chilango

Let's just say this week was rough and a bit challenging. Part of the fact was that we had a few events and so didn't have as much time in our area searching for people. A week ago we had a zone conference with the President and while there I got a package from the Waynesboro stake and I just want to say, thank you!! My companion and I have really enjoyed the treats and the notes and drawings are just adorable. Mail in the mission is the best thing ever! Last Wednesday we had our first ever "Women's Conference" where Hermana Stutznegger spoke to the twenty of us for a bit. She showed us a video the church recently released about garments, about challenges we face in the field and about us as sister missionaries in general. I really enjoyed it and we had a fun time all together.

The Mexico Mexico City Southeast sisters together for their conference.

During the week I found a gourmet pastry truck called Panifico that is pretty good. I got a chocolate cupcake with raspberry filling called a "Romeo" and later in the week I tried the "polar bear." I'm definitely going to recreate these when I get home! While purchasing my treat the first time, the man in the truck asked where we were from. When I said the USA he looked really surprised and said I sounded like a chilango (someone from the DF)! [William’s note: the "DF" is Mexico City proper, the Distrito Federal, a usage similar to the American abbreviation for DC.] Many people here speak of the chilango accent as something bad so I haven't decided if it's good or not that I have the accent. It's got to be better than having an American accent, right? 

Crazy for cupcakes!

Anyways, the highlight of this week was definitely all the service we did. As part of our meeting on Monday with the President he encouraged us to do service the first week of the month with our companion, the second week with our district and the fourth with our zone. So every day we asked the members what we could do for them. We ended up: helping an older lady go grocery shopping in the market, ironing laundry, washing dishes and washing windows. It was really fun to help the members and serve them a little bit more. It was hard for some of the members to let us help them but I really appreciated that they accepted our help in the end. Service really is the best way to forget yourself and focus on others. Too often we get so focused on ourselves and what we need to do that we miss opportunities to serve and help others on their way.

     Last night we got a call from our zone leaders: my companion has changes and so tomorrow I will have a new companion. There are all sorts of rumors flying about who will be my new companion, but we won't know until tomorrow. So next Monday you'll get all the details!

     I love you all and I want to invite you to serve someone this week. Small or big, quick or time consuming, take the chance to look around you and find someone to help out. And remember 2 Nephi 9:39: "spiritually minded is life eternal" or "SMILE." Be happy and serve someone!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

The sisters came across a couch in the middle of a street.
Naturally, they wanted to get a photo.

miracles

Hello!

This last week was a bit difficult, really challenging, actually. We couldn't find people to teach. Everyone we talked to lived in another area, all the referrals we received from members live in other areas and all the doors we knocked on yielded nothing. Last week on Wednesday or Thursday we talked to a man in the street whose first language is not Spanish, it's Zacateco. My companion and I both had some difficulty in understanding him but we did our best and invited him to church. He said he would come so we prayed he would. Later during the week we kept getting phone calls from him or his daughter asking for the address of the church. We didn't really know what to think of it but then Sunday morning we got a call from them asking for help in finding the church. We had trouble understanding even the daughter and after they got lost a few times, we finally were able to help them make it to the church. The best part? He brought his daughter and his son! They all really liked the services and said they'll come back next week. Now we just have to figure out who the missionaries are in their area and get them the lessons!

     The other highlight of this last week was Día de los muertos! It was crazy. The last week leading up to it, all sorts of stands opened up of people selling things to make offerings, special types of bread, candles, etc. Plus they've adopted Halloween here so lots of costume shops as well. Saturday night we were told the street right next to where we live would be completely packed. So we walked down there with some members and sure enough, we almost couldn't walk around there were so many people. Here, the kids trick or treat to stores, not as much to houses. This street is mostly stores and as you can imagine, all the families in the area showed up. We saw some awesome costumes! Overall most had to do with death; a lot of people dressed up as dead superheroes. It was a great experience and I am so glad we got to be in this area for it! My favorite costume was definitely the Catrina. [William's note: the calavera Catrina is a popular symbol of the holiday—read about it here.] My companion got some photos of the street and I've sent the best ones.

     I hope you are all doing well and that you had a great Halloween!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

Some of the Catrina-inspired costumes in Katherine's area.

The traditional pan de muerto treat served for the holiday.

A traditional Día de los muertos offering table.

27 October 2014

The week went by fast! And we don't have much to show for it. Earlier in the week my companion, who hasn't been feeling well, finally called the doctor and he said she had to come in. So we got to visit the temple grounds last week to see the doctor. And all he said was she either needs vitamins or has a parasite. Exciting, I know. But we had to go to a medical laboratory type place twice last week so she could have tests done. Hopefully they'll get the results quickly and send them to the doctor. I'm hoping it's just vitamins she needs! Everyone here who has a parasite says they are the worst and really hard to get rid of. But we'll find out soon enough!

     We have some investigators that are a bit interesting. The first time I met them was a few weeks ago when we came out of an appointment and the wife was out there, as if waiting for us. And if that wasn't enough, she pretty much dragged us to her house to meet a friend who wanted to talk to us. My companion did not look excited and I felt weird about it too but we went and taught the Restoration to the friend and the wife and husband. The friend is a 65-year-old lawyer, who is single—he's always careful to mention that detail—and interested in knowing more. Well we taught him once and didn't want to go back but they found us again in the street and we made an appointment. The second time we brought our district leader Martinez and Elder Reyes to teach with us. My companion is a bit cautious where the investigators are concerned and told the Elders not to give any personal details. Well Elder Reyes is from Mexico and when they started asking him questions he got a bit flustered and after saying he is from Oaxaca, they asked what city. He proceeded to say he didn't remember and then changed the topic. I burst out laughing and had to start coughing to cover it up. Anyways, we had our lesson and quickly left. We'll have to wait and see if they progress or not. 

     I don't have much else to say, just that I love you all and hope you are enjoying the autumn! It's finally chilly enough here that I can use a light jacket in the morning and evening, but it's still hot during the day.

     Remember to read your scriptures, pray and always go to church! Just think about all the blessings you are receiving! I love you all!!

Have a fantastic Monday!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

A view of Katherine's new area.

A sweet to celebrate the upcoming Día de los Muertos.

"choose ye this day whom ye will serve"

This last week was a bit frustrating as we tried to find new people to teach. Everyone we taught seemed interested but not enough to make the effort to make changes in their lives. Plus, none of them would commit to come to church yesterday so for the first time in a long time, I didn't have any investigators at church. But we did have ward conference and we were asked to be in the choir! More on that in a moment.

     The highlight of this last week was definitely on Saturday when our President called for a mission conference rather unexpectedly. Usually we know weeks in advance but last week on Tuesday we got a call saying we all had to be in Neza for a conference. Rumors spread like crazy as to what would happen and it was interesting to see what our President chose to spoke on. He asked everyone to fast from Friday after lunch until Saturday morning at the conference and I really enjoyed fasting with such a clear purpose. I guessed he would speak about the biggest problem in our mission: disobedience. I was right. I remember when I first got here I was shocked at how good missionaries would ignore a rule or choose to follow their companion into disobedience. In my mind, choosing to serve a mission was the equivalent to promising to always obey. It was really hard for me when I got here and felt overwhelmed by the flagrant disrespect so many missionaries showed. Luckily our President is doing his best to help those missionaries. He focused on every single one of us choosing, that day, to serve God, to obey and to honor our commitment to him for the rest of our mission. He went as far as to offer all the missionaries a chance to leave, to go home; he even had chairs up front for anyone who decided that being obedient was too much. He spoke clearly about certain rules and warned us that he knows what goes on, and that members see us and call him when they know we are breaking rules. It was refreshing for me and I am excited to see how the mission changes. I know we can be better, more unified in this area of Mexico and I hope everyone else sees it too.

     As I mentioned earlier we had ward conference and with guest speakers we were asked to join the choir. Let me just say that Mexicans, bless them, are not the best singers. It was kinda rough to be in the choir but it was really fun! I think the hardest part was that none of them sang confidently and so I tried to but the words through me off a little; especially because we sang two children's hymns which were so much harder for me to get the hang of! But we had fun and the choir director bought yellow scarves for all the girls while the guys all wore yellow ties. After sacrament meeting a woman gave my companion and I a jug of hot arroz con leche and loaves of sweet bread. You can bet we went straight to the kitchen and had some! It was the best treat ever, especially since it's been a bit chillier lately. The members are all so nice! I love it.

     My last comment is about a Mormon message that we watched at a member's house. It is about one man's testimony of the Book of Mormon which also explains the history of the Book of Mormon. It is just great and I love it! Plus it is a guy from London so that's fun too. Anyways, you should all watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dNYpXZIN_c) and make the commitment now to follow the Savior. I promise it will bless you, strengthen you, and help you in more ways you know. 

I love you all!!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

A display for El Día de los Muertos.

translate, please!

Last weekend I got really sick with something like the flu. Sunday evening I was able to receive a blessing from our President, who happened to be in the area, and after resting Monday, Tuesday morning I woke up completely better. I was grateful to have gotten over it so quickly, especially when my companion got really sick later on last week. It worsened to the point that she had no voice, at all, for two days. She would try to talk but it was like a bad cellphone reception, you would hear one or two words and then nothing and then maybe another word or two. She determinedly kept going and it got to the point that after she talked, people would turn to me and ask me to "translate" what she had said! It was fun for me but frustrating for my companion though she was a good sport about it. We got her some medicine that eventually worked and by Sunday morning she had her voice back. 

     A highlight from this week was we had a baptism yesterday! It was actually scheduled for Saturday but due to poor communication we ended up having to postpone it until yesterday. But it all worked out and Miguel got baptized by a recent convert. It was a great experience for all who were able to attend! It was actually surprisingly chaotic!

The sisters at Miguel's baptism.

One of the talks that caught my attention was from President Uchtdorf on Saturday morning. He spoke of light and truth and how if we don't continue to nourish and strengthen our light, it will dim until we wonder why we believed it in the first place. Don't let that happen; allow your light to grow brighter, help others who may be struggling, and continue to seek truth and light and to strengthen your testimony. Your own testimony equals the strength of your conversion and your foundation in this gospel. Here's a link to his talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng. You should read it!

     I love this gospel, I love this church. It is true and I love helping others learn and make the changes they need and want in their lives. On Saturday I hit my 10-month mark!! Only 8-months left to change lives as a missionary!

I love you all and am so grateful for your love and support.

Have a great Monday!!

Love,

Hermana Bennett