miracles

So the biggest news from last week is that we had cambios. We managed to get a ride to the building where the President announced the new companionships and it was crazy. There were so many people there! And I think all but two companionships of sisters got changed so I had quite a few options for my companion. However, you'll never guess who I got . . . One of my best friends from the MTC—Hermana Gurley! When he announced it, I said "nuh uh" but she was coming towards me so I got up and I literally haven't stopped smiling since. So yup, I am with an American and it is going wonderfully! After cambios everyone was telling us how lucky we were and how jealous they are. We have had so much fun this week and we are working hard. Nearly everyday I marvel at the fact that the President put us together, but I think it's a trial run to see if two American sisters can be together in Mexico City. Whatever the reason, we are both doing great.

Katherine and Hermana Gurley at transfers.

My first day in my new area (I am in Nezahualcoyotl—the Heroes ward) was a little overwhelming, I think my new area is bigger than my last, but I can understand everything my companion says about the people we are going to visit. That makes it easier to know what they need to learn and focus on. We had rainstorms our first three days together and it has been so hot but I don't even mind. We also had a pretty strong earthquake here on Friday! We were studying with our district in Polanco (about 15 minutes from my area) and I just thought I was nervous (we were practicing a lesson) and then we realized everyone was standing up and leaving. We waited outside until the shaking stopped, but even then we continued to feel a little dizzy.

Rainy Mexican weather.

I also learned on Friday that in Iztapalapa they do a reenactment of Christ's final hours before his crucifixion, including his death. And they crucify the person as well. It is crazy and makes me wonder why. Apparently they believe that person will go straight to Heaven no matter his actions. As our district leader said, Christ suffered so we don't have to.

     But for happier moments, on Saturday we went out to buy some fruit in the morning and make photocopies of a paper. While doing that we saw a bici-taxi, driven by an older man, who happens to be the one my companion Hermana Gurley, has been wanting to take a ride in since she first saw him three months ago. So we hopped in and he took us home! It was about as slow as walking but it was definitely an experience! And Saturday night we had a lesson with some recent converts who wouldn't let us teach them until they had time to clean their house and get dressed up in heels for the lesson. I thought it was kind of silly but now that I haven met them I understand. They are two of the funniest sisters I know and they just love learning more about the gospel. They are a joy to teach.

     Sunday went well—I had met nearly everyone throughout the week during lessons so that was nice! Our ward is quite small with only a few active families but we are working to get more people to church on Sundays. And today, we deep cleaned our apartment—it had gotten really dirty over the past few months since my new companion's former companion didn't really believe in cleaning and only sprayed stuff to make it smell nicer. But don't worry, it's clean now! Plus, I have a washing machine in this apartment!! It was so nice to not have to wash my clothes by hand—as fun as it was.

Spreading happiness through the Gospel message.

And I don't know how many were able to watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Easter Concert, but they did Handel's Messiah. You should watch it :)

     So things are going great! Thank you all for your prayers and kind emails—I definitely couldn't do this without your help! I love you all! 

Love,

Hermana Bennett

P.S. I just looked up my new area on LDS maps and I am not far from my old area—I am actually just separated by one ward, or about two kilometers (according to the map)! My new area is about a kilometer by a kilometer and my old area was even smaller. But I am in a different city—Nezahualcoyotl! Try saying that five times fast :)