trios

[William's note: Katherine's e-mail this week comes on the heels of some uncertainty over where she would spend the remainder of her missionary service after some concerns over the sister missionaries' safety in Katherine's area and in the Mexico City region in general. She made the choice, along with her mission president, to stay in the mission and move to a safer area, rather than be transferred to a U.S. mission.]

Buenas noches!

Well this last week was full of surprises and changes. On Tuesday my companion Hermana Lopez and I switched areas—including an entire apartment full of items. It was a lot of work and we were happy that our new zone and district leaders were waiting at our new apartment to help us move in! We had one night together as a foursome in our new area. Then on Wednesday Hermana Lopez flew home due to some family issues. I got to take her to the airport with the President and it was fun but sad. It was weird saying goodbye to her since we came here together but I know it's what she needed. And I love going to airports—all those people travelling around the world. I can't wait to travel again after the mission! Anyways, when I got back to my new area and companions we went out and worked a bit. My new area is called Lucero and is right next to my old area, Heroes. I'm back in Nezahualcoyotl and it's the same chapel and everything. It's been so nice to see my old converts and the members, and my companions are just awesome.

All four sisters prior to Hermana Lopez' departure.

My two new companions are both from Utah. Hermana Nance is from Salt Lake City and she is 20. Hermana Benson, 21 years old, is from Provo and is the 11th child in her family! Crazy! They are both so fun and while this week has felt like the longest in my entire mission, I know these next two weeks are going to fly by. We've been working hard and yesterday we had five investigators in the church. This area is definitely easier to find people in, plus the chapel is so close everyone can walk there. It's a huge change from my old area where you had to take a bus or taxi and it took 20 to 30 minutes. I love it! One of our new investigators is Ana Lilia and she has been Evangelist for about a year now. She is not certain her church is true so we've been teaching her this week and so far she loves it. In our first lesson she prayed standing up, wearing a veil and she spoke for about ten minutes, trembling the entire time. In our third lesson, on Saturday, she already had changed her prayers to be simpler and she is doing so well!

Katherine and her new companions.

Speaking of church, remember how I haven't given any talks so far in the mission? Well on Sunday a member of the bishopric came up to us after we sat down and asked me to share a message. I figured he meant my testimony, which is what they always ask for your first Sunday. I said yes and he then mentioned he needed a ten-minute talk from me about something I learned this week! I spent most of my time freaking out and trying to think of something I could share. I ended up talking about a Liahona article about a potato along with some scriptures from 3 Nephi 27—my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon—and my testimony. I felt like I didn't make much sense but my companions said it was good. So I got my first talk done and it wasn't too bad!

     Overall this week has definitely been more stressful than earlier in my mission due to what happened in my old area. All I can say is that personal revelation is 100% true. You can learn more and understand better through prayer, through the scriptures and through church attendance. It all requires effort, but I know, if you have a question and you need an answer, you will receive one. I know this church is true, that our leaders are inspired and that they can help us if we let them. It is not always easy but it is always worth it. 

     I love you all so much and I hope you have a successful and happy week!

Love,

Hermana Bennett