15 September 2014

This last week we had a lot happen and all of it was great! We had zone conference with our president and he did it very differently from the past one. We had a reader's theater, videos, power points and lots of snacks. It was just a fun, spiritual time. 

A reader's theater scene from zone conference.

Today is Mexico's holiday celebrating their independence and they are celebrating left and right. It is awesome to be here! They have been setting off fireworks the last few nights (which sound just like gun shots) and we had a huge stake activity, "una noche mexicana," complete with a giant tent, a live band, enough food for a week and hundreds of people to celebrate with. This all happened Friday night. We had to be home by 9:30 but we found out most people didn't leave until 2 am! They know how to party! And tonight we have plans with at least two different families to eat traditional Mexican food. I'll let you know how it goes next week!

The ward celebrating Mexican independence.

The sisters naturally got into the spirit of the activity.

One last highlight was a "noche de hogar" or family home evening that we set up with an investigator family at the home of a member. It turned out really well. They shared a lesson about how the foundation of the church is Christ. They used the six nails balancing on one for the example with scriptures for each nail, or keystone in the foundation. I know the Church is true, that it is Christ's church and that if we follow him and live the Gospel, we will be never fall and always have the Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. I am so glad to be serving a mission and having the chance to share this message with the people of Mexico. 

I love you all and pray for you daily!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

halfway

Time is speeding up! I can't believe this Thursday will be my 9-month mark, exactly halfway through. Everyone says the second half just flies by, but we'll see! This last week we had some fun experiences. My companion got her haircut and it was bad. So I fixed it for her! The next day we had a giant thunderstorm and there were puddles everywhere. We were walking on a sidewalk when a car came flying past, right next to us. We got a wave of water on us and were completely soaked. I started laughing, because honestly, I've only ever seen that in movies. My comp got mad and wanted to hit someone but we kept going; we didn't even have time to change clothes. Luckily they dried pretty quickly. 

     Later during the week a guy contacted us, we had talked to him before, and he said he wanted to listen to us. But then he started offering us massages and got set on giving us foot massages. We explained that no, we couldn't and he brought up Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He was determined! But we finally just had to walk away. Another time we were walking in the street at night and a lady and her family were setting off small fireworks. As we were walking past she through out some small black things and I thought, oh shoot! Those are fireworks. So I started walking faster but I wasn't quick enough and they went off right behind me! I kinda jumped around and then burst out laughing—only in Mexico!

     With Fast Sunday yesterday, we heard some wonderful testimonies. Two of our recent converts bore their testimonies and they were amazing. The little 9 year old, Mildred, spoke about how pretty baptism is and how she wants everyone to have one. Later Patricia Lopez bore her testimony about the changes the Gospel has had on her life. She spoke of how what she thought were blessings were just mercy and how now, she can see the blessings she is receiving from living the Gospel. I love learning from my investigators and converts, it really is amazing. The spirit teaches everyone who is willing.

     I love you all and am so grateful for your prayers. I hope you have a great day!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

Nine-year-old Liliana, baptized last week, drew this for the sisters.

Luxuries normally only found at home are sweeter when found in the field!

Locals call this an outdoor garage.

"tiger nut milk"

Hi Friends and Family!

This last week was difficult and probably one of the most difficult ones I've had in the mission. The worst part was that one of our favorite investigators texted us Saturday night, after all we had gone through, to tell us she didn't want to get baptized and was happy in her religion. She's 12 and I'm sure it's only because her grandmother is super Catholic. It is frustrating and disappointing to meet so many people who would accept the Gospel if only their families were a little more accepting. 

     But a few stories from this last week. Mexicans love eating chicken feet. My companion and I both find them disgusting but we decided to buy some and give them to the new Elder in our ward. He freaked out. We had a good laugh and then gave him a Bueno bar we had bought. So the other day I was looking up horca, which means gallows, when I saw that horchata translates to "tiger nut milk". I found it hilarious and quickly told my companion who then busted up laughing. I found out today that there is a type of horchata made with tiger nuts but here in Mexico it's all made from rice. Guess I'll have to wait until I go to Spain to try true horchata!

Don't these chicken feet look delicious?

A while ago I printed out a talk by President Uchtdorf called "All is Well" and it is one of my favorite talks. You should all read it, so here's the link: https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/all-is-well?lang=eng. I think it is true that we become complacent in our lives, whether on the mission or at home. It can be hard to always be optimistic, working hard diligently, but it makes the difference in our life here on earth and will make the difference in the life to come. So please read the talk and apply it to yourself! I love you all and want the best for each of you. And the Gospel is the absolute best thing there is in this world. So grab onto it and never let it go.

Love,

Hermana B.

At the recent baptism of a nine-year-old girl.