Hope you had a good new year!

Hey everyone!

So I don't have too much to write this week. It was a pretty fast week, it seemed like, but kind of slow in the work of the Lord. With New Years, people were.....a little unreceptive to the word (to say the least). They do have a really interesting tradition here, though. They make these little dummies that look like old men and they stuff them full of palomitas (firecrackers to my understanding....) and light them on fire at midnight to signify getting rid of all the old and starting with the new. Very interesting.... One of the other sisters took pictures, so I'll have to get that and then pass it along next week! Only in Belize.... ;) haha

Umm...a few simple stories for now. We had an interesting follow-up lesson with a man we met two weeks ago. We had originally had a return appointment set for last Sunday, but ended up missing it because of choir practice running late. (Yes, I know. Missionaries should NEVER miss their appointments or arrive late. Sister Vasquez and I just forgot....) Later during the week, however, we ran into this man again and sat down to have a quick lesson with him. We started laughing and getting to know him and then sang one of my favorite hymns, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," which heloved! We asked about starting off with a prayer and he volunteered to offer it even though he has never prayed in his entire life! We started talking about prophets and Jesus Christ (leading on to the Restoration of the gospel) and he was so happy about everything. He kept saying that he didn't have to pray about what we were teaching--he already knew that it was true! So that was a really cool experience. When we first contacted him, he didn't seem like a very positive guy. But it just goes to show that we need to talk with everyone and follow up with everyone because we never know who the Spirit is working on....

My companion and I may or may not have pulled a prank on the other sisters. We, of course, didn't do it all on our own. Some of the members helped us pull it off! :D That, however, is a bit of a longer story, but let's just say that the sisters thought someone had stolen their bikes and that they were going to have to pay for new ones. :) hehe They did learn their lesson though--to lock their bikes always and to come home on time! hahaha

One last story. Wednesday night, the recent convert family that lives down the street--their two children were reallysick. We had called the elders to come and give a blessing and they got there, without any oil. I had bought some two months or so ago for the bites on my legs, but and long since stopped using it. There was still quite a bit left, so we were able to quickly run home and the elders were able to consecrate it and use it for the blessing. They gave the son a blessing first and by the time they finished, their two year-old girl was crying and wouldn't stop. They anointed her,still crying. But it wasn't until they began giving her the blessing that she finally stopped. It was....a very cool experience. The Spirit filled every part of that room. And the children were better the next day which is incredible because Reyna had the possibility of having Hepatitis--it was that bad....

I am so grateful to be here on the mission. Every day is full of tiny miracles and they all are strengthening my faith. I'm so grateful for the adversities that we face in life, for I know that they are what help us become acquainted with God.

Thank you for all of your love and support. Shoutout to ma li sistah who may or may not be getting a mission call this week! (Fingers crossed for Belize! ;) hahaha) And double shoutout to ma older sistah who leaves for North Carolina in a month! I am so grateful for the blessing that we have to serve the Lord in various capacities throughout the world. I encourage all of you to continue to look for ways to show your love and appreciation for Him through the service that you rend for others. Always remember President Monson's favorite hymn, "Have I Done Any Good?"

I love you all! Have a wonderful service-filled week!

Love Always,

Sistah M