"Teen Mom"

We got to skype!

So I may have deceived you all with the title of my email but in a weird way it is true. In the mission if you are training you're called that missionary's "mom" or "dad". Hermana Cedeno was my "mom" for my first 7 weeks and normally you'll have a trainer for 12 weeks or two transfers. Well there are only 6 Spanish sisters here and three of us came 7 weeks ago and 1 came last week...so we were short trainers with experience. And that is the short, complicated way that I ended up training at 7 weeks....or being a "teen mom".

So in other words...I"M TRAINING! I feel a little (re: a lot) under prepared and a little over my head but I'm excited to get to work with Hermana Shaffer! She is from Draper, Utah and has a voice of an angel. Like she was literally on some church cds and stuff...shes legit folks. And like I said I am still in good ol' Queen Creek with  a few minor adjustments. We now have 6 missionaries in the ward which means that areas had to be changed a bit. We ended up losing half our investigators which was hard but we have an area that's pretty unexplored Spanish wise so are excited to get to work in it and find people!

But in very good news...Gloria is still in our area! I love her so much and am so pumped to keep working with her. We were able to set a baptismal date with her for this weekend and she is so excited! So hopefully all will go well and we will be able to get her baptized!

Yesterday also was awesome because we got to Skype our families! Its so great to see the Showalter Clan and hear their voices and see their faces. Families really are the most important thing we have and I am so grateful to know that they can be together forever.

This past week has been filled with the some of the best moments and hardest moments of my mission so far. Since I was without a companion for two days I got to hang out with the English sisters, Sister Baggley and Sorenson. We had a blast working together and taught one of the most powerful lessons on my mission so far. The spirit was so strong that we were all in tears. Those are the moments that just make everything worth it. We also had a cool experience yesterday where a referral not only talked to us but invited us back for dinner! Miracles are real!

Funny moments this week include:
- an old (ish?) man hitting on Hermana Shaffer and I
- we got anti-ed (?) by this really strong Christian
- Sister Sorenson and Baggely actually having a draft for transfers to try and figure out who was going where...it was kind of awesome actually

But anyways that was my week! I know that in the hard moments of our lives that we always have a loving Heavenly Father that we can rely on. As long as we are doing our part He will make up the rest.

To the Moon and Back:
Hermana Showalter

RIP Hermana Cedeno

We have a lady we visit that has a ton of bobble heads lining her house so we took a pic with them!

Yup it's true folks....Hermana Cedeno dies (as in leaves the mission) today.

It is so hard to say good bye to her. The things that she has taught me about being a missionary and working hard and leaving it all behind are things I hope to carry throughout my mission and I know that I am a better missionary because of her.

But in other news...TRANSFERS! Well it looks like I will be staying in good old Queen Creek and the Bella Vista Zone for the time being and I couldn't be more excited. I love this area so much and am excited to continue to work with Gloria who is the bomb diggity (shout out to Katie).

Gloria

 In exciting miracles that happened this week she asked for Sundays off....AND THEY SAID YES! So she was able to come to church this week which means that she can be baptized either this week or next depending on how she feels. Hermana Cedeno and I were literally dancing when she told us. THE CHURCH IS TRUE.

This week we also had two of our investigators feed us which I like to think is their way of showing love to us. The problem is they may love us too much. Juan and Sandra literally fed us so much I had to sneakily unbutton the back of my skirt or else I was going to throw up. 99% sure that Heavenly Father helped me out though because I managed to keep it all in and not die. But they also fed me the spiciest pepper of my life and I high key thought I was allergic to it and every part of my face was in intense pain and felt like it was on fire for 15 minutes. Turns out I wasn't allergic but it was just really hot...Moral of the story: Beware of peppers that Mexicans feed you and say is only "a little spicy"...its a lie.

But other than that not a ton happened this week. We had Spanish zone conference which was a blast and super spiritually uplifting and then president bought us all lunch #blessed.I love every second I get to spend with President Wheeler. He was truly called of God.

Oh and I don't know who my next companion is until Wednesday so I guess we will all find out soon! All I know is that I love this work even though it can be really hard. We just need to put it in Gods hands and trust that He will provide the rest. I truly love this Gospel with all my heart! I invite all of you to really try and strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father. I know that this will bring you so much peace...it has for me! I love all of you!

To the moon and back!!

Hermana Showalter

Spanish Zone shirts and pictures during our soccer game today!!!

LOOK how hot!

me and my enemy...the bike

 Sister Baggley and I living the English life

SHOUTOUT to Hermana Coulom for sending me pringles and a really cute necklace!

We had the same dress so we decided to twin for Hermana Cedenos last Sunday!

Letty and Andrea and Diana

Lucrecia and Jose

Another great week here in Queen Creek, Arizona! I may have been kissed....

I'll start with funny moments today....

  - I thought an old man was going in for a hug and froze because I didn't know how to respond. Turns out he was going in for a kiss but because of the awkward angle I was frozen at, kissed my neck instead. And they say you don't get any action on your mission...
  - went out with the English sisters for a bit and this lady told us that her husband was a Mormon bishop so she wasn't interested....we were a little confused but turns out she thought we were the Jehovah Witnesses
  - accidentally threw raw chicken at my companion when I made an Elder Pass noise (our zone leader)
 
But in other news I gave a 10 minute talk in church yesterday....IN SPANISH! Everyone was quite impressed (including myself) and now I am no longer the white girl but the white girl who can speak Spanish! So that was exciting.

In sad news we have to push back Gloria's baptism until next week. She wasn't able to make it to church yesterday because she has a crazy work schedule but is really trying to change it which is awesome. She is so ready and excited to be baptized its amazing to be a part of.

Other sad news is that this is Hermana Cedenos last week. I am going to miss her a ton. She is an amazing missionary and friend. She has taught me so so much and I know that I am (semi) prepared for the road ahead.

We also had exchanges with Sister Hanson this week which was so fun to party it up with her again. A thing I love about this mission is that you see everyone all the time and it really lifts your spirits.

Well time is kind of crazy today so I got to go but I just want to tell you all how much I love this gospel. It is hard sometimes and  difficult but the rewards are so great. This is a gospel of joy!! Christ is the way. Eternal Life is the goal. Joy is the reward!

TO THE MOON AND BACK

Hermana Showalter

One of the most poisonous lizards in the world

Scorpion - 0 Hermana Showalter - 1

Well guys Arizona has started kicking into gear for summer. Although everyone is quick to assure me that it will be 20 degrees hotter before we can really complain about it. But the cockroaches and scorpions have started emerging so I think its plenty hot.

I actually had an interesting experience this week with a scorpion. We were on exchanges and in my area when one of the sisters screamed "HERMANA SHOWALTER!" I of course booked it to see what was the matter and there it was...the scorpion. For the purpose of this story we'll call him Lionel. Lionel was casually sitting on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf. I stared at him...he stared at me... So I sprang into action. I duct taped bowls and random kitchen utensils together so I wouldn't have to get close and then trapped him. Lionel did not move and that freaked me out even more. Well after much heavy breathing and maybe a few tears (I'm a wuss sorry mom) we had him trapped between a bowl and a piece of paper. By this time we were 90% sure Lionel was actually dead but I wasn't taking my chances. I picked it up, run outside, chucked Lionel, the Tupperware and paper as far as I could and booked it inside. And that is the last we ever saw of Lionel and the story of how I mildly conquered my fear of scorpions.

In other news this week.... Letty did not get baptized :( Her husband decided marriage wasn't as important as work and has changed his mind. We were all really sad but we will wear him down and tie him to the car if necessary!! But in more happy news Gloria has decided to get baptized (AHHHHHHHH). Gloria is our miracle. Her cousin is a recent convert (and super super amazing and active) and we were on our way to visit her one day when we awkwardly arrived at the same time as Gloria. All three of us were just waiting there and we didn't have an appointment or anything so we were a little uncomfortable. Anyways we ended up going in and teaching both of them and inviting them to come to the pageant. And we've been teaching her ever since! She is literally so ready and willing. Its amazing! I was on exchanges when she went on date but I cried and may have been screaming and running around like a lunatic....ITS JUST SO AMAZING PEOPLE! Seeing people want to come closer to their Heavenly Father and Savior is really special. The joy you feel is incredible because you grow to love the people so much.

Other than that not a ton of things happened. I went on the exchanges twice and learned a lot. (Exchanges are when you trade companions for the day) I love seeing how other missionaries teach because everyone is so different. Also as a new missionary it really helps me develop my own abilities and get a lot better.

Miracles of the week include:
- someone paying for Hermana Cedenos groceries today. Both of us were literally in tears and it was a true miracle- having our investigator, Virginia, who we've met once! come to church!!!!
- not running out of gas yesterday (because we forgot to fill the tank....)
- knowing that families can be together forever!!!

Guys this week was hard but I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord. It has changed me already in more ways than I can express. We have been so blessed in so many ways. This country and the religious freedoms we are allowed to enjoy are truly amazing. My companions country, Venezuela, is in a really bad place right now and shes really struggling with having to go home. Its made me appreciate the safety and things we take for granted here. Everything we have is truly a gift and it is so humbling.

Just think about all the things you have to be grateful for. I promise you that you'll be blown away with the many blessings God has given you!

Anyways I love all of you so much and I love this gospel! It is a gospel of joy!!!!

To the Moon and Back!


Hermana Showalter

And I Beheld a Fish and Also an Emu

I don't even know how to start this email guys. What a week!

Well I mean first of all LETTY AND DIANA ARE GETTING BAPTIZED! AHHHHHHH! It is so amazing although Satan has been trying to stop it from happening at every turn. Hahahaha little does he know we aren't going to let that happen. It will be truly amazing to see them enter into that font and take a closer step to being an eternal family.

Also I got to go on exchanges twice this week! I was high key terrified of having to lead my area and being the only Spanish speaker but wow what a day of miracles! We plan everyday in the morning and I was in charge of planning out the day since Sister Sorenson doesn't know my area. Never before have I prayed so hard for the Lord to guide me....while 45 min into the planning (usually 30 min) and I wasn't really feeling that guidance. But guys...the Lord answers prayers. We did not do one single thing that I planned...I mean nothing...lunch...dinner...study time. At the end of the day as we were running around I had the thought to visit a referral we had gotten. Before we knew it we were on their couch and I taught a complete lesson in Spanish. Like I understood everything that was said and they understood everything they said. We walked out of that lesson in awe and completely humbled. God answers our prayers just not how we really expect them to be answered. It definitely showed me that this is His work.

My other exchange was with Hermana Weyand in her area and she is hilarious. We had a blast and preached the gospel too! I also had the opportunity to eat a fish..like as it was staring at me. It was hard and I felt guilty but he was pretty delicious so as long as I didn't look at his eye I was able to do it. Also I got to spend the night with Sister Norgrant which brought back the good old college days.

Easter was also a blessed day...I mean like first of all Jesus!! (HE LIVES AND LOVES ALL OF YOU) and also FIVE OF OUR INVESTIGATORS CAME TO CHURCH. Of course two could only come at different times in the morning so we ended up going to 5 hours of church but it was awesome! I almost cried when Hugo walked into the chapel because he NEVER comes. It was our Easter miracle for sure.

I know our Savior lives. This is something that has brought me such peace in my life and I am so thankful that my Heavenly Brother died for me. Through Him we can have eternal families and live again.

I would add funny moments but I don't remember! This week was truly a blur! I did see an Emu so that was exciting!

To the moon and back!
--
Hermana Showalter

Duh Duh Duh...and another month bites the dust!

I remember thinking last week how far away Monday seemed....Now I have no idea where it went!! This was literally the craziest of crazy weeks and I can't even put into words how fast it went by!

To start off...THE EASTER PAGEANT!! Having grown up near the Hill Cumorah Pageant I was super pumped because it has a very special place in my heart and let me tell you...WOW! So good!!! I got to go Friday and Saturday which was great because one day was in English and the other in Spanish. I may be biased but I definitely think that the day in Spanish was much much better. Also we had four investigators go!! Truly an awesome experience. For those of you who don't know, the Easter Pageant is all about Christ and His time on earth and the resurrection and the spirit was so strong! I know that we have a loving Savior who died for us. This time of the year is just the best!

Also our mission had a choir concert yesterday! We got to sing about Christ and show the new Easter video. For those of you who haven't seen it look up Prince of Peace.  It is so beautiful and I feel the spirit so strong every time I watch it! UGH CHILLS GUYS CHILLS! We may not have sounded super super pretty but the spirit was there as well as two of our investigators and a recent convert!

I also got to go on exchanges with Hermana Anderson this week! Although everyone cancelled on us and no one answered their door we had a fun time getting to know one another. We also got lost a lot since neither of us have a great sense of direction!

Best spiritual experience of the week was when we had a lesson with someone who has been investigating for a very long time. Shes already learned all the lessons and so is working on her personal progress. So she TAUGHT us the plan of salvation. I could not have done a better job honestly and she is so ready to be baptized...she just needs to be married first...

Funny moments of the week:

-Hermana Cedeno told our investigator that I wanted 6 helpings for dinner...luckily I only had to eat two but it was the most painful moment of my life. Now its a competition to see if we can get the members to give the other a lot to eat for dinner

- Found a Jehovah's Witness pamphlet on our  doorstop. Replaced it with a pass along card. Yesterday I got two paper cuts from that pamphlet so I think they know....

- As is my life our car broke down yesterday. Luckily because of my long history of car problems I knew what to do. I popped open the hood and looked clueless. Within 30 minutes, 8 members had pulled over to help and 2 of our investigators! So a little bit of a blessing in disguise but sad because we lost all of our proselyting time waiting for the tow truck. We told Elder Ashton (our vehicle coordinator) that we needed a new car...preferably a Porsche or his truck. Sadly he did not agree...

But that was my week! I also hit finished month 2! MY time here has flown but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love my Savior, I love this church and I love the joy of this gospel!!!

To the moon and back!

Hermana Showalter

We may have wanted to jump in the water but we managed not to "fall" in - Bella Vista Zone

The field is "brown" and ready to harvest!

Riley's Mom sent my Mom this.

An elder in our zone said that this week and I testify that it is true...in my case at least!

Everything is going super awesome here in the great area of Gilbert AZ! The sun is shining, the cacti are growing and the missionaries are working! We had zone conference this week and what a blessing it was to hear from our mission president! We talked about having the faith to find people and it was exactly what I needed to hear! Also I saw Riley'
s mom!! That was super exciting and I know he is doing awesome on his mission in Texas! 

Wow that's a lot of exclamation points...Ill try and calm myself down but no promises. This week was also awesome in the fact that GENERAL CONFERENCE happened!!!!!!! Sorry but that is something that deserves all the exclamation points. Conference is when we get to hear from our church leaders and it is just so inspired! my favorite quote was probably from Elder Choi who said "Don't look around, rather look up!" I know the world would rather have us looking at those things around us distracting us from the great blessings and opportunities God is raining down upon us. So I invite all of you to LOOK TO GOD! He is there for us in every moment just waiting for us to turn to Him!

This was also a week of miracles. We had a lesson go way over with an investigator but it was necessary and we felt good as we left. Just as we were about to get in our car, her daughter got home from school and ran over and started asking us questions on missionary work because of a friend at. At the end she asked us if we were coming by tomorrow because she wanted to know more. We were stunned but were like yeah totally!!! And that is the story of how I got my first investigator....IT WAS SO AWESOME and truly a miracle!

Also I was feeling kind of down one day when as we were just getting ready to pull out of our drive way a little boy on his scooter came over. We rolled down the window and he asked us if we were the sister missionaries. We told him we were and he introduced himself and thanked us for our work. I almost died it was so cute. Being a missionary is awesome because you aren't representing yourself. You're representing Christ. It truly is a marvelous opportunity to forget yourself and serve the Lord. 

okay enough spiritual stuff...now here's the funny:

-  we were checking the mail and there was a flyer hidden with shirtless guys...I accidentally opened it up but when I saw it threw it really far away shouting apostasia!!!! Hermana Cedeno almost died

- I'm singing in our missionary choir (its funny if you've ever heard me sing)

- while contacting we found not one...but two German speakers! Ironically we didn't find any Spanish speakers...go figure!

Anyways I don't have any pictures this week sooooo Ill try to be better about that for next week!!

To the moon and back!!! 

 Hermana Showalter

 

Mesa Temple