HOLA!

Hello from the GREAT WHITE NORTH!!

That is what they call it up here! haha that is because it is exactly opposite here. No Spanish really.  I have only spoke Spanish to one human so far.  I am on North Padre Island.  It is BEAUTIFUL.  The island is super super long- but very narrow.  It is only about two miles across.  So we can basically see the beach wherever we are.  There are houses that are built and their back yards are water.  They just hop on their boats from their back porch and go cruisen on the ocean. As we walk around or bike you can see little kids fishing off their back porches as well.  There is a beautiful sea breeze that cools down the summer heat and palm trees everywhere. It is Super pretty.  Be excited to come on vacation here someday!  In the mornings we walk out side of our apartment and it is a one minute walk until we are on the board walk by the beach. So we do our work outs out there and get to watch the sun rise.  It is pretty. 

My new companion is Sister Ramos.  She has three months left on the mission.  She is a convert to the church- converted when she was 16- and now she is out her serving the Lord! It is super great!  She is from Weezer (don't know how to spell that..) Idaho. Also- back in Donna- all the latinos would call me 'Hermana Weeezer" because they can't pronounce Wiser. funny. Anyways,  both her sisters are members.  She has had a tough life- but she knows the church is true and wants to help others! so that is great!

The work is SOOOO different here! well- It is the same work- But it is different because people on the streets don't invite you in or want to talk to you about the church, or Jesus, or anything religious. So we are working on that! Ha I will be honest- it is super weird contacting in English. I am actually more comfortable contacting in Spanish.  We have awesome members here though! and So much work to be done! My area covers North Padre Island and Port Aransas.  It is a greenie area- It has only been open for 2 transfers. So the work is really going to get rolling soon.  It is amazing how the Lord blesses us with miracles. And even though the people are different- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is TRUE.  It is SO true.  And it applies to EVERYONE. 

Last night- after a long day we were walking down the street and we just weren't finding anyone home, or anyone that was interested. and my Comp pulled out the scripture Alma 26-27- which says- "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success." We were walking down the street- and literally- the second she closed the book of mormon we saw this 17/18 year old girl walking down the street!  So we went and talked to her- and invited her to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized! SHE SAID YES! And we have a return appointment with her tonight! So we are super excited!  It was definitely a miracle. And that just strengthened my testimony- That the Lord is truly aware of us. And that he does know where we are and the things that we need. When we pray and ask for direction he really will lead us to where we need to be.

Here on the island we bike more! Haha so that has been fun.  It is a lot nicer on the island actually.  Cars are more aware of bikers- and it gives us more of an opportunity to talk to ALL the humans. =D And I got fried.  So now I have a nice farmers tan. and a shoe tan.  Ha I am just the queen of awkward tan lines. =D It's all fun. =D

This week I read an amazing talk- on of the new sisters in the ward gave it to me.  Its called "Beware of Pride" by ezra taft benson.  He lays down the law!  Man it is soooo good! look it up.  It is definitely a life changer.

That's all for this week! I love being a missionary! and I love this work.  Missionary work is truly God's work.  Being  fully converted and faithful to our covenants here on the earth is truly the only way to make it in this crazy world.  Now a days- having a testimony is very good-  It is a very important first step-  But CONVERSION is what saves us. in Alma chapter 19- After Ammon taught king lamoni- and he was 'sleeping' for three days- after he arose he and his wife started teaching the people that had gathered because of the servant Abish. in verse 31 it says: 'as many as heard his words believed, and were CONVERTED unto the lord.'  After that they became a righteous people- blessed by the lord. in a few verses down it says that they 'no longer desired to do evil'.  When we are truly converted to Christ we have the strength to overcome anything.  We have full access to the atonement and all the blessings that come!  When we are converted we will 'never fall away'.  Every time I read the book of Mormon I am more and more converted to Christ.  I know that the book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It truly testifies of him and teaches his gospel.  Jesus is the Christ.  The savior of the world.  Through him we are saved from every pain, sorrow, trial and trouble. We are saved from Death itself. As we 'draw near unto him', he draws nearer to us. The book of Mormon is full of promised blessings- as we keep the commandments and do the things that God guides us to do we are blessed beyond our 'wildest dreams'.

 

LOVE YOU ALL!

until next week!

-Onward and Upward-

 

-Sister Wiser