I think I have started this email at least 4 o 5 times today.  I don't know where to begin!!  I suppose with what has happened this week. 

Saturday, we had Una Gran Feria!  As a missionary/branch activity, we set up several games, made popcorn, cut watermelon, gave out candy, and had a LOT of laughs.  It was SO much fun, and it was a success!  Although, it didn't start out that way.  But every time I began to worry, I felt a sure inner peace.  Long story short, Friday we decided to fast so it would be a beautiful day and all would work out well (since weather in Honduras can be a little unpredictable).  It rained Friday night.  I woke up several times in the night only to hear rain on the rooftops.  It was cloudy Saturday morning.  It was drizzling.  But we kept the faith.  When we finished our fast and went outside to head out to the church to start setting things up, there were clouds in every direction.  Except for a squarish shaped opening of clear, beautiful blue sky - right above the chapel.  It was such a clear witness to me that God had heard our prayers, that He loves us, and that He was pleased with the activity we had planned.  How grateful I am for the Lord, for fasting, for prayer! I know that God listens to His children, when they speak in faith.  More than anything, for the chance I have to learn more from Him every day.

Sunday was crazy.  But beautiful.  Hermana Avila and I sang a duet in Sacrament Meeting, "Más Cerca Dios de Tí".  It was beautiful.  I played the keyboard for the last time. In Relief Society, someone mentioned that it was my last Sunday, and they made me stand up to share something with them.  Oh, I was filled with so much love looking at mis hermanas hondureñas. Cuánto les extrañaré!

En la tarde, we got to meet many wonderful new people.  All day, I could feel so strongly the love God has for His children - wherever they may be, whatever they may be doing, He loves them.  He loves us!  He loves YOU! :)

I feel so much gratitude in my heart.  This mission experience has changed me, and it changes me every day.  How grateful I am for the chance to serve the Lord as a servant in the vineyard.  Where he has invited me to work at His side that I may become more like Him.

There are so many things running through my mind and emotions in my heart, but I suppose they will have to wait.  I've still got people to serve.

I love you all, so, so much.

¡Cuídense!

LOVELOVELOVE,
Hermana Grondel

Celebrating Valentine's Day with my favorite - ice cream! :)

Another week has flown by way too fast!

We've just been doing normal missionary stuff...teaching, finding, walking, and this week we had a baptism as well!!  Angie was a very, very prepared jóven who basically asked us to baptize her when we met her.  She already had this great desire to be baptized, so we just helped her along the way.

We helped clean up a kindergarten this week.  One of the walkways was rather dirty, so we began to sweep it.  As we swept, we realized there was a whole lot more walkway buried under the dirt.  As we were cleaning it, we were joking that we found more Copan Ruinas, hahahaha. :)

Well, I just love being a missionary.  It is the greatest thing in the whole world.  I love being able to go up to anyone and just start talking about this gospel.  The reactions are always varied, but the satisfaction I feel at the end of the day is without comparison.  I love this gospel.  I love my savior, Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful for His redeeming sacrifice.  I am so grateful that He was restored His gospel to the Earth once more.  I am so grateful for temples.  So, so grateful.  I am so grateful that families can one day be together forever.  I know that this is the only true and complete church of Jesus Christ on the face of the Earth.  I am so grateful for the chance I have to serve my Heavenly Father, in a very special way.  I love looking up in church to see a less-active member we have been visiting walk in.  I love feeling the spirit in the lessons we teach.  I love feeling part of something that really, really matters.  I love being part of an eternal family.  I love Honduras.  I love this time.  It really is the best part of my entire life. 

Well, I love you all bunches.  Have a great week!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

The baptism!

One morning during personal study, I got REALLY cold

This week, we have had many special moments.  Moments that just make one glad to be alive. :)  I suppose nothing that big or exciting happened, but I have been trying to enjoying the little moments that come our way. :)

We helped cut down a tree outside of a member's house, which was great fun, and came with a delicious bowl of sopa de frijoles. :)

We have been able to meet many wonderful people, who are progressing so well.  It is so wonderful to finally feel as though we are seeing progress out here.  I truly love this work. :)

One very special moment happened while we were waiting for a member to come accompany us.  She asked us to come back in about a half hour so she could shower.  Well, without much to do near her house, we decided to go look for the house of another member who had recently moved.  Well, she is a nurse, and upon finding her house, we noticed that she was helping one very sick grandmother.  Her family was there - they had traveled more than 2 hours to get there - and were very worried.  Well, she invited us in, and we offered to sing a hymn and have a prayer with them to try to bring them a bit of solace.  It was such a beautiful moment, and the spirit was rather strong.  Later, the nurse let us know that they were so grateful and that it had helped them out a bunch.  Yay for small and simple things!

Today, we went to Copan Ruinas to see el Parque de Aves, Macaw Mountain.  It was pretty cool. :) 

Other than that, we have been DYING of cold this week, though yesterday and today were suddenly very hot.  But everyone says it's going to get cold again tomorrow. BRRR!

Well, I love being a missionary
:)

I love you all!!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

At the park

 

 

 

 

 

Fun with a machete

I love these people!

I cannot believe it is already Monday again.  I feel as though this week has FLOWN by!

Tuesday, we decided to try and make German Potatoes...That was interesting, hahaha.  Potatoes are slightly different here...and soup...and I think I got the timing wrong...But the spam was delicious!!

We had some other interesting experiences this week as well.  One day, we went to help a young girl cut up firewood with a machete.  One more lifeskill to add to my ever growing list. :)  The other day, we were passing by one investigator's house whom we hadn't seen in a while.  Well, she happened to be leaving her house as we passed, so we stopped by to chat with her.  She told us that she was going to her Mom's house to help her make tortillas.  So we asked if we could help.  She said sure and let us follow her into her mom's house.  At first, her mom was a bit hesitant to let us try to make tortillas, but she warmed up to us and gave us a chance.  We then began to feel that we were the show as they made dinner.  I think at least 8 people were crowded into there kitchen to watch the gringas make tortillas, hahahaha.  Some took photos, someone else took a video.  We were dying of laughter. :)

Saturday, we had interviews with President Dester.  If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, but I am so grateful for him and his wife. They are wonderful, angelic people.  I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ, and I know that He carefully places people in our lives.  I know that He calls specific people to specific positions to best bless all of His children.  I also felt sure of that yesterday as we watched a video put together by the Central America Area Presidency. De hecho, something Elder Duncan said in that video really caught my attention.  He was talking about the importance of paying tithing.  He began speaking of all the uncertainty and problems and instability that we see now and that is to come.  He explained that tithing is the Lord's way of giving us a sense of security.  The Lord promises us that if we pay tithing, we will not need to worry, even when all may seem lost. Even when we may not be able to see how it will be possible to live, to eat. WOW! The opportunity to pay tithing is definitely a HUGE blessing.

Other than that, I am just loving life.  I love being a missionary.  I love being able to testify of our Lord and Savior and of His true church every day.  I love being able to bless the lives of other people.  I love all I am learning and becoming.  More than anything, I love my Savior and my Father in Heaven.  I am so grateful for the chance I have to serve them here. :)

I love you all!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel

Partiendo leña

Hermana Avila and I almost always match.  :)

Hoooooooooooola!

Well, here I am again.  I have had quite the week. 

I suppose some may have noticed that these past weeks have been rough for me. I am ashamed to admit it, but I have even been downright depressed. Ahora, that isn't to see that everything was dark and gloomy; in the midst of it all, I've still had some great things going on.  But I had lost some of my inner happiness, and I couldn't understand why. This wednesday was probably the hardest of all.  As I prayed, wondering what I was doing wrong, longing for peace and trying to make sense of it all, I felt I should just try and make it to Thursday, when the sister training leaders were going to come do divisions with us.  We kept working as normal and I felt a bit better at the end of the day.  Thursday came and we had divisions.  Todo cheque, todo normal.  My good friend, Hermana Bahr, went with Hermana Avila, and I went with Hermana Lopez.  It was fun, and I enjoyed myself, but the answer to so many prayers came Friday morning during companionship study.  I asked Hermana Avila if she had learned something from divisions that she wanted to share with me.  She said that Hermana Bahr had taught her that she should enjoy every day in the mission.  Obviously, not throw a party and not be lazy or anything like that, but the mission is a beautiful experience, one that we should live to the fullest.  Also, Hermana Lopez had mentioned that I should remember to always focus in the people, not in the numbers.  It hit me so hard.  THAT was what I had been missing.  I had not been enjoying my mission.  I had been working hard and we had good numbers, but it had become just that - numbers.  I had begun to associate numbers with success and happiness with laziness.  I had begun to just work and work and work waiting for the day to end or the week to end and give my numbers instead of enjoying each moment and enjoying the opportunities and people that surround me every day.  We have changed a couple of things about our companionship, and I am now focusing on enjoying every moment and focusing on each person.  I think in past weeks, I have found many temporary solutions, but I feel so sure that this is the one that really reaches the root of the problem.  I think that is part of what the Lord meant when He said that we should serve with all our heart.  It is to love and enjoy what He's asks us to do, not just doing it because He said so. So finally, FINALLY I am happy again. :) And I know how to get back to that happiness when disappointments come. :)

We've been meeting some really great people this week, and I am excited to see how they progress.  The elders have begun focusing on finding families to teach, and I think it will be something to put in practice as well.

Saturday evening we attempted to have an activity in the park.  We set up a table with various folletos and books and mormon messages.  It was an adventure. :)

Sunday night, we had a musical testimony meeting!!!  A few weeks ago, I was thinking about how much I love musical testimony meeting from back home, and decided to suggest it as a branch activity.  Everyone was curious to understand what on earth a musical testimony meeting would be, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  I certainly did!!  I could feel the spirit.  I am so grateful for music! 

Well, I think that is all for this week. :)

I love you all!!

LOVE;
Hermana Grondel

Well, there were transfers this week, but I am staying here in Copan with Hermana Avila!

Tuesday, we had a zone meeting, and I had to say good-bye to Hermana Marley.  Hijole, that was rough.  Hermana Marley has influenced my mission and my life so much.  She's been there in the good times and the bad, and we've served near each other the majority of our missions.  After so much time together, is was quite sad to have to say good-bye.  I'm just glad she lives in the states, so I'll be able to see her again. :)

Lately, well, especially here in Copan, I suppose I have felt discouraged from time to time.  es feo.  Opposition, stress, doubts, rejection, it's taken its toll on me.  But somehow, some way, the Lord always helps me to get back to my normal, happy self.  Today, I was reading in the Liahona de Noviembre2014 and read this from President Uchtdorf:
" Suppose you were able to travel back in time and have a conversation with people who lived a thousand or even a hundred years ago. Imagine trying to describe to them some of the modern technologies that you and I take for granted today.

For example, what might these people think of us if we told them stories of jumbo jets, microwave ovens, handheld devices that contain vast digital libraries, and videos of our grandchildren that we instantly share with millions of people around the world?
Some might believe us. Most would ridicule, oppose, or perhaps even seek to silence or harm us. Some might attempt to apply logic, reason, and facts as they know them to show that we are misguided, foolish, or even dangerous. They might condemn us for attempting to mislead others.

But of course, these people would be completely mistaken. They might bewellmeaning and sincere. They might feel absolutely positive of their opinion. But they simply would not be able to see clearly because they had not yet received the more complete light of truth."

It was such a reassurance to me that what I am doing is right.  I may not be perfect at doing it, there might be people who do it better, but I only hope the Lord is pleased with what I am doing out here.

Saturday, I was sick. blech.

Sunday turned out to be a great day.  Many of our appointments fell through, but we met some wonderful people.

Oh, and I have begun teaching piano lessons!  I started last Sunday, and my student is progressing so well!  They are hoping that she can learn the basics so she can play the piano after I leave.  I certainly hope so!  It has been fun to learn how to teach someone else how to play an instrument.

Today, we went to a river.  That was fun.  and a bit tiring.  I thought we were just going to look at this river, but it turned out to be a hiking adventure.  It was great!

Well, I cannot think of anything else right now.  I love you all!!

LOVE,

Hermana Grondel :)

Last photo with Hermana Marley

The River

Well, New Year's happened.  I actually forgot that this week was New Year's until I started reading letters, hahahaha.

This week started out a bit rough.  I guess I've been a bit overwhelmed with what I think I should have accomplished by now as a missionary.  About halfway through the week, I realized that I may have been doing many things Christ would do, but I had not been acting as Christ would act.  I began to take a moment to think "How would Christ react in this situation?" and wow, it has made a great difference.

New Year's was pretty normal. Lots of Fireworks. We stayed in and watched The Testaments, woo!

We were able to meet some truly incredible people this week.  We were also able to talk with some marvelous investigators.  Things are looking up. :)  Sorry that I don't have much to write, I don't remember anything!!

Oh, and transfers are this week, but as far as I know, I am staying here in Copan with Hermana Avila for my last change!

I love you all!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

Here we are again.  Another Monday, another letter.

This week has been all over the place.  It was great being able to skype and talk, but it was also a bit hard on the proselyting side of things. 

We had a district meeting with another district and it was so great!  We had a white elephant gift exchange and played some games as well to celbrate Christmas.  I received a 3D wooden velociraptor puzzle.  #dinosaursrock That night, we all went Christmas caroling in the park and the sisters from La Florida spent the night in our house.  That was a blast!

Christmas Eve, much of our day was spent doing service - washing dishes from making tamales mas que todo.  We also got to eat several tamales.  Yum!  I am trying to figure out the best way to make them so I can eat them always. :) We had to return home early because the fireworks here get preeeeeeeetty crazy.  I mean, really, really crazy.  And the majority of them are lit by children.  Yep.  Things are a bit different here. :)  Well, since we were in the house early, we decided to open our gifts Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning.  Thank you so, so very much!!  I enjoyed everything. :)  We have also eaten almost all of the candy and sweets, hahahaha.

Christmas morning, we made cinnamon rolls and planned as a district.  yum!  One of the elders had received bananagrams, so we took turns playing it in english and spanish for our language study. 

Friday, I was writing in my journal, todo cheque, when Hermana Avila started flipping out, saying there was a spider.  Now, here in Honduras, there are many spiders, and normally they are pretty small.  And since Hermana Avila is relatively new, I figured she had seen a small spider on her skirt or something that had frightened her.  BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE.  I looked over to see a HUGE spider crawling on the floor.  Like, the size of my palm huge.  So we both started freaking out.  we tried to kill it with a shoe, but the angle was off, so it just started crawling away. At this point, our desk became a mess as we tried to move everything.  We ended up moving the table away from the wall and the spider crawled behind my box of books.  After losing sight of it for a minute, we found it again and ever so slowly moved the table back towards the wall.  Then, fast as lightning, I pushed my box against the wall and squished that sucker.  Man, those were adrenaline-filled moments.

Other than that, it has just been normal missionary stuff.  Contacting, teaching, searching for the Lord's chosen.  Then searching some more and some more and a bit more. :)

Shortly after killing the spider!

It was HUGE.  I mean, this was aftersquishing it, so when it is alive, it would be larger.

After Christmas Caroling

Well, it has been a fantastic week out here in El Dorado!

I completely forgot to mention that last Monday, we went to a bakery! I will include a photo of us ready to go in.  They wouldn't let us take pictures inside, but it was fun to go and see bread be made.

We have seen many small miracles in our work this week.  It has been incredible, and I am so grateful that we have had the chance to work hard and serve our Lord. 

Much of our work this week has been in the form of service.  From folding shirts to picking up fallen beans to collecting firewood to wrapping a Christmas package, we've done it all!  I love doing service.  :)  We also crossed a river this week.  I definitely felt like a pioneer, hahahahaha.

I cannot say how grateful I am for the restored gospel.  As I have been studying this week, I have been thinking about what it would be like if we only had the Bible to depend on.  If we didn't have the Book of Mormon or Modern-Day Revelation.  HIJOLE.  So much of what I hope for and who I have become is thanks to this gospel.

President Dester invited us to study the words of our Savior during this Christmas season, so I have been reading a bit in Matthew.  As I was pondering Matthew 6:25 (and the JST of that as well), I realized that that scripture has literally been fulfilled for me.  When we have had nothing to eat in the house, someone has invited us or brought us food.  When I have needed or wanted some sort of clothing, it has been given to me.  How grateful I am for the goodness of other people!!

This week, we had divisions with the Sister Training Leaders.  I love them so much!!  I learned a lot from Hermana Ugarte.  We bought some plain white shirts and decorated them to be able to take photos. :)

Saturday, we had a branch Christmas party, put on by the four of us missionaries.  WOW so, so many people helped us to make that night special.  It was a bit stressful, especially since our mission leader overslept and had to change his work schedule aka no pudo llegar a la fiesta.  But the Lord worked miracles.  We had a small presentation and had a Christmas dinner.  We had decided to have something typical of Honduras, which included grilled meat.  So we spent much of the evening grilling 36 pounds of beef on 3 rather small grills, hahaha.  But everyone loved it!  They said it was the first Christmas party they had had in years, and everyone left full and happy. :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!  And God bless us, every one.

THE CHURCH IS TRUE!  christmas.mormon.org

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel


En la panaderia

Our grills

We were covered with ash. :)

sooooo, I lost track of time, so this letter could be rather short!

This week, we had our Multi-Zona/Christmas party, and we went to SAN PEDRO SULA!!!!  It was so great.  I had a blast, and we learned lots too.  Hermana Robles was there as well!!  But it was to give all of us the flu shot - not so fun.  The day before, I found out there was going to be a small choir.  The day of, I found out I would be directing said choir.  THAT was an adventure!  But it turned out well.  We sang "O, Holy Night", pero en español.  I also got to direct everyone as we sang almost all of the Christmas hymns, just like last year.  It was great. :)

On the bus ride back, we realized it would be our only chance to have the whole zone together! (Zona Copán is HUGE) so we all introduced ourselves and had a talent show there on the bus!!  We spent the rest of the ride singing every Christmas song we could think of.

We had the chance the week to meet Carlos, who while we were contacting asked us how he could be baptized.  SAYETH WHAT?  He is now our golden investigator.  Each time we have taught him, he has been so open and accepting of our message, a rather refreshing reaction to our efforts.

Yesterday, I was calmly waiting for the announcements to finish to sit with my companion in the congregation after the sacrament. (I was on the stand playing the piano).  Well, to my surprise, as the first counselor read the speakers' names, I heard my name.  Um, what?  NO ONE had told me that I was going to be speaking.  So I just prayed and went up there and said what came to mind.  I ended up sharing Yolany's story and emphasized the need to do our visiting and Home teaching.  Afterward, various members told me how they enjoyed my message.  I just hope they apply it!!

OH, there is so much more to say, but ther is no more time.  I love you all, and I hope you have a wonderful week!!!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

The field is white, all ready to harvest

Trying to mentally prepare myself for this vaccine. :)

Christmas party with the missionaries del Dorado!

Well, it's been another great week out here in Copan!

But...I do not remember most of it.  Everything has been a great blur.  But a fun blur.

We've just been walking around, contacting, teaching, laughing, eating, working, studying, normal missionary stuff.

Funny story:  I was talking with Hermana Avila about Latin dances.  I asked her "Sabes como hacer salsa?" (Do you know how to make/do salsa) Okay, so I didn't say the question well, and Hermana Avila says "OHH, chunky salsa, o more...?"  And I was thinking in my head,"What, is that some kind of dance only for fat people??"  And then I realized she thought I was talking about food, not a dance.  We were dying.

Yesterday was so very special.  I love fast sunday.  And testimony meeting.  They could quite possibly be some of the greatest days of my life.  Here in the mission, there are many ups and downs.  There are days when your testimony is unappreciated, stepped on, spat back in your face, and you are left, sometimes wondering why.  If I've felt it's true, why don't they?  And sometimes Satan tries to get in there.  He starts putting doubts in your head and questions that you are left trying to answer.  But despite all that, it cannot and will never change eternal truths.  Yesterday confirmed that for me.  Sitting in Sacrament meeting, I felt so happy and close to tears.  I know this gospel is true. I feel it with my very soul.  I want my family, present and future, to receive every possible blessing this, the true and restored gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer.  I cannot think of a better way to be spending Christmas this year than being able to give of myself to help others know the truths I so deeply treasure.

Here in Copan, la gente es dura.  More so than in any other area I've been.  And it's given me the chance to truly come closer to my Savior.  Oh, how I love Him!  And how grateful I feel for the love He has for me.

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel

We tried making caramel....And we burnt it....

Helllooooooooooooooooo!

Well, this week has been great. :)  Monday night, they called us to let us know all about transfers.  Well, they told me that I would be training!!  I was ECSTATIC.  And still am so very happy. :)  My companion's name is Hermana Avila, and she is from...wait for it.... LAS VEGAS!  She was born in the states, but her mom is from Chile, and her dad is from Mexico, so she is fluent in Español. :)  And she is just so great.  She is a convert to the church, as of three years ago, and she is a fantastic missionary!

Rewind to Tuesday.  We had a (almost) zone meeting to say good-bye to those who left the zone and celebrate the end of the transfer.  The sisters from Las Ruinas came up to spend the night with us so they could catch the bus Wednesday morning.  So, Hermana Bahr and I went in divisions for a few hours so Hermana Delgadillo could finish up some things she had to do and say good-bye.  It was great to be with Hermana Bahr again, but we had decided to go work in Santa Luz.  Well, on the way back to La Entrada, it started raining.  And raining. And pouring.  And we got back COMPLETELY soaked!

Wednesday, it was off to San Pedro!!!!  I really, really love San Pedro.  We then went to the institute building (El Benque was full of medical things) where I met mi hija!!!  Then it was back to Copan.

Training is an incredible experience.  It is teaching me the power of example.  I also am learning how to better depend on the Spirit.  Hermana Avila is just so prepared and ready to be a missionary.  The Spirit is so strong in our lessons, and I know the Lord is on our side, helping us in every moment.

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

Last photo with Hermana Delgadillo

P-Day with mi hija!

Wow, this week has FLOWN by!!  I have so little time, but I have so much to say!!

We are seeing some incredible progress out here in La Entrada, and I love it more and more every day. :)

Tuesday we went to Santa Luz, the ruralest part of our area, and were nearly attacked by more farm animals.  I just don't think they like me very much. :)

Wednesday, we received SO MANY baleadas.  I have never received so much food in one day here in Copan.  :)  We also made and sold donuts to help Hermana Merary y Hermano Walter.  In the afternoon, we received a phone call from the Migration Secretary of the mission.  "I've got good news and bad news", he told me.  "The bad news is you and your companion have to come to San Pedro tomorrow for your companion's residency.  The good news is Hermana Robles is going to be there as well."  Well, for me, both pieces of news were good news!!!  I was so happy to be back in San Pedro for a bit, and exceedingly ecstatic to see Hermana Robles again.  I kept pointing things out to my companion on the bus ride through SPS, and finally she said, "Pucha, we should just come to San Pedro!"  To say my current area and my last area are different is an understatement.  Seeing Hermana Robles again was beyond words.  We were both so happy to see one another.  We started talking and didn't stop.  When we had to go, both of us said, "but I haven't finished telling you everything yet!"  I am so grateful to have found such a wonderful friend in Hermana Robles.  A trip to Peru in the coming years is going to be a must. :)

While in San Pedro, we had so many awkward, funny moments.  Like when the guards wanted to search our bags.  "What do you have in there??"  "um....scriptures..."  I had completely forgotten to remove a large knife I had placed in my bag to make donuts the day before.  Fortunately, they let us pass without any problems.  Tender mercy!!  There were also too many men hitting on us.  Including a congressman #awkward

The bus ride back to Copan, however, was not so delightful.  We both were feeling rather carsick, though we made it to the house just in time to relieve ourselves.  Traveling on large buses for long periods of time more than once a day is not the best idea for Hermana Delgadillo and me, hahaha.

Friday, we had the chance to have divisions with the Sister Training Leaders.  I love them so very much.  I went with Hermana Lopez, who entered the field the same day as me!  It was an incredible day.  We worked hard all day and I felt the spirit so strong.  Hermana Lopez also extended a baptismal invitation a una familia super pilas, and they said YES!  I cannot believe it!  I am so grateful for this work. :)

Here is part of the letter I wrote to Pte. this week, which shares more of the miracles we've been seeing here:
Yesterday was a wonderful day as well. Pues, empiece con Sabado. o mas bien, Viernes. After our inventory and divisions, hna delgadillo and I had the chance to plan for Saturday, but Hermana Delgadillo wasn't feeling well, so we were trying to plan a bit quickly so she could rest. We didn't have any citas fijas after 5, so our planning was a bit eccentric. Well, Saturday evening, almost everything fell through. We decided to go to our very last plan we had made, a less active family in our area. We found la hermana at home, and began to share a thought with her. As we spoke, the spirit was so strong, and we felt impressed to promise her some specific blessings if she came to church the next day. Well, she came. With her husband. And their son. And about 4 other less active people we have been teaching. And some of our investigators. I was over the moon. :)

Also, in the District Conference last week, Presidente Dester stressed the importance and the sanctity of the Sacrament.  One of the things he mentioned we should do is arrive early to the chapel to be able to sit calmly, read the scriptures, and prepare ourselves for the meeting.  Well, as a missionary, getting to church on time, let alone early, has been a bit of a challenge.  Passing for investigators, less actives, or other things have often prevented us from getting there early.  But I decided that if that is what the Lord wants of us, as missionaries, we have to set the example.  We arrived early to church, and I began playing prelude music until the meeting began.  I felt a different spirit in the meeting, and I also felt a difference as I focused on the true purpose of the meeting, the sacrament.  I was able to receive personal revelation to know how to improve, something I'm sure I would have missed if I had been too preoccupied in other things.  It is now my goal to arrive early to church every week. :)

The Lord has been blessing us so much here, and I am so grateful to be able to serve here. :)

There are changes this week, and I think I am going to have a new companion when I write next week.  We'll see!!!

I love you all bunches and bunches!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)


On the bus back to La Entrada last week



Every week here gets better and better. :)

I am coming to know my Savior as I never have before.  Every day, I understand more of the changes He would have me make so that I may become more like Him.  Truly, "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me". Today, as we were walking to eat lunch, I just felt overwhelmed with love for Copan.  That is something that I have been praying and hoping for, and I am so grateful to feel it growing every day.

This week, we had the chance to meet another great family.  Our first lesson with them, the Spirit was so strong as the couple we brought with us testified that families can be together forever.  The two daughters of the family even came to church yesterday!  The couple that accompanied us gave them a ride.  I love when the members get involved.  It makes this work so much more meaningful. Things are certainly looking up. :)

We also had the chance this week to make and sell donuts to help some of our investigators get married so they can be baptized.  Getting married in Honduras is a rather complicated and expensive ordeal, but these two are determined to get married.  :)

Yesterday was the Branch Primary Program, and it was beautiful.  Seated in front of the children were three little girls, one in a red dress, one in a yellow dress, and one in a blue dress, each one with a matching balloon.  They sang the primary colors song.  adorable!  Also, one of the oldest boys directed the program.  But I particularly enjoyed that each one of the children had a missionary name tag that said: "Futuro Misionero Elder Mejia" or "Futura Misionera Hermana Orellana".  They brought the Spirit to the meeting as each one of the children testified of Christ and His church.

Funny Story:  One of our investigators lives with her Grandmother and her great-grandmother.  Her great-grandmother is nearly 100 years old!  Well, one night, as we were teaching Ana, our investigator, we heard water splashing in the next room.  Confused, Ana went to see what was happening.  We only heard, "Abuelita! ¿Qué está haciendo?" (Nana, what are you doing??)  she replied, "Bañandome.  Mañana es mi cumpleaños!" (Bathing myself.  Tomorrow is my birthday!) Ana then had to explain to her that it was NOT her birthday the next day and that it was not a good idea to bathe herself at that hour of the night, especially since it was cold.  I was dying of laughter.  Our next lesson was also a riot.  As we began singing a hymn, her grandmother came into the room, using her cane like a guitar and dancing.  As we said the opening prayer, she began singing hymns.  When we were saying good-bye, I realized that she is totally convinced that I am a nun.  I explained that I was a missionary, not a nun, but I'm not entirely sure that she understood.  But she's a sweetie. :)

For P-Day today, we went to a member's home in another branch to eat lunch.  They invited 16 of us missionaries!!  It was a beautiful, humbling experience to feel of the great love they have for us.  I love this work. :)

Pues, I love you all very much, and I hope your week is wonderful!!

I will have to send pictures next week.  I love you all!!

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

                                                   Here is a picture of my area now!

So, here I am, just another week chillin´ out here in Copan.

But literally, chilling.  It is rather cold out here.  I used a sweater almost half the week this week.  And I have hardly ever used a sweater here in Honduras, hahaha.  And when I say chilly, it's been about 60-70 degrees.  Which means everyone gets out their coats and hats and scarves and no one leaves their house. :)

 I honestly feel as though I've been assigned to a new mission, Misión Honduras Copán.  We already worked out who is the mission president and the office elders.  I'm the nurse of the mission here, hahahaha.  Which is ironic since I got sick this week, but I'm great now. Nothing serious.

Out here in Copan, I am learning a whole bunch about patience, charity, humility - basically all the Christlike attributes I have ever hoped to gain. I am also paying the price for them.  It costs everything, everything I have.  But I so desperately want to become what God sees I can become.  My own will doesn't matter.  I am trying to give it all to Him because He can do so much more with what I have than I can do alone.  I think that is what I am learning more than anything out here.  How to depend completely and fully on my Savior, because I certainly cannot do this alone.  Living in a pueblo helps me refocus on my Savior.  I am in constant awe of the love He has for these people.  And for me as well.

One morning this week was particularly rough for me. As we were walking around, trying to contact, I wondered if we were doing something wrong. I thought about how not everything in the mission is beautiful and wonderful, that there are trials to make us stronger. As we approached one house, I thought of the quote from Pres. Monson that is in PMG under Christlike Attributes talking about patience. The phrase "often, the heavenly virtue of patience is required" entered my mind. We knocked- well, really, we shouted buenas - and a man came out. Who then invited us into his house. And introduced us to his whole family. Who loves the missionaries and wants to learn more. I was shocked. And so happy. I felt a sweet calm in their home, something I hadn't felt in a while. Even though the rest of the day almost no one was home and less people wanted to let us in, I felt happy. Por lo menos, I know this gospel is true. And it strengthens me every day. I can't explain it.  Every day, I finish exhausted.  And sometimes no one has listened to us all day.  But I'm so happy.  I cannot help but be happy.  (Tender mercy. :) )

Today was a FANTASTIC day.  We rented a bus as a zone and we went off to the Copan Ruins!!  I got to spend the whole day with Hermana Marley, and we just had a blast.  I met a group of people from France.  It was crazy.  I could understand more or less what they were saying, but I couldn't remember how to speak to them!!  I kept talking at them in Spanish, hahaha.  On the way back, the elders were taking turns pretending to be un cobrador of the bus, shouting "Mayeco, Mayeco!!  Choloma, Roatan, Quebrada Seca!!"  Oh man, we were dying.  Good day. :)

Well, I love you all bunches and bunches. :)

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)

The one and only Halloween decoration I have seen here.  I found it on Halloween, woo!

  On top of one of the ruins

Inside of another ruin

It has been another great, cool week here in Copan!  

This week was MUCH better than last week.  I could feel so strongly that many people were praying for me - thank you. :)

We have just been outside working hard, enjoying the cool weather, and trying to find those who are truly prepared for this gospel.  Our branch members are wonderful and so dearly want to help this work move forward, so it's basically paradise over here.  There are more challenges finding and retaining investigators, but I know the Lord will provide for us.

SO many funny things happened this week.  For example, one afternoon, as we were teaching some investigators, it began to rain.  We were outside, but underneath a metal canopy.  We thought all would be well until we noticed that with every raindrop, a bunch of little black specks fell from the roof...on top of us.  It was rather difficult to get them all off later, hahaha.

Later this week, when we tried to return and teach this family again, they quickly ran to shut the door when they saw us coming. Ouch.  Ni modo pensamos, and we went to try and contact another man we had met near their house.  Well, he lives in a three story apartment, and we only saw a little girl, about 2 years old, on the porch of the second floor.  So we asked her where her parents were.  "ahí esta mamí" dijo.  Could you call her please? We asked.  She said no.  No. No.  So then I decided to use my opera lungs to say "BUEEEEEEEEEENAS" rather loudly.  When I finished, a little boy from the house whose door was closed answered back "¿QUIEEEEEEEEEN ES?"  We were DYING of laughter.

Yesterday, we were teaching the Plan of Salvation to a remarkably receptive lady who owns a pulperia.  Well, around the corner from where we were, there were some drunk, smoking men.  We ignored them and kept teaching the lesson.  All was well until we reached the Kingdoms of Glory. One of the men came over and was standing at my side saying "I only believe in Padre Celestial.  None of this moon or stars stuff.  NO NO.  No hay luna ni estrellas!!!"  We continued trying to explain the scripture in 1 Corinthians 15 to our investigator, but our drunk friend was getting out of control.  And it was hard to keep a straight face because the situation was so absurd.  So we handed him a pamphlet of the Word of Wisdom and invited him to read it and apply it in his life.  We then placed a return appointment with our investigator and began to leave.  The man began asking " And will you come visit me too??"  I replied, "Bueno, if you're not drunk, maybe."  To which he said "drunk, no, I'm in love".  Our investigator lost it there and we did too.  I hope he reads the pamphlet and makes some serious changes in his life.

Mi companion is awesome.  I love her a whole bunch.  She works so hard and laughs with me as well.  We are having a blast learning how to cook together, talking with everyone around us, teaching, singing, and having adventures in Copan.  :)

Well, I love you all bunches, and I hope all is well with you!

LOVE,

Hermana Grondel :)

P.s., we found a waterfall in our area!!


It was a bit small 😀

Hey there!

I think the biggest piece of news of I've got this week would be I had transfers this week!  I had to leave mi querida Hermana Robles and mi querido area Castaños, and now I am in El Dorado, Copan, with Hermana Delgadillo, from Nicaragua.  This has easily been the hardest transfer of my mission, so hard, that at times it's hard to keep the tears back.  I miss Hermana Robles and Castaños so, so much, but Copan is incredible!  My area is more of how I imagined a mission in Honduras would be when I received my call.  Here, we have a nice little branch with many wonderful members whose testimonies impress me so much.  And our branch mission leader is AWESOME.  I can easily see a ward being formed here soon.  

Saying good-bye to everyone was rough.  But I felt so loved.  How grateful I am for the chance I have had to serve in Castaños with Hermana Robles!  During transfers meeting, I started crying and couldn't stop.  I have treasured so much my time there.  I hugged and hugged Hermana Robles and then tried to be normal for my new companion.  Hermana Delgadillo has been so patient with me.  I hadn't felt well since Tuesday, and a curvy bus ride to Copan did not sit so well with my stomach.  I ended up getting carsick.  So basically I was like "Hola Hermana Delgadillo, I'm your new companion *bleh* *sniffle, sniffle*", hahaha.  She doesn't talk much, but she really wants to work hard and see success here. :) She just finsihed her First Twelve Weeks, so she's still a bit new, but her desires are very strong.

Last week, there was an earthquake in El Salvador, which affected parts of Honduras as well, but we didn't feel anything and are just fine.  Here in El Dorado, though, there has been some flooding (not related to the earthquake) so we have been doing a lot of service lately cleaning the mud out of people's houses. That has been QUITE the adventure.  

Our house here has a gate that looks like that of a Princess. It is so lovely!  Oh, and there are MANY hills here. When you reach the road that leads to our house, it looks as though you are going to fall off the face of the earth, and then you realize it is just a very steep road, hahaha.  Also, the weather is much cooler.  I don't even need a fan most of the time.  The water comes and goes, so sometimes we have to bring water in from our pila to shower and flush the toilet.  But when there is water, we have warm water!!

Yesterday was all over the place, but I deeply enjoyed the Gospel Principles lesson.  Though it was directed toward our investigators, I felt as though it was meant just for me.  How grateful I am for the Lord.

Though it has been rough this week, the Lord has provided many tender mercies.  Like the warm water.  or that my companion has a ton of music to listen to that I love.  That the branch is so ready to move forward.  The examples of the elders that work in this branch with us.  Our mission leader.  An encouraging letter from President Dester.  The chance to talk with Hermana Marley today.  The ability to always pray.  No, the road is not easy.  But nor is it impossible.  Right now, I'm just trying to be patient and work hard as I adjust to my new circumstances.

I love you all so much.  Thank you for your prayers and letters.  They are always just what I need. :)

LOVE,

Hermana Grondel

Wow.  Just wow.  I love the mission.  I love this life.  I love the Lord.  I love the chance I have to serve.  I cannot explain how much love I feel right now!

This week has been amazing.  Beyond words.  I feel like that's been happening a lot in this mission.  I cannot express the love I feel, and I stand all amazed at the love that is given to me here.  I don't ever want to leave! 

We spent some time in the hospital this week, and we had the chance to spend some time with Hermana Dester.  She had been out of the country for a short time because her mother passed away, but now she is back.  I am so very happy to have her back with us again.  I missed her dearly.  We got to spend all morning with her in one of the hospitals with 12 other missionaries on Wednesday (that was pretty crazy, especially in a very small waiting room. :) ) She even took us out to lunch.  She is such a peach!

Saturday, we had the privilege of seeing Consuelo, Ernesto's mom get baptized on Saturday.  Oh, happy day!  It has been absolutely incredible to see the changes she has made in her life to be able to be baptized. She is such a wonderful person.  I think I saw more ward members at her baptism than at any other. WOW.  It made her feel SO special, and the friendships she has made with ward members have strengthed her testimony so much.  :)

This Sunday was one of my favorite Sundays of my life.  The Spirit was SO strong, all day.  During Sacrament Meeting, Consuelo was confirmed a member of the church, and two babies were blessed.  They also had to bless more of the sacrament so there would be sufficient for everyone.  Though there was not much time left after that, the testimonies began.  So many people wanted to share their testimonies!  At one point, the bishop stood up and said that he felt that there were still some testimonies waiting to be shared. He said that the time was not important.  He wanted everyone who wanted to share to have the chance to bear their testimony.  And those testimonies were so powerful! I took the chance to share my testimony as well.  Oh, How I love this gospel!!  It was so special to watch Ernesto walk up to the pulpit to share his testimony. "Creo que esta es la iglesia verdadera", he said, "porque mi mamí ha cambiado tanto."  Hermana Robles and I were nearly in tears.

In Gospel Principles, we talked about the atonement.  How grateful I am for the atonement of Jesus Christ!  I am no where near perfect, but I know every day I can try a little harder to be a little better.  What great reason to rejoice!!!!

In Relief Society, we talked about praying in faith.   The testimonies shared were so incredible.  I know that God listens and answers our prayers.  At the end of the lesson, they gave a the sisters a chance to share their testimonies.  What surprise and joy we felt as we watched Consuelo walk up to share her testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel and the church. 

THE CHURCH IS SO TRUE!  I know it.  :)  And I am so happy.

I love you all so very much!  Recuerden los milagritos. :)

LOVE,
Hermana Grondel :)