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!