I Stand All Amazed

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people that they might have everlasting life!

I love my Heavenly Father for granting me such a priviledge!!! There really aren't words. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the love he has for me! 

Sister Taylor and I had a good sprint this last week. She's unreal and I'm so grateful for her!! So happy to leave Belleview with her there. Sister Souza said a kneeling prayer this week in the name of Jesus Christ!!! Mind you, she's jewish. It was amazing and on Sunday a member said to us, "she was radiating today and there was something different". Had a class with our Burmese family and I said the opening prayer. When I opened my eyes the two kiddies were kneeling on the floor in front of me and we were all sitting in chairs. Every time we say, "Jesus Christ" Julianna says, "amen" haha. They understand the atonement and want to be baptized!!! They've been working on the articles of faith. herb had his second surgery and is doing really well! He had the battery put in his chest and has a remote thing. He's getting around well and seems to have such a new light about him! He's excited to be baptized in April! We had a break through with Maureen this week as one of my favorite members came with us and shared her personal experiences and such. We will see her tonight  :) 

I don't even have much time right now cause I've been reading the sweetest emails.. Thank y'all for supporting me! I honestly can't express feelings or thoughts right now cause I have like 1,000 things going through my head, but I can say emphatically that Christ is my Savior and the son of God! He lives!! The power of his atonement is all encompassing and has brought the BEST changes to my life! Seriously brings no greater joy!!!

Mama & Papa, NOS VEMOS PRONTO!!!!

Hermanita Jackson

The Gospel is written on the fleshy tablets of my heart

Wooooah! Talk about Smorgesborg (I don't speak German..) this week! And I haven't told YALL about the week before even.. Oof. So mission conference was unreal. Elder Zwick sure is amazing. The conference was about the trust we are given with the use of these iPads! It's ALL in my hand- all good and all bad. It's my choice. I was just about floored when Elder Zwick shared how his former companion had strayed! That may have to do with where I am currently in life. It doesn't matter how valiant a missionary, but how well you endure AFTER. A lot of evaluation has been done since then of how well I am using these great tools. I just really wish YALL were there, it was amazing. I have been asking myself if the gospel is written in my heart and if my hands are clean. Do I have faith and MOVE when I am called upon? All great questions we were asked. 

I think we talk of obedience pretty frequently but I suppose it was presented differently at mission conference. I felt more responsibility on my shoulders to uphold and even step up to my sacred calling. A missionary was discussing with me the other day the difference between an obedient missionary and a righteous one. A righteous missionary is one I picture who does what they know to be of God out of a love for HIM; because "the gospel is written on the fleshy tables of their heart". It's a consecrated missionary. The "how" though, isn't something to be taught because it comes out of a desire. "You can't teach a testimony, you feel it". From experience, I can say it requires a lot of effort, but is ultimately the most desirable feeling one could ask for! 

We had a zone pday (missing two companionships) last week and it was a blast! We played volleyball in the rain down at the trailer park place where one of our senior couples lives. Pictures will be coming once I receive them. 

Herb is doing wonderfully! Saw him twice this last week and his last surgery did wonders for him and that wasn't even the biggest part of the procedure. He gets surgery again this week to connect the wires in his brain to the "battery" in his chest. He has such a sweet and powerful spirit about him! I feel honored to know him and learn from him. We had to set another date for April 11th because of his surgery. The people in our Ward are just smitten with him.

We have some sad news about Jimmy Ray. First, he's doing great health wise! That's good to know! But he has decided that his calling is to play in a band for nursing homes. Not a bad endeavor but church won't be a part of the picture, ugh, it seriously broke my heart. But I have faith in the Lords timing. It'll all work out.

Maureen totally came to church yesterday with a member of ours!! Lemme tell yuh, our Ward is unreal at being friendly and giving a warm welcome haha. She seemed to like it but then called yesterday afternoon and said she needs some time to read the materials she has (the Book of Mormon, gospel principles, etc.) and we tried to tell her not to get overwhelmed with those.. Ahh,we don't know what the rest of the iceberg is and we are trying to uncover it but it's difficult. We invited her to just pray about her questions. We will see her this week!

Last night was crazy! We were rushing in to our apartment to not be late when we encountered a former investigator outside. He's not interested but told us of his friend upstairs who was smoking and is in a search for God. We went up and had a really nice chat with him!! Lea Payne, a charming English lad was the most eager person to find and feel God in his life! Wow, he was so sincere in his little prayer! We're seeing him tomorrow!! 

Gotta run. I Love yall and hope all is well! Make it the best week ever!

Hermanita Jackson

Lots and lots of pictures

I met Si from Duck dynasty.. just kidding, but You'd think it was him! 

an exchange with another Danish friend!!! 

not sure if I ever sent these.. 

FLORIDA 

another exchange when we bike the only hills in florida (they're pretty huge) and got stuck in a big rain storm. I swear I don't laugh more than when I'm in rainstorms on the bike. A member had given us a king cake cause it was mardi gras and here I am riding down the sidewalk, can barely see because of the rain and I have one hand holding the cake box down in the basket hahahaaa wow, it was hilarious. 

exchangies were chilly the other day! 

not much of a sight, just something simple about this place that I love- we have the foggiest mornings! 

woaaah! Remember this crew? 

 

The sumterville district

WHATS UP! These two Provo chikas are now STLS!!!! 

look at these lovely companions of mine!!! and Sister Sillivan haha she counts 

we was matchin. 

This is Greg. We serve ice cream at steeple chase every week and he's always a hoot. 

The latest thought. Keeps me goin :)

The Mission Conference was a throw down ...

I ain't being dis-o! We sep lit our email time cause we had like a zone pday haha I don't have my passport info... You may have to call the office cause they have it.. Maybe I'll have them call you.. Sorry sorry sorry I didn't email a big one today!! I have wonderful stuff to report. What an incredible week! The mission conference was a throw down and definitely needed for our mission. Elder ZWICK talked about the trust given to us wih these iPads. I'll have to tell YALL bout it
next week. He's amazing. I also had an interview with president Pratt about my plans and it was wonderful! He's going to be a mission pres.! Woohoo. I told him to be excited and that he would love it. I've gotta run.
Loves you oodles, thanks for everything! 💋💋

Xoxo Hermanita Jackson II

Pics next week 😘

HaPpY VaLenTiNeS DaY!

Hey y'all! I first have to give a round of applause to Scoz and Chels for starting Bee money on da mountain so quickly!! YEEESSS. She looks pretty good too.

Lots to report this week and little time to type it all.. The Burmese family came to a baptism not too long ago and loved it! So cool. We no longer have a set of sisters which is a bummer- we loved those sisters! We now have a new district as well out in who-knows-where haha it's an awesome district though! Josh was baptized and confirmed this weekend!!! Kade (the 7 year old) gave the opening prayer and it was the sweetest thing ever! Josh gave huge hugs to the men in his confirmation circle and I could have died hahaha my heart feels so full for him. He called us right after church and we missed it but when we called back he said, "I don't need you anymore, I was going to ask you to explain the gift of the Holy Ghost to my dad but I already did." Then last night he texted us and said he wants his girlfriend to be taught and baptized when she's ready! #tastingthefruit. 

Jimmy is doing really well, I appreciate all the prayers for him! Haha side note: I've had 2 oldies (above age 80) graze my chin with their pointer finger in the past week and tell me they'd marry me. Good ol Belleview😊. We had the most AMAZING night Wednesday when a member and his non-member wife, Alma, the Barreto Fam (non member dad and aunt and member mom and aunt) and another member accompanied us to a temple tour in Orlando!! It was so incredible and thanks to the help of Brother Geisler (best WML ever) it all worked out perfectly. On the way home Alma was asking way good questions and it was an amazing lesson in the car! The non-member wife to the member was participating well and intrigued as well. 

Thursday night we went to a Lutheran church where we got to present The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and answer questions. I sent  pictures. It was unreal. They prolly felt like they were drinking from a fire hose, but it was prolly the best taste they've ever had! Haha things like priesthood, the role of women, church organization, missionary work, etc were addressed by the bishop, stake pres, etc. super cool. 

Maureen is sick, but because of Sister Denise Brown's unreal testimony, she wanted to come to church really bad! She couldn't this week due to being sick, but hopefully next week! Herbs surgery went well and he sounds tons better. Another surgery will have to be done in March. Gotta run, sorry this isn't the best email .. Next week I'm emailing Tuesday cause it's mission conference!!! With elder ZWICK :)

💌Hermanita Jackson

Baptism of Josh - photos sent by his aunt

only have 4 minutes left ..... GAAA, Next week, I promise.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Happy birthday to Matty moo last week! Hope it was bomb. 

Jimmy has a renued excitement and a DATE for Feb. 28th and made it to church this week! He's gonna be in the ward talent show and pretty exctied haha.

Josh is doing wonderfully and his member mom and aunt and non member aunt joined in for Plan of salvation overview with emphasis on temples!! They're coming on a temple tour this week!! Non memebr loved the lesson and is excited!

Herb received a belssing last night before huge sugery Wednesday and I will NEVER forget his face at the end.... My heart it full. He looked like he would cry and had stopped moving during the blessing. he said, "I accept this calling from God" and bore testimony of the power of the priesthood.

maureen is reading the book of mormon (memberlended one with bigger print) and is praying about Mar. 7.

Hasta la proxima semana!

Les AMO!!!!

xoxo hermanita Jackson

to her Mom - 

Mama, I love hearing from you :) thanks for being so supportive and loving! I feel like I say that all the time, but it's TRUE! i actually read this week in Luke where it says, "remember Lot's wife" and didn't think much of it. The part right after is what I wasn't understanding so I went to the student manual (blessings of the ipad and gospel library app!!!). It didn't have anything on that part I was looking for but I read the part about Lot's wife anyway. I read a quote by Elder Holland and in essence he said, "don't be so attatched to the past that you hinder your confidence in the future". It stuck with me that morning and when I shared it (I was on exchanges haha with the cutie newer sister Bronson again!) I realized that I've been kind of hestitant about going forward. I guess just trying so bad to hold onto this time and not looking forward faithfully that the Lord has BETTER stuff ahead! That's been such a comfort to me. I'm excited to apply the things I've learned here, i really am! The Lord sure loves me to give me this mission!!! I can definitely see how it will bless the rest of my life. 

Thanks for a package! Sister Spencer called the other day trying to get it to me asap haha she's the cutest! I haven't gotten it, but I'm excited for when I do :) Loves you oodles Mama and hope you know how proud I am of YOU!!!! Nice work for giving 2 talks in conference! 5 minutes each! That's amazing! I'm scared my spanish is pretty lacking, but we're trying to get 30 minutes in a day. I'mma move onto the big letter, but thanks, thanks, thanks and loves, loves, loves!

xoxo Hermanita Jackson

Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth

First off, congratulations to the stunning couple (Tan & Misa)! Y feliz cumpleaños a Ella! 7? Fo real? 

I've got lots to share with y'all this week since last week was so lacking.. We had MLC 2 weeks ish ago I guess and it was so awesome! We talked all about the spirit and I wish it would have come sooner, cause it's changed the way we work!! There's a difference between working hard and working smart. I've been "slowing down" a bit to seek the influence of the spirit more. The spirit really is so necessary! It's not like I haven't had the spirit, but I'm more conscious of it now and it's changing the dynamic of EVERYTHING.

Along the same lines of seeking the spirit, I'm making my year plan today. I've been preparing it lots and the time has come haha. I'm just so stinkin grateful for ALL the things I've learned and get to apply in real life (not YET! Still got plenty of time here :). 

Lets talk about good ol Jimmy Ray!!! Eeee! We've been keeping in contact with him and our members have been so sweet and helpful. I LOVE the Belleview ward. Oh so much. They're amazing at missionary work. We saw him last night and he wants to come to church so bad! He's still a little under the weather and hates "being a woman" and doing things around the house all day haha. The latest on his surgery is that there won't be one.. The doctors are afraid he wouldn't make it out. Awe, he's the biggest hoot, most positive lil cutie eeeever! GUESS WHAT! He surprised us by telling us he's been reading every day in The Book of Mormon (on his own, cause we kinda backed off in the last lil bit) and had made it to pg. 295! 

Alma made some headway this week! It was so inspired.. We invited Alma to Denise Brown's for a lesson. Her sister, member in the Leesburg ward, was there as well. We kinda wanted to talk about the Word of Wisdom but it up wasn't feeling right at the beginning so we kept going with prophets and such. We failed to ask Sister Brown to invite Alma to church and stuff, but she brought it up herself by bearing testimony of her first time at the chapel and never having felt so at home and so loved. It was the sweetest testimony and Alma was turned toward her and listening INTENTLY. It was even better when she found out how "fresh" Denise is. The lesson went totally different from what we had planned and I'm really grateful for that. President has been talking about teaching PEOPLE. Haha he joked with missionaries in interviews and told them we won't be using PMG lessons anymore. He's a hoot as well. Low and behold, Alma didn't make it to church this week, but we're really getting there! Our WML set a dinner for Thursday with someone who we think would be perfect for Alma, we then tried calling her to switch to tomorrow for Alma and before we said anything she asked about Tuesday at 5! What do yuh know? 

Ps Denise straight up already bought her temple clothes so she can look at them every day! Eeeee. My heart is full <3

Josh is doing faaabulous!! We had 3 amazing lessons with him this week and a dinner Saturday night where he said he wants to be baptized the 14th instead of the 21st cause we have stake conference that weekend. He really knows his stuff, is loving The Book of Mormon and church and the ward is loving him! The beginning of his story goes like this: we have a new program in the Belleview ward called "sprint families" where we and the WML and bishop meet together and prayerfully choose a family (we just chose 5 more- go big or go home) who then meets with the bishop and is asked to prepare some/a friend(s) within 3 months. The bishop met with this family and their 7 yr old son invited their neighbor (Josh, 20) to church! Josh said he couldn't say no to him haha. Simplicity at its finest.

Maureen is still doing well! We met with her once this lady week and she said there's something different about us. She initially had us over just cause there is something she wants! The Plan of Salvation lesson was so spirit filled this week as we focused on temples as her husband is.. On his way out. She has been trying to read The Book of Mormon with a magnifying glass and went out last week to get an iPad so she could read it, but couldn't bring herself to pay that much haha. We got a Book of Mormon from the ward and will give it to her tomorrow. She's also praying about a baptismal date and really does desire to follow Christ more fully! 

We're so stinkin blessed with all these sweet, spunky, dedicated people  

Simons lesson went alright. He seemed more into bashing more or less at the beginning but because of a member it went lots better toward the end. We focused on the basics and mostly prayer and reading The Book of Mormon. Sister Carey mentioned the temple at the end as she was bearing testimony and he stopped her right in her tracks. He loved that idea. It's actually a big plus that he knows the bible so much. Last night he texted to see when we're coming by haha. We hope that means he's seen the light ;)

These, of course are the highlights of the week. Missions aren't always as swell as they may seem from the outside. But one thing that rang true this last week, was.. IT IS WHATCHA MAKE IT. We had several moments when it was either laugh or cry and we chose to laugh it out. I love having sister Taylor because she is so positive and sweet all the time!! She's helping me to be so much better- definitely more patient and wise. Aaaand we have a blast!

Thank you for all of the prayers on my behalf and on the behalf of these special people I get to work with! They're much appreciated! 

The atonement is so real! As I've tried to apply it daily in my own life it makes me that much more excited to SHARE it with others! This calling is so sacred and people need to know truth! I read about "FEAR(ING) NO MAN" this week. It talked about Peter being a rock, but denying Christ three times. But as he accessed the atonement and felt that guilt lift, and of course SAW the resurrected Jesus Christ, he was a new man and went forth boldly. It talked about him converting guards as fast as they could change them while he was locked up haha. I WANT TO BE LIKE PETER!! I want to fear no man and LOVE my God to proclaim his word. 

Have a wonderful week y'all! Share the gospel at every chance you get!invite someone to church with you like that 7 year old :x

xoxo Hermanita Jackson

Belleview take 3!!!!! WOOOO!

ooooh ma heavens, I don't have time.. Just wanted to tell you that I'm still in Belleview :) With my dearie lil sister Taylor! We're just having a blast and loving the people we get to work with.. Seriously, EVERYONE is sick. Not including us :) healthy as an ox. This week we've evaluated and decided to show some faith by dropping those who aren't prepared. Sad, but true. BUT we're stacked this week with some awesome opportunities!

Heard from the assistants the other day that John Vega (Semoran) is doing wonderfully and that he's dating someone who will be baptized soon along with her two boys and maybe his daughter!!!!! I've never been so happy! that just filled me right up.

Oh, mom, quick note.. my bike. Can i sell it to a sister coming in? How much should I sell it for? I don't know how much it was. It's in pretty good shape though!

The bishop's dad is into music and such and went to see Jimmy the other day. He kinda almost dropped us the other day cause his mind is so focused on his health.. he may not make it through this one.... he gets surgery in February and isn't doing too great. Keep him in your prayers please. 

Can't even think I'm trying to type so fast. Loves y'all and have a wonderful week! More to come next week, I promise. And pics ;)

Con carino, Hermanita Jackson II

God really does answer our questions.

Lil hitch in the giddy up this last week.. Jimmy isn't doing so well. He seems to be getting worse some days and kinda steady on others.. He isn't able to breathe too well. He needs to get some stents in his heart, we think this week. So he wasn't baptized is last week. We have amazing members providing lots of support and love, so the biggest concern is his health.. Physically. Alma has been MiA for a while, but finally got in touch with us again. Tried to meet with John this morning for a pass off lesson with the elders but he never showed up. GUESS who just rode by on his bike before we started!! HAHA SIIIIMON! The one with Alpha and Omega on his eyelids and a nice gold grill. We had a wonderful chat with him and are going to meet on Wednesday! What a miracle. Thank you for all the prayers! Keep it up. We're hoping he will ask for a priesthood blessing cause we have told him several times about it, but now it's just up to him. Hard when you know something is really good for someone but they won't accept it..

I've been praying for the past 2 weeks or so knowing that my letter from President was on its way to plan my future. In doing so I have had some amazing experiences! I'm blown away at the power of prayer combined with scripture study. I'm also gaining a greater understanding of my patriarchal blessing!! wow, that thing is surely inspired. I was printed to share something with a returning member this last week and it was cool how that brought up one of her big concerns. I also got to go to the temple this week and there just ain't words to describe my feelings!! All I can say is that God really does answer our questions. I may not be able to see my future very well, it's kinda foggy, but he's giving me enough to see the step right ahead (see Patterns of Light: Discernment video on gospel library).

I have had the best exchanges this transfer! Ok, they're all amazing, but this last Tuesday I went with a sister from none other than PROVO and we had a blast. She's been out about 2 transfers and she taught me tons! She made me laugh so hard but at the same time she was so filled with the spirit. We met with an investigator named Maureen. Sister Conger and I met her at the photo printing place at Walmart on a pday and now we've taught her twice. When we went over she was super nice but kinda sounding like she wasn't sure she wanted to keep learning more. We shared a complete different message than what we had anticipated but that's what made it so amazing is that it was surely led by the spirit. It was powerful! She said the kneeling prayer and was kinda crying at the end. We mentioned that she looked a little overwhelmed and she said she was only because she hadn't had a relationship with God for so long and that she is excited. She called us the other day when we were supposed to meet Ne had to cancel because now she's sick too! She said, "I also haven't gotten the time that I would like to to read, ponder and pray about the Book of Mormon". 

We've gotten to see Amber this week for studies in The Book of Mormon and she's doing great! Still needs more of a desire, but we notice that she's so much happier and notices good things in life when she reads. She said she would come to church this week and unfortunately didn't make it due to a late night up. Still working with her and trying to follow the spirit. We need to set another baptismal date.

We finally got to see Herb again! He's doing alright. We have a big focus on The Book of Mormon with him too. He still has questions about the trinity and we think it's more that he's frustrated that that is what he has been told his whole life. He seems to understand the godhead pretty well, but maybe isn't accepting it yet if that makes sense. He prays very sincerely though so that's the best we could hope for! 

Mm today is such a nice day :) sounds like y'all got snow in España and that Utahs pretty stinkin cold too.. Sorry y'all, but it's nice n warm with the perfect breeze 😊 

Not too much more that I can think of this week.. I wish I could send pictures but it being a holiday, the 'brary's closed. Next week though.

Please try and go to the temple often! How I've missed it! It's incredible how close you feel to the Lord and thus receiving revelation with clarity👌 I'm also so grateful for the simple and powerful resources I know are available to me (don't have to be at the temple to be guided) to help me be happy and I LOVE more than anything getting to share it with others here in Belleview!! I love you all!!! Have a wonderful week 💋

💌Hermanita Jackson II

She needs God more in her life ...

Not much time, but I'mma just throw it atcha :) Alma is doing fabulous and has a baptismal date for the 31st of February!!!! (editor's note - ???) I LOVE the lessons with her cause the spirit is always like tangible and she's very involved. We saw Amber on Saturday night and had a good chat with her. She's getting caught up in the sad things happening in the news and such and with her friends. We were pretty bold with her and she said she would come to church. we frantically got a ride for her the next morning and when they knocked on her door she was still in bed... We went over last night and had had an epiphony! She had just prayed and started reading the beginning of the BOM and says she needs God more in her life and she wants to start her days off by reading the scriptures. We're gonna meet with her every day for 30 minutes and do a study with her and then weign her off to do it herself. We read Alma 32 with her and it was PERFECT!!! Haha she kept saying, "Oh, that's what I've done, I plucked the tree out and it was actually a good one!". This morning we were supposed to meet with her before emailing, but we haven't heard from her.. Jimmy passed his interview this week and is to the point where he's made up his mind completely to be baptized. Unfortunately he's a little under the weather and that's really not good! He only has one lung and it's hard for him to breathe so if he's not feeling better this week, we'll have to push the baptism back a bit. He came to all of church yesterday and met with the bishop. He's still way positive and hilarious. Please pray for him to be feeling well! We met a man named John at the Chick-fil-a drive through on exchanges a couple weeks ago and invited him to church last week. He couldn't come but agreed to come the next week. We got to meet with him twice this last week only to find out that he lives in another area. BUT he is super solid and has a date. We'll try and get to his baptism in February. Gotta run, yall, but I loves you and thanks so much for keeping in touch!! I'm so blessed with so much support and love. 

I know this gospel is true and that it improves ALL aspects of our lives as we apply it! It fills me with so much joy that I often have to squeel or it'll just make me pop! haha Please keep sharing it with everyone! I think all we said to John at the Chick-fil-a window was that we share a message from God and that it's the happiest message of all time! You never know how far sharing a simple testimony will go :)

Con Amor, Hermanita Jackson II

two great jerseys right there! wouldn't yuh say? 

played volleyball for district pday on monday! SO fun!

Gaaaa! I wish I had more time!

Happy New year yall! Yeah so I'm running out of time! We had an incredible week this week. Lots of planning and trainings. Like, I'm not sure how we accomplished it all with the trainings haha but all is well in the promised land :) 

We found Markeshia while driving this week and got to meet with her that night. Set a date for Feb. 7th.We saw her again the next night and it's been hard to keep in touch since! Her daughter (3) during one of the lessons goes: "look at ma nails yall, yall look at ma nails!" hahaaa I love da souf.

We met Rena just after a lesson with a recent convert, she was sitting out on her porch and we got to come in a talk with her. She has a date for Feb. 7th as well :) she didn't get to come to church but she will! 

Jimmy has his interview this week and is doing great! He recorded a lil song for me that said, "sister Jackson. I love her so much. If she knew how much I love her she wouldn't be gone so long" pfff haha he's the craziest lil oldie eva. 

We met with Alma on Saturday and she is fabulous! Still didn't come to church but she is reading and praying right now about a date for Jan 31st. 

All I gotta say is that the Lord is blessing the Belleview south area big time right now! We feel so grateful to be here and to be working together :) I love Sister Taylor haha. Gotta run yall! Have a good one!

Hermana Jackson

 just loungin' on the side of a busy road..

Christmas morn! How spoiled are WE?!.. pants a bit long haha. 

the lil Brantley girl that didn't get to say hi via Skype. She was pretty bummed. 

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! 

these ladies are too funny! Good heavens.. this is mischief at its finest. 

One of our Christmas dinners! The copelands sure know how to throw a fancy get-together! 

I could break the camera I'm so white hahaaa! 

a variation of ones I've sent in the past.. Gets me every time! 

I could die I love these oldies so much! Bennie on the left got baptized a couple months ago by the elders and is the most faithful member ever (87) and of course the famous Jimmy Ray on the right. What a gem. "someone get that girl a box" is what another member said speaking of cutie sister Taylor! haha oh man.

Mingalaba. Ningowla?

That's about the extent of my spelling in Byrmese... Not only are we teaching English but they're teaching us little words too haha. Wow, how fun was it to talk to yall a bit on Christmas!! Sorry I didn't get to sayin much. I swear my mind just went blank when I saw you haha. I didn't really know what to say anyway I guess. 

Jimmy Ray is a hoot. That's just what I have to say. He KILLS me hahaha. We got to see him a couple times this week and he's doing pretty well. Till at church  the first thing he said was, "yall are pushin me too much".. gaaaa! It's cause he's making another "gospel CD" and has the excuse that it takes a solid year to get it out and he wants to get it done. He also was so kind to give me one. He said to me the other day, "it's just too bad y'aint just a bit older, I'd marry yuh" pffff haha. he's like in his 80's so don't be alarmed. Anyway, he's doing fine, we got it resolved.

Alma! OH MAN, she's the coolest! Not sure what I've told yall bout Alma but she's so prepared. She's an eternigator, but now is definitely her time. We taught her the restoration 2 weeks ago and she closes her eyes while we talk to her and she'll talk it through so she understands it and asks the most incredible questions! You can just see the cogs spinnin. We saw her Saturday on exchanges and she had read the chapter we gave her and had notes and questions, but after she recognizes the answer she'll turn to me and say, "ok I don't want to get off track, what did you come to teach me today?". We taught the plan of salvation because the time before she asked questions that lead into it! While teaching the premortal life she asked, "so if God has a body of flesh and bone, why can't we see him?" leading right on to the veil. Then during the fall of Adam and Eve she understood 2 Nephi 2:22-25 really well saying, "oh, so it was all part of the plan!?" and she said that nobody has ever explained it so clearly. We finished on the atonement and I was putting our little pictures away when she asked, "wait, you're not done are you?" haha she in UNREAL. We haven't set a date with her YET, but not for a lack of tryin. We are focusing on a date and getting her to sacrament this week.

We also have a family from Cuba/Honduras that we just started teaching! They only speak Spanish but one of them served a mission in Honduras and hasn't been to church in a while and they were referrals from a member! I taught them on exchanges and the one that served (Nidia) bore her testimony of the book of Mormon! The spirit was pretty powerful as she did and we're excited to get her activated and the rest of the family involved. They committed to read the bom as a family. Even the Pentecostal dad was pretty excited! 

Elizabeth we just found out is moving out of our area pretty soon so we'll have to hand her off, but that's ok! She's so so ready! Herb has kinda gone MIA in the past few days so we're worried.. 

On Christmas we ate so much it was uncomfortable. We had exchanges that night and went back-to-back so it was a crazy weekend, but so fun! Both the sisters I went with are amazing missionaries and so much fun to be with. I love getting to do exchanges cause I get to know other sisters, get new ideas, etc. ope, gotta run! 

Love yall!!! Que tengan un feliz Ano Nuevo!!!

Hermanita Jackson

你好家庭！圣诞快乐！[Hello family! Merry Christmas!]

Well heck, FELICITACIONES to the most beautiful couple in el mundo!! Sounds to me like it was the funnest wedding anyone has ever been to haha. Are they honeymooning? Will I get to speak with them on Christmas? Also, looks like we are skyping cause I'm calling outside the US. If yall don't get back to me on a time I'mma have to guess and say 12:00 here.. Plan on that unless I hear from Pops in the next bit. 

Wew, so Belleview continues to be incredible! I'm in love with this oldieville. AAANNND I got a new companion!!! Sister Taylor is from Bountiful, is a BYU coug (we went there at the same time), served in texas for 6 weeks waiting on her visa to Australia speaking Mandarine. She made it to Australia and had visa complications so now she's here! She's been here for about 5 months. We're havin so much fun! We've seen so many miracles this week and have so many solid people to work with! it's almost like "we don't have room enough to receive (these blessings)" haha. So last week I failed to mention Amber. Amber had an incredible week 2 weeks ago and was really starting to progress. We had a cool lesson on the law of chastity and the word of wisdom and actually... The member we set fell through 2 hours before so we were frantically calling members. We got sister Winston to come and she shared her experience with the word of wisdom and it was SO perfect for Amber's situation! Man, The Lord must have a lot of fun organizing tender mercies like that! It was cool. She posted on FB a picture of coffee stating to everyone that it would be her last and tagged us! She lasted a couple of days before the headaches got to her... But this week she and boyfriend aren't doing so great and she's busy busy busy with school and getting overwhelmed with everything. So we actually haven't been able to meet with her in a week. Jamie Ray.. I think I told yall bout him last week.. He called during weekly planning the day before Denise's baptism and said he was looking for sister Thomson. He said he needed to come to church. We invited him to the baptism and he came and loved it. We tried to give him a chapel tour after and it kept getting interrupted and such so it didn't actually work. BUT he came to church for the first 2 hours. We met with him on Monday night and we asked what he would need to do to find out for himself that this is the truth and he said while pushing his finger to the table in sync with his words: "I HAVE to go to church".hahaha AMEN! Then we were teaching about the book of Mormon and he said, "I got one question for yall... why didn'tcha come earlier?! This is good stuff!". To give you an idea of his accent and personality.. Y'know the new missionary on The Best Two Years? The goofy one with a drawl and coke bottle glasses? Straight up Jamie Ray! His accent is such that we're actually not sure if he's sayin Jamie Ray or Jimmy Ray haha. He's always talkin about "the man upstairs". He's sure been through a lot of health issues! He's got a baptismal date for Jan. 17th!! wooohooo! Yesterday he came to church and after sacrament wanted to talk to the bishop. He asked bishop if he could take a hymnal for a week. He used to be a big singer and such and plays the drums and guitar and keyboard. I hope you've got a good idea of this fellow cause he's seriously adorable and makes us laugh pretty hard.

We received the most GOLDEN media referral this week! Her name is Elizabeth. She lived in California and has a really rough past there, but some members reached out to her last Christmas and invited her to the church for the Christmas program. She says she's never felt so much love and the spirit was so powerful! she's elated about taking lessons and being baptized! She received the first 3 lessons in Cali and had a member family take her in as their own. I guess her family has kinda pushed her away so she loves the church family. She can talk your ear off but she's the sweetest thing! She called us the other day to ask if the lady she cares for can join in on the lessons and we can start over! We're working on setting a date with her. She's set on being baptized and can be ready soon, but she wants that family to be there. She called them and they said they will come whenever she's ready. She's praying about it too. She came to church yesterday but could only stay the first hour cause her lil lady she takes care of is really sick and getting surgery this week. 

We have tons of members helping us out all the time and this week we have potentially 3 families having our gators over for Christmas! Pray we won't have to eat 3 times...... 

We got another referral who wanted a Bible. We stopped by and he wasn't expecting missionaries to come with the book but after a bit of explaining the book of Mormon and stuff he wants us to come back in a week! his name is Mace.

We met a man Saturday night coming home from a lesson, he was out smoking and we were driving by and rolled down the window. Invited him to the Christmas program and he didn't show up so we texted him to see if we could come by. His name is Kevin and he's visiting from Virginia. We had an amazing lesson last night with a return missionary (this week from Texas- she's amazing). Anyway, the spirit was super strong and we'll see him tomorrow before he goes back. 

Denise is doing wonderfully :) She studies so so much! And asks really good questions and everything. I'm just obsessed with her!

I loves yall and I'll see you Thursday eh?!

XOXO, Hermanita Jackson

My Cup Runneth Over

Oooo what a week!!! Last Monday we got to go to the choir concert for Denise at a presbyterian church. It was a grand ol time and spiritual too. We were definitely the youngest people in there by a long shot haha welcome to the villages. That night we tracted a lil street that had given us some luck before and the one and only door we knocked on was a lady and her 30 year old son. They were so cool! She kept saying, You're both so happy and different.. and 20th century, like you're pretty with it in style haha. She asked us to please come back the next day! Mind you, we approached the whole situation with the He is the Gift vid (eye brow raises that Dave always does with a smirk haha). Unfortunately they fell through the next night, so we'll be in touch with them. BUT she held our hands and sang "you areso beautiful to me, can't you see! You're everything 've ever hoped for, you're everything I need. You are so beautiful, etc, etc." She prolly said you are so beautiful about 10 times hahaha. It was really hard not to laugh cause she was dead serious.

Happenings with Denise this week: We had an incredible lesson on Joseph Smith with her member sister and invited her to pray once more about him. She read the talk by elder anderson this last conference and was lead to the book of Moses where it said, "God's words never cease". She was really excited to tell us the next day. She cried trying to read a quote about the atonement by elder holland. PS she reads conference talks like a maniac haha she's AWESOME! She's trying to share the gospel with her mom who was really offended ten years ago by the last missionary experience. At her baptism Denise got up and said, "My cup runneth over" to begin and said the sweetest lil testimony! I spoke at her baptism on the holy ghost haha she printed off a talk and highlighted what she wanted read from it so basically my talk was done, but then her sister thought she was speaking on the holy ghost as well so I hadda rebound and tie in the baptism side after finding out when I was announced to speak haha. It turned out pretty good. Helps to be prepared eh?

Our memebrs are UNREAL! I'm obsessed with belleview!

Gotta run actually, but I loves yall.. Matty n Shan, I wish I coudl be there for yuh, but just send me the pics k? Lani, wish I could be at yours too! I love you all dearly and have the best week!!!!!

Hermana Jackson

I NEVER want to be too busy to help someone

I've been pretty selfish today in reading all the emails from loved ones.. :) sorry! I forgot last week to report on the cool plan our ward is doing with reactivation and stuff. We're working with a sister who we and the bishop and wml prayed about, the bishop met with her and now we teach her basics once every week. there are 12 lessons. Last week we taught about the BoM and she was so emotional as she remembered the swelling in her bosom when she read it a long while ago. She also had come to church last sunday with a question and shared her sweet and personal experience. She had been praying all morning before we came that the spirit would testify to her and she just couldn't hold it together! The spirit definitely testified to all of us and she's so excited to read the BoM again.

Um, Denise Brown is getting BAPTIZED saturday!!!!! EEEE. She just makes me the happiest. She's so involved in everything and loved the christmas devotional. We get to go to her concert today in the villages at the presbyterian church cause our memebr got us tickets!! I'm pleased as punch with that cutie. Thanks for all the prayers! PS she is converted on the word of wisdom and doing wonderfully :)

One night we were coming home from exchanges and a man was on the very edge of the busy road in his lil jazzy with nothing but his phone flashlight to identify him. We turned around after barely seeing him and drove next to him slowly with our blinkers on so he could get home safely. We were home late unfortunately, but I don't feel guilty about it at all! He was so overcome by it that he started to cry and thank us profusely. When we told him that we are missionaries he got so excited! He seems to be in a search for truth and is open to try all beliefs. It made me the happiest person! That right there is joy. I thought over and over that night how I NEVER want to be too busy to help someone like tha! I never want to pass up opportunities to serve.

We had 2 wonderful exchanges this week :) We're focusing a lot more on our sisters, even at the expense of things in our area cause that's what we're supposed to do. I just love the sisters in our zone! We've had some definite challenges this transfer, but I'm happy to report that things are swell.

I found out from dear sister Kreiberg that Richard, whom we taught in Lake Noney is baptized!! Imma get permission to write him! He divorced his wife cause she was being a pill about it I guess. Sounds like he's doing amazing!

Had MLC this week and almost didn't make it cause our tire popped..! BUT miraculously we made it there even 20 minutes early on our donut. MLC was incredible and we talked a lot about going JSUT ONE MORE! SO that's our focus and it's already helped.

I get to teach a spanish family in Lecanto! (about an hour away) but there's no other missionaries up here who speak spanish! They're SO prepared and it was the happiest thing to talk to them in spanish cause i don't have too many opportunities to use it.

Dad, I thought of you at the christmas devotional :) when we sat on the couch together watching it at home! haha how long ago was that? Also, I promise to pick up the piano again when I get home! I actually was  thinking that and then turned to where i was in matthew about the parable of talents.. Not a coincidence.

Chels, a two year old lil girl leaned to me from her mothers arms the other day and it was almost like it was Sophs haha. Give her my loves.

Alright, I've got to run. Love you all! Mama, fly safe, Matty, keep calm and carry on (You can do all things through Christ ;), Papa, I hope you're well back in Madrid. Loves to the rest of you!!!

Hermana Jackson

BETCHA! hahaha saw this on exchanges and just about died.

Feliz Dia de Acion de Gracias

Hey hey fam! So before I forget! At zone conference they showed us these new lil pamphlets we'll be getting as missionaries to show our family tree and stuff. i need some birth dates, death dates, etc about my relatives :) I think 4 generations.

So we didn't hear from Denise hardly at all while she was gone to Chicago for 2 weeks. Probably the scariest thing ever, but we got permission to text her sister Saturday and she said that Denise was "being a good little mormon girl and has her own lil testimony of the word of wisdom!" eeee! Just makes me pleased as punch. Denise called this morning and she's home safe after a terrible day of driving yesterday. She's putting up Cristmas decorations and it's hard for her cause she had a stroke a few years back and so we get to go spend some pday time with her :) YES! I'll take pictures. She's getting interviewed this week.

Thanksgiving was wonderful! We have THE BEST memebrs in Belleview. No joke, I love this ward and hope I can stay here for a lil while longer. Mostly likely will with SIster Conger leaving. The Gilmans made us the yummiest Thanksgiving at lunch time and then the Copelands (he served as a mission president years ago in portugal) fed us the most extravigant(sp?) meal with creme brulee. Don't worry, I got some yummy hoem made punkin (:)) pie at the Gilmans.

We've been focusing TONS on He is the Gift!! I really hope yall have seen it, are passing onut the 9 pass along cards from the ensign and whatever else! Email it to friends, put in on insta, etc. It's the coolest that the church is going through so much efforts to #sharethegift. We went knkocking the other night ([prolly the first or second time I've knocked here in this area) and the second door we came to a woman named Pam let us in to watch the video. She and her husband watched it with us and she ended in tears. It really brought the spirit and led us into the restoration and such. They are looking for a church and at first were hesitant saying they probably wouldn't come to church or allow us back, but ended up taking our number and saying they would probably call us back! She admitted that the video really opened the door.

Amber is doing well. She had a bit of a scare this week cause she has lots of family members who are members of the church, including her mother who was excommunicated and such. So she got some opposition and her husband doesn't like our religion but refuses to listen to us. She's getting there. Unfortunately she didn't come to church yesterday cause she was asleep when our memebr went to lead her there.

Antonia and girls didn't come last week to church but called us and said that since she wanted to be early, he was speeding and got pulled over.. But she came this week even though we tried really hard to be in touch with her this week. she loves church and stuff, but they have family here.

We met a new guy, Dan on saturday when we stopped the car in our complex to talk to him. Gave him the restoration pamphlet and set a time to go back later that day and within an hour he called us and said, "hey, I'm reading about priethood meeting in this pamphlet and I'm wondering if I can go to that meeting!" He had read the whole pamphlet. Unfortunately yesterday was the 5th sunday and a combined meeting about emergency preparedness, but he came and loved church. He's like TOO knowledgable in sciptures.. Its hard cause he believes different things cause he reads a different bible.. like 8 days of creation and stuff. We went back last night and had an ok lesson. He's just kinda hard hearted.

We met a James on exchanges 2 weeks ago and have been trying hard to meet with him and something happens every time. But we met with him last night and he's SO cool! He too knows the scriptures but reads the king james and said he will read the bom in a week haha. He's super humble and it seems to me like he's recently hit a rock bottom. His friend was there too and he's a young guy that doesn't believe in god. He wasn't taking things too seriously and finally the woman with us bore her firm testimony and started crying about how god spared her life to bring her son (who was present and recently returned from his mission) to earth so he could serve a mission. It was unreal. Like the spirit was so strong!

The burmese family is progressing just ever so slightly haha they're the cutest family and we love them. Taught them about testimony, god, jesus christ and the bom this week :)

Reading in Matthew (SO behind in the mission read) but I'm learning a ton! Lot's about following Christ Immediately. I thought of you Mama and Papa being so quick to say yes to your present calling. I also learn tons about the attributes of Christ. he's just constantly ministering to those in his path. He'll be on his way to raise the daughter of Lazerus (sp?) and then stops to talk to the woman who touched his garment! LOVE it. It's so rich with love and good lessons.

Gotta run cause I just talked to the guy next to me for a bit haha. He's gonna watch he is the Gift :D hahaha. Alrighty, Loves yall and have a wonderful week. I'm so grateful for yall and hope you know I'm tryin to email and write yall back..

Hermanita Jackson

re: McGuire's are in Madrid!

Oh how fun is that?! Please send them my love!! I sure appreciate them keeping in touch with me and sending me birthday loves and such. They're so awesome! 

Denise is in Chicago right now wth family for her daughter's wedding. We're praying she's staying strong with the word of wisdom and everything! I'm in love with that lady. You'll definitely have to meet her one day!

We don't get the whole day for thanksgiving haha we're gonna be out finding and teaching all day.. Mostly with our Asian families and such haha.

re mail: I actually haven't gotten anything in the past 2 weeks.. not sure what's up with the mail but I'm awaiting some letters.

We had zone conference this week- it was incredible!! Sister Conger and I gave a training!! haha seriously the scariest thing eva but we survived. 

XOXO hermanita Jackson II

my last district 

Some good fun at the Halloween party haha 

Man... those are Reeses PIES! I promise I didn't eat very much! Only a few yummy bites haha. 

sometimes yuh just need a treat. 

The coolest lady. Obviously has faith in Christ. 

On exchanges and she had hiccups.. This was the remedy that a member gave us hahaha. 

Out at Walmart :) I just can't get over the golf carts here! 

Remember this sista from Semoran?! Well one day back then she nudged me and said, "I know how we'll be companions one day... we're gonna be STLS" haha then she invited me to pray about it. She is now an STL with Hermana Fisi!!! Haha we've just about died laughing about it. Love this Sister to death.