Sister Jessie's Mission

Hey fam!

How is the biggest loser contest going? haha I kinda want to do it with you guys. But, we eat a billion starches here so I am pretty sure I would be the first one to be out. However, I am beginning to eat things that I probably would have pushed away at home...one of those is the eyeball of a fish. haha The other day our penchanista had to make a large meal for a huge group of people, so we helped prepare. I got the duty of cutting the head off of the fish, which was so fresh I’m pretty sure I saw one of them move while I was cutting. But, as I was doing that my companion came over...took one of the heads, took out the eyeball, put a little salt on it and ate it. I almost gagged myself haha. But little did I know in the next moment it was my turn...she held one up to my face and told me to try it. All I could think of was that line on My Big Fat Greek Wedding, "my aunt forks the eyeball of the lamb, chasing me around with it, trying to get me to eat it because it is going to make me smart". So...I decided my brain needs all the help it can get right now so I closed my eyes and swallowed the lovely slimy eyeball. Oh what an adventure it is in Peru haha.

This week we had a district training at the mission president´s home. First he asked the question of how we can keep the people who are baptized, active. His solution was something I had never thought of before...he said "if you and your investigators have a knowledge and plant their testimony on the Doctrines of the gospel, you and they will have the power to endure to the end because you will understand the WHY of the gospel." After this, he picked people one by one to stand in order to ask a personal/inspirational question...(he loves putting people on the spot, he has definitely purged me of that fear). Each question just seemed so perfect for each person...cause practically every missionary started to cry right when the question was said...it seemed to spark something in each of them. My mission president is amazing. Through this he made two points. 1) God knows each of us and our investigators personally...and this knowledge can come through inspiration of the Holy Ghost. 2) Will you be ready to stand face to face with the Lord...and answer the questions He asks? The spirit was so strong. I don’t really know him too well yet but I am beginning to understand when people say "You are not only called to your mission but you are called to your mission president". He is such a spiritual giant and obedience is his number one rule but he has taught me how to take a chill pill and have fun....haha cause you all know I can be a stress case.

I was able to go on exchanges for a night with the sister leaders of our area! I went with Sister Sanchez´s area which is in a place called Hunter...like an hour away from my area and Hna Castro stayed in our area with the other sister overnight. It was such an amazing refresher! Hna Sanchez has been out for a year and is 25 years old and the only member in her family. I learned so many teaching tips from her. The entire time we were walking from house to house she gave me such amazing advice...and I could tell she really wanted me to succeed! She was such a tender mercy!

Hmmm lets see...an experience...there were so many this week but I’ll just tell you one that was most recent. Yesterday, my companion and I had two appointments that fell through. I walked off feeling a little discouraged...we all of the sudden saw our relief society president walking up the hill. We asked where she was going and she said she was going to visit a member. So we decided to tag along. When we got to the house and knocked on the door...a couple answered saying the member we were coming to visit was not there. We began to walk away when something said to just stay and talk with them...had no idea why? As we talked to them we found out that this couple was from Ikitos and they were only staying here on night because their plane had been cancelled. This didn’t register in my head that they couldn’t be a potential investigator because they lived in another place...but without understanding I said "Ok, lets start with a prayer" ahah. Everyone looked at me kind weird but we said a prayer and my comp looked at me like... "Ok, this was your idea, take the reins" I had no idea what to share but as I flipped through my scriptures, Moroni 10: 4-5 jumped out at me. As we talked a little more, we found out that the husband was a member and had served a mission and the wife, has not wanted anything to do with the church their whole marriage. However, as my comp started talking and bearing record of the Holy Ghost and Its power. She all of the sudden started to break down and said " Today I was supposed to be in Ikitos but the plane broke down and I said to myself, why me? But now I know that God stopped that plane so that I could be here with you both". The spirit was so strong...I could touch it. I have now gained a testimony of how the Lord has His hand in every tiny detail of this work.

Lovely detail of the week: As my companion and I were walking to breakfast this morning...in the corner of my eye I saw a giant dog running toward me as if it were a bull running toward a red piece of cloth. And before I knew it...he ran into my legs and swept me of my feet right onto my back. Wow....that definitely woke me up for the day. It hurt like nothing else! I am telling you, these dogs here are insane and have the spirit of Satan in them I swear!

We have two older ladies with a baptismal date. One is named Jiorjina and she is really sick...but she has the faith that being baptized into this church will give her the strength she needs to get through it all. What an amazing lady. The other one we are still trying to work on but with the help of the Lord I know we can do it! Our main focus has been on the many less-active families in this ward....and we have seen miracle after miracle with each of them!

Well, this week has been a great one full of joy, disappointment, miracles and frustration. But it is all part of the experience! I have really learned how to rely completely on the Lord...which is something I honestly have never done to this extent before. I just want each of you to know that God knows each of us so personally. And if you are amidst a trial...drop to your knees when you can’t stand anymore and he will send his loving arms to embrace you! I love you all soooooo much and I am praying for you each day!

Love, Jess