Con Todo De Mj Corazón

Hey y'all!! Feliz lunes!!

I've been thinking a lot lately about why I'm out here, why I decided to serve. Missionary work is so fulfilling, but it requires a lot of a person. Their whole heart committed to the work, their mind devoted to the language, constantly knocking, walking, writing, teaching, sharing. And all for Him. To think that I will be doing this for 16 more months is a little daunting. It's a good thing we don't do it alone :). I came out here because I love people and I love my Savior. Throughout my life I've met people from all different walks of life, different cultures, religions, life experiences, and God has taught me how to love them all. I see the love He has for them, His children, and I'm so grateful that He has allowed me to get to know each of them. I've learned how to listen and open my heart to strangers, to come to know them in simple conversations. Because I love people, I wanted to serve, I wanted to share my experiences and testimony, I wanted to listen to theirs, I wanted to be their friend, to let them know they're not alone in this world, that He gets it, He knows exactly what they feel, because He's felt it too.

These past 3 weeks I've been along for the ride, still experiencing miracles and growing so much, but my focus has been lost. I've forgotten to look outside myself, to see these people as His children, and to recognize the blessing and privilege it is to serve them. Even though I can't understand everything they say, and sometimes I stumble while trying to share my testimony, I still have such a love for them, and I can see the lights they carry, the joy they feel in hearing the words of the Lord, and it's beautiful. The happiness that you get to experience on the mission is so different from anything I have ever felt before, and I love it!

Yesterday was stake conference and we had about eight of our friends show up! What made me happiest was to look over and see Luzdary sitting with Sergio and Aidmer and just absolutely glowing. Their family is preparing to be baptized, but Luzdary hasn't been able to go to church and she needs to go 3 times before her baptism. So seeing her being willing to follow through and make the effort to come to church just made my heart so happy :).

We had the opportunity to go to a baptism yesterday for Fabiola, a woman who Hermana Hibbard and Hermana Obering taught in Shelbyville. That whole experience was amazing, my first baptism on the mission!!! Fabiola was so cute, and even though I didn't know her, I just felt so much love for her and I knew that God was so happy to see her entering into this covenant with Him. One of the speakers was a recent convert, Angelica, who was baptized about 2 months ago. Her testimony and story reminded me of another missionary who inspired me to serve. Both of them gave up their families to join the church, a sacrifice that I can't ever imagine making. They both inspire me with their faith and willingness to give up so much for the Lord.

The Savior understands sacrifice, He understands loss, and leaving loved ones behind. He left the arms of His mother to begin His ministry, He lost His cousin and friend who died preparing the way for Him, upon the cross He was forsaken by His Father, left completely alone. He was willing to give it all up for each one of us, and I want to be willing to give what I can for Him. It will never even begin to compensate for His sacrifice, but we give what we can, and He will perfect our offerings.

Yo sé que el Salvador sufrió, murió, y hoy Él vive. Él es nuestro Pastor y Redentor. Podemos encontrar paz y gozo en esta vida, y esperanza por la vida después, y todo es gracias a Él. 

I hope you all have an amazing week, love you!!! 

- Hermana Neil

Photos:

- us with cute little Samuel (he's getting baptized next week!)

- sushi to celebrates my 2 months!!!

- 1st date with Aida at McDonalds

- doing lessons while sitting in the trunk

- Fabiola's baptism!!!