May 26 - I'm a Trainer!!

Hola Familia,

I absolutely loved my box mom! Thanks so much and I did get my contacts.  Hermana Hernandez got her box as well. I did get the card and money from grandpa. Thank you so much!!  My new companion is Hermana Young.  She is from Utah. She is straight out from the MTC. Oxnard is great. Our investigators are great and we are working really hard with them. I don't need anything right now. I'm ok for dinero right now, thanks. It would be great if you sent Hermana Hernandez an email every week. 

This week went by so fast. It's crazy how time is flying I feel like I wake up and then the next moment I'm going to bed but I love it. On Monday, we had a lesson with one of our investigators named Julian. He is a 10 year old boy and we taught him more about the prophet Jose Smith and why we have the Book of Mormon. We committed him to be bapitized as well and he said "Yes". His baptismal date is for June 14th. He is so excited and a little shy when we come over, but he eventually breaks out of his shell. 

We said goodbye to the people that Hermana Hernandez wanted to say goodbye to and then we went home for the night. 

On Tuesday, we had transfer meeting and it was so great. I was filled with spiritual enlightenment at the trainers meeting and at transfer meeting. We arrived back at our apartment and we went straight to planning lessons. We had a couple of appointments and some of them fell through but we did the things we needed to to prepare for the week during that time. 

We had a lesson with Hermana Claudia. We talked about talents and how she is very creative and how God gives us talents to help us grow. 

We visited Hermana Rojelia who isn't doing too good health wise or spiritual wise. She hasn't been coming to church for about a month or so now and we talked to her about the importance of coming and having the faith to be able to stay for all three hours and not just leave after sacrament. 

We had correlation that night and Hermana Young met Bishop, our Ward Mission Leader and the ward missionaries. We went home and unpacked a little bit more and did language study. 

We hit the ground hard on Wednesday. We had an appointment with a new investigator which was a refferal from the elders and they gave us the address. We tried the address but the lady that answered the door said that our investigator didn't live there. We called her and she said she does, but we had another appointment to get to, so we set up an appointment for two in the afternoon. We had lunch with a member and then we went to our appointment. Their names are Veronica and Hector. They are so nice and around our age. They are expecting their first baby together. We had a get-to- know you lesson and talked about the Word of Wisdom because they are having problems with keeping it. We set up other lessons this week but they couldn't make them so we are going to try to catch them this week. 

On Thursday, we had District Meeting. It was so good. I always feel enlightened and empowered after them. We went to go see a potential who was home but didn't answer the door. Then we went to go see Jose and Angelina who are back from Las Vegas. She didn't get time to go to the church to see if her records are there but we talked about the gospel and how they need to make baptismal a goal or they are never going to get there. So they said "Yes" to June 21st for their date. But it mostly seems like Hermano just wants to watch movies instead of have us teach. 

We taught Filemon and Mari Carmen too. We taught the Gospel and they loved it. We extended a baptismal invite to Mari Carmen and she said she needs more preperation. Filemon didn't say anything so we are going to try again with him again this week. We also ran into a lady who we taught the Restoration to and she said all churches are true. We'll try back and explain the Great Apostisia again. 

Friday, we had weekly planning. It was great. We had all of our appointments fall through on Friday, but we tracted and talked to people. 

On Saturday, we had a lesson with Julian and we taught the Plan of Salvation. He understood, and we committed him to pray about it. We tracted alot as well because our appointments fell through again.  But we did find one of our investigators and we set up a return appointment because she was sick. On Sunday, we had Filemon and Julian come to church it was so exciting. Filemon liked it alot. It was kind of dishearting though because our ward mission leader made me feel that I wasn't good enough because I explained where the church was and everything but our ward mission leader just said that the problem with having non-native missionaries. I just felt frustrated because I have worked hard to where I am at in my Spanish, but I eventually let it go and went back to work. 

We tracted and found a couple of people who are semi-interested. In all, it was a great week.

I studied alot for my investigators this week on their own lessons. I also studied a little bit more in the Book of Mormon. I was asked to give a talk on Sunday on the importance of forgiveness. It went well and I understand alot more of the importance of forgiving other and not judging their faults because we all have them.

Hermana Young is doing great. She is going out there and talking to people. She isn't a huge fan of knocking on doors but with time, it will happen. She is doing great and wants so hard to become the missionary the Lord wants her to be in one transfer. She is awesome and willing to do things that we ask her.

 

Te quiero mucho,

 

Hermana Fitzpatrick

May 19 - Another Great, Busy Week!

Hola Familia,

 

Thanks for sending a package.  I think we will get it tomorrow.  Hermana Hernanadez needed the peppermint oil. I am staying in Oxnard and guess what.... I'm training!!  Hermana Hernandez is leaving:(. Gilbert, didn't come to church this week but we will be visiting with him this week. Everyone looks so great. Dad has lost weight. Blake looks so big and tall. He definately has a football build. The backyard looks great. My dog is funny. Send some pictures of everyone for graduation.

This week was so great. On Monday, we ran into one of our investigators who didn't have time for a lesson but we set up an appointment to have one. We then went to dinner and had a nonmember friend who has contact with the church through being homeless and needed some help so the missionaries helped them. She was so open and willing to talk to us. She had such a great spirit about her. 

On Tuesday, we had a lesson with Luis. He hasn't been progressing and we have done everything on our part to help him come unto Christ. We read the Book of Mormon with him because he hasn't been reading on his own but he will read with us. We had a lesson with one of our less actives Hermana Claudia. We talked about faith and how we can grow our faith in our home. She really liked it and committed to grow her faith in one thing. She found her Book of Mormon and the only place she can read it is in the bathroom because her two daughters won't bother her. She has a strong testimony and has a lot of family that is active in the church. We then had a lesson with a refferral we got. He met us in our area because he actually lives in the zone leaders area. He gave a false address. He is going through alot. He recently lost his job and doesn't know how to support his family. He told us he has a problem with looking at other women even though he is married. We read some scriptures out of the Book of Mormon and he committed to read it. He said he's been reading little by little. His priorities have just gotten changed. 

On Wednesday, we had a lesson with a less active who is confined to a wheel chair and doesn't want to come to church because he feels like he will be a burden to the members. We talked about how the members want to help and how God wants him at church. His family just experienced a huge miracle. They were losing their sister and she was on life support but they took her off and she was dead for 46 minutes but she came back to this life. It was a big testimony to them that God is a God of Miracles and they haven't stopped. 

We also had a lesson with Jacqulin. We explained more about the Book of Mormon and why we have it today. We read the introduction with her and committed her to read the testimony of the Prophet Jose Smith. We also had a lesson with Luis. This was our drop lesson because we told him he wasn't doing his part.  We explained about the word of wisdom and he wants help with it. We came at 7 with a ride for him and he was busy fixing a car with a cigarette in his ear. He said he was busy but his friend will take him in 20 minutes we waited at the church for a half hour and he still hadn't come so we knew that he really doesn't want to change or progress. He just isn't ready right now. 

We had district meeting which was really good. I loved focusing on the Atonement because it is central to our message.

After district meeting, we went to go see a referral named Yolanda. She lives alone and we shared the message of the Restoration. We gave her a Bible and a Book of Mormon and committed her to read the Book of Mormon. 

We also had a lesson with Filemon who is progressing very nicely. He has read the Book of Mormon all the way to 1 Nephi 5 and he was waiting for us but we couldn't go because we were sick. But he is so ready for this gospel. On Friday, we visited Hermana Rojelia who is going really less active. She hasn't come to church for about a month and a half. We have been visiting her and helping her feel the Spirit. We watched Jose Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and she really enjoyed it and had great questions about the early history of the saints. 

We also saw the Ruiz's and they are struggling a little bit. Hermano fell out of the habit of praying and because it has been so hot, he wants to go back to drinking.  We told them that these are just temptations of the devil and that he can do all things if he asks God for help. We ate dinner with them and share a little message. It was exactly what they needed. They are so sweet. 

On Saturday, we had a lesson with Julian who is a new investigator, They were referred by a member family. They are so interested in the Church and Julian loves it. On Sunday his dad asked what he needs to do to become a member of the Church. So cool! 

We also had a baptism. The man that got baptized from the elder's area is so changed. He and his family look so much happier with the gospel in their lives. 

On Sunday, we went to see a member who is having difficulties in her family.  We read the Book of Mormon with her to bring the Spirit into her home. 

We also had Julian and his dad and one of our other investigators that just moved into our area at church it was so cool to see miracles happen everyday!

This week I studied in the Book of Alma. All about the wars and Captain Moroni. I read the recent conference Ensign and loved what all the the prophets and apostles had to say. I also finished the book Our Heritage. It was so interesting and wonderful to read all about the History. I love everything that I have studied and I learn so much.

I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to work with Hermana Hernandez. She has taught me so much and I am going to miss her. I have made an eternal friend. But I am also grateful for the opportunity to train a new missionary and help her gain the experience she needs to be a great missionary. I'm so excited for this opportunity to learn and grow and even share experiences and miracles with her. I know that she is awesome and she is ready to be the Lord's servant for this 18 months.

 

Love ya/ Te quiero mucho,

 

Hermana Fitzpatrick

May 12 - Loved Mother's Day!

Hola Familia,

I think extra money would just be helpful and also will you get me a copy of the General Conference Ensign (English)? I really think so for the registered dietician thing. I know i've been thinking about the school stuff, just a little.

Thanks mom! I hope you had an amazing Mother's Day. I will see you in a few short months and I will just enjoy myself and my family for a couple of weeks. I can't believe how fast the time is going and i am enjoying every minute of my mission. It was so great talking to everyone too. Kellie sounds so different and Blake sounds the same, so does Sydnie. Oh, to play a joke on Littles, you can tell her there was a circus here. Which there was! I hope you have a great week and I can't wait to hear from you next Monday. I love you and everything you have done for me. When its summer time, tell my siblings they can actually write me now! hahaha. Give Gracie a hug from me. Love you!

This past week has been full of resting and studying. Our first day out was on Thursday. We went to Zone meeting and it was great. Full of spiritual enlightenment and a way that we can better ourselves on reaching the goal of 40 lessons a week. After that we went to an appointment we had with Luis. We read chapter 5 of First Nephi. We committed him to read Chapter 6 and 7 of First Nephi. He also said he was coming to church. We called him early on Sunday morning and he said he would be ready. We stopped by on Sunday with a member from the ward to bring him to church. He said that he wasn't ready to go and that he will come next week. But we could feel that he was disappointed in letting us down and even for the member. We at least got him to know someone who we can take to our lessons. 

We had a lesson with a Less Active named Hermana Claudia. We shared "Come and Join With Us" by President Utchdorf. She really loved the talk and is helping her with her family that aren't members or that are now doubting the Church. She loved the faith part and how we need to keep to the faith. We explained the quote that President Utchdorf said "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." She is so strong and has a strong testimony. She just found her scriptures and said she will start reading them. The only thing that is keeping her from coming to church is her husband. Her husband is a truck driver and is gone for 2-3 weeks at a time and Sunday is his only day off. So they want to spend that day as a family. We have asked her to talk to her husband about letting her come to church but she hasn't taking that step. We think she might be afraid in asking him. 

We had dinner with the Ornelas family. They are pretty cold when it comes to the gospel. They aren't reading or praying as a family. We are working with their less active son to help him read. We also committed the dad to read who isn't a member or who doesn't want anything really right now to do with the church. It is really hard to see a family that has an active mom, two less-active sons, and a non-member dad. We know that the mom is trying. We are going to start helping them come closer to God and to gain that foundation that they once had. On Friday, we saw Hermana Rojelia who isn't doing that good. She hasn't come to church for awhile because her husband wants to go fishing on Sunday. She is also having some family issues that she told us about. She has some questions about polygamy in the early part of church history. She wasn't doubting her faith but she wanted to know about it and she didn't know that the saints were persecuted and things like that so we are going to be showing her the Restoration video to explain that it wasn't easy for the saints in the early formation of the Church. 

On Saturday, we had the dia de las madres activity. It was so fun to see the members and those who really came and recognize the importance of mothers. There were a couple families from barrio quinto. It was such a great time to enjoy one another's company. We went home and rested the rest of the day because of Hermana Hernandez's ear but she is doing much better and we are ready to work this week. On Sunday, we had church and the talks and classes were so good. In sacrament meeting, the talks were on mothers.  All the mothers received a rose. We then helped primary with their mother's day song. Then my favorite part was Relief Society because the teacher was talking about the Book of Mormon and how we need to be witnesses of its divinity as well. She said if your are not reading the Book of Mormon, you will not be able to go back to the presence  of God. SO cool and so powerful. We talked to our families. They are all doing great. Hermana was really excited to talk to her family in Mexico. I think I was more excited for her to talk to her family. 

This week I studied in the Book of Alma and his mission and how he gave up his seat to go preach the gospel. I love how he gives his testimony to his son Helaman. I have been reading the conference Ensign from November 2012. I read a talk on sacrament and how this man would write down what he thinks about on a card during the sacrament. I also have been reading Our Heritage about Church history. I really took for granted all that my ancestors have done to come to the church. I want to go back to the church history sites and learn more and see all the things that the Prophet Joseph Smith and the 12 did. It is so cool to read about their personal experiences and hardship that they had to endure for the gospel. I also have been reading a little bit in the Bible about Jonah. This week I came upon Nahum and how he fortells the destruction of Ninevah. I want to compare to what will happen to the world during the Second Coming. I also read our virtue scripture but especially read where the Lord called Emma Smith and "elect lady" and the things that she needs to do. It was so cool to read that it is basically our responsibility as women. 

Te amo ustedes

Hermana Fitzpatrick (Kenzer Lou)

May 5 -Crazy, Sick Week

Hola Familia,

I Can't believe it's already May either. The year has just flying by. Our church time is 11-2. I will call at 6p.m. I can't wait to talk to y'all. 

Yep, I do like exercising outside, but I do miss my gym equipment. I can't believe all the events that are happening. Dad told me about the backyard and it sounds bombing. Can't wait to see it. Hey if you have tim,e can you find the CD Living Eden by Brandon Heath and send it to me when you have a package ready. Thanks mom your so awesome. Oh and Have a Happy Mother's day. Wish I could be there to celebrate with you but we will have plenty of time to celebrate when i get home. Can't believe it's so close. 

This week was unpredictable. So on Monday, we did an FHE with a family. We watched Finding Faith in Christ. The coolest miracle happened. We asked them if we could watch a DVD.  They said that it hasn't been working, but we can try. So we tried and we were able to watch the whole video without any glitches. So amazing! Then the cutest thing happened. They have a 2 year old little boy and he was looking at his dad's hand for the marks that Christ had. It so amazing for how young he is, he is realizing the influence of Christ in his life. It was such a great lesson. 

Monday was also the most stressful p-day ever. Anything that went wrong did. The stores were closed, the car wash broke down, and our emails weren't working for about 3 hours. But we handled it and got what we needed to done. On Tuesday, we declared to alot of people who were passing by when picking up their kids from school. Some people didn't want to hear from us and other were very open. We had an appointment with the Flores family. We read 1 Nephi 1 with them and the wife said she is going to get her glasses fixed so she can start reading the Book of Mormon. The husband was reading the Book Of Mormon all that way to 1 Nephi 1. They liked to read it outside and learn from it. They are progressing nicely. We only need them to come to church. We had a lesson with Jose and Angelina. They are doing very well too. We taught tithing and fast and offerings. They committed to live it. They came to church and are wanting this more and more. Hna. Angelina is doing so well with the Word of Wisdom and Jose is doing less and less of what he did before but they are progressing and understanding more of this gospel and how it can help them. On Wednesday, I wasn't feeling very well but we had alot of appointments and we went to our appointments. We had a lesson with one of our LA, Hermana Claudia. She is doing well. She just got back from Mexico and we shared the talk by President Ucthdorf, "Come and Join with Us." We commited her to read it. We also had a small lesson with Hermana Rojelia. We shared a scripture on faith, hope, and patience in trials. She is going through alot, family wise. After that, Hermana and I weren't feeling too well the rest of the day. So we came home and rested. On Thursday, we canceled all our appointments because we still weren't feeling too well to go out. Then Hermana started getting worse with her ear and her face. It was so swollen. We called Sister Castro who had us call Sister Judson. They reccommeneded we go to an Urgent Care. Hermana was in a lot of pain to where even moving just hurt. We went to an Urgent Care in Ventura and we were seen by a nurse practitioner. She didn't even tell us what Hna had, but gave her an antibiotic to take. We have been inside since that day. But this experience has reminded me of the apostles where Christ told them to wait an hour. Hermana was having a hard night one night and she couldn't sleep, talk, move or do anything or she would have pain. So I stayed up with her.  I know what the apostles felt when Christ had to suffer the pain for all alone. I could be with Hermana but I couldn't take away her pain. It was like the scripture, "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" is what i experienced. At times i was so tired but I knew Hermana needed me, so I stayed awake until I knew she was asleep. Through this experience, it has taught me the compassion and love that Christ has for us to go through the Atonement. He has felt everything that we are going to go through and he knows how we feel. I couldn't relate to Hermana because I never experienced what she had, but Christ has felt what she has and has gone through that pain for her. If anyone can relate to Hermana, it is Him.  Hermana is getting better slowly but surely.  She still has some ear problems but hopefully the antibiotics will fix it. She will get better I know it. I had a lot of time to study this week. So I mostly studied in Jesus the Christ and the Book of Mormon, reading in Alma.

I'll "snail" ya this week too.

Love ya,

Hermana Fitzpatrick

April 28 - Another Fabulous Week!

Hola Familia,

Our missionary conference was great!  We couldn't take any pictures or anything but it wasn't right occasion to take pictures but we got to shake Elder Russell M. Nielson's hands. 

We did do Mormon helping hands this week. We cleaned up a river area but it was so great because we had a lot of people look at what we were doing. 

The backyard looks so great. I can't believe we got a new bishop but I bet that he is great. What's his name? I'm so happy to see everyone is doing great. What time is your church again? What is the home phone #? I will tell you what time I will call you next week. Have a great week and I will snail mail ya!

This week has been fabulous. On Monday,we had an FHE with a less active family and we talked about The Gospel with them and the steps they need to take to go back to Heaven with our Heavenly Father.On Tuesday, we had a lesson with Luis who explained his doubt about being baptized and how he is recieving family troubles for studying with us. We did service for Hermana Rojelia.  She had some concerns and is really depressed on how her life isn't what she wanted and how she has been raising her kids. We also had a lesson with Jose and Angelina we taught the gospel and set them with a baptismal date of May 9th. They are so excited to be back in California and to see us in their home. On Wednesday, we had exchanges. After getting locked out of our apartment, we were finally able to go out and work. We saw a former who doesn't live in our area but they were in our area book. They said we could stop by if we had time, so we will give this former to the elders.We saw a couple of potentials who have been taught, but they mostly said that the previous elders came by for food or to just hangout, which is disappointing to hear. We found some new investigators: Gavino and Marie and Filemon. Filemon is so great he knows all about Joseph Smith and his story and he knows alot about our church. We think he might be a member we just have to ask him at our lesson this week that we have with him. We had a lesson with Jesus as well who hasn't been reading because of his eyesight but he said he will try. They stopped doing the kids homework to listen to us.  We are still wanting them to come to church but all that we can do is keep inviting. 

Hermana Siddoway said to work on sharing a scripture from the Book of Mormon in any teaching situation and I am starting to do gratitude prayers to help me realize the smalls things that happen during the day. Thursday was great. We had a lesson with a LA named Olympia who kids are former investigators. We didn't know that she was a member until she told us. She works on Sunday and so that's why she doesn't come to church. We are going to start meeting with her to get her re-activated. We found some new people this day too, and so we are going to start teaching them. We had another lesson with Angelina and Jose. They are doing so great and we are really trying to help them reach their date. We had a lesson with Luis and extended a baptismal date to him for may 23. He is struggling to come to church as well. 

On Saturday, we had Mormon Helping Hands and the elders had a baptism.  It was so good. We had a lesson with Fiilemon and explained more about the Book of Mormon. On Sunday we had church and had a lesson with Jose and Angelina. We watched the full movie of the Restoration. This week we found one new investigator.  Tthis week was a really a success.

This week I studied 3 Nephi 20 in the Book of Mormon.  During my language study and during my personal study I was in Alma and reading the missionary chapters. I also studied more about virtue and diligence and how we can find more. I also was studying the fall of the Lamanites and Nephites and how they are compared to the world today. I had great study sessions this week and learned how i can apply what I study to my investigators.

Hna Hernandez and I are great. We are seeing alot of success and working the way the Lord wants us to. We have come to love and understand each other alot better. We are growing to love and work in unity.

Te amo mucho, gracias por todo.

Hermana Fitzpatrick

April 21 - I Shook Hands with a Prophet!

Hola Familia,

 

I did get to shake hands with Elder Nelson and his wife, Elder Bowen and his wife, and Elder Garns and his wife as well. With Elder Nelson it was mostly us doing a Q&A. We had to eat lunch before we got to the meeting. I did get see Hermana Rubow and all my mission friends but we couldn't chat. We wanted to leave with the Spirit that we felt at the meeting.

I did get my Easter box and Thank you so much and for the shirts. They fit well and I love the card you sent and the eggs with the scriptures. I don't need my contacts right away you can just send them in the next box. 

I'm so glad you had a great Easter with some families from your ward.  It is alot more fun having holidays with people than by ourselves. On Mother's Day, I will be calling from the cell phone again and I would love to have Nan and Pop there.

I am feeling alot better. I will be sending some pics soon I just forgot my cord today :( We are doing awesome and we're on fire for missionary work!  The funniest thing that happened last week was some of the elders got a hair cut or they did it themselves.   One of them cut another's hair too short to where he almost has a bald patch. 

The most spiritual thing that happened last week was seeing Elder Nelson and the seventies. It is just amazing how someone can ask a question and they are able to just pull the perfect scripture out of their head, no preparation or anything. 

I don't really need anything right now. You are already doing way too much but you're my mom and you go above and beyond what I ask. So that is just you! 

That yard looks great and so does my Little Girl. Gracie. How is she doing? How is everyone else doing? It'll be so great to talk to you in a couple of weeks.  Not talking on skype will make the airport greeting alot more special, at least I think. 

This week has been so great. I absolutely loved it!   On Tuesday, we had so much work. We had a lesson with Luis, we read 1 Nephi 1 and 2 and we committed him to read 1 Nephi 3. He asked some very good questions that we had the answers for. At the end of our lesson, he also prayed for the very first time. We have been asking him to come to church and we keep reminding him Saturday and Sunday but he keeps making excuses. He has the faith but he doesn't want to put any effort or his faith into action. He wants to find peace but he won't gain the peace he needs if he doesn't try to find it himself first. 

We gave a refferral to the English Elders who we found. His name is Fred and he told us that any Church is true as long as they are based on God. We explained about the Restoration and how this restored gospel can bless his family. He is a grandfather and a father of alot of wonderful children. He is so willing to listen and to understand the path that God wants him to take. 

On Wednesday, We went to our new investigator's house, Jacklin and we taught about the Gospel. She didn't have much time because she was feeding her kids. We shared a ten minutes lesson and how having and taking the steps of the gospel can help her feel comfort and peace. She is going through a difficult trial because she just lost a family member this past week. She is so eager and willing to learn. She let us in after we told her it will only take a couple of minutes. But she sat down and listened. We also explained how this can bring her family to be more united. The only time her family is together is at meal times and that is it. 

We are planting small seeds in these peoples hearts. We had an Family Home Evening with Hermana Rojelia. We talked about the season of Easter and we read the Easter story with corresponding objects for ex. soap for the when Pilate washed his hands of the blood of Jesus. 

We had a lesson with Hector. We were bold but loving. We had a miracle, he came to church and partook of the sacrament. It was the first time since I have been here that he came to sacrament meeting. 

On Thursday, we had Zone meeting. It was so good and so inspiring. After zone meeting, we had a lesson with a former investigator named Magdalena. We taught the Restoration using cups and she was very receptive and asked good questions. She has a busy schedule and she said she would call us to tell us when we can stop by again. 

During our dinner on Thursday, we had a small FHE with a family and watched Mormon Messages. This was the thing that this family was lacking is just spending quality time together talking about the Gospel and the things they learn. I understand now why having FHE and family prayer and scripture study are important as it brings unity into the family.  

We saw a less active, Hermana Perez and asked how things were going. She has been pretty busy and we shared the purpose of or mission of jesus Christ. She is doing ok, we are just trying to help her right now because she doesn't want any help from the members because she got offended when she needed help and no one came to help her. 

On Friday, we had a huge miracle. Jose and Angelina are back from Mexico and so we are going to start teaching them again. It was so great. Angelina needs to get baptized again because the ward can't find her records. She came to church this Sunday. It was so awesome to see them again. 

Saturday was a day I really needed. I loved hearing from Elder Nelson, Elder Bowen, and Elder Garns and their wives. I absolutely loved Elder Bowen talk. How we have been putting false limitations on ourselves. It was a really good meeting and really what I needed to hear at this time. I can really testfiy that these men have been called of God because the Spirit just overwhelmed me when they entered the room. They know their purpose and are magnifying their callings. 

On Sunday, we had church and we reflected on the meaning of this Easter season. It means more to me now that I am in the mission than ever before. We saw a less active family and we watched The Testaments because Hermano has never seen it before. We explained that this is the reason for Easter. Not for the candy, the eggs, or the easter bunny. It's because Christ lives.   We as missionaries can say that, because we know it and we have experiences that have helped us come to this knowledge.

This week I have been studying alot of the talks by Elder Nelson. He is truely an inspired man. I have been studying in the Book of Mormon and reading Preach My Gospel. I also have been studying about Bible stories, like Job. It is truly a miracale to see the faith and the power that the prophets have.  It is really cool to know that I have that same power as well. I also read the Easter story and how Christ performed the Father's will.  He didn't wait for a little bit and then become obedient.   He did it right then and there without hesitation. 

This week I really was struggling with being a missionary and I realize that before anything amazing and good comes like miracles or an apostle coming,  Satan works really hard. When he does that I just want to sell my identity for a mess of pottage.  But after Elder Bowen's talk. I'm going to leave these last few yards running!

 

I'll write a snail mail this week.

 

Love,

 

Hermana Fitzpatrick

April 14 - We are Seeing Small Miracles Each and Every Day!

Hola Familia,

How are you? Our activity went great. We didn't have alot of turn out from members or investigators but I love doing activities because they the ward can feel where they need to focus on. But everyone that attended felt the spirit of missionary work and what we as missionaries go through rejection, canceled lessons and other things. 

I was feeling better but I have been throwing up all day today and I think I got food poisioning from some food that we ate at a member's house yesterday but other than that I'm fine. No, Hna Hernandez didn't get sick she just took care of me. 

Elder Nelson is coming this week. We are so excited. We will be there at 1:30 on saturday. Nope, no plans for this week. Our investigators are good. We are finding alot more souls that are ready to listen to our message. It is their choice whether they act on it or not. Gilbert didn't come to church yesterday but we are going to text him today and see what's up.

This week went by so fast. On Tuesday, we really went to work. During the morning we went to try former investigators and some of them asked us to come back and we set up return appointments with them. We had a lesson with one of our less active's mom and talked about what we need to do to help her son. We had correlation as well and practiced for our church tour this weekend. Wednesday was a day of miracles. We planned and knocked. It was so cool to see how the Lord open the hearts of the people that we met that day. We saw a Patricia who really needed us at this time. Her husband is sick and she is talking care of him and we just let her know that God knows what she is going through. We know that she is ready to hear our message. We also met Jaqueline who just had a family member pass and so we talked about how God has a plan for each and every one of us and we set up a return appointment with her this week to teach the Plan of Salvation. We declared to alot of people that day and some we open and other weren't but it just showed us that the Lord is preparing hearts in this part of his vineyard. 

District meeting was amazing. I always feel spiritually exhausted but ready to work. We had a lesson with one of our formers and we think he is ready to slowly progress. We read in the Book of Mormon and he asked some questions. We invited him to our activity and church.  We had a lesson with one of our less actives, Raul who is a Young Single Adult in our ward. We read Alma 17 with him and his whole entire family. I think the thing they really are missing is family prayer and scripture study. Friday, we had weekly planning and we had a couple more lessons with Less Active members. We had our Ward Mission Leaders and his wife come to our lessons with us. We had a lesson with the Rodriguez family about the Atonement. The two Young Women said that they want to go to church.  We had a lesson with Hna. Rojelia too. She is so great and is progressing little by little into coming back to church and enjoys reading the Book of Mormon. We have an Family Home Evening planned with her this week.  On Saturday, we had a lesson with the Flores family, who are so open and willing to let us come into their house to read with them and help them understand how this gospel will bless their lives.  We had church on Sunday and later during the day we asked Raul Jr. to help us with Hector to get him and his priorities straight. We are having a lesson with both of them this Wednesday. We are so excited for this week!

This week i was studying in the Book of Mormon in Mosiah all about Abinidi and Alma. I absolutely love these chapters. It was so great that Abinidi was willing to die for his beliefs just like Joseph Smith. I loved how Alma believed what was true and went against the world to help others come unto Christ. I also have been reading talks by Elder Nelson to prepare for this Saturday.

Hna Hernandez and I are great. We love working with each other and are on the same page on where we need to focus our efforts to help our ward and our area grow. We are seeing small little miracles each and every day. We are so excited for this Easter season and we are finally realizing that we are in the last miles of our mission. 

I can't wait to talk to you soon and see you in 5 months. ahhh! I definately have alot to say to our family. I will send pictures next week. Have a great week.

Con much amor,

Hermana Fitzpatrick

April 7- I Love Oxnard!!

Hola Familia,

I'm not getting transfferred. I'm staying here in Oxnard with Hermana Hernandez. 

I have been taking Sudafed. It has really helped but I just don't think my ear has fully healed but it's ok. There's always the resurrection, haha!   

Conference was so awesome. I especially loved the first session. Elder Holland is by far my favorite. We watched it at our building.  Our building isn't the building that you are thinking of.  Yep, some of the members fed us lunch between sessions.

I think the only thing i really need right now is some white shirts that I can just wear without a cardigan. But it's not that important. I need to start sending some stuff home anyways.

This week was so good. We started this week being sick and ended this week spiritually charged to keep pushing through. Thursday was our first day out and we had our last District Meeting of this transfer which was so good and so enlightening on what we need to do to be more virtuous, to help teach people to their needs and all the miracles that are happening in the great area of Oxnard. 

We had a FHE with one of our less actives, Hermana Rojelia. She was the only one there and we invited alot of people. I know that she was expecting more and I think it got her a little disheartened.  We talked about the importance of prayer and how we need to pray sincerely. After we left the FHE, we recieved a phone call from our Ward Mission Leader that he and his wife went over to Hermana Rojelia's and were enjoying her company. 

On Friday, we had a lesson with Roberto.  He and his family are really ready for the gospel and they want it. Their son, Ivan has been reading the Book of Mormon every night. One thing that I found interesting was that they have a picture of John the Baptist and Jesus when he was getting baptized that we use on our baptismal programs. It was just so cool!  This family is really searching for the truth. We went to see a couple of people that want to start learning again. 

On Saturday, we had General Conference which was exactly what I needed at this time. It prepared me mentally and spiritually to continue in this next couple months that I have. We went to try a couple of people after Conference was over because we were pumped and ready to work. Later, we had the opportunity to participate in the baptism of Maria. I was asked to play the piano. It was such a touching moment for me to see her change. When she received the gift of the Holy Ghost she had tears of Joy, especially as we sang the last song I Know That My Redeemer Lives. 

On Sunday, we received more spiritual insight and knowledge. I love Conference. We tried a referral after and she didn't want to open up at first but she explained to us where she will be every Sunday while she is washing laundry. We had a lesson with Jesus and he had two of his nephews there. They are really wanting to know more and to have this gospel. We can even see a change in Jesus.  He went from an 'I don't care attitude' to really wanting to know for himself. 

We tried a couple of people as well and they want to learn more. We have been trying Jose but he hasn't been home from Mexico for a couple of weeks so we are going to give hime a break for a while.   But, all in all, this was a really great week.

This week I have been studying General Conference talks. I especially loved Elder Holland's talk. One of the talks that I have recently found is in the 20ll November issue. Where Elder Holland is telling all the men to get their act together and be the representatives of Christ that they need to be. I also have been reading in the Book of Mormon and love the analogy of the olive trees and the vineyard. It is so cool to receive the revelation we need to be able to apply the gospel more into our lives. I have also just loved learning more about what we as Daughters of God need to do to strengthen the relationship that we have with our families and to be able to have our home be centered in Christ. 

It was so interesting how all the questions that I had had were answered more than once. It was interesting how throughout  all the many years of General Conference, the apostles and prophets have been repeating the same things. My thinking is if we were doing what we should be doing, we wouldn't need to be told more than once. It's kinda like dad telling us to clean our room but we don't do it or don't want to and he just keeps telling us until we finally decide for ourselves to clean our room.

Hermana Hernandez and I are really grateful that we are staying together again for one more transfer. We truly appreciate all the time and effort into making sure we need to be where the Lord needs us. We are ready to work and to be the gathers that the Lord wants us to be.  We are prepared and willing to fight for the Lord's side and be ready when the call comes. The time is now, our four minutes is now! 

 

Love you/ con much amor

 

Hermana Fitzpatrick

March 31 - Share the Gospel, Y'all!!

Hey Family,

We did get the boxes. Thank you so much!  Hermana Hernandez loves the Cheez-Its!  

I did get my mission card fixed.  I just haven't had time to go get my Wells Fargo card fixed.I would be thrilled to talk in Keller 2nd again. What a great opportunity. I sure do miss everyone.   Everyone looks so big and grown up in the pictures you took at your girls weekend in Salt Lake City.

How are you? This week has been crazy busy but we love it. On Monday night, we had a FHE with a family on Focus on 15. They really have been missing the spiritual side of their lives and are learning where to put their priorities. It is so great to see the change in them. They even brought friends to the breakfast that we had this Saturday for the Cub Scouts. 

On Tuesday, we got to see one of our less actives who doesn't mind the missionaries coming over but doesn't want the members to come over. We talked about the gospel and how it can help her at this time because she is taking care of her grandchildren. We also went over to Claudia's house and taught her the Plan of Salvacion. She had some really interesting questions about her and her family, because her spouse is a nonmember. 

We planned for an FHE with the Macias family but only the mom was home so we shared what we were going to share for FHE. She was really touched. She wanted to continue to read the chapter after we left. On Wednesday, we had exchanges. They were so great. Hermana Wright taught me so much. We talked to alot of people who only said if i'm here we can talk. We found a less active named Jose Ruiz who is not coming to church because he is in a wheelchair and he doesn't want the members to help him. We found a couple of new investigators. One of the most interesting is Jorge. He is interested and invited us to his Bible study.  We shared the Book of Mormon with him and he felt very interested to learn more.  Hermana Wright and I shared our experiences.  I thought about doing a progression journal becuase i can see the progress of others more than in myself. 

We had district meeting on Thursday, which was awesome. We also had a lesson with a less active family because they work on Sunday. But they are great and definately know the gospel. it just priorities. So this week, on Friday we went to go see Ivan and his family. Ivan has been reading the Book of Mormon every night and we ran into his mom this week who loves fast and testimony meeting we invited and knocked on the door but no one answered we are going to keep trying. This family is ready! We saw Jesus who is finally interested in what we have to share. He has a dry sense of humor and wants to come to church we invited him but he is on vacation but we will invite him next week as well. 

On Saturday, the Women's meeting came it was so great. Such a spirit of unity and other things. I love the words that were shared on how we should be covenant keepers. Then on Sunday, was a huge miracle. Gilbert came to church. He was so happy and grateful that he came. He got to know some of the members and he even attended YSA Class that we have in the ward. He is so grateful that we could help him make this change. He counts as a baptism in our books!This week I have been studying more of the Atonement, the Book of Mormon, and General Conference talks in order to get prepared for conference. This past few days of studying have been hard because I have been sick but I will get better.  One thing that I did learn today, is that "Cursed is the man the puts his trust in men."  So true, we need to trust God first and it will all work out. We need to have faith in his timing. I have defiantely learned this on the mission.

Hermana Hernanadez and I are so good. We have a few bumps every now and then but in the end we love one another. I think this week, we had the best companionship inventory ever. We both felt the Spirit and loved by one another. She is a great example and does what the Lord tells her without asking. She is awesome and she has helped me grow in areas where I have needed to grow. 

This week has been a growing week. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary.  Hermana Hernandez and I celebreted our 1 yr birthday together, Mexican style. Quesidillas, jarritos(mexican soda), guacamole,, crema(sour cream), and tres leches cake. So good! I will send pics later. But it was so fun. 

Just a little sick here and there just something going around but all in all I'm good.  The members are excited and we are too!!  I hope y'all have a great week, share the gospel with friends and neighbors, I love ya'll. Thanks for the pics!

 

Love,

Hermana Fitzpatrick

March 24 - One Year Down....

Hola Familia!!

Don't tell me that my dog is about to turn 10!  She is still my little girl, haha. That is so exciting about Jaymie's mission call.  She's going to LOVE Dallas, Texas!!  I can't wait to go back there and see all my friends in Texas. I bet things sure have changed. 

As Missionaries, we are always looking forward to the Broadcast and General Conference. Speaking of General Conference, Russel M. Nelson is coming to our mission on April 19th. It will be so exciting to get to see a member of the twelve apostles in person. 

Be sure and take some pictures of everyone for me when you have this girls trip this week in Salt Lake, City!!

We are trying to lighten the ward list. We truely have and experienced alot of miracles for it. This has been a great week!! We have experienced so many miracles this week, its crazy. (Wait, I think I just said that!!)  We are trying to find a lot of less actives and we have experienced miracles from this. One of the miracles that we experienced yesterday was we went to a neighborhood to find a less active member and we knocked on the door. A woman answered the door and we asked if Gilbert was home.  She said "wait a minute".  She went to go get Gilbert and he came and asked how we were doing. While we were waiting, his sister came and told us that he was having a hard time and that if we could do anything to help him. As we were talking, he really didn't know why he hasn't come to church but we asked him if he has been praying and he said he was just asking God to send him a sign of what he should do in his situation, and then we knocked on his door!! He was thinking about coming to church, too.  He just couldn't find anything that listed the time that church starts.  He said he will come to church next Sunday. He hasn't had missionaries visit his home for 3 years. Miracle.

We also were calling numbers to see which ones are working and which ones aren't . This lady called us and said she has been going through some things but she wants us to come by and help. We taught a new investigator named Ivan who is really interested in our message and has a lot of great questions. He wants to learn and grow.  But come to find out it was a wrong address but we just felt good that we could help her through one simple phone call. 

The other miracles that we have are we have alot of member referrals coming in because of our activity. The members are really excited and wanting to help us. Our activity, which is on April 12 at 5:30, is a church tour with every organization (YW, YM, RS,and Primary and Priesthood) talking about what happens in these organizations.  We will have some light refreshments after. It will be so great!

This week i have been studying in Jesus The Christ and the scriptures escpecially the Book of Mormon. I am really trying to understand the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon, but it is a little deep. I loved Zone Conference and have been studying my notes and have really tried to understand the Atonement more. I love learning new things especially about the Atonement in the book, Jesus the Christ.

Hermana Hernandez and I are so good!!  We love experiencing and trying new things. We have alot of fun but we even experience joy more!!  I love her so much and have grown so much from her example. She is a great missionary and she loves to learn and grow. I love that way she helps me, and helps us find the needs of our investigators. I'm so excited about Elder Nelson coming to the mission!!

Some of the special requests... We would like anything!!  Hermana Hernandez is craving some Cheez-Its. Just some sweet and healthy things as well. Gift card are always useful. Oreo's would be great. Goldfish, any type. Just something to snack on. I like nuts.  Mostly I like peanuts or pistachios and anything else you want to put in. I do need to some more contacts. I think i only need 2 boxes of contacts, then I should  have enough for the rest of the mission. I forgot that I could clean my contacts, and because I cried, some of them got ruined. That is the only other need i really have.

I'll write some more in my letter home.

Love,

Hermana Fitzpatrick/kenzer lou

March 17 - Where Has All The Time Gone??

This year has seem like it has gone so fast!!  I know that the next six months are going to go even faster. I'm totally on the downhill of the mission now. Aww, poor Littles!I   I'm sure she had a great birthday.  Take pictures of the sunken ship and the sea turtles when everyone goes scuba divine in Maui for spring break.  

Everything in our ward is good. We are going to start rebuilding everyone's spirituality in the ward by having Family Home Evening with less actives and actives in our area. Our Ward Mission Leader is ok.  He is just stressed and things. But he really helps us out when we need it.  I do get letters from Hermana Rubow weekly. We are like missionary pen pals. 

In our quest to finding less actives, we are going to visit a lot this week and set up appointments and see if they even still live at their last address. A lot of the names on the list don't have a phone number or address so they just need to be sent back to SLC. 

The most spiritual thing that happened this week was probably reading my scriptures, and finding out that if we don't do service and help the poor and we pray for them then our prayers are in vain and we will be damned basically. 

Not a day goes by that Hermana Hernandez and I don't laugh!!  She is pretty funny and so am I. This week has been pretty good. We have experienced a lot of miracles. We got a couple referrals this week but they didn't really work out but we are never discouraged and we are always trying to find new ways of finding new investigators. 

On Tuesday, we went to see a couple less actives. We had a lesson with Claudia. We taught obedience and prayer. The only reason she doesn't come to church is because Sunday is the only day her husband has off. We have even asked her to only come to sacrament meeting.  We asked her to talk to her husband about it. But in this lesson we were very bold but loving. We read a couple of scriptures about obedience and we finished with John 14: 15, "If you love me, keep my commandments."  So we asked her if she loved God.  We explained the only way that you truly show you love God is by keeping all of his commandments. We can't just pick and chose which ones we keep and which ones we don't. 

We then went to see a recent covert named Hector who is about to turn 18. He really wants to go on a mission but since we have been in this area. He still has yet to show up to church so this week we are going to be very bold but loving again. We read the scriptures with him and his mom who is coming back into re-activity. We then visited a less active coming back into re-activity. His name is Reuben. We taught him about being prepared to enter the temple. He really wants to go to the temple.  The only thing is that he doesn't work, his wife does, and she doesn't pay tithing. That is the only thing holding him back from the priesthood and the temple.  We found a less active this week who hasn't been visited for awhile. We set up a return appointment but he wasn't there but his wife was.  We talked with her about the church and she has a little bit of a desire we just need to spark it. We then stopped by another less-active's house because she needed a blessing of health and so we called of few of the high priests to come and give her a blessing. It was so cool. Then on Wednesday-Saturday, Hermana Hernanadez didn't feel well. So we rested and studied. We found a lot of less actives this week and we have about 70 in our area alone.  Hermana Hernandez and I said that we are going to go visit the active and less-active members and have family home evenings with them because that is the thing that is lacking in almost all of the members homes.

Some miracles that we experienced this week are getting another member referral; making a lady's day by letting her go first when we were backing up the car and just gaining a lot of the member's trust.

This week I studied a lot. I studied in Jesus the Christ and why he was the only one that could perform the Atonement. I studied a lot in the standard works because I am marking my scriptures for the scriptures that we use in our lessons from PMG. I have been studying a lot and preparing for General Conference and learning more about obedience. I also have been studying a lot from my patriarchal blessing and the things that is says.

Hermana Hernandez and I are awesome. We love each other a lot and there is not a day that goes by that we do not laugh. We have become great companions but even greater friends. We love each other and will do anything for each other. I now understand a little bit how Heavenly Father felt when he had to leave Christ to suffer the Atonement. I bet he wanted to take it away. Just like I told Hermana Hernandez that I would do anything to take her sickness away, but I couldn't.  Only she could suffer through her sickness and the pains and suffering. There were at some time points where I had to leave her to go clean the apartment. But it was so interesting to experience a little bit of what Heavenly Father experienced. I really just helped Hermana Hernandez when she needed medicine and help her make desciones. Zone conference this week!  It's going to be great!

Write you a snail mail this week.

Hermana Fitzpatrick/ kenzer lou

March 10 - Same Time Zone!!

Hola Familia,

 

I love feeling the cool, ocean breeze again and being down here.  I'm not as sick as I was up in the North country. Our ward is awesome!   Our dinner calendar is practically full this month and it is great to get to know the members as well and have Mexican food again.

We can find our way around alot better now that we did in our first week. We have been using the GPS and Tiwi has only talked to me once or twice now. I don't need anything right now.  If I think of anything I' ll tell you in my snail mail. The clothes and the shoes fit perfect. Thank you for everything!  I absoluetly love the Mikarose stuff, so darn cute! 

Wow, I can't believe everything that is happening.   It's weird, how you think that people you know will be the same people when you get home.  I guess that is what happens to me as well. Change is good.  Tell Dad, "Thanks" too.  He is awesome.!! It feels a little bit surreal that my mission is winding down. I am where Hermana Walker and Hermana Palafox were when I came in. Crazy!!  But I am so grateful that I have Hermana Hernanadez to share our one-year mission anniversary with and to have a last whoo-rah before I just blink and it will be my last stransfer meeting and I am giving my final testimony. But it's all good! 

How are you? I hope that all is well with you and the family. My, this transfer is flying by!!  On Monday, we had a dinner with one of our less actives and he shared the most spiritual experience that I have ever felt in my life. We talked about the Atonement and how there are people waiting for their temple work on the other side. His young daughter was acting very active which isn't normal, so he held her and he started praying. As he prayed and we listened, he became a different person. It was like the Spirit or God was talking through him. He thanked us for the job that we are doing and how we are trying to help people come unto him. It was really touching.

On Tuesday, we went to go see a investigator who has been picked up by the elders before us. We are trying to teach her and she really hasn't responded. So, we are going to try one last time to see if she wants to learn more or not but we are not giving up hope. We saw another less active named C.and we taught her about the restoration of the gospel. She says she has a testimony and faith but she just doesn't come to church because it is the only day that her husband has off and he's not a member.  We are trying really hard to help her see the importance that attending church will be for her and her family. We found a new investigator named R. He is really interested in our message as well as is his son because they have some family that is Mormon, but they have never really shared deeply what we believe so we are going to teach them.  The only problem is that they are here sometimes and in Mexico the other times. We are just going to hope and have faith that they stay here for a little while. 

On Wednesday, we went to another less active house who needed service.  We taught a short lesson about Enduring to the End and having faith. As we were talking, she opened up to us and said "Sisters, I am a returned missionary and I'm not married and not living the law of chastity."  But she did tell us that her goal is to go to the temple and get married. So we are going to start working with her and helping her boyfriend have the desire to learn more about the Church. 

We taught a man named J. with two of our ward missionaries and it went great. We then taught a Preach My Gospel class in our ward on the Plan of Salvation.  Although it only had 4 people attend, we know that we helped those 4 people want to share this lesson with their friends, neighbors, and family who aren't members. 

We did service for another less active member this week who has arthritis. We helped her wash her dog. We then went to see a recent convert who helped us get to know the area a bit more and gave us a couple of referrals. The only problem that we noticed, is that she isn't reading the Book of Mormon because it says "It came to pass" too many times and it drives her nuts. So we are going to help her start slow in reading. She says she has a testimony of it even if she hasn't read it.

We had dinner with a part member family who is one of our investigators. We shared a short message.  It is so cool how the Spirit works with Hermana Hernandez, me, and the member to figure out or to help each other interpret the scripture to understand it's meaning. 

On Friday, we went and taught a recent convert who is preparing to go on a mission. He said the only help he really needs is to read the Book of Mormon every day. We are starting to read the missionary chapters with him and he loves it!!  We have noticed that he hasn't come to church that often so we are going to ask him what's up. 

We had a lesson with J. He and his wife are going to Mexico for three weeks but they will call us when they get back. 

On Sunday, we were in meetings all day. We are having meetings with the ward and other things for activities to help the members. All in all, it was a great week!

This week I have studied a lot of things but mostly the things that I have been studying is Chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel.  I am highlighting the scriptures that I can share when we teach these lessons. It is really cool how I learn new things when I read in a different language. I understand the lessons better in Spanish than reading it in English. I am also reading the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi chapter 2.  There are really some amazing things that happen in that chapter. I am also trying to prepare very well in advance for this upcoming General Conference that we will be having this transfer. I love studying the scriptures and all that I understand when I really feast upon the words of Christ.

Hermana Hernandez and I had a little bit of a rough time this past week. We talked it out and came together to try and comprise with one another and we have. Now we really know our purpose in helping the ward. It is to help the members become motivated to help us share the gospel with others.  Feeding us is great, but that is not the reason we are here. We are also here, I think, to help the less actives because none of the missionaries know who they are. Our Ward Mission Leader told us we that we have 300 less actives in this ward.  We are going to start helping them and finding people who are in our path throughout the day to teach and bring them closer to Christ, fulfilling our purpose.

 

Love y'all

Te quiero

 

Hna. Fitzpatrick. Kenzer Lou

March 3 - The Funnest Week of My Mission!

Hola Famila,

 

I'm in OXNARD!!! YAY!!! If you really want to know what it is like. Picture Mexico. I feel like the only white chick around town because there are Mexicans everywhere! haha! This is a whole new area.   The closest I have been to Oxnard is Ventura. Oxnard, as everyone calls it in the mission, if you are Spanish speaking, is the Holy Land because you can just walk on the street and talk to people who speak Spanish. 

It feels so good to be near the ocean again. I'm going say being up north was rough, in Paso.   I just felt sick all the time but I am definately getting better since being down here. 

We haven't seen alot of farms and fields yet,  maybe becuase they aren't in our area, but we know that they are definately here. 

The rain was good but kinda scary to drive in because it floods a lot.  I forgot to wear my boots for one day so my shoes were soaking wet.  I finally traded those shoes for my boots.  Wow, I can't believe that there are over 100 weddings scheduled for the Gilbert temple in March!  That is a miracle and truly a blessing. I know that when I get back I'm going to take Littles (Kellie) to the temple. 

Yay, I'm so glad that y'all are starting the backyard it will turn out great!  

Hermana Hernandez and I are celebrating our year mark this month together so cool. She goes home with us which is truly a blessing.

I'm so glad that Sydnie got into BYU-I!  She will love it! It is one place that you make friends for life. That's rough with the things that Sydnie is going through just tell her that she has someone for her when I get home. I'm so glad that she has Jaymie to help her and be her friend.

Here's news from the mish:  I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity that we have to work here in Oxnard. It truly is a blessing. When we arrived in this area, I am sorry to say that the area book and the apartment were in poor condition. We have people in our area book who were listed as less active but they are active now.  This area has a focus on 15 that we don't know about and other such minor things that make a big difference. We also needed to get numbers to the zone leaders for their stake report and we couldn't do it because there were no numbers left on the progress records. But we are slowly but surely getting organized and taking care of.

This week we taught a lot of less actives and are trying to get to know the members and the investigators that we have.  We met with one of our investigtors named Jose who really wants to learn more before he commits to a date. He is awesome, he can't read because he has no education so his wife reads to him. We are going to try and get some of LDM cd's for him to listen to. We are trying really hard and growing to love this area especially this ward is awesome. It is truly a blessing to work with some of God's children. We of course got confused at the beginning and we went to the wrong ward Mission Leader's house and things but in the end we figured out where we are supposed to be. So funny!!

This week in my studies, I have studied more about Lehi's family and how long they spent in the wilderness.  A whole 8 years. What a long time. I also love when we read about Nephi breaking his bow it is because he used it so much. This is compared to how we need to use our sickle a lot.  His brother's bow's strings broke because they were to lazy to unhook them.  

I have been studying in the white handbook, too, about everything that companions do for eachother and how through the thick and thin, we are still here for each other. It is always great to know that we have someone supporting and helping us along our mission journey. I love the part in Preach My Gospel,  how it talks about what we need to do to exemplify our power and authority in our calling. There is one little paragraph that starts with "strive". I thought about what this paragraph means, and to me it is the little things and what we need to do.

Hermana Hernandez and I really love each other and get along so great!  She is so awesome. She is really dedicated, obedient, and relies on the will of the Lord all the time. She helps me grow and she knows that their is always room for improvement.  Even though she maybe frustrated or feeling discouraged she is rebounding it with postive influences in her life and figuring out how to overcome her own weaknesses. She one of the companions that I know I will learn a lot from this transfer. 

I know my hair is long and light. It is crazy because i was up in Paso for the California winter and my hair is still the same color it was when I left.  It hasn't faded.   Guess I'm just stuck being a light blonde forever haha.  One of the things that I want to say is at the end of my mission, is that I haven't cut my hair and so far it is true. I haven't cut it since before the mission. 

The most awesome thing is finding one of our investigator who is truly progressing.   And that we have managed to finally memorize where we go to church finally!!  We love getting lost! JK!!  The funniest thing that happened this week is ... ok so we are living with two other sisters and we thought the sisters were in our ward and vice versa and so turns out we are both in different wards but we met their Ward Mission Leader.   Their bishop came up to us and said jokingly that we were the missionaries that got confused about what ward we were in, and we told him yes,  but we figured out where we really are and met our real Ward Mission Leader and things. 

All in the fun of "pinkwashing" which is where two sisters replace elders. Hermana Hernanadez and I have never been in this area so for the entire week we really had no idea where we were, what we were doing, and who we need to go see.

I have to wait 2-3 weeks before I get a new mission card. I haven't gotten my Subway card fixed but I will eventually. I'm doing awesome and am grateful for my mission.   It is great.!!  I love every minute of it. Hermana Hernandez and I are sisters for sure because we both think that we are like each other. She is great. I need help with my Spanish and she needs help with her English so we are so great for each other.

I love y'all! How is my siblings doing? Aunt Danae? Anything I need to know about from home. I'm grateful for the support of you and dad. I'm so glad that I can have this time to share everything with you. It goes by so fast and it only goes faster from what I am told.

 

Love you to the moon and back,

Te amo

Hermana Fitzpatrick, kenzer lou

February 24th - And I'm Headed to.........OXNARD!

Hola Familia,

Ok DRUM ROLL PLEASE!! I am going to.........................Oxnard! Yay! I'm so excited!! My new companion will be Hermana Hernandez.  Yes, another native speaker, again!!  Hahaha I will be driving.   I hope Tiwi is nice. We are doing a whitewash, which is where they take both missionaries out and put new missionaries in. It's a way to restart an area. 

The Spanish branch has their own sacrament meeting but are joined with the youth in sunday school and YM/YW! I think my purpose was to find T. and help her to be baptized.  And also to meet Sister Beth. 

The weather has been getting really nice here and even started feeling like summer. 

I definitely don't want snakes in my house when I come home!!  You'll have to start keeping the back door closed, soon. 

I will keep Aunt Nae in my prayers! No, I haven't gotten my Subway card fixed, but I will try and get that done today! I don't think I need anything from home. It's nicer to get gift cards but I really don't need anything at the moment. 

I can't believe Sydnie is graduating already in a couple of months!  Its weird the difference being away makes.  In my mind, I picture Kellie still with her braces on and things even though I know she got her braces off.  My siblings still feel little to me even though they are big. 

That would be so fun to have a mission reunion at our house! I know that's what all the missionaries usually do after their mission. Tucson, AZ in the fall or winter would be a cool place to have a missionary homecoming.

I am so proud of Blake.  He is doing such a great job. Start him in reading PMG! 

Thanks for all that you do. I am loving my mission everyday, even on the crummy days! I am so grateful for you as my parents and all the things that you have done for me .Can you believe that I have almost been out a year?!?! I grateful for the opportunity that I have had to work in Paso Robles and for the opportunity that I have now to go to Oxnard. 

This week has been a very trying but rewarding experience. This week we went to see a former investigator named Norma. Norma is so prepared. She really wants to learn but wants to go at her own pace. Norma has two young children and has to go to a lot of therapies because of anxieties that they have. She has lots of great questions. We can't wait for our next lesson with her. We found some of the members in our branch still live at their addresses and we even found a couple part member families. We have an appointment with them this week. We went to go help one of the members and it was so cool to see that she needed us that day and how we just needed to help her get through some trials that have happened it her life. We got the car fixed on Friday, which took longer than expected only for an oil change. We went to see one of our less actives that night and we talked about temples. 

This week I have studied The Pearl of Great Price and started The Book of Mormon again. In the Pearl of Great Price, I learned more about the Pre-mortal life, Creation, and the Fall. I absolutely loved Joseph Smith History. I love how even though Joseph was tired after being visited by Moroni three times in one night, he still went out to work. I read in the White Handbook on leadership.  I know that even though I am not in a leadership position, I can still be a leader. I love how it mentions exactly what a leader needs to do and how to become the type of leader Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want. One of my favorite parts that it doesn't matter if we are in a leadership position or not.  We all still matter to Heavenly Father.  But the part that really stuck out to me is that your proselyting area should be an example of your leadership. 

This transfer I have been so grateful to work with Hermana Corniea. She has taught me so much!!  One thing that I love about her, is her willingness to serve everyone, everywhere she goes. I want to incorporate that into myself. This transfer has taught us both a lot about each other and the trust that the Lord has in us. I can't count the number of times we had something planned but the Spirit directed both us to do something else.  For example, to serve a member who needed our help; to go see a former investigator who wants to be taught and countless other experiences. This transfer has taught me that this is the Lord's work. He knows exactly who is ready to be taught and that we are only the instruments in His hands. To sum up my time here in Paso Robles, Alma 26: 11-12, "...I do not boast of my own strength, nor in my own wisdom, but behold my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God, for in His strength, I can do all things; yea, very mighty miracles we have wrought in this land for which we will praise His name forever." 

Today is kinda of a bittersweet day because the next time that I will be able to spend a day with Hermana Corniea is the day that we are going home!   But it can only get sweeter from here!!

Te amo,

Hna Fitzpatrick/Kenzer Lou