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