Taco-bout the Gospel: (Neat)ure

Hello hello! What a great week! It flew by. I'm really starting to slack off on the whole write in my journal every day. I've had to do catch up work. I can't stop now! Almost a year doing it and now it isn't the time to quit! Hahaha. So for this reason my emails have been shorter.

And this is no exception haha. Again, sorry for that.

Anyway. This week was pretty full of exciting "try new things" experiences. First of all, we had to the opportunity to plan our own zone training. Usually we give what we learned and it's basically a repeat but for those who didn't hear in the leadership council. This time, it was personal. That made it sooooo much cooler. and sooooooo much more spiritual. We met with the zone leaders to plan with them and it was like working in a school group project. But it wasn't terrible like those projects can be. It's a lot more edifying when you are working with the spirit and a focus in the benefit of others. You really have to lose yourself to find yourself.

The next day was the zone training. It was a success!!! We talked about having an effective teaching. It really hit me that a new opportunity to help this child of God, starts from the moment we talk with someone. From that moment and forward, we are the Lord's tools. We work with the spirit and nothing more. We have to listen. We have to invite. We have to avoid all distractions. We have to do the Lord's work. There is nothing better than doing the Lord's work!!

We also did a super fun service activity! On Saturday, we hiked up one of the mountains and planted trees!! We got up there at about 7 am and worked for about 4 hours up in the mountains. There are a

Happy doing service

ton of nopales...a type of cactus. And the best part was eating fresh tunas! The little red things on the cactus haha. SOOOO GOOOOD. Nothing can compare. it was beautiful planting little trees and saving the planet. But seriously the world is a gorgeous place. God created a world so amazing and sometimes we don't take the time to help it flourish. I was reminded by the little activity that faith is like that little tree. We planted a lot. And we probably will never see it finish growing or even become a strong tree, but I know that in the future there will be one. that is missionary work. We don't have to see the fruits of our labor to know we are working hard. If we are diligent, the spirit will testify if we are doing all we can. Numbers cant and wont tell us. Only the sacred gift of the Holy Ghost will whisper the truth and penetrate the heart with it's quiet but strong power. There is always a lesson to be learned. Even in a small service activity :)

Mexican thumbs up for you all!

Last, we had the chance to go to a Noche Mexicana...a Mexican night. Celebrating their independence day just a week earlier. But it was so fun. We painted faces, watched people dance, sang a Mexican song that we didn't know and helped prepare food for everyone. We met new people and just had the chance to spend time with all of the wonderful members. I seriously just love them so much!

That was basically my week with a few highlights. I am always amazed at the many blessings God gives me. I could never make it through the day without the security of the gospel. It seriously blessed me in every moment. The work is glorious. The Lord is generous with His blessings, but obedience and diligence is key to receive. I know this church is true. I know this work is of the Lord. I am beyond blessed to be serving a mission. Nothing else I would rather be doing. Have a great week everyone!

LOTS OF LOVE!!!

Hermana Cross