Loving People and Being Loved

This week was quite eventful! I was sick on Wednesday and Thursday. Like my stomache was dying. but I made it through and because of it I realized how loving the people of Guatemala are. I had an old lady come and take care of me. And afterwards I had tons of people thorughout the week ask how I was doing and giving me ton of health suggestions. So that was cool. And I just felt really loved. and then on Friday we went to a Quinceañera and like I couldn't participate in the dancing because I'm a missionary, but just watching the festivities made me so happy. I love seeing people be happy and have joy and seeing it gives me joy. I just had so much love this week! 

In other news I torteared! That was cool. One of our investigators owns a tortillaria and it was so awesome that they let me try. Anyway that was pretty much my week. Oh and we had a photoshoot with the youth who loves us. So that was cool. Anyway I love you people! Till next time! 

Hermana Judd

Covetous Lady of Norway

That's the kind of name you find when you do family history work. So that's freaking awesome. This week during our interviews with the President of the mission his wife taught us about the importance of family history work and how important it is to bring those names to the temple. So they can also recieve the amazing blessings of the temple. 

Speaking of the temple this week we took one of our investigators, his son, his girlfriend (member), and her daughter to the temple. It was a really amazing experience. As the Sisters of the temple taught about the plan of salvation I just imagined this to be family being together forever. And I of course started crying. But I just had so much appreciation for the love from our heavenly father and how much he wants us to be happy. So he made a way for us to be together as a fam forever. I know that I get a lot of joy from that. And I love that other people are also able to receive that same joy. 

Anyway in short I'm grateful for the temple and what a great blessing it is for me, for my family, and for my family who've died and that we can all be together forever. 

They're kicking me off. Entonces till next time! 

Hermana Judd

I'm Going To Be Fat Fat Fat

And what am I supposed to do about that? 

Literally though I swear I'm going to be a fatty when I get back. All I eat is bread, tortillas, rice, and beans. I feel so healthy. 

Anyway I would like it to be known that the verb Tortear means to make tortillas and I think it's awesome. I wish the english language had a verb for making tortillas. Çause it's chill. 

Also you know that the mission is influenced by Utah Mormons because literally every single missionary says Fetch and it makes me laugh so hard. I'm going to withstand it though and never say it. 

Anyway now for spiriualness. This week we taught an old lady who had Alzeihmers and you knew half way through the lesson she didn't remember what we had taught. But it was cool to see that everytime we sang a hymn to see peace and joy come over her face. And you just knew she could feel the spirit in those moments. I love that the spirit can speak to us in more ways than one. It's special and unique for every single one us. I feel like it shows the individuality of each of us and how heavenly father knows those differences and speaks to us in ways we can understand. I dig it!  

Anyway as for pics I've included me, my comp, and Hysel. (the youth that acopmanies us literally everywhere. I love her.) And then the view of the water volcano and fire volcano. Water isn't active but fire goes off practically everyday and it's cool to see the small little plumes everyday. 

Anyway I think that's pretty much all I've got for you guys. Till next time!

Camel Eyelashes

I wish I had them. It's seriously so dusty here and I'm not like all these blessed latinos with long luscious eyelashes. 

Anyway this week has been really interesting. I've tried more new things than I can count. Green mangoes, "coffee" It's burnt corn water and it's freaking disgusting, plantains, and so much more. 

The people in the ward are sweet as ever. I've been called an angel at least a couple times everyday. So that's nice.  I'm more impressed with the people in the area every day. Their faith and their willingness to serve is just incredible. 

As for the spiritual part of the letter. I'm really glad for the priesthood and the power it has to heal and comfort those in need, This week I met a family who's grandaughter had an emergency operation and was in pain, and the family didn't know how they were going to pay for it. But then the elders gave them a blessing and it was amazing to see the comfort that filled their faces. It's true that they still had a hard time afterward but to see the peace in their faces afterwards was amazing. It was a testament. And I won't lie and say I didn't cry. 

Anyway I'm going to tryb to resend those pics. 

I love you people. Till next time! 

They Call Me Canchita!

Gringa, Hermanita, Hood, Jude, etc. I'm doomed to stand out. CCM- only girl. Here Im literally taller than everyone by at least a head...or two. But this week has also been really cool. I've met a ton of people who's names are all a blur. Hopefully I'll be able to remember them as time goes by. 

But I think what I want to focus this email on is how Impressed I am with the youth of Guatemala. Literally everyday we have at least one youth but usually a group of two or three come with us to knock on doors and teach people at our lessons. It makes me a little ashamed of myself as a youth. I wish I had gone out more with the missionaries. Entonces my youth of my church and other churches go out with your missionaries. You're testimonies can help so many people. You're a good example of what life can be with the gospel. I know school is important, I know sports are important, and work, and all those other things, but teaching people is also important. In fact it's one of the most important. So don't set it aside and leave it for someone else. You do it! 

Anyway Guatemala is crazy! People drive like freaking maniacs. The food is ok. I've eaten a crap load of tortillas. And I've seen real poverty. Dirt floors, tin roofs, and so much more. I don't know why we even complain in the states. Well I need to go! I'm being kicked off! But know I love you guys and I miss you all! 

Enjoy all the pics from the mtc! I don't really have time to explain them all but you can just look and enjoy and not really care. The one with all the boys is my district at the CCM. Any way CIAO!

Till next time! 

Letter from the Mission Pres.

Dear Judd Family,

We are thrilled to welcome your wonderful daughter to the Guatemala City South Mission. It lifts our spirits when we greet the new missionaries and see their combination of faith, wonder, and youthful exuberance. We love each one of them already and rejoice in seeing them learn to communicate, to love one another, and to work together in the service of the Lord. My quiet interview with your daughter filled me with gratitude for the faith, righteous desires, and testimony she has developed over months and years of preparation.

Sister Judd´s first companion is Sister Campos, one of our trainer missionaries, who has been very successful in missionary work and exemplifies many of the attributes of Christ found in the sixth chapter of Preach My Gospel, including attributes of charity, patience, diligence, and obedience. I have witnessed the Lord’s guiding hand in both the selection of the trainers and the assignment to serve alongside your daughter. Sister Campos will help your daughter adjust to the mission life and set a worthy and foundational example. Surely the Lord will bless them both abundantly as they labor with their might, and they will experience great joy in witnessing many come to Christ through the restored gospel.

The most productive missionaries are oftentimes those who receive active support from their families, priesthood leaders, and associates through frequent letters or emails, which are positive and inspirational. We invite you to have them join you in contributing to your daughter’s success by corresponding regularly with motivational and uplifting thoughts.

We will do all that we can to lift and strengthen your daughter while we serve together in this part of the Lord’s vineyard, Guatemala – the Land of the Eternal Spring. Thank you for sending her to labor with us.

With warm regards,

President and Sister Shumway

Guatemala City South Mission

New Years!

New years was not much different from any other day here at the CCM. But I think that was fine. New years eve there was some fireworks I've been told but I went to bed and was out for the entire night. It's exhausting work, learning constantly. But I love it here anyway. Even though I love it I'm also excited to get out of here and start teaching people! And guess what!? This is my last week! So this time next week I'll hopefully be in the field with a companion probably struggling to communicate to people in Spanish. But that's ok. I'm expecting that so hopefully it won't discourage me too much. 

Anyway besides the normal grind and prepping myself mentally for what comes next it's been a pretty normal week. I really love Sundays here. They're the days that I get to teach the most and in consequence feel the spirit the most. #tears This week it was just extremely prevalent how much God loves each and every single one of his children. And the whole purpose we're here on earth is to have Joy. He want's us to have that. And on multiple occasions, I've cried just thinking about it and people think I'm a weirdo. So in case, you don't know....God loves you! I love you! And this life is meant for us to be happy! 

Till next time! 

p.s. sorry it's so short. I had a lot of emails to reply to. And no offense I like the one on one conversations better than the group. If you ever have any questions about my life or questions about the church feel free to ask me! I love you guys!