Alex's Baptism!

This was by far my favorite baptism of the mission. Yet anyway. Before the baptism he was so excited/nervous and it was just so cute. There was a lot of little problems before hand like the clothes that the elders brought didn't fit him, and we had to wait forever for his family, a lot of the members were about to leave for a temple trip, and we didn't have money for cake like Alex wanted ("because this is another birthday"), and yeah you get the point. But it all worked out! We found clothes! His family got there and all the members were able to be there as well! And even a miracle of cake was brought by the Primary Pres.! Miracles left and right. And then the actual baptism service was super sweet. My pals Katy y Benjamin gave amazing talks about baptism and the holy ghost and I cried. And when it was time for the actual baptism Alex's little bro Marvin wanted to see but through the door of the baptism font and almost fell in. So that was funny. Alex was so happy after being baptized. He had so much joy in his face (even if he baptized his phone too) and his mom cried for joy. Idk it was just an amazing experience and I can't really describe it that well. My English skills have begun to slacken the more I learn Spanish.

Anyway this kid is pilas. Pilas is like someone who's on top of things. His desire to learn about the gospel and follow the savior is an amazing example to me. An example of the type of enthusiasm I need to have as I teach and learn more about God and his plan and love for us. I mean his favorite song is Mas Cerca Dios de Ti, or in English, Nearer my God to Thee. We have sung that song so many times throughout our lessons. But I think it's a perfect song to explain his desire to draw near to our Savior and our Heavenly Father. It's beautiful. I love it.

The baptism was probably the highlight of this week but besides that this week has been crazy busy. Like I'm tired and my feet hurt and I want to go lay down and die. But so is the life of a missionary. This week we went to the wedding of some investigators of Nimajuyu (elders in our district), went to a baptism in La Justo (elders in our zone), and we had divisions with the Hermana Leaders. Let's just say it was a lot of walking and bus riding and feeling exhausted. But as much as missionary work is hard I'd say it's worth it. I get a lot of joy out of it and I know that the people we visit everyday do too. Well probably. I'm not a mind reader. 

Now to teach you about my pics. They don't say "show me" they say "teach me" when talking about showing things here. It's a confusing thing about Spanish that I don't understand. But whatever. Pics include colorful houses, drinking bags of water and my comp, "exquisite" tostadas con frijoles y queso, my district, Alex, Alex and his fam and us, my zone leader dressed like an 8 year old getting baptized, mis amigos Katy y Benja, a mango tree, and the birthday of the Viky (the mom of Alex). Fin.

I'm beginning to understand why literally every missionary is like "you should go on a mission" before I just thought it was mumbojumbo and they were just saying it because they had to. But now that I've been on the mission for almost 5 months I'm starting to get it. I will be honest. Being a missionary is really hard. But I've also never been happier. And it's weird because I still really miss my familia and a veces the things of the world but I just love it. I love seeing people be happy. I love being a personal witness that the  gospel brings that happiness. I love having weird experiences. (I'll tell some stories later) I love doing fun things everyday like going to weddings and birthdays and baptisms. I love being apart of those moments of joy. So for anyone who's thinking about going on a mission or isn't sure, I'm going to join the chorus and say, "You should go!" And I'm giving you my reason why. I know that when people told me they didn't give me a reason. Just that I should. But my reason is that it brings so much joy!!!! And why? I think it's because you're constantly serving 24/7. If not people it's the lord. And how great is that!? And it doesn't just bring joy to yourself but it brings joy to others. Investigators, members, family, everyone. And the purpose of life is to have joy. So how great is it once you've found it? Anyway rant over. 

Now for funny stories. Divisions with the Hermana Leaders were quite eventful in terms of things happening. I think it's because in my area the people are getting used to seeing me around. But I was in a new area and wow was I noticed. "Goodbye my love!" "How you doing girl?!" "It's nice to meet you." (I was walking past) "Good morning!" (It was night) And my favorite was when we went to an investigators house and this lady comes up to me, touches my hair, doesn't say hi or anything, and just says, "Ella es bien canche." And then my comp was like, "She's really tall too." (I was sitting down.) And the lady was like, "But you're tall too." My comp is a tall for latino standards. Anyway when I stood up the lady's mouth literally opened and her eyes were all wide with shock. I laughed after the fact. Oh! And I had a drunk guy kiss my hand. That was interesting. It definitely was a moment where I'm like what the heck is my life? So yeah that was funny moments with Marley. I hope you enjoyed them.

Anyway my dears, yo no tengo mas a decirle pero gracias por su apoyo en mi vida aqui en la mision. I love you! Till next time!

Hermana Judd           

Tons of Pics! Woo!

Dear people of the world....

This week  has literally flown by. It's been so fast! Mainly because we had a lot of activities. Called Pday, and a Multi-Zone Conference, and a SocSoc activity, and a Baptism that we went to, and Church, and District Meetings, and all the fun jazz that goes along with being a missionary. 

And good news! I have a TON of pictures for you. Definitely a big contrast from last week. Ready? Voy a explicar mis fotos....

1.P-Day with some of my team members for soccer. We won like 8 games in a row. I was team captain. I'm a great team leader. (Aren't I humble?) Jk I just know who's profesh and who's not. Literally though we have two elders in our zone who have played professionally. One went to the world cup for Panama and the other was on the national team for Chili. I feel quite inept when it comes to soccer. To say the least. Anyway I made us laurels for our success.  (the people pictured are not the professionals)

2.One of those spinny things in a park with my compa 

3.Me and my 1st and 2nd district leaders 

4.My pal Hna Zapata. She's from Chicago. 

5.This chick legit came up to me and asked if she could take a pic with me. "Yeah why not? Por que?"Ï finally found a sister that's taller than me!"If you couldn't guess I'm the tallest sister in the mission.

6.My Hna Mendez! She's from Honduras and was my amazing translator/friend in the CCM when I was the only gringa. 

7.One of my ZL's and an elder who used to be in our zone. 

8.Making typical sandwiches with the youth leaders of the ward.

9.A pomegranate tree growing randomly in the street. (This is mainly for my sibs.)

10.Alex and his entire fam

11.Marvin (bro of Alex) He's super cool. He dances Punta for me. 

12.Me and my dinner

13.A view from a rooftop

14.A cute little 2 year old se llama Daniela. She's the sweetest. She gives me hugs and kisses and shows me all of her toys. All of them. She also makes me miss Jane a little. 

Y fin de fotos! And now for a funny story. One day I was knocking doors with my comp (obvi) and two youth who were walking around with us. We come to a door with some really chill music. Knock. And instead of answering whoever was inside just turns the music up louder. We knock again. And the music is turned up even louder. It's like, Ökay. Thanks. We won't tell you you have great taste in music and want to share a joyful message with you."Then we knock on the door of this persons neighbor. This lady opens the door with THE biggest smile. And then she sees us. The smile drops. And she's like, Öh you're not the grocery."And slams the door. Literally the funniest 10 minutes of my life. I know that being rejected is supposed to be disappointing or whatever but I just think it's funny. I love people.

Oh another story. We were walking to lunch right? And we pass this guy sitting in the shade of some building. And like he looks at me and just starts wagging is finger and is like "No. No."I just kind of ignore it çause I'm used to that kind of thing now. But then we walked past him again a little while later and he does the exact same thing. & My comp stopped and asked him why. But I'm pretty sure he was drunk or posessed or something because neither of us could understand a word he said. But he shook our hands and we just kind of left. Çause yeah it was a weird situation. Man I love the life of  a missionary. So many weird things happen and it's great.

And now for something somewhat spiritual. This week we went to a SocSoc activity. (The SocSoc is Relief Society) And the question was asked, "Who here was born into the church?"Only me and one other member raised our hands. Only 2 out of 20. I find that incredible. Most of these ladies have now been members for a bazillion years but it just hit me. Not only are these people converts but they've stuck with it after all these years. Why? How have they remained so faithful and strong? Sometimes I think for those of us born into the church take our blessings for granted and some end up falling away. But these beautiful sisters have found happiness and know how to keep it. And I think it's maybe because they didn't have it for their whole lives and now that they have it, they don't want to lose it. Elder Richard G. Scott in some talk long ago said, "Recognize that enduring happiness comes from what you are, not what you have."And I feel like these people have that testimony. They know who they are. So now they're happy. And now they have the strongest desire to help others find that knowledge and happiness as well. It's beautiful and a great example for me as a missionary. Idk I just love that whenever someone finds joy they share it. So that's my job for you peeps. Find joy and share it. Did I get my thought across? Who knows but that's all I wanted to say.

Oh and Alex is getting baptized this Saturday! He's so excited! And his excitement is making me excited. We went to a baptism of some other missionaries with him and after he saw it he just couldn't keep quite. Just saying how he was next and how he just was so happy he wanted to scream it to the world. It was cute and funny and I'm super excited for him. So look forward to that next letter! 

 

Well my darling fans, keep being great! Thanks for all your support while I'm out here in Guatemala! Till next time!  

Hna Judd   

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How You Doing Girl!?

Bien. Gracias! Y Usted? I've had several moments this week where I just think, "what the heck is my life?"Never did I imagine that I'd be in Guatemala learning a different language and just seeing and experiencing all the random things I see and do everyday. Por ejemplo, I'm more or less certain one of the volcanoes exploded this week. There's been little bits of ash floating around the past 2 days and the sky has been weirdly cloudy. Like not normal cloudy. If I die of lung cancer we all know why. I also saw a taxidermized baby horse the other day that people were paying to let their children sit on and take pictures. That was interesting. Oh and I had a meeting in the back of a pickup truck. That was a first. And I saw a stream of blood leading to a lady that had been hit by a car. That was also a first and let's just say I've been a lot more careful about crossing the street lately. People do not know how to drive here. Anyway you get the point. My life is weird and full of fun adventures! 

This week I've been learning that the gospel is for everyone. Duh. But it's really been hitting me. In personal study and as we go about teaching people throughout the day. My new comp, Hna Avilez, is really good about going up to people in the street and just talking, loving, and sharing with them. The gospel is for the bolito in the street that tries to kiss me, it's for the mom with the baby in her sling, it's for the crazy lady yelling at us from the corner, it's for every single person in this world. It says in 2 Nephi 26:24 "He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation."It's for everyone. No one is not invited. So my challenge to you people is be a light to someone. Literally anyone. You don't have to be all churchy on them but just love the person. Because that is the center of the gospel. Loving people and having the pure love of Christ. 

Wow. Did I get my point across?

Anyway that's my spiritual thought of the day. In other news I have the best family on the planet. I got my first package this week and it literally made my day, week, life. Anyway...sorry there's not really any photos this week. I kind of forgot. You know me living in the moment. But you can enjoy a selfie of me (only because I thought my hair was cute) and a photo of my comp straightening her hair. Fin de historia. 

Love you people! Till next time!   

Pelo de Oro

Legit have been told that like 10000 times this week. But hey it's nice to know I have golden hair. A.K.A. I stand out. Also I would like to state a quote, from an elder in my district, "She straight up got orangatang arms!" Like thank you elder. Not my fault you got dinosaur arms. Nah but I thought it was hilarious and that maybe you peeps would think so too. The things that are said when you're a very tall blond american in a land of shorties. 

Anyway this week was conference and it was AMAZING! To me conference had 3 main themes. Families, Love, and the Holy Ghost (revelation). And you know what I love that that's what the themes were. These 3 themes have been some crazy influences on my life. Family is obvious. I have a very large one and I'm very close to all of my family members. I feel the importance of being close to them and learning from them and I loved that that's what was focused on. Love. The reason I'm here is to love people and I feel like it re-confirmed my reason for coming out here on the mission. Lastly the Holy Ghost and Revelation. Becuase of revelation I have my freakishly large loving fam, becuase of it I'm here on the mish, I went to spain, I did all the amazing things in my life that I consider blessings, becuase of revelation. 

So my hope is that you people will recognize the importance of these three things and study them. Also if you haven't seen conference, WATCH IT! It's amazing and truly divinely inspired. 

Anyway my comp died. Fin de mision. And now I have a new comp from Honduras. She's really cool and nice and I'm excited to teach and love people with her. 

Anway be a people of love! Peace out! Till next time! 

Hermana Judd

The Beauty of Smiling and Being Happy

This week I've decided to try to smile more. And in doing so my I've been finding joy in more things. Simple things. I petted a puppy, I saw a toucan, I saw baby chicks, I listened to a Marimba performance, helped an old lady cross the street (like the movies), and so many other things that just made my day. So spiritualness of the day!!!!! Smile more! You'll feel happier. You'll feel more love for people and everything. And life will just be better. 

And now for a funny story. This week we went out knocking doors. Like a missionary does. One man opens the window to the door and we start teaching him. He then stops us. Tells us we need to have Jesus in our hearts and if not we are going to hell. Then he opens the door, places his hands on our shoulders, and starts to "bless" us. He's like, "please bless these jovencitas that they will learn from their wicked ways and learn to accept the lord in their hearts. Please soften their hearts, senor." On and on. Literally the funniest thing ever. I was trying the entire time not to laugh. But my comp was pissed by it. And that made it even funnier. Oh good times. But in case you were wondering I'm wicked and need to repent. Sorry people. Didn't mean to disappoint anyone. 

Anyway thanks people! Love you! That's all for now! 

The Great Thing About Mothers

Mothers are the freaking best. I love that I have the support of my beautiful practically perfect  mother far away in los estados. I miss her a ton and I love how much she still takes care of me even when I'm far away. 

But I also found my Mama Strama. Se llama Mama Miriam. She isn't a member but her daughter is. And we teach her and her other children quite often. Because I love her. I was sick this week and she just took care of me. Gave me medicine. Told me to keep warm. Feeds me all the time. She calls me her "Nena" and it's legit the cutest. 

And thinking of mothers this week I've been thinking about all the other mother figures in my life and just how grateful I am for their support and love throughout my entire life. 

Anyway onto other things......this week we visited the temple with our investigator, Alex. This kid is literally the best! He has such a strong desire to learn about the gospel. And he's just hilarious. Pics include him with his "Posse" and I just love him. His baptism should be sometime this next month. So stay posted. But I love this kid. And I've been in a very loving mood lately. So sorry if this email is a little gushy. 

Love you people! Till next time! 

Shaking a Hand and My B-Day

This week was amazing. President Cook of the 12 Apostles came and talked to my mission and like 4 other missions that are here in Guatemala. He talked about the importance of having mighty prayer. That when we have mighty prayer the lord is more likely to give us what we ask. Because we're more sincere and earnest. It was beautiful and made me cry. But you know me. I cry about everything. It was a wake up call that I need to really work on my prayers. 

He also shook my hand and I've now shaken 3 apostles hands. So that was cool. And I love hearing these people in real life. Becuase they're real. Like this was something funny. "I want my words to have impact,"then a plane goes by overhead and it's freaking loud! and then he's like,  "I want my words to have impact but not that kind of impact.""So funny. 

Anyway my birthday was cool. I got 3 cakes! And the elders threw me a surprise party with cake, pinata, and everything. It was amazing and made me super happy. To say the least it was a really good bday. 

Enjoy the pics my people. Till next time! 

Oh and P-Day's are changing from Monday to Wednesday! So look forward to Wednesday!​