Justyce decided that they needed more space to put clothing away.  She was getting tired of keeping everything in her suitcase because there are no dressers.  So, she bought some put it together yourself furniture.  She said she sure was glad for all those times we bought furniture at IKEA and had to put it together.  Then she signed the back for those who come after her to enjoy!

 

 Hermana Perez sent this batch of photos for us to enjoy.  This sweet sister is so amazing.  She has been a constant teacher and friend to Justyce.  When transfers came, they got to stay together and Justyce was so relieved.  Mom is so grateful for this good sister for Justyce.  She has always wanted sisters:)

 Now we have a picture of Hermana Oliphant enjoying American Food in Mexico.  They found hamburgers and fries.

 Mom is not sure who these people are or where they are.  I only recognize Hemana Perez and Hermana Oliphant.  This story will have to come later.

Here are my cute missionary sisters on a street in San Cristobal.  Photos like this make it seem not so far away and not so foreign.

If letting our children travel all over the world to testify of Christ is what we do, than we must believe in a loving Heavenly Father who will watch out for them and protect them because we have sent those children to serve Him.  It's a good thing that is what Justyce's Mom knows.  She is on the Lord's side and has sent her best daughter to work among those that are ready to hear the gospel in Mexico.  Go Girl!

Dear All,

Well we had a small adventure last night when we returned to our house and realized we didn't have keys!!! Our land lady was gone so we didn't even have the option of her spare key! I climbed along the wall a ways to try to check the window (remember we are on the 2nd floor so it's up high!) But the window was locked ( we are good and safe and keep everything locked up haha). I used one of my bobby pins from my hair to try and pick the lock, which failed. Then Hna Pèrez tried. and failed. And then Hermana`s real criminal skills came out and she used a laminated card to open the door (sliding it in the crack!) I was just glad we didn't have to sleep on the stairs or anything... not that we would have! 

 

 

 

 

 Another small adventure this morning happened when I was showering. I went to dry off my face after my shower and a HUGE GIGANTIC SPIDER was looking me right in the eyes! on my towel!! I HATE SPIDERS!!!!!!!!! I did not have my contacts in and when I shook it onto the floor I could not see it and a few seconds later I felt it crawling on my legs. Guys, I seriously thought I was going to die! I really don`t like bugs or creepy crawly things. But I kicked it onto the ground and smashed it with my flip flop. I am glad we have to wear shoes in the shower, because who knows how many bugs I have stepped on in there!! 

 

 

This week I went on a companion exchange with Hermana Euceda. We visited a family who speak Tzolzan ( not sure how to spell it... its a dialect but not Tzolzil). After our lesson, the Hermana Helped me learn a few phrases. I am not sure how to spell them, but I know how to say "good day", "I am hungry", and "I love you" in that language! and she said my Tzolzan is better than my Español! It is because the way the words are said are closer to English, or German maybe, than Español! It is fun to try new things!

 

 

Speaking of new things, I was asked to speak in sacrament meeting last Sunday!!! All 4 of us hermanas in our ward spoke. I was so scared! but I used google to translate my talk and then Hermana Pèrez helped me make it correct Spanish. I felt so ready, I was speaking on missionary work which is easy! I went up to speak and was asked to only bear testimony. WHAT!!! I floundered at first but finished strong! hahaha The good news is I now have a talk ready for when I am asked to speak in church again ;) 

 

 

An interesting fact that the boys might like, garbage truck day! On Mondays a garbage truck drives down every street. A man runs ahead of the truck and knocks on all the doors. People bring their garbage out to the street and then when the truck passes you throw the garbage in the back. Two hombres (men) stand on the back of the truck to help sort it all out and squish it into the truck. Interesting right?

 

 

 

 

Well that's about all for this week. We eat lunch each Monday with the family Lowe who lived in West Valley, Utah for 10 years. Brother Lowe is from Utah!! So he speaks English!! And they always make more American food. Today we had mashed potatoes and gravy and grilled chicken! and !!!! there is no peanut butter here, so Brother Lowe made me homemade peanut butter!!! Oh my goodness; it was so yummy!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love you all! 

Remember to pray together and read the Book of Mormon together! I am just finishing Alma! 

Hermana Oli

Hermanas Oliphant, Park, and Troxell

Hermanas Perez and Oliphant with Pres. and Sis. Cardeneas

Sometimes the easy choice is to give up, but we are all instructed to never give up and endure through our trials until then end.  I  have been studying the November Ensign from October 2013 General Conference and I liked these quotes from President Uchtdorf's talk, Come, join with us!

  "One of the purposes of the church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith,  even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty."  

"The church is filled with people who DESIRE with all their heart to keep the commandments even if they haven't MASTERED them yet."

"None of us is quite as Christlike as we know we should be."

 

Also, in Elder Bednar's talk The Windows of Heaven, 'he explains how sometimes we ask for certain blessings, and when we don't get exactly what we want and when we wanted it, we get upset or discouraged. But, like it says in Isaiah 55:8-9, our ways are not the Lord's way; when we ask for help the Lord always gives it; we might just need to sometimes take a step back and look for it, but his help is always there.  

I also love the scripture in Alma 26:12 where it says that without the Lord we are nothing, but with Him we can accomplish anything. I love love love that because I know that without the Lord, I would not be able to accomplish anything on this mission. I rely on Him for everything; comfort, peace, help in deciding what to study, help in our companionship in planning who to visit and when and where to go. We are constantly praying and relying fully on the Lord. I wish that I would have realized how much he can help us before my mission! It truly is amazing how much He does for us.  

 In Preach My Gospel, I love the quote from Pres. Monson on pg 120.  Also, I would suggest studying humility and patience. I have been studying those this week and found a lot of help! Also, in the November Ensign from October 2013 General Conference, I am studying this week The Key to Spiritual Protection by President Packer. Join with me in my study? :) 

This week was pretty normal. I didn`t get transferred last Monday which is good! I like my companion and I like our area. We are working hard at contacting lots of people because we need new people to teach. We have a few people who are wanting to be baptized but need to get married first and their 'other' half doesn`t want to get married which causes problems! but we are working with them! One is doing awesome; her testimony is so strong. We are praying for her to find a way to be baptized... meaning softening his heart so they can get married. 

I have been having allergic reactions to something, some of the ward members think it's bugs... I think it might be the milk here so I have stopped drinking milk. Looks like it's water and juice for the next 16 ish months! Our doctor did say that the red bumps on my legs and arms are bugs (I am not sure what) but we have sprayed this stuff in our house and have a lavender candle thing that will supposedly kill them all.. so hopefully the itching will soon stop! 

I love you all! 

I pray for you by name every day.

Until next week!!

Hermana Oliphant

 It is a tradition here that a New Year's doll is created and then burned to celebrate the New Year.  hehe, but before he died we thought we might preach the gospel so he is acceptable in the world of spirits ... hehe

 Justyce was happy to have visitors from the US in church last Sunday.  This sister has a son serving in Peru while she and her family are living in Mexico for her husband's work.  They enjoyed speaking English together.  This sweet sister also emailed Mom and let her know that Justyce looks great and is very happy.  It is nice to have someone else's mother check in on her:)

 Here is Hermana Perez with a package. Yes they do get through. 

 Hermana Perez and Hermana Oliphant with one of their favorite investigators.

I am so amazed at how fast the time has been flying by! Hermana Pérez and I were talking this morning while washing our laundry about how it feels like it was yesterday that was Pday! When we stay busy with trying to find people to teach, we don´t have anytime to worry about other things, only who we will be teaching next! 

I am loving it here. It has been really cold, and the members have said that Enero (January) is one of the coldest months of the year!! wahoo... hahaha It's a good thing I like the cold.

We have been struggling to help our investigators progress. When we think we have people moving forward, we find out something that they are struggling with that sets them back and basically makes us have to start over.

Transfers are today and so far so good! I don´t think Hna Pérez or I will be transferred because she is training me and it's a 12 week training. I hope we don´t change because I love being with her and I am learning so much from her and her example. Ultimately, it's up to the Lord and what he wants and needs from us! That's one thing I have been learning, everything we do here on the mission should only follow what the Lord wants. Sometimes its difficult, but I know the Lord is always right! 

I am loving all the people that we meet. Everyone has different stories,  each only one of MANY that I have. I have been truly humbled to meet and talk with all the people in the various situations here in San Cristobal!!

Well, week 6 is finished here in Mexico! I hope everyone is doing well at home. I am doing well! 

Always remember to pray together and personally and the Lord will bless you!! I have definitely seen the blessings that come from prayer in my life!

Le amo mucho!!!

Hermana Oliphant

Hermana Park and Hermana Oliphant

Happy new year family and friends! I hope that Christmas was as good for you as it was for me! I am loving this work. We have been noticing changes in our investigators and it is awesome! 

 

This is the group of Hermanas on the day Justyce arrived in Tuxtla Gutierrez (Nov 26th).  Her friend, Hermana Park sent it on to her so she could see all the sisters that came together.

Justyce is given many opportunities to sing.  She has been blessed to use music to reach others.  Sometimes, she sings in English.  It's a good thing we sent the hymn book and the children's songbook in Spanish with her.  She also gets to play the piano for many meetings.

Last P-Day Hermana Perez and Hermana Oliphant found a restaurant that serves hamburgers and fries.  Justyce was soooo excited to eat familiar food.  Look at the size of the burgers!

"This mission has been the best choice I have ever made. I will say that over and over again because it is true. I learn so much daily. And I have realized how blessed I am and how wonderful it is that I was able to grow up in the gospel. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for raising us children with the gospel and for helping us know the truth and develop our testimonies. Yo se  que la iglesia es verdadera. se que Josè Smith fue un profeta de Dios y que el restura el evangelio de Jesucristo otra vez. se que gracias a Jesucristo nosotros podemos vivir eternamente con neustro padre celestial y jesucristo y neustros familias. Estoy agradacida por mi salvador, jesucristo y su expiaciòn. Estoy agradecida por mi familia. en el nombre de Jesucristo amen.