Adobe Falls!!!!

      We did a really cool service this past week, we went to clean a canyon in our area, called Adobe Falls.  ​It was pretty cool, some of the graffiti was bad, so if you see anything, look over it. We picked up and cleaned lots of trash. Bottles, wrappers, cans, etc. It was really hot that day, but after a member bought us subs, they were really good. 
      This week has gone by pretty fast! Things are starting to look up, We've found a couple of new people to teach so that is good. We really want to involve members more in our work. 
      Recently I've been reading the Bible! I am currently in Exodus! I know, not that much, but I am making progress. I didn't know how awesome the Bible was until I actually had the desire to read it! It is kind of, sometimes, making more sense, but I have to read it slow, with a dictionary, and I won't even try to pronounce the names ha. Here's what I've learned, and I know some of you who read this will be giving yourself face palms because it's kind of dumb that I didn't know this before. 
Benjamin was born before Joseph was sold by his brothers. Moses had a speech impairment and the lord gave him a spokeperson named Aaron. I tell ya, these Disney cartoons are missing lots of information. 
      What I want to focus on is Moses. He felt inadequate because of his speech impairment but the Lord assured him that he would help him. Twice he says, "I will be thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say". That gave me a lot of comfort. I know that is exactly what the Lord is doing for me. The Lord also sends Aaron to help him. I was talking about this with other Sisters here and we talked about how sometimes so many people are born with some sort of disability, and we were wondering why? We came to the conclusion that it was so that people can give service. Aaron helped Moses talk, and that gave Aaron the opportunity to grow and to learn. I know it's the same for everyone else. King Benjamin says, "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
      I was also reading in this months Ensign a talk called, "Act upon this land as for years".  It is a great talk! I recommend EVERYONE to read it and can be applied to anyone's situation. The part that really grabbed my attention was, "if we spend our lives wondering while we wander, we may miss out on wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth." I Hope that you all can enjoy life now, see the blessings that God has given you. I love you all! 

-Hermana Recinos

Last minute talk.

      On Sunday 10 minutes before church we (Sister Milla and I) were asked to share something for 5-7 minutes, piece of cake right?....not.... I am really bad at last minute things. We were asked to talk about missionary work, seeing as I talked about that 1 month prior, I think I did pretty well. 
      This week we have been trying really hard to find new people to teach. We try and find people to talk to on the street but there are never any people, but since this is the Lords work he provides a way! This week we received 4 referrals from other missionaries! It was great! We contacted one of them and added her to our teaching pool. Her name is Lupe, she is super sweet! She is so great! She has been saving up to on day have a charity event in Mexico. We will visit her again on Wednesday.  We had a great day at the temple. A girl who came to the temple with a group of friends asked us how she can be a member of this church. I was stunned, we don't get that everyday. Her friends were LDS, they had returned from a humanitarian service project and they took her to church and to see a baptism. She shared that for the first time in her life she felt a part of something. It was a great day! I know that there are people prepared for this gospel. I know that this gospel is for everyone, but not everyone is ready. that is the hard thing to accept as a missionary, that not everyone is prepared to learn to grow and to change. Like Jacob says in 2 Nephi 6:3
"Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken unto you concerning all things which are written, from the creation of the world." 
I love how he said, "nevertheless, I speak unto you AGAIN". I wonder how many times he must have tried to share the gospel. No matter what happened to him, no matter if they rejected him, he kept sharing. I will keep sharing no matter what, because I know how important it is for everyone to hear. I love my Savior, that is why I am trying to do his work and will! 

-Hermama Recinos

New Companion.

     Transfers!!!! I am still in La Mesa, but I have a new companion! Hermana Milla!! We were in the MTC together and it has been our dream since the beginning to be companions! The Lord hears and answers prayers, I know it! She is great! She is from North Carolina! She is so dedicated to this work. She has a strong Testimony and she's not afraid to be bold! We are going to work hard and have fun while doing it. I am slowly convincing her to come to school with me in Idaho, we'll see how that goes! Cheers to a new beginning. 
      Speaking of new beginnings I am happy to say that David, has decided to start his life over, have a new beginning and be baptized! David was baptized on Friday the 8th of August! We began teaching David in June, and I have been blessed to see him change, to grow, and truly build a relationship with the Savior. After his baptism we invited David to give his testimony. His testimony has been one of the most sincere testimonies I have heard. He expressed how thankful he was, how much he has learned, but the most touching was his reasoning behind getting baptized. He said he knew that he needed to change so that his son, named David, could have someone to turn to. A role model, an example, but most importantly a good father. He wants to give his son everything and he knows the importance of having God's help. He shared how he was looking for the truth, he wanted it, and how he has found it! He knows the church has been restored and that it brings blessings. 
      I ask myself, why can't all the people we teach have that desire like David does. We teach many people who like us, and like what we share but they don't ACT, and at times it is frustrating, I can't imagine how Heavenly Father feels. The only way I can help them is by teaching as best as I can, inviting them to change and be better, helping them see the blessings they can receive through this restored Gospel. 
I know that this Gospel is for EVERYONE. Yes, some people are more prepared, but God wouldn't make a plan that isn't for everyone. He loves everyone. 
Sometimes I get discouraged because our Investigators aren't progressing. Sometimes I get Lazy, which is really bad so I am trying to have a better attitude. 
Here is my favorite scripture of the week, something that I want to do everyday of my mission. 
D&C 123:17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
-Hermana Recinos

"Stay Nice and Stay Good Lookin'."

       This week is transfer week...drum roll please....I am staying in La Mesa! But I will be getting a new companion! I don't know who yet, but I do have some guesses! I am very happy that I will be staying in La Mesa because this weekend we have a baptism. David will be getting baptised! This past Sunday was fast and testimony and guess who gave his testimony!? DAVID! It was awesome! He expressed how happy he was and how he knew that this was the right path for him. 
         A sister in the La Mesa 1st ward shared her testimony and has this saying that she uses all the time.  She says her kids hate it but I liked it! She said "We don't have to, we GET to." It's so true.  When we have that mentality things turn to an opportunity instead of an obligation. We don't have to pay tithing, we get to. We don't have to do visiting teaching/home teaching, we get to. We don't have to serve others, we get to! 
         Now to explain my heading. We were at the temple on Friday. Friday is wedding day! We saw 7 brides! It was crazy! (but thats nothing compared to SLC temple) each had different styles and colors it was pretty fun and of course when we see them we daydream about our own wedding. Anyways there was a kid, his name was Austin (7yrs old), as he was saying goodbye he said "stay nice and stay good lookin", it was pretty funny and cute. That's my story. 
        We took a potential investigator to the Battalion. His name is Mario, he is in his late 20's and he is really funny. As we were going through the tour he said, "Great let's go see how the Mormons destroyed my people (meaning Mexicans)". It was so funny! But the thing is that even though the Mormon Battalion enlisted during the Mexican American war, they didn't have to fight, he was surprised after the tour. 
Here's a scripture that I really liked and has helped me on my mission: Ephesians chapter 6,
 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Arm yourself with righteousness! 
love you all! 
-Hermana Recinos! 

Learning to be bold like my companion.

      I want to share a spotlight on my companion. Hermana Calderon. She is from North Carolina, but she doesn't have a southern accent, sadly, but she does have a Dominican accent. From the first day I met her I knew it was going to be a crazy time and to this day it has been crazy. She has a big personality. The loudest laugh I have ever heard, louder than Kathy's, I know, who would have thought? She has a big desire to serve the Lord and to better herself. I would have to say her greatest strength is her boldness. She has no fear! She talks to everyone! That is what I admire most about her. It's something that I am working on, being bold and not fearing. It's probably one of my biggest struggles. Getting out of my comfort zone, but I know why it's so important. I need to talk to everyone and invite them to hear about this restored Gospel.
      We had our District meeting, all the missionaries assigned in our area get together and talk about the people we are teaching, have a lesson, and eat snacks. Our District Leader, Elder Hernandez, talked about faith. How we as missionaries can increase our faith. He talked about having a "delete button" Deleting all our doubts or fear and replacing it with faith. So I put the advice to test. I have been trying to delete my fears and have seen the blessings. For example yesterday there was a man at his car. When I first saw him I thought, "oh man he looks scary" but I deleted that from my mind and we went to talk to him. Turns out he is a super nice man, and is interested to hear our message!  We set up an appointment with him next week! When we are willing to do the Lords work he will prepare a way! 
      We have two people who have accepted a date to be baptized. Monica, who we recently started teaching has a date, and David. Both are coming to church and are seeing the blessings of the gospel. I know that this Gospel brings the MOST happiness. Some people feel like they have enough, they are content with where they are but that isn't enough. What this Gospel brings is purpose, hope, love, gratitude, joy, comfort and so much more! I know it is true! I know that my Savior lives and loves all of us. 

-Hermana Recinos

"Despite our difficult circumstances we choose to be happy."

    Sorry for not writing last week. Here are the updates! 
    Our investigator David, who we've been teaching for about 3 months finally came to church! He's been having a hard time getting there because of work, but prayers have been answered and he came! We went to the English service and it was great! He loved it! He now has a baptismal date for August 9th! 
Yesterday we planned to go visit a Inactive Sister, who lives next door to a member, who happens to live in the same complex as David. Hope this makes sense. We are walking to go and visit her and we see that Hno. Marquez (MEMBER) and David were talking! We stop and talk to them for a little then excuse ourselves to go visit the Sister. We knock on her door but she asked us to come by another day. We go back to talk to David and we ask him if he has time right now to watch a movie. He said yes, so we watch a movie called Jospeh Smith. It was awesome! The movie is about an hour long, so after that we talk and testify of Joseph Smith. The Spirit was there, and it was strong. We told David that in order to know for himself, he would have to pray and that he would gain his own knowledge through the Holy Spirit. David shared that he knew that we were placed there for a reason, and that there were no coincidences. 
     We've been teaching an old lady named Maria, very funny but stubborn! She never wants to pray out loud! But some Elders gave us an Idea that they did. We asked Maria what was something she was grateful for. We wrote them down. Then we asked her what are somethings she needed, and we wrote that down. We put "Dear Heavenly Father" in the beginning and "in the name of Jesus Christ" at the end, and told her to read it out loud. She did, and we told her that she just prayed out loud. She said, "oh, it's that simple!' Yes it was! 
      Something that I have recently noticed is that there is always a plan in the lords work. Meaning that the Lord prepares the way for this work to go forward. He does that by giving us tools to better ourselves,  (scritpures, PMG...) so that we can be more qualified and prepared for this work. He also prepares members, through their own experience. Probably the most important way is by preparing the hearts of the people we are teaching, meaning our investigators. We meet lots of people who have lots of hardships, financially, emotionally, physically, mentally. All that they go through helps them be prepared to receive this gospel. Now I am not saying that I feel no sympathy, of course I do, but I know that it's an experience they need to go through. We are given things to overcome so that we can be edified. In the museum that I serve in, there is a quote that I like to use, "Despite our difficult circumstances we chose to be happy". Heavenly father has given us agency. The ability to chose for ourselves. What a blessing! We can choose to look at hardships as something that stops us or limits us, or choose to see it as a learning/growing experience. 
      Recently I've been reading a book called "Our Search for Happiness" by Elder Ballard. It's all about this restored gospel. How it came to pass, our beliefs and it's a very simple yet powerful book!  Everyone should read it. Members or non-Members. 
I hope everyone has a good week! 
-Hermana Recinos!

Miracle of the week!

        We have a new Mission President! President Schmitt. He is from Texas, a lawyer, and only in his 40's. He is very young but very wise! He brought his family, he has a 15 yrs old son (David) ,12 yrs old son (Tyler) ,9 yrs old daughter (Elli) , and 6 yrs old son (Clayton). Clayton reminds me of Kael, so I love him already! His wife is a doctor and speaks Spanish! She wants to come out with us! Talk about intimidating! They are a great family with great testimonies. I'm excited to serve with them! WE had a "meet the President" meeting and my companion and I and some other Elders were asked to sing! I almost died, very nerve wracking,  I never want to to do that again. 
      President Schmitt taught us about our callings as missionaries. We have been set apart to do this work. In order to do that we must have a different mentality or different perspective. What I've seen while on my mission is that is what makes a missionary a consecrated missionary. Once we lose the worldly perspective (what people think of us, how we look, thinking too much about family, or anything that distracts us from the mission and our purpose) and we gain an eternal perspective (the fact that we present our message is more important than how we present our message) we are better instruments in the Lords work.
       "He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest,                                   notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all."     D&C 50:26
        We are called to serve others, putting ourselves last and others first. That is very hard for some missionaries but it is key in order to do this work. President Schmitt made this comment that is really simple but mind blowing for me. He said "Jesus Christ submitted his will to the father. In order to follow him, we must do that as well." Our goal is to try to be like Jesus, keep his commandments, and live what he taught. The only way we can do that is submitting to his will. It all boils down to having a desire. Without a desire there is no motivation no action taking place. A desire comes from an understanding, specifically understand our purpose here on earth.  Here is our purpose 
       "And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a                                                    probationary time, a time to repent and serve God." Alma 42:4
       The Lord expects an increase. An increase of faith, repentance, service, love, obedience, diligence, humility, patience, and the list can go on! What increase will you give this week? 
       Miracle of the week!  Last night (Monday) we had no set appointments and no idea what to do. We decided to visit a family that just moved into our branch, the Goza Family. When we arrived the Mom was just about to head out to the gym so we had caught her just in time. The Dad earlier that day was hoping that they would be able to do Family Home Evening, but they weren't planning on it because his wife was leaving, So when we arrived he took advantage of that and made her stay. As we were about to begin she had a thought that she would invite her neighbor who was going through some hard times right now. She went to go get her and she came. We had no lesson planned but we decided to read Alma 37:36 
      "Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever."
          We each shared out thoughts about it, when we turned to her friend and asked her about it she began to cry and expressed her want and need to come closer to God. We taught a little bit about the Restoration, gave her a Book of Mormon and promised her blessings if she would read and pray to God. She accepted the invitation and we scheduled a return appointment. So that night we had a member referral, and member present lesson and added a new investigator! It was the best day to end the night! 
love you all! 
-Hermana Recinos