ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!! EVERYONE STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING. This Friday, December 9th, is my mom's (Holli's) Birthday!!! I could care less where you currently live in the world right now or who you think you are, but we all need to come together to wish her a very happy birthday. I'm talking birthday calls and texts, absolutely LIGHTING up her socials, and showing her tons of love on her special day. Since I'm out here grinding in Mexico, I won't be able to be there physically for her and that's something I need all of your help with!!! Thank you so much!!

Anyways, this week was really interesting actually because we had my first zone conference!!! It was so much fun and we actually squeezed so much into just one day. So, to start off we absolutely got trolled by our mission. All week we were preparing to return to the Mexico City Temple for the conference, but found out the day before that we couldn't and had to switch to a Plan B, but the Plan B was amazing!!

So, my Angelópolis/Cholula zone traveled in the mountains to a church owned camp where they do FSYs and other activities. On the way there, we sang Christmas songs because it was December 1st and it is so crazy to think it is already December!! Anyways, we got there and it reminded me so much home because of the mountains, trees, and also it was pretty cold too. Then, we had a great conference about the Temple and the covenants we make there. I also had to give a 5 minute talk about my first time in the temple in Spanish, which I am very happy to talk about, because the temple holds a very special place in my heart. Then we had some food and did some service too which is always good to do.

Afterwards, we actually bought and gave each other flu shots. I learned that this is not legal to do in the United States, but the one thing I've learned from being here in Mexico is that you can basically do whatever you want here. So, we all took turns stabbing each other with needles and giving each other flu shots.

Then, we took a trip to the Puebla Temple construction site!! It already looks so beautiful and I can not wait to see it when it is finished!! It is going to be finished next year and our president thinks that we are going to be involved with the open house and dedication!! There is no better way for missionaries to share the gospel than open houses of the temple.

Something kind of interesting that I ate this week is Chapulínes, which in English means grasshoppers. So yeah I tried grasshoppers this week and I would give them a 4/10 because they were not great. Maybe I have to start like a food review in my emails because most of the food here is sooooo good. Yesterday, I learned how to make legit Guacamole and Carne Asada.

We also had a really interesting experience this week when we were eating late night tacos, you know because we are in Mexico. Some people walked in and saw two gringos eating tacos with some latinos, and naturally they were curious about what was going on. So we started talking to them about the church, what we believe, and what we are doing here and they seemed interested in us. So we ended up giving them pass along cards and all three of them Book of Mormons!!! It was a really awesome experience and I love how we just share the gospel to everyone that will listen.

Now time for a spiritual thought. These past two weeks have been tough. I've been struggling with my trainer, all the Latinos here in the motherland haul through Spanish, and overall adjusting to missionary life. But I absolutely love the promise on Isaiah chapter 41 verse 13. It says, "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." At times when I am really struggling to go on, I remember this verse and the savior standing beside me walking next to me. And that is true for all of you as well. Always remember even if it is hard, to remember that the Lord will NEVER EVER desert you. He is holding your hand through this journey through life and he is your support. I encourage all of you one time to read verse 10 of the same chapter as well.

Well, that's pretty much it this week. Although it has been hard, there is no other place I'd rather be. I love you all and hope you are enjoying your holiday season celebrating the birth of our Savior!!

1. The Church Camp

2. Mi Padre

3. Our definitely legal flu shots!!

4-5. Puebla Temple!!

6. Chapulines

7. Chef Ricardo