Mission pictures. :)

Second & last week at the MTC!!

I can't believe how fast this week has gone by!! I'll be leaving to Argentina Monday if all goes well! This week has really been a spiritual week for me. We had TRC's on Wednesday, Friday, and today. On Wednesday we had the chance to talk to the same investigator as last week. This time it actually went very well. Mainly because we weren't in a hurry or anything. We said a prayer before entering for guidance in what to teach our investigator. Spirit was with me at all times throughout the lesson we had with our investigator. We got him to pray about the Book of Mormon and he seems really interested in the church.

Today's Investigator was a Non-member. we gave him like a mini lesson of the Restauration. With him it had been a little bit difficult and we didn't really have a lot of time to teach him. We definitely tried to feel for the spirit and It was there I could feel it, but in a way I guess we weren't really prepared as we should've been. We got him interested in the church and he's told us we could come back anytime we wanted. So I'm hoping everything has gone well.

Our Thursday Investigator, okay this one was different. Instead of doing it as a district we did it as companionships this time. We each were assigned and investigator. Hna Berriman's and I were assigned to Gabriel who was an inactive member. We really didn't know much or what to teach him so lets just say we were really nervous! We said a prayer before entering the room for the spirit to be with us and to help us know what to say. As soon as we went in everything went well. I could seriously testify that the spirit was with us at the moment. Gabriel our investigator was going through a hard time in life. His parents are getting a divorce and he's alone here at the United States while his parents are in Mexico and he just felt completely alone. He was having hard trials here but we were able to listen to all his problems. He actually opened up to us completely and honestly the spirit and our Heavenly Father heard our prayers because we knew exactly what to tell him. Words were put into my mind and mouth. The spirit was so strong in that room. We were able to teach him about the Love of Christ for all his Children. I gave him a picture of Jesus Christ that one of the Hermana's in my District had given me last week and it had helped me so much and I just felt this strong impression that I should give it to him and I shared my testimony along with it. Looking at that picture I had felt so much love from my Heavenly Father and Savior that I just knew I had to give it to him. The picture is called the Prince of Peace, it comes with a testimony from the artist that I would definitely advice you to look up and read. We showed him how to pray again and had him do the closing prayer. As we finished I looked into his eyes and I could definitely feel the Love of our Savior for this man. It reminded me as to why I am here to share this amazing gospel to all these people who have either lost their way or have been searching for something to fill their lives.

Thank you everybody for all your love and support! I'll be leaving Monday to Argentina if all goes well early in the Morning! I love you!

Love 

Hermana Valenzuela

First week at the MTC. :)

Hey you guys!!!

Okay so the MTC is amazing!! It's a lot of work. we hardly ever have time to do much free time. We're always studying or practicing with investigators or planning lessons. This week was a pretty hard yet fun experience. So my district and I have all gotten really close. They're pretty awesome people and all have their own sense of humor haha! Hermana Berriman who is my companion have gotten pretty close. It feels so weird not having my companion by my side. Okay so back to this week, Hna Berriman and I had the chance to teach our first lesson with Jose (Hno Sanchez my teacher). It went very well but we really need to work on getting to know the person a little bit more at the beginning. Our second lesson was with Adrian (Hno Bell 2nd teacher). His was a little bit difficult because he's atheist but his whole family are members. Well lets just say we kinda got kicked out haha but mainly cause we had little time. Later that day we had our first TRC but nobody told us anything about it. TRC is a chance to teach either a real investigator or somebody who volunteers. Anyways so we're lead to this room and the elder that lead us there didn't tell us anything so we just walk in and say hi to the investigator but he kicks us out because we just walked into his "house" and so we're all standing outside trying to have him let us in but he wont budge. He said he was a catholic and didn't have any interest in any other religion. Well he finally let us in after 5mins later. he told us we didn't have a lot of time so to just get on with our message. Well we tried but it didn't work out so good. We all kept bringing up different topics and didn't really exactly work together or try to listen to the spirit. I seriously felt like just crying along with all the other sisters in my district. Hna Berriman shared an experience with him about her life that related to his wife so we were able to catch his attention on that about blessings so we're gonna be able to visit with him again wednesday so tomorrow. It was pretty hard afterwards my district and i all gathered around and listed what we all did wrong and what we could all improve on together. Well on the bright side Hna Berriman and I had a chance to teach Elder Rios & Alonso during Zone teaching and to say it was quite interesting haha! On sunday we had a devotional by Ron Tanner one of the directors of 17 Miracles and Ephraims Rescue! we got to see a little clip of Ephraims Rescue but he left it at a CLIFFHANGER!!! Ugh so now I have to wait a whole year and a half to see it! haha I definitely advice you guys to see it ;) after this devotional we had the chance to see a recorded devotional by David R. Bednar. called the Characteristic of Christ. That was a very heart changing devotional. It really had me thinking. so this week my goal is to see everybody the way Christ would see them and what great things they could do for the church. I'm also planning on studying more about the Priesthood because I just realized I don't really know as much as  I thought I did. OOh also the room Hna Berriman and I use has one way mirrors haha so we get to spy on people the other side meaning our district Haha! Anyways I love you all and here are a few pictures!! Also I had the chance to go to the temple today It was amazing! Love you all!

Love 

Hermana Valenzuela

Temples!

On Saturday August 24 my dear brother went through the Jordan River Temple for the first time to receive his Endowments!!!!

I'm truly blessed to have had the opportunity to still be here for my brothers endowments. Words cannot describe how I felt being able to share such a great experience with my brother and family. 

Today I had the amazing opportunity to go to the Salt Lake Temple to see the live session with a dear friend of mine. All I can say I wow! It was beautiful and the spirit is so strong! I would definitely recommend all those who have the chance to come to Salt Lake City to take the opportunity to go the the Salt Lake Temple.

 

The Temple truly is the House of God. as soon as you enter you can feel at peace and the spirit is with you constantly. There is no doubt that the Lord's presence dwells in all his Holy Temples.  I'm so grateful to have been raised in the church. I'm grateful to those missionaries who came knocking on my parents door so that many more of our generations will have the blessing to be part of this true, amazing, Christ-like church. I'm blessed to have Temples surrounding me from all sides.

D&C 97:15-16

15 And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;

16 Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

Trek

So this year August 6-9th I had the amazing opportunity to go to Trek again for the second time! I gotta say it was a great experience and it definitely helped my testimony grow of this true Church! I was lucky enough to have been called to be a Ma on Trek. The picture below is of my Family. They are definitely a cheery bunch and I grew to love them very much. Without them and my Heavenly Father I don't think I would've been able to make it all the way.

My Family The H.O.T.T P.W.C (Happy On The Trail Pioneers With Class)

On our first day we had a long six hour drive from Utah to Wyoming! There I got to know all of my family members name's along with who would be my "husband" for the next three days. Once we arrived at Martin's Cove we walked for about 8 Miles total the whole entire thing. It really wasn't easy especially since it was our first day and we had to wake up much earlier than normal but we all made it safely. Along the path we had to cross the river from what you can see below. This experience came with a story, that when the Pioneers got to a huge river sometime during the winter these two missionaries volunteered to carry across all women, children, and whomever needed help across the icy river. Because of their service many saints were able to get across safely and dry.

River crossing

The following day we had to walk for a total of 15 miles. Here we girls had the privilege to do the Women's Pull up a steep hill while all the men were at the top watching us. This pull was to allow all the girls to know what it felt like to all those Women pioneers who had to pull their handcarts all by themselves sometimes  even while carrying their sick husbands or children on the cart all the way to Zion. I have to admit it was a very difficult pull for my girls and I. Before we started the Women's Pull we watched as the men climbed up the steep hill and we saw how they kind of struggled to get up there. We all got a bit nervous. My family decided to say a little prayer for strength and to be able to endure the pull all the way to the end. Once we started I felt like it was a bit easy at first but once it got really steep my thighs began to burn excruciatingly. I wanted to give up. I honestly didn't think I would make it but then all of a sudden out of nowhere our cart felt lighter and I knew then that My Heavenly Father and maybe even the Spirit of all those Pioneer women were answering our Prayers by helping us push the cart up the hill. Once we were up we had to keep going until we reached the truck that had our water which was about a mile. We passed all the men and they took off their hats in respect for all of us women who were pulling our own carts up the steep hill. Many of them had tears in their eyes and others felt completely useless since they weren't allowed to help us. When we finally arrived at the truck my family and I gathered together and said a Prayer of gratitude to my Heavenly Father. Never in my life had I felt such a strong spirit come over me as that day. Our guys were finally allowed to join us and I could see in their eyes respect for all of us girls. My brother tells me that what he felt when we were all struggling to get up the steep hill was pain in his chest because he felt completely useless and wanted to help us so much but knew that no matter what he couldn't. He say's, "I never like to cry in front of people but watching you girls pull that handcart up with so much strain that before I even knew it I was crying and there was no stopping it." This experience has helped me grow closer to my Heavenly Father and my appreciation and respect has grown for all those Pioneer women who had to endure such hardship for even a longer time that I had to this day. I can honestly say that there truly is a God up there without a doubt and he will listen to each one of us for we are all his children.

My amazing Ward before the Women's pull

On our Third and final day to walk we also had to do a total of 15 miles. We were told that this one would be a little tougher than the last ones because we would be climbing up Rocky Ridge. Here is were many of the Pioneers perished as they made this walk and there stands a monument for them. The day started out really hot and we were all sore from the previous day, especially us women. Rocky Ridge was definitely a hard climb. There were so many times I came close to twisting my ankle, so much that it left it pretty sore by the end. I received many blisters on this walk along with the ones from the Women's pull. We had to go through a hug mud pile which sadly got into my blister and had to get it cut open later on in the day so it wouldn't get infected. We were all so very tired and sunburned. Along this trail it started to rain on us pretty badly. So much that the raindrops actually hurt when they hit your skin and not only that but the winds were pretty hard and cold. Mud got stuck to our shoes which made it a little bit harder to walk. My family decided to sing songs to pass time faster and boy did it work. When we had only 4 miles left to walk we stopped for a little rest and a tiny lesson from the stake Trek Committee. Here we got to find out who from our family would "die" on the trail. At least one family member from each family group died. From my family I lost my son Caleb. It was quite saddening because he would no longer be with us, and enter Zion together. All those family members that "died" on the trail had to stay apart from us a little a ways. This got me thinking, how many Pioneers had to enter Zion without a loved one who they lost on the trail. This thought really saddened me but I knew that they were all finally reunited in our Heavenly Father's Kingdom. I remember when we were getting ready to leave my "husband" John cried out for Caleb because we could no longer see him. He would yell out to Caleb and tell him even though he's gone we would still take him to Zion with us even if we had to push him in the handcart all the way there. I wonder how many families wished they could take their loved ones bodies with them to Zion but were unable to and had to leave them buried along the trail with so many others. This very night we all gathered together all the youth that came on this Trek and we had a Testimony night with the Stake presidency and leaders. Honestly this was one of the most spiritual Testimony nights I've been too. I could feel the love and spirit we all shared with one another. So many youth wanted to get up their to share their testimony that it was a race to see who got to the microphone first but each one was wonderful. 

My Ward at the bottom of Rocky Ridge

On our last day on Trek we went over to the grave site of all those who had perished going up Rocky Ridge. It was so hard to hold back my tears as each of their stories were told. So many as young as 5 years old and as old as their late 60's. I could feel their presence their as we took the time to honored all those saints who didn't make it to Zion. To be honest I was kind of sad to leave. I learned to love my family I had been assigned too, I knew I wouldn't be able to have the spirit with me constantly once I returned home. Being on sacred grounds helped me to obtain a greater testimony and to live kind of like a missionary. I believe this was a great experience for me as a future missionary because I had the opportunity of getting to know people I didn't even know and learned to love them greatly, I got to experience walking everyday and to pray constantly, and I had the opportunity to not only share the gospel but also live it and for that I am extremely grateful. 

I know with all my heart that this church is true. That our Heavenly Father not only hears our prayers but also answers them. He gives each of us trials so we may overcome them and become stronger just like the Pioneers endured so many things to get to Zion that once they reached it they were spiritually strong. I know that we are never alone on this earth. Heavenly Father and our Savior will always walk along side of us and comfort us when we need comforting. They know each one of us individually, better than we know ourselves and will always know what is best for us. I'm so grateful to be a part of this amazing loving church and I hope to be able to bring so many others into it so they too may experience all the happiness and blessings we as members receive. I love each one of you my dear readers even though I don't know you personally but my spirit does we are after all children of a Heavenly Father. I pray that you search your hearts and the scriptures to figure out if this church is true my dear Brothers and Sisters, for I know it is.  May God Bless each one of you. I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. 

Ether 12: 27

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. 

Goodbye Elder Kindred

Goodbye Elder!!

So on June 9, 2013 I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of my best friends Farewell. Sadly I wasn't able to take a picture with him that day.

As I sat in his Wards Chapel (I'd arrived 30 mins early) realization suddenly dawned on me that my Best Friend is actually leaving! It didn't even seem that long ago when we were in Elementary playing outside in the playground together and now here we were getting ready to leave on our missions! I sat and listened to his talk and it deeply touched my heart. After sacrament meeting I went over to his house to hangout for a while. We joked around a bit along with a few of our friends from school that came to support him. When it was time for me to head home, I realized this was the last time I would see him for two years! I gave him a huge long bear hug! I honestly didn't want to let go but I knew I had too. I knew I would see him again in two years and he may be more mature and more spiritual than ever but he will always be that silly little boy I met in Elementary all those years ago! I'm so proud to have such an amazing missionary as my Best Friend! 

 I've known him for 8 years and we've gotten close over the years. It was definitely one of the hardest goodbyes I had to do, but I know in my heart he is doing the right decision in choosing to serve the Lord. He will be serving in Accra, Ghana for two years. 

Throughout the years I've know him he's always been a great example and strong in his testimony. I can definitely tell you he will be one great missionary! The people over in Ghana are so lucky to have such a sweet, loving, faithful servant of God. I may not see him for two years and yes I won't lie, I will miss him terribly but it brings me joy that he will be sharing the gospel to all the families who have been waiting years to hear the truth and so one day they too can be sealed their families for all eternity. 

D&C 133:37

37 And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people

Temple Day

Today I had one of the most spiritual experiences ever! I finally had the opportunity to go into the Temple to be endowed. Words cannot describe how wonderful it felt to be able to partake the blessings that the temple has to offer. I'll admit I was nervous at first, but then once I entered I felt this peace overcome me and I right away recognized it as the Holy Ghost. For all those who are planning on entering the temple anytime soon, don't be nervous or worry. You'll always have somebody with you at all times, whether it's your escort or the  Temple workers. They will guide you every step of the way so no need in having to remember everything you experience. It's your first time and it's all about you! So just relax, try listening to the spirit, and enjoy your time at the temple. You'll have plenty of other opportunities to go again. I'm so grateful to have grown in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to be part of it. I'm also grateful for my wonderful parents who have been a great example and taught me the gospel and to be a faithful servant of God.

One of my most precious moments was entering and seeing a lot of my family members there to support me, I could definitely feel their love and joy at seeing me enter for the first time. I'm so grateful to have such a loving family and would like to thank all of them for coming to support me on this very important day of my life.

I sadly wasn't able to take a picture with my dear father because he had to leave in a hurry for work, but I'm very grateful that he took even just a little time off of work to be here for me.

D&C 87:8

8. Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold it cometh quickly, saith the Lord Amen.

Soap!

Today I ended up having to wake up at 5:30 in the morning to go volunteer at the Deserets Soap factory. My father is the Bishop so he asked my mom and I if we could help out at the factory since he didn't have enough Volunteers. I didn't like having to wake up early but I agreed since it could be good practice for when I'm on my Mission.

I had asked my best friend if she would like to tag along and she agreed, well we arrived at the Soap factory. Lets just say we had lots of fun (we didn't fool around of course haha). I was happy I got to help out even if it was just a few hours.  

Sadly we weren't allowed to take our phones in so I wasn't able to take any pictures inside but we did get free soap for helping out! 

It was a nice feeling to be able to help and serve those who needed our help the most, even though It may have just been soap to Heavenly Father it means so much that we were all so willing to spare a few hours of our day to help his children who are in need. 

Mosiah 2:17  

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Just like this scripture states when we do service to others it's just like as if we are serving God directly because we are his most precious children who he loves with all his heart, mind and soul. He wants us to serve and love one another. 

I'm so grateful to be a member of such a loving church, the people may not be perfect but we all strive to be more Christ like. I'm proud to serve a mission so I can  help families know the truth so they to may strive to be more Christ like. 

Visa Preperation

A week after my call arrives, I finally receive my Visa Info. 

So much paper work to be done!
Deadline June 25th

And I thought my cousin was joking around 

(he's serving in Argentina too)

Along with paper work there is also my Pre-MTC which consists of watching the District. Gotta say I love it!! As I watched the first clip of the District, I realized that soon in just a few months I'll be doing exactly what they are doing. Going out there and preaching the Gospel to all those families who are just searching for something but don't even know what.

IT'S HERE!!!!

Dear Sister Valenzuela:

You are hereby called as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Argentina Resistencia Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You are to report to the Provo Missionary Training Center Wednesday, September 11, 2013 to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.

I received my call on a Thursday and had to wait a whole day to open my call, imagine the torture of waiting after so long!!!

I never would have imagined Argentina!! As I read this I felt this peace that this is where I am needed it may not be an easy journey, but I know the Lord will be by my side at all the times.