Happy Birthday Mama!

Hola!

This week I went on exchanges up to Dodge City (1.5 hours away) and it was so much fun! I went with Hermana Fernandez – who is from Spain – and I learned so much about Spain! She convinced me to go on a trip there because it sounds beautiful and there are lots of things to do. Every single one of our appointments were in Spanish so my brain was dead by the end of the day. It was so much fun to have Spanish appointments with someone who can interpret for me the things that I didn’t understand.

Andy’s baptism was supposed to be on Saturday but it got pushed back. We had a lesson with him at the Oman’s home (members). He still had not received his answer about The Book of Mormon so he wanted to push the baptism back to a later date but he still is acting on faith! He still comes to church, continues to study, and soon he will enter into the waters of baptism. After the lesson, Sister Webb and I were talking about it and we both felt like this was the right decision. It will happen soon – just not this weekend.

We went over to the Nunez’s home (kids are recent converts). The youngest one (Anthony) had an experience that night that really startled him. The Elders came over and gave him and his sister a blessing. It was such an amazing experience because their mom is not a member and she had never joined us for any lessons prior (although we invited her every time). But she knew that we would come over that day and be able to help Anthony in some way. She even sat and talked with us for a good 20 minutes and we were able to learn more about her. The next day (Sunday), we found a ride for the kids to come to church. Their mom actually showed up during Sacrament! She only came for 5 minutes and we weren’t able to talk with her – BUT SHE CAME ON HER OWN! Thank you priesthood and the power from God. It was able to touch her in a way that encouraged her to act. Her kids are amazing and they are so strong in the faith!

Liberal has phases of exhibits – a couple years ago it was dinosaurs and this year it is sharks. They have a live shark exhibit going on right now and another shark museum thing. This past Saturday, we were able to volunteer at the live shark exhibit and it was so much fun! Gotta love small towns and the whole town coming to all of these events to keep them entertained. The “bad” part was that they had country music playing so we had to blast EFY music in the car afterwards to get it out of my head.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is coming on Saturday...Whoot, Whoot!

“The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue – it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

King of the Grill

Hola!

We met a gal back at the beginning of the transfer named Edlin and she is the friend of a less-active. Edlin and her family are adorable! We met her randomly at the less-active’s house and we helped her paint tires for her photography pictures since she is a photographer. This past week we went over to their house to have a lesson – and when we showed up – her daughter was having a hard time with her math homework (Perfect! Thank goodness it wasn’t science). Her friend was there trying to help her but it still wasn’t clicking. But, sweet miracle, the girl helping her was Andy’s (investigator) daughter! This was the first time we met her. Anyhow, I was able to help her with her math homework and help her understand it. Afterward, we had a lesson with the whole family and Abby (Andy's daughter). The lesson went really well and they were all really receptive!

We had a BBQ at the church on Saturday (thank you Elders for hosting it) and it was a huge hit! We had a bounce house, a cook-off, and sports. It was so much fun! The cook-off was my favorite part because we were in charge of organizing all of it so I got to taste all of the hamburgers in the competition. Holy cow – some people went all out and they were delicious! Not only did Edlin and her family show up to the BBQ – but Andy, Stacy (investigator), her boys, and many more came as well! The weather was beautiful that day – and as soon as the barbecue was over – the weather went downhill and it was super windy and gloomy. The Lord takes care of His people in every circumstance.

Uncle Gary is still on for May 2nd! After his blessing last week, he was finally able to sleep through the night. He hasn’t been able to do this since he could remember. Also, he is already talking about his temple marriage in a year. He is reading and he says he has been so much happier. He joked that him and Sister Hittle have talked more in the last month than they have in the last 30 years. The gospel is true!

“Now, the atonement of Christ is the most basic and fundamental doctrine of the gospel and it is the least understood of all our revealed truths. Many of us have a superficial knowledge and rely upon the Lord and his goodness to see us through the trials and perils of life. But if we are to have faith like Enoch and Elijah we must believe what they believed, know what they knew, and live as they lived. May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement? We must cast aside the philosophies of men and the wisdom of the wise and hearken to that Spirit which is given to us to guide us into all truth. We must search the scriptures, accepting them as the mind and will and voice of the Lord and the very power of God unto salvation.” – Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

It is in our Eyes and Smiles!

 A Little Taste of Beautiful Kansas!

Hola!

I had such a wonderful 20th birthday! I still feel like I am 15 years old – and when others ask me how old I am – I tell them to guess and they say, “Umm...15?” I don’t know which is worse – others thinking that I am 15 or being out of my teenage years. They see me driving so I should at least look 16, right!? The whole day was wonderful though! We had Zone Training and it was so fantastic! We have the best Zone – I love the West! I had plenty of desserts for the big day – the members and others took great care of me. I had brownies, ice cream, cheesecake, and two different cakes! Sister Hartley is a sweetheart and took us out to Ruffino's which is one of the nicest restaurants here in town.

Uncle Gary and Sister Hittle

The best part of the day was finishing off the day with Uncle Gary and Sister Hittle. After the lesson, they said, “Wait, we have a surprise for you.” They brought out a cake with 20 candles and Gary handed me the most heartfelt card. It had a picture of a dog that took a bite out of the cake and he signed it “Uncle Gary.” I just started calling him Uncle Gary because I feel like he is family and it just stuck. His baptism is on May 2nd!

A random spiritual moment yesterday at church...
I was talking to Gary about his blessing before class and this was our conversation: Gary said, “You won’t ever give up, will you?” I turned to him and said, “Nope and that is what families are for.” He had the biggest smile and it was the most amazing feeling ever! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary and to help and invite others to come unto Christ. Families are central to God’s plan for us and they are the only way that we can gain exaltation. I also know that we were put in families to help receive strength and guidance and I am indeed grateful for my family. My family consists of more than just my parents, brothers, and Bear – we are all brothers and sisters.

We had an Easter Fireside this week at the church about the Atonement. There were 3 parts to it – the suffering in Gethsemane, being crucified on the Cross, and the Resurrection. Andy (investigator) came to it and he was taking notes the whole time! There were many tears shed at this Fireside because of the Spirit that was felt because of the perfect love that our Savior has for us. Earlier this week, Andy shared with us an experience that he had when he was out golfing. His friends offered him a beer and he said, “No!” In the back of his mind he thought, "If I want to be a Mormon, I can’t drink.” For Andy, this is huge! He is still searching for his answer but he is acting on faith – and because of his works – the answer will come!

Sister Webb was sick this week so I have been reading more from the book “The Continuous Atonement” by Brad Wilcox:

• “In reality, our willingness to plod along here on earth doesn't earn us points in Heaven, but helps us become Heavenly.”
• “Knowledge is of little worth unless it is acted upon.”

“There is a better and higher motivation ... that is above and beyond self-discipline, well beyond sheer willpower and dogged determination. It is a motivation born of the spirit. One that comes to us as a result of a change of heart.” – Robert L. Millet

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Happy Easter!

Hola!

So last Monday, we went over to Hermana Castillo’s home (a gal in our ward) and she taught us how to make Mole – it was so good! She is a fantastic cook and it gave us an opportunity to use our broken Spanish.

For our last District “Get Together” before transfers, we went to the famous Pancake House and did the “Pancake” challenge. The challenge is to eat their Apple and Cinnamon Pancake. Good News – We all succeeded! So, we got to put our name up on the board – now there are 4 Elders and 2 Sisters added to the list. The missionaries have been represented now!

Hermana Adams being chased by three vicious dogs...

Papa Cugo, Mama Cugo, and Baby Cugo

We were on bikes for the majority of this past week but that didn't stop us from going to the gym in the morning! The gym is about two miles from our house – and Friday morning after the gym – we found out that my bike tire was completely flat! So, I ran my bike all the way home and we were able to put a new tube on it. Then on our way to Conference on Saturday, I got chased by 3 little dogs for 10 blocks! It was quite the adventure and Sister Webb was cracking up the whole time. I don’t know why they didn’t chase her bike – they must not like the color purple. The dogs finally got tired and stopped, but at least they got their morning walk!

Gary showed up to Conference! He came with his wife – Sister Hittle – to the Sunday morning session. It was a perfect session for him! Of course, right afterward he booked it out of there (he doesn’t waste time). But he really enjoyed it!

Easter was fantastic – nothing is better than Conference on Easter! We had a potluck at the church in between sessions. For dinner, we went over to the Jones’ house and had filet minion steaks, cheesy potatoes, and this delicious mango delight (I don't remember the name). We got to help hide the eggs for the kids! The weather was beautiful and the Spirit was strong – I love Conference!

“The gospel is a fountain of knowledge that never runs dry. There is always something new to learn and feel.” – Bishop Gerald Causse

“Today we celebrate the gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“Faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience for which we all yearn.” – Elder David A. Bednar

Misionera Amor!

Siempre Una Aventura

Hermana Adams

Lego Temple

Hola!

We now have to share the car with the Elders so we are on bikes half of the time – I love it – especially with the beautiful weather that we have had. But, this week we were at an appointment that was clear across town – and on our way home for the night – it started to rain so we got pretty wet! It was hilarious though and we couldn't stop laughing. Another good thing that helmets are good for is keeping your hair dryer than if you weren't wearing one!

We had Sister’s Conference this week and it was so much fun! We started it out with Yoga and it was so funny to see a bunch of Sister Missionaries trying to be flexible and do Yoga. Then, we had some amazing speakers and training sessions.

Hermana Moser and Hermana Adams

This was the last time that I got to see my trainer, Sister Moser, before she goes home. She goes home this week – boy time flies! She is super excited and nervous at the same time. She has grown so much over the course of her mission and I am so proud of her.

I don't know if you remember April at all, but she moved out to Topeka with her son and is planning on seeing the missionaries out there. This week, we stopped by to visit her mom and see how she was doing. This was the first time that we were able to have a solid lesson with just June (her mom). We talked to her about The Plan of Salvation and it brought tears to her eyes to know that her family members that have passed on are still learning just like she is. I am so grateful for The Plan of Salvation and the knowledge to know what our purpose here on this life is and to know that we will be with our families forever if we follow the gospel path.

We did service on Saturday at a Lego Robotics Competition – it was so much fun! It reminded me of my “Mathlete” days. These kids built robots out of Legos and then ran them through all of these courses. We directed the people where they needed to go and talked to a bunch of kid geniuses. My favorite group we talked with was from Campo, CO (actually in the Lamar area). The gal told me that they are looking for a math teacher and they are pretty desperate. So, they would take me just with my Associate's Degree and hire me on while I finished my Bachelor’s Degree. I thought that was hilarious! It would be sweet to be in the Lamar Ward again, but Campo has a population of about 150 people.

Gary came to church on Sunday and it was his first time ever coming to church! All of the missionaries spoke in Sacrament so we hope that he learned something. He booked it out of there as soon as Sacrament ended so he would beat the rush. Sister Webb and I ran after him to see what he thought. He was smiling and said it was “nice” (coming from Gary – that was a really good compliment).

Luis received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday – whoot, whoot!

“We may live in different countries and cultures, but as women our purpose is the same. And that unity and Spirit is needed in this day.” – Sister Rosemary M. Wixom

Misionera Amor!

Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Referrals = Miracles!

The West is the Best - Liberal and Garden City!

Hola!

This past week, we had a dinner appointment with a member out in Hooker, Oklahoma. Beforehand, we called the member and asked if she knew anybody that we could go visit while we were down there because we have never been down that way before. She referred us to a gal named Angela who met with the missionaries a while back. We went and saw Angela after dinner and she is so awesome! She has 2 boys and her husband is disabled due to a work accident. But Angela is one of the strongest women that I have met and she is so positive! She is so much fun and really easy to talk to. We talked about the Restoration of the Gospel and were able to discuss a lot of the questions that she had. Later that night, we got a call from the member that we had dinner with and she said that Angela called her and was very pleased with the visit and that she would be coming to church on Sunday. She did come and she really enjoyed it! She already told us that she is planning on going next week as well! She works construction, loves biking (Harley's), and is very adventurous so we got along very well!

This week we had “Special Training” – and while we were in the training – they installed “TIWI” devices in our cars. Basically, it is a little device that yells at you when you do anything wrong (e.g., speeding, accelerating too fast, driving recklessly, and so forth). It will talk to you and say “Watch your speed!” The first time it talked to us, I almost had a heart attack and Sister Webb just laughed at me.

We had a member (Sister Hittle) at Stake Conference tell us that she wanted us to go visit her husband. She and her husband currently don't live together because he lives out in the country and works with cattle. His name is Gary and he is a true Rancher! He is so awesome and has so many great cow stories. Gary did not grow up with a religious background and has not really budged at all on the topic of religion. But, we were able to see many miracles this week, and he even came to dinner last night at the Bishop's house and he seemed to have had a great time! He is willing to try and open his heart because he really wants to see what it is that has truly helped out his wife. Today, we are going to go out to his ranch and help him with his calves. I am so excited! I always joke with him that I am from the city but it doesn't mean that I don't own a pair of cowgirl boots – he just laughs at me! I feel they are like my aunt and uncle with the relationship that we have now.

We met two gals from Cuba this week and they are absolutely adorable! They are learning English and are very good at it – especially for the short amount of time that they have been here. They came to church yesterday and it was a miracle because the speakers were actually talking in Spanish so they were able to understand everything. Also, the talks were translated into English so the rest of the congregation would understand. We are so excited for the upcoming visits with them. Yeney said the most beautiful prayer the last time that we were there and she just shared her gratitude about all the blessings that she has seen since coming over here to the United States.

“The greatest need in the world today is faith in God and courage to do His will.” – President David O. McKay

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Luis Baptism!

Hola!

Luis got baptized! Let’s just say that the baptismal font wasn’t filled to where it should have been (only about 2.5 feet deep) – woops! But, Luis went all the way under and I have never seen him so happy! He was glowing and he even played a solo on his flute.

We had Stake Conference in Garden City this week and Bishop Gerald Causse (First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric) presided at all of the meetings. We drove up with a recent convert named Taryna who is from South Africa (she is a ginger and has a sweet accent). We stayed the night at the Sisters’ place in Garden City. Bishop Causse is such an amazing man and I learned so much from him and the Spirit was so strong! Luis came to conference as well and he absolutely loved it! Also, I got to see some Lamar people again – whoot, whoot! It was so good to see them and hear what has been happening in Lamar.

“No one is a stranger to our Heavenly Father.” – Bishop Gerald Causse

Moroni 6:4-5…

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

Misionera Amor!

Siempre Una Aventura

Hermana Adams