Sweet Girls

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up in Strings.....

FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW can you believe that Christmas has come and gone??  It honestly just seems like a blur to me.  haha  It turned out to be one that I will never forget.  Christmas in the mission is very very different as you can expect, but the spirit of the epoca is the exact same!!!  On Christmas day we had the opportunity of eating with one family in our ward called Gonzalez.  They are THE BEST!  They were so sweet to us and fed us WAY too much food, and really made us feel like part of their big family.  They had two piñatas and a lot of desserts and just a lot of visiting and meeting new people (which I love so much!)  It truly was a special Christmas for me, difficult, don´t get me wrong!  (I just wish I didn’t have the best family in the world back in Utah that I miss)  hahaha  But what a blessing it is to be here in Mexico testifying of why we really have Christmas!!!  Because a lot of families were busy and not home on Christmas we got the wonderful opportunity of going back to our house and DEEP CLEANING!!!!  Merry Christmas ;) haha  It was fun and we rocked out to the church Christmas music - we had a lot of fun  :)

I did indeed get the packages - ALL of them, and wow, I really don´t know what to say!  I honestly couldn´t help but bawl when the Mission President unloaded 4 huge packages from his car when he came to visit!  haha  THANK YOU TIMES A MILLION AND A HALF!!!!!!  We loved all of the little surprises and you had better believe that we have made a huge dent in the food already!  We are really excited to make the cheesecake for new years!!!!  Really, thank you so much.  And the boots are incredible and so warm and comfortable!  Thank you thank you thank you!  Tell Susan & Ken THANK YOU SO MUCH and grandma too please!!! 

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY AMANDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hna Jacobo and I sang happy birthday for you - I hope you know!  What did you do??  Did you eat some good cake and ice cream?? 

The weather is getting colder, ha-ha, but we are getting smarter and figuring out how to keep our house warmer in the night and by warming up our pajamas with the little heater while we are planning!  haha  It is crazy how cold it is... so much for buying clothes for 100 degree weather ;) hahaha  It is great, and the clothes and hat and everything you sent have helped so much! 

This week was an interesting week with the holidays and everything!  But it was a great one!  We worked really hard to find new investigators this week because we know how powerful the spirit of this season is, and we really were blessed!  That is really cool that you got to talk to a Hermana in my ward; she is so sweet and her husband is the mission leader in our ward, so we have gotten to know her really well!  Hna Jacobo and I also got to speak in our ward on Sunday (yes mom in Spanish).   I think it went really well; everyone in the ward said that my Spanish was good, and that they could understand me... so I would say it was a SUCCESS!!!!!!!!

I have a couple questions! 

How´s the BE b-ball team doing??

What do you have planned for new years??

How does Derek like sleeping in his bed again??

I love you forever, and am always praying for you!  I have the best support system back home, and I am so so so grateful!!  Never doubt the power of the Lord to help you in EVERYTHING!!!!!!  I know He lives and loves you!

Hermana Sutton

                   p.s. It was AMAZING to talk to you!!!  I can´t believe how big MY Beckham is - make him stop please!!!!  Keep smiling ;)  I love you with all my heart!

The Christmas Necklace

Christmas PJ's

Christmas Pinata

Merry Christmas!!! SING IT OUT LOUD!

HOLA HOLA HOLA!  Can you believe that it is almost already Christmas???  AHHH  Where has the time gone?  I really can´t believe that it has already been 2 months since I left little old Brigham City!  If my mission goes this fast... I may just stay here for 3 years??  Is that okay with you fam?  hahaha

We had a really great and difficult and blessed week here in Casas!  We worked so hard to work with the barrio (ward) this week to try and strengthen their testimonies so that they will have the desire to share it in their lives.  On Monday night we had a Noche de Hogar (family home evening) with the ward and we watched “Joseph Smith: A Prophet of the Restoration”.  It turned out to be an incredible night and everyone who attended shared their testimonies after, and I really feel like that sparked something in the ward because the rest of the week they were really helpful and excited about the work!  It truly is the work of salvation for all.  So don´t think you get off easy because you aren´t on a full time mission.  EVERYONE NEEDS TO SHARE!! (and I know I say this every week... but it really is so important.) hahaha :)

We also had a devotional Christmas yesterday for everyone in Casas Grandes and the Colonies.  All of the missionaries sang in a choir that we have been practicing for about 2 weeks now.  IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!  We sang pretty much all the Christmas hymns and also performed some numbers in small groups.  I actually got to sing “Oh Holy Night” as a solo too!! :)  I absolutely love music, and coming on a mission has just made me love it so much more.  The spirit really does talk through the music of the soul.  There actually is a Sister who lives in Dublan who is the stake president’s wife and she has a facebook page for a lot of the missionaries’ moms and family...  I think it is called “Chihuahua Moms” or something like that.  You´ll have to search for it and asked to be added to the group.  She is going to put some videos from last night up on the page! 

1.       Did you get any packages yet?  I didn´t get any packages yet, but I told the zone leaders yesterday to keep an eye open for it because you sent some!  It might take a little longer because I am so far away from the mission home.  But no worries; I will get it!! and THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!  You, family, are really such a blessing.  XOXOXO 

2.       What good foods have you eaten?  Oh my goodness where do I start??  The food here is to die for! Everyday I think, "Today is going to be the day that I am going to eat something that is gross..."  But nope, the day hasn´t come yet!  So to answer your question... EVERYTHING IS GOOD! ;)  We eat tamales a lot, and salsa!!!  And chicken and meat cooked so well, and a lot of rice and beans. Mmmmhmmmm just really good Mexican comida!

3.       How is your Spanish going?  My Spanish is going pretty well.  I mean it is so hard to be somewhere where everyone speaks perfect Spanish and I am just thrown into the middle of it, but I love the language!  Everyday my Spanish is getting better and better.  The gift of tongues is honestly so real! 

4.       Do you still Love your sweet parents?  TE AMO MUCHO MUCHO MUCHO MUCHO!!!!!  Honestly there isn´t a day that goes by that I don´t think I have the best parents and family in the whole world.  Every night I thank our Father in Heaven for you.  I wish I could explain how incredibly much I love you.  Thank you for being such great examples!! 

Hahahaha - you probably thought I forgot about Skype.... haha :)  We are going to Skype tomorrow around 6:45 or 7!  We finally found a family that has a camera and internet!  It should all be good and work perfectly.  Thank you for setting up my account and sending the password and everything.  I forgot how Skype works but do you have to add me as a friend or something first?  Who knows, but I’m sure it will go smoothly tomorrow!  ARE YOU EXCITED TO TALK TO ME?????? ;)  I miss you so much and can´t wait to see your beautiful smiling faces...  Don´t make fun of me if I cry when I see you though; I haven´t changed too much - I still cry like a little baby!  Hahahahahahaha

But I hope you have a great week and enjoy Christmas!  Remember to pray and remember why we are really here on the earth!  You are a child of the most powerful and perfect being in the UNIVERSE!!!!!!!

I love you for eternity!!!

Hermana Sutton

                                                     P.S. Hasta Mañana!!!!! hahaha

 

Christmas Choir

The Kid's still got hops

One for a little laugh

First Baptism

Pedro's Baptism

 

It honestly was an incredible week here in Casas Grandes!  The Lord has prepared so many hearts here to hear the gospel, and Hermana Jacobo and I are working harder than ever to find the Elect of the Lord.  I have been told that this area in the past has been really difficult and they never have had too much success, but things are changing and people are excepting the gospel every day.  It is so incredible to see how the world is changing in these last days.  Hearts are being softened and members are starting to have a desire to share the gospel too.  It is a blessing to be where I am, doing what I am doing everyday right now!  I am so blessed to be a representative of the LORD!!  And even though it is a big responsibility, I know that the Lord only expects my best.  So every day that is what I am going to give Him.

Earlier this week I went with the other missionaries from the US to the Migration Office about an hour away in Janos!  We had to give our finger prints and sign our lives away.  I´m pretty sure I signed a paper that said I can never leave Mexico...  Sorry fam ;) haha  But the trip was really fun, and it was so nice to be able to speak in English.  I absolutely love being around other missionaries. There really is strength in numbers, and especially when they are all missionaries!  The spirit is so strong.

I also got to learn how to make tortillas this week!  LEARN is the key word.  I failed and it was embarrassing to try and spin the thin piece of dough and watch it break into pieces... haha  The member who showed us was really nice, but you could tell for sure she had had years of practice. haha

Also on Saturday we actually had our first baptism!!!!!  And I wish I could explain to you how incredible the entire experience was!!!!  Pedro is the joven who loved to drink coffee (if you forgot) and he is such an example.  He was so ready for baptism; he pretty much jumped into the font!  The spirit was so strong during the entire meeting and the baptism!  I am honored that I was able to meet Pedro and witness yet another miracle!!  I know that baptism is the first step that we show Jesus Christ that we accept him and his perfect plan for us. OHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It just was the happiest day ever!!!! :) I´ll send a pic, don´t worry!  I´m not that great of a missionary yet.... ;)  hahahaha  but it was incredible and I got to sing at it also!!!!  Oh what an experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, before I forget we found out that we DO GET TO SKYPE for Christmas!  I will be skyping on the 24 and probably in the tarde!  I am so excited to see my beautiful familia!!!! But I am not sure that I have an account that works, so I was wondering if you could set one up for me and for you, and then la proxima semana just let me know what the password and information is!  That way it will be much easier and we won´t have to bug the member family for as long.  We only can talk for 40 minutes, but that will be long enough to show you I am still alive and happy ;)

-1-  Did you find you a warm coat?

 

I did find a coat that was semi warm! hahaha It is hard to find really good quality here, the zipper broke the second day I had it, but I will still keep looking for one, don´t worry!  But it is cold!  I still can´t get over how crazy that is; I´m in Mexico for heaven’s sakes!!! hahaha 

-2-  Do you have Elders in your area or are there just sisters in your city?

Hermana Jacobo and I are the only ones in our area! Called Estacion :)  But there are Elders in the all the areas around us.  In our district we are the only sisters, but in our zone there is another companionship!  We meet together every Lunes, and sometimes more than that like to practice Christmas songs for our devotional on the 22!! 

-3-  Is there a ward or a branch?  What kind of a building do they meet in?

We are in a ward, and it is semi-small but really really really incredible!  The members are so sweet and really are starting to get excited about the work we are a part of.  Our building is really pretty nice!  It’s just like a normal church house and we have a piano that actually works!!!  BLESSINGS!!!!!

-4-  Did you hear that we have a Texas address to mail your stuff to? It's a UPS office in El Paso but should speed things up alot and will be cheaper. So is your comp still working out OK?

Awesome!!!!! That is super nice!!!! :)  I am still really far from Juarez, but it will still get to me!!!  The zone leaders should pick it up!!!  Isn´t it amazing how the world is changing and the work of salvation is progressing???

-5-  We've looked you up on the maps and you're in the middle of nowhere. Did you say you lived on the street "Cinco de Mayo"?

I’m just off the street in a little alley way! :)  I LOVE THE STREET CINCO DE MAYO!!!  So exciting :)

But I want you to know that I am so incredibly happy!  I am where I am supposed to be and it is so amazing to see the miracles of the Lord daily!  I have never prayed so much in my whole life, but I also have never been so happy :) coincidence??  No such thing....!  I know that Our Savior Lives!!!  I am safe, the Lord is always with me; people are usually SUPER nice!!!!  Sleep is sufficient and I’m drinking water, of course!  I am the daughter of the water queen!! ;) 

ADIOS!!!!!

TE AMO!!!  Tenga una buena semana!!!!

I hope you have a great semana preparing for Christmas!!  But remember what Christmas is really about :)

Con MUCHO Amor

Hermana Sutton :)

P.S.  We just got a text from a young man (Raul-from Mexico) who is now in Provo that says you know his mother.  Her name is “Silvia Ortega De Rodriguez” from the Estacion Ward.  If you know her, we could send a box with him this Friday.  He’s going home for Christmas and offered to take some things down for you.  What would you like us to send you? Coats, boots, sweaters?

YES YES YES YES I know who that is, and it would be incredible if you could send some things with him!!!!!  OH WHAT A BLESSING!!!!!

Don´t get overwhelmed, but if you could send with him WARM THINGS!!!  like sweaters, socks, sweats, scarves, sweaters and gloves and maybe even a pair of boots.  I bought a pair here but they already are falling apart :( oh and maybe a hat!

But don´t worry if you can´t.  I am still surviving!!!!! :) and happy!  But I know it is just going to get colder every day!!!  I mean I am fine and happy and usually pretty warm!

Just some ideas, don´t get overwhelmed!  These are just some ideas!!!

P.S.S.  Thanks for the new coat Aunt Jennifer :)

Hola Hola Hola

How are the best family and friends in the world doing this week???  I can´t believe you got so much snow? Thank goodness the snow hasn´t come to Nuevas Casas Grandes yet, but it is very very very cold!!!  We´ll keep our fingers crossed that the snow stays in your neck of the woods.  Snow would make walking everywhere all day a little bit more difficult.  The crazy wind and dirt already makes it impossible to stay looking like a presentable representative of the Lord ;)  haha 

 

This week was incredible!  I know I said this last week, but every week is just so special and so different!  This week Hermana Jacobo and I had the opportunity to sing in sacrament meeting junta.  She played the piano and I sang; the obisbo asked if we could sing “Oh holy Night”, and I gladly excepted because that is my favorite Christmas song as well!!!  It turned out so amazing and the spirit was so strong.  It was great to be able to kind of express myself and my testimony because it is a little difficult to explain how I feel in the few simple phrases I know in Spanish! ;)  But the spirit is the same in every language. And I love the quote I heard in the MTC (I’m not sure if I shared it with you...)  God doesn´t need Spanish speakers, He needs Spirit speakers :)  so that is what I am trying to do - rely on the spirit!!!! But just so you know, my Spanish is getting better every day and even though it is so  hard, I can see myself growing and I am learning so much everyday!  My favorite thing is to talk to the kids, because they speak a little bit of English and use simple words in Spanish!!!  It is great!!!

 

I got to watch the First Presidente devotional this week too!!! (  I know Amanda and Eric did) did you??  It was awesome to hear the familiar sound of Motab!  But sadly I didn't understand too much of the messages the speakers gave, because it was in Spanish!! ;)  Hahaha but I really enjoyed it, and one of our investigators named Judith came with us!!!  (I’ll send a picture of her.)

 

This semana was really special because the members actually wanted to help and share the message of the gospel!  Can I just testify to you that this work of salvation is not just for missionaries who wear a badge to share, EVERYONE IS A MISSIONARY!!!!!  And why not share with those around us?  This is what makes us happy, so why not help otro personas feel the same!!!

1:  Will you be able to SKYPE at Christmas or will you need to purchase an international calling card?

I am not exactly sure how calling is going to work on Christmas.  I talked to some of the other missionaries and in the past they could not Skype... :( But I’ll double check with the zone leaders and let you know next week!  Can you believe it is almost Christmas???? ahhhhhhh :)  I am so excited for Christmas aqui!  In all of our lessons we have been singing Christmas songs, and it is so amazing to feel the spirit of the Lord!!!

2:  Did you buy some warm clothes?

I did find some boots which make things a lot warmer!!  I am borrowing a warm coat from a member and gloves and things, but today we are going to look again and see if there is anything that will work!  The stores are... well interesting here!  There are some nice ones and some not so nice ones, but you know me the bargain shopper!  I´ll find a good deal ;)

3: Do you want us to give your e-mail address out to the ward or is that not really allowed?

You can give the ward my e-mail; I don´t really care, but make sure you tell them I probably won´t e-mail them back!  I really don´t have very much time at all, and emailing is a challenge for me anyway!  It´s hard because I stress I am going to forget to tell you something, so just have patience with me because I may write kind of scatter brained!!  hahaha 

4:  What made you smile this last week?

OHHH  I smiled so many times this week!!!  I think the thing that made me smile the biggest was yesterday when we got back to our apartment and Heramana Jacobo and I were thinking about our amazing day!!! 

With the help of the members yesterday and the miracles of the Lord, we found 5 new investigators!  And they are so ready to hear the gospel and so ready to change their lives!!! The Lord works miracles, and everyday I can´t help but smile because I get to see firsthand how the Lord changes lives. :)  He has changed mine!!!!  I am so blessed!!!!

I know this church is true family!!!  No doubt in my mind, and as long as we have the faith of a mustard seed, the Lord can work with us and we can become something amazing!!! 

Hermana Sutton

 

I'm in a desert ! ! !

Home Sweet Home

Judith

Sister Sutton, Judith, Sister Jacobo

I'm Freezing!!!

I have no idea where to even start....  I´m in Mexico and it is incredible!  It is pretty much what I had imagined when I would have crazy dreams about Mexico (but better!!!!)  The area I am in is called “Estacion” and it is just a little tiny town in the middle of the desert.  There are main stores and like a down town and all that jazz, but a lot of our area is just in the little neighborhood around the big main street you could call it!  MY FAVORITE part of our area is that street; it´s called cinco de mayo (confusing I know) but it is the greatest street I have ever walked down.  I have no idea why but it is just magical ;)  So many people everywhere and all the fun little shops and places to pass by!  I love it.

Hermana Jacobo is the greatest companion I could ever ask for; she is so patient and loving and really obedient and the spirit just radiates from her!  She speaks well... a little bit of English... haha but she is trying to learn and it is fun to teach her new words and make fun of her accent like she does to mine.  It has been really helpful to have her only speak Spanish because it forces me to learn and to better understand!  Because for heaven sakes - I CAN¨T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!!!!!!!  hahaha  but for some reason I still am loving it!  It has been the greatest experience to be able to feel the spirit of the people we are teaching (because I don´t totally understand).  The people in Mexico are ready and I am so excited to be helping them realize that we are here for a reason!

We live in a really small two room house that is owned by a member that lives next door!  It is tiny and everything is broken, but I LOVE IT!  The city has dirt roads everywhere and the houses are really small and really humble, but the people are incredible!!!!  We buy our groceries at a store just like Soriano in Mexico!  (I think that is what it is called) which is normal!  We have been eating a lot of fruits and vegetables which I am loving!  The thing is the eating schedule is really different here...  We eat a pretty big breakfast and then we eat lunch at 2 and then when we get home at 9 or 930 we eat like fruit or something little if we aren´t too exhausted to cook ;)  haha

Our mission president is really nice and his wife too, but we are in an area like 3 hours away from them so I really haven’t gotten to know them very well!  We pretty much are on our own which is fun!  And heavens no, I didn´t tell him I got sick!  I’m a tough Sutton - remember ;)  hahaha

IT IS FREEZING HERE!!!!!!!  I am not even joking; it is as cold as it is there!  Everyone says that we are going to get a little bit of snow in the next couple of days... needless to say I have had to borrow coats and buy tights and a scarf and all that jazz.  I honestly didn´t think it would be like this, but HEY, I love it still!!!!  If you are okay with it, would you put a little bit more money in my account so I can buy some boots and a hat.  I am not going to be able to borrow stuff from the members forever, so I thought I would look around and see if I can find something!!!!

We went to our ward for the first time yesterday and it was INCREDIBLE!!!!  Everyone is so welcoming, and they help yo con my Espanol!  It feels like a family and I am so so so grateful for that, because I miss my amazing family! ;)  I actually got to play the piano in primary because they don´t have a pianist.  It was an awesome experience and was really helpful that they used simple Spanish with the ninos!  haha (I am just like them) well they speak way better than I do... but it´s fun!!!

I want to tell you an amazing miracle we saw this week!  We taught this man named Pedro who is incredible and has been investigating the church for about a month or so, and he loves it so much.  He was having a really hard time not drinking coffee though...  that was the only thing that was keeping him from baptism.  The very first appointment we had with him I shared dad´s story with him (yes in Spanish; it was a miracle!!!) and told him that once you knew the church was true, you were willing to do anything!  I told him how you trusted in the Lord and He made your weaknesses strengths!!!  And then I invited him to be baptized, and he said YES!!!!!!!!   He hasn´t had a sip of coffee since!!!!  Dad your story hasn´t just inspired me!  IT IS CHANGING PEOPLES LIVES!!!!!!!  Miracles are happening every single day, and I know without a doubt in my mind that through Jesucristo the work of salvation is going on! AND we are all a part of it :)

I am so happy family!!!  This is the hardest and greatest thing I have ever done in my whole life!  But it is worth it because the Savior LIVES!!!!!  I love this gospel and the people in Mexico!!!  I am truly blessed!!}

Con Amor,

Hermana Sutton

My first companion!

Hermana Jacobo is AWESOME!!!

Zach Andersen at the MTC

Saw Jake Walter by the Temple

Ran into Ben Rex

Farewell Party

I Made It!!!

November 26, 2013

Hola familia!!!!

Si, I did make it to the wonderful MEXICO and it is amazing.  I love it here and I am SO excited!  So after I talked to you on the phone we got on a plane and flew to Mexico City where we had a layover for about 3 hours.  But it was fun to be in the airport and to try to understand what everyone around me was saying..... I FAILED ;)  hahaha  Okay I’m only joking, but I have a lot of work to do. 

When we finally arrived in Ciudad Juarez, President Derbez and a few of the Elders where at the airport waiting for us!  We then packed up all of our things and took it to a hotel close by, which was SOOOO nice.  Probably one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in.  Then we went over to his house with all of the other Elders and had dinner that Sister Derbez cooked for us (tasty).  We had a little introduction of everyone and then off we went back to the hotel where I had the best nice sleep I have EVER had.  Who knows if it was because I hadn’t slept in 48 hours or that the bed was INCREDIBLE.  No se! ;)  but it was so great.  We woke up and had continental Mexican breakfast and headed to the mission home to meet our new companions and find out where we were headed.

I HAVE THE BEST COMPANION IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!!!  Her name is Hermana Jacobo, and she is from Guatemala!  She does speak a little bit of English which is so nice.  She really is an answer to my prayers; she is so outgoing and happy and I am excited to get to know her more.

After our meeting this morning, we went on a 4 hour bus ride to my area which is actually in the Colonies.  It’s called Nuevo Casas Grandes.  And from the minute I got here I fell right in love with the environment and the people!  It is great :)  It’s just a little tiny town, but it’s exactly what I need.  I am so excited!  We are having dinner with a member tonight!  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  THIS IS REAL!!!  I love it :)  OH and our house is so awesome.  It is tiny and a little sketchy, but I love it!  There are dogs everywhere, so I’m going to have to touch up on my jujitsu! ;)  haha

I just wanted to tell you I am here and happy!!!  LOVE YOU!!

Hermana Sutton      

 p.s.  My p-day is on Monday :)

 

 

Ready, Set, Go

November 22, 2013

 

I swear I was just barely sitting on the computer emailing you about last week... WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE????  But this week was really good.  It was really fast and I don't remember too much that happened, but I’ll try and come up with some interesting things.  (Sorry I really am terrible at emailing, but oh well I guess it's something, right??) 

Yes, I did have two more doctor appointments this week, and they cleared me to go to Mexico!!! Which is amazing news!  The nurse who has been helping me at the hospital said that she was really scared that I wasn't going to get better and she'd have to give me steroids or something to make my immune system pick up.  But we're set and I don't have to take any more medication which is a relief.  I felt as if I was the drug holder of the whole MTC.  Taking my probiotics, my vitamins, my acne medicine, my Lora tab, and my antibiotics.  Man, I am really going to connect with the Drug Lords in Mexico ;) - ha-ha - but I am so grateful for all the help that the doctors gave me, and it was such a blessing that I got over it so quickly!

I received the package that you and Amanda both sent!  Thank you so much; I honestly have the best family in the whole world!!!!!!!  Thank you for the adorable cardigan and the fun treats! And you better believe I hung up the Viva Mexico sign that night!  But I totally understand that in Mexico it is harder to send and more expensive to send things.  But I am so grateful that while I was in the MTC I got lots of snacks and surprises!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

We had infield orientation yesterday, which is pretty much a meeting with all the missionaries that are going into the field this next week!  It was such a fun and an exciting day.  We learned how to actually apply everything that we have learned at the MTC, and how to serve others and how to plan and how to be the best missionaries that we can be. Being there gave me so much more energy to go to Mexico, if that is possible! ;)  I am so stoked to be out of the USA and to actually be serving where I was called.  I want to help people so bad, and bring happiness to their lives.  The gospel is so incredible, and the MTC is great and all, but I am SOOOOO ready to be teaching real people and just to be in MEXICO!!!  Oh also, I saw Zach Anderson, and Ben Rex!

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to sing in sacrament meeting with Hermana Geddes and two other elders from our zone.  We sang How Great Thou Art, and it was an experience I will never forget.  Although it was a simple hymn and we really didn't do anything too special in the song. The spirit that was there was so powerful.  You honestly could cut it with a knife!  As I sang the words about my Savior Jesus Christ I received yet another witness of how real, and alive and loving He is.  JESUCRISTO VIVE!  He really does, and I know that!  He has suffered everything for us, and I am so grateful that I can be a representative of Him.

This week really was full of incredible experiencias espirituales.  I wish I could tell you all of them and explain how much my testimony has grown, but there is no way I could type what I feel.  But let me try with one.  I was meeting with one of the Sister Training Leaders last night when I was interviewing, and she was really struggling.  She is such an amazing Hermana and she really is so strong and an example to all, but she was feeling like she was failing and like she wasn't being the best she could be.  So as we were talking all of a sudden my mouth just starts going and going and going.  I had no idea what I was saying but the words just kept flowing.  And it was EXACTLY what she needed to hear.  EXACTLY!  And I can testify to you, that it was not me.  The spirit is real, and if you are doing what you should be doing and striving every day to be your best and to serve Him, He will use you as an instrument.  IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH my mission address is kind of weird...  But that's the only one I could find!  So I’ll give you it, but when I get to Mexico I'll let you know what it really is.

Sister Megan Ann Sutton

Avenida Ramon Rivera Lara #7010
Fraccionamiento Las Asequias
C.P. 32617 Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
Mexico

I love you so much!!!!  I am always praying for you!!!  The church is true!!!  And I am SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR MEXICO!!!!!!!

Love, Hermana Sutton

 

Mono!!!

Hmmm - I have no idea where to start or how to tell you everything that has happened in this crazy quick week!  I am so happy to be on a mission.  I KNOW without a doubt I am supposed to be here, serving the Lord and helping those around me!  I am so incredibly blessed, though, to have the BEST support system and love from everywhere!

Okay, I HAVE MONO.  Can I just leave it at that??  haha  Okay fine, but something that makes me laugh a little bit is that you found out about my blood work before I even knew I had mono.  They forgot to tell me or something, who knows. But when I went to my doctors apt on Tuesday they said, "Here’s some medication to help you feel better from your mono." and I was like...  HOLD ON A SEC!  hahaha  They got a kick out of the fact that I had no idea.  But yes, I have mono and it is a miracle that I am still able to wake up every morning.  The doctor said they are so surprised that I am even still going because most people who have mono AND tonsillitis are in bed for weeks and sometimes even months.  I know that help from heaven is the only way I am still functioning.  But this has been a MUCH MUCH better week than last.  I have been able to live with one nap a day during gym time :(  but it helps a lot.   They told me I can't do any physical activity for 6 weeks... hahaha  Funny!  But I will try, and try not to get too fat ;)   I am on antibiotics, and they gave me pain medication but it is really really strong so I have just been taking ibuprofen a lot!  That way I can still stay sane and pay attention.  But thank you for the prayers; I can feel them.   I know without a doubt that everything happens for a reason, and every day here at the MTC is a miracle for me.  I am studying hard and doing the best I can do, and that is enough to the Lord :)

Hmmmmmm what next – OH, on Tuesday we had the amazing opportunity to sing for and to hear Elder Perry speak!!!!  It was incredible, and even though I couldn't sing too well it was amazing the spirit that was in the room and the power that a servant of the Lord holds.  His words were inspired and it was so cool to see the focus of the missionaries on one single man. He is such an example to all of us and his energy is contagious!!!!  He spoke a lot about being unified with your companion and trying to be the best you can be.  I enjoyed his talk so much and I can testify to you that he is an apostle of the Lord and he speaks what the Lord would speak if he were here!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the amazing packages and the dear elders this week.  I can honestly say that you are known all over my zone for having the most unique and amazing packages!  I really don't know what I would do without the support that you give me.  I even received a sweet package from Valynn (from smiths) what a sweet heart!!!!!  At the end of every day I just go to bed thanking to Lord for everything I have, because I think I win the most blessed sister award!!!  OH and I LOVE our family picture!  Shelby did so well and can I just say we are a pretty sharp looking family!!!! 

Just so you know a little bit more about MTC, they have the most amazing and inspired teachers who give up so much to help us and to listen to our concerns and help us with our Spanish that we think is right ;)  haha  I am so blessed to have Hermano Staude and Lebron there to help us every day and to put up with 5 crazy sister missionaries!!! 

My companion and I are getting along, we are so different and she has a really hard time having confidence with Spanish, but together we are growing together and trying to enjoy every moment!  She is an amazing daughter of God and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to be with Hermana Geddes.  I love her so much (even if almost every night she has to sleep on the couch because this Hermana snores like her dad ;)  haha   We are having fun and doing well!

Oh I also wanted to mention that I got my travel plans today!!!!!!!!!  Wooohoooo..  Mexico is coming so fast, and I cannot believe that my MTC experience is coming to an end; it FLEW!!!!  But something a little surprising is that my plane leaves at 12:45 am on the 25^th so I actually leave the MTC at 9:00 on the 24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I could not be more excited to be going to actually be teaching and helping real people and bringing them unto Christ!  OH back to my plans - I fly to Georgia and arrive there at 6:08am and then have a layover until 9:47am; then I fly to Mexico City and get there at 12:25pm then leave at 3:54pm to Ciudad Juarez!!!!!!  So a really long day and I couldn't be more excited for it!!!!!! :):):):):):):):):):):)  Let me know how the calling thing is going to work!!!  Hopefully mom and dad will be in the same place and then I maybe could call Amanda Derek and Eric. I just am SOOOOOOOOO excited!

Yo se que la iglesia es verdadera. Me Salvador vive y Dios es amaroso muy! I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!! He lifts me every day and gives me more strength than i have ever felt!!!!

OH - QUESTIONS........ Sorry this is long!

                Did you end up getting the box with the music in it (from Tami)?  It also had pickles & chips w/ salsa so I was a little nervous sending them together. 

 I LOVE THE MUSIC SOOOO MUCH!!  Tell Tami thanks a million and a half!  The pickles and the chips and salsa were in perfecto condition!!!!

                Have you received the oranges?  Jake mailed it on Monday from the UPS store in Provo…  Does same day really mean same day?

 I got the package on Wednesday, so not exactly one day delievery pero.  It was perfect!  I have the best food stash by the way!!!!

                What kind of food do they cook out of the food trailer?  Anything good?  Do you have a place to eat it also (ie. a sit down cafeteria, etc.)

We eat really well; the food is good and nothing too special but I like it!  (Especially now that I can eat solid foods!!!!!!)

TE AMO!!!!!!!!!!! I have the best family!!!!!!!!

Love, Hermana Sutton

Me and Hermana Nunez!

Best Days Ever!!

Crazy Moments

Bag-O-Medicine

Doctor Drama

Well needless to say this was quite the eventful week.  To stop you from totally worrying about the whole random doctor’s call, I’ll let you know what is going on.  So a few days ago I got a really bad sore throat right??  No big deal; I’m around people 24/7 and I just thought I was getting a cold.  Well every day it kept getting worse and worse and I never got a runny nose or anything else really.  Well on Wednesday night I didn't sleep because I really couldn't breathe and I couldn't eat because it hurt so badly.  So my companion made me promise if it wasn't better in the morning we would go to the clinic thing.  So I woke up in the morning, well kind of because I never really went to sleep, and I couldn't breathe at all and I couldn't swallow... problem right??  haha  So we went to the doc on main campus to see what he thought (thinking some Benadryl and some rest probably.)  He ran some tests on me and looked in my throat and poked and all that jazz, and found out I had a really bad case of tonsillitis, and he thought maybe an abscess or something like that.  But it wasn't strep throat so that's good, but he was worried so he made me go to another doctor in Provo at some hospital (I don't even remember which one...) haha  Anyway so me and Hermana Geddes sat in the waiting room for forever and finally met with the doctor who ran more tests on me and told me it wasn't an abscess so I don't need surgery so that's great!!!  He prescribed me some medication to help with pain, so I can eat again and breathe a little bit ;) The medication though is really strong, so it makes me a bit loopy but what do ya do right??  haha and some antibiotics.  Needless to say I am taken care of!  Just a little who knows what, but I’m trying to just relax and rest a little, which is REALLY hard for me to not be able to study and use every single second.  But it's good for me.

Also, it was crazy to hear your voice mom, haha can you believe I was right there when she was talking to you??  Crazy!!  But really exciting too :) I LOVE YOU!  and I am getting better every day, so don't worry about this missionary, just keep me in your prayers. 

Let me tell you about the rest of my week!  It was great.  On Sunday the branch president changed around our companionships to give all the sisters a chance to have the companionship of 3.  So as for right now it is just me and Hermana Geddes!  This has been fun; she is a hoot, and we have been able to focus a little bit more with just the 2 of us.  On Monday we taught one of our progressive investigators named Alberto. I cannot explain to you the spirit that was with us.  We were led to know what to say, we knew the Spanish, we were confident, and he actually made some crazy commitments!  I love teaching the gospel, it is so true!  Even though preparing lessons is really hard, it is worth it to see how it can change lives!

Oh also something else that is super exciting is that I got to go to Salt Lake on Wednesday to get my visa at the Mexico Consulate!   We took front runner all the way past Amanda’s lovely house!  (I waved) and then took tracks once we got to Salt Lake. It was such an adventure, and it was way fun to get with the other elder and sisters that are going to Ciudad Juarez tambien!  We met a lot of really neat people and talked to EVERYONE about the church!  It was so great :)  I love talking to people and being out of the MTC hahaha!  I did get my visa and all is set to go to Mexico in 18 days I believe!  I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited :)  It is crazy to think there are people in Mexico just waiting to hear the message I have to give them!  I am so blessed to have that in my life.

Also just on a side note, L. Tom Perry is coming to speak to the MTC on Tuesday night for the devotional!  We are all SOOOO excited!  The best part about the MTC I think are the inspired and incredible devotionals and conference that we get to be a part of every week.

Questions:

              How was the doctor visit and what did he tell you?

Told you ;)

                What can we send in another package for you that you have been really wanting (because Jake is stopping by to take a box back to Provo and we can’t send him empty handed….)

 I would love some healthy food!  That sounds silly, but I eat way too much junk and sit around all day, something like apples or fruit snacks (hahaha) would be great! Oh and maybe like tape and scissors too! I have to borrow Herm Geddes all the time!  And PICTURES!!!!!!!!

                Are you starting to understand Spanish better now? How do you practice/learn? 

Spanish is really hard!  But I am doing really well I think; it definitely causes me a little stress (but what doesn't??) haha  We have THE BEST teachers who are so inspired and helpful and patient!  So Spanish is coming; I mean I teach at least one lesson every day in complete Spanish, so it's better than 3 weeks ago ;)  But I hear I’ll have to learn the language again when I get to Mexico, but I am working hard, and the gift of tongues is REAL!

                Have you met any other Sisters or Brothers that are going to you mission too?

Yes there are about 10 of us going to Ciudad Juarez on the same day!  They are so fun and I can't wait to be out in the mission field with them; they are special souls!  Every time we see each other around campus we always raise our hands and say “JUAREZ”!  So it's fun!

                Have you seen any other Brigham people while in the MTC?

I have seen SOOOO many Brighamites here in Provo!  Actually one of the Elders in our zone I went to school with, his name is JT Lund!  Haha  It's nice to see a familiar face once in a while.  Oh and here's a list of everyone else I can remember that I have seen!  Tyler Bate, Kealton Heil, Alex Patterson, Andy Bennett, Braden Lunt, Garrett Jennings, Cody Paine, and I know there are more.... I just can't remember! haha 

That's cool that Zach Andersen is headed here so soon!  Where is he going again?  I’ll have to keep an eye open for him here in the big MTC!

Oh another random fact - I got made the sister training zone leader this week!  It is such a blessing to be able to serve the incredible sisters in our big zone of 6 districts.  Each one of them have a special spirit and I love them so much!  I HAVE THE BEST ZONE EVER!!!!  We sing every night together, and everyone is so helpful and happy!

Thank you thank you thank you for the wonderful package that arrived at the most perfect teimpo yesterday.  You were guided to go to Provo, because I desperately NEEDED that package!  So thank you for listening to the spirit and helping this Hermana out.  I love you so very much, and I could not ask for a better family and support system!  You mean everything to me, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think and pray about you! 

The church is so true, and Our Savior LIVES!!!!  Keep your head up - He knows what you are going through!  Remember to pray and to get up from your knees and act!!!

I love you forever!

Love, Hermana Sutton