FIVE THANKSGIVING MIRACLES!

What a whirlwind of a week! And hey, guess what? Five of our investigators have chosen to accept the invitation of baptism! 

The first was Isaac! Remember him? Our store-owner friend from Mali who was making the transition from Muslim to Christianity? Well we walked into his shop one night and were making small talk before sharing our message when all of a sudden he opens up a calendar on his computer and says, "Alright, so how about we do this baptism the 19th of December?" Whoa. It took all i had for my jaw not to drop! He was going to be baptized last month but got so scared and nervous that he didnt even want us to keep teaching him. But we´ve felt that he is ready so we were just trying to ease in again when he dropped this bomb on us! I just have say, I have a testimony of the power of prayer and fasting. I know God hears every prayer and recognizes every fast. Maybe our pleas aren´t answered right away but like in this experience, Heavenly Father helped Isaac realize that he needed this in his life. And I know that every person has their time. Isaac came to church again yesterday and I was really grateful for how all the members made him feel welcome! 

Then we have our amazing Bolivian family! We actually aren´t teaching their parents....yet :) because they work a LOT but we teach their three teenage/ young adult kids. We taught them the Plan of Salvation this week and at the end of the lesson, we felt the Spirit so strongly that we invited them to baptism with a set date and everything. That prompting really surprised me because we have been worried that their parents would not let them because two are underage. And we wanted to talk to the parets first before we set a specific date. But sitting there, i just knew it was the will of Heavenly Father and I knew that He will prepare the way. So we inviteed them and they each said yes! And it was so special. 

And lastly, JF is still preparing for January. We´re working pretty hard with him and Andry and its definitely not easy but they´re really good kids and we know that Heavenly Father has so many blessings prepared for them! We even focused with Andry this week on preparing for a mission! Wooohoo! Those are my favorite lessons. 

So those were my Thanksgiving miracles!! And speaking of Thanksgiving, we went to Alicante this Thursday for District Meeting and then afterwards, almost the whole zone got together and we had Thanksgiving lunch together! It was so fun! Hermana Swenson was even there and even though we couldn´t find turkey, we had lots of chicken and mashed potatoes and jello. I love my zone They are all such great examples to me and just amazing missionaries! So yeah--HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And like the quote my mom put on the wall in our house, remember to "Live in thanksgiving daily!" Alma 34:38. 

So yep this week has been pretty great! Even besides the fact I´ve been sick all week haha. Heavenly Father has been answering my prayers and is  giving me the strength to work as hard as I can these last couple weeks! And I am so grateful for it!

I love you all! Have a great week! The Christmas season is now here! Enjoy it! 

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love,

Hermana Morrow 

MORE MIRACLES

I. Am. Exhausted. I don´t think i have ever been so incredibly tired before. not in my entire mission. And its not just me haha I think I killed Hermana Buechter! But seriosuly though, we have worked so hard and walked so much.  I mean we even made like 5 batches of brownies to give away to less actives (Los brownies de los milagros work, people!) And just doing everything we can to help my comp learn the area and meet the members and as many investigators as possible. So, basically we´ve seen a ton of miracles. Likeeeeeeeee: 

1. Noche de hogar with a less active family in Hellin. Hellin is a pueblo (town) about an hour away if not more in car and for three months I have felt like we have needed to visit this family. We tried looking at the bus schedules, asking members to take us, but nada. Until last week when one of my favorite members just happened to mention to us that she was going! SO FINALLY we made the trip up and it was a really special moment for me. I have felt the Spirit working through me so many times in my mission but this time was the first time that I felt like we WERE the messengers and that we had a message to deliver. And I knew I wouldn´t have peace until I shared it with them. And this was the message: Heavenly Father loves you so much. He knows you perfectly and loves you more than you can imagine. And because of this love, He sent his Only Begotten Son, jesus Christ, to suffer and die for you and me. And no matter what happens in this life, no matter what we go through, our Savior understands us and will lift us up if we turn to Him. And we shared that they were missed and that Heavenly Father needed them, that the branch needed them and loved them. They didn´t come to church on Sunday and I´ll probably never see them again but let me tell you, The Spirit and love I felt there in that hosue is something i´ll never forget. And I know that they felt it. God´s love is so real!

2. JF and A came to church!! Like--willingly! We didnt have to drag them by the ear or anything! I think the big turning point was when we felt the impression to have a cita with A (he´s a less active teen) even though he´s super busy. We found him playing football with JF in a park and had the cita right then and there. We were able to talk about the Atonement and how even if we have made mistakes and sinned in the past, we´re never too far gone. And even if we have addictions or strong temptations, even if you simply have the desire to let them go, through Christ we can be freed. And the hope I saw in his eyes was something i´ll never forget. I think I forget sometimes that not all members automatically know about or understand the Atonement and how it can change their lives. And it surprised me with how sincerely surprised and hopeful he reacted. And we were able to build off this hope and faith and help him make a plan to come back to Christ. And he has! Already we´ve seen so much progress and its only been a week. I am just so amazed  of the Atonement and accepting Christ in our lives. It´s real. And so powerful. So yeah, he and JF (who we´ve been trying to get to come to church now for 3 months!!) came and it was the best. I love being a missionary. 

3. And well, I had a lot more miracles to share but I ran out of time and this email is already super long so I´ll let you all know another day ;) 

I love you all so much!! Have an amazing week! 

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!

Love,

Hermana Morrow

SEMANA LOCA

Sooooo this week? Well, I said goodbye to Hermana Swenson! The branch threw her a surprise goodbye party and we were invited to eat at like EVERYBODY¨S house. I dont think I have ever eaten so much in my entire life probably. And then Wednseday came and it was the easiest goodbye ever cuz I´ll get to see her tomorrow and the week after that and the one after that so yeah :) No worries! Wednesday I dropped her off at the train station and then stayed with a member all morning. We cleaned the church and i got to hear her conversion story which was a really tender experience for the both of us. i love her so much and I am just so amazed at the sacrfices some people had to make to be able to practice their beliefs. I am honestly SO lucky to have been born into an amazing family in a home full of support and love. I thank heavenly Father for that every day. And it just made me want to work harder than ever to help other families have that opportunity.

And then we went back to the station and picked up HERMANA BUECHTER!! My new spunky comp from Iberia, Missouri! She lives on a farm and everything. And its been cool to swap Midwest stories about Nauvoo and the St. Louis arch and stuff. She´s super funny and so hardworking! Plus, she´s really tall too so its been really nice to have someone in the house who can actually reach the food cupboards. haha. I thought it would be so hard to say goodbye to Hermana Swenson but I just realized how much I LOVE meeting new people and hearing their stories and watching how they interact with others and how they blend their personality into missionary work. We are already sucj good friends and I´m glad she´ll be my last comp (AH!) She´s exactly what Albacete needs and she´s already gained the confidence of the entire branch pretty much--they love her! And its really comforting to know that I´ll be leaving Albacete in great hands. Not that I´m leaving soon. IM NOT TRUNKY I PROMISE!

Anyways, the first couple days were AMAZING! We had lots of Noches de Hogare with members and our investigators and ate lots of food again and found lots of people on the street and then.....BAM. Lots of weird things started happening. We lost heat in our apartment for two days, all our citas started failing us (we had TEN planned one day and only 1 happened haha) and to top it all off last night by the weirdest cita I´ve had in my entire mission . Basically, our investigator got totally offended by what we were teaching for no reason and he yelled at us and insulted us in lots of ways. Yeah. But NO PASA NADA. We´re not discouraged and it´s going to take a lot more than that for me to stop working as hard as I can. i know Satan doesn´t want us to succeed but I know we are going to see so many miracles this transfer! 

Speaking of which, my favorite miracle from this week happened with jean franco! Remember him? Found him on the street like 3 months ago? Well we haven´t had a cita with him in like a month because he wasn´t progressing at all. But we had a Noche de Hogar with him and a less active family Hermana Beuchter´s first day. And we talked about the Book of Mormon and he shared his testimony about how he knew it was true and I was who, where did this come from?! After the NDH he walked with us to our next cita and asked us why we dont invite him to come to citas with him? A we were like WHat?  alright, done! He came with us to visit a family and shared his testimony about the Holy Spirit there and aftwerwards he told us he wanted to be baptized, but that hés scared. We talked to him about faith and Heavenly father prompted us to make him some pretty powerful promises. It was an beautiful experience and very special for me! ¡VAYA MILAGROS! 

Well, thats it. I love you all! Have an amazing week! Read The Book of Mormon! Say your prayers! Look for a miracle every day! Be the answer to someonés prayer today! 

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL! (never gets old. or any less cheesy)

Love,
Hermana Morrow

CHANGES

Alright everybody, here it is! A quick summary of my whilrwind of a week coming right up! First off, some huge announcements: Ahem. 

Numero Uno-- My best friend is leaving me! ("Why do you want to leave meeeeee?"--Name that movie) I´ve been singing that "Stay with me" song all weekend but nope. She´s still getting transferred. But its okay because guess where she´s going?? ALICANTE!!! Alicante? That sounds familiar right? That sounds like the city where we go to have our District meeting? Why yes it is! Out of ALL the places she could have gone in this huge mission she got sent to city closest to Albacete. WE´ll even still be in the same district! hahaha thats kinda like the biggest miracle/tender mercy ever for me. I knew I might not be able to finish my mission with her but this is literally the next best thing! Gosh i love her so much! We´ve had a pretty sweet run together. I´ve grown so much with her and we´ve worked really hard and well together and just have had so much FUN. I could honestly go on and on and on about how beautiful and funny and sweet and caring and just the ray of sunshine that she is but I won´t. Just know that I love Hermana Swenson!

And I should have known that it was coming because I have been praying really hard especially lately that Heavenly Father would squeeze everything He wanted me to learn and grow from into this last month that i have left here in Spain. And I know this must be part of the answer! 

And my new comp will be.......HERMANA BEUCHTER! I don´t know a lot about her but she was just comps with hermana Andersen so, small world! I can´t wait to work hard with her this month! Which we´ll have to do si o si because she only has 4 weeks to learn the area before I leave so yeah! AHHH.  We got a lot of work ahead of us! 

And so yeah, now that i´ve mentioned it like 10 times, I might as well just go out and say it! In exactly one month i will be traveling to the mission home for the last time. Not that i´m trunky--anything but! This last week its hit me like a gigantic boulder and I´m anything but ready to stop being a missionary. I can´t even let the little kids play with my nametag anymore , I don´t like taking off my nametag. I´m pathetic. 

Anyway enough of that. SO basically my week has been a mix of a midlife crisis and tearful goodbyes as we´re literally RUNNING across Albacete so that Hermana Swenson can get all her goodbyes in. Everyone just loves her, what can i say. Oh and I gave my last testimony meeting in my last Zone Conference this week too. That was something....I turned so red from being nervous and trying not to cry but I think I made sense. Also, Hermana Swenson and i sang "Nearer My God to Thee" in Sacrament Meeting which was an adventure for me because as you all know--i cant sing. But no one can here either so it was okay! haha. 

And yeah. Sorry--this is probably like the worst letter I´ve written home but know that I LOVE being a missionary. And that I´m grateful for the PRIVILEGE to be a missionary here in Spain. To be a representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ. And i will take advantage of this last month i have! 

I LOVE YOU ALL!

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love,

Hermana Morrow 

THIS IS HALLOWEEN. . .

Well as of two days I guess. And even though Spain doesn´t really celebrate it we had a pretty awesome day! One of our biggest miracles of the transfer happened because we had a Branch halloween Party. We invited our amazing Peruvian family that is already completely integrated into the branch (except for on Sundays :( And they invited their friends--a family of four! They walked in and we were introduced to them and looking back now, maybe we seemed a little to eager--but we were able to give them a tour of the church! And then we sat down in a room and our Peruvian friend gave them a Book of mormon and we were able to explain it and even talk a little (alright A LOT) bit about The Restoration. And we did it right smack in the middle of the halloween party! And they didn´t think we were super weird! And we even said a prayer! And they want to learn more! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. We have an appointment with them set later this week, so expect more miracles. 

 And then we had another MILAGRO SUPER GUAY last night! Alright, rewind three days. We were in an area and we decided to call a man we had contacted like 2 months ago on the street to see if we could meet with him.  He couldn´t but we invited him to the Family Home Evening later that night, not expecting him to come, and ya está. BUT THEN he called us after the actual activity was over and we were still there so we showed him and his  friend that he brought the church and had a cita right then and there with a couple members who had come to the Noche de Hogar. And then we met with them last night again and read 2 Nephi 31. I have NO idea why but instead of going straight into The Restoration like we usually do, we focused completely on baptism and recieving the Holy Spirit. They had AMAZING questions and when we invited them to baptsim they were just like, "Why not? This all makes sense and it´s something i want and need in my life" BOTH of them accepted for the 21 of this month! Looking back, I am just amazed at how Heavenly Father guided us in every step so that we would have the impression to call him in the first place! And then guide us completely in the lesson--ah man! I still can´t get over how incredible Heavenly Father is and how He works perfectly. All we need to do is be in tune with The Spirit. 

And as for Marta, we are still working with her so that she can be baptized the 24th. We fasted with her yesterday and it was so cute! She gave us a play by play of how hard it was and how so many people offered her food or invited her to eat with them at work and she pretty much ran away from them because it was such a huge temptation haha! She´s just so great.A nd prepared. She´s thought of every way possible to be able to come to church--even resorting to going to work at 4AM so that she could finish in time for 10 Am church! She works so hard already, if I didn´t KNOW how much coming to church and entering the doors of baptism would bless her in her life, i wouldn´t ask this much of her. But I know this is what she NEEDS and I love her so much, i want her to expereince all the beautiful tender mercies and blessings I´ve recieved in my own life through following The Savior´s examples. Everything I have and the person i am is all thanks to a loving Heavenly Father and and His perfect Son and following His gospel. I know it, i live it, and i love it! 

So yup. That´s my three biggest miracles of the week! I´m so grateful. Hope you all see miracles of your own! 

I LOVE YOU!!

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Have a great! Sois los mejores. 

Love,

Hermana Morrow

GRATEFUL FOR THE PRIESTHOOD

Sorry for not emailing last week! Between working on BYU stuff ( talk
about TRUNKY) and other things that happened, I had no time. So Lots
to catch up on!

First off, we threw a party for our branch! An investigator
volunteered to cook Peruvian food for everyone with the help of our
Peruvian missionary leader and all we had to do was invite everyone! A
bunch of branch members came and even 10 nonmembers! Successsssss. My
favorite moment was when an investigator gave his friend a tour of the
church, including the baptismal fount. We didn't even tell him to!
This investigator even came to church yesterday for the first time in
months! Miraclesssssz.

And then we were going to have a baptism this week but it fell through
BUT we were able to set one with an incredible investigator for next
month. We read 3 Nephi 11 with her and she just understood everything
so deeply. She knew The Lord was inviting her to baptism. This is the
woman whose family in Columbia gave us her information after they got
baptized if you guys remember. The only problem is that she works
Sunday mornings. We promised her though that if she had faith and if
we united in prayers and fasting, that God would provide the way for
her to be able to come to church and that she would be able to be
baptized on the 24th of November. I know God can do anything and I
know shes going to be baptized.

So I'm so grateful for these miracles! But yes, these two weeks have
also had their challenges. I knew they were coming--life has been just
TOO good lately! First I got hit with an awful cold/fever that lasted
forever but I'm perfect now thanks to my angel companion. She rubbed
my feet every night with essential oils and pretty much did everything
since every time I opened my mouth I got a coughing attack haha. And
then we went through a really hard situation involving a
misunderstanding with some people we were teaching. We were so
spiritually low and tried to everything we could to get out of it but
nothing was working. We even talked to our Mission President about it
and those moments we spent together with him in an office were so
precious to me. I felt like I was in the room with the Savior. We
cried together and the love I felt from God was so tangible. I love
President Andersen so much, he is an amazing servant of the Lord and I
know he was called of God. But the real healing came when we had
District Meeting. After the meeting, our District leader who had no
idea what had happened came up to us and pretty much just asked us if
we wanted a blessing. Of course we said yes and he called his comp and
two other Elders from our District to give us a blessing. So we each
got a blessing, surrounded by four amazing servants of the Lord. I
felt the Spirit so strong, I thought my heart would burst and all I
could think was how grateful I am for The Priesthood. Something Ive
realized on my mission is that the priesthood is everything. The
Restoration wouldn't be complete, without it. We would not be able to
receive the saving ordinances of baptism without it. We wouldn't be
able to partake of the Sacrament. Neither would we be able to be
spiritually edified and healed throughout priesthood blessings. I am
so grateful for my dad, my brother, my friends, my leaders, and
especially these four Elders Who are all worthy priesthood holders. I
respect and sustain them in ever way.

So why did I share this story? I hope it didn't come across as a "wa
wa wa the mission is so hard-feel bad for me" kind of way because
those aren't my intentions. I just want to share this testimony I have
of the power of the priesthood, everything has changed for us because
of it. We are healed and have been working harder and wiser as ever. I
know God is mindful of me and I am so grateful for Hermana Swenson.
President Andersen frankly told me we were put together for a reason
and thats no surprise to me. Shes an amazing example--my rock and
simply an angel from heaven. I love her so much! This experience has
strengthened us and has been a changing point for me in my mission.
I'm so imperfect but I'm working every day to be better. I'm just so
glad for repentance and I feel indebted to my Savior who has made it
possible for me to change poco a poco every day!

And to end on a lighter note: my second favorite moment of the week
was when we were waiting for an investigator to finish talking to a
client in his store so we could share our lesson. Hermana Swenson got
tired so she sat down on a bag of rice and then this random guy saw
her and brought her a chair. So here is my companion, chilling in the
middle of a store full of customers, reading her Book of Mormon!
Picture included. Haha I love her so much.

And I love you all! Heavenly Father is mindful of each and everyone
one of you! And of your challenges. And he will help you look at them
as ways to build your testimony and grow stronger in the faith! Have a
week super GUAY.

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love,
Hermana Morrow

No sé que debo poner aqui....odio esto‏

This week has been pretty great! We´ve had a lot of miracles and tender mercies that we owe to The Lord.

This week was focused on our fellow African friends. We didn´t even plan it out that way, but Heavenly Father has guided us to meet and teach so many people from Mali, Senegal, Angola, Morocco, and Burkina Faso! I think the majority of our investigators currently are African as of now, actually haha. The biggest obstacle with them though are that the majority of them are Muslim. So we literally start from zero and help them to gain a testimony of Jesus Christ, that He is more than just a prophet--that He is our Savior and Redeemer. And we have had some of the best, genuine discussions with some of these friends than I have had in my entire mission! If they listen to us at all, its because they have real intent and because they really truly want to know what if the path they are following is the right one. It just shows me that the gospel truly is spreading and growing, ALL over the world. it doesn´t matter what country you are from or what religious background you have, the gospel of Jesus Christ is and forever will be for EVERY SINGLE ONE of God´s children. The field is white and ready to harvest, people! 

For example, one of our African friends has already converted to Christianity and is now searching which Christian church is right. We´ve been teaching him for two weeks now and he tried to drop us earlier this week over the phone but we had an emergency lesson with him (I pretty much begged him over the phone not to drop us until we talked first. Felt like I was getting dumped honestly, I think he even used the "hey its not, you--its me line" haha!) and we just shared our testimonies that this is what he was looking for and that he could know it for himself. He took the invitation and even came to church yesterday. MIRACLE! We´re going to find out today what he thought about it so, fingers crossed!

Another really sweet African friend we have owns a store and he works there EVERY day which is really frustrating sometimes to have discussions with him. Imagine having to stand and talk to soemone over a counter and stop every time someone comes in to buy something! ARGH! But  he actually came to Gerneral Conference last week and loved it. He told us one day that at first he didn´t want anything from us but that reading from the Book of Mormon and listening to Gerneral Conference has really opened and softened his heart. Soooo....TOMA YA. MIRACLE. He´s from Mali and always gives us awesome references of his Mali brothers that pass through the store. Hahaha we´re even learning a little bit of Bambara (one of the languages from Mali) just enough to contact them Mali people we meet. It´s super cute cuz my comp will just shout out "Alequideme" (sp?) (God bless you) to random Africans we see in the streets to see if they speak Bambara and freak out. Hey, we´ve met a ton of people interested in our message that way...go with what works right?

And can I just say thank you to our investigators? They are just the best. Each of them has taken us in, in their own way. In fact, for four meals in a row we were fed by investigators this week! And three of them were completely unplanned--we just showed up and there was dinner or lunch waiting for us. One sweet lady even took us out for a tostado breakfast! There´s just something about a relationship based on sharing and talking about the Savior,Jesus Christ that bring out the best in everybody, I guess. Hey, I´m not complaining! haha

We even played football with a Peruvian family today for P-day! It was so fun, I felt like I was playing with my family for a moment. They even invited us to eat afterwards at their house and we played Rumikub haha. Dang, I love this family so much. They are the ones who came to General Conference last week and they now regularly come to Ward Family Home Evenings and our english classes. I have wanted so bad to teach a family this past year and here they are! They are taking good care of us and we are doing everything we can to share with them the best thing that their family could ever have. 

 And to close, can I just say that I have fallen in love with General Conference and every single one of the talks this year? (even the ones from the Priesthood Sesh shhhhh ;) I´ve been able to reread all the talks and they have just filled my soul. Oh gosh that sounds so cheesy but I can think of no other way to describe it. And I love being inspired to share specific talks with investigators, less active members, and members. We´ve already had some very spiritual experiences with some of the talks we´ve shared in lessons and I know we´ll keep sharing them until next April. Their words are for all of us and they come directly from our loving Heavenly Father. I love and sustain every single one of our church leaders.

I love you all and wish you the best week ever!

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love,

Hermana Morrow

 All kinds of obstacles are thrown at us to try and stop us from

                             visiting investigators! 

La Mejor Conferencia General EVAAAAAAA (yay spanglish)‏

Jolín. That´s all I can say. What an INCREDIBLE weekend. I have never felt so spiritually edified or so directly spoken to in my life! I don´t know if it´s because I¨ve matured a little bit in the mission and I finally realize how important and absolutely AMAZING conference is or if it was just a really really good one this year. Probably both. But let me tell you, I have learned so much and the Spirit has spoken directly to me and even in behalf of those who we are teaching. We have a whole list of specific talks that our friends need to hear! 

So this week, this week...I can´t think about anything besides conference! I don´t know what else happened, my life was totally centered around it these past 7 days. We´ve been visiting all the members, less actives, and investigators we could to share a special lesson about prophets and modern-day and personal revelation. We had everyone write down the three biggest questions they have and promised them that if they prayed and pondered over them, and then listened to Conference with an open heart---the Spirit would answer their questions through the words of the modern-day prophets, apostles, and church leaders. And i can tesify of that because mine sure were answered. And I know they will continually be answered as I go back and listen and read the talks over and over again these next 6 months. I invite you all to do the same! 

 Some of my favorite talks were by Elder Holland (shout out to my angel-mother!), "What lack I yet" by Elder Lawrence, and the Ponderize talk by Elder Durrant (who is the father of our very own AP-Elder Durrant´-- here in the mission field! Fun fact.) I LOVED how pretty much all of the talks mentioned something about keeping the Sabbath day holy. I have especially felt this these past couple two weeks. Because my comp was sick the week before and because of Conference this weekend, I haven´t been able to partake of the Sacrament for 3 weeks! I had NO idea what a difference it makes! I have felt like something has been missing all week and not even Conference could fill it. I´m counting down to next Sunday when I be a part of this sacred ordinance and remember my Savior and His sacrifice. It means so much to me and ´m grateful for this experience to help me understand the importance and appreciate the Sacrament. 

And by the way 7 investigators came to Conference! It was truly a miracle. We had the projector set up in our cute chapel and were watching session after session yesterday, and calling everyone we could in-between to invite them. And at the very lst second, a family of three walked in! quick background: we teach the two kids english for an hour  and then we eat lunch with the whole family once a week. I adore them all but it seemed like they were more interested in english than the message we share. But the kids have read the "Book of Mormon for kids" book the entire way through! And they always participate in the lessons we teach after lunch. And they came to Conference! It was a HUGE surprise and tender mercy. The kids are young but were so patient and didn´t fidget for an entire HOUR. But what better way to have them feel the Spirit than through the Prophet and the apostoles and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! I sustain and support and pray for each and every one. I know President Monson is a prophet of God! I love him. And I´m gratfeul for the three new witnesses of Christ that we now have. President Packer, Elder Perry, and Elder Scott will be missed but their words and testimonies will live on forever. 

I LOVE YOU ALL! Thank you for everything. For the people you are, for the people you want to become, for your faith in Christ. 

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love,

Hermana Morrow

My best friend McKenna Young's brother singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Last session-watched it on P-day with brownies and fruit salad!

My District

LIFE IS GOOD!

Life is good. So so so good. I´m just going to skip that awkward introductory summary of my week and go directly to my favorite moments!

One morning we went running with our dear friend Jean Franco around a park and somehow along the way 10 euros fell out of his pocket. We searched like crazy right after he realized it but we couldn´t find it so finally we decided to say a prayer. We continued looking for awhile but no luck. So we decided to run home the way we came and on the way back he saw his money lying on the ground! 20 minutes later! And so many people had run by and had magically not seen it! He was so happy and I will NEVER forget the prayer of gratitude he offered to Heavenly Father immediately after. It was a beautiful moment and strengthened my testimony that God can and will give us opportunities to strengthen our faith, we just have to be willing to be humble and submit ourselves to His will. 10 euros may not be that much, but for our investigator it meant a lot and Heavenly Father knew that. And I know He saw this as an opportunity to teach Jean Franco about the power of prayer and to strengthen Hermana Swenson and my testimony. We as missionaries are SO imperfect but Heavenly Father is incredible and can work through our weaknesses and give us experiences like these every day! 

And then just last night, it was late but we said had some time, so we decided to stop by this reference we had gotten from the Church Office. We knocked and this sweet Colombian lady quickly ushered us in, showered us with food, and then called her niece in Colombia. Apparently her neice and her family had been baptized four years ago and asked  the niece asked the aunt (the woman we were visiting) if she would like it if the missionaries visited her. So thats how we got her information! And I even got to talk to this cute niece over the phone a little bit and thank her for sending us to her aunt. We´re going back to visit Tuesday and I can already tell that this sweet lady is so prepared. She kept telling us "I´m so glad you came! You came late (we may have showed up around 10 PM whoops) but I´m so glad you came and I can´t wait to study with you two!" Haha love it. What loved one can you send the missionaries too, no matter if there in a different state, country, or continent? 

And last but not least, I just want to tell you how much I LOVE saying kneeling prayers at the end of lessons. We´re teaching two huge Romanian families and I will always have the image engrained in my memory of 15 people all kneeling down in a crowded room with us to say a prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father that He has lead us together to lean on and learn from each other. From babies to teenagers to adults--very religious or never having said a prayer in their life--it doesnt matter. i love it. it´s beautiful and I can feel Heavenly Father´s love emanating from heaven every time we do it. So quick shout out to my parents, thank you for guiding us in kneeling family prayers every night. Even though we complained about it always and took forever to make it into your room haha I just want you to know I treausre these memories too. And because of your example,I am now teaching this wonderful habit to families here in Spain. 

So thats my week! We´re working so hard--we find so many people every day, every week, and we teach so many lessons. I´ve never felt so blessed in my mission and I feel like I´m finally figuring out how to do this whole mission thing. But yet, no one came to church again this week. Saturday night we made plans to pick up 10 friends on the way and about 5 or 6 told us they would come on their own. But everything fell apart the next morning and in church, we jumped excitedly every time the door opened in the chapel but alas, nada. And oddly, I´m okay with it. People have their agency and Hermana Swenson and I are going to study Ch.11 of Preach My Gospel to improve our commitmnet-making this week. And even though sometimes we don´t see the fruits of our labors, I know we´re making a difference. Poco a poco. If there´s one thing i´ve learned on my mission its that my time is not The Lord´s time. Everything doesn´t have to happen when I want it to happen or the way i want it to happen. We´re just going to get back up, brush ourselves off, and keep working as hard as we can. I could finish my mission here without one person coming to church and I would still love it. This work is amazing, incredible, and beautiful. And as long as I´m working hard and doing my Father´s will, I´m happy. 

LOVE YOU ALL! ANIMO! AMAR LA VIDA! 

Hurrah for Israel! 

Love and besitos all around (unless you´re a guy--then its handshake-itos),

Hermana Morrow

LA FERIA: me gusta o no me gusta?‏

the second biggest/ best fair in entire Spain. So we're kind of lucky!

So this week was La Fería (the fair) here in Albacete! Its apparently

the second biggest/ best fair in entire Spain. So we're kind of lucky!  

And also unlucky. Because NO ONE wanted to meet with us. And all of
our investigators (even Jean Franco) dropped off the face of this
earth pretty much. Sad. But its okay. We actually had a REALLY
successful week. Where to begin....

Well last Monday, we got permission to switch Pday to the night so we
could see the big parade. We went with Jean Franco and David (another
investie) and it was so cool! Everyone was dressed up in the
tradicional Manchego dress. And little kids on the floats pelted us
with candy. But then best part of the night was when it started
POURING and we were running around like crazy people trying to find
cover and poor Jean Franco was wearing flip flops in like 40 degree
weather and we were all freezing. But we eventually met up with a
couple ward member friends for crepes (shout out to Oma! The ones I
had with you were better though ;) and it was PREFECT because the ward
member and Jean Franco hit it off and are now really good friends. But
then it backfired on us completely because they spent the entire week
together at the fería and left us in the dust  But its okay, We're
just happy he got to spend this week with friends and that he got to
meet new people.

And it was kind of the same story for everyone else. We even had 5 set
appointments one afternoon and every single one fell through. But it
was okay because Heavenly Father led us to find 9 new investigators
that afternoon. And by the end of the week we found 12 more!
Unfortunately, none of them came to church so they probably wont be
baptized this month (you have to come to church twice before you can
get baptized) BUT we still have faith and know we can still meet our
goal of three baptisms this month. And if it doesnt happen, we know
its God's will or because of the agency of other people. He has done
more than His part and has led us to so many people this week. On top
of the new investigaors, we were even able to find 18 future
investigators so we' ll be VERY busy these next couple weeks as we
work with each one. Im very excited about that. I love meeting new
people and learning about their lives, their concerns, their worried,
and then feeling The Spirit work through me and put words in my mouth
to lift them up in the brightness of the gospel.

As for crazy stuff. This morning the Branch President and Ward
Missionary Leader took us to a bull fight! Just kiddinggggggg. Its
called la vaquia and its basically a bunch of crazy teenagers that get
in the bull ring and run away as a smaller woman cow runs around (she
still has huge horns though!)It was actually really fun for me because
Ive always wanted to go inside a Plaza de Toros but we're not allowed
to see the bull fights. But we got permission to see this smaller
version snd it was so cool! Then we walked around and got shown the
fair and ate choclate churros and saw all the rides and roller
coasters we couldnt ride (tortureeeeee!). I love Albacete! Its small
and some times I feel very isolated from the mission because its just
us but it honestly helps us to focus so much better. And we're always
with members or investigators which I love. I have made friendships
here that will last for life. I know I was sent here for a reason and
Im so grateful Heavenly Father doesnt listen to me and what I want
sometimes because I wouldnt want to be anywhere else! And He knew that
from the beginning.

Oh and before I forget! One of my highlights this week is that we
officially have an investigator named Black Diamond! (He apologized
yesterday and told us he had to confess domething to us...hes not
really named Black Diamond. We pretended to be surprised. And we still
call him Black Diamond).

I love you all!! Good luck with school and life and all that jazz! And
remember....

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!
That ones for you, Hermana Anderson :)

Love,
Hermanita Morritow

TENDER MERCIES

Guys. We have had yet another amazing week! The most successful week
I've had in my entire mission in fact. Its been super rainy all week
(fall came over night?) but its not putting us down! The Lord has been
on our side and we've felt him guiding us daily. Soo where to start?

 Remember Jean Franco? The young adult we met on the street late at
night and then invited him to be baptized the next day? Well, he's
pretty much a miracle story. I dont know if I said this last week but
the day we met him he had only been in Spain for 3 days. He left his
family in South America to live here and guess who were his friends
friends ever?? Two crazy American LDS missionaries!! Yayyyyyy! But its
seriously been so awesome. He has nothing to do so we have been able
to have frequent powerful lessons with him and introduce him to the
branch leadership and other members. Haha we've even taken him to
other investigator lessons and eating appointments with us and he just
loves it. I just love that reminder that Heavenly Father knows and is
aware of each one of us. And that he would guide us to meet and
befriend one of His sons who had just moved to a new continent alone
so that we could bring him up in the light of the gospel. It was just
no accident we were one of the first people to meet him in such a
crucial poont of his life. I mean, we're even going to teach him how
to cook today since he has no idea how haha. And I know we never would
have seen this miracle if we hadnt given our all and gone that extra
mile for The Lord. 

 Another miracle this week was when Alfonso came to church! Alfonso was
one of the first people I met here in Albacete and we've been working
really hard these past few weeks to get him to church. We've even
spent these past two P-Days (one of those time he took us to his ranch
in the country and made us a paella. Lucked out on that one! ) with
him and a member and another investigator (a little friendship
matchmaking, why not?) in hopes of helping him to come and its worked!
He even called the other investigator Saturday night to invite him to
go to church with him haha. It was kind of the best thing ever. And so
yeah! He came and he kept telling us he was only going to stay an hour
but Hermana Swenson and I tactfully guided him to the classes and
introduced him to members and he stayed the whole time! And loved it.
So yay for seeing the fruits of our labors! The only bad thing is is
that hes going on a month long cruise 😑so we're going to just have to
give him all the pamphlets and remind him to read the Book of Mormon
right!? Best reading material out there. 

 And last but not least, my ultimate miracle of all miracles is Julio!
About 6 months ago, Hermana Vigo and I knocked a door in Puerto de
Santa Maria of a man named Julio. We kept not being able to meet with
him for a couple months but we never gave up and my last Sunday in
Puerto before leaving to Jaen, he came to church. He bore his
testimony at the pulpit ( his first ever time at the church mind you!)
about how he will always remember us two angels who knocked on his
door and changed his life. Well, I got news last week that he was
baptized!! I've always looked back at my time in Puerto with a tinge
of regret sometimes because I feel like I didnt really accomplish
anything even though we worked REALLY hard. And this was just a tender
mercy reminder from the Lord that this is His work. And as long as I
am being obedient and listening to The Spirits guidance, I will be
able to complete the work he wants me to complete. No area in your
mission is ever a waste if you did your part and let the Lord do his.
Even if theres no outward success. Missionary work is a cycle. We all
contribute little by little and sometimes we are lucky enough to see
the end, but often times not. No effort is every wasted!!

So yes, my friends, Albacete es el mejor de todo lo que hay! I love
being here. Its kicking my butt (I dont remember the last time we've
even had a full hour and a half to rest!) but I wouldnt have it any
other way. I love my companion, she is helping me to become the
missionary I know The Lord wants me to become and I could never thank
her enough for it.

 I love you all! 

Que tenga una buena semana llena de mariposas y arco
irises y cachoritos. 

 HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love, Hermana Morrow

Whats worse? Wwalking in painful shoes in blisters or walking the streets of Spain barefoot?  You can see what I chose. . . 

CHASING DOWN WHEELCHAIRS, SINGING PRIMARY SONGS!

HOLLA to the best week EVER! We've seen so many miracles this week
(even more than the usual!) and it all started with District Meeting
this week. On Tuesday, we set goals as a District to attack the day,
contact at least 10 people every day, and use every minute
wisely--even at the very end of the night or before we go in for
mediodia. So what did we do? We've been getting up early to go
running, we talk to the first person we see every time we leave the
piso and before we enter it again, and most of all we've been trying
more than ever to be exactly obedient and listen more to The Holy
spirit to guide us where to go and what to do. And I can honestly say
that we've seen more blessings, tender mercies, and miracles than I
ever thought possible. (Facepalm--why didnt I do this sooner!!) 

Just one quick one--it was almost 10:45 at night and we had been out since
9:30 that morning, with only a 15 minute break for mediodia. So
basically we were exhausted. BUT we wanted to keep up with our goal
and we felt that there was soemthing more we could do with the Lord's
time that night. Soooo instead of heading to our piso, we decided to
talk to one more person. We saw this teenager in the middle of the
street and started talking to him. He was really open and we were able
to share a message with him about the love of Christ and even say a
prayer. The next day we met with him and we felt the Spirit so strong,
he has chosen to be baptized in September! WHATTTT.! 

My testimony
about the importance of obedience has grown so much this week. And it
just proves to me how important and essential repentance is. Maybe
we're not even doing something wrong or being blatantly disobedient.
But theres always things we can work and improve on. And thats kind of
the purpose of life. And I know The Lord will bless us more than we
could imagine if we push ourselves.

So yeah. 

And funny moment of the week, one of our investigators works
at a summer school for children and she was giving us a tour of the
school. She introduced us to about 100 little kids and then TOTALLY
put us on the spot and made us go up on a stage to sing something in
english. Thank heavens for primary or I dont know what we would have
done! So somehwere out there, a bunch of kids and teachers have videos
of me singing "once there was a snowman" and popcorn popping" at the
top of my lungs. Yay primary!

Oh oh oh! 

And one more funny story because why not. We visit a sweet
member whos at a nursing home once a week and last week he wanted to
"take us for a walk". He bought us candy and food and it was really
sweet until he decided that he wanted to go to the church. We werent
allowed to take him that far outside of the nursing home so we tried
to convince him that we couldnt because it wasnt Sunday and the the
church was closed. But that made him even more determined and he upped
the speed on his motorized wheelchair which resulted us chasing this
little man in skirts down the streets of Albacete, just pleading with
him to slow down (those things go fast!) we were quite a sight!
Hahahaha 

 So all is well here in Albacete. I've only been here for a little over
a week but it already has a special place in my heart. I take back
what I said last week--its DEFINITELY a HUGE city. I didnt realize how
big it was until this week. We. Walk. A. Lot. There could easily be 6
missionaries here. Sometimes I panic because theres so many people
here who are ready and need the gospel but theres only two of us. But
then I remember the Lord has placed me here to succeed, not to fail.
And with His help, we can accompish all the He wants and needs us to
do. But its still hard. I've never worked so hard in my entire mission
but its so rewarding. And plus, Im I have ana amazing companion! She
only has 7 months on the mission but she leads by her example and I
learn from her every day. Fun fact, she's also vegetarian! Which means
No meat for us this transfer! Haha jk, pretty much its a win win
because I just get to eat all of her food in eating citas haha. But
yes, shes great and we work together so well. We set a goal to find 3
people who are ready to make the covenant of baptism this month of
september and I know if we keep working this hard with The Lord we
will see it happen!

I love you all! 

Have an amazing week! 

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL! 

Love,
Hermana Morrow

TRANSFER-ALBACETE!

Hey amigos! I'm in Albacete!! It's been less than a week but I feel
like I've been here forever. Albacete is a lot different from Jaén--or
from any other place Ive served in actually--but i like it!I have not
quite decided if its a small city or just a really big town but
whatever it is, its my home. For all those who dont know, Alabacete is
kind of in the middle of no-where, way up in the northeastern part of
the mission. My first time out of Andalucia! So that means the people
actaually talk normal here instead of the equivalent of the
backwoods-heavy southern accent that Ive been dealing with for the
past year or so haha. 

The area was just reopened last transfer, so Im
officially the third-ever Hermana that has ever been here. Exciting, I
know. There's a lot of work ahead of us, especially since we dont have
an area book yet or records of ANYTHING that has been done in the
past. So its a lot of paperwork and starting from scratch but mu comp
and her comp before me has done so much already.

Speaking of which, Hermana Swenson is from Sandy, Utah is my new
companion (the first thing I asked her was if she knew the Jorgenesens
but no such luck haha)! She's the cutest and has an amazing drive to
share the gospel with anyone and eveyone. There have been many times
where I stopped paying attention for one second and looked up to find
her running up to catch up to someone to talk to them or heading
straight in to traffic to give someone our card (now that was actually
a cool story, I'll get to that later haha). We've already seen
miracles together (duh, what else would you expect!) 

 First off, lets rewind a little bit to early this week. It was hard
saying goodbye, especially to Hermana Anderson
(baaaaaaaaaaaa)--Jaen and my time there has truly won over my
heart. Theres a phrase that someone told me when I first got to
Jaén--"te enteras a Jaén llorando, y te vas de Jaén llorando" (you
enter jaen crying and leave it crying) which Ive found to be
completely true. I was so scared and nervous when I got there and it
was so hard with all the hills and the heat, but I definitely did cry
leaving it. I am so grateful to the Lord for all the people I was able
to share my testimony with there and all the friendships I was able to
make. Especially working alongside such an amazing companion. 

All
right thats it, pity party over!

Soooo Albacete! Its got potential! Its a small branch of about 30
people and we're the only missionaries here (I think the closest
missionaries are about an hour+ train ride away) so we've got our work
cut out for us! I've met a lot of great people like our investigator
Alfonso who loves taking us out to eat while we teach him the lessons
(hey, I'm not complaining!) or David, who says WE'RE the investigators
because we're the ones who always ask so many questions haha. Or
Edson, my german/ spanish homie, who helps us a lot with missionary
work and taught us how to say "ich bin frei die vie vögel" (im free
like a bird...i think). We walk a lot, trying to find the people the
Lord is preparing to recieve the restored gospel and we do find them
always. Usually at the last minute, but always.

My favorite memories from this week were when an appointment failed us
and we were walking down the street when a Nigerian man started
yelling at us from his truck "hey missionaries! I didnt know there
were missionaries here! I've been looking for the church, where is
it?" And my brave fireball of a companion ran through heavy traffic to
give him a card so that he could find the church and have our number.
It was awesome. And I know the Lord definitely had a hand in us
crossing paths!

And the other night, we were on a bus and struck up a conversation
with a bus driver. He didnt really want express a lot of interest but
we kept it going and the best thing was, it was so loud on the bus we
practically had to shout so that he could here. So basically we got to
share our testimonies with everyone on the bus too. I know he was
touched by the Spirit and we were able to give him a pamphlet at the
end so we'll see what happens :) thats what I've been working a lot at
this week--just no shame, no thinking twice about sharing my testimony
about the Savior and that He lives with the whole world.

My time on my mission is running out and I just feel like theres so much here that I
still need to do. So much more people to meet and help and I know that
The Lord will guide us to them if we are faithful and obedient. I love
this work, I love Him, and I love you!!
Que tengan una semana buenisima! 

 HURRAH FOR ISRAEL! 

 Love,
Hermana Morrow

ARM-WRESTLING GYPSIES, CRYING OVER ICE CREAM AND MY LAST AREA!

Well that title pretty much explains all! Actually I probably could
expand on the arm-wrestling gypsies part but we'll get to that :) Cuz
first things first: I'm off! I thought I was staying here in Jaén for
at least one more transfer but turns out I'll be going to Albacete way
up north to finish my mission! Two transfers and a half left! It's
flown by, guys! And I'm pretty much still in denial. I cant imagine
any life other than the one I'm living now. But here goes!

So naturally, this week has also been full of goodbyes, starting with
District Meeting. Elder Lindley ends his mission in a couple days so
he bore his testimony at the end and it was one of the most spiritual
moments of my mission. All four of us were tearing up and then it was
someones smart idea to sing"I hope They call me on a mission" and we
all just broke down haha. We four have been through so much these past
3 months and it was just so sad to see that our little Jaen family was
ending! I have loved working beside my companion and Elder Pyle and
Elder Lindley these past few months and it made me just stop and think
how short the mission is! How short life is! I cant afford to waste
any of it! It has just given me this drive to just continue to follow
God and His will because I know He has a plan for me and will never
let me down.

I also said goodbye to the ward on Sunday but apparently there was a
miscommunication and no one knew I was leaving so I wasnt able to bear
my testimony or anything. BUT when we went to choir that night, at the
very end, everyone just stopped and serenaded me to "God be with you
til we meet again" waaaaaaaaaaa! It was the sweetest thing ever but I
was so mad at them for doing it haha. I love this ward so much! How
am I ever going to leave??!! Anyway, lets change the subject.

Alright so arm-wrestling. It all started out 3 months ago when Hermana
Anderson and I had just started the week together. One late night we
saw this gypsy family and Hermana Anderson told me "hey lets go
contact them" and not gonna lie, I was pretty darn intimidated but she
just ran up to them with her huge smile and started talking to them
and they turned out to be the best people ever. Since then, we've had
a great relationship with them and we bonded with one of the women
especially. She invited us to her birthday party the other night and
it was the FUNNEST thing ever! There were about 30 gypsies there and
it was seriously the the cleanest party ever--someone got an arm
wrestling competition going and it was super intense. They even got
Hermana Anderson to compete and now if you guys didnt know this about
my comp, lemme tell you--shes STACKED! So I got a pretty sick video of
everyone chanting her name and freakin out when she totally crushed
the strongest gyspy there! Haha and then they made me do it (even
though I was hiding) and it was just plain sad. The girl I wrestled
with was just like "wait seriously, thats it?" Apparently I need to
start lifting the standard works everyone morning or somethin. But
ANYWAY, the point of this entire story is to tell you that after the
party our investigator took us home that night and then surprised us
by saying she wanted to come to church with us the next morning! We
FLIPPED. We have been working so hard with this family for months and
it was the perfect last Jaén miracle. She came yesterday and loved it.
She felt the Spirit and she's told us over and over again that theres
just something different, a light that she feels with us that she
needs. And I hope she recognizes that light and accepts it one day :)

So that was my last wonderful miracle. I thought it was going to be
the Frenchies but their baptism didnt work out as planned. Peoples'
agency though!! Haha I remember this quote on The District (as you all
know, I'm a huge fan) where one sister missionary is talking Bout how
frustrating people are sometimes when they choose wrong. You do
everything you can to help them choose the right because you know how
happy it will make them and how it will change and bless their life
forever. But in the end, its all up to them. And she said it made her
realize how thats how Heavenly Father must feel about her when He
knows whats best for her and when she doesnt accept it. How many times
Heavenly Father must have put in my path all rhe best things for me
and how many times I ignored Him or chose something else because I was
stubborn. How much patience He must have to put up with me haha! So in
that way I understand the Frenchies and I KNOW they will be baptized
some day! So thats where the crying over ice cream part comes in but
we're okay now. Its just hard when you teach someone and try to help
them every day and you end up loving them and are not able to see them
recieve the blessings and happiness they deserve and need.

So that was our week! I love Jaén with all my heart and always will. I
love my comp (we were pretty much made for each other) and I know she
will see so many miracles here with her new comoanion. She has been my
rock these past couple months and an amazing example of faith. Its
going to be hard to leave her more than anything but Im grateful for
the time we had!

I love you all! Have an amazing week!

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

Love,
Hermana Morrow