Hannah's LAST week in the Mexico MTC!! Boston here we come!!

Hey, friends! 

It is officially my last week here in the CCM. I cannot believe that in 7 days from now I will be out in the field... I am excited, nervous, scared, happy and so full of love! It is going to be hard to leave the CCM behind. I have made so many wonderful friends here and my district is absolutely incredible, but I guess missions were never meant to be easy, now were they?

Alright, the coolest thing happened this week! My companion and I decided to go to the tienda (the CCM store) because I really needed to buy a notebook, but we went during classtime, which we never do. We got to the store and there was this little family there buying some treats for the kids who were super little and absolutely ADORABLE. I started talking to the father, whose name is Renato, and I was telling him how beautiful his little family was. They were just visiting the CCM because his brother works here as a doctor for the missionaries. He asked me where I would be serving and I told him Boston. He then told me that his cousin lives there and she is not a member! He gave me his email address so I could email him today and get the address of his cousin! Our first official reference! The Lord really does work in mysterious ways. 

On Sunday night, all I could think about was Sara, and I hoped and prayed so hard that she could have a happy birthday. I haven´t heard from her much since I have been here, but I try to write her every week. I think it would be so cool if she could come and be my companion in Boston for a bit before she returns home... We´ll see!

My zone is so much fun. We have Family Home Evening each week and last night we played this super goofy game of "who know their companion better." I lost. I went pretty easy on my companion, though, I have to say. 

Last Wednesday, my companion and I had a prayer answered within five minutes of saying it. We hadn´t had a very good morning, and we were both feeling pretty down. We went to lunch and things weren´t looking any better afterwards. I think it was partially because of our attitudes, but Hermana Riggs sort of hit a breaking point and she had to run to the bathroom because she had started to cry. I followed her (of course) and after she came out of the stall, I asked her to say a prayer with me. We bowed our heads right there in the bathroom and asked God to comfort us. We went back to our classroom and there was a letter waiting there from Hermana Riggs´ mom. In the letter, her mom had written, "Kaitlyn (Hermana Riggs) can do hard things, and so can I." Of course this made Hermana cry even harder, but we both knew that this was a direct answer to our prayer from our loving, eternal Heavenly Father. He really does listen, and more importantly, he ALWAYS answers. 

My goal this week, as I finish my training here in Mexico, is to memorize one scripture each day. It is crazy to look back at the short time I have been here, and how fast it´s gone. I have experienced so much, and felt the love of Heavenly Father and His Son so strongly. I know that within 7 days, I will be ready to head out into the field, for the field really is white, and it is ready to harvest, and I am preparing to participate in the most marvelous work known to man. Jesus] Christ once asked his apostle, Paul, "Do you love me?" and of course he answered, "Yes," but again, Jesus again asked, twice more, "Do you love me? More than you love your fish and nets?" and each time, sweet Paul gave the same answer, "Yes, I love you more than anything." and Jesus told him, "If ye love me, FEED MY SHEEP." 

So, let us all get out there and participate in this work; of feeding Christ´s sheep, of sharing the TRUE gospel, and of inviting others to COME TO HIM. I love you all! I am BOSTON BOUND. :)

Siempre, 

Hermana Webber

               

                                      Hermana Webber and Hermana Riggs LOVE PDAY!!! 

                One of Hannah's amazing friends from Hawaii- Hermana Santiago

                     "Mis Amigas Mexicanas" (My mexican friends) -Hermana Webber

   

                                                  "Chokis" - Chips Ahoy on steroids...sooo good!!

         Hannah's branch president's family. Presidente Rodriguez brought his family to their sacrament meeting where he ordained his oldest son, Yael, with the Aaronic Priesthood. She said it was so special.

 Hermana Webber and Hermana Riggs with two of their missionary friends who left for the mission field this week.

Two random Elders who wanted a picture for no apparent reason! 

Hermana Webber's 4th week in Mexico!

This week was absolutely wonderful! My time in the CCM is flying by faster than I would have ever imagined. We are now the oldest district in our zone! I can't believe it. I am going to miss the district who left this week so much!!! I think it is insane how close you can get to people so quickly, then it's just another goodbye. It's so bittersweet. Each Sunday here in the CCM (I'm not sure if it is any different in the Provo MTC) we get to watch a movie and right after the movie they play a little video of pictures of all the districts who are leaving. After the videos we all sing "Para Siempre Dios Este Con Vos" or "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." I seriously get emotional each time! My capacity to love others has grown so much in this fast month. Missions really do change people! 

Last Wednesday I went an entire speaking only Spanish. It was really hard, and I had to concentrate a lot, but I was able to do it with the help of Heavenly Father! God sends us so many blessings here. 

My companion was sick this week, but she is such a tough cookie, she still worked so hard. The first day she was sick, the doctor told her to go home and rest for a few hours and while she rested I studied Spanish for three straight hours! It just doesn't really get old to me, the Spanish language. 

On Saturday night, my roommates and I all told each other all about our families. I loved being able to talk about mine, because I really do believe I have been blessed with the most special souls as my eternal family. That night when I was trying to fall asleep, I was filled with SO much love for all the people in my life. I thought of each member in my family, all my wonderful, sassy, beautiful friends, and I thought to myself, "My soul, that bit of me that has existed for time and all eternity, whatever it is made of, it is the same as my family." 

Wow, can you say cheesy?! But it is so true! That is the greatest gift God has given us (and he has given us MANY), to have the opportunity to forever remain with our families after our lives on Earth. Are't we all so blessed? In that moment, as I drifted off to sleep, I think I felt the pure love of Christ, and that love, is more powerful than anything on this Earth. 

We watched a talk given by David A. Bednar about the character of Jesus Christ. This talk really hit me because he kept talking about the many times Jesus Christ turned outward when the natural man would have turned inward. For example, after suffering in The Garden of Gethsemane, after sweating drops of blood from each pore, he went (knowingly) to be taken away to be crucified. And when there was a little scuffle between the guardsmen who came for Jesus and Paul, the apostle, Paul cut off one of their ears. Jesus, right after having suffered such agony, turned outward when the natural man would have turned inward. He healed the guard's ear. Now, this is just one example. There are many more, but I think it is important to develop the character of Christ each day. Even if it is something simple. We should try to put others before ourselves. When we become angry, tired, upset, or feel misunderstood, let us remember the example of our friend, our Redeemer, our BROTHER, Jesus. Let us turn outward. Let us share his love with this world, which is in desperate need of such a beautiful, pure, love. 

You are in my prayers, everyone. PARA SIEMPRE DIOS ESTE CON VOS.

Always, 

Hermana Webber

                                                                The Mexican Angel Moroni

                                                Hannah's wonderful, lovely, funny, AMAZING zone!

 The beautiful women of Hermana Webber's zone. Hermana Riggs, Hermana Lewis, Hermana Priestly, Hermana Badger, Hermana Carpenter, Hermana Oliver, and Hermana Santiago.

Hannah's favorite threesome companionship in the world! Elder Babcock, and Elder Orr and Elder Peay who left for Nashville TN last week. They told Hannah they would say Hi to Abe for her!!

Hermana Webber's roommates teaching each other.

Hermana Webber and Hermana Riggs with their friend, Pedro.

Beautiful Hannah with Pedro!

A beautiful city in Mexico.

 Hermana Webber did splits last monday and this was her companion for the day! Her name was also Hannah and Hermana Webber loved her!

                                                        There are a lot of parrots in Mexico!

#selfie!

Week number 3 in Mexico! 3 down 3 to go!

HALFWAY THERE!

Another week gone by here in Mexico. It is very surreal knowing that I am halfway done with my experience here and I will soon be in BOSTON!!!

I truly believe I have the greatest mission in the world! I received a mission from them today. No one else in my district has heard from their mission, but there is a kid here who lives in the Boston mission and he told us all about it. He said our president is AMAZING! From Texas with a thick southern drawal, cracks jokes all the time, patient and understanding... I can´t wait to meet him! There is nowhere I would rather be and there is nowhere I would rather be headed.

This week, Hermana Riggs and I taught 15th (mas o menos) lesson with our investigator Ramiro. He has been struggling with receiving a an answer to his prayers. In our lesson, he told us that while he prays, he feels peace and happy thoughts, but once he finished praying he starts to have really confusing and negative thoughts and he didn´t know what it all meant. Hermana Riggs, and I believe this was divine inspiration, showed Ramiro Joseph Smith History, the first vision. She talked to him about when Joseph was "ceased upon by an unseen force." We told him that Satan, at that moment, did NOT want Joseph to receive an answer. He tried everything to keep Joseph from the truth. 

We told Ramiro that Satan also doesn´t want him to receive an answer. We said, "He will do anything in his power to keep you from knowing that this church is TRUE." It was amazing that Hermana Riggs was able to follow the promptings of The Spirit to give him such a great answer to his problem. 

Right at that moment, when we were testifying of The Church and its truthfulness, Ramiro pointed behind us and we turned to see a HUGE, beautiful rainbow in the sky (we had been teaching outside and it was raining during our entire lesson!). I turned back to Ramiro and said my (in my imperfect Spanish), "Ramiro, that is a sign from our Heavenly Father that our message to you really is true!" I had goosebumps and I could feel the presence of The Holy Ghost so strongly. I really do believe that Heavenly Father sent that rain, and in turn, sent that rainbow. 

I hope you can all have your testimonies of the truthfulness of this gospel, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, strengthened in your lives. I testify that God DOES hear us when we pray to him. I testify that if we can give specific, sincrere prayers to our loving Heavenly Father, that we WILL receive answers. 

I love you all! WE are all missionaries of Jesus Christ. Each day as we show loves to others, help others, and develop Christlike attributes, we are acting as instruments in the hands of GOD. Remember this. 

Have a wonderful week!!!

Siempre (Always),

Hermana Hannah Banana Webber

"Venid a Mi" or "Come to Me."

Some of Hermana Webber's and Hermana Riggs' friends who recently departed to the mission field. 

Some of Hannah's favorite Elders who would say to the two "Hello, SEESTERS!!"

Hermana Webber standing in The "Forbidden Forest" at the Mexico MTC!

The new sisters in Hannah's zone. Hermana Santiago(her cousin is serving in the Philippines!) and Hermana Oliver. Aren't they beautiful? 

"Standing as Witness of God at all times, in all things, in all places." The two missionaries in the middle recently left for their missions. 

                  The word "BOSTON" written on a ground near a classroom. The church is true!!

Hermana Webber and Hermana Riggs basking in each others awkwardness. 

Week 2 for Hermana Webber!!

Hola, everyone!!! 

It has been such a magical week. I have learned and grown so much here. I can speak Spanish. Did you hear that?? I can speak SPANISH!!! It´s still coming along, but Hermana Riggs and I sit with the Latina missionaries at almost every meal and practice with them. I am so proud of us, but I know our progress didn´t come from nowhere. No, it came with hard work, trust in God, and The Holy Ghost. After everything this week, I have no doubt in my mind that this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is TRUE.

Last Tuesday, Hermana Riggs and I decided to start reading The Book of Mormon together. There´s a catch, though, because we are reading it in Spanish. We can understand it. I am amazed by this and I know it´s because Heavenly Father is guiding us through it. We open our English scriptures and put them off to the side. We read each verse all the way through, then go back and interpret it. After just two weeks here, can you believe it? I give all the credit to God. 

We began teaching investigators just two days after we arrived here (I totally forgot to mention this in my first email to you all) and our first investigator was Luis Enrique. He was so amazing and we were given the gift of tongues as we committed him to baptism this month. The funny thing is, however, that this week on Thursday, we discovered that Luis is not a real investigator! He is actually our teacher! We only thought he was real until he came into our classroom and told us how we can improve in our lessons! It was really funny, but I think it´s so smart that they do that, ya know, the student becomes the teacher thing. I LOVE the teachers here. They are absolutely wonderful. Our morning teacher is Hermano Juarez ("Luis") and our afternoon teacher is Hermano Medina, who I wrote about last week. Hermana Riggs and I LOVE to tease our teachers. They always call us "loca" and "divertida," or in other words they tell us we are the funniest missionaries in the world. Just saying.

One teacher, in particular, who I adore is Hermano Cayetano. This guy is beyond amazing. He is only paid here to work for 5 hours each day, but he usually ends up staying 8 hours or more, just to help other students with the language or what not. He is my FAVORITE and he has helped Hermana Riggs and I so much. He tells us how to say funny words, which I won´t mention, but he keeps things so interesting and I love him. 

My zone is GREAT! I seriously love everyone in it, even though I have only known them for two weeks. In our zone, District A just left to their missions yesterday. It was SO sad to say goodbye to them! We had fast and testimony meeting on Sunday and they all got up to bear their testimonies (I bore mine too!). After the testimonies, they had prepared a special musical number for us, "Abide With Me, ´Tis Eventide." I could feel the Spirit so strongly as they sang, and I felt so much love for everyone in the room. 

After the meeting, our zone president, Presidente Rodriguez, gave us all a dessert. It´s a special Mexican treat called, "Pan de Muerto" or "Bread of the dead." I took some pictures for you all to see. It was so yummy! 

Our zone is super goofy. We pulled a prank on some of the elders in District C and we all played volleyball together yesterday. I had so much fun! Last night, when we were studying language, this one missionary, Elder Orr, saw this huge ant on the ground and all the guys were saying, "I will give you 50 pesos if you eat it!" and they all chipped in a bunch of money and he actually ate it! Boys are so dumb. They will do anything, but I love them. 

We went to the Mexico City temple this morning, as well as the Visitors´Center. The temple is GORGEOUS. It´s very geometrical. Unfortunately it´s currently closed, so we could not go inside, but we got to walk around the grounds and take pictures. We stopped at this store where I bought some goodies for the family (I love you guys and miss you so much). There were these two, little Mexican girls in there watching Frozen in Spanish and "Let It Go" came on and they were just BELTING it! It was probably the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I love the Latino people so much. 

Speaking of the Latinos, last Tuesday, Elder Don Clarke of the 70 (yes, the man I met at the airport last week!) spoke at a devotional. He said and did something I will never, never forget. 

During his talk, Elder Clarke asked all the Latin American missionaries to stand up. They are pretty outnumbered, and most of them are from Mexico, but they all stood and he said these words to the American missionaries, "You have been called to serve among THE DESCENDANTS OF LEHI. You will come to love the Latin American people. They will blossom as roses as you teach them. If you are given a native speaking companion out in the field, help them learn English as they help you with Spanish. If these wonderful people can learn English, they will earn 5x more than average when they return to their countries and begin working. These are the descendants of Lehi. They are so special," and he had them sit. In that moment, I had SO much love for these people. I can´t even explain it. Hermana Riggs and I have made so many friends with the Mexican sisters. These people are one of a kind. I love everything about them and I can´t express how grateful I am that I will be given the opportunity to serve them. 

I hope you all are doing well. Remember to trust in God, and to STUDY THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON. This book is a "rare and special gift" that is too often taken for granted. Please don´t take it for granted. As I have read about Lehi and his seed, my love for his descendants in this day has grown immensely. It will grow for you all as well. 

I love you all! God speed.

Always, Hermana Webber 

  

The BEAUTIFUl temple of Mexico.

Hannah's little mexican "amigas."

Hermana Webber and Hermana Riggs at the Mexico City Visitors' Center. 

A yummy treat!

Hermana Webber's DISTRICT!