10.28.2013 milagres!

Oi Familia! 

This past week I am definitely learning how to follow the promptings of the Spirit. It has been cold but not too bad yet! We got a new investigator who really wants to learn and came to church yesterday so that was awesome! My goal lately has been to talk to everyone. Because in Preach my Gospel I think it says if you talk to some people you will get some baptism but if you talk to everyone you will get many baptisms.. I still get shy but that quote really hit me and so I made it my goal. 

So this week we went door knocking with a member. I went with the member and my other two comps went together. We door knocked ghetto haha it was pretty bad but I did it! I talked to everyone and invited everyone to learn more. I had to be the leader, some people were rude but others were nice and I was really happy that I felt more comfortable talking to people :) Well funny story after that my companion that was driving rubbed her eye and she had been rubbing the pepper spray she carries and then she rubbed her eye and her eye started burning haha "so dumb" Just kidding it was funny and she was fine when we got to the church and she put water in her eye. 

I know the Lord does protect us even in the areas that are ghetto. We are still meeting with the Hernandez family but the dad is kind of prideful. He is really a nice guy but doesn't see a need for a change.

Domingo, ayer was an awesome day though. There was a child baptism but we had taught the girl because her parents are less-active and so they wanted us to teach her and the mom is actually coming back to church so it was awesome! And I had to give a talk on baptism as well... But the girl was very dramatic when she had to get baptized she freaked out and wouldn't get in the water because she was scared and so her grandpa who was baptizing her had to just hold her and then go down with her to dunk her under haha it was crazy. and The girl that just got baptized that I sent pics of a few weeks ago, Brandi, Oh my gosh she is solid she is inviting us over for dinner Tuesday and actually invited our ward mission leader and his wife over as well because the members have been so good to her. She is a special daughter of God and is just awesome! 

Well later that day we had dinner with a family that I just love. The mom is from france and she is the relief society president, but her kids are very proper and she reminds me of mom... I just love eating dinner there. They have this cute little boy who is 6 well he went and sat on one of my comps lap and she kind of freaked out and so then he went over to me and I just picked him up and held him haha when you are in an area this long these people just become like family. I know that I wasn't suppose to do that but he is my buddy and every time we eat dinner there he makes me sit next to him haha. And I was getting my food and he comes to me and says hurry up! haha and then he put his head on my shoulder and told his mom, "look its cuz I like her" So I let him wear my name tag and when we were teaching the lesson we went nuts and just started teaching the restoration all confidently and pointed the my name tag that he was wearing and was like, "its because I am a missionary." haha love that family. 

Well the big miracle is what happen after dinner we went to visit this family that we have backed off on for two weeks cz last time we went over the mom was mad... and I had been praying for her heart to soften and Heavenly Father truly answered my prayers. She was happy and let us in her daughters were there and painted our nails and we just talked with them and the mom even said she wondered where we have been. The lame part though was she got a tattoo but the good part is she soften up big time and talks like she is a member and told her friend about us haha. Well I felt prompted to leave their home with a prayer and I guess my comp told me later she thought that but wasn't going to do it until I looked at her and said lets pray with them... She said she was glad that I acted on the promptings of the Spirit haha. But it was good because the kids knelt with us and then the mom did and we had a kneeling prayer with this family! When a month ago the mom exploded on the Elders because they asked her to prayer with her family. I just thought that was a huge miracle and we are going to get the daughters later this week to take them to church to play bball....

Also I held a snake this week! Too much stuff happened haha but it has been good! 

Te amo Familia! 

Sister Gonzales 

10.21.2013

Okay Familia there is an Elder in my District who is going to Sao Paulo Interlagos but he put his papers in through Los Angeles as well...Well he gave me the website to look at my VISA status I don't know yet if I am going to look at it (we are technically not allowed ) but anyways here it is you have to put my social security number somewhere so I hope you have it it is.... scedv.bra

Anyways! I will soon get my driving privileges...It has gotten cold! :( But it probably won't snow until later como Dec. 

I am going to be sending a box home of clothes and shoes that I really don't wear and I know Chris will probably want them, and I need more room.

I did get the package the young women sent! :) They sent a ton of stuff!! A lot of cards and candy ( some is to give to kids here ) Make up, a scarf, face wipes, chapstick they just sent a ton of stuff so tell them Thank You....Also they accidentally sent me one of Chad Brook's cards so I will send that back home too. 

So our investigator that just got baptized last week, Brandi, well she said she prepared a lesson for us this week and that she has an assignment for us to do as well. haha She is so prepared and she can't wait to get a calling too! 

The familia we are teaching fed us possole (not sure if thats how you spell it) its the mexican soup....Anyways! It was really good and the parents told us that in the past they never let religious people come into their home that they were always mean to them...but then we showed up one day while they were all outside and the dad said we just looked like kids and were smiling and the mom said she just felt something good...So They felt the spirit they are just slowly progressing. The dad said he is comfortable being catholic and that it was hard getting all the kids ready for church the one time they came (Welcome to being a mormon and having kids haha) But they said they did like church and that they won't go every week but they will continue to go...and the mom is going to keep reading the book of mormon. We told them straight up though our purpose and they understood....They still want us to come over though and so we will go hopefully next week they will come to church it is the primary program here too! 

Also this lady we visit has so many health problems and her cats drool on me haha but she is a sweet heart and so we go over... yesterday we went to go visit him in the hospital and sang him some hinos...He is really really quiet but when we went to visit him I have never heard him talk more in my life.... and I guess the wife had fallen earlier that day so we went to her apt after him and washed all her dishes .... I had the stomach to do it my comps maricones SO I washed all the dishes while the other dried and the other talked to her haha....my hands were prune when I was done! But it felt good to serve. 

No joke though I am the cleanest one, and the only one that really cleans so thank you mom! 

Also we had trade-offs this week and me and one of my comps went to the university for the day. It was fun I like going on campus. They are teaching this chinese girl and she was so cute she was taking notes during the lesson. And we also met a ton of Dominicans as well and a guy from Jordan that is muslim and he looked like Mike it was weird haha.... 

Crazy how time is flying this thursday will be my 6 month mark! Crazy! 

Anyways te amo familia eu espero que tudo-bem! 

Sister Gonzales 

09.23.2013

Hola, 

Well I got some pics from my companions in my district from the MTC and they are all in Brazil now...eu espero soon I can join them. 

Well this week was great! We have set a baptismal date for this girl we are teaching her name is Brandi. She is super prepared and can' t wait to be baptized so we will see we still have to teach her a few more lessons first. She is a great mom she has two little boys and she never yells at them I see a lot of parents who yell at their kids and are just kind of mean to them but she isn't. She is great and I am so excited for her! 

We are also teaching this couple who are a trip. haha they are so crazy I think the lady has skitsafrenia(idont know how to spell it)  but I am not sure but she cannot sit still and when we were teaching them yesterday she started playing music and dancing but she cried during the restoration video haha so I don't know these are special people for sure never a dull moment and definitely only something you can experience on the mission. 

Marcos asked me if I was close to a campus well this week we had trade-offs and so I got to spend the day on a college campus with different sisters. It was so much fun I really enjoyed being in a different atmosphere, sometimes its just nice to get out of your area for a little bit. I had a ton of fun being there and teaching people my age although it was weird being on a campus again because you forget that people have lives and go to school and have a social life too haha. 

This week while door knocking we met this really nice family. They were not too interested in the church but were just really kind people and fun to talk to. They take in kids who do not have a structure home with dysfunctional parents and all that. So when we told them we were away from home they invited us over for thanksgiving and christmas. We asked them if we could share a message if we came over they said of course. So we might go there for thanksgiving as well as a members house...or I might not even have a thanksgiving because I will be in Brazil. Who knows. 

We also had half-mission training this week it was good we got to see other missionaries too. 

church is stressful now haha especially with our crazy investigators and members talking your ear off and needing to talk to a million people haha.... 

But when people were leaving I was talking to this girl who was 10 I feel so bad for her bcz her parents are splitting up and she just looked so sad waiting for her mom and so I shared my candy with her it was the sour patch straws that we always used to buy haha...she liked them and she lightened up and started smiling and she was telling me about school and other stuff so I like those moments because even though church is always crazy now I like that I can talk to someone,eat candy and just relax for a minute so I was grateful for that opportunity. 

Anyways.... I know my birthday is coming up and I am not looking forward to getting older I cannot believe it is a year since president monson made his historical announcement! I can't wait for conference. It sounds like you are all doing well, and I am going to start eating healthier too! 

Te Amo! 

Irma Gonzales 

08.26.13 Oi!

Hey family so I have some news about my VISA nothing great so don't get too excited! Well, my mission president came down to have me sign some criminal papers so they can start processing my visa papers but I swear I already did that. He told me that there are a million people waiting for their VISA's because of the world cup. He doesn't sound to positive about it because there are some VISA waiters that have been here for 6 months and so I have no clue if I will ever make it to Brazil especially since we did my papers through Los Angeles which is the slowest place right now. However, on the other hand two sisters from my district in the MTC got there VISA's this week so I really have no clue... I am not sure if I will ever go to Brazil but I can only just wait. 

The members here are wonderful though they all said they would help me out with winter clothes because they know I do not have any. It is still pretty hot here but I just have a feeling I will be here for a long time so I will need winter clothes. I am not going to lie it is making me a little sad that it is taking so long and that I probably won't ever get my VISA. But its when I am busy and working that I don't worry about it. 

This week was great it rained really hard one day that we had a flood warning. We also had bible study at the church and only us missionaries showed up haha it was sad, we need people to start going. Anyways, transfer calls were Friday. My trainer is leaving :( but we are getting a new sister she is wonderful too! I don't think I will be getting transferred for awhile. I like it here though so its good.

I can't believe how big the kids are getting and about all the changes back home. I am grateful for a lot of things, I wen to a podiatrist this week just so you know, it was worthless I should have known he just told me to get better shoes. I did order the sandals that I have been looking for though a member helped me with that. The sandals are for brazil because it rains so much there, but I got permission to wear them here by my mission president because my feet suck Which is good since I probably won't ever be in Brazil but the Lord knows better then me and so He knows I have a purpose here in Michigan. We have been doing a lot of door knocking this week and have been given so many sweets, I 'm FAT! haha so much food!! We are spoiled here. I love how us and the Elders can work together because we always get close to their investigators haha but we are all just one big family in my opinion. There is this family here who the elders have been teaching two of the girls got baptized last week I sent you the pictures one of them reminds me of me because she has an attitude haha but she is great they all are. There 7 year old daughter is probably more hyper than Marcel which is saying a lot! She probably beats Marcel really, yesterday I was trying to take a picture of them and my trainer who is leaving and she comes up and rips my name tag off and is scratching everyone with these pocky balls haha I put the name tag on her and said do not take it off bcz I knew she wouldn't give it back. She didn't take it off but then when her dad walked out she comes up to me and gives it back haha. 

The people here are great! Its wonderful! I hope you are all doing well... I am learning so much, this truly is life changing. 

Mom that is so neat that you got that letter. I will just bear my testimony to you all and maybe you can share it with them I don't really know. 

Well the mission is definitely different than what I thought it would be. Waiting for my VISA I can honestly say I have more patience than I ever had before. It has taught me to put full trust in the Lord. I had a moment of doubt when I realized that my VISA may not come through and I wondered why would Heavenly Father make me wait so long. But I realized then, that He wasn't mad at me or disappointed but that He was hurting with me. He knows my pains and He is always willing to comfort me in my time of need. As a missionary others come first, but sometimes you yourself need the comfort of the Lord and He is always willing and ready to wrap His arms around you. I never told you guys this but in the MTC there was one night I felt very alone. I didn't have anything in common with my companions I hadn't gotten any letters for a week and I felt low. I cried to the Lord that night for comfort and I instantly felt a light and warm feeling overcome me. It felt like angels were hugging me and I was re-assured that I am never alone. The Lord is with me as long as I leave my heart open for Him. His work cannot be done without His hand guiding me. I often like to close people off when I am upset or frustrated but I cannot do that with the Lord because without Him there is no reason to be on a mission. He is apart of every aspect of my life and I am grateful to know how caring He is. The Book of Mormon is true, I know this because I pray about it everytime I read it and the Spirit testifys to me that it is true. Some people want me to question my beliefs and they try to tell me there is no God. I may not know every scripture reference or every lesson in the scriptures, but I do know with full confidence that there is a God, and nobody can ever make me doubt that. I have realized that the world is a sad place because people make it that way, people use their agency poorly. But through the Savior we can experience hope and joy. I am grateful for this gospel it is my life! I love minha familia! And I am honored to be the Lord's servant. 

Eu te amo!! 

Sister Gonzales

08.19.2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTEO!  I am sure it was a ton of fun! I am glad he got my letter too! This week we had a baptism! Brenden Vandenboss he is the 9 year old we have been teaching. That day I have never seen him more excited. He was beaming it was neat. We had to go three hrs early because we had to fill the fuant and it takes that long to fill. That was the last day we didn't have a car so on our way walking home we were able to talk to this nice young man who asked some really good questions about the church, hopefully we run into him again, because he said he didn't have a phone.

 Also I was able to meet with the lady from Brazil this week. We talked a little in Portuguese, she said she understood me and I will be fine. I recited to her "our purpose" in Portuguese, it is in Preach my Gospel Marcos and Angela probably know what I am talking about. Anyways it was really cool talking to her and hopefully we can meet with them again. haha of course I want to teach them and get them baptized but I just think it would be so fun to just spend the day with her and the lady we door knocked into they are so fun! Oh the lady we door knocked into her name is Barbara she said she lived in Santa Barbara for awhile too! Well she said the lady that lives across the street is from Sao Paulo, We are going to have to go door knock into her soon, and I said wow I cant believe there are Brazilians in Michigan and she said, there's a Brazilian of them. haha Yay! 

Our ward here had a huge yard sale for the boys scouts we went and helped out for a bit, I got to use my Spanish and talk to this guy from mexico about the church. I thought that was pretty cool, I am getting better at not mixing spanish and Portuguese together anymore. Transfer calls are this Friday, but I don't think I will be getting transferred, And I will also be officially done with training! That will be weird...

So yesterday there were two baptisms, these two daughters from a family that the Elders are teaching, but we talk to them a lot because it is a family full of daughters. They were 15 and 12 we got to stand behind the baptismal font and watch from the stairs because their mom wanted us to stay there so she could watch from the front. It was neat standing there and seeing it from that perspective and being able to congratulate them right after they get out of the font. We also got to perform a musical number. I played the piano of course but we sang when I am baptized. It was a nice baptism. Also  the Elder that found this family and who got really close to them was able to come down and baptize one of the girls. He is an awesome Elder and the members were so excited to see him again. It was pretty cool.

Well it was a great week, we did a ton of door knocking. We door knocked yesterday and this old man said to come in, he had an ash tray next to him and he was smoking. He kept repeating the same thing, we talked to him for a little, I just felt so bad for this man when we left. It was just so sad to see this old man, spending his sunday afternoon alone smoking. It was just a sad sight. 

Well on a more uplifting note, this week with the investigator we practice songs with we are learning a child's prayer. She loved that song. I am getting better at the piano and my companion asked me how long I took piano lessons and I thought about it and really I only took piano lessons for 3 years. She was shocked haha I am too that is not a long time really, I know I would be so much better if I didn't quit but because I can still play I am going to stick with it and practice when I can become better...

Oh yea yesterday our ward mission leader had us all over for dinner and we made waffles, it was fun! It was a busy and good week. Also on thursdays its my fala sua lingua dia! Entonces I get to talk to the other VISA waiters on the phone for 10 mins in portuguese. It was good to talk to them because we can all relate and talk about how we are feeling, something only we understand. One Sister told me how she just was feeling really anxious that her heart started to hurt because she really want to be in Brazil, then she told me she had a powerful prayer and felt much better after. People keep asking me if I am getting anxious, and I am not really, I was anxious on day one haha but I am not worrying about it as much as before because I have no control over it... Anyways thank you familia por tudo! 

Eu te amo! 

Sister Gonzales 

08.12.13

Hola Familia, Como vai? 

Well it sounds like everyone is getting ready to go back to school and work and what not. Sounds fun! This week we got an unexpected call that we are on car rotations and so we have been walking everywhere. It is very rainy today, so it was fun walking in the rain. This is all prepping me for brazil. I have nasty cuts and bug bites on my legs too. Transfer calls will benext Friday! So, I could be getting transferred somewhere else, hopefully Brasil haha but who knows. 

Well this week we met with a referral who is a direct descended of Joseph Smith but is also excommunicated.   She was a nice lady but definitely sad. The whole time I was thinking what can I do, I am just a kid, how can I help this lady with all that she's been through. And later that week our district leader shared two scriptures with us, 1 Cor:1:27 and D&C 35:13 " 13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;" Well I got my answer. I just thought that was amazing. I also got to practice a little bit of street contacting since we are walking and we got to go to a community thing they were holding, with free stuff haha. But it was good. 

Man do people like to talk forever though. But I guess they really just need to get things off their chest. We had to drop an investigator who was suppose to get baptized Saturday. It is like she is a completely different person now. Its sad to see how much Satan got a hold of her. She called us chewing us out, although I was on the phone with her and just saying how we need to stay out and leave her alone. Its just sad because the whole time she was yelling I could not feel the Spirit and I knew it was Satan and it is a shame. But on the other hand we had Zone Conference this week and one of the things we learned I just love, it was about following the example of Nephi and Sam... "Re-double your faith when adversity comes: Re-double effort, try again in faith and succeed." So that was not going to get me discouraged....We do however, have a baptism on Tuesday! And I am looking forward to that. It is going to be great...it is the 9 year old boy we have been teaching and his whole family is going to be there. But I really do see how hard Satan works with those coming closer to baptism. But the Lord is mighyter and we must always put our faith in Him. 

As you have seen from the pictures toto y jeanie came on monday...haha what a surprise! It was nice though we went out for lunch and what not, they are so nice to come and see me. There are some nice people here in michigan. Yesterday this lady we door knocked into saw us walking and offered us some lemonade haha people are all nice...Although the other day we were helping a less-active at her house she lives more in the ghetto, well I was helping her put up signs which I probably shouldn't have been and that is why my leg got cut, but it was not a very comforting neighborhood to walk into, but not the worst either. We did however, get one new investigator there, another latino! yay! haha.. we met some nice people there it was good. 

Members have been nice though, giving us rides when we need them. Especially the veijas haha eu amo! This older lady picked us up from the less-actives house, and took us to a Chinese buffet haha and then gave us pie. She is so sweet, esnerio we are spoiled I love the veijas, also my fortune cookie said, that my dearest wish will come true..which means Brazil! haha who knows but thats what it said. I am happy being here I know that I am spoiled here. 

Well anyways, This week we have a baptism and I should be meeting with that lady from Brazil   it is going to be another great week! Eu espero! Oh on Sunday we taught Sunday school and it went pretty well, we taught about the Holy Ghost.... I have also been studying the questions to the soul that is found in Preach my gospel and one of them is how do I balance my career and family. The answer is in 3 Nephi 13 I love that chapter but the verses that I really like are " 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." I love this verse because sometimes nobody appreciates what we do or is grateful I am sure mom feels this way, but the Lord is aware of what we do and sees all and he will openly bless us. I also love these verses: 

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

He knows are needs and will take care of us, I know Heavenly Father loves each of us, and I am grateful to be on a mission. It truly is the hardest thing I have ever done but I know it is making me a better person, and I am learning a lot about myself and about how much my Heavenly Father loves me. and how much I appreciate my family! 

Eu amo minha familia! 

Obrigada por tudo! 

Sister Gonzales 

07.22.13

It was so hot this week! 100 degrees most of the week and of course this is the week we did a ton of door knocking! haha but I didn't die and it is only going to be worst in Brazil so I better get used to the hot weather. 

This week we went to go visit a guy we door knocked into, and he is hardcore christian, he is old too but we went over there because we gave him a book of Mormon last time. He was so happy to see us we sat on his porch and talked about the gospel but he wouldn't let me or my comps get a word in and then he says, "I just love having you gals here this is awesome!" haha poor guy he just needs company. But he said he prayers for us we put our names and a scripture reference in the Book of Mormon we gave him so I know he wont just toss it. 

Anyways later that day we door knocked into this guy he was "different" and he started making us flowers out of napkins, and it was just weird haha. We also had dinner at an investigators house this week. She is awesome and acts like a member already. She has two little kids and her little boy reminds me so much of Viggo. She is an attorney and I told her about Cody and the bar exam in California. And she said Wow California is the hardest place to pass the bar-exam I would never take the test there, and so Cody lawyers everywhere know that if you pass the bar-exam in California that means business haha. 

Anyways we got to go to one of the neatest baptisms this week. It was this lady the Elders had been teaching and she is black older women who had an attitude all the time but on her baptism she was a changed person. She was so happy and just full of light it was wonderful to see! Her family from Detroit came and her sister sang and there was a lot of people saying hallelujah and amen! haha it was awesome! The actual baptism itself was very powerful you could feel the Spirit and some of her family members felt that spirit and they want missionaries to teach them now. But they live in Detroit but they will get taught and baptized I know it! Also, one of our investigators, Lora she came to the baptism as well. She was so excited to be there and to see how it all works out we are planning for her baptism to be in august, and we are working with her to quit smoking. 

This Sunday we had a missionary fireside, it was about the restoration and how the gospel blesses families. A huge miracle happened this week!! This guy that we door knocked into weeks ago was really looking for a church to go to, and for weeks every time we stopped by his house he was never home. But this week he was ! And we invited him to the fireside and he came!! and it was awesome..he really enjoyed it and wants to bring his kids. Miracle! But anyways the fireside was amazing. We did do our musical number, I played the tune to come thou font and my comps sang joseph smiths first prayer, and another miracle I did not mess up once playing that song! Also, Mom you would be proud...they asked me to play the opening and closing song as well...songs that I never really practiced before but I did it and I messed up a little on the last song but I didnt freak out I just kept going and was not nervous. I thank heavenly father for that because I prayed before I played every song haha...And I just said well someone has to step up and play and so I did. We also had a member sing a poor wayfaring man, he was in the mormon tabernacle choir so he did amazing. And our last speaker was Brother Laubenguyer the Laubenguyer family is awesome they have been members for little over a year, and he talked about how the gospel blesses families. I cried, and I never cry it was amazing how he talked about what a fathers role is in the home. and How important it is for a father to be in tune with the spirit and how much it effect their children. He talked about how he didnt really have a father figure and how he used to drink and how him and his wife were going to get a divorce, but then they found the church and the got baptized together the day they planned on getting a divorce, and he felt like he failed his children but learning about the priesthood made him realize that he can still be there for them and he was able to baptize his daughter. It was just powerful because I see some investigators we have that are single mothers and it is sad, because fathers do play such an important part in the family. 

Haha well just a little funny story for this week one of my comps got a tic in her head! We had to leave an investigators house early and go to the store and get stuff to get it out! Well we didnt want to do it so we called a member haha it was actualy Sister laubenguyer and she took the tic out and me and my other comp were checking our head for tics haha but we were clean. It was crazy! I cannot wait for Brazil to see what bugs they have! (not really) I got an email this week about my VISA status but it didnt really say anything I am thinking the end of this transfer it will come! I also got a blessing this week well all my comps did just for this transfer and in my blessing it said that heavenly father knows that I do not have anyone to practice my language with but that he has the keys to all languages and he is willing to give me those keys I just have to ask and work for them, when I heard that I pictured an angel teaching me Portuguese and it was comforting to know, because it is hard to study my language here, but heavenly father will help me with the language for when I go to Brazil! 

Well it has been a great week and there are a ton of other stuff I could say but I appreciate your prayers that is another thing my blessing said, that a lot of people are praying for me. I know us missionaries are always being watched over. I continue to pray for each of you everyday! 

Tudo-bem! Eu te amo! 

Sister Gonzales

07.15.2013

Oi Familia! 

This past week has gone by pretty fast! A lot of miracles have happened. During our district meeting a guy walked into the church to use the bathroom and then we got talking to him haha he got the first lesson taught to him by a bunch of missionaries. He was really smart though he used to be Muslim but now is christian he seemed about my age, but he is on probation. I just thought it was funny how the Elders never mentioned that the Sisters could teach him bcz he is in our area..The elders are so protective of us here. Anyways he got in our district pic haha it was funny...

Also we have the funniest investigator well we have a few. But one of them we set a baptismal date for her and then she never returned our phone calls and we thought she got cold feet again, but then she called us Saturday very worried so we met her at the church and showed her the baptisimal font and all of her fears went away and she came to church Sunday and just felt so comfortable there it was great to see. And then we told her that we could bring her some food from our apartment and shes said, "you all live in an apartment?' hahah we were like yea, she said Oh I thought you all were angels and just poofed back up to heaven haha her family didnt think we lived in an apt, I guess people dont see missionaries as normal people but we sure are normal and defenetly not perfect but it was just funny. 

On Saturday one of the members had a bbq a lot of people from the ward were there, we were told to go bcz some investigators would be there and one of the older members, Brother Demaso is his name, he looks like Nono and he is the italian one, well he came up to me and put his arm over my shoulder like he was giving me a hug and I was like oh I dont know what to do haha even though he is old so I just kinda put my arm around his back, but I feel like it was Nono giving me a hug through that brother, I really did. I dont know why but I have been praying to feel nono around me, I dont know very much about him but mom you talk about him all the time and so I just felt like I should get to know him better on my mission. 

Anyways...The ward keeps asking me about my VISA and I dont know, the other night I had a dream that it came through...I have a feeling it will come this month or before the next transfer.This sunday we were suppose to perform our musical number but I guess they didnt put it in the program so we didn't have to do it, but next Sunday we are having a missionary fireside and so we will do it then. 

It is so good to hear that everyone is having a fun summer. Mom can you get me a brazil flag in argentina haha I am only kidding, You don't have to send me anything I guess I dont want jewlery or anything I guess if you were to get me something, I would want it to be something sentimental something unique like a mafalda picture I dont know...

This week it is suppose to be really hot here and humid!! Man is this prepping me for brazil although Brazil it will be this heat times a million with worst bug bites then I already got haha. But I am having fun and I have no idea how I can get up so early everyday and have energy to do all the things I have to do. Well Familia eu te amo! Milagres are everywhere, porque O Senhor sabe, and will always help us in our time of need. I have really strengthen my testimony about Joseph Smith, by reading D&C 121 and all that he had to endure, but the Lord said our trials will be but a small moment

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands."

The Prophet Joseph Smith went through a lot and he was just a normal guy but was able to endure to the end through the power of God. We had a recent convert lesson this past week and we wanted to help this man gain a stronger testimony about Joseph Smith and when we sat down I prayed bcz I didnt remember anything we were going to say to him but the Spirit was so strong and he said he had an experience that we knew he could relate to Joseph Smith and it was an answer to prayer, and he even asked us if we had planned all of this bcz he was in shock at how our lesson applied so much to him, and we told him we did plan but the things we said were all guided by the Spirit. that moment testified to me that Heavenly Father loves all of his children and when we have righteous desires he will always answer our prayers. 

Just thought I would share that experience as well... Entao Tudo Bem! 

Eu te amo! 

Irma Gonzales

So district photo (The one in sunglasses is the one that came into the church at the end of our district meeting haha ) 

family that is getting baptized Laura and her two kids, her son is 9 Equavion he is getting baptized with his mom in august :D ! 

Elder Reheis is leaving! he has been here for 7 months! 

Wonderful ladies from the ward took us to lunch today because Elder Reheis is leaving.

The elders in our area! Elder Reheis and Elder Bown

Oi Familia! 07.08.2013

Oi familia! Como Vai? Primero...Obrigada I did get the booklet Angela Eu amo! It is so cute! E tabem, Ma I also got the pedigree chart and your conversion story, eu sou grato por isso! It meant a lot to me I really appreciated it! .....Entao! 

This week has been great so far...For the fourth of July we were allowed to stay out until 11 watching fireworks with a member...so we got to be with a member and they took us to their family lake, it was so beautiful I will send fotos porque the fireworks were amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July away from home. We also got to do some service this week and help a member with her yard work, but I am pretty sure that messed up my back again, but it felt good to sweat and work. The same members that took us to the lake got us pepper spray so we can be safe haha and they took us to applebees for dinner. We are too spoiled here. I feel like I am getting to know the ward better, and I love it because I know each person now and how I can help them.

 One sister called us over to her house one night because she wanted us to teach her friend but her friend never showed up and the sister told us that she was disfellowshipped for right now and we knew that we needed to be there for her, to give her the strength she needs to stay strong at this time...At church she told me to call her this week so that we can come by again. I know that we are also suppose to build up the members and I know that only sisters could be helping her out at this time, and I feel so blessed that we can enter those homes and help strengthn our sisters. 

So every letter I always talk about Santiago the one that needs to get baptized already! Well I was talking to him in spanish at a baptism the elders had on saturday and I told him about mom converting but my abuela has yet to do so...and he says, oh like me. haha he knows the church is true we asked him to be baptized again and he said maybe one day. I dont know what holds him back, but he is reading the book of mormon again. Ohh also at the baptism I had to play the piano. I still get nervous but I cant say no I wont play, I messed up at first but then pulled it together, and my name was in the program so I kept that, It felt good to be apart of the baptism in some way. haha a few sundays ago one of the bishopric asked one of my comps to say the closing prayer and she said no she gets nervous so I had to do it... but I cant say no like that especially to the piano because I know mom will be haunting me after that...So I am glad I did it and that I can share my talents. 

We had three investigators come to church this sunday! And we have found some new investigators as well...It was been a good learning experience week...and I have just been so tired all the time, but I know that I have to get some energy bcz I wont be getting any sleep these next 16 months! I am not worrying about my VISA bcz I have no control over it, I know it will come.

Im still am in shock that mom and mike are in argentina and that beidres didnt die a warrior! It wont be the same without him...also I know the Heat won bcz I saw this guy walking around with a heat jersey and I asked him...so sorry mike! Anyways....Hope all is well, Tudo bem! I love summers! And the humidity! I know I am going to die in Brazil tho...Well Tudo Bem Famila, obrigada! Eu te amo! 

Sister Gonzales

07.01.2013

Primero tudo bem! Mom, why did you send me those quotes? But thank you my companions really liked them. Are you going to send me the book Angela made, and my family history chart? Please do! Also this Sunday Bishop called us up at the end of sacrament meeting to bear our testimonies. He made me go last, and when I was done he announced that I am waiting for my VISA and that the ward next week should fast for my VISA to come. I really appreciated him doing that for me and I thanked him after and he told me he knows its going to work. Although the members were mad at him and said they would be fasting for the opposite because they don't want me to leave haha but I hope they really do fast for my VISA, so if you all could fast this Sunday for my VISA that would be great! 

Also, this lady that is so funny, we call her the eternal investigator because she comes to church every sunday just isn't baptized. Well she got all mad at me for not telling her I am leaving, and she said tell me when you leave so I can give you some money. I said uh no thats okay, and she chewed me out haha, she said dont uh me! So I just laughed.

Also a family that we visit every Sunday, bcz their Dad is not a member well this Sunday Sister gave us a bunch of food and she gave me a nice backpack, and told me it was for Brazil because I would need it. I was planning to get one before I left or while I was there, but that was really nice of her to give me. The members here spoil us too much. I have been getting a feeling though that my VISA will come... but for now I am really growing to love each investigator and just feel sad for those who reject the Book of Mormon.

 I have seen so many miracles since I have been out here. We have a dinner appointment pretty much every day it is great. We went to eat Dinner with this family called the DeMaso's. Brother DeMaso is italian and on the licence plate on his car says Nono. He is just the best haha they are such a sweet old couple. And sister DeMaso is very into family history work. Bro Demaso looked a little bit like the Picture of Nono...Mom I do not really know anything about Nono maybe you can tell me more about him, is his temple work done? Maybe he can be a guiding angel for me on my mission, I want to know my family on the other side. 

Well I am getting more and more comfortable teaching and talking to people, and I know once I go to Brazil I will be back to square one, with the language and teaching that is why it is a little frustrating, but I know the Lord will help me as long as I study diligently. 

The other day when we went door knocking, a cat kept following us to every door haha like he wanted to be apart of us it was just funny. The last door we knocked on the guy was an athiest and a veteran. He pretty much chewed us out, and wouldnt stop talking. It was me and my trainer standing on the step and my other comp behind us...He didnt scare me for some reason, I didnt feel scared, I actually felt protected and comfortable talking to him...I felt like there were angels next to us. My trainer eventually pulled out a picture of christ and just held it next to her, he didnt say anything about it and I thought oh I should do that too, and I looked down and I was already holding a picture of Christ in my hand, I guess that is why I felt peace. Well, anyways we eventually were able to leave, and my comp got really scared...and I mean really scared. Although, I did feel fine and at peace...but its just how it is going to be...some people are going to be ruthless, but the guy acted like he knew a lot which he did, but he did not know who our Savior is, and that is where I felt peace because no one can ever make me doubt who my Savior is and what He did for me. 

Well anyways, I hope you are all doing well and I cannot believe! that mom and mike are actually going to Argentina I never thought I would see the day! Enserio! Oh, I have been able to practice my spanish while out here with some people, I went up to this man and said hola, me chama hermana Gonzales, and then my trainer went up to him and said hola,hermana sister richardson haha it was funny but atleast she tried. Well I love all of you and Mom please please! Could you send me the book angela made and my family history chart! And you never did tell me about your conversion story. Well keep safe. Eu te amo! 

Com amor, Hermana Gonzales

ohhh p.s. Mom this should make you proud...We go visit this lady we call her grandma judy, she is one of the members granmother who is not a member, but she is very musically talented and we sing with her and practice songs once a week. Well I suck at singing but I told her I play the piano..so this week I actually got to play and she gave me some music to practice...so I started playing it and she was really impressed and said I was doing great! Then I was just playing a hymn (that we might sing in sacrament, I will be playing the piano) and when I was finished she said you play with feeling and are very musically inclined. I thought wow I never would have thought that about me! But she is so good at what she does that it meant a lot to me to hear her say that because I thought I sucked but believe me she would tell you if you sucked haha...so I am practicing the piano and I am doing so much better at it. Just thought that would make you proud mom. Also please send the book and family history chart. :] Obrigada muchas gracias!