A Week of Peace

Well, Merry Christmas! Mine was amazing. Peruvian. Full of panetone, chocolate, and a BAPTISM! Zoriana - she really has just fallen out of heaven these past few weeks and has been a total miracle. It was a beautiful service and went off essentially without a hitch. When she shared her testimony at the end she said she felt unsure about getting baptized for family problems that she has until she entered the water and then just knew. She was super nervous but was glowing and just kept hugging us and telling us how happy she was. It was the best! For Christmas Eve our mission leader took us out to pizza. Now that is a tradition I would not mind adopting when I get home. Machupizza - delicious!

Other than that there isnt much of a report from this week. We are just trying to find new people to teach which is proving to be difficult here. We do have a couple that will get married and be baptized this coming month! Agustina y Nilton. They are THE BEST. So strong. They have been in the process for over 3 years and now are so sure that they are in the true church and just have incredible testimonies. We went over for a lesson with them yesterday and talked about el Dia de Reposo. They sounded like members of years! Nilton shared his testimony and it was probably one of the most powerful moments I have ever been in on my mission. I just am so grateful that the Lord allows me to know such incredible people!!! I love them so much already.

As many of you I am sure have heard, my dear mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be going in this week to get it removed. First off, let me say how grateful I am that I am where I am. Finding out on Christmas wasnt easy, but surprisingly was one of the most peaceful moments of my life. I love the Lord with all my heart. I know that He is aware of my mom and is protecting her for me. Although I am so far away, I do not feel it. I feel His love more than I ever have. I feel the love of all of you and that is what is keeping me going. There is no place I would rather be through all of this than right where I am in Peru because I know that the Lord can bless my family more with me here than he would be able to any other way. I know that she will be okay, I have never had any doubt. How lucky I am to be able to be surrounded by so many amazing people and to be able to give myself in service to the one person who is truly watching over my mom. I love you all so much! The Lord hears and answers prayers. He knows us and he watches over us. Never doubt it. Never forget it.

Hermana Miceli

Pic 1 - Turkey legs and Inca Kola for Christmas lunch!

Pic 2 - Zoriana! Our bishop is the far left. He is great.

Pic 3 - Love her.

Pic 4 - The classic leaving the font picture.

MIS POLLITOS

Wow, warning in advance this letter is going to be so scatterbrained! Sorry I didnt write last week. There wasnt much to say considering we were in a strike for a week and a half! We just barely ended it this past Thursday. My Thanksgiving was spent inside planning, but it will be one I will never forget! We made Pumpkin Spice cookies with the Hermanas last pday to make up for it so all is well!

This week was good! Frustrating, but there were tons of tender mercies from the Lord letting me know He loves me and is aware of the struggles we are having here.

Tuesday was normal! We had some good lessons. Tender Mercy 1: We sat down with our investigator Margarita who we havent been able to see for a couple of weeks so we werent sure what she would remember or where she would be at with everything. Well we sit down and the usual talk about the week and then I asked if we could start with the prayer and she goes "Of course! Ill do it!" and just starts praying. I just stared at her for a minute in disbelief. She had read what we left her and remembered how to pray! It was a miracle.

Wednesday we didnt or couldnt do much because we were still in paro. This week we spent a lot of time looking for less actives in the city from a list we received from the EQ president. President Harbertson has promised us that if we search for and find new less actives we will find more investigators and not only that, but those who have been prepared. Well we looked and looked and looked all week but to no avail. We didnt find a single one. They either didnt exist, werent there, or didnt want anything to do with us. It was super frustrating but we still have a lot to go so I have faith that someone, at least one person on that list, we bring miracles.

Thursday we planned and then went down to PV to visit Sebastian! Good news, he is getting baptized on Saturday! So this little boy is a fireball. At the end he goes "Quieren ver mis pollitos?" (Wanna see my chickens?) We reluctanlty agreed expecting to see the typical chickens we always do from children. Well, THEY WERE ACTUALLY BABIES. LIKE 2 DAYS OLD. They were so cute, and he was obsessed with them. Haha. Tender mercy 2.

Friday was the normal work. We went out to visit Jorge and talked about fasting because this sunday was fast and testimony. Well of course he eagerly agreed because he is incredible like that. So we come in to church yesterday and he comes us to us with this huge smile and tells us he is fasting. Without even thinking I go "Wow good job Hermano Jorge. Its kind of hard isnt it?" Here is where he taught me a profound lesson and tender mercy 3: "No Hermana. Cuando uno quiere hacer algo es facil. Cuando no quiere hacer algo entonces es dificil." (When you want to do something it is easy. When you dont want to do it then it is hard.) I thought about it for a long time that day, and am just so grateful for him. It is so true. When you have the desire you can do anything! Thanks Hermano Jorge for puttin me in my place. We also offered service to Hermana Raquel and helped her bag popcorn to go sell in the market. Yum, free popcorn!

Saturday was fun! We started our fast with our investigator Luz. Tender Mercy 4. She is trying to make the decision to get married or seperate from her boyfriend Alfonso so that she can get baptized on Christmas (Cool right?!!) So we invited her to fast and explained how much it could help her. We went over to start it with her and the spirit was so strong. Funny note, she was shocked that she couldnt even drink water. "So what if a drop in the shower just happens to fall in my mouth Hermanas?" HAHA oh Hermana Luz. So anyways, she ended up not coming to church yesterday and we werent able to get ahold of her so we dont know what is going on, but at least she had agreed to do it with us! I really hope she can make the right decision. She is so incredible and already has a powerful testimony of the Gospel. Stay tuned! Then that night we taught English classes in the chapl! We are using it as a way to try and find new people to teach. Not very many people came, but it was still fun! FUNNY side note, so I asked everyone to write down what they wanted to learn from us in english. I get this response from Acse, the young mens president "Phrases I can say to my girlfriend." Haha it was so weird, and he wouldnt leave it alone. So I taught him how to say you are the light of my life, you are beautiful, will you marry me, and I am in love with you! I was dying. I had him repeat after me, so imagine that - I am in love with you.... awkward!

Also funny side note, Sebastian went in to have his interview. Well back story - he remembers and knows the Word of Wisdom like the back of his hand. He loves to explain it, knows exactly the 5 things we should avoid and the whole 9 yards. Well Elder Andromidas starts and is asking him about Prophets and if he believed Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today. "Yes he is. And also there is this commandment where we shouldnt take drugs, or drink alcohol..." And he just launches in to the Word of Wisdom. Hey at least we know later in life he wont have any problems there. Haha I love him.

This week I learned a lot! I am still pushing along here trying to find what the Lord needs me to learn from this area. It is HARD, and there is almost no progress - at least not recognizable. But my comp and I are just really trying to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to receive the blessings of the Lord. And I know that miracles are in store here in the jungle!

Hermana Miceli

Pic 1 and 2 - My new baby chicks!

Pic 3 - Pumpkin Spice cookies! They were delicious in case you were wondering.

Pic 4 - The cute candy poster the Earls made me!

JORGE GOT CONFIRMED!!!

Not much to say about this week! The title explains it all!!!!!!!!!!! Almost a month after his baptism, Jorge was finally confirmed yesterday at church. That man is SO AMAZING. After they kicked him out of the hospital on Monday last week, he went home to an empty house alone but has recovered 100% this week. Miracles. He was SO happy yesterday and was walking like normal and was strong and everything. SO HAPPY. :)

This week we ended up teaching a lot of lessons and it was AWESOME. Way better than the normal walking around in the heat all day aimlessly.

Tuesday we found a new investigator Miluzca! We had contacted her last week looking for a reference. We didnt teach much but she is great and really wants to learn! Plus she has two super cute little girls who are obsessed with "the gringas." Also all the little kids ever of Pueblo Viejo are obsessed with us - we are super famous. They all run up to us and hug us and chase after us and say "Hola Hermanas!" literally 100 times. We even have little boys who think I am snow white and run after us down the street yelling "BLANCA NIEVE!" Haha I LOVE IT HERE! Not only am I a missionary, but a princess too!

 We also had a cool experience teaching Family History! We told everyone we would be in the chapel from 6-8 to help with their Family History and only one member ended up coming. BUT it was great because we were able to focus on her and found out that she has family who are members! Her whole life she has thought she is the only member in her family, and its been really hard for her. But through the process of putting in uncles and grandparents we came across a cousin or something who is a member. She was SO happy! We messaged her right away to contact her and it was the best. I witnessed a really happy moment in her life.

Wednesday my comp was sick. :( Her feet keep swelling up like sausages everyday and it is super painful. So we layed with our feet up and had a photoshoot!

Thursday was INCREDIBLE. We found 2 new investigators - Alex and Rocio. They are a super cute young couple who were a reference from a few less actives who live near them. Well we go and come to find out that the Elders were visiting them but all of a sudden around March of this year they just stopped coming. But they love the church and said that before they never had time to attend church Sundays or listen to the missionaries because of their jobs and their young daughter. But now they have time and are super ready to listen! And then the most amazing thing... THEY ARE MARRIED. YOU GUYS DONT GET IT THAT NEVER EVER EVER HAPPENS HERE. We walked away literally jumping for joy!!! Now we dont have to worry about that and can just focus on helping them progress in the Gospel. I love them already! They are so prepared and it is incredible how the missionaries before planted the seed of the gospel in their lives, but that it wasnt their time yet to accept it for many reasons. But now they are ready and we have the privilege of being here so the Lord can work through us!

Friday was pretty normal! We taught some good lessons and had a fun FHE with a family that a few months ago moved out of our branch but still comes on Sundays because they dont want to go anywhere else. It was fun - we did a testimony activity and then all shared our testimonies and the spirit was so strong. Plus Araselly the daughter is getting married Dec. 5th and I will be here for it!!! AHHH so much joy!

Saturday was sssssooooo hot. Literally el infierno. We walked out to UPIS to prove to ourselves, and maybe God a little bit, that we were tired and hot but that we still had the energy to work hard! Maybe a bad idea - we arrived in UPIS like Zombies. Oops!

Sunday we had an awesome lesson with our investigator Luz! We cried, laughed, talked, and got her to commit to prepare the be baptized the 12th of December! She is the best, and so prepared! When she talks, she already sounds like a member. She came to church and was so comfortable - it is definitely where she belongs. She told us she is going to come to church every week because she just loves it so much. MIRACLES.

Other than that this week was rad. It is sooo hot and everyday is miserable, but the Lord blesses us so much! 

Hermana Miceli

Chickens and Christmas Music

Well, I dont have too much to say about this week! It.... was bad. Haha. Not for anything we did wrong, it was just a really rough week. We barely had lessons and the members were SO HARD this week. But so it is in the mission!

Jorge continues in the hospital. Going on 3 weeks now. I love that man. He still hasnt been confirmed but if he has to go to Cusco they will be able to do it in the hospital. His current problem is gall stones - everything else has gone away thanks to many blessings and the power of God. We still visit him everyday and he continues to strengthen my faith!

We have some pretty good people in the works right now so stay tuned.

Sunday we had our Primary Program! It was super cute. Peruvian children, aside from my nephew and cousins, are the cutest. Then that afternoon we had a lesson with our investigator Sebastian as his pet chicken ran around his head.... Peru. 

On another note, this week I had to finally buy a new plaque because the name of the church on my current one is unrecognizable - yay im a real missionary! Also I may or may not have listened to Christmas music twice this week... never too early to celebrate!

Love you all! Hope you all have a great week - I know mine will be!

Hermana Miceli

Pic 1 - Greetings from the Elders of Puerto! We were stuffed in the back of a taxi - was not comfortable to say the least.

Re: Jorge´s Baptism!

Thanks Tony!!

On Mon, Oct 19, 2015 at 11:29 AM, Tony V Reid <tvreid@gmail.com> wrote:

Les amo. No puedo creer que solo me falta 9 meses por estar aqui en Peru como misionera. Les extraño tanto pero no quiero irme de aqui! Dios les ama. Yo se y con poder yo les testifico y les prometo que si ustedes pongan las cosas de el en primer lugar en sus vidas, el les bendecirà mas que pueden imaginar!

=

I love yall. I cannot believe that I only have 9 more months to be here as a missionary in Peru. I miss you all a lot, but I don't want to leave here! God loves y'all. I know, and with power I testify and promise you that if you put the things of Him first in your life, He will bless you more than you can imagine!

 — Tony V Reid

From: Tammy Miceli
Date: Monday, October 19, 2015 at 10:25 AM
To: Whitney Miceli
Cc: <a_neahusan@yahoo.com>, Alexis Guel, <alexxi_fernandez@yahoo.com>, Anna Lane, Aubrey Black, B Miles, <barbara-0@att.net>, Brennan Miceli, Brittney Chapel, Cameron Clerc, Cami Klein, <cdenning2@zagmail.gonzaga.edu>, christa miceli, <codyflores775@gmail.com>, <czp22@aol.com>, "D. Stewart", Dean Miceli, Douglas Wotherspoon, Emily Ahlstrom, Emily F, <fong@jpmenante.com>, Gina Marie, Hannah Miceli, <hawaiian_02@hotmail.com>, Jacey Hill, Jackie Micelli, <jangalvan08@yahoo.com>, Jenny Kanekoa, Jordan Lane, Joseph Ganser, <kaileehightower13@aol.com>, Kamea Kanekoa, kaylee glover, Kelsey Roberts, <kitch61394@yahoo.com>, <lahela@kanekoa.net>, Lexey Sbriglia, Linda Kanekoa-Dieckmann, Madi O'Neal, <mamaceli@comcast.net>, Marissa Stallcop, <martinezangie535@yahoo.com>, <micelis2013@att.net>, Michelle Fogelberg, <monica_delapuente@yahoo.com>, <nanadrm@aol.com>, Napua S, Nathalie Fernandez, <patricia.tucker@att.net>, Richard Haines, Robby Riley, Ryan Earl, Ryan Ross, <sammisis@hotmail.com>, Sandy Miceli, Shami Potratz, Shawn Chamberlain, Shawntel McDonald, Sierra Mooney, <strawberryjudy@hotmail.com>, <swalker717@gmail.com>, Tanner Larson, <tenintexas@att.net>, Tony Reid, Tyler Slaughter, <waltersgang6@yahoo.com>, <whitneycmiceli.peruweekly@blogger.com>, <whitneyea@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Jorge´s Baptism!

HURRAY!!!!! Good job Hermana Miceli!! Tony, translation please!

On Mon, Oct 19, 2015 at 10:57 AM, Whitney Miceli <whitney.miceli@myldsmail.net> wrote:

This week was AWESOME. We worked super super super hard and met all of our goals and then some annnnnddd Jorge got baptized! A lot of amazing things happened but it would take years to write it all and I have no time because we´re making cookies today so I´ll just skip to the best part!

On Saturday Jorge got baptized! It was SO stressful actually getting there. We couldn´t figure out how to fill the font with water that wasn´t brown like a swamp, we weren´t sure if the only baptismal clothes we had would fit him, we still needed to visit him and give him money to be able to get to the chapel, and AH it was just crazy! But all was well, he made it to the chapel and all went well! He was SO happy and gave the most incredible testimony after that seriously sounded like a member of 15 years. We asked him how he felt and he says, "Pucha hermanas, tranquilo y feliz." I love him!

We also had the visit from the Hermana Leaders this week and it was great! My comp and I worked SO hard this week and the Lord really did bless us. We were able to find 6 new people to teach, and had more lessons with members that ever before. The branch is starting to help us more and the work is moving forward.

I love you all! In spiritual thoughts this week, I encourage you all to study faith. In the course of having the privilege of knowing Hermano Jorge I realize I still lack so much faith. Study faith, even if you think you know what it is! I promise you you will discover new things and you will feel Gods love.

Les amo. No puedo creer que solo me falta 9 meses por estar aqui en Peru como misionera. Les extraño tanto pero no quiero irme de aqui! Dios les ama. Yo se y con poder yo les testifico y les prometo que si ustedes pongan las cosas de el en primer lugar en sus vidas, el les bendecirà mas que pueden imaginar!

Hermana Miceli :) 

Pic 1- My whole time here in the jungle I have waited to see a monkey aside from in the zoo and this week it came to pass!

Pic 2-4 Jorge got baptized! Alright really the last one, how cute and happy is he?!

Re: Jorge´s Baptism!

Les amo. No puedo creer que solo me falta 9 meses por estar aqui en Peru como misionera. Les extraño tanto pero no quiero irme de aqui! Dios les ama. Yo se y con poder yo les testifico y les prometo que si ustedes pongan las cosas de el en primer lugar en sus vidas, el les bendecirà mas que pueden imaginar!

=

I love yall. I cannot believe that I only have 9 more months to be here as a missionary in Peru. I miss you all a lot, but I don’t want to leave here! God loves y’all. I know, and with power I testify and promise you that if you put the things of Him first in your life, He will bless you more than you can imagine!

 — Tony V Reid

From: Tammy Miceli
Date: Monday, October 19, 2015 at 10:25 AM
To: Whitney Miceli
Cc: <a_neahusan@yahoo.com>, Alexis Guel, <alexxi_fernandez@yahoo.com>, Anna Lane, Aubrey Black, B Miles, <barbara-0@att.net>, Brennan Miceli, Brittney Chapel, Cameron Clerc, Cami Klein, <cdenning2@zagmail.gonzaga.edu>, christa miceli, <codyflores775@gmail.com>, <czp22@aol.com>, "D. Stewart", Dean Miceli, Douglas Wotherspoon, Emily Ahlstrom, Emily F, <fong@jpmenante.com>, Gina Marie, Hannah Miceli, <hawaiian_02@hotmail.com>, Jacey Hill, Jackie Micelli, <jangalvan08@yahoo.com>, Jenny Kanekoa, Jordan Lane, Joseph Ganser, <kaileehightower13@aol.com>, Kamea Kanekoa, kaylee glover, Kelsey Roberts, <kitch61394@yahoo.com>, <lahela@kanekoa.net>, Lexey Sbriglia, Linda Kanekoa-Dieckmann, Madi O'Neal, <mamaceli@comcast.net>, Marissa Stallcop, <martinezangie535@yahoo.com>, <micelis2013@att.net>, Michelle Fogelberg, <monica_delapuente@yahoo.com>, <nanadrm@aol.com>, Napua S, Nathalie Fernandez, <patricia.tucker@att.net>, Richard Haines, Robby Riley, Ryan Earl, Ryan Ross, <sammisis@hotmail.com>, Sandy Miceli, Shami Potratz, Shawn Chamberlain, Shawntel McDonald, Sierra Mooney, <strawberryjudy@hotmail.com>, <swalker717@gmail.com>, Tanner Larson, <tenintexas@att.net>, Tony Reid, Tyler Slaughter, <waltersgang6@yahoo.com>, <whitneycmiceli.peruweekly@blogger.com>, <whitneyea@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Jorge´s Baptism!

HURRAY!!!!! Good job Hermana Miceli!! Tony, translation please!

On Mon, Oct 19, 2015 at 10:57 AM, Whitney Miceli <whitney.miceli@myldsmail.net> wrote:

This week was AWESOME. We worked super super super hard and met all of our goals and then some annnnnddd Jorge got baptized! A lot of amazing things happened but it would take years to write it all and I have no time because we´re making cookies today so I´ll just skip to the best part!

On Saturday Jorge got baptized! It was SO stressful actually getting there. We couldn´t figure out how to fill the font with water that wasn´t brown like a swamp, we weren´t sure if the only baptismal clothes we had would fit him, we still needed to visit him and give him money to be able to get to the chapel, and AH it was just crazy! But all was well, he made it to the chapel and all went well! He was SO happy and gave the most incredible testimony after that seriously sounded like a member of 15 years. We asked him how he felt and he says, "Pucha hermanas, tranquilo y feliz." I love him!

We also had the visit from the Hermana Leaders this week and it was great! My comp and I worked SO hard this week and the Lord really did bless us. We were able to find 6 new people to teach, and had more lessons with members that ever before. The branch is starting to help us more and the work is moving forward.

I love you all! In spiritual thoughts this week, I encourage you all to study faith. In the course of having the privilege of knowing Hermano Jorge I realize I still lack so much faith. Study faith, even if you think you know what it is! I promise you you will discover new things and you will feel Gods love.

Les amo. No puedo creer que solo me falta 9 meses por estar aqui en Peru como misionera. Les extraño tanto pero no quiero irme de aqui! Dios les ama. Yo se y con poder yo les testifico y les prometo que si ustedes pongan las cosas de el en primer lugar en sus vidas, el les bendecirà mas que pueden imaginar!

Hermana Miceli :) 

Pic 1- My whole time here in the jungle I have waited to see a monkey aside from in the zoo and this week it came to pass!

Pic 2-4 Jorge got baptized! Alright really the last one, how cute and happy is he?!

Re: Jorge´s Baptism!

HURRAY!!!!! Good job Hermana Miceli!! Tony, translation please!

On Mon, Oct 19, 2015 at 10:57 AM, Whitney Miceli <whitney.miceli@myldsmail.net> wrote:

This week was AWESOME. We worked super super super hard and met all of our goals and then some annnnnddd Jorge got baptized! A lot of amazing things happened but it would take years to write it all and I have no time because we´re making cookies today so I´ll just skip to the best part!

On Saturday Jorge got baptized! It was SO stressful actually getting there. We couldn´t figure out how to fill the font with water that wasn´t brown like a swamp, we weren´t sure if the only baptismal clothes we had would fit him, we still needed to visit him and give him money to be able to get to the chapel, and AH it was just crazy! But all was well, he made it to the chapel and all went well! He was SO happy and gave the most incredible testimony after that seriously sounded like a member of 15 years. We asked him how he felt and he says, "Pucha hermanas, tranquilo y feliz." I love him!

We also had the visit from the Hermana Leaders this week and it was great! My comp and I worked SO hard this week and the Lord really did bless us. We were able to find 6 new people to teach, and had more lessons with members that ever before. The branch is starting to help us more and the work is moving forward.

I love you all! In spiritual thoughts this week, I encourage you all to study faith. In the course of having the privilege of knowing Hermano Jorge I realize I still lack so much faith. Study faith, even if you think you know what it is! I promise you you will discover new things and you will feel Gods love.

Les amo. No puedo creer que solo me falta 9 meses por estar aqui en Peru como misionera. Les extraño tanto pero no quiero irme de aqui! Dios les ama. Yo se y con poder yo les testifico y les prometo que si ustedes pongan las cosas de el en primer lugar en sus vidas, el les bendecirà mas que pueden imaginar!

Hermana Miceli :) 

Pic 1- My whole time here in the jungle I have waited to see a monkey aside from in the zoo and this week it came to pass!

Pic 2-4 Jorge got baptized! Alright really the last one, how cute and happy is he?!

So, WHATS YO VERSE?

This week was strangly difficult for me. Nothing in particular, it was just super hard to make it through everyday. But here I am and yet another week has passed!

I knew Tuesday was going to be a good day because my dear mother went in for back surgery and I told the Lord that I was worried but that I was leaving it in His hands. And it was a good day! Shoutout becuase she is now Ironwoman and a champ - love you meme. We had some great lessons! I just LOVE the people here! Some of the people we are teaching right now just fill my heart with joy. If yall remember Amely who I mentioned a couple of weeks ago... seriously yall I wish you could see how stinkin cute and HILARIOUS she is sometimes. Suffice to say, she makes every hard day worth it when I see her.

Wednesday followed by being pretty good! A few weeks ago a less active member had given us a reference of a lady who lived in front of her. We had never passed by but Wednesday I finally felt impressed to do so, and it was AWESOME. Turns out it is a familly who listened to the Elders before and have come to church and everything. The daughter, Naomi, is 17 and SO CUTE. She loves the Gospel and just wants to learn more! We ended up having a lesson with them and it was supa great. Love being guided by the Spirit! It was also fun because we were with Hermana Alailima from Huerto because her comps went to Cusco for a couple of days. We laughed, invited people to be baptized, and may or may not have eaten ice cream 2 times during the day. What more could you ask for!?

Thursday Hermana Alailima was sick (May or may not have been all the stuff we ate wednesday ooooooooooops) so we didnt actually leave the house but its okay! We got our planning done and enjoyed eachothers company. Friday for me was ROUGH. We had a super hard lesson with Gladyth about the Sabbath Day and I just felt like such a failure. I almost didnt make it to the end of the day, but thanks to my comp, Amely, and chinese food, all was well!

Saturday and Sunday were spent in the chapel watching Conference. IT WAS THE BEST. Seriously loved it ALL. It is so hard to pick out what I loved most but like the title of this email says, I LOVED the one from Sunday afternoon about ponderizing the scriptures. I bet Facebook was blowing up with that talk. But in all reality, I loved it! It inspired me so much! So I am starting this week! I will be ponderizing Mormon 3:16. Id love to hear each week what scriptures youve chosen and I will include mine at the end of each of my emails!

I love you all! This week will definitely be a great one, I just know it!

Hermana Miceli :)

Pic 1 - Beginning of the month rollin in tha dough. Youll all be happy to know that the mission has not changed my goofiness one bit! ;)

Pic 2 - Girls and conference! Hermana Russell, Hermana Alailima, Hermana Holland, yo, Hermana Barfuss

Pic 3 - A super cute actual candid

oops...

Sorry pressed enter on accident... :)

Anyways with Hermana Gladys. It was SO HOT

ESTOP

So holy cow, this week has been insane. I literally have felt pulled in a million different directions but at the same time I feel like we didnt do anything... I know we did, but its weird!

Tuesday was AWESOME. When I say awesome in all caps I mean it! We were in Triunfo and we were able to visit Hermana Gladys again! She is a less active and is the best. Although she talks constantly about an Elder who was here over a year ago, I love her. She is super cute and loves to learn. She has also been reading what we have left her in the Book of Mormon! She is a testimony to me that the light of the Gospel can shine in peoples hearts again. We also had an awesome/super hard lesson with Hermana Lydia! We contacted her a while back and when we went her husband was there also. We talked about the Restoration and left them a Book of Mormon. They both have TONS of doubts which is good but it makes it hard to teach them. But I have faith that if this is their time and if the desire to know and earnestly seek then they will know! They are the best. We also met with our investigator Jorge again! It was super cute because we came kind of late and he told us that he had been waiting for us all day. He had to go to the city for something and went around and told all of his neighbors to keep an eye out for us and to make sure that we waited for him if he wasnt there. Haha I love him. We talked about baptism and prayer and he accepted a baptismal date! It is set for the 17th of October! I LOVE teaching him. He has a lot of questions but he is so prepared by the Lord and he helps me to learn each lesson. So stay tuned!

Wednesday we had divisions with the Hermana Leaders. It was super weird to be with my old comp Hermana Salas in our sector again but it was a good day! These last few weeks have been super rough for our branch - a few weeks ago the district presidents wife lost her baby at 8 months, the husband of a lady in the ward passed away last week, our branch presidents wife is having problems with her pregnancy after losing her last baby about a year ago, and then on Wednesday we found out the the Relief Society president of our branch passed away. It was a super huge surprise for everyone! She had been in Lima visiting family. I never knew her - she left for vacation right before I came here to Puerto - but never the less I felt for the people of our branch. I know that all of these trials are preparing us to meet the goal that we have to become a stake here in Puerto! The Lord is helping us to be strong and to trust in Him! It is hard, but His hand is so involved here in the work in Puerto.

Friday we helped Hermana Gladys out in Triunfo to prepare her chacra to grow yuca and potatoes and lots of other things. It was SO HOT

Re: You are divine

Hello!! This week went really well. We had some amazing days, and some that were horrible, but I learned a lot.

P.S. I'm going to try to write this letter in Spanish because my language goal, to get better, this week is to write everything in Spanish! So, you'll have to use Google Translate if you don't speak Spanish. Also, I can't do accents, so sorry.

Tuesday was the best. We went to visit a new sister that we had contacted a while ago. When I had met her she was pregnant, but when we went on Tuesday she had her baby! It's only 12 days old and it's SO CUTE. Her name is Kataleya. Anyway, we had a beautiful lesson -- she is seriously very prepared to receive and needs the gospel. She's a single mom because her husband is in jail. At the end of the lesson she prayed and we were all crying. MIRACLES. We presented her with [the challenge to be] baptized and she said YES!!! When we went to leave her son wouldn't let us go and said we had to stay at his house forever. Cutest thing ever. So, stay tuned.

Wednesday we had a very nice lesson with a less active named Rosa. Her and her husband have been members for a long time and were in the branch presidency and for the first time this past Sunday they came to church! She told us that she didn't know why, but they had made the decision to come back to church. The Lord is helping us to be patient with her, but it's really good, and I know that they're going to reactivate themselves in the church.

I don't remember the other days of the week, but they were really good! AND THIS SUNDAY WE FINALLY HAD INVESTIGATORS IN SACRAMENT MEETING. The boyfriend of a less active named Stefanie (his name is Hugo) came, and a brother that we have named Jorge came! (You have to understand that to have investigators at church is HUGE here. We haven't been able to get anyone to come for weeks now but FINALLY PEOPLE CAME!)

Brother Jorge is a guy that we found through a member, his sister. He is really good, we had our first lesson with him after church yesterday and he accepted to be baptized! MIRACLE

So happy this week. The work is moving forward here better and better. This week I studied a lot about the Plan of Salvation and about the creation. There is a talk I got from a friend last week by an Elder (I dont remember who) called The Worth of a Soul. He talks about how the scripture that says that we have been created in Gods image means more than just speaking physically. We are like God. We have his characteristics, his power, his potential! We are not just people - when it says we are created after the image of God it means EVERYTHING. I love this. You are divine! Each of us. We all have incredible potential to become like God - afterall, He is who we are like. Then I was reading in Moses 3:25 when it says "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed." I read this scripture and came to a deeper understanding of when it says they were naked. I think it is to mean naked as in innocent and completely dependent on God and THEY WERE NOT ASHAMED. So should we not be ashamed to be dependent on God! To trust in Him. To rely on Him. To pray to Him day in and day out. 

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible Gods and Goddesses... there are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." - C.S. Lewis

Les amo a todos mucho!!!

Hermana Miceli :)

P.S. Sorry for those of you that speak spanish - I am still learning!

Pic 1. My district!

Pic 2. Comin at ya live from Jersey Shore. Dont know why I look so orange.

Pic 3. Hermana Maria! Seriously the cutest little lady ever. Right before this picture she made us wait 10 mins so she could go change and fix her hair so she could be "picture ready" haha

Pic 4. Hi from Puerto!

On Mon, Sep 7, 2015 at 12:33 PM, Tammy Miceli <coachtmama@gmail.com> wrote:

Help a mother out my Spanish Speakers and translate this for me! Shawn you are lucky you have David there to do it for you!

On Mon, Sep 7, 2015 at 12:15 PM, Whitney Miceli <whitney.miceli@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Hola!! Esta semana fue muy muy buena. Tuvimos dias increibles y dias horribles pero yo aprendi mucho.

P.S. Voy a intentar a escribir esta carta en espanol por que mi meta del idioma esta semana para mejorar es que voy a escribir todo en espanol! Entonces, hay que usar Google translate si no hable espanol. Tambien, no puedo hacer accentos entonces lo siento.

El martes fue lo maximo. Fuimos a visitar una hermana nueva quien habiamos contactada hace mucho tiempo. Cuando yo le conoci ella estaba embarazada, pero cuando fuimos esta dia tenia su bebe! Solo tiene 12 dias y es TAN LINDA. Se llama Kataleya. Anyways, tuvimos una leccion muy bonita - ella en cerio esta muy preparada y necesita el Evangelio. Es mama soltera por que su esposo esta en la carcel. Nos conto algunas experiencias y nos dijo ¨Hermana se que ahora es mi tiempo y que ustedes estan aqui en mi casa por un razon¨ Al terminar la leccion, ella oro y todos estabamos llorando. MILAGROS. Le presentamos con el bautismo y nos dijo que SI!!! When we went to leave her son wouldnt let us go and said we had to stay at his house forever. Cutest thing ever. So, stay tuned.

El miercoles tuvimos una leccion muy bonita con una menos activa - se llama Rosa. Ella y su esposo han sido miembros mucho tiempo y el estuvo en la presidencia de la rama y por primera vez el domingo pasado ellos asistieron! Ella nos dijo que no sabe por que pero han tomado la decision a regresar a la Iglesia. El Senor no esta ayudando a ser pacientes con ella pero es muy buena y se que va a reactivarse en la Iglesia.

Los otros dias de la semana no me recuerdo, pero fueron dias muy buenos! Y ESTA DOMINGO POR FIN TUVIMOS INVESTIGADORES EN LA REUNION SACRAMENTAL. El novio de una menos activa se llama Stefanie (el se llama Hugo) asistio y un hermano que tenemos se llama Jorge asistio! (You have to understand that to have investigators at church is HUGE here. We havent been able to get anyone to come for weeks now but FINALLY PEOPLE CAME!)

El hermana Jorge es un hermano que encontramos por medio de un miembro, su hermana. El es muy bueno - tuvimos nuestra primera leccion con el despues de la iglesia ayer y el acepto el bautismo! MILAGRO.

So happy this week. The work is moving forward here better and better. This week I studied a lot about the Plan of Salvation and about the creation. There is a talk I got from a friend last week by an Elder (I dont remember who) called The Worth of a Soul. He talks about how the scripture that says that we have been created in Gods image means more than just speaking physically. We are like God. We have his characteristics, his power, his potential! We are not just people - when it says we are created after the image of God it means EVERYTHING. I love this. You are divine! Each of us. We all have incredible potential to become like God - afterall, He is who we are like. Then I was reading in Moses 3:25 when it says "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed." I read this scripture and came to a deeper understanding of when it says they were naked. I think it is to mean naked as in innocent and completely dependent on God and THEY WERE NOT ASHAMED. So should we not be ashamed to be dependent on God! To trust in Him. To rely on Him. To pray to Him day in and day out. 

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible Gods and Goddesses... there are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." - C.S. Lewis

Les amo a todos mucho!!!

Hermana Miceli :)

P.S. Sorry for those of you that speak spanish - I am still learning!

Pic 1. My district!

Pic 2. Comin at ya live from Jersey Shore. Dont know why I look so orange.

Pic 3. Hermana Maria! Seriously the cutest little lady ever. Right before this picture she made us wait 10 mins so she could go change and fix her hair so she could be "picture ready" haha

Pic 4. Hi from Puerto!

Re: You are divine

Help a mother out my Spanish Speakers and translate this for me! Shawn you are lucky you have David there to do it for you!

On Mon, Sep 7, 2015 at 12:15 PM, Whitney Miceli <whitney.miceli@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Hola!! Esta semana fue muy muy buena. Tuvimos dias increibles y dias horribles pero yo aprendi mucho.

P.S. Voy a intentar a escribir esta carta en espanol por que mi meta del idioma esta semana para mejorar es que voy a escribir todo en espanol! Entonces, hay que usar Google translate si no hable espanol. Tambien, no puedo hacer accentos entonces lo siento.

El martes fue lo maximo. Fuimos a visitar una hermana nueva quien habiamos contactada hace mucho tiempo. Cuando yo le conoci ella estaba embarazada, pero cuando fuimos esta dia tenia su bebe! Solo tiene 12 dias y es TAN LINDA. Se llama Kataleya. Anyways, tuvimos una leccion muy bonita - ella en cerio esta muy preparada y necesita el Evangelio. Es mama soltera por que su esposo esta en la carcel. Nos conto algunas experiencias y nos dijo ¨Hermana se que ahora es mi tiempo y que ustedes estan aqui en mi casa por un razon¨ Al terminar la leccion, ella oro y todos estabamos llorando. MILAGROS. Le presentamos con el bautismo y nos dijo que SI!!! When we went to leave her son wouldnt let us go and said we had to stay at his house forever. Cutest thing ever. So, stay tuned.

El miercoles tuvimos una leccion muy bonita con una menos activa - se llama Rosa. Ella y su esposo han sido miembros mucho tiempo y el estuvo en la presidencia de la rama y por primera vez el domingo pasado ellos asistieron! Ella nos dijo que no sabe por que pero han tomado la decision a regresar a la Iglesia. El Senor no esta ayudando a ser pacientes con ella pero es muy buena y se que va a reactivarse en la Iglesia.

Los otros dias de la semana no me recuerdo, pero fueron dias muy buenos! Y ESTA DOMINGO POR FIN TUVIMOS INVESTIGADORES EN LA REUNION SACRAMENTAL. El novio de una menos activa se llama Stefanie (el se llama Hugo) asistio y un hermano que tenemos se llama Jorge asistio! (You have to understand that to have investigators at church is HUGE here. We havent been able to get anyone to come for weeks now but FINALLY PEOPLE CAME!)

El hermana Jorge es un hermano que encontramos por medio de un miembro, su hermana. El es muy bueno - tuvimos nuestra primera leccion con el despues de la iglesia ayer y el acepto el bautismo! MILAGRO.

So happy this week. The work is moving forward here better and better. This week I studied a lot about the Plan of Salvation and about the creation. There is a talk I got from a friend last week by an Elder (I dont remember who) called The Worth of a Soul. He talks about how the scripture that says that we have been created in Gods image means more than just speaking physically. We are like God. We have his characteristics, his power, his potential! We are not just people - when it says we are created after the image of God it means EVERYTHING. I love this. You are divine! Each of us. We all have incredible potential to become like God - afterall, He is who we are like. Then I was reading in Moses 3:25 when it says "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed." I read this scripture and came to a deeper understanding of when it says they were naked. I think it is to mean naked as in innocent and completely dependent on God and THEY WERE NOT ASHAMED. So should we not be ashamed to be dependent on God! To trust in Him. To rely on Him. To pray to Him day in and day out. 

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible Gods and Goddesses... there are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." - C.S. Lewis

Les amo a todos mucho!!!

Hermana Miceli :)

P.S. Sorry for those of you that speak spanish - I am still learning!

Pic 1. My district!

Pic 2. Comin at ya live from Jersey Shore. Dont know why I look so orange.

Pic 3. Hermana Maria! Seriously the cutest little lady ever. Right before this picture she made us wait 10 mins so she could go change and fix her hair so she could be "picture ready" haha

Pic 4. Hi from Puerto!

You are divine

Hola!! Esta semana fue muy muy buena. Tuvimos dias increibles y dias horribles pero yo aprendi mucho.

P.S. Voy a intentar a escribir esta carta en espanol por que mi meta del idioma esta semana para mejorar es que voy a escribir todo en espanol! Entonces, hay que usar Google translate si no hable espanol. Tambien, no puedo hacer accentos entonces lo siento.

El martes fue lo maximo. Fuimos a visitar una hermana nueva quien habiamos contactada hace mucho tiempo. Cuando yo le conoci ella estaba embarazada, pero cuando fuimos esta dia tenia su bebe! Solo tiene 12 dias y es TAN LINDA. Se llama Kataleya. Anyways, tuvimos una leccion muy bonita - ella en cerio esta muy preparada y necesita el Evangelio. Es mama soltera por que su esposo esta en la carcel. Nos conto algunas experiencias y nos dijo ¨Hermana se que ahora es mi tiempo y que ustedes estan aqui en mi casa por un razon¨ Al terminar la leccion, ella oro y todos estabamos llorando. MILAGROS. Le presentamos con el bautismo y nos dijo que SI!!! When we went to leave her son wouldnt let us go and said we had to stay at his house forever. Cutest thing ever. So, stay tuned.

El miercoles tuvimos una leccion muy bonita con una menos activa - se llama Rosa. Ella y su esposo han sido miembros mucho tiempo y el estuvo en la presidencia de la rama y por primera vez el domingo pasado ellos asistieron! Ella nos dijo que no sabe por que pero han tomado la decision a regresar a la Iglesia. El Senor no esta ayudando a ser pacientes con ella pero es muy buena y se que va a reactivarse en la Iglesia.

Los otros dias de la semana no me recuerdo, pero fueron dias muy buenos! Y ESTA DOMINGO POR FIN TUVIMOS INVESTIGADORES EN LA REUNION SACRAMENTAL. El novio de una menos activa se llama Stefanie (el se llama Hugo) asistio y un hermano que tenemos se llama Jorge asistio! (You have to understand that to have investigators at church is HUGE here. We havent been able to get anyone to come for weeks now but FINALLY PEOPLE CAME!)

El hermana Jorge es un hermano que encontramos por medio de un miembro, su hermana. El es muy bueno - tuvimos nuestra primera leccion con el despues de la iglesia ayer y el acepto el bautismo! MILAGRO.

So happy this week. The work is moving forward here better and better. This week I studied a lot about the Plan of Salvation and about the creation. There is a talk I got from a friend last week by an Elder (I dont remember who) called The Worth of a Soul. He talks about how the scripture that says that we have been created in Gods image means more than just speaking physically. We are like God. We have his characteristics, his power, his potential! We are not just people - when it says we are created after the image of God it means EVERYTHING. I love this. You are divine! Each of us. We all have incredible potential to become like God - afterall, He is who we are like. Then I was reading in Moses 3:25 when it says "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed." I read this scripture and came to a deeper understanding of when it says they were naked. I think it is to mean naked as in innocent and completely dependent on God and THEY WERE NOT ASHAMED. So should we not be ashamed to be dependent on God! To trust in Him. To rely on Him. To pray to Him day in and day out. 

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible Gods and Goddesses... there are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." - C.S. Lewis

Les amo a todos mucho!!!

Hermana Miceli :)

P.S. Sorry for those of you that speak spanish - I am still learning!

Pic 1. My district!

Pic 2. Comin at ya live from Jersey Shore. Dont know why I look so orange.

Pic 3. Hermana Maria! Seriously the cutest little lady ever. Right before this picture she made us wait 10 mins so she could go change and fix her hair so she could be "picture ready" haha

Pic 4. Hi from Puerto!

NO TIME

Sorry yall no time for an email this week! Just know that I am well and that it has been a great week.

Study the bible! Learn it, love it, treasure it. The Bible is incredible and there is so much to learn from it - for it is the word of God!

Love you all - keep praying for me!

Hermana Miceli :)

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

HOLY COW. This week has been so incredible!!! I will try to start from the beginning. (P.S. I HAVE 7 MONTHS WHAT THAT CANT BE REAL.)

So Tuesday my companion Hermana Salas and I traveled to Cusco - she had transfers and I had to go to pick up my new companion who I would be training. When I got to Cusco I died - OF JOY. MY COMPANION HERMANA WATTLES FROM THE CCM IS ALSO TRAINING AND I SAW HER IN CUSCO AND WE SPENT 3 DAYS TOGETHER. Seriously it was the best ever! I love her so much.

On Wednesday we received our hijas! I couldnt decide if I wanted a Latina or a North American but there were only 2 latinas and 4 North Americans so I figured it would be North American. Mi hija es la Hermana Barfuss! Ella es de Logan, Utah y es lo maximo! Tiene grandes deseos de trabajar y aprender. Su español esta mejorando y ella esta tratando cada dia a aprender mas palabras. It was the best/weirdest/scary feeling finding out who I would be training. Once we found out we had some training and then we were on our own! We had our first opportunity to plan and I realized really quickly just how hard it was going to be to train. I have to remember all over again how to be a missionary and start from the beginning! That night we went contacting in the plaza in Cusco and had some awesome experiences! We met a super cute family from Lima that at the end took a picture with us. Haha, it is the best when people take pictures with us because they get so excited about it.

On Thursday, Hermana Barfuss and I traveled back here to Puerto. My fifth time making the trip between Cusco and Puerto and it was the worst one yet. But not to worry, all is well and I am still alive.

Friday we were at home for a lot of the day! There was a lot to explain to her and we had our first weekly planning session! Then the tears came from mi hija. I could relate exactly to her - my first few days in the mission were so hard! You cant speak spanish, you cant understand anyone or anything, and there is SO much to learn. But she gave me an incredible example of someone who knows where to look FIRST for comfort when she asked for a Priesthood blessing for our zone leaders and then spent most of the night searching the scriptures. She is incredible and I am so grateful for her! She knows that the true source of happiness and comfort comes from our Savior and the fact that she can feel and understand that now will serve her well in her mission.

This week more than anything I learned, really learned, how to recognize and follow the Spirit. Long story short, another week of incredible MIRACLES. I felt the Spirit so strong this week and I know the Lord knew that it was what I needed. I was worried about training and knowing what to do and how to do it, but the Lord helped to receive personal revelation and to be guided by the true teacher, the Spirit! There were people we found this week that my companion and I before could never find. It was amazing. The Spirit is so incredible.

This week my testimony of Joseph Smith was also strengthened a lot. We met with a lady in the street on Saturday night who told us for years she had gone to church but had since left because she didnt understand Joseph Smith and felt like we in the church worship him. We explained about the Restoration and it was an incredible lesson! When we left we could see the relief in her eyes and I was so grateful for how the Spirit was able to guide my words and testify of her. But I still felt a little confused myself and wasnt sure how to explain that we dont worship Joseph Smith - we talk about him a lot because he played a fundamental role in the restoration of the Gospel and we are grateful to him. Well this morning my comp and I were reading the talk from last October conference by Neil L. Andersen titled "Joseph Smith" and it hit me! When we talk of Joseph Smith as a natural reaction we end up talking about the Savior. Everything Joseph Smith did points to the Savior! Everything that any prophet has ever done in history points to the Savior. So with reason we talk about Joseph Smith a lot because it leads us to reflect on Christ and rejoice in His power and His restored gospel. CHRIST IS CENTRAL IN ALL THINGS. And so it should be with our lives! We must put him at the top of all things. He is our Savior and He loves us so much! I felt His love more this week than ever. I know without any doubt in my heart, in my entire being, that CHRIST LIVES. He loves us so much, as does our Heavenly Father. When we accept and follow Him in our lives we are then able to achieve our true potential and become who each of us is designed to be.

I love this Gospel. I love my Savior. I love the Holy Ghost. I am incredibly grateful for Joseph Smith and all that the Savior was able to do through him. I love training. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. And I love all of you with all my heart.

Hermana Miceli. :)

My companion from the CCM Hermana Wattles (flower skirt) with our daughters!

MORE

FIESTA

PIZZA. Plus my branch president and his cute wife and daughter with another on the way!

Our zone leader Elder Cedeño who is finishing his mission!

PICS

Carne Brava!

Someone painted this dogs nails red... Had to have a picture.

Call me Mama

AHHHHH. So today are cambios! I am going to be training a new missionary here in Puerto! AHH WHAT. I still feel like I dont even know what Im doing in the mission, so I feel nervous to have to teach someone else everything! But I am super excited to have MI HIJA!!! I dont know if she will be a latina or a North American, but I am so excited/nervous/a thousand other emotions. My comp Hermana Salas will be going to Cusco to be a Sister Training Leader so I will still get to see her when she comes here to Puerto every change to do divisions.

This week was super fun! There were just a lot of silly moments. Tuesday we went and visited our branch president and his wife - she is pregnant and on bed rest so she gets super lonely and annoyed with her husband. It was the best and they bought us pizza - DELICIOUS pizza that was almost american. Wednesday was normal - we bought a coconut and ate ice cream. :)

On Friday we were with Hermana Vitola and Hermana Arroyo our Sister Leaders from Cusco (my comp will be taking the place of Hermana Vitola) I was with Hermana Arroyo and we went to Triunfo! We had an awesome lesson with one of our investigators Marisol. A few weeks back we had left her with a Book of Mormon but hadnt had the chance to come back and explain it. Well, when we started to explain it she told us that in the weeks that we hadnt been able to visit her she had been reading the BOM. She said she didnt understand much but when she had a question she opened up the Bible and tried to compare them so she could understand. WHAT. Incredible. We got her to pray at the end and it was the most simple, beautiful prayer. I LOVE THIS MISSION THING.

That night we had a fiesta! My comps birthday is at the end of this month but we wanted to celebrate it now while we are still together. So while my comp was still with Hermana Vitola, Hermana Arroyo and I went and bought balloons and streamers to decorate our room. Here in Peru the tradition is that on your birthday they crack eggs over your head and throw cornstarch on you. So as tradition has it we had to comply. BAD IDEA. Our room was a mess and it still smells like eggs. Haha. But it was super fun and definitely a night Ill never forget!

Saturday we went and helped our branch president clean his kitchen and then were treated to a delicious lunch made by his mother in law. Its called Carapulcra con sopa seca. SO GOOD. Carapulcra is a curry type dish made with potatoes and peanuts and then sopa seca is pasta with some special sauce and chicken! Ill have to ask for the recipe because it was delish. Then at night we went to this place called CarneBrava to say goodbye to the missionaries from our zone who are finishing their mission. Another delicious meal - now as I am typing this email I realize that this week I had a lot of delicious food. #cantcomplain. By the way, cow intenstines arent so bad people! Pretty tasty actually. The night ended with chocolate cake and ice cream! It was sad to say good bye to the missionaries leaving, but it was fun to have one last night to celebrate!

I am so happy to be a missionary! This week I just felt really grateful to be able to be here sharing the gospel with these people in Peru, and right now in Puerto. There is a song about missionaries calling Coming Home and there is a line in it that says something about it is beautiful when "nameless faces become my best friends." It is so true! I love this. I love these people. I am so privileged to represent Jesus Christ and to know so many more people that for the rest of my life now will be my family! I hope you all can look for opportunities this week to share the gospel where you are! Look for opportunities to serve. For opportunities to love. And always recognize how privileged we are to know what it feels like to feel our Saviors love! I love you all so much! See you next week with MI HIJA!!!

Hermana Miceli :)

Timing is Everything

Ahhh so no time. I wasnt good at writing this email first this week so it will be short - sorry!

This week was great! It was different because we spent a lot of time in the chapel doing family history! The Johnsons are a senior couple from Cusco that are in charge of family history and came here to Puerto for a week to help the people. So I spent a lot of time with them translating! It was the best - also, I can translate now what.

Tuesday was good! We visited with a member, Hna. Leedo. I mentioned her a while back, she is less active but is slowly coming back. We had a good lesson with her where we talked about the temple and the covenants she has made in the temple and the importance of honoring them daily. It was super good! We had to talk about some touchy subjects and were afraid that she would get offended with what we had to say to her - but the Spirit guided us and it turned out great!

On Thursday we had a super good lesson! We have a couple Manuel and Nancy - Manuel is a less active member but his girlfriend Nancy isnt a member. Long story short they have had tons of problems and have a son with another on the way. We met with them and talked about forgiveness - forgiving ourselves and forgiving others. It was a super great lesson and while they didnt come to church yesterday I have faith that now is their time to progress!

Friday was awesome. So last week we found a family by a miracle (I think I mentioned them but dont remember) that were old investigators but the sisters havent been able to find them in a while. Well we were able to visit with the mom and the daughter and we taught them the Restoration. It was the most powerful lesson filled with the Spirit! They were both soaking it up and at the end when the mom prayed - AHH INCREDIBLE. She prayed so sincerely just asking God to help her know that the Book of Mormon is true. She expressed her desire to learn and prayed with complete sincerity that she can progress on this path that she is now on. Ahhhh so happy! They are a family I can picture in temple white being sealed for time and all eternity! Stay tuned. :) We also had an awesome FHE with a less active family and talked about the Articles of Faith. Yall, the Articles of Faith are SO AMAZING. I know I have said that before but seriously they are incredible and so inspired. STUDY THEM. Love them. Ask to understand them if you dont. They are so short and simple but will strengthen your testimony more than you can imagine.

On Saturday we had three baptisms in the chapel! None of them were our investigators, but none the less it was the best! But, we do have one with a baptismal date! It is a little boy named Sebastian that is set for the 15th. His whole family is members, we were just waiting for his uncle to return from his mission to baptize him.

Yesterday the miracles continued. We have a recent convert (now less active) named Oliver. None of his family members are members of the church and have always been pretty cold to the missionaries. Well about 5 months ago the dad of this family died and since then they have slowly been warming up to listening to the missionaries. They are adventistas! Well, we finally found the mom at home (Her name is Sulema) and she warmly welcomed us in. We had the most incredible lesson with her and just testified that all we are here to do as representatives of Christ is build on the faith that she already has and help her find the one true church on the faith of the earth so that she and her family can receieve ALL of the blessings that the Lord has in store for them. She cried, we cried, she laughed, we laughed, it was just the best and so incredible to see that now really could be her time to be touched by the Spirit. LOVE THIS WORK.

This morning we got up early and went to Serpintario for P-day! Pictures are coming soon, but it was super fun! Basically just a jungle zoo but it was fun none the less. 

I love you all and hope you have had a good week! It was super hot this week here in the jungle and they say it will continue to get hotter - It was in the low 100s all week. But it is the best! I love being a missionary. I have never felt so discouraged, so tired, and so frustrated in my life. But I also have never witnessed so many miracles and felt the love of the Lord so powerfully. Search for him! Forgive others. Do the simple things that will keep you on the path of following the Savior. All He asks is that we love Him and Follow Him.

Until next week!

Hermana Miceli :)

Photo for your enjoyement

Right before Elder Uceda I took a nice chunk out of my head with my nail! It was worse after this pic. #oops

CANT HANDLE THE SPIRIT

ONE WORD THIS WEEK YALL... EXHAUSTED. HOLY COW. So all week we have had the incredible privilege of listening to Elder Uceda - apostle of the Lord and the President of the Northwest South America Area in the first Quorom of the 70. SO INCREDIBLE PEOPLE, SO INCREDIBLE. But seriously I am dead. From feeling the Spirit so strong every single day I think I might just spend this p-day sleeping... #missionaryprobs.

So Wednesday we traveled from Puerto to Cusco! It was horrible to say the least. So it is about an 11 hour drive and it is SUPER windy. Plus you go up in elevation to about 11,000 feet. I was fine, but one of the Elders right behind us was throwing up the whole time, my  companion threw up, and the sisters across from us were sick as well. Not fun yall, not fun. But we finally made it! Thursday we had conference in Cusco with Elder Uceda with all the missionaries in the mission with the exception of two zones who didnt come. It was awesome because usually big conferences like this in the mission only happen around Christmas time. It was THE BEST! I wish I could tell you all everything he talked about and what his wife talked about and the powerful, powerful Spirit that was present. In the beginning for a good 30 minutes he talked about repentance - he told us that while he had not planned at all to talk about repentance he felt that it was what we needed here. In fact, most of what he ended up sharing was not what he had planned but was exactly what we needed to hear as missionaries. Elder Uceda said many many times "El arrepentimiento es un principio de perfeccion." Repentance is a principle of perfection. It is the most beautiful and perfect gift that we have from our Heavenly Father to be able to repent EVERYDAY and become better. Incredible. Only when we have come to see sin differently, with a changed heart and no more desire to sin, only then have we fully repented! Suffering is not repentance. Confession is not repentance. Asking for forgiveness is not repentance. A CHANGE OF HEART IS REPENTANCE. Repentance is a process and all of the steps are important, but until we have had this change we have not repented.

The Friday we came back to Puerto from Cusco and the drive was better! On Saturday Elder Uceda came here to Puerto and we got to listen to him again! He did a training with us  missionaries and with our leaders. He talked a lot about unity and that the Spirit of Contention is never from the Lord! It is Satans most powerful tool he uses among us to drive away the Spirit of the Lord and ruin our success. He also talked a lot about "renewing our spirit of sacrifice." In this church we do not ask for a release from our callings - that just doesnt exist. We work until we love our calling, and if we ask to be let go it is because we do not understand the eternal law of sacrifice. IT WAS SO GOOD.

THEN (even more I know I am blessed) on Sunday we had District conference with Elder Uceda!!! Him and his wife both talked about modesty and how our bodies are temples for the Spirit. "We are not better than anyone as members of the church, BUT WE ARE DIFFERENT." We have to be! We are not of the world, and until we learn this we cannot become fully converted to the Gospel. Me, my comp, and two other members had the chance to sing "I Believe in Christ" (in Spanish of course) and it was the best.

A seriously incredible week. I feel so blessed to have learned what I learned and to have felt the Spirit so strongly all week long. I encourage you all to "renew your sense of sacrifice" like Elder Uceda said. If you dont like your calling or feel inadequate first know that I promise you you are not the only one and then get on your knees and pray for strength from the Lord to change your heart! This Gospel is marvelous and perfect. The Lord works through his servants - each one of us play an important role in building up the Kingdom of God in this time on the Earth.

I love you all!

Hermana Miceli :)

Coconuts and The Spirit

Wow this week was so crazy I literally dont know where to start. Well not really that crazy, I just cant remember anything from the HEAT STROKE I am receiving here in the jungle everyday... Okay there is my rant. I love it yall dont fret.

So Tuesday this week we did something different and had training with our mission president out in the field! So we went to this really pretty jungle resortish place by the river and were there all day! OUR PRES IS THE BEST PEOPLE. We talked about tons of stuff and our course the whole "get married and your joy will be full" talk. We had literally the best lunch I have had thus far in my mission! Some grilled chicken with salad and a banana ball thing that is a specialty here in Puerto! IT WAS SO GOOD. I really loved everything our president said, but what struck me most was when his wife, Hermana Harbertson talked to us. She had us all hold our bags out in front of us as she gave her talk and talked about holding onto our sins longer than we need to. She stated very boldly "If you think that you can repent later for the sins your commit now you do not understand nor appreciate the atoning sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ." It was the best! It is so true - why hold on to our sins when we have the way in front of us in each moment to become better and receive forgiveness from a loving Heavenly Father. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a gift and an opportunity that when we accept it, it allows us to become free from our mortal mistakes and become more like our perfect Savior. So grateful for the atonement and I know without a shadow of a down that it is real and available for each and every one of us.

Then Friday was THE BEST DAY EVER. So during our training with president we talked a ton about finding new people through contacting and through references. Well, my comp and I were determined to put what president had taught us to the test and find new people. We found one new lady on Friday through a member in the ward, Hna. Raquel. The ladys name is Dora and it turns out she had taken the missionary lessons a while back and was actively attending church but stopped because her husband told her he didnt want her listening to gospel anymore. Well, we taught her again and she is GREAT. Her husband wouldnt come out and talk to us, but I have all the faith that with time his heart will soften! Pray for her and for their family - they are a family that truly needs the Gospel now in their lives and she is so ready to listen!

Then we also found another new family! The family lives in Triunfo and at night there are no lights  - it is literally pitch black! So we were walking Thursday night with my little flashlight to go visit a member and these two savage dogs decided they wanted to eat us. So as we are trying and failing to evade them, literally out of the darkness comes this man who literally saved us! We contacted him and then came back on Friday to visit him and his wife and it was THE BEST. He was asking us tons of questions about the Sabbath Day and even prayed at the end! It was a failure on our part because we didnt explain that we pray out loud so he did it out loud, but none the less the spirit was so strong!

Then to continue the miracles that night - we usually eat dinner at 8 and our pension is a restaurant so when there arent people they close early. Well we had a Family Home Evening and arrived at our pension at 9:15 to find it deserted. So with 15 minutes to get home we went around to this little pizza place. Sitting there was a man who recognized us and told the girl to give us his two pizzas because we had to get home in 15 minutes and that he would pay for us. WHAT. Turns out the man is a less active who the sisters havent visited in a long time but said he would love to have us visit him now. Tender mercies people, tender mercies.

But if you can believe it, the biggest spiritual high of the week comes from Saturday afternoon. So there is a young less active girl Iscra who the missionaries have always visited. Her whole family are less active members as well but usually they dont like to listen to us. Well, we were able to get her mom and her aunt to listen to us on Saturday! So we taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ and talked a lot about Faith and Repentance and it was AWESOME but Iscra hadnt really been paying attention the entire time. Well at the end I asked her if she could say the closing prayer and she reluctantly agreed. She started and gave thanks for a few things and then paused and started to weep. She continued and gave one of the most powerful, simple, faithful prayers I have ever heard asking for blessins for her family and for her mom. THE SPIRIT TOUCHES PEOPLES HEARTS PEOPLE. It was incredible to see that while she hadnt really been listening to us, in her heart she had been listening to and feeling the spirit during the lesson. It was a moment I will never forget. The Spirit testifies and when he does people cannot deny his power and influence.

Then on Sunday tons of people came to church!!! Hermana Leelo a less active lady who always said she couldnt leave her store in the mornings and had to work worked it out to have her friend watch her store so she could come to church! And Familia Gimenez have now come to church for 2 weeks in a row and have stayed all 3 hourse! AND Hermana Daniela finally came after promising for 3 weeks that she would come, and her "husband" who isnt a member and never really wants to listen to us came! We didnt have any investigators show up, but it didnt matter! I was so happy to see these people sacrificing for the Lord and acting on their faith! I also got to give a talk in sacrament and teach Gospel Principles! Here in our Rama they rely a lot on the missionaries to do almost everything on Sundays, but we are trying to help the members understand their resposibilities to help the ward function. Things are looking up!

Sorry this is a Machu Picchu email - it was just such a good week! The jungle is still good! I have yet to see a monkey, but I have seen plenty of bugs. I even stole a coconut off of a tree on the side of the road this week courtesy of the encouragement of my companion. Haha, there are coconut trees everywhere here so I dont think anyone will notice.

I love you all! God loves you. The Gospel is true. There is only one true church on the face of the earth and it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Of that I boldly testify. I know our Savior lives and waits for us in each moment to come to him. Also, always pay your tithing. Like the missionary pamphlet says "it is a manifestation of our faith for The Lord AND HIS WORK." By being a faithful tithe payer you are contributing to the work of Salvation and building the Lords Kingdom!

Love you all always,

Hermana Miceli

PUERTO MALDONADO

Hey all!

So first off I must start this email in caps... TODAY ARE CAMBIOS AND AFTER BEING IN THE HEART OF CUSCO I AM HEADED TO THE INFERNO JUNGLE OF PUERTO MALDONADO!!!!! So crazy what. My new companion will be Hermana Salas! I dont know her but I think she just finished her training, so I will be the Senior Companion! I cant decide if I feel more terrified or excited. I JUST HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT. AHHHHHH!!! I am sad to leave Cusco and my comp now Hermana Hoskins because we have some INCREDIBLE people on the horizon who are so prepared. But if nothing else, my last week here in Cusco has been the most rewarding week I have had thus far in the mission!

So we have this new investigator Richard. He was a reference from a member in the ward. Well, the first time we met with him last week we already knew he was golden! He was raised in the Catholic church like most people here, but was telling us how he never really believed in the church and didnt like all of the traditions with the saints and all that. He told us he was absolutely ready to change his life and would do what it takes to grow closer to the Savior. MIRACLES PEOPLE. Then the second time we met with him, we taught The Restoration. Before the lesson he had read the entire pamphlet and basically taught us! Then this week we had our third lesson with him - this one being the biggest miracle of all. So before we even started teaching him about The Book of Mormon he asked us if he could share a little bit more about what he had learned about The Restoration - uhhhh of course!!! So before we know it, he then proceeds to recite from memore the first vision... my companion was sitting there crying and I was just so in shock I couldnt take my eyes off of him. This man is so prepared - HE IS INCREDIBLE!!! Then, he came to church yesterday and was commenting in the classes and even said the closing prayer in Elders Quorom. WHAT. I cannot explain it, but this man is a miracle. He told us he already knows that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that the true church has been restored to the earth - he even asked us how long he has to wait to be baptized. Wow, this church is so true. I have never known it more in my life than I do now. This mans heart is changing, and we havent even done anything! It has all been the Spirit working through us. So. Incredible.

Then another miracle! We received another reference from a less active lady in the ward. The references name is Monica and had been asking to receive the missionaries for a while - it turns out her husband is a member of the church but works outside of Cusco in Quillabamba a lot so none of the members here really even know who he is. So anyways, we went and had our first lesson with her this week. SHE IS THE CUTEST LADY EVER and has two adorable little boys, one is two and the other is 7 months. She told us that she always asked her husband about the church, but he would never share much with her because he wanted to respect how she had grown up in the Catholic church. She is another person who has been put in our path who is so prepared to accept the Gospel. We ended up teaching her most of the Restoration because she knows a lot about the church already, and at the end she said she was totally ready to do what it takes to be baptized and join her husband in the church. She even asked us if she could be baptized into the church like normal since she was already baptized Catholic. WHAT. So much joy. I cannot explain it, but we are finally seeing the fruits of our labors here in Tullumayo. It is so incredible, and I can in no way deny that the Holy Ghost is who teaches these people and touches their hearts. I feel like I havent even done anything! I have simply been the vessel through which this people can receive the Gospel.

So needless to say, it was an incredible week - the most rewarding I have had yet! I know that as these people continue to prepare themselves the Lord will help them arrive at baptism and how great will be their joy! LOVE THIS WORK SO MUCH!

So in funny news this week...

Yesterday after church my comp and I were standing in the hall waiting for the sacrament meeting of the other ward to end so we could talk to the Elders. Well, as we are waiting this little girl walks past us and proceeds to say with the most terrified look on her face as she points to me, "GRINGA! ES UNA GRINGA!" HAHAHAHHA gringa or gringo is a term they use here for white people, and many times is used slightly offensive. It was so funny and yet so rude. Hahahaha. I wish you all could have seen her face - it was as if she had just seen the biggest most terrifying spider of her life. Ahhhh, gotta love Cusco!

I know that our Savior lives! This is His work that I have the opportunity to take part in, and He moves it along in His time! What I needed to learn from my area here in Cusco is patience. The Lord will do things when it pleases Him and when it is right. I felt like I was having no success here until just this week, but I was also being very impatient. I didnt understand why, if I was working so hard, why the success wasnt coming. I am so grateful for what I have learned here and the amazing people I have met. I am so grateful for each of them and know that all of the experiences I have had here are ones I will never forget.

I hope you all have an incredible week! Read the Articles of Faith when you have time - I studied them this week and realized just how incredible and inspired from God they really are. 

UNTIL NEXT WEEK IN THE JUNGLE!

Hermana Miceli :)