Feliz Ano Nuevo

Sooooo …. Our baptism didn't happen this week, but it is   alright because our investigator wasn't ready. We retaught the word of wisdom and the law of chastity and he has        decided that he can't be baptized for 2 years! I don't exactly know why two years... but I am not giving up on him yet. I   can't because I know if he prays and reads that he will gain that testimony and he will be willing to give up those things.  But other cool things happened this week!

I hope I don't get transferred, honestly, I want to stay in my trio. I truly enjoy the support of 2 other people ..... and yes the Spanish is hard but I learn a little bit more each and every day. My companions are Sister Training Leaders so they are kinda like zone leaders for Sister Missionaries. Normally, I would have been assigned to a companionship, but because so many new Sisters come in the same week as me, they had 2 sets of Sister Training Leaders train the new Missionaries. The STL's were having a leadership meeting this week (and I wasn't invited LOL) so I got to be companions with another new missionary for the day. WOW, Two greenies on their own! ADVENTURE!

Off to my apartment we went …. we studied and prepared as best we could and then we went out to visit my investigators! Two “greenies” that don't know a lot of Spanish and are still unsure of how to teach …. and you'll never believe it but we talked to a ton of people! We set up appointments and we even found a new investigator. Probably the best part is I started the day with a stranger and now I have a new friend. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is so true. I hate to admit it but this is hard out here.... really hard and having friends and people to help means so much.

Well I guess that I don't hide my stress too well ….. I had a member approach me this week and had a long talk with me about how important it is to enjoy my mission... but life is great!

On the domestic side, I learned how to make tortillas this week! I will never buy corn tortillas again. Homemade are soooo much better! I have gotten great at eating food I don't like and am learning to be diplomatic and not saying no. This week I had just started a fast, and we went to a members house and this sweet Sister comes in the room with a huge plate full of food! She can barely afford to feed herself and her family …. how can I say no to such generosity and love? So I quickly say a prayer telling Heavenly Father sorry and that I will re start my fast a little bit later. Then, bring on the rice potatoes, chicken noodles, tomatoes, spinach and onions! I sure hope there is no dessert. I did get to experience a new drink, this yummy homemade drink, not really sure what it was! The food really wasn't bad, and at an appropriate time I just restarted my fast! I love the people here and I am learning so much from them.

So on New Years Eve we got to watch two movies! After much deliberation and negotiation, we chose Frozen and How to train your dragon 2. If anyone knows or could find the last few lines from How to train your dragon I would love that!! It was super uplifting. It was great to just relax and watch a couple of Disney movies. Just plain FUN! And so for this week ..... # life as a missionary

Love,
Hermana Atkinson
Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Washington D.C. South Mission