He is the Gift

Well, another week has passed in the great country of Mexico! Thanks to everyone who has sent me emails; even if I can't reply much or at all, they mean so much to me. I guess I will begin my answering the most frequently asked question - how is Mexico?!

Mexico is great. It is different than America in so many ways, but that is part of what makes is beautiful. Right now, the weather in Hauchinango is great (considering it is December 8). It is nice in during the day and gets cold during the night. You can check the weather if you really want to know! The one thing is that it's really humid here in Hauchi... it's not hot now so I don't notice much, but my hair is LOCO! Haha. The houses are all small - way smaller than a small house in America. No carpet. No hot water (except for when you turn the boiler on). All made of cement. And of every color imaginable. Haha. We travel by foot or by bus. The drivers are stinking crazy! Bus drivers, car drivers, taxi drivers - all of them. There are no traffic police so they just have these nice speed bumps in the road every so often. Makes for a smooth ride! The language is coming along... I can talk pretty well and definitely communicate what I am thinking, but understand probably less than 50%. Nevertheless, it's coming along! And I can hold a conversation with anyone. And..... the FOOD! The food here is delicious. Need I say more? Tortillas at every meal. We got tacos, we got chalupas, we got tortas. Honestly, everything it so good. The one thing I am not a fan of is cactus, which I have had twice, but I can't complain! The food is delicious!

The work is going pretty well too. We work our tails off every day. We contact references, knock doors, and teach many lessons every day. We don't have time to be disobedient or think about other things. We have a goal of "hablar con todo" every day - 10. That means that every day, we approach at least 10 people in the bus, on the street... anywhere. And try to set up an appointment to teach a lesson. Everyone is so nice, but we are having problems with people not keeping committments. Such as Sunday - we were supposed to have like 7 people at church but only 1 showed up. We are going to work harder this week on making sure people know our purpose, and that the Lord expects them to do more than just listen to us.

So here's an update on some of our investigators! Gaby, who had a baptismal date for the 20th, texted us the other day and said she has too many problems in her life and is not going to be baptized. Now, every time we go try to visit her, she "isn't home." Prayers for her would be greatly appreciated. Joselyn, the one who we found my first night in Mexico, who had read through Mosiah, is receptive to everything, but lives with the father of her 2 children and is not married. Her boyfriend is not open to us, but the work cannot progress unless they get married or stop living together. Also, prayers.

But here's the good news! Paola came to church on Sunday with her two little girls! She receives everything so well and fulfills her committments. And, she is looking for a way to better her family! She is GOLDEN! I can see how the Gospel can bless her family and am looking forward with faith to the day that she will be baptized. :) Also, we are working on the reactivation of Franco, who is a former branch president! Unfortunately, about 4 years ago, someone in the branch falsely accused him of something and he was not able to enter the temple one day. Since then, he has become inactive. But we are working on resolving his problems. He is such an amazing person with a kind, wonderful spirit. I can't wait for him to come back and re-develop a love for the covenants he has made. 

So, those are some of our main people! I want to express how incredible it has been for me to be able to testify of the way the Gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed my family. I can truly say that I am who I am because of my family, and my family is what it is because of the Gospel. Every day, I get to say "I know this message will bless your family because it has blessed mine." And each time, I testify with all of my heart. I am so grateful for my family and the eternal truths I was taught as a young child that are now an integral part of who I am and what I know.

And finally, I will close with the MIRACLE of the week! The other day, Hermana Z. forgot her jacket in Paola's tienda, which was fine until we got home that night and realized that our keys were in the pocket. Great. So, an old neighbor who lives above us let us in the main door. But, we had no idea how we were going to enter our apartment. So, we got on our knees and prayed that Heavenly Father would let us know how to get into our house. Hna. Z tried and tried to pry it open with her plaque for 10 minutes to no avail. I was just praying and praying that somehow, we would be able to get in. When she gave up, I reached into my bag and took out 4 "El es la Dadiva" cards that we give out each day. I shoved them behind the lock and CLICK. The door opened. It was a miracle. I can't explain how 4 little cards physically opened that locked door, but I do know that God is so mindful of us. 

El es the Dadiva. He is the Gift. The Church is making a huge campaign of this sentence as Christmas is approaching. As I close my letter, I leave with you my testimony that He is the Gift. Jesus Christ is everything to me. He strengthens me and enables me every day. When I think I can't go on one more minute, he helps me and I instantly remember the reason I am here. It is because of Him. I loved watching the Christmas Devotional last night and was so struck by the words of Sister Oscarson and Elder Christofferson. He came into this world as child, in the most humble of circumstances. He grew. In took time. And then, He endured all for us. We too often take time to grow. And we too must descend below some things in order to become more like the one who descended below all things. Oh how grateful I am for the Savior, who is truly the Gift. This Christmas season, share the Gift with everyone you know. 

Love you all so much! Have a great week!

Con todo mi corazon,

Hna. Snyder

The chapel.  Beautiful, right?!

A view of my town:

I was told I look like this doll.  Whattaya think?:

"HOLA! I'm in Mexico!"

Wowzers! It's been forever since I've talked to you! Yes, I am here safe and sound in good old Mexico! Where to start, where to start...

Okay. So day one, I flew in to Mexico City. Holy moly that city is huge! I've never seen a city sprawl out for so long. It's crazy. I got to meet the Egberts, who are totally awesome. They are so great. President Egbert is the best combo of friendly and drill-sarg. Haha. He said that yes, the missionaries in this mission are happy, but they are happy because they work their tails off. And it's true. Just from reading the mission binder and being around President Egbert, I can see that he runs a tight ship, and exact obedience is expected. In this mission, you better work your buns off for 18 months or 2 years, no questions. 

So that's great! Haha. I'm looking forward to it. :) My first area is called Hauchinanga. It is about 3 hours from Pachuca by bus (pretty much everyone in Mexico gets around by bus). Annnnd we're kind of in the middle of nowhere. Pretty much in the forest. It's great! But it's still a pretty big city, not too primitive for Mexico.

When I say "for Mexico"... it's like a different world here. I definitely went through, and am going through, a bit of culture shock. The houses are different, the food is different, the people are different. Pretty much everything is different. It's definitely an adjustment that I am having to make, but the Lord is helping me through it.

On my first walk down the streets of Mexico, I stepped in a nice fresh pile of dog poop (there are dogs everywhere! On the streets, on the roofs... everywhere)! So that set the tone of how different things are here. The one thing that is not different is the church, which is such a blessing to me. The members are the best part of my mission so far. Every single member is incredible and so kind and welcoming. The bishop in the ward is so great, and I am so grateful for the familiar feeling that I get every time I walk into a chapel, anywhere in the world. Remember when I was little and would ask "Is it Church Day?!" every day? I still feel the same way. I love the way going to church makes me feel. 

And... yes! We're teaching people! The people of Mexico are incredibly friendly and kind, so a lot of people let us teach them. But, there are way less who are willing to go to church and even less who are willing to make changes in their lives. But... we're prepping for a baptism! Hermana Gaby (who I love and she loves me), is set to be baptized on Dec. 20! I am so happy for her and already see the light that the gospel is bringing into her life. 

My first night, a miracle happened. Hna. Zenteno (my trainer) and her previous companion had found a lady named Joselyn before I arrived. They gave her a Book of Mormon, but unfortunately were not able to find her afterward. They called and called and searched for her with no luck. My first night here, we stopped at a little tienda to buy a loaf of bread for the next morning, and guess who was there waiting outside? Yes, Joselyn. She told us that night that she had read 1 Nephi through Mosiah. !!!!!!!! As you can imagine, it was incredible. Miracles. Confirmation that this is the Lord's work. And, she is loving what we are teaching her. So great!

And last night we found a family! I can see that they are ready and prepared to hear the message of the restored gospel!

We have tons of other investigators... not enough time!

My companion is Hna. Zenteno from Puebla, Mexico, only about 3 hours from Hauchinango! Crazy! But she is great... Clearly, she must be because I am here fourth "greenie." She works super hard and is a great example of boldness and love. She is understanding of any problems that I might be having and always tries to help. She is great.

So, yes! Mexico! I felt my first twinges of homesickness on Wednesday, and I don't want to talk about it because I am trying my best to forget about it. But just know that I love you so much and am realizing how truly incredible my upbringing was. I have the best life and the best eternal family ever. For all I have been given, I know this 18 months is the LEAST I can do for the Lord. I have a strong testimony that this is where I need to be right now, no matter how I am feeling. I am so grateful for your prayers and love and support. YOU ARE MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Con mucho mucho muchisimo amor,

Hna. Snyder

Week 5 in the MTC:

And our 6th and final week!

The view from my shower in Mexico:

It gets super foggy here in Hauchinango:

My nice little area:

You better believe that I'm the only gringa within a 10 mile radius:

Delicious Mexican food:

Me and Hna. Zenteno with our Arbol de Navidad!

Headed to Mexico!

Today Kelsey is in transit to Mexico!  We got to talk to her while she waited for her flight at the SLC airport.  She sounded great and so excited to get there. We aren't sure, but we think she won't have a chance to email until next week.  We can't wait to hear about her first week in Mexico!

Where in the world is Jacob??

I'm sure you're all wondering why there hasn't been an update from Jake for a few weeks. After much fasting and prayer, Jake decided that he needed to come home from his mission for a while. He feels that it's the right thing to do right now.  His goal is to work hard, keep studying and go back to Japan in a few months. We support him 100% and are so happy to have him home!

Week Four!

Well, another week has come and gone! It's been great. I honestly love the MTC. It's so great here and I am going to treasure my time here forever because of the growth that I've made. I cannot imagine a place that would be any more conducive to learning. It's awesome. With that said, I'm ready to go to Mexico! Not ready to speak and listen to Spanish 24/7... but ready! I'm so excited! 7 days!

So. This week:

I got lots of mail! Thanks to everyone who sent me stuff - Kelly, Cait, Erica, Mom, Megan King. Y'all are the BEST!!! You don't know how it puts a smile on my face. I seriously love you all so much!

SUPER funny story... Ok, my companionship had to pick up some international sisters on Tuesday night and show them around and whatnot. So during the night we had to take them to the international travel office to get some things taken care of. Well, that office is right next to a room where I happened to see earlier that day. I had seen Sister Nally (the MTC president's wife) in there setting up this really fancy dinner table. So, I assumed that it must be the room where they have a nice dinner with the MTC Presidency and the devotional speaker before devotional. Word on the street (which means absolutely nothing at the MTC) was that a general authority was coming. I had specifically heard the names "Bednar" and "Ballard" mentioned by missionaries earlier that day, so I thought I'd try to peek in the room to see if I could catch a glimpse. Well, the door was shut and there were no windows so I decided to put my ear up to the door. Nope, nothing. So, I just went on my merry way continuing to wait for the international sisters. 2 minutes later, this guy in a security uniform comes walking up to me. "Sister, is there a reason that you were snooping around and trying to listen into that room?" ............"Ummmmm, no?" "Okay, well I was just wondering because I just saw you on camera." HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Sooo funny. Oh my gosh. That woulda been a funny way to go home. But you know what, IT WASN'T EVEN A GENERAL AUTHORITY! Not even worth it. 

I got to sing at the welcome devotional for all the new missionaries, which was a cool experience! It went great! Elder Yoo played for me. I got lots of super nice compliments afterward, so I think it was a success!

Somehow, my comps and I got chosen to be these example missionaries in a workshop for new missionaries called "People and My Purpose." It was a neat experience, especially since we got to speak English! Yay! Something cool: The guy who was in charge of telling us what to do and how to act and whatnot was Elder Christiansen from the tv show, The District! Super funny, because he is seriously like a missionary celebrity. We always watch clips from the District in class, so it was pretty awesome to talk to him.

I got my travel plans! Hna. A and I and 3 Elders headed to Pachuca are leaving for the SLC airport at 3:30am on Sunday! Whooo!!! Pretty exciting! I can't believe I'm going to Mexico! 

Man, it's been a good week! I learned a lot. I had some insights yesterday about repentance that I want to share. So here ya go: Brad Wilcox said, "We are not earning heaven, we are learning heaven." By repenting, we are not checking off a task or erasing past mistakes to work our way up to heaven. Rather, through repentance, we learn how to be more like God. Repentance should change us so that we forsake the bad to become more prepared to stand in Their presence. Each time we repent, we become more like Them. We learn more about who They are as we repent and change through the Atonement. 

I love the gift of repentance. I know that I mess up every day, and so I repent every day. And as I do, the Lord blesses me with so much, but most of all with His love. I feel it so abundantly in my life. I know He heals, helps, saves, and loves. He's the reason I'm here.

I love you all so much! 

Hna. Snyder 

Gym selfie:

This is a candid shot that I thought was so funny because we all look so angry:

My mountain of dulces:

Friends from the same hallway:

Week 4 just got owned!

Life is great!

Well. This week has been interesting. It started off pretty rough on Monday, but throughout the week I was blessed with so much peace. 

Doctrine & Covenants 101:13-15

13 And they that have been scattered shall be gathered.
14 And all they who have mourned shall be comforted.
15 And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned.

I honestly believe that everything that I have learned so far in the MTC has helped me to prepare for this very moment in my life.

Nevertheless, life is good, especially as a missionary.

Here at the MTC you can audition to do special musical numbers at different events. I (plus my amazing accompanist Elder Yoo) auditioned and am actually singing for the new missionary devotional on Wednesday! So that's exciting! I'll be singing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" for all the new missionaries and the MTC Presidency! Yippee!:)

I was able to talk to President Davis (my Branch President) yesterday about the things that are going on my life right now, and his words were very comforting. I know that our leaders are called of God. He also called me to be the Music Coordinator for the branch, which I should be a pro at by now! I'm currently 100% for that calling (Somerset, Rexburg, and now MTC)!

Oh, cool experience! We got to go to the outside world on Tuesday! All the missionaries in the MTC walked over to BYU for devo at the Marriott Center! It was super awesome! It was such a great talk by Elder David F. Evans, entitled "Tenacity." Look it up! 

As for the language... it's going so great. It's a bit overwhelming but I'm seriously being so blessed. The other night, I studied so hard that I thought my head would explode. I was honestly kind of afraid to go to sleep because I didn't want to have forgotten by the time I woke up. Nevertheless, I fell asleep within like 1 minute of hitting the pillow because my studying has tired me out so much! The next day, we had a lesson to teach with Paz (my teacher, Hna. Ferrell) and her husband (another teacher). We had been teaching Paz for a while but this was the first lesson with her husband, Kevin. So we prepped for our lesson. It was kind of weird to prep for because we didn't know exactly what to plan since we had been teaching Paz for a while but were just starting with Kevin. We decided to focus on teaching not any of the "lessons," but about prayer and the nature of God. I believe hat while we planned, the Spirit was definitely helping us out, which resulted in something amazing. Our lesson was so awesome. Words that I've never even thought of before came out of my mouth. We talked about science and God and prayer and faith. It was amazing. The Spirit was there and I know that everyone could feel it. And I know that I was blessed with the Gift of Tongues since I had been studying so diligently. It was amazing. Even though I'm in the MTC, this is so real. And when we bear testimony and are worthy of the Spirit, it is powerful. We walked out of the lesson and Hna. Ferrell came running to us with a huge smile on her face. She was so proud. She said as soon as we walked out of the room, her "husband" just said, "Wow." IT WAS AWESOMEEEE.

This is true. I know it. I feel it every time I testify. Every time! I decided to take Moroni's challenge again last week, and felt another witness of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. If you don't know what "Moroni's promise" is, talk to my parents, the missionaries, go to mormon.org... something! It's the most important thing that could ever happen to you! I'm so serious!

Life is great, and honestly, I love the MTC! I can't believe there are only 2 weeks left! I love you all so much! Families are forever!  I'll close with an awesome quote from devo by Elder Evans:

"If you care enough to go through the process to know God's will, He will care enough to tell you."

Love love loveeeeeeeeee,

Hermana Snyder

1. This is how I feel every night after a hard day's work!

                                              

  2. Hehe he had no idea! Poor Elder Alder and his chronic nap syndrome...

3. The packages I got from Kelly and Grandma (two of my favorite people in the universe)! I loved them soooo much!

4. I forgot to send you our 2-week-anniversary pic, so here it is!

5. 3-week-anniversary pic (obviously I'm a model).

6. Random pic from last week...

7. The zone! One district just got shipped out, so we had to get a group pic before they left!

8. My Elder buddies

"We are not earning heaven, we are learning heaven."

It was a great week at the MTC! The weeks are going by super fast now. I wrote down some things from my journal last night so I could remember what happened this week, because I always get to the computer and can't remember! First, I haven't told you at all about my maestros! My teachers! Hna. Ferrell and Hno. Thompson are the absolute best. They love us so much. I feel the Spirit and get so much out of class every time they teach, because all of it is out of love. They are one of the best parts about the MTC.

The language! I'm learning Spanish pretty darn well. The Lord is blessing me, without a doubt. It takes a lot of faith and constant prayer, but it's working. I know that I am receiving the gift of tongues. I can teach full lessons without too much of a problem. My companions are getting the hang of it, too! Slowly but surely, we are learning to work together and teach by the Spirit. It's pretty awesome. And yesterday I was able to bear my testimony and give the closing prayer in Sacrament meeting pretty easily, so Spanish is going great.

The last two devotionals have been by Rosemary Wixom (the Primary General President) and Wendy W. Nelson (Elder Nelson's wife), and they were awesome. Devo is super great. I'm in the choir!

So the other day, we had a TRC assignment, which is just like a teaching lesson/appointment. It's usually with an "investigator," but this past week, we actually taught members pretending to be... members! Pretty fun. Our lessons were pretty good. 

I also love the opportunity to go to the temple every week. It's the best. This week was kind of hard for me, just because of different things going on and because there's a lot of sickness and injuries in our district that makes me super sad, but the temple today made me feel so much better. I received the calm assurance that no matter what happens, everything is going to be okay. I love the temple. I know it's the Lord's house.

I have a testimony of this Gospel and of this work. I am a soldier in the Lord's battle. It's a battle against a tough and stubborn enemy, Satan, but Christ will always win. I'm on the winning side. This week, my goal is to try to be as obedient and dedicated to this mission as possible. I'm looking forward to the blessings that are in store as I try my hardest to be the best missionary I can be!

I love you all! Study hard, do your best. "We are not earning heaven; we are learning heaven." -Brad Wixom

Love,

Hna. Snyder