Letter and Photos - April 20, 2015

"God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly." President Uchtdorf's talk, The Gift of Grace.

It's been an eventful week. On Friday we had our zone conference with Presidente García, and it was my last one, which means I got to share my testimony. It still feels unreal, and I can't believe how fast time is flying. On Saturday we had interviews, and I just LOVE my mission president. Words can't express how much. The interview helped me a lot and I am so grateful for the love he has for us. He helps me feel a big part of the love my Heavenly Father has for me.

L1...was not baptized. It's kinda a long story, but basically said she didn't feel ready (even though she had already passed her baptismal interview) and said she'll let us know when. But we felt calm knowing we had done our part, and she made the decision. Someday she will be ready. :)

 

This week we met J. L. He was a referral from the zone leaders, since he works in a taco place in their area. He is VERY receptive and accepted a baptismal date. He came to an activity on Wednesday and while waiting for it to start, he opened his Book of Mormon and was reading. The only problem is that right now he is working on Sundays, but he said it's because one of his co-workers is out of town, and as soon as he gets back he is going to ask for Sundays off. :) 

 

Thanks for your wonderful examples of faith and for everything you do. I love you!

Love,

Hermana Loveland

 Hermana Loveland and Hermana Noe visited a craftshop where they make stain glassed windows, including ones for the Payson, Paris and Tijuana temples.

 

Wearing her birthday dress.

With companion Hermana Noe

Greeted by this spider.

April 13, 2015 - Letter and photo

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; (constant) in prayer;"
Romans 12:12  - I found this scripture this week and really liked it.

It's been another great week here in Ensenada, full of miracles and exhaustion and all sorts of fun stuff - it's great to be a missionary! 
 
One miracle is L2! She is 64 and very sick. She had a baptismal date for this week, but last week she got mad for a little thing that happened and said she didn't want us to come anymore. But this week she was able to understand better and is excited for her baptism. The one problem is that she couldn't make it to church yesterday, but she really does have the desire to be baptized. If everything goes well,
she should be baptized on Saturday!

L1 is doing great, and came to church again yesterday. We haven't taught her husband; she says he's not interested, but we might give it  a try. :)

We keep working hard, and trying to improve as well. I know there is lots more I have to give in the time I have left, and I haven't finished learning!

Here is another great scripture I read in the Book of Mormon this week. It is a great one for missionaries and has helped me out:
"Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear." Moroni 8:16

Love, Hermana Loveland
 
P.S. I hope you have an amazing birthday Dad! And that you and Mom have a great anniversary as well! Thanks for being the best parents ever!

I meant to send this last week - saying goodbye to A's adorable girl.

 

April 6, 2015 Letter

¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, JEREMY! You are old!

Life is great here in Ensenada. :) Lomitas lives up to it's name and I am working on some nice leg muscles. But it's not too bad, especially compared to the Elders' areas. (We share the ward with two companionships of Elders.) 

Hermana Noé is wonderful. She is such a lovely person and we get along great. I love her! She's a fantastic missionary and it doesn't seem like she only has 3 months here. I've learned a lot from her. We have a good time together. 

Our investigator who is progressing the most right now is L. She is a young mom and lives with her husband and two little kids. She was really quiet at first, but she's opening up and she's seen the 
blessings and the hope of the gospel in her life. Yesterday was her second time at church and she is preparing to be baptized on May 2nd.

General Conference was incredible as always. I love it so much! I am so grateful to have a prophet on the earth and to be able to listen to him and the apostles and other great leaders share such inspiring and powerful lessons. I cannot choose a favorite talk, But I really liked Elder Holland's talk about the atonement and President Uchtdorf's talk about grace and really I just loved all of them and can't wait to able to read and study and apply them even more!

I love being a missionary and I love sharing the gospel! I know it's true!
 

¡Que tengan una excelente semana! Les quiero muchísimo!
 

Con amor,
Hermana Loveland

March 30, 2015 Letter - Transfer to Ensenada

Well, family, I'm in ENSENADA. Crazy, huh? My new companion is Hermana
Noé. She is from Argentina and has about 3 months in the mission.
She's great and I'll think we'll have a fun time. :) My new ward is
Lomitas (which means "hills"). I am excited for this transfer.

It was hard to say a few goodbyes yesterday, especially with A and A and their adorable family, but I know I'll see them again.

And I am very excited about the new adventures we'll have here. I am hoping to really enjoy the little time I have left, and make this last transfer, the best one!
 

My birthday was a pretty great day. The family who signed up to feed us gave us money, so we went to a princess restaurant. haha it was fun. I'll send pictures.

I enjoyed the Women's Broadcast on Saturday, and I am very excited about General Conference this weekend. I know it will be a great blessing for everyone, and it will be a beautiful Easter Sunday.

Happy Easter everyone! Have a beautiful week, and enjoy conference!
 

Share with me your favorite parts.
 

Love,
Hermana Loveland
 

Mom- I haven't received the cards, and since I'm a little farther away, I might not get them until our zone conference, but I'll let you know! I am looking forward to it. :)

 Birthday Brownies and Ice Cream

 With Hermana Urbina - MTC companion. Lots has happen in these 17 months.

 Birthday celebration with Hermana West

 With Hermana Martinez