Letter - February 16, 2015

Hello family!

Thanks again for the letters and updates. This week has gone fairly well. It seems that the hospital is almost our second home here. But this week is wasn't for me! Hermana Martinez was feeling sick and we've spent time in the doctor and at the hospital, but she's doing good now! But lots of people know us there...it's pretty funny. 

I am doing better. It was a process getting back to walking and working normally, and I rested a little bit this week as well, but now I'm doing great. I had a doctor's appointment on Saturday and
everything is going well. Thanks for the prayers and love! 

So for transfers...we stayed the same! It was not what we were expecting, especially since Presidente had told us a few times that the trio was only going to last the transfer, but that's okay. I
wasn't super excited at first, about being here 6 more weeks, or maybe I'll even finish my mission here. Who knows. I was kinda hoping for a change, but I know it is the will of the Lord, and there are many great things about the area. Plus, I love my companions and I know will have a great time together. I am happy about it. :)

This week we started teaching D who is the friend of one of the members here. She is about 25 and very ready for the gospel. She came to church yesterday and is preparing to be baptized on March 13th.

¡Les amo muchísimo! Gracias por todo.
 

Con mucho amor,
Hermana Loveland

Letter and Photos - Feb 9, 2014

Hello family! 

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a great day!
 

I really am doing well. Yesterday I was able to leave the house and work like a normal missionary. True, I have to be patient with myself as my body is still recovering, plus I have to get used to walking all day again, but it's going well so far. I have to walk slower, but I am trying to take good care of myself. :) My diet is back to normal as well. 

The week went well, though I was definitely ready to get out of the house and get back to work. But I got lots of reading done, and some writing, and resting. My companions took care of me well, and I am very grateful for that. I have felt loved. 

One thing I read in the Book of Mormon this week was about the Army of Helaman. I love that stroy. They are such incredible examples. I want to be like them! There are several parts where it talks about their attributes and qualities, and I made a list so I can try to be a little more like them. One of the things I like is it says that they were "true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." It also says that they were "firm and undaunted." And of course, their exceeding faith and trust in the Lord. I love the Book of Mormon and the wonderful examples in it.
 

It's great to be back working, in our trio, and we hope to enjoy and take advantage of this week, since it's the last one of the transfer, and then who knows what will happen. :) I'll be sure to let you know. :) 

I am grateful to have such wonderful companions.
 

Thanks for everything! For your prayers and support and concern and love! I love you lots!
 

Have an incredible week!
 

Con amor,
Hermana Loveland

Hospital Photos!!

 In the hospital - first meal.

 Yum?

With a visit from Hermana Utrera

 Thumbs up after surgery!

 First day of being home two weeks. Hermana Martinez took care of me that day!

 Flower arrangements sent from her mama and papa, and siblings!

 Withcompanions and Hermana T. 

  At E's baptism.

Feb. 2, 2015 Letter

Hello family!

Thanks for all the prayers and love. It helps a lot. :) I'm doing great! It's been a very interesting week, being at home all day every day, but it's going well.

There is a young woman here in Tijuana that has her mission call and was wanting to have a little of the mission experience before leaving, and this turned out to be her opportunity. Her name is Hermana T and she is staying with us for these 2 weeks and one day she goes out with Hermana W, and Hermana M stays with me, and the next day Hermana M and Hermana T go out and Hermana W stays with me. It's definitely an interesting experience for everyone and we are all learning lots.

Like I said, it is very interesting being home all the time, especially as a missionary who is used to walking and teaching and working all day, but it hasn't been too terrible. I have been able to read lots. I have been reading the Book of Mormon, the New Testament, and General Conference talks and this week I also read Our Search for Happiness (which is a really great book!) and Our Heritage. 

I have been able to rest and try not to get bored. Actually, I don't even let that word come into my vocabulary because every time I think it I hear Grandma Johnson's voice saying, "Boredom is a choice." So I don't get bored. :) It is not east to not be able to work in the area anymore, and have to sit back and let others take over, but my companions are great and I know all will be well. And I am learning to not stress about things I cannot control. I am learning to trust more in the Lord
and in His plan for me. 

I am recovering well. I went to the doctor on Saturday and he told me a few more things I can eat (still avoding fats and things), to add a little more variety to my diet which was basically Jell-o, fruits and vegetables, and said I have to rest and stay home for another week, but he did give me permission to leave, with a ride so I could go to the baptism we had on Saturday (that baptism, by the way, was a huge miracle), and I also went to sacrament meeting yesterday. It was nice to be able to leave and see a few people.

I feel like, even though I'm stuck inside almost all the day, that my spiritual strength is increasing. I don't know if it's because I have been reading the scriptures so much, or because having faith and hope is my only option, or because of all the prayers being said for me, but I feel good. I am happy and I know I am not alone, even though sometimes I might feel like I am. I KNOW this Church is true. I know that my Heavenly Fathers knows and loves me and I know Jesus Christ lives and is my faithful friend. I know the Book of Mormon is true and I know we have a prophet on earth today. If I didn't know these things, I wouldn't be here as a missionary. But I am here so that I
can share this great message and joy with others.

Thanks for everything my dear, wonderful family (and friends)! I love you lots!
 

Love, Hermana Loveland
 

P.S. This internet place doesn't have a way to upload pictures, so you'll have to wait till next week.

Jan. 26, 2014 - Post-Appendectomy Surgery

On Saturday, Jan. 26, Hermana Loveland called home. She had been having stomach pains all day. It turned out she needed an emergency appendectomy that evening. She stayed in the hospital until Monday evening. This letter was written a few minutes before she was released from the hospital.

Don't worry Mom. I'm doing okay. :) I'm not sure how much time I'll have to write. I'm using Hermana Garcias iPhone and we are waiting for the doctor to come to see if I can leave today. Most likely I will leave today. I am doing much better. I can walk and move and Ive been able to eat a little more. Really I'm doing good, and the hard part will probably be resting for two weeks, but I'll will take advantage of the time to read the scriptures and conference talks, write letters, and rest. 

Thanks so much for all the love and support. I can feel it all the way in Mexico! Also, people have come to visit me here, even some people from Playas. :) I have felt very loved. 

 

Oh, thanks for the flowers Mom :) I'll try to send the picture, maybe next week. 

 

Presidente & Hermana García said they will be in contact with you this week, to let you know how I'm doing. And they'll let you know when I leave the hospital.  I am being well taken care of. :)

I love you! "Come what may and love it!" :)

 

Love, 

Hermana Serena Loveland

Jan 19, 2015 Letter and Photos

Hola! 

It has been yet another eventful week here in Tijuana.
 

A was baptized on Saturday! She was so happy, and I am so happy for her! Her family is great, and they were all there at church yesterday. A is still preparing to be baptized on January 30th.
H, the 3 year old calls me "Hermana Loca." I love it. :)

G is doing good. He even bought himself a CTR ring this week! He's so cool. He came to church again, even though he said he'd probably be too busy. He is going on a business trip this week, which includes the Bahamas, so we won't see him until next Monday. But he told us he is
bringing his Book of Mormon and is going to read it on the airplane! 

We had exchanges this week with Hermana O, our sister training leader. She is so sweet and always looking for ways to help others. I love her lots. Also, the first time I had exchanges on the mission was with her back in April, when she was here in Paraíso. It's kinda fun, and crazy to think how the time has flown by!

In other exciting news, we are now in a trio! Hermana W came here from another mission on Friday, and is now our companion. She is from Michigan and has the same amount of time as I do in the mission. She is also a BYU student, so that's fun. :) It's weird being in a trio, and takes some getting used to, but I know we'll have a great time and have lots of success!

On Saturday we met O, and we taught her yesterday. She is a mom of three kids, and her oldest son passed away about 2 years ago. She has a lot of faith and is very receptive. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and accepted a baptismal date for February 27th.

¡Les quiero mucho! Have a beautiful week!
 

Love, Hermana Loveland

 A's Baptism

 A's Adorable Family

 Wearing Flower Headbands

Jan 13, 2015 Letter and Photos

Wow, lots of news today! Thanks for the updates on everyone and everything. And someone please tell Kristina to write me! 

It's been a good week. It's always tricky adjusting to change, but that's part of being a missionary, and that's part of life! 

Hermana M is wonderful. Shehas been out 15 months. She goes home one transfer before me. She is a great missionary. Her mission definitely hasn't been easy for her, but she is incredible. I am impressed by her humility. She really lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ, always looking for ways to improve and do better. I have learned a lot from her in this week and I know I'll keep learning lots in this transfer, and we'll have lots of success and see miracles together.

A was not baptized this week, but she did get married! It was awesome. I am so happy for that wonderful little family. I love them a lot. She will be baptized this Friday, and her husband in 2 weeks. 

A told us that this week her sister-in-law wasn't happy with her decision to be baptized. She said, "If you are baptized, I won't speak to you anymore." To which A responded: "You have 2 options: you can get mad, or you can be happy." A is such an incredible example to me. She knows what's right and she's made the decision and nothing will keep her from doing it. That's how I know she'll be an incredible and faithful member. She has her own testimony and what others say won't shake that. I am very excited for that.

G...He's doing okay. He has some serious struggles and feels that he can't do "this Mormon thing" because of all his imperfections. It breaks my heart when he wants to give up on himself, because we love him so much and we see his potential! It'll definitely be a process and it won't be easy, but I know he'll make it! Keep praying for him! 

I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary. I am grateful that the Lord trusts in me even with all of my imperfections and He lets me be an instrument in His hands. It is such an incredible experience, and so, so hard at times, but also so beautiful and so worth it. I love being a missionary!

Thanks for everything! I love you lots! Que tengan una muy bonita semana!
Con mucho amor, Hermana Loveland
 

P.S. I received the package this week, thanks so much! And I loved the family Christmas card!

 With Hermana M., new companion.

 With two future missionaries, and companions for the day.

Below, A's adorable daughters wearing the Hermana's tags.

Feliz año nuevo! Jan 5, 2015 Letter and Photos

Feliz año nuevo!

 Well, today is transfer day. Hermana M left and I will miss her a ton. She is such a great missionary and is one of my best friends now.  Now she went to another area, and is actually with Hermana C,
 which is cool. My new companion is Hermana M, who is also really great. It is fun because I already know her as we were in the  same ward in San Luis, and I already know it will be a great transfer!

 I learned so much from Hermana M and from our two transfers together and saying goodbye was hard, but I know I'll see her again  very soon. I know the Lord has great things in store for both of us
 and we will be able to apply the things we've learned together.

 A is doing very well, and this week she is officially going to be married and her baptism will be on Friday. She has received some negative comments from some family members, but she remains firm and  committed and she knows what it right. She is an incredible person and  I am so grateful to know her.

 G is doing really well as well. Last Monday we had our district  leader and his companion join us to visit him, and he also did the  baptismal interview with him. It was actually very helpful. G had
 already told us that he wasn't ready for baptism yet, but with this interview we were able to know more about why he wasn't ready, and  they set a goal for 2 weeks. He is doing well and keeps preparing. We  really have seen an incredible change in him. He was already a super
 awesome person when we met him, and now even more.

 Hope everyone had a great New Year's! On Wednesday night one family invited us over to have tamales, and another family invited us over to  have Thanksgiving dinner. haha. The brother is American and his  parents were in town and decided to have a feast and invited us over.

It was a fun time. And we took advantage of the day on Thursday and rested a bit. :) It was great. :)
 Well, that's about all for right now. Have a great week and come what may and love it in this new year!

 Love, Hermana Loveland

  Serena Street intersects with Bonita -- Perfect!

With a rosca for Jan. 6 - Day of Kings, celebrating the Wise Men.

 Hermana Loveland's district with zone leaders. The Hermanas gave the elders those ties.

 A's adorable daughters wearing missionary tags.

Saying goodbye to Hermana M. Even with "differences" they are great friends.

 With Hermana C.

Dec. 29, 2014 Letter and Photos

My amazing family! 

It was so great to see you all on Christmas. I really really love my family and I feel so blessed! I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. It was a wonderful Christmas and the week was full of
miracles.

The biggest miracle of the week: José was baptized! But it was not an easy task! I told you on Thursday about how he had disappeared momentarily (again) and about the great experience we had when we found him and how he was able to receive an answer and KNOW that Joseph Smith was a prophet. After that, we had planned to see him at the church on Friday at 11 and then his interview was going to be at 12. 

But he didn't show up! 

We stopped by his apartment, but he wasn't there, and we left him a note asking us to call us as soon as possible (which can be hard since he doesn't have a phone). We went to ate with a family in the ward, and when we stopped by his apartment again, he still wasn't home, but the note was gone. We didn't want to miss him again, so we decided to wait until he came home. We waited for quite a long time, but we did our best to have faith and trust in the Lord. It was getting later and we weren't sure what to do. We said a prayer and waited a little longer. Then the phone rang and it was him! Such a miracle. 

He said he wanted to go home and shower and stuff but we asked him to go straight to the church. We called the Elders and asked if they could come do the interview and we asked our district leader if he could baptize him (which was pretty cool, since he was the one who contacted him and gave us the referral). Finally everyone got to the church and he had his interview, and he was ready. :) The baptism started about an hour and 15 minutes late, but the important part is
that it happened. :) It was a simple service, but a good one. And J was so happy, and we were so happy for him. It was a wonderful moment. :)

J's baptism

A is doing great. She came to church yesterday, and I love how well she is fellowshipped and loved and she just gets along with everyone. They have all their papers now for their wedding so we are
hoping and praying that they can be married this week so that she can be baptized this week. We love her so much. Yesterday in the middle of the lesson she just got up and hugged us. She really is so grateful to have the gospel in her life right now. We are so grateful to know her.

G is doing good, and it was fun to spend Christmas at his house with him and his wife, and his dogs. He is an amazing person. He came to church again yesterday and he is just so close to being ready for baptism. I don't think he realizes how ready he is. We are hoping and praying for him as well, so that he can be baptized this week. I know Heavenly Father can work miracles! Pray for him! And for A as well. :)

The weather here has been getting kinda cold, especially at night and especially in our house. I am very grateful for the electric blanket Sister Rickenbach gave me, it has helped a lot. Please tell her
thanks! 

Thanks for being such a wonderful family! I love you lots! Have a great week and I'll see you next year!
Love, Hermana Loveland

Feliz Navidad - Dec 22, 2014 Letter and Photos

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this week! I can't wait to talk to my family! I love you!

 Sharing the Book of Mormon with Santa!

 This has been yet another crazy week here is Paraíso. Where do I even begin?
 
 Last Monday we lost our cell phone. It seems like we left in a taxi. Later we called it, and finally (the next day) a little girl answered and wasn't very helpful, saying she didn't know where she lived or
 when her mom would be home or anything. So we stopped by the mission offices to pick up a phone to borrow while they order us a new one.  Really we just laugh about it because, what else can we do? :)

 J was not baptized this week. Actually he disappeared and we couldn't find him all week. His phone wasn't working and we didn't   know where he lived. On Thursday we had a great idea to look in the
 phonebook. And there he was! We were very excited, but then we got to  the address and it is an apartment complex, with four buildings and  several apartments. We tried asking around and ringing a few  doorbells, but with no luck. Our district leader said J's brother works in their area so they went on Friday, and they found him! He  said he wasn't ready to be baptized yet, and is still struggling a
 little with coffee, but the set a goal that he could be baptized this week and he said he'd come to church on Sunday. But then, he wasn't at  church on Sunday. In the second hour, our ward mission leader and his
 wife drove us to the apartment complex to try again, and there was his  car! So we knew which building and which apartment was his. He came  out and we were very happy to see him and know that he's alive. haha.  He came to church with us and is preparing to be baptized this Friday.
 
A is doing great. We finally were able to teach her husband
 
A and he also accepted a baptismal date and came to church on Sunday. It was great to have their whole family there. :) Yesterday morning the sister who was going to help with a ride called and said
 she was sick and couldn't come. So we called G and he helped us  out. Our investigators are so awesome.

 Speaking of G, he is doing well. He keeps progressing well, though still hasn't decided WHEN his baptism will be. We had a family home  evening with him and a family from the ward this week and he loved it.
 Another awesome moment with him was that we watched the BYU devotional  "His Grace is Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox. Such a wonderful talk and G really understood it. I highly recommend it to everyone!

 Another miracle yesterday was that R and her family came to church! And, afterwards she asked if we could visit them on Tuesday!  That was a wonderful tender mercy.

 Lately I've been reading the general conference talks from October. I love conference! On talk I really love is "Approaching the Throne of  God with Confidence" by Elder Klebingat. I especially loved the part
 about becoming really, really good at forgiving. He says, "Spiritual  confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear  no ill feelings toward another soul." I've been thinking about that a
 lot this week, and reflecting on that, and going through in my mind  and really striving to forgive everyone, and not have any bad feeling toward any other soul. It's kinda a cool experience and really has
 brought me joy and happiness. 
 
 I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, and this time of year that we can remember Him. His atonement and His gospel are the  reasons I can have peace and hope and joy, and are the reasons I am
 here as a missionary to share that with others.

 Have a very merry Christmas and I'll talk to you on Thursday! :)
 
 Love, Hermana Loveland