Maddy on a Mission: 7-14-14 Faith!

Holita familita! Well, not really much I can think of this week. We have been pretty sick and taking it a little bit easier, but I feel a LOT better today and I am going to work SO hard this week!! haha

A few things I remember:

-We were in a trio this week with Hermana Durfee. She is the BEST. I hope one day we're comps. but it was super fun, and also hard to try and teach with three, and I remember my beginning days with Hermana Abbott and Rhoten (before I spoke any spanish) and how much FUN it was, but how hard it was to teach. I am grateful normally, we only have one comp ;)

Trio for 3 days!!

- Well. Coolest thing EVER. I don't know if I told you guys yet but Grecia is pregnant? Well anyway. We were all having a relief society activity and everyone was going around and seeing if they knew our names. When Elder Murillo asked what my name was, everyone was trying to say Whitlock, but it NEVER comes out right, haha and Grecia yelled, "Madelyn!!" hahaha I was so embarrassed, but I think she was more. Because you know, people aren't supposed to really know our names. But the happy part about this story is that the paper we wrote our names on, her husband found and said, " whats this for? is this our future babies name, id like it to be" and so they BOTH are set on if they have a girl, naming it "Ana Madelyn" I've been praying every night since for a girl. ;) .....but really.

-So something that is VERY normal here is men peeing. Anywhere and everywhere. Just like all the wild dogs. It's really fun to see. But what's funner to see, is a woman doing so. (this is sarcasm, I hate it) But we saw it. With the Elders. It was terrible. And super funny. Poor guys. Poor us! I don't want to see that.

-We made Tacos this week, as you saw in the pics. REAL LIVE TACOS. I only got one, but who cares. Best food I have had my whole mission. And now I know how to make homemade tortillas and all :)

TACOS!!!! So good. I am so jealous of Sydney ;)

- We have a baptism tomorrow!!!! Her name is Geral and she is AWESOME!!! We changed it to be right before cambios because heck, if I don't leave here... I will be VERY surprised. Only got 8 months in Huanuco... haha

- We have two more baptisms next Wed if everything goes well!!! Cielo (8yrs) and Willian (16yrs) please pray for them!!

- Anyone ever heard of "esto es guierra"? its all anyone watches here. Bueno, when mundial isn't on. Anyway, We played some of the games with some neighbor kids this week!! It was super fun, and now I am ready to try out for the show. ;) (everyone go look it up please)

Playing este es guierra con our friends :)

-Alamania WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know I am going against the whole South America rooting for them, but everyone knows I am obsessed with Germany. VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS. :D

- HERE'S the faith Quote I promised last week:

"Faith, to BE faith, must center around something that is NOT known. Faith, to BE faith, must go beyond that for which there is confirming evidence. Faith, to BE faith, must go into the unknown. Faith, to BE faith, must walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness." I really thought before my mission I had faith. And I did, but it was so small. I am learning daily what REAL faith is. It's trust to do or say or be something without knowing exactly why. Feeling scared, but doing it anyway, because it's right. Choosing the right, following impressions, obeying the commandments, etc, even if it is hard and especially WHEN it is hard. I don't even understand faith fully yet, but I just love reading this quote over and over and thinking about what faith REALLY is. You guys should email me and tell me what you think faith is and an experience you've had with it :)

This week, examine your faith, and resolve to trust the Lord just a little more. I will be doing it too. :) I love you all. I know this is the work of my Father in Heaven and I wouldn't WANT to be anywhere else in the WORLD. (except maybe in China with my ENTIRE family. Brats)

:) all of my love,

Herma Whitlock

ps. write me.