Not a complete post....

Hola!

Well, February has already come and gone! It seriously amazes me how fast the time is going. Makes me want to cherish every moment here in Argentina that much more.

Dont know if I mentioned this before, but we live in the apartment where all the sister missionaries stay for a night when they first arrive , when they train, or when they finish their missions. I love it because I have met a lot of Hermanas, and it is amazing because I can see the difference between the missionaries who recently started and those who are finishing. This past Tuesday, a Hermana stayed with us because she chose to go home early. After two weeks in Argentina, she decided that it would be easier to go home. Honestly, it broke my heart, but it made me think about how I was when I first arrived in Argentina and where I am now. It was HARD! Everything...the language, the new culture, the strict schedule, etc. I struggled, but in these moments I learned to rely more on my Savior. Now I look at where I am today, almost 9 months later, and I am so grateful. Yes, the mission is still HARD, but the  language has slowly come, I have adjusted to the schedule and culture, and I have witnessed countless miracles as a representative of Christ.

Just want to remind everyone that when things get too hard to stand, kneel! I found strength in Him, and I know each one of you can too.

Update n what is happening in 3cerritos. Lolo finally went to church!! Almost cried when I saw them walk in the church. After 3 months of working with her family, they finally made it! We are currently planning her baptism! Mailen is also progressing and will be baptized these next few weeks. Nicolas has dropped off the face of the earth, but we are going to keep looking for him!...

***THIS IS WHERE SHE FORGOT TO SEND A PAGE right in the middle OF HER BLOG ENTRY!...*** update next week

Update:
The weather has been crazy! Blazing hot one second and then the next second it is pouring rain. so everyday we end up getting soaked. I had my umbrella stolen back in Jujuy, and just haven't bought another. I keep thinking the rainy season has to be almost over, but it's okay. It's an adventure! jaja Plus most people let us in cause they have pity on us. Yay!

Hmmm, crazy moments this week...
Contacted a schizophrenic man when we were on the bus. Turns out that he is an inactive member, and he actually went to church yesterday. 

We met Nicolas' siblings when we were looking for him one day. Of course, we talked about the church...and we asked about their family, etc. The brother, Charly, explained how he had a little boy...we asked about the Mom, if he was still together with her or what was the situation with her...he kept saying it was complicated and then he finally says, "I'm the mother." I think our jaws dropped, because after he explained how he got pregnant, but now he/she is a man. Then he said he was a drug addict. But wait, it gets better...then a man dressed as a woman walks out with Charly's baby on her hip. We immediately think, "oh no, this is Charly's "girlfriend". But nooooo, this is Erica, Nicolas and Charly's SISTER! I think my companion and I were in shock, but Hey! Everyone deserves the opportunity  to listen to the Gospel, so we taught them and invited them to church. Sadly, they didn't show up. But yeah, other than that, nothing too crazy happened...just the usual doors slammed in our faces, insults and people warning us to "watch out for the crazy Mormons". Ahh, the mission is seriously the BEST!!!

But some important dates are coming up! 28th is my baby brother's birthday. I cant believe the baby of our family is turning 12. Dallan, I love you so much!
FELIZ CUMPLEANOS!
Eat brownies for me! jaja ;-)


Happy anniversary to my grandparents! What an awesome example you have been to me! Celebrate big on your cruise. Still waiting to hear where you will be serving! Missions are the best!

Thank you for your love and prayers!
Con Amor,
Hermana Norman

“In the world ye shall have tribulation,

but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Bueno, another great week spent in the service of the Lord.

I had divisiones/splits with Hermana Mejia in her area. I LOVE Hermana Mejia. So the whole day was full of laughs and small miracles.
Miracle 1: we were able to do service for one of their investigators...in skirts! We spent a good hour shoveling dirt. The miracle? There are no limits to a missionary in a skirt...jajaja!
Miracle 2: we were able to teach two lessons about temples. WOW the Spirit was powerful! Please take advantage of having a temple so close. Make an effort to go this week!
Miracle 3: an investigator that Hermana Mejia has been working with for 5 months finally set a date to get married. This was the only thing holding him back from getting baptized. Soooo...his wedding will be March 3rd and on March 4th, he will be baptized!!! Oh, and this investigator happens to be the Dad of Brian, our recent convert. :-)
And the final miracle: after a tiring day, as we were walking home, we heard the most beautiful sound. The song of an ice cream truck!! Yes, they exist here, but they are SO much better. So of course, we ran towards the noise and yes...we ate the most delicious ice cream. Perfect way to end the day!
We also had zone conference on Saturday. I love conferences because it gives me that spiritual boost and pumps me up and makes me want to work even harder. We talked a lot about teaching repentence and how sometimes as missionaries we skip teaching this step and go straight to baptism. But repentance is so important not only before baptism but after baptism. It shows that someone is truly willing to change, and to accept the help from Christ in their lives. Repentance is such a beautiful gift, not something we should be scared of.
Okay, I have some new people who need your prayers! Nicolas and Mailen! They both went to church yesterday and are progressing. They have set a baptismal date. Please pray for them as this is the time when Satan attacks most.
I want to thank you all for your love, support, and your prayers. I read a talk that said, "missionaries of the LDS church are the people most prayed for on the face of the earth." And I can testify that as I am sweating to death walking the streets of Argentina, I can feel the support and strength of all your prayers. THANK YOU!

You are all in my prayers! Have a great week.

Love,
Hermana Norman

zone conference...my favorite! Hermanas Bohorquez, Norman, Mejia and Hill

 

zone conference fun with my Sisters

This little boy reminds me of my little cousin, Vete

For Pday we went to a campsite with the youth for a couple hours

“Follow the Son, with full purpose of heart,

 … with real intent, … take upon you the name of Christ. … Do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer [will] do” 2 Nephi 31:13,17

An eventful week in Salta Argentina! Luz se bautizo!!

This week Luz had her interview, we finished teaching her all the lessons and on Saturday, Feb 11th, she was baptized. Her Uncle, Enzo, who is a recent convert was able to baptize her. His first baptism!  The whole day was amazing! The members brought food to share, all the youth showed up to support Luz and Luz was so happy. She looked sooooo beautiful in her white dress, but nothing compares to the glow she had after she was baptized.
As soon as she was baptized, my companion and I hurried to the other side of the font to help Luz. When we looked into the font, Luz was standing there in the water, hugging her Uncle Enzo. They were both crying. Seeing this moment made me realize how sacred my calling is as a missionary. I feel so blessed that I could be the Lord's hands in helping Luz come unto Christ.

Also, I finally received my birthday package!! I received one of the best gifts that I have ever received-- PICTURES!! Of everyone I love! Thank you SO much to those who sent a picture for my birthday. Seeing everyone's faces made me so happy! So happy that I cried!! I am so blessed to have such an amazing family and I have the BEST friends as well. Thank you to my momma for sending such a thoughtful package.

And because tomorrow is Valentine's Day, I hope everyone can enjoy this holiday of love, but also strive to have the true love of Christ...

CHARITY.

Not just the romantic, mushy stuff!

Love you all. Have an amazing week....

Con Amor,

Hermana Norman

Luz...isn't she beautiful?

Her big day!

Happiness is....

Luz and her Uncle Enzo

The pie we made for Luz's baptism

The ward was so supportive

I love SALTA

One of the young women in the ward

Momma sent me an album full of pics of family and friends for my birthday! This is my favorite pic of my parents!

My inspiration board

Momma also sent me some li hing mui powder! Mango mania!

Just what I needed!

Happy Valentines Day from me and the guys!

This is a typical pday....McDs and Uno!

Alrightyyyy

...so I`m still here in Salta, and I am happy! I know that my mission president receives revelation, and there is a reason that I am here in my area and with my lovely companion Hermana Bohorquez.  This week was crazy for many reasons.

1. As we were walking in the street.. as missionaries always do.. a car full of teenage boys drives past and throws a HUGE water balloon at me. It nails me in the back ( yes it hurt a little)  and it completely soaks me.  I was left in shock, but my companion just laughed at me.  So I guess this is a normal thing here.. it is the month of carnival, and it will only get crazier as the month goes on.  People will constantly throw water balloons or paint at you... so yeah I`m excited for that jaja

2. We did service in a home that is supposedly haunted with spirits. The owner explained how his mom adopted 28 kids.. 11 of them died in this home.. and they also performed abortions in this home.. but nothing crazy happened. We were able to help him clean up his house.. and he said ever since we helped him, his home has felt different! I hope that we were able to bring the spirit into his home!

This week was crazy, but also full of miracles. Luz is progressing!! She went to church again, and loves everything about the church.  

Have an amazing week!

Hermana Norman

 

Service in one of the hermana's investigator's house.

Toilet is a hole in the ground...and we found...

Teeth! Pretty crazy!