Chae is Gone in Obregon

Happy New Year erabody!!!! Jan. 2, 2014
It definitely did not feel like it over here! It was so funny when people would say "Happy New Year!" and my companera's and I would be like "oh yeah...it is today!" It was great though. Made some goals. Good stuff they are.

So this one is gonna be quick. Time is short today.
So first of all...
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE LETTERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT!!!!!
You probably have no idea how exciting and invigorating it is to get a letter at the end of the day when you feel like your battery is on empty and you feel like shutting down. It feels like a complete recharge. So thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Also, thank you for the package!!! The mini Preach My Gospel is wonderful!! And the hymn book!!! And the hair crimper....and the chips and salsa. Amazing. I love you guys so much :)

So a couple of things I wanted to touch on.
First off...I think I've finally decided on my scripture. Alma 17:11.. "And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls".. Yup...that one is definitely the winner :) So if you want to pass that on, that'd be great.
On Sunday,  my companeras and I got to teach about the Holy Ghost for our district meeting. It was so amazing to search and ponder about!!! Like, I've always loved the Holy Ghost and stuff, but really reading about him was such a wonderful thing. Some things that really stuck out to me were how God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are all one in purpose. I've always known that, but reading a lot about it just made me remember. I really loved Mormon 7:7. And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are fined God, in a state of happiness which hath no end."  What I loved about it was that we would sing praises to God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He is just as important as the rest. We will love and appreciate him just as much!!! He is the reason why people can be converted. He is why they can feel the love of God. Romans 5:5  "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." It's such a huge blessing to be able to have the gift of the Holy Ghost!! One Elder in my district commented on how if Heavenly Father or Jesus were to come and tell us something, we would most definitely do it. But what about the Spirit? When he tells us something, do we give him as much validity? He is a member of the Godhead. So we probably should....I probably should. Anyway...that was fun.

Okay...next topic on the agenda...
So the whole learning Spanish thing is not really coming very well. I just feel like I’m not progressing.
Yesterday we "got" to teach 2 lessons. I had practiced and practiced, memorized and memorized what I was going to say, but once we got in there. Nada. I just felt sick in my stomach. If one of my companions was not almost fluent in Spanish...they would be the shortest lessons ever!!! Anywho...after our 2nd lesson that day, I felt so bad. I had only said like 2 things that probably didn't make sense and I felt like I'm not contributing at all. I told my companions sorry...and then I just started crying. It was muy embarrassing. I then went into the bathroom and had a heart to heart with the man upstairs. The Spanish is just not coming and sticking with me. I bring my notebooks and study books everywhere I go. To breakfast, lunch, dinner, devotionals, etc. I practice and review all the time, but when it comes time to use what I’ve been studying...I can't remember anything. It's very frustrating. Anywho...long story short, I decided to study more about faith. Faith is something I've felt I've always had...but I feel like I need to go deeper. So as I was reading and studying it today, a scripture I have memorized and heard forever really stuck out to me. Ether 12:6. What really stuck out to me was "for [w]e receive no witness until AFTER THE TRIAL of [your] faith." I think "after the trial" really stuck out to me because that’s what I'm going through right now. A trial. But as the scripture says...we receive not witness, or miracle, until after the trial. My Heavenly Father will help me. I know He will. I just have to keep having faith. "Faith is things hoped for and not seen." I hope with pretty much ever fiber of my big being (yes...fat joke ;)) that He will help me. I need to keep trying and doing as much as I possibly can and then is His grace sufficient for me. So yes faith is good. I know that. I need it. I have it. I just need to keep it coming.

I love you guys!!! So much!!!
I got a letter from Derek and it made my whole day!!! Every time I get a letter it makes my day, but yeah. Thanks Derek!! And Krista and Diana!! And Aunt Louene!!! And all ya'll. Love love love you guys!!!

Love,
Hermana Cook
p.s...sorry for the no pics. I guess the one computer that can upload pics wasn't working today. Dagnabit! Hopefully next week. Cross your fingers ;
Ok...time is most definitely up.
Love you guys!!

Love,
Hermana Cook
p.p.s..so my TRC time is on Monday night...always. So I don't think I'll ever get Aunt Lynette unless she comes on Monday nights around 7...shucks.
Nos Vemos!!!