Call Me Sister Sanchez!

I have been transferred ... to ENGLISH! I am now in Friendswood, Texas and I love it. It is such a pretty area with SO MANY TREES. It's absolutely incredible. We get fed EVERY NIGHT and it's always so good. The Lord really blessed me.

I was sad to leave Spanish and the Kemah area, but I know I was needed here! My new companion is Sister Pace. She only has this transfer left, but she is just so amazing. She is follow-up training me and we have been having so much fun. She is like the person I want to become! I am so glad the Lord allowed us to be companions. I have a lot to learn and she has a lot to teach, so it'll be an amazing transfer! 

After Sister Pace leaves, I will most likely be taking over the area, so I have to prepare for that and for my new companion! I am excited. It's fun being in a ward as a missionary and being able to see how everything is run. It's all so organized and ah ... there are no words, I just love it.

This week has been so good. I got to the area on Wednesday after transfer meeting. Sister Pace and I visited quite a few people this week. I have met so many people and I already feel like I have been here forever! I met everyone at church yesterday and I just love them all so much. They have welcomed me so nicely and they're all so hilarious.

The investigator that we're focusing on the most is Shevyn Roberts. She is so hilarious, and has a HUGE testimony of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. She attended Joe Olsteen's church, who is supposed to be some super awesome preacher. She had decided that she was going to get baptized in his church, then in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ... HOLD UP, WHAT? I was so confused and clearly she hadn't fully understood the power and necessity of the PRIESTHOOD. #InvestigatorProblems. So after the lesson, I specifically asked her to pray and ask Heavenly Father if He wanted her to get baptized twice. I pulled out Matthew 3 and asked her, "How many times did Jesus get baptized?" she replied, "ONCE." EXACTLY! Once with the priesthood authority and never again because other baptisms without the authority are just to go swimming, ha, ha. She said she would pray and texted us the next day saying, "I prayed. I will only be baptized once and the Priesthood is all I need." IT WAS SO COOL. And she just texted us right now saying that she wants to get baptized this Friday ... when her date was for Dec. 6, so she is pretty much being carried by the Lord. It's really cool to see it all happen.

I love where I am and I love being a missionary. I think the holiday season that is quickly approaching will be hard for me because I do miss home and I miss my family, but it's all for the Lord and I know that the time will come when I do get to go home and be with them again. Missions are hard, but the Lord recognizes the effort and sacrifice we're making and He blesses us so much more. I love my God and my Savior. I encourage all of you to pick up James E. Talmage's "Jesus The Christ" and start reading it. It will change your life.

The Church is true. There is no other way.

My new address is 2223 W. Bay Area Blvd., Apt. #2213, Webster, TX. 77590. Please write me. I love to receive your letters. I will write you back, promise!

I love you all.
Until next week,

SISTER Sanchez (;

My new companion is Sis. Pace. We're now serving in Friendswood, Texas. 

Having dinner with one of our new ward's families.  

A Change Of Heart And Appetite!

Hello everyone! How is everything going back home? Texas is just amazing as usual. This week was filled with so much laughter and success! We have had a good week and it's because we have been working really hard so the Lord is really blessing us. 

First off, Adolfo was baptized yesterday. It was one of the sweetest experiences of my life. He was so ready and he received an answer confirming his readiness. He feels at home and yesterday, after his baptism, he told us, "I feel amazing. It's an indescribable feeling." Hermana Huntsman and I felt so good. There are no words to describe the feeling of helping the Savior bring other people to the Gospel? Remember that day when we met like 10 teenagers randomly because we acted upon the prompting to talk to an older man who wasn't interested? Well because of that prompting we meet the teenagers and, out of all of them, Adolfo was baptized. He has changed his life in the short three weeks that we have known him and he has also changed ours. He is so excited to receive the Priesthood and to go to the temple so soon. It has been one of the best experiences because he has FELT God. He knows and his decision has influenced his friends! His friend Jorell wants to be baptized next week and we're going to see how his friend Edgar feels about baptism. The Lord has blessed us SO much. I love, love, LOVE this work.

We also spoke with Joe this week. On Saturday, we had a lesson with him at the church at 12. We showed him the Restoration film and he enjoyed it and said that he knows that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. We invited him to pray in front of the baptismal font for as long as he needed until he received his answer. He did and prayed for 1 HOUR AND 15 MINUTES. It was so long!! He still didn't feel like he knew after that so we invited him to pray IN the baptismal font. He climbed over the glass on the outside and fell in! IT WAS SO HILARIOUS. He wasn't hurt, and we were all laughing. **NOTE TO SELF: have them go around, ha, ha, ha, ha. But it was good because he felt the Spirit. He received his baptismal interview and he passed, so now we just need to set a date for him and make sure that he's good with all the principles of the Gospel. It was a day that he really needed.

On Friday, we had a scheduled dinner appointment with the Contreras family, so before we went to see them, we stopped at a less-active house and saw his mom who isn't a member of the Church. Her house is covered, inch by inch, with decorations. Hermana Huntsman told me it was called the "eye spy" house. I didn't believe her until I walked in. SWEET GOODNESS! It is covered. I counted eight stuffed deer on the walls. They all have bows! There were TONS of gold statues and things hanging from the ceiling. I couldn't even focus on the lesson because there were so many animals staring at me! We finished the lesson and we were about to leave when she invited us to eat some "taquitos" ...  they add the "ito" to make it sound like the dish will be small ... well, that's NOT how it is. We painfully agreed knowing we were about to get fed in about 20 mins. ... SHE FED US SO MUCH! Chicken, lettuce ... the whole nine yards. We walked out about to throw up. I was gagging and we were laughing. We then drove to Hermana Contreras' house for MORE FOOD! We kept praying that our stomachs would be a little hungry, but there was no way. We ended up "secretly" telling Hermana Contreras that we had just gotten fed by accident and that we only could eat a little ... . She wasn't offended, THANK GOODNESS, but she still fed us a ton. Let's just say that we didn't ever want to eat food again. Ha, ha, ha, ha, the life of a missionary! We texted the elders about what happened and they told us to read 1 Corinthians 10:27 which says, "If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake." WE WERE LAUGHING SO HARD! Then they sent us another scripture. Jeremiah 4:19 which says, "My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war." HA, ha, ha, ha, ha. It was the best thing ever. I love being a missionary.

Well that's it for this week! I will be getting transferred. We got the call this morning, but that's okay because it is what God wants. I will miss Hermana Huntsman so much. We had a good crying session last night. She has become one of my best friends, but I know we will see each other again. I love you all and will update you next week of my new address!

Read, pray, and do the Lord's will. You will be blessed.

LES AMO,

Hermana Sanchez

Adolfo and his baptism! He is so awesome. He's 19!

Our district at district meeting!

I love our companionship!

We had dinner at Hector's house with everyone!

The food Hector made! So delicious!

The Galveston zone hermanas!

Hashtag Blessings

Hello everyone!

It's been a great week in Kemah, Texas. Some highs and lows, but overall a good week to be a missionary, an official representative of Jesus Christ. 

We went to the temple on Tuesday and it was one of the most amazing sessions I have ever been to in my life. The Spirit, or Holy Ghost,  was really strong as we all sat together ... the Lord's army. I really felt loved by my Heavenly Father. I learned a lot more from the Spirit that I hadn't known before and I felt amazing as we left. We got there super early in the morning so we could all go together. The temple president cried a few times and I didn't really know why, but later he told us, "It was spiritually overwhelming to be able to stand in front of you all." I was a part of that group. I felt extremely grateful to be a missionary and to have this sacred calling to testify of the truth to God's precious children that He has entrusted Hermana Huntsman and I with. It was awesome. They also told us that anytime we pray, God gives us his UNDIVIDED attention. It was cool to think about that for a moment and to really remember that He listens, no matter how big or small the prayer is. They taught us that as it says in D&C 103:9, we are "SAVIORS OF MEN," with a little s. We are like Jesus Christ in the sense that we are saving lives. Who else gets to dedicate themselves for 18 months to save lives? No matter how hard the journey, there will always be people thanking us in this life, or after, for saving them. What a blessing. 

The Atonement of Jesus Christ doesn't just cover sin, it covers any weakness, bad habit, thought, etc. It covers everything and, without it, we cannot return to live with God. It was a crucial part of God's Plan because He loves us so much. We have to do all that we can to help others understand that there is a way out of suffering, there is a way to make things better. 

We taught Adolfo a super powerful lesson with a member Luis. Luis has been through a lot. We prayed and felt Luis could really help Adolfo. The lesson was led by the Spirit. It was so amazing to see and feel the Spirit take over. Adolfo accepted a baptismal date for Nov. 15! Next weekend! He told us, "I don't call myself a Mormon yet, but I know that this is something I want to do." He also told us that the day before we found him, he was searching to find a church to go to. It's really awesome when you can see all the pieces come together. #Blessings!

We taught the Olvera family on Wednesday and brought them dinner! Spaghetti, mom's recipe! Ha, ha. They're a part-member, less-active family. Their daughter, Vianney, has a baptismal date and she LOVES the things she has been learning. The parents don't want to go to Church because they feel guilty for the things they have done in the past, but we really reassured them that we DON'T have to be perfect to go to Church. We all cried because the Spirit was super strong. This family is struggling with their finances right now and somehow we got onto the topic of serving missions. Vianney's mom said that she could see her daughter serving a mission, and immediately, I felt the Spirit prompt me to offer to pay for her mission. She's 9, so it wont be for a while, but I did as I was directed and I offered. Her mom responded with, "Wow, that was exactly what I was just thinking. I don't know how we would pay for it." IT WAS AWESOME. I know that when Vianney goes on her mission, I will be married and somehow The Lord will provide a way. Hermana Huntsman offered to pay, too, so we're going to split it and we promised Heavenly Father that we will do EVERYTHING we can to get that little girl on a mission. She came to church this Sunday, so that's a big start. I love their family.

We also taught Joe this week. He started reading the Book of Mormon on Wednesday and he's already on Jacob! It's pretty sweet. He just needs to open his heart more. He comes to Church with us and always compares it to his Church. He needs to understand that Jesus Christ established this Church and that it's going to be different than his Church because his was created by men! It's so hard for them to understand that. We also explained the Priesthood, and I think he understands it well, we just need to keep working hard on him. He's great, though. He loves God and Jesus Christ. He just needs to realize the truth and receive an answer. Pray for him!

I have lately been obsessed with the phrase, hashtag. I use it all the time! It's so funny. (Mom will understand). We are driving down the street and I will say something like, "I am so tired! Hashtag naptime." Hermana Huntsman just laughs, he, he, he, he. I love it. It's become my thing. So for all you reading this blog, read the Book of Mormon tonight. Hashtag  IT'LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. #YouKnowIt

Hermana Huntsman is the best. We always have so much fun together and we are working hard. She has taught me a lot about how to be the Fourth Missionary and to put things about home behind me. It was hard for me at first, but I feel myself getting better. The mission is amazing. I am so glad to be here and to have her as my trainer. I hope that she knows the amazing person that she is and how much of an influence she has on other people's lives. She really does exemplify Christ and she is a big example to me. 

The transfer is over next week and it's crazy how fast time has gone. I am excited to keep moving forward and to keep being a savior (little s), so I can help others return to live with God and to prepare the Earth for the Second Coming of my best friend, our Savior Jesus Christ. I love you all with all my heart and pray for you every day. 

Que sigan adelante cada día con Dios. (Go forward each day with God.)

Hermana Sanchez

God's Army! 

Tuesday Temple day with one of my missionary companions! 

Hna. Hunstman and I at the beautiful Houston Texas Temple.

Myself with one of our investigators. 

Chick-fil-A with a note from a worker saying, "Thanks for serving." HOW SWEET! 

We picked pecans with an investigator!

A Soul Has Been Saved

This week was probably one of the best weeks of my life. I have never felt so close to my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I have so much to write, but I will keep it short and to the point. Ha, ha.

So on Tuesday, we were riding our bikes in the POURING rain because Texas has bipolar weather and we were running out of miles. My skirt got stuck in the tire a lot and we were soaked, but it was so fun! I think people notice who we are more when we're riding our bikes. I was riding in front of Hermana Huntsman and I took a left turn and completely slipped and fell right off my bike. In the middle of a four-way stop, with cars all around, IN A SKIRT. Yeah, it was intense. I have a bruise on my leg, but it was hilarious. Hermana Huntsman said I got back up SO fast, she was laughing. We kept cracking up throughout the day thinking of my fall. Ha, ha. #TheStruggle. I compared that experience to the Atonement and how when we fall, He can help us back up. When we're overly confident, or making a big decision in life, like a turn, Satan will try to get us, but when we fall, we just have to get back up as fast as we can, and keep pushing through. My fall taught me a lesson! Crazy, right? 

Halloween didn't really feel like Halloween. We were proselyting during the day and we didn't even remember it was a holiday until later that night when we saw costumes! We had Zone Conference in the morning which was AMAZING. One thing I learned that will stay with me forever is that whenever we feel the Spirit, or the Holy Ghost, it is completely cleansing us from all our sin. In the scriptures, the Spirit is referred to as a fire. So the Spirit literally cleans us from all our sins in the exact moment we feel it. I also learned that the moment we feel the Spirit, we are worthy to stand in the presence of God. We can stand before our Maker and be clean. It is a beautiful thing! God loves us so much he gives us baptism, the Sacrament and the Spirit to clean us. These are three distinct things and two of them can happen repeatedly. Isn't that something!? I didn't realize that until Zone Conference, and it really makes me feel amazing because I know the Spirit is always with me. 

We visited Hermano Chavez on Halloween just to make sure he was set for his baptism on Sunday. He was sitting outside with a bowl of candy waiting for kids. HE LOVES KIDS. It's so precious. He said he was ready for Sunday. Then we taught Adolfo, he's about 20 years old and he told us that he wants to be baptized! Straight up! It was insane! We were like, "THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER!" 

We met with another investigator, Joe, on Saturday. He is a friend of Hector Robles and he is interested in the Church! We gave him a Book of Mormon and he said he will read it all by next week! Who says that? Golden investigator!! Pray for him. He needs it!

A couple of weeks ago, we were tracking and we knocked on the door of a less-active member who joined the Church in Guatemala. His name is Alex and he hadn't been to Church in years! We invited him to come back, but he wasn't able to because of work. We committed him to come! 

We committed all these investigators to come to Church and they all said yes! Sunday came around and we made sure Hermano Chavez was ready for his baptism! Hermano Luis, a member, picked him up and we met him at the Church. Then, as we got to Church, guess who was inside? Adolfo and he brought a friend, Jarell! Also, Alex showed up, too! He sat next to me and he loved Church. Then I look to my right and Joe walks through the door! THAT'S FIVE PEOPLE WHO CAME TO CHURCH PEOPLE, FIVE! I was smiling ear to ear and Hermana Huntsman and I were running like madwomen trying to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. It was crazy. Kind off like Mackenzie's wedding. Ha, ha. During Sacrament, Elder Hansen, another elder translated Spanish to English for Jarell, Adolfo's friend. And he asked Elder Hansen if he could be baptized next week! He told Adolfo they should do it together and Adolfo said yes! Crazy blessings! We're so excited! 

After Church, we had Hermano Chavez's baptism. It was the most amazing thing in the world. He is 85 years old, so we had two elders in the font with him. Elder Post and Elder McDonald. They only baptized him once and It was so special. Hermano Chavez had no family come to support him, but he went through with it anyways, because he knew it was God's will. This is the man I invited to be baptized on my first day! So amazing. It all happened because it was what Heavenly Father wanted. I am so blessed to have been a part of it! When Hermano Chavez came out of the water, he leaned against the wall and just stayed there. It looked like he was praying, just thanking God that he was clean. I wish you all could meet him. He has changed my life. I played piano at the baptism, which was so fun to to do again. It was just overall such a good day. 

I will remember this day forever. God is so good and He recognizes our efforts to build His kingdom. Never stop sharing the Gospel, there are people who need to hear it. The Mission is great. Everyday I am thankful to be here and thankful I made the decision to serve a Mission. It has changed my life already and I've only been here over a month! Go forth and serve! You don't have to wear a badge to be a missionary. There are people waiting for YOU.

Love you all, 

Hermana Sanchez

Here's our baptism picture with Hermano Chavez

BIKING DAY!

Dad, thought you would appreciate this picture. WASHATERIA!

With Elder Oscar Mendez, his wife and baby boy, mini Elder Mendez. Elder Mendez was a missionary in the old Peralta Branch in San Jose where my dad served as branch president for 6 years. 

Chavez's teaching record with a baptism symbol!

First baptism!