Rain And Bikes ... You Got It!

Well, this week it rained, rained and rained some more. I LOVED IT. I love the rain so much. I love the cold and I love the fall, my favorite time of year. I sure hope that the heat is gone and that it starts to cool down, even though I'm in a biking area. I love the cold weather that comes before and after a storm. This week has been nice.

So, FUNNY STORY. Remember how I cut my foot really bad in May when we had that big flood? Well, I guess it's just my luck that when it rains and we have flood warnings I cut my feet. This week, my bike cut my right leg. It was pretty deep, but not very long. I LUCKILY didn't have to get stitches ... just had to use a couple of butterfly bandages and call it good. It was quite the adventure. I was dripping blood all over Walgreens ... WHOOPS.

We also went to a wedding this week and it was Hna. Widdison's first time being exposed to the BAILE DEL DOLAR! Ja, ja, ja, that was fun. (: We're really good friends with the investigator who got married. We got special permission to go!

AND ... we got sooooo soaked this week from trying to proselyte in the rain. So once we were wet, we just kept getting wet, so we jumped in puddles. That was fun,  I felt like a kid again. Love THIS WEATHER SO MUCH!

But, other than all that craziness, Maria, Allison and Brittany came to church! We were so happy to see them there. It was their first time. Maira and Allison have baptismal dates and yesterday at church Maira was in love. So many people greeted her and since I play the piano in Primary, I took her girls with me and they LOVED it. We were so happy. She said that she'll definitely be there next week and she asked us to come over today! She is just on fire and we're so happy to see her progression. She's the best and has the sweetest spirit ever. We were definitely put in her path for a reason the day we found her.

We also visited with our less-active member, Melvin, this week. He got here 2 months ago and has never opened up to the missionaries, but lately, because we've been playing soccer with him, he has opened up SO MUCH and let us come by to see him. He shared with us his story of how he got to the United States and it really brought the Spirit. He has a really strong testimony, but is just held back because of the mistakes he's made and we testified a lot about the Atonement and how it can erase all the errors and make him clean again. It was really powerful and he appreciated it so much. He texted us Saturday night and told us that we're his best friends. He thanked us for helping him and being there for him. It was the nicest text. We told him that it doesn't matter what he's done, that we, as representatives of Christ, will ALWAYS be there for him. He came to church on Sunday. He's so cool!

Also, this week I've been thinking a lot about how selfish we can be when we keep our mouths shut about the Gospel. I know sharing the Gospel can be scary, but I always think about the people we pass by who we don't talk to and how they'll ask us after this life why we didn't share the Gospel with them. Obispo shared a really good example of this yesterday in Sacrament Meeting when he spoke about Cain and Abel. He mentioned that Cain killed Abel and when the Lord asks Cain, "Where is Abel thy brother?" and he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?" The bishop said that YES, we are our brother's keeper and at the day of judgement, we'll be held accountable for the opportunities we had to share the Gospel and we chose not to. I thought about this a lot this week and on our way to English class we took the bus and I sat next to a man. He wasn't Hispanic, but he was reading a book and he looked so nice. I thought about sharing the Gospel with him, but then I hesitated ... It kept coming into my mind and I thought about how selfish I would be to not share it with him. So, I asked him if he liked to read and he said yes, so I told him that I had a book that Christ would like him to read. Turns out, he's been to church, he's not a member, but he has friends that are and it sparked his interest. We had to get off, but we left him with the church materials and he was reading by the time the bus drove away. It was really cool for me to have been taught that by the Spirit. I encourage all of you to share the Gospel at every opportunity, full-time missionary or not. It's your calling.

Also, I invite you all to read Alma 24 and how the righteous Lamanites decided to bury their weapons of war. What weapons of war can you bury this week? Or have you already? I learned that sometimes we bury our weapons, but we leave a little part of them showing so we know where they are ... or maybe we leave an "x marks the spot" so we can find them. What do you need to change in your life and how can you bury it DEEPLY to the point where you cannot find it anymore?

I love the mission. 

I LOVE THE LORD'S WORK. 

Have a great week. 

Hermana Sánchez

Sister Sanchez

PASTELAZO!

Cut my foot, again! 

Getting soaked ...

Puddle jumping! 

Helping the bride! 

Miracles X100

So this week didn't exist. Ha, ha. I only say that because it went by SO FAST. I've never had a week go by so fast or a transfer at that. We got transfer calls today and I will be staying with Hermana Widdison for another transfer, my 10th transfer in the mission. Oh, how the time flies. :( We're excited to still be companions. We have a lot of work that we started and a lot of work to finish that we're going to keep going! It's been a great time of learning, teaching and fun. I love her tons.

We went to the temple as a mission this week. It was a really special temple trip for me because I had a lot of specific questions that I needed specific answers to and I was able to get them. It was really special. I cried a lot in the temple this time, more than I ever have before because the Spirit was so strong ... (the tissues in the celestial room wouldn't come out properly ... ha, ha, ha) It was just incredible. I've never felt God's love as much as I did that day and it was really something I was searching for. It was just more than I had asked for and I thank my Heavenly Father for hearing my prayers and giving me the guidance I was looking for. I love mission temple trips. We learn so much together. There were a lot of pictures posted on our mission Facebook page called THSM Mission, I think... search that, it should pop up.

Wednesday we played soccer and IT WAS SO FUN! Last week, we were teaching Angel in the Michoacana and after our lesson, there was a girl sitting at one of the tables by herself with soccer pants on. I approached her and asked her if she played soccer and she said yes, so we invited her to come on Saturday. Normally, those attempts are hit or miss, but when Wednesday of this week came around, she called and she came with 3 OTHER PEOPLE! We invited them all to church. It was soooooo cool that she actually came. We're hoping to start teaching them. Heavenly Father is so cool.

On the way home from soccer we were turning onto our street when this man pulls up behind us on his bike. We always say, "Nice bike!" when we see other people riding so we told him that and he said, "Thanks sisters! What ward are y'all in?" WE STOPPED. "Are you a member?" He said he wasn't but his wife is and they're living across the street from us with some friends because they're struggling to find a place to go where her husband doesn't have to pay full rent because he can't afford it. It was really sad because CPS also took their 4 kids and now they have to find a place to go so they can get them back. WELL, the miracle is that our member, Cristian, has been searching so hard for a roommate for his 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment. HOW COOL IS THAT? We called Cristian and told him and he was so happy. It was soooo perfect. God's hand is sooooo in this work! The wife of the man we met said that before we showed up at their house, she was praying and reading in Revelations where it says that blessings come to the faithful and said soon as she read that we knocked. I was just so blown away. Jaw dropped. So grateful. They're English, so we'll give them to the elders! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. 

We also had an incredible experience last night with an investigator named Noe. One night, a couple of weeks ago, we visited our investigator family we're teaching and after our lesson with them, we were unlocking our bikes and this man walked by. I felt prompted to talk to him, but I didn't. (I know, so bad, I'm still learning) ... LUCKILY, he walked by again, so I said something. And it was awesome. He totally said we could come back. Yesterday was the first time since then that we could actually sit down with him and have a lesson and it was so powerful. He speaks Spanish, but he's more comfortable in English, so we taught the Restoration and he had the most incredible questions. Who took the Priesthood? Is it still here? Which church is the true one? How can I know? What is this book? Ha, ha. He's awesome. He accepted a date and said he would read. His intent is SO REAL. We're excited to pass him off to the English elders so they can teach him. He said that every church he's attended he always gets up and walks out because he knows it's not the right one. It was crazy special.

I can never put into words how amazing the work of the Lord is. I'm so grateful and happy to be here. A year and a half is a sacrifice, but not at the same time because it's changed me more than I could have ever imagined. I cannot wait to keep serving, see my children serve and to continue on the path the Lord has planned.

Life is amazing. 

Sister Sanchez

3 Is A Party!

This week was an adventure, but what week isn't an adventure? Honestly, ups and downs all around, but it's the best.

We had an awesome lesson this week with our investigator, Maira. We have been teaching her English lately, but we asked her if we could share a spiritual lesson with her after we teach her English and she said yes! So this last visit, we decided we were going to share the message of the Restoration of the Gospel and it was probably the best Restoration lesson I've ever taught on my mission. During the part of the first vision, she was rubbing her arms because she had the chills and she just kept dropping her jaw in unbelief! She's amazing! She accepted baptism for her and her daughter, Allison. Unfortunately, she couldn't come to church because she got called into work, but tonight we have another lesson with her and with a member, so it should be really good!! We're so excited. She's like our best friend. Every time we're over at her house, we have the best time. She's so special to us and we just found her a couple weeks back putting up English flyers and she ended up calling us asking us to come over! It was so cool. Pray for her to progress in English and the Gospel!

We had exchanges this week and Hermana Widdison went to Mapelwood and I stayed in my area with two other sisters. Sister Coca who's on her 2nd transfer, so she is still new and Sister Lynn who's a sister from Nauvoo! They leave Nauvoo during the down time, which is usually winter, and they go to other missions to do proselyting and to get the experience! She will be here for 6 months and I got to be with her for her first day! She had never ridden a bike on her mission, let alone in HOUSTON! It was so crazy. There were 3 of us on bikes riding in downtown Houston. It was really crazy. I just told them to follow right behind me. Poor thing. She was exhausted after our day, but she pushed through! I was so proud of her! #BikingAreas. We had so much fun.

The three of us went to visit our other investigator, Norma. We hadn't seen her for a little while, but we went and we taught her the Restoration and she LOVED it. She understood it all so perfectly. She asked the BEST questions about the Priesthood and we read her the scripture in Ezequiel about the two sticks and he was silent. I asked her if she had a question ... she said no and that she was surprised because she had never been taught that scripture before that clearly testifies about the Book of Mormon! She accepted a date and it was awesome. She really wants to come to church, but her back is so bad. She has a really bad herniated disk because she fell 6 feet while at work, so she's trying to heal, but wants to be baptized. It was incredible. The Lord is blessing us so much. We're just trying so hard to do this work how He wants it done!

We also taught Angel again this week. He's sooooooo close it KILLS me! He still wont accept a baptismal date because he doesn't "know what happens in the temple" ... he says things like, "How can I get baptized if you sisters wont tell me what you do in the temple?" We keep telling him it's something so sacred and like babies, they can't eat meat before drinking milk, but he just wont let that go. So this week we're going to teach him about temple and family history. We really hope that will help him. He was at church yesterday and he's just SO MORMON, but he's just scared to take that beginning step to salvation. Pray for him, too. He needs it so much!

This week was great. I got sick this week, but it's getting better now. I couldn't stay inside because I just wanted to work, so we went. I love Houston!! We're doing so good. Transfer calls are next Monday! Already, I know! Time flies.

I love y'all!

Hermana Sánchez

--

Sister Sanchez

Biking with hot chocolate! 

My compa! 

ZEUS!

Graffiti wall. 

Edified by The Good Word ... Conference!

We're so ready for Christmas ... we have Christmas-scented candles, everything pumpkin flavored, fuzzy socks, blankets and now we just need the decor .... can it come sooner? Christmas on the mission is the best ... we're so close to breaking out the music, but we'll resist for a couple more weeks. #TheStruggle

Conference was incredible, wasn't it? I just loved every second of it and wish that it would last a whole week. How blessed we are to hear from our prophet and his apostles every 6 months and to hear their voices! That's my favorite part, to hear their sweet voices that they use every day to proclaim what they know to be true. They give everything to teach about Jesus Christ and invite people to come unto Him. I told Heavenly Father yesterday that I want to exhaust myself during my life telling people about Christ. I want to be a witness of Him to all those who I meet. I love sharing what I know to be true and to stand by my testimony and the testimony of others. 

There were so many talks that I loved, but I especially loved the talk by Elder Holland. I had never thought about the divine gift of motherhood in comparison to the Savior and what He had to go through. I feel so honored to eventually go through that one day and even be somewhat of a mother to those whom we're teaching. It's really special as they look to us for the guidance they know they need in their lives. It's such an honor!

We had an AWESOME week. We went on exchanges on Tuesday night to Wednesday night ... and I took over the area for a day! I was so nervous ... I even had a dream that I completely failed, but I prayed so hard that the Lord would help me and that our appointments wouldn't fall through! AND ... none of them did! I was particularly scared because I have only been in this area for 5 weeks ... and we ride bikes ...  so that can be a challenge, but it all went well. We saw Angel and he's doing good. I said something during the lesson that really hit him hard ... I said, " Angel, you're looking for more errors in the Book of Mormon than answers. You're trying everything to prove it wrong, but why not search for things to prove it right?" He was quiet. He's always searching for doubts, but as soon as he searches for answers, that's when the Lord will trust him and give him an answer! He came to conference and he loved it. We're hoping that we can keep teaching him ... if he keeps running in circles, we'll have to drop him, but he's just so amazing!!

We also taught this new family of 4 yesterday. Hna. Widdison found them on the street the other day, so we went to go teach them and they're awesome. We taught the Restoration and the mom, Gina, had SO many questions! She accepted baptism along with her two daughters who are 15 and 10 and then she has a little boy who is almost 2! MIRACLE! She's a single mother because her husband got deported, but she's just so strong. I just can't imagine having to go through that. The faith of these people lift me every day. The Spirit was so tangible, it was awesome. While we were leaving and unlocking our bikes, a man walked by with his little dog and I had the thought to talk to him, but I just ignored it ... then he walked by again and the Spirit told me straight up to talk to him so I did and it was SO GOOD. His name is Noe ... LIKE THE PROPHET and he said that he's been wanting to fix his life. He said he would love for us to come over and chat a little about our message, it's going to be so good.

We also taught Franz this week! He was a referral from a member in New York who called us and told us to go visit his friend. We've been trying and trying and we could never find him at home, but we set an appointment for 7 p.m. on Wednesday and he was there! We brought a member with us, too, and it was just awesome. Spanish just FLOWED and he was absorbing everything so well. He drinks a lot and says that he's far off the path and he doesn't like it. He wants to change and that's all it takes! A desire, just like Alma tells us in the Book of Mormon! A particle of faith and it will change your life! We're so excited. He also accepted baptism and said that he would love to prepare for that day. AHHHHHH. Houston 1 area is incredible. The Lord is so good. Work work, work. That's what it takes.

My calves and thighs are getting stronger! #BikeArea

I love the MISSION. I love it with all my heart. I never want to be anything else. It's the best work. It's the hardest work. It's the most rewarding work. It's completely changed Cassidy. I love how the Savior molds us when we do what He's asked of us. I cannot thank my Father in Heaven enough.

Facts:

• Riding bikes with hot chocolate IS POSSIBLE. 
• Have a group of Hispanics sing "Joy to the world" in English. It's the greatest. <3
• Texas can get cold. CRAZY, I KNOW
• Everyone thinks I'm from Spain because of my Spanish ... ? Whaaaat?

Love y'all,

Hermana Sánchez

The THSM MLC (Missionary Leadership Council) includes all zone and sister training leaders along with Mission President Hall and the APs.