(Except from a letter to the Mission President)
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Last week, we taught a group of men who live together in a pensión a few basic principles about the Restoration and arranged to return another day. When we returned (yesterday), one of them greeted us by telling us he knew it was true. Well great! When we entered, they had two other friends visiting, one of which greeted us by informing us that he frequents the Institute and knows the Church pretty well, but he hasn´t yet been baptized and isn´t sure why. Well...great! We sat with the 4 men, and our splendid ward member who accompanied us, and we discussed the principles of the lesson of the Restoration and taught of Joseph Smith and the First Vision, and the true Church of Jesus Christ restored the the Earth. The men expressed feelings of joy and told us they were intrigued by it all. We invited them to be baptized: ¨¿Será bautizado?¨ One replied in a conversational tone, ¨Seguro.¨ We asked another, who exclaimed, ¨¡Seguro!¨ Another insists he has no interest in religion. The last says he´s not sure, but he wants to pray about the truth of Joseph Smith´s story - ¨with all my heart¨ - to know if it´s true. We have a cita with him in 25 minutes. SUPER great!
I´m so grateful the Lord´s allowed me to meet these people and have some sort of part in their eternal progression. What a humbling honor!
I know the Church is true and that Christ directs it with His careful, ever-guiding hand. I know that missionary work is the work of the Father. I´ve been reading a lot about that in the last few books of 3 Nephi as well as elsewhere in the scriptures. Joyful news, the gospel we´ve got!¨
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So, that´s what I wrote to Pres. Asay this week. I´m realizing more and more how blessed I am to have been able to enter into the baptismal covenant earlier in life and what a great Guide the Holy Ghost has been to me throughout my life. So many live without that supernal blessing of the gift of the Holy Ghost. There is a much safer, much happier, and much clearer way of life: that´s what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about!
Random fun 1: I went shopping at Walmart today. Say whaaa?? Yeah. I found Newman´s salad dressing and Campbell´s soup in the foreign foods section. Ha! Twilight Zone quality paradigm shift right thar.
Random fun 2: I think I´m getting fat. Ha! One investigator gets a kick out of pointing that out to me and then inviting us to lunch. Fine by me!
Important random fun: Hermana Petrick is the rad. It´s da truth!!! Companion unity is so incredibly important, and we have just been learning so much together, making and reaching goals, working on developing Christlike attributes with each other´s help, and eating chocolatey alfajores whenever the other pleases. Yay unity! :)
I can not thank you enough for your support, every one of my friends and family that have been so kind to me, have always had great senses of humor, and always sought to do so much good for others. I can´t get over how much I love you all! I often find myself thinking, ¨I wish so-and-so could meet this investigator. They´d be great buds.¨
Over and out!
Hermana Lidnquistky
Hermana Lindquist
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tra la la la
Dear all (family, friends, family friends, friendly families, etc.),
You rock! There. I said it. I send you big ol´smiles and hugs and all the joy this little Hna. Lindquist heart can muster in an ¨electronic mail¨. La Misión Buenos Aires Sur is wonderful, and, of late, all of the missionaries seem keenly aware of how short our time here really is, but very enthusiastic about how much good can be done in short amounts of time. ¨Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise¨ (Alma 37:6). Even small moments can determine eternity.
This transfer, we´re focusing on diligence. Or rather, working with all your ¨heart, might, mind, and strength¨ even when you feel like you don´t have any. Haha. It´s like being the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and Dorothy all at once! Being a missionary makes me keenly aware of my human frailties, but also helps me in great measure sense the greatness, mercy, and condescension of our Heavenly Father.
Bah! There´s so much more I want to say, but time doesn´t permit. So, I´ll fill ya in in a year or so....or next week :)
I love you all!! Thank you so much for your prayers. Thank you for your letters and support in all forms!
Hna. Lindqskeeitwkswey
You rock! There. I said it. I send you big ol´smiles and hugs and all the joy this little Hna. Lindquist heart can muster in an ¨electronic mail¨. La Misión Buenos Aires Sur is wonderful, and, of late, all of the missionaries seem keenly aware of how short our time here really is, but very enthusiastic about how much good can be done in short amounts of time. ¨Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise¨ (Alma 37:6). Even small moments can determine eternity.
This transfer, we´re focusing on diligence. Or rather, working with all your ¨heart, might, mind, and strength¨ even when you feel like you don´t have any. Haha. It´s like being the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and Dorothy all at once! Being a missionary makes me keenly aware of my human frailties, but also helps me in great measure sense the greatness, mercy, and condescension of our Heavenly Father.
Bah! There´s so much more I want to say, but time doesn´t permit. So, I´ll fill ya in in a year or so....or next week :)
I love you all!! Thank you so much for your prayers. Thank you for your letters and support in all forms!
Hna. Lindqskeeitwkswey
Monday, May 17, 2010
Buuuuuuenas taaaaaardes!!!!
Hello everyone!
Hey fun stuff: Ingrid tells me there will be tie-dieing festivities for Bev´s birthday. And ya know what? I proposed a tie-dieing day for our zone activity on p-day, and we´re totally doing it! The whole world is going to be so colorful and beautiful! (At least Lakeside and La Plata anyway.)
Other fun stuff (can ¨stuff¨ be singular?): There was a new family in church yesterday, and upon meeting them it turns out they just moved here ten days ago from Trujill, Perú. ¿Trujillo Perú?? Why yes! And guess who helped them with their move? Elder Reas. ¿¿¿¿Elder Reas?? AAA!!! Hahahaha. I nearly exploded with joy on this family. It was awesome. So now I get to help them move in, which means Elder Reas and I will be involved in the same international service project. ¡Qué mundo más feliz!
I love the variety of people in the world. I don´t want to sound like a broken record, but.....THE WORLD IS AWESOME!! (besides, some broken records have a somewhat pleasing sound. Just gotta add a bass riff or something to offset the squeeling.) And the Gospel is the most joyful, fluid, all-encompassing element that drives both man and nature to perform at their level of greatest brilliance and beauty. Jesus Christ lives. He´s plead for us before, and He continues that loving duty now. I know that those who have faith to reach out and take His hand soar to greater heights than the natural man see. I know that when promises and covenants are extended and accepted in His name, they are real and eternal. I know that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. I know this! Who am I to know any of this? No one! The world teaches an underlying assumption in much of its doctrine: that the best things are for extraordinary people; that unless we´re totally different and have all the attention from any given clique, we don´t deserve reward or full joy. Not so Mr. Mundo! ¨Ordinary people¨ are gods and goddesses in embryo and as such have great potential to do and receive good. The only requisite is in the asking. Humility, faith, diligence, desire - these qualify all who apply them for the gifts and rights and priviliges of Heaven.
These and other precious truths were restored to Joseph Smith - an ¨ordinary¨ farm boy who had the faith to open his mouth and ask. He asked Heavenly Father where to find truth. That loving Father opened His mouth to respond. And more! He opened the Heavens to respond! The truth wasn´t to be found anywhere on earth at the moment Joseph began his prayer. However, when he prayed, God the Father and Jesus Christ revealed Themselves. They revealed to him the truth. They prepared him to be a prophet. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His church and His Gospel. Cheap copies and imitations could no longer hold their weight. The great stone ¨cut without hands¨ was set rolling and now destroys doubt and confusion throughout the world (Dan. 2:34). I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, and that He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in the flesh. What a privilege!
And what a privilege I have to be in Buenos Aires sharing these ¨glad tidings of great joy¨! The same privilege is available to all! Share the gospel. If you don´t have it, or don´t believe it, seek it first and then share it. The Lord has extended promises of exceeding joy and protection and peace to those who go out in His name. So take a walk around the block and help those who are ¨suffering in unbelief¨ or who are kept from the truth simply because they know not where to find it (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12, 61:3).
Happy days and rainbows to you all!!
Love,
Hermana Lindquist (AKA Hna. Lindskee, Lindswkwisky, etc.)
Hey fun stuff: Ingrid tells me there will be tie-dieing festivities for Bev´s birthday. And ya know what? I proposed a tie-dieing day for our zone activity on p-day, and we´re totally doing it! The whole world is going to be so colorful and beautiful! (At least Lakeside and La Plata anyway.)
Other fun stuff (can ¨stuff¨ be singular?): There was a new family in church yesterday, and upon meeting them it turns out they just moved here ten days ago from Trujill, Perú. ¿Trujillo Perú?? Why yes! And guess who helped them with their move? Elder Reas. ¿¿¿¿Elder Reas?? AAA!!! Hahahaha. I nearly exploded with joy on this family. It was awesome. So now I get to help them move in, which means Elder Reas and I will be involved in the same international service project. ¡Qué mundo más feliz!
I love the variety of people in the world. I don´t want to sound like a broken record, but.....THE WORLD IS AWESOME!! (besides, some broken records have a somewhat pleasing sound. Just gotta add a bass riff or something to offset the squeeling.) And the Gospel is the most joyful, fluid, all-encompassing element that drives both man and nature to perform at their level of greatest brilliance and beauty. Jesus Christ lives. He´s plead for us before, and He continues that loving duty now. I know that those who have faith to reach out and take His hand soar to greater heights than the natural man see. I know that when promises and covenants are extended and accepted in His name, they are real and eternal. I know that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. I know this! Who am I to know any of this? No one! The world teaches an underlying assumption in much of its doctrine: that the best things are for extraordinary people; that unless we´re totally different and have all the attention from any given clique, we don´t deserve reward or full joy. Not so Mr. Mundo! ¨Ordinary people¨ are gods and goddesses in embryo and as such have great potential to do and receive good. The only requisite is in the asking. Humility, faith, diligence, desire - these qualify all who apply them for the gifts and rights and priviliges of Heaven.
These and other precious truths were restored to Joseph Smith - an ¨ordinary¨ farm boy who had the faith to open his mouth and ask. He asked Heavenly Father where to find truth. That loving Father opened His mouth to respond. And more! He opened the Heavens to respond! The truth wasn´t to be found anywhere on earth at the moment Joseph began his prayer. However, when he prayed, God the Father and Jesus Christ revealed Themselves. They revealed to him the truth. They prepared him to be a prophet. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His church and His Gospel. Cheap copies and imitations could no longer hold their weight. The great stone ¨cut without hands¨ was set rolling and now destroys doubt and confusion throughout the world (Dan. 2:34). I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, and that He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in the flesh. What a privilege!
And what a privilege I have to be in Buenos Aires sharing these ¨glad tidings of great joy¨! The same privilege is available to all! Share the gospel. If you don´t have it, or don´t believe it, seek it first and then share it. The Lord has extended promises of exceeding joy and protection and peace to those who go out in His name. So take a walk around the block and help those who are ¨suffering in unbelief¨ or who are kept from the truth simply because they know not where to find it (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12, 61:3).
Happy days and rainbows to you all!!
Love,
Hermana Lindquist (AKA Hna. Lindskee, Lindswkwisky, etc.)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
We got of the train a little bit ago, after having attended a lovely transfer meeting. It´s so strange to see such close friends leave the mission. The scary part is they all say that it goes by fast. And boy howdy is that true. I´m working on making time stand still though. I´ll let you know how any experimenting with that goes. :)
I LOOOOOOOOOOVE La-La-La-La-La-LOVE La PLATA! And I´m so grateful to have another transfer here. Hermana Petrick and I are so excited for the people we´re working with. So many be-a-u-tiful souls, filled with enthusiasm and faith. We are so blessed and privileged to be here and know them.
Here´s part of my letter to the Pres. (I changed names so as to respect involved parties.):
¨Buen día President Asay!
This morning you asked me how our week had gone...We saw some very pleasant moments, including this inspiring charla we had with two distinct investigators at the same time. Jorge has been investigating for a couple months now, and he has made tremendous changes, but he´s having trouble leaving the cigarettes behind. Francisco is a man we met a week or two ago and have only taught once. He quit smoking about six months ago. So, in our first charla with him, we asked him to accompany us the next day to visit Jorge and help encourage him to quit smoking. The next day, Francisco came as planned, and he and Jorge taught each other priceless lessons. I think it was especially beneficial for Jorge because he really was teaching! He´s already had all the lessons, so as we were going over charla 3 (el Evangelio), Jorge was bearing his testimony, expounding doctrines, and applying his scriptural study. Francisco drunk in the experience and shared his own as well. Hermana Petrick and I relied on the scriptures to guide the charla. It was beautiful. The Spirit was so strong. The next day was Sunday. Hermana Petrick and I arrived to see the two men seated together in sacrament meeting.
These experiences are invaluable. We´re going to work hard to make sure they´re more common here in La Plata during this new transfer. Thank you o much for transfer meeting. I´m going to miss those missionaries that left. I feel so privileged to serve in such a strong mission, with so many marvelous Elders and Sisters - missionaries of the Lord´s church. It´s one of the greatest blessings I´ve ever experienced.¨
I know the Lord lives. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world, and the head of this the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I love you all so much!! Thank you very much for all you do and are.
SMILES!!!!
Hermana Lindquist
p.s. A special shout out to all my loving mothers - you know who you are! (and yes, Ingrid, you count, even though you technically are my sister. Whatevvvv.) And especially to my Mom-mom, the lovely Carol Worthy! The most splendid lady in all the land. I love you Mom!
I LOOOOOOOOOOVE La-La-La-La-La-LOVE La PLATA! And I´m so grateful to have another transfer here. Hermana Petrick and I are so excited for the people we´re working with. So many be-a-u-tiful souls, filled with enthusiasm and faith. We are so blessed and privileged to be here and know them.
Here´s part of my letter to the Pres. (I changed names so as to respect involved parties.):
¨Buen día President Asay!
This morning you asked me how our week had gone...We saw some very pleasant moments, including this inspiring charla we had with two distinct investigators at the same time. Jorge has been investigating for a couple months now, and he has made tremendous changes, but he´s having trouble leaving the cigarettes behind. Francisco is a man we met a week or two ago and have only taught once. He quit smoking about six months ago. So, in our first charla with him, we asked him to accompany us the next day to visit Jorge and help encourage him to quit smoking. The next day, Francisco came as planned, and he and Jorge taught each other priceless lessons. I think it was especially beneficial for Jorge because he really was teaching! He´s already had all the lessons, so as we were going over charla 3 (el Evangelio), Jorge was bearing his testimony, expounding doctrines, and applying his scriptural study. Francisco drunk in the experience and shared his own as well. Hermana Petrick and I relied on the scriptures to guide the charla. It was beautiful. The Spirit was so strong. The next day was Sunday. Hermana Petrick and I arrived to see the two men seated together in sacrament meeting.
These experiences are invaluable. We´re going to work hard to make sure they´re more common here in La Plata during this new transfer. Thank you o much for transfer meeting. I´m going to miss those missionaries that left. I feel so privileged to serve in such a strong mission, with so many marvelous Elders and Sisters - missionaries of the Lord´s church. It´s one of the greatest blessings I´ve ever experienced.¨
I know the Lord lives. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world, and the head of this the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I love you all so much!! Thank you very much for all you do and are.
SMILES!!!!
Hermana Lindquist
p.s. A special shout out to all my loving mothers - you know who you are! (and yes, Ingrid, you count, even though you technically are my sister. Whatevvvv.) And especially to my Mom-mom, the lovely Carol Worthy! The most splendid lady in all the land. I love you Mom!
Monday, May 3, 2010
H-h-hey! I loooooove being a missionary!!!
Buen día a todos!
La Plata is just a land of miracles is what it is! Everyday, Hermana Petrick and I are learning so much and we´re finding new and more effective ways to work together and fully dedicate ourselves - our heart, might, mind, strength, and time - to the Lord. And the best part is seeing the blessings that flow from that. I love that scripture that says that by their fruits they shall be known. When we see successes (fruits), we can look to see what factors brought them about. Fruit doesn´t just spring up from nothing! Nothing comes from nothing. I know that obedience to the Lord´s commandments is the only surefire way to reap the fruits He has in store. Just ¨consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of the Lord.¨ They really are blessed in all things.
I am so in love with my area - the members, the investigators, the contacts, my neighbors, the dog that just walked by the window - everything! Not to mention that my companion is the best. And hey! I don´t remember if I told you all about Roberto. He´s the one that was riding his bike by and said, ¨Do you speak English?¨.... yeah, I think I told you all. Anyhoo, he´s getting baptized! Then he´s going to receive the Priesthood and be prepared to receive the wealth of blessings and powers that the Lord has prepared for him. And yesterday, the twins (12 year olds) received their confirmation and now they´re preparing to receive the priesthood. The work will march on, independent of any other forces proposed my men, elements, or ungodly stratagems.
I also love Doctrine and Covenants section 4. Especially when the Lord states that in order to serve Him - our Heavenly King of Glory - we just need the desire. From their, we develop attributes that make us more Christlike. From those Christlike attributes, we become true representatives of Him and even our very countenances bear testimony of Him as the Savior and Redeemer, the Fountain of joy and life.
Please, find people for the missionaries to teach. Invite any person anywhere, regardless of how well you do or do not know them, to visit with the missionaries. Offer to accompany the missionaries. If you´re not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I invite you to just talk with a missionary! It´s very simple and easy, and they´ll always treat you with love and respect because truly they are representatives of the Lord. More importantly, I know it will bless your life and you will find more joy and happiness in the things you learn with them than you can in any other place.
Yo sé que el Salvador vive. Sé que La Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días es Su reino acá en la tierra. Es la única iglesia verdadera. Yo sé que todos pueden saber por sí mismo si estas cosas son verdaderas. Sólo se necesita la oración. Pregúnte a Dios. Él verdaderamente responde ¨abundantamente y sin reproche.¨
Big ol´ ABRAZOS y SONRISAS to you all! I love you and am ever grateful for your love and support and all that you have taught and continue to teach me! (sorry for that poorly constructed sentence. Please just look to the Spirit of it. :) )
Happy week everyone!
Hermana Lindquist
La Plata is just a land of miracles is what it is! Everyday, Hermana Petrick and I are learning so much and we´re finding new and more effective ways to work together and fully dedicate ourselves - our heart, might, mind, strength, and time - to the Lord. And the best part is seeing the blessings that flow from that. I love that scripture that says that by their fruits they shall be known. When we see successes (fruits), we can look to see what factors brought them about. Fruit doesn´t just spring up from nothing! Nothing comes from nothing. I know that obedience to the Lord´s commandments is the only surefire way to reap the fruits He has in store. Just ¨consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of the Lord.¨ They really are blessed in all things.
I am so in love with my area - the members, the investigators, the contacts, my neighbors, the dog that just walked by the window - everything! Not to mention that my companion is the best. And hey! I don´t remember if I told you all about Roberto. He´s the one that was riding his bike by and said, ¨Do you speak English?¨.... yeah, I think I told you all. Anyhoo, he´s getting baptized! Then he´s going to receive the Priesthood and be prepared to receive the wealth of blessings and powers that the Lord has prepared for him. And yesterday, the twins (12 year olds) received their confirmation and now they´re preparing to receive the priesthood. The work will march on, independent of any other forces proposed my men, elements, or ungodly stratagems.
I also love Doctrine and Covenants section 4. Especially when the Lord states that in order to serve Him - our Heavenly King of Glory - we just need the desire. From their, we develop attributes that make us more Christlike. From those Christlike attributes, we become true representatives of Him and even our very countenances bear testimony of Him as the Savior and Redeemer, the Fountain of joy and life.
Please, find people for the missionaries to teach. Invite any person anywhere, regardless of how well you do or do not know them, to visit with the missionaries. Offer to accompany the missionaries. If you´re not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I invite you to just talk with a missionary! It´s very simple and easy, and they´ll always treat you with love and respect because truly they are representatives of the Lord. More importantly, I know it will bless your life and you will find more joy and happiness in the things you learn with them than you can in any other place.
Yo sé que el Salvador vive. Sé que La Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días es Su reino acá en la tierra. Es la única iglesia verdadera. Yo sé que todos pueden saber por sí mismo si estas cosas son verdaderas. Sólo se necesita la oración. Pregúnte a Dios. Él verdaderamente responde ¨abundantamente y sin reproche.¨
Big ol´ ABRAZOS y SONRISAS to you all! I love you and am ever grateful for your love and support and all that you have taught and continue to teach me! (sorry for that poorly constructed sentence. Please just look to the Spirit of it. :) )
Happy week everyone!
Hermana Lindquist
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