My Ecuador Quito North Mission - part two @quirksofquito2 - Tumblr Blog

Last Letter 7.4.2016 Put Your Trust in that Spirit which Leadeth to do Good!

Hello everyone,

Well, this is the last email I will be writing from Ecuador. *Tear tear* Just wanted to tell you HOW grateful I am for each of you. Thank you for your love and support through my mission. I honestly feel so lucky to have each of you in my lives. I am so excited to see you all! I hope all of you had an amazing 4th of July!

"For behold again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do" -

2 Nephi 32:5

Almost 2 years ago, I sat in the Cardiac ICU putting my patient's blood pressure, pulse, respirations, etc. in the computer when I suddenly had a clear impression that I needed to serve a mission. I laughed to myself and thought well THAT'S REAL FUNNY. I have my dream job that I worked hard to have, I'm studying for my masters degree, I have student debt to pay off....it's impossible to just leave everything behind. Plus, I'm happy. Why would I want to change anything? I put the thought aside and went back to work. However, that wasn't the last time that I had the impression. Little did I know in the next few days and weeks the confirmations would be more obvious and more frequent.

After having a persistent feeling that I needed to serve a mission. I still felt unsure. BUT WHY? WHY NOW? I would ask. It didn't make any sense to me. I had a clear impression that I needed to talk to Whitney in my ward. She had recently returned home from her mission and after I told her everything she told me she had the same doubts as me when she was deciding to go on a mission. I was taken back..."Wait, are you serious?" What she told me was exactly what I needed to hear. It was an anwser to many many prayers. I talked to my bishop. Put in my papers. I still had no idea what I was doing, but I knew what I had felt.

"And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good---yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit" (D&C 11:12)

As I made preparations to serve, things started to fall into place. I sold my car to pay of the student loans that I had. I finished my Master’s degree even though my teachers told me that it was impossible to finish it by the time I was supposed to leave. My boss in the ICU said that she would love to have me back when I finished my mission. When I read ECUADOR QUITO NORTH MISSION when I opened my mission call I knew this is where the Lord needed me. I have had confirmation after confirmation that I was supposed to serve a mission ever since I decided to ACT in FAITH according to what the Spirit told me.

As I'm finishing my mission this week, I can tell you that I KNOW as we TRUST in the Lord's plans for us and follow that still small voice that He will lead us to exactly what will bring more happiness in our lives than we can imagine. Decisions determine destiny. I know that when we heed those promptings of the Spirit and act on them without hesitation, our Heavenly Father will guide our footsteps and bless our lives and the lives of others.

"The Spirit of God speaking to the Spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings". President Joseph Fielding Smith

"Tell the people to be humble and faithful and be sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice, it will teach you what to do and where to go, it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to the conviction so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other Spirits. It will whisper peace and joy in their souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God. Tell the people if they will follow the Spirit of the Lord they will go right." Joseph Smith

I know that as the Lord prepared a way for Joseph Smith to restore the Church of Jesus Christ again on Earth, the Lord will prepare a way in our personal lives to accomplish what He has planned and prepared for us. I know that revelation that comes to an individual as a result of the Holy Ghost doesn't come suddenly or without seeking. I know that the Holy Ghost is our comforter, our direction finder, our communicator, our interpreter, our witness, and our infallible guide for our mortal journey to eternal life. As President Wilford Woodriff said: " The Holy Ghost is the GREATEST Gift that can be bestowed upon man." I hope and pray that each of us will recognize that in our lives and live in such a way to have the influence of the Spirit in our lives.

"It has been said that the door of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. We are constantly making small decisions. The outcome determines the success or failure of our lives. That is why it is worthwhile to look ahead, to set a course, and at least be partly ready when the moment of decision comes." President Thomas S. Monson

I love being a missionary with all of my heart! I know this is the most important work that we can do. I never knew how much I needed to serve a mission until now. I will forever be in debt to my Heavenly Father to have been able to serve Him and to be a representative of His son Jesus Christ for 18 months. Ecuador will always have a place in my heart. I love this place and I love the people!! I know that this church is true with all of my heart. That Jesus Christ lives and knows each of us individually! I hope you all know it and know that He sacrificed His life so that we can have more happiness than we can imagine for eternity. He didn't gain anything from it for himself. It was a pure sacrfice because of his love for us.

"Divine love is infinite and univeral. The Savior loves both saints and sinners. The Apostle John affirmed, "We love Him because He loved us." (1 John 4:19)

And Nephi, upon seeing in vision the Lord's mortal ministry, declared: "The World, because of their iniquity shall judge Him to be a thing of naught, wherefore they scourge Him and He suffereth it, and they smite Him and He suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon Him and He suffereth it, because of His loving kindness and His long-suffering towards the children of men. (1 Nephi 19:9).

We know the Expansiveness of the Redeemer's love because He died that all who die might live again. The full flower of divine love and our greatest blessings from that love are conditional--predicated upon our obedience to eternal law." Elder Russel M Nelson Love you all! Have a great week!!! See you soon!!! Sister Pemberton

Yep, I ate Cui! (guinea pig)

#missionpics

Photos sent June 20, 2016

#missionpics

The Lord’s Hand - 5.16.2016

Hello!

Thank you for all of the pictures of Nicole at the airport and all the family activities afterwards! It is so good to see you all together! I have the best family ever!!!

It's been awhile since I've written a long letter and since a lot has happened! So a quick run down of the big events in the last few months...

We are going to have a TEMPLE here in QUITO! All the members were so excited when President Monson announced it. Some were shouting for joy others were crying out of joy and some both. It's STILL the big talk of the city, but I wouldn't expect anything else. We are so excited! The missionaries and members have put in many many many hard years of hard work to see this huge blessing in Quito! I can't wait to come back in a few years to see it!

We had a huge Earthquake last month that has struck to the hearts of each of us here in Ecuador as there has been devestating results from what happened. We were in the offices on the 7th floor when it happened and we sure did feel it. The building swayed back and foreth. It was the first time that I have ever felt an earthquake before and I didn't know what to do! All the missionaries were OKAY after the earthquake. We have seen the love of all the members in all of Ecuador. Everyone has been more than willing to pitch in to help those who were affected by the Earthquake. That is one of the miracles of the church, we always see the members are the first to be there to give help and the last ones to leave.

It has been a miracle how the Earthquake has opened our eyes of HOW merciful God is. We were driving in a taxi and he said that "I know that the Earthquake was tragic for all of us, but it was a blessing that it wasn't in Quito. Can you imagine what would have happened if we had it here in Quito? Tens of thousands of more people, buildings, cars, etc. It could have been a lot worse". Another member talked about how it was a blessing that it was at 7pm at night because the kids were not in the schools. It is necessary for us to have afflictions in this life, but God never abandons us! There are so many blessings that are attached with our afflictions.

We had changes. I have a new companion now and her name is Sister Castro. She is from Bolivia! She lives close to the boarder of Argentina. I'm getting close to having a companion from every country in South America! Haha. She loves to draw. She loves dresses. Her favorite food is a steak type meal that I have never heard of or tried. She has never tried Chinese food so I took her to a chinese restaurant for the first time and she loved it. She has a different accent that I have never heard. She is very patient, loving, and diligent.

Things I LOVE about ECUADOR

Well, my family reminds me (quite often haha) that time is going by really fast and there's not a lot of left in my misison. So, every week I want to try to tell you a few things I LOVE about ECUADOR (my 2nd country) !

1. I LOVE the old woman from Otavalo who walk hunched over BECAUSE they inspire me to keep going with all of the strength I have. They have worked their whole lives which now they have physical complications usually from carrying things on their backs, but it is an outward sign of their diligence, dedication, and perserverence throughout their lives.

2. I LOVE the way people greet each other here. It doesn't matter who you are, but they are always excited to see you and greet you as a friend.

3. I LOVE how you can travel to the coast, the orient, Otavalo, or any city and feel like you are in a whole different country. There are different cultures completely within such a tiny country! There is a different way to talk, different way to dress, and different food!

4. I LOVE the soups here. They always start with the soup and then the main meal.

5. I LOVE the fruit here. They have so many different fruits that I have never seen or heard of in my life. They are all so fresh and delicious! They have so many little markets where you can buy fruit while you on the go for cheap!

Medical Miracles

These last two weeks have been filled with miracles in the hospital! The Lord's hand is in this work! I have no doubt about that!

This week a sister called me with vomiting and diarrhea. She was vomiting to the point that she couldn't keep anything down. She had gone to the ER in a clinic about 3 hours away from Quito and was given IV fluids then sent home because she was feeling better. Then, that night it all started again. I felt strongly that she needed to come to Quito. They said a prayer and she received a blessing before leaving. She had no problems in the bus which is a MIRACLE. Labs came back normal, however, she was admitted.

At first, they diagnosed her with food poisioning and she started to receive IV antibiotics. She started to get worse with the antibiotics. She started to have more nausea and more pain. They ended up doing an ECO and found stones in her gallbladder and with worsening labs results surgery was recommended. She ended up having her gallbladder taken out. The miracle was that because with the food poisioning we were able to find the stones and if she had not been admitted for that it could have been something more serious could have happened later in her mission. The surgeon told us that she was very VERY lucky that she was at the hospital and that everything happened the way that it did. Everything worked out perfectly. She is doing so much better now and is able to continue working in the Lord's work! We saw the Lord's protection everyday while she was in the hospital and every prayer that was said...answered!

A couple of scriptures to think about this week:

ALMA 33:21-23

21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes,that ye might perish?

22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall riseagain from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.

23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may Godgrant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.

What would our lives be like without the ATONEMENT?

APPLY IT DAILY and I PROMISE it work miracles in your life and others!

Love you all with all of my heart!!! I hope you have a great week!!!

Sister Pemberton

Paint Wars & Mother’s Day Skype - 5.10.2016

#missionpics

Post on Earthquake in Ecuador - 4.17.2016

#Earthquake

The first time eating Peruana food!!! - 4.11.2016

#missionpics

Letter #56 - Photo tour of Hospital Metropolitano- 3.29.2016

#Letter56 #missionpics

Letter#55 - The Beautiful Story of Easter - 3.21.2016

Happy Happy Easter!!!

It's Easter and then the following week is conference! I can't believe 6 months has already passed by. It feels like we just watched conference yesterday! Crazy! I hope you all are thinking of your questions and preparing to listen to all the inspired talks! Can I just say how so very grateful I am to have a living prophet and 12 apostles of Jesus Christ in our day!

“There are lives to brighten. There are hearts to touch. There are souls to save.”—President Thomas S. Monson

This week was another week of miracles. We didn't have any emergencies this weekend which gave us time to really get to know our new sector. My companion has learned not to say "This weekend there is going to be an emergency" because everytime she said it we would be in the emergency room Saturday or Sunday night. Haha!

We have been praying to find another family of 6 in our new sector that all had the age to be baptized. Every time we prayed we imagined the part of sector that is above the hospital. So, we went and started to contact there. We were blessed to find several families in the streets and in their houses because we were able to contact over 60 people just in two days. The second door that we knocked on was a family of 6 who all had the age to be baptized. Two little kids answered the door with their dad in the window. We made an appointment with them Sunday. When the kids came to the door to get the pamphlet we asked them how old they were and their names. They said 11 and 8. We asked the 8 year old if he was the youngest and he said yes. My companion and I looked at each other and smiled. At first, it was hard to get them to let us teach them, but by the third time that we passed by they came and opened the door. It's all about persistence, right?! The mom and the oldest daughter didn't want to listen, but we know with a lot of faith, prayers, and time that they will come around. Orlando Pincai, Dayana Pareja, Abraham Pareja, and Anahi Pareja all have baptism date for April 9th!

We also found two young boys Aron Azanza Moreno (16 Yrs) and Kenneth Salazar Moreno (15 Yrs) who are extremely interested in learning more about the gospel. They came to church Sunday and invited one of their friends that also live in our sector. They loved it and can't wait until next Sunday. They read the pamphlet that we left them and they were really excited when we taught them more about the Book of Mormon because it was the first time that they knew that there was more scriptures than just the bible. They were in awe and were so excited when we told them that we had one for them.

They didn't accept fecha (yet) because they want to learn more first, but we know as they continue learning more and come to church they will know that it is true. they are such good kids though. When we asked them if there was anything that we could do for them they asked us to pray for them so that they would make good decisions this week and think of the concequences of their actions before they made decisions. We have an appointment with their mom on Wednesday. She said she will come to church the next Sunday. She is a nurse and had just gotten home from working all night. She said that she needed to sleep before her next shift, but we are hoping to be able to teach the rest of the family on Wednesday.

“We are all in this together. With fellow ward members and missionaries, we plan and pray and help one another. Please keep the full-time missionaries in your thoughts and prayers. Trust them with your family and friends. The Lord trusts them and has called them to teach and bless those who seek Him.”—Elder Neil L. Andersen

I have studied a lot about the attributes of Jesus Christ this week. I'm so amazed of who he is. The character that he has, the faith he shows through every action, and love that he has for each of us. He is the perfect example that we

become

what we want to

by consistently being what we want to become each day. His example teaches us that righteous character is more valuable than any material object we own, any knowledge we have gained through study, and any goals we have attained no matter how well lauded by mankind.

Wherever He taught, He changed EVERYTHING!

I know that humility is the attribute and quality that permits us to be taught from on high through the Spirit. That when we are humble through exercising our faith, repenting, and live our life of obedience and good works we will have more spiritual direction in our lives. We will be shaping our character to apply those attributes that Christ has taught us is necessary for us to have in order to return to live our Father in Heaven.

I know that Jesus Christ LIVES. I know that He suffered for you and me. That He knows our names and a whole lot more than just our names. He loves us more than we comprehend. That it is through Him we can have ETERNAL LIFE. That we each have the opportunity to become like Him. Neither Satan nor any other power can destroy or undermine our progress to becoming like Him. Only we do. I hope each of us will try to emulate His perfect example in our lives daily. That we will continuously strive to learn from His perfect example that He set for us as our older brother. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. I promise as we choose to make these correct choices, put our faith our Savior's example by acting in all righeousness, and believing in the promises that await us, we will see our weaknesses become strengths. Those things that we once believed in will become a reality. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know it is through His sacrifice we have hope to a better tomorrow.

D&C 58: 27-28

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

Have an amazing week. I love you all with all my heart!!!

Love always,

Sister Pemberton

#Letter55

Letter #54 - Crazy Change Week 3.14.2016

Helloooo! Hope you all had a great week! This was crazy change week! Week One This week was the first week of changes! We said goodbye to the missionaries that ended this change and said hello to all those who just arrived! It is always a week full of a lot of different emotions! My companion and I did not have changes! Woohoo! This week is a little different than the others. We helped Sister Richardson with the dinners for those who left and those who just got here. There are only two new sister missionaries. One from Argentina and one from Peru! There were only 4 Elders that came. Thursdays we always train the new missionaries about health. I have learned that by the 3rd day of lectures the missionaries are dead tired. So, we have been playing a game with them to help keep what we are teaching a little more exciting! The missionaries love it and so do we! My companion and I have made a new goal to start running every morning. We set the alarm for 6, but some how it always gets turned off and we keep sleeping until we know we have to get up at 6:30am. Haha! Hopefully, we will be a little more successful week 2!

White Wash Our sector was changed this week. We were not expecting it, but we got a call from the Assistants a few days ago. We gave the Elders that are going to be working there a tour of where all of our investigators and less actives live. It was really sad for me (of course) since I have been in that sector for more than a year. I know that area inside and out. I know so many people that live there and have really come to love each one of them even those people who decided they didn't want to listen. Sunday we saw miracles. One of the families that we have been working with in our old sector came to church for all 3 hours for the first time in more than 2 years! Woohoo! I looked over at my companion and said "Wait, is that Jenny Gonzolez?" We couldn't see her face because of her hair. She was studying the scriptures in her lap. I kept staring (creepy, I know. I couldn't help myself). I think she could feel someone was looking at her because she finally looked over and had a huge smile on her face! I gave her a huge hug after church. I'm so proud of her determination and example! We are learning our new sector. It is a lot closer to the hospital which will be nice since we are there a lot. There are a lot of doorbells which are not a missionary's best friend, however, the Lord's hand is always in this work. Anything is possible with his help! We were able to find several people that listened to us and that we were able to make other appointments with this next week! We are praying a lot to find another family of 6 in our new sector and we know we will find them!

The Funniest Patient We had a nother appendicitis this last week. It was actually the old fill in nurse for the Quito mission. She leaves in 3 weeks. Talk about bad luck! haha. I think that she was the funniest patient that I have ever seen after surgery. She didn't remember anything that she said the next day...I have a video, but it is too big to send. Some of the things she said: "When I was leaving she shouted BYE JESSICA...I looked at her with my mouth open. Whaaaaaaaaat? Haha! Her: "They took out my appendix...you are psychic!!" Her: "I feel like I broke the Word of Wisdom...Don't tell President." Me: "I think President already knows." Her: "WHAT? Nooooo!!!" Me: "It is normal when you have surgery". Her: "Just don't tell him." Me: "He is going to come later today to see you" Her: "No, he can't! That is so embarassing. I am not modest right now!" Her: "Can we go home?" Me: "No". Her: "I won't tell anyone." Me: "Ok, let's go". Her: Trying to get out of bed..."Oh no. I can't. I am too lazy." Her: "Where is my belly button?" (there was tape over it) Me: "They took it out." Her: "They took my belly button too? How can they take my appendix and my belly botton?" I fount out later that she told President that they took out her belly button and wanted to show him and he was like "Noo, it's ok. Don't show me. I know you still have your belly button. I will tell Sister Pemberton that you still have it!" Her: "Can I have my appendix to put in my journal?" Her: "Have you seen mormon messages?" Nurse: " No I haven't." Her: "Well, you should because they are dope!" Her: "My mom is going to poop her pants when she finds out and she is going to cry." I was laughing so hard that I was crying! She wins funniest patient after surgery by far!

Growing Closer to God I am so grateful for every trial, difficulty, and weakness that I have in my life. I know that struggling with problems is at the very core of life's purpose. I know as we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser and stronger. I have learned in my mission that there are so many things that I need to be better in. I feel like all my weaknesses and faults have been been put under magnifying glass here in the mission, but I love it because it helps me to see what I need to work on. I have also learned that when we start to see more of our weaknesses, usually means that we are moving nearer to God, not further away which is what we usually think. I have also learned that we must give ALL that we have. That giving only ALMOST everything is not enought. If we almost keep the commandments, we almost receive the blessings. Who wants to almost receive the blessings. NOT ME! We must be willing to give everything, because God can't make us grow against our will and without our full participation! I challenge each of you to pray and find one weakness that you have this week and diligently work to make it a strength. I promise you if you do this, you have the help of the Lord to overcome whatever weakness that you have. If you have the faith you can change it, I promise you through the Atonement you will see it change right in front of your eyes! Ether 12:26 "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Always remember the essential part that reading the scriptures and praying will play in making your weaknesses strengths! "If we want to talk to God, we pray. If we want God to talk to us, we read the scriptures". -Elder Holland Love you all with ALL of my heart! Have a wonderful week! Love Always, Sister Pemberton

#Letter54 #missionpics

Jokes in the Offices: We raced the secretaries back to the offices. Whoever lost had to buy juices. We hid so they wouldn't see us. Then, when they came in they thought they won and then went and hid. We jumped out at them...this was their reaction!

#Letter53 #missionpics

Letter #53 - Fotos - 3.7.2016

My Companion Hermana Salas and I

Beautiful Park in Quito

Picture of all of the Missionaries in our Ward

#Letter53 #missionpics

Letter #52 - Don't Neglect the Things that are ESSENTIAL - 2.22.2016

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came to our mission last week. It was such a great experience. First though, I want to talk about how easy it is in life to become busy with all kinds of things, even things that are important, but we have to be careful not to neglect those things that are essential. For if we forget that essential things, none of the other things matter.

Are we forgetting the one essential thing? One of those most essential things in our lives is our FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ, I mean it is the first principle in the gospel. :) Faith may be a simple concept in some ways, but every time I study it, I discover that there is still SOOO much to learn about faith. It amazes me and I see how much more I need to work on my faith to be able to have an unshakable faith! Here are 5 steps that I learned throughout studying more about faith this week! I hope you will all apply them this week!! 1. Have a firm belief that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and the Savior and Redeemer of the world. (John 3:16) 2. Recognize that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father only by relying on His Son's grace and mercy. (2 Nephi 25:20)

3. TRUST in him and what He says. Faith in Jesus Christ is more than just believing in Him, it is trusting in Him and that He loves us, that He knows what's best for us, and that His commandments are for our benefit. Conforming our actions to the will of our Heavenly Father comes from TRUSTING Him! Looking back on our experiences will help us appreciate that our understanding is immature compared to God's understanding and that we should trust in Him, even when the answers to our prayers are not what we hoped for at the time. I know that God's hand is in our lives even when we don't recognize it.

4. Remember that He has power to keep His promises. Every time that I read the Book of Mormon, I am reminded how many promises that we have been promised if we choose the right. His promises are amazing. As we were talking to one of our investigators this week about the death of her dad, it reminded me of the great blessing of the Resurrection. Once someone is dead and buried, there is no power on earth that can bring them back. There's no science, there's no physician that can get that done. Yet we know that through the power of Christ's Resurrection, our loved ones who have gone before us will be resurrected. What an amazing promise and that is just one of many!!! 5. Accepting and applying His Atonement and teachings. Faith always leads to action. It is something that I have learned over and over in my mission. If we believe that we can have the promises that are promised, then we will act in order to receive those blessings. I know that faith in Jesus Christ is ESSENTIAL to our eternal salvation. It leads us to keep the commandments and apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Eventually we will stand before the judgement bar of God. I know that many of the things we put importance in are going to be totally irrelevant. But I do know faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, receiving the saving ordinances, and enduring to the end are essential, and if we don't do those things nothing else will matter.

The Importance of Your Example Our mission had a meeting with Elder Jeffery R. Holland this week and it was amazing! I will never forget it. It was the first time that we were all together as mission. There were 200 hundred of us. First, we got all together to take a picture with Elder Jeffery R. Holland. We all stood up when he entered and he blew us a kiss with a signal to sit down. He said "HOLA!". Then, he said that he wanted to shake hands with each of us. He wanted us to say our names and where we were from. We lined up and each of us got to meet him. He later told us that he didn't really care where we were from, but it was to give us more time to have a personal interview with him. He said " I don't know if you noticed, but I looked right into your eyes and if you looked away, I looked away with you". He said he could feel with each of us how we were doing in our missions, spiritually, and if we knew that the mission was important. Elder Holland started out by telling us HOW important our calling is. He said that he didn't know where he would be if he never went on a mission, but he knew that he wouldn't have been in Quito talking to us. He said that he is so committed to the mission that even if we didn't baptize anyone, he would have us in the mission because of the change that happens in us, the conversion that can happen, and the love of the Lord that grows daily within a missionary. The mission helps to have us have the conversion so that we can be an essential part of the kingdom of God. He said that he left on his mission, the most unprepared missionary there is. He joked and said that he is sure when his missionary president saw him walking down to meet him in the airport was thinking "Oh boy". He said that he worked hard in his mission and it changed him. There is NOTHING more important that you could be doing with your lives. "There were a 1000 reasons for me not to go on a mission, but if I chose not to go-I would have missed out on 50 years of blessings that I have received because of my mission. Take advantage of every minute, every hour, every week in your mission!"

He talked about the importance of us being committed to this FOREVER. There is nothing worse than to see a returned missionary who lost their way. Who has the attitude that they gave their 2 years or 18 months and that they didn't need to give more. They believe that they have given all that is required of them. "If we can't count on the PASTORS to be faithful, what is going to happen to the lost sheep." He then raised his voice and said YOU CAN'T EVER RETURN TO WHO YOU WERE! THIS IS A CHURCH OF ETERNAL PROGRESSION. Your lives will be destroyed. After what you have learned, after what you have experienced, what you have said and what you have testified. If you turn your back on all that, there is no integrity. What we expect others to do, He expects you to do. Remember, the example that we can be as members. Remember, the things that we testify of, what we have learned, and what we have felt. We are God's investigators. We have habits that God doesn't like, that will stop our progression, so we need to stop and work to improve them. We know what they are. We need to apply the Atonement and walk away from those things. We belong to a church that is a church of eternal progression. We need to progress daily to reach our potential that our Father in Heaven knows we can achieve. LOVE THE LORD AND DEFEND HIS KINGDOM WITH YOUR EXAMPLE!

Miracles, Miracles, Miracles

We didn't have a lot of teaching time this week because we were in the hospital with sick missionaries, but we were able to teach an old investigator which was a miracle. She was an investigator that we found when I was companions with Sister Narvaez. Her name is Mary. I don't know if you remember her? She is a mother of two cute girls! Her dad died who she had not known for her life. She had the opportunity to meet him and then shortly after found out that he had cancer. It was really hard for her and she didn't understand how something good could be taken away so fast. She really didn't want to talk about religion or God and ignored our calls. She was able to learn that God's hand is our lives everyday though and we had a powerful lesson with her! I love her to death and we are excited to work with her again! I hope you all have a wonderful week! :) Love always, Sister Pemberton

Me and my companion Hermana Salaz

#Letter52 #missionpics

Letter#51 - It is by FAITH that MIRACLES are wrought! - 2.15.2016

Hi everyone!!

This week was crazy! Lots happened and we learned a lot! Ready?? Here we go!

Trial of Faith

Before we came to earth we knew to attain lofty goals, we would have to be found true and faithful in all things and withstand the trials and tests which would be put upon us by Satan. In spite of all the warnings, I’m sure we were stillanxious to come to this earth.

D&C 29:39

“… it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet.”

It is the same for us today, we must also have the bitter in order to know the sweet. At times, some of us think we have the bitter and not enough of the sweet. We all have our trials of life to strengthen us. It may be that they are themost difficult only because they are the hardest or most difficult for you. The diamond is enhanced and made more valuable with polishing. Steel is made harder and more valuable through tempering. So also opposition builds thecharacter of man.

All progress is made by overcoming an opposing force.

This week we had a big trial of our faith. We had Jessica who was going to baptized on Saturday. We were able to teach her a powerful lesson on Monday. She was so excited for her baptism! We told her to be strong this week because opposition would come because Satan knows the influence that her decision would have on her life, her family, but also for generations.

At the beginning of the week she was ready, but as her date got closer, opposition got stronger. She started to ignore our calls and our texts. We had no idea what happened or what had changed. We did everything we could in our power. We fasted. We studied everyday specifically her. We poured our hearts in our prayers to help her and guide her to make the best decision. To be strong. We exercised faith. We continued to plan her baptism even though she was not responding. We knew through our faith, if it was the Lord's will, it would happen. We heard from her 2 hours before her baptism saying that she was not going to baptized and for now she didn't want to listen to us, but would come to us when she was ready. It felt like our hearts were ripped out. We love Jessica with all of our hearts! We have seen her change. We have seen her change and have seen the light that the gospel brings glow in her character. We know everything happens for a reason. Elder Holland gave us words of comfort when he said

"In His time, God will fulfill EVERY righteous desire that you have".

He also gave us a blessing. That he did not only bless everyone that was there, but also all those people that we are concerned about, who we love, and who we are praying about. We had the confirmation that everything will work out in the Lord's time. That the trials that we are going through our for our good. Would help strengthen us. We had an opportunity to experience a little of what our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ feels when we are disobedient or don't choose the right when they know the blessings that we can receive.

In the beginning, an angel of the Lord taught Adam and Eve. He instructed them in all things so they would know the will of the Lord. I know it is the same for us today. We must study the scriptures, learn what God’s plan is for us. We must learn the consequences of obedience and disobedience. He has provided prophets and teachers in each dispensation to teach us God’s will concerning us. He has provided us with scriptures—the Bible, the Book of Mormon, andmodern-day revelations. He has restored the gospel with the fulness of the priesthood. He has given us the Holy Ghost to reveal to us the will of the Father and the Son and to enlighten us in all truth. I know that we have all these things because of the love that God has for us. I know that God lives and wants more than anything to have us chose here on Earth those things that will lead us back to Him. That Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. That through faith in Him everything is possible. That we have a living prophet who leads us and guides us. I know that we have 12 living apostles that love us and are instruments in God's hands!! I know that it is through our faith that we can see miracles!

Moroni 7: 26-27, 29, 35-37

26 And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.

27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?

29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day ofmiracles ceased?

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereofto be saved?

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because ofunbelief, and all is vain.

An Apostle of Jesus Christ

Elder Jeffery R. Holland is in Ecuador!!! He got here on Friday! We had a special assignment from Salt Lake City to find him medications Friday before he got here. It felt like we were playing where's waldo and that we were on some game show. We were given an amount of time and the medications...then ready. set. go! We searched all over Quito to find the medications that he needed! It wasn't the easiest assignment since there are not a lot of medications here that they have in the States! BUT we found them and it was fun experience. The Lord was watching out for us and helped us so that we could find them when he put a couple that were members in our path.

We were waiting for a taxi when a couple stopped and asked if we needed a ride somewhere. We both looked at each other and said..."ahh no it's okay". Then, they said we are members! We both felt like they were put in our path to help us find the medications we needed in time. The wife worked for a large pharmacy in Quito. So, we were grateful for the miracle that they stopped to help us! We know it was inspired! We dropped them off in the hotel for him. We saw him for the first time on Sunday. He chose one stake to talk to while he was here and it was ours! Woohoo! We got to the church an hour and 1/2 early and it was packed. We thought we were going to have to unlock the doors. People got there at 6:30am to be able to get seats which is funny because the night before when we were planning, we joked and said we should get there at 5am or 6am. Hahaha. But it was true, we had to get there that early! It was a such a powerful conference! We heard testimonies from different member, we heard from Elder Espinosa (in the Seventy) and his wife then we heard from Elder Holland. He spoke in English with a translater, but bore his testimony in Spanish! We will be having a meeting with him and our mission on Wednesday!

Elder Holland started out talking about that he was here because we have a big problem, but it is the best problem that the church can have...that the church is growing faster than we can keep up with! He said every week they are making new stakes, there will be new missions annouced this summer, and several new temples dedicated! He said "what a nice problem to have, huh!" "This means more marriages in the temple, more young adults going on missions, more faith, more service, and more priesthood holders around the world! What a great blessing to the world!" He then talked about 3 miracles that I don't have time to tell, but I will tell you later. The moral of the miracles were this: That sometimes miracles are a long time coming. However, they have not ceased! Some come fast and others many years later. We don't know why and may never know, but it is through the faith that the faith will come. He testified that they will come to all those who are faithful. He testified that he knew that God's every motive is to bless His children.

"Keep your faith. Pray always. BELIEVE they will come. Never ever ever walk away from this faith. It is our only hope, our only salvation. Be trusting and confident. Be patient. If we have to wait and wait, we will. Because miracles have not ceased. For the faithful, every prayer is answered. In HIS time, God will fulfill every righteous desire that you have. Without the gospel we have nothing. No hope. No hope at all. But with the gospel, we have EVERYTHING." " -Elder Holland

Calling the Plastic Surgeon

We had a crazy weekend in the Emergency room! We had one Elder from the Quito mission that ran into a pole and had to get stitches Sunday night. Then, we had an Elder who cut his finger pretty bad this morning which we had to go to the emergency room again to get stitches! My companion thought I was joking when I told her we needed to go back to the ER this morning. Otherwise, it hasn't been too stressful for me with taking over both missions! I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my talents and I continue to learn everyday!

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Remember to always keep your faith even through the hardest times! The Lord answers your prayers! Keep smiling no matter what! I know that this gospel is true with all of my heart! I love you!!!

Love always,

Sister Pemberton

#Letter51

Letter #50 - FAITH in February brings MIRACLES in March! - 2.8.2016

Hiiii!!!!

GOOO BRONCOS! I knew they would win!!! :)

Following the Example of the Savior

JESSICA IS GETTING BAPTIZED SATURDAY!!! She will be confirmed right after we have our stake conference with Elder Holland! I'm so overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. I love her with my whole heart! It has been amazing to see the light of the gospel change her life. I remember the first time that we visited her she had a huge list of questions. She kept saying "I'm just not sure". However, with each lesson the list of questions got smaller. Her doubts began to diminish. Soon the questions and doubts were replaced with a confirmation that she knew that this was THE church of Jesus Christ. She would tell us when she could literally FEEL that it was true and she had a smile from ear to ear. She couldn't keep the excitement in. True happiness is within the teachings of Jesus Christ. We can find answers to our questions, purpose to our lives, and an understanding of our potential and blessings that await us.

I have learned so much from Jessica since I met her for the first time. First, is her example of FAITH. When she was first learning about the gospel, she had doubts. It was all new to her and different than what she had been taught all her life, however, she was diligent with praying and reading the scriptures. When we would leave an assignment in the Book of Mormon, she would ask for 2. When she had question, she would pray and believed that she would receive and answer.She is a pure example that the requirement to ask in faith is a dual obligation to both plead and to perform, the requirement to communicate and to act. She always has believed from the moment that I met her that God answers our prayers. I know it is because of HER FAITH that the Holy Ghost was able to resolve those questions that she had.

I also admire her for her STRENGTH. We have seen her face the opposition from day 1 that we visited her. Some from the people that she is loves most. However, she has held on and continued to do what she knew she needed to know for herself. I know that with time her family will also accept the gospel. Her mom is going to come to her baptism Saturday! We are praying that her dad and brother also come! She showed us a painting that she did of the Salt Lake Temple the first time we visited her. She thought it was the most beautiful place that she had ever seen. I know with each day, she gets one step closer to being able to enter. I can't wait for the day when she will be able to enter with her family and with her future husband!

I know that when we choose to follow Christ in faith rather than choosing another path out of fear, we are blessed with a consequence that is consistent with our choice.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7)

FAITH in February brings MIRACLES in March!

As a mission, we are working on exercising more faith! For the month of February we all chose a sacrifice that we would give up for February and March! I have reflected a lot on my personal faith this past week. I'm excited to strive to have greater faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. To have complete trust in him and to do my part to see His promised blessings become a reality in my life. I'm so grateful for the many great examples of faith in my life. To my parents, my brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, priesthood leaders, other missionaries, friends and so many others. I know true faith MUST be centered in Jesus Christ. Faith is a principle of action and of power. It requires us TO DO, not merely to believe. It is literally a spiritual gift from God that comes through the Holy Ghost. It requires a correct understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His divine attributes and perfect character, His teachings, Atonement, Resurrection,and priesthood power. I know that it is through our obedience to these principles that we will develop COMPLETE TRUST in Him and His ordained servants and assurance of His promised blessings.

"Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal reighteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith"

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

I know that no worldly thing that we have can give absolute assurance like the gospel of Jesus Christ can. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. Even through those uncertain and difficult times, faith gives us hope. Parents can give their children education, lessons, athletics, the arts,and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little. I'm truly grateful for parents who raised me with a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is and for teaching me to have faith in him.

Don't Prejudge

Never ever prejudge or judge, but always give each person the opportunity to be the best selves. Sometimes, that might just what someone needs...is someone to believe in them!

Honestly, I was really nervous to receive my new companion this change. I had heard several things about her that made me a little worried when I found out that she was going to be my companion. I learned an important lesson though...to never ever prejudge. She is wonderful! She is nothing that I heard! We get along great and she is a wonderful missionary! I really do love her! I found this hymn that is amazing: "Let each man learn to know himself,

To gain that knowledge let him labor,

Improve those failings in himself

Which he condemns so in his neighbor.

How lenient our own faults we view,

And conscience's voice adeptly smother

Yet, oh harshly we review

The selfsame failings in another!

So first improve yourself today

And then improve your friends tomorrow!!!

Have a wonderful week! I love you sooo much!!! Sister Pemberton

#Letter50

Letter#49 - Double the Trouble - 2.1.2016

Hello! Cambios Well, we had changes this week! My new companion is Sister Salas. She is from Lima, Peru. Sister Salas is 24 years old. She was a massage therapist before her mission. She was baptized in 2008 with her sister then a month later her mom was baptized and then her dad was baptized a year later. Now, her entire family are members. She is a clown! She loves to joke around and is always thinking of new jokes to tell. She says that she is shy, but I don't believe her because she is really outgoing with me. She loves to dress up and loves dresses.She always asks, "What are we going to wear for this or that?" "We need to find a pretty dress for this meeting or this occasion". She speaks really fast! We didn't have a lot of time to teach this week, however, when we have taught the Spirit is always so strong when she teaches. I love her! Elder Holland is coming to Ecuador We will have a stake conference with him on Feb 14th and then we will have a meeting with him with our mission on Feb 17th. It's the talk of town right now. We are all preparing for his visit! Double the Trouble Well, I'm officially the nurse for 2 missions now! The Quito North mission and the Quito mission. I got a call from President Richardson that we were going to have a meeting with President Christensen about my offering to help with the other mission. Then, they notified the mission to start calling me! It all happened so fast, but I'm doing both now! I'm taking care of 400 missionaries now. One of the hardest parts of the transfer is learning 200 more names. haha! Each mission has a localizer with all the names of the missionaries and where they are. It is my life saver. I would be lost without it! I KNOW with the Lord's help though I can do it. After all, that's why I offered. I know I have been prepared before my mission to be able to have this responsiblity and I know with the Lord's help, I can do all things. President Richardson shared this scripture with me this week which I love: Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." It will allow for the 3 missionaries that they had in the office to be out teaching and serving the people of Ecuador which I'm so happy about! There are people to find, teach, and serve! We need as many of our missionaries out in the field as possible! I know that this is an opportunity to share my gifts and talents. Since I don't know anything about the south part of Ecuador, we are going to be traveling to the different parts of the Quito mission to see their hospitals and clinics in the next couple of weeks. We went to Tena this week which is the jungle and then Ambato. The orient is really HOT, but it is so beautiful!!! Something that I LOVE about Ecuador is that there are so many different cultures in one little country. The people in orient are different then those in the country or the coast. Their traditions, the food, the way they dress, and the way they speak are all different! False Alarm Well, I had quite a blonde moment this week. Let me tell you. We got home from traveling for 2 days and I realized that my keys were not in the normal place that I usually leave them. We called the secretaries because they have a copy. (Phew) Everything was good. We went out teaching and came home at 9:00pm. I put one of the keys in and it wouldn't turn. No problem...there's another. Then, I tried the other. This one didn't turn either. Uhhh....I looked at my companion. She tried and it didn't work for her either. I tried again. Nothing. I turned to my companion and said "What should we do?" She said, "Let's pray". After, she tried to get in with sliding a card. We called the secretaries again and they told us to talk to the guard to see if we could get a lock smith. The guard tried the keys, but again nothing. He said there was nothing that he could do because it was a Saturday. We were exhausted. We sat down outside of our door and then I opened my bag..took out everything and GUESS WHAT...there at the bottom were the keys. HOW EMBARRASSING! The Lord always, always, ALWAYS answers our prayers. Even if it is our own faults. He is well aware of every situation and will lead us and guide us. The Field is WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST D&C 4:4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; Jessica has strengthened my testimony of this scripture ten fold. She was prepared before we found her to hear the gospel. She will be getting baptized on February 13th! As soon as we left the church she started talking about who she wanted to baptize her, what time her baptism was going to be, and who was going to come. She said that her mom was going to come!!! She is very excited! We invited her this week to pray specifically to know that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet called directly from God because she has had a few doubts about some of the doctrine and always asks where it is in the Bible. I know that she will receive an answer and that when she receives an answer, she won't feel the need to find in the Bible as well. I know that each of us have the opportunity to know for ourselves if we just read and ask God with a sincere heart. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know it is something that we need to read daily. That there is so much for us to learn and much more that Heavenly Father wants to teach us as we are reading. Sunday we had a family of 7 come to church. 5 of them are less actives that we are working and 2 are not members. I literally jumped out of my seat because I was so excited to see them at church! It was a beautiful sight to see them in front of us sitting together, filling up a whole bench. We talked to Merceles and Raul who are the mom and dad. They said there was nothing better than to have their whole family at church with them! I couldn't agree more! I know families are FOREVER. It is one of my favorite things to testify of because I KNOW IT! That we can be EXAMPLES for our family. That each of us will have hard times where we need others testimonies to help lift us and other times where we will need to lift others! We can help each other grow and learn! I know we are each in our families for a reason! I'm so grateful for my family and for the example of each of my siblings and parents. I don't know who I would be without them! I'm grateful for their strength and their testimonies. Especially for their love for me! Love you all! Have a great week!!! Sister Pemberton

#Letter49

Letter #48 - Photos Only - 1.25.2016

Victoria and Natasha Jama! They are members of less active family (now are active) that we have been teaching! They are family of 5! They are the cutest! I love them!

Anyone want some Guinea Pig?

Pday

ENCEBOLLADO!!!

#Letter48 #missionpics

Letter #47 - Faith is not by Chance, but by Choice - 1.18.2016

Hello!!! The Voice of His Servants This week had the opportunity to have a conference with Elder Godoy. It was amazing. I cried...(more than once). My testimony grew a hundred times that the leaders in the church are called through revelation. It was only with a few zones in our mission and then he traveled to Otavalo to talk to the other part of the mission. It was very personal which I loved. To begin the conference, he asked all of the missionaries that are leaving this change bare their testimonies. The Spirit was SO strong. Afterwards, Sister Richardson talked about the importance of our studies. That as we study the scriptures daily, we will be will literally be filled with the light of Christ. President Richardson talked about faith and diligence even when we don't see the fruits of our labours. He shared experiences from his mission. He showed a picture of a family that they had found after a long time of waiting and praying. Sister Godoy started out her part with asking us all of the blessing of the restoration. We wrote them on a white board. The white board was covered with blessings. Then, she said if we had to erase 2 or 3 then what would you take out. We were silent. She said ok let's erase tithing. All of us gasped. "NOOO", we said together. Then, she said let's erase Plan of Salvation. Again, we all shouted "NOOO". Then, she said "To be fair, let's just erase all of it". The room was silent. She looked at us and asked us how we felt. Personally, I felt empty, lost, and sad. I felt like I was missing out on so much. It was a horrible feeling. She said, "This is how the people who do not know of the restored gospel feel. There are many who feel the way that you do now". Many times as members we take for granted the blessings that we have. We don't take two steps back and realize everything that we know and everything that we have received in because of the restoration of the gospel. That because of the knowledge that we have and the ordinances that we have done, we can take part in the blessings that are promised to us. We have resources to help us through the darkest days. We can feel the love of God in our lives everyday. Elder Godoy showed us a picture of a young boy with long hair and his sister. He later told us that this picture was of him when learned about the church. He said that it could have been easy for the missionaries to have judged him and not have faith that he could change or accept the gospel, but they didn't. He wasn't looking to change his religion or his life at the time, but he went to a church activity. He said that he remembered most was how happy the people were even though they had nothing. He said that he had his first lesson with the missionaries. They taught him the Apostasy. He thought it was interesting being Catholic all of his life. He had always thought he was in the correct church and had never heard about the Apostasy. Then, they taught about the Restoration. After he heard the first vision, he was in shock. He ran home and wanted to tell everyone. He said that he didn't understand why everyone wasn't talking about the restored gospel. That the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. He was baptized shortly after. He opened our eyes to the importance of the work. The influnence that we can have for generations. He closed the meeting reading D&C 31. He reminded us that even if we do not see the fruits of our labours immediately, that they will come. That the work that we do is not wasted, but that every person we talk to we are planting a seed. That we should never become discouraged, but continue with perfect faith because God is aware of our efforts and will bless us. A God of Miracles Friday morning I read a talk President Thomas S. Monson wrote called "Decisions Determine Destiny". He told a story of when he was a mission president in Canada. His wife had received a call from a mother who said that her and her family wanted to learn more about the gospel. She wrote down their information and gave it to the missionaries working in that area. Weeks passed by and Sister Monson followed up with the missionaries. "Have you visited the reference that I gave you?" The missionaries said, "No, Sister Monson. We have been a little busy, but we will do it soon". Another few weeks passed by and again Sister Monson followed up, but got the same response. After a few more weeks she told the missionaries, "If you don't visit the family, then my husband and I will". The missionaries said "I think we have some time to go tonight, Sister Monson". This entire family was baptized shortly after. The children served missions, were married in the temple, the dad served as a mission president and I think later in the 70. So, many blessings happended after this simple decision. Our decisions impact our lives and so many others that we don't even realize. After we got back from taking one of the Sisters to the bus terminal, we went to the offices. We saw a paper sitting on the desk with the name JESSICA BATALLAS. Under had an address and there was a circle with arrows pointing to it saying URGENT. We looked a the address and it was in our sector. We had to do a double look. Our sector? Seriously? We contacted her, but she didn't answer at first. Then, we tried again in the afternoon. She answered. We visited her that day. I love her to death! She is 23 years old. She loves to paint and cook. She lived in Utah for 3 months with her aunt. She saw the Salt Lake temple there and came to know a little bit more about the church. She has a light that shines. When we leave chapters for her to read in the Book of Mormon, we come back for the next visit and she has marked up the chapter and written her questions. We asked her if she wanted 2 chapters to read Saturdayand Sunday when she came to church she said she finished the chapters and wanted more to read. I know that Heavenly Father helped her to find us and I am so excited to help her to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ!!! Please keep her in your prayers. The Search for Truth We had a taxi driver this week who wanted to argue with everything that we said. When we testified. He said, "How can you know? We are too young. We have no life experience." We also had another taxi driver who was amazed that we could feel God's presence in our lives daily. I love being a missionary with all of my heart. No matter how many people reject us. How many people say this or that. I know that there are people out there searching for the truth. That we might need to have a few or many slammed doors in our face or a few harsh words before we find them. As missionaries 98% of our missions we will feel rejection, disappointment, and our faith will be tested. Then, there 2% of those miracles and those moments when we see those who accept the gospel. But it is the 2% that will makes it ALL worth it. Those who we find that will accept the gospel. The miracles that we see. The changes that we see in people. It is 2% that makes serving a mission the best decision that we ever made!!! There is no doubt in my mind that this is the church of Jesus Christ. That we have a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of each and everyone of us. That we can change and become like our Savior Jesus Christ through the Atonement. That Jesus taught us to ACT. That as we show our faith through our actions, we will see our lives change and become powerful instruments in His hands. We will be worthy to feel the Spirit in our lives each and every day!! I love you all! I hope that this week each of you will think of one thing that you can do to show your love for our Savior Jesus Christ and accomplish it! Have a wonderful week!! Love always, Sister Pemberton

#Letter47

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My Ecuador Quito North Mission - part two