Best News in the Entire World!

I have the best news in the entire world!!

Rebeca and Alberto got married!!! They asked us to be their witnesses as well. It was the coolest, once in a lifetime experience. There are very few people here in the mision that have been able to see investigators get married so that they could be baptized. I feel overwhelmed at how blessed I was to see them. Rebeca who also was a huge adict to tea has officially quit this week. Which my have been just as big of a miricle. She is getting baptized this sunday and the ward is estatic. She is basically part of the ward and her son is a convert RM and so the fact she can finally get baptized is just huge. We were the first missionaries to work with her husband and I dont even know how... just pure miracles.. and being blessed. I stand all amazed at gods tender mercies.I feel so blessed. 

We also have Ester who is lilving with members and moved here from equador on date. She is so amazing. We had lunch with them yesterday and her and I just cried as she realized that this is what she was looking for. We hope that president can give us permission so she  can be baptized this sunday and if not the next.

We also had Diego a boyfriend of a member show up. We had been teaching him but he wasnt making a whole lot of progress. AND THEN YESTERDAY OUT OF THE BLUE HE HJUST SHOWS UP TO CHURHC!!!

We also found a family to teach... they are incredible and we love them so much. There is a mom, pamela, juan luis (14) Catalina (9) and Lucas (3). They are so amazing and so prepared. Please pray for them that they can progress... I will have so much more to tellyou abou them next week. 

Yesterday was just christmas as we had 4 investigators come to church... the most in my mission. This is a miricle because this sector has been named the punnishment. Or at least it was. Never before has their been so much success... but I am not saying this at all to throw a show for me.... I am saying it because thanks to the atonement... change exists. It is possible to turn a pumishment into a miracle. We have seen so many miracles. I love this ward. I love my companion. I love my mission. That is all.

One thing is... two weeks ago we had conference with president. We talked all day about the sabbath day. But something interesting was that he noted (this was before president perry died) that the last person to talk was Elder Nelson. Elder Paker and Perry are in bad health so he could be the next prophet and it was interesting that he spoke last... I think President kahnlein just called the next prophet... but it was amazing. 

We have leadership conference.. the last one with president kahnlein... it should be pretty incredible... ahhahaha

I love you all so much be safe and know you are loved!!!

Hermana Cook

Church Attendance/The importance of diligence/Loving the mission

What in the world... it is march... that is a really weird thought. This week was really good. The family we are teaching went on vacation and wont get back until this next week. But on the plus side 12 of the less actives we are teaching came to church and all of our recent converts. The assistance to the sacrament meeting went up 40!! That is alot for our little ward of 80. Tomorrow we travel to viña... well technically midnight tonight. Im really nervous. But it will be awesome! 

We are curently teaching an investigator named Claudia... she just needs to come to church right RIGHT!!! 

We are also teaching a reference named violeta.

One of the things I want to share with you all is what I have been studying in my libro de mormon. It is diligence. When I first started reading I only marked when it said the word diligence. But reading the definicion of diligence it is any constant effort, courage, service, and obedience. I think one of the biggest things I have learned on my mission is courage. Courage to talk to everyone you pass, courage to say things how they are, To invite every single person to repentance. I remember what dad told me christmas... teach the gospel to as many people as you can. Siempre these words are in my mind. I know that when we are diligent miricles come. Diligence is something that requires a lot, but gives the most. 

I love my mission. I dont think I could ever say that enough. It is incredible. The tasks, the trials, the prayers, the work, the sweat, the tears, all of it in my eyes is looked upon as the greatest thing I could be doing. So many times in the day people ask us if we miss our family, friends, and countries. And The way I have come to respond this question is yes. Of course I miss you all. Of course there are times when I look up at the blazing sun and think I am done. But after the yes comes the but I am so happy with what I am doing those moments are small. I am so happy. there is no feeling like running out of a house screaming, jumping and crying for joy because someone has accepted our invitation to come unto christ. I hope that each and everyone of us can feel that. The pure joy that is when we can help others come to him. Not because we are amazing but because god has permitted us to take part in what he feels. 

Be safe. I love you all

Melissa

Leadership Conference/Diligency/Temple Family

Hey family!!!

How was your week? How was australia? I hope it was awesome. This week we had an amazing leadership conference in viña. We talked a lot about real intent. Desire and fufilling our purpose. It was exactly what I needed. I have found a new energy and love for the work as I look at the intent of all that I do. And I look to purify my real intent so that it may become in line with christ. Because at the end of the day we can all be obedient. But it is why we are obedient that changes us and helps us to become who we are. 

I also recieved more insight about diligency and consistency. I am working to become the one drop of water every day not the one bucket full of water every once and awhile. That is waht really changes things. 

Our investigator nicoilas was doing awesome. WE had his plan of retention all done and ready when he told us that due to a very dangerous situation he had to move immediatly. So he left saturday... it was a very sad day. My only wish is that somehow he can come in contact with the missionaries again and they will help him to complete his desire to be baptized.

We have found some really awesome future investigators and have started teaching them. Right now it is just back to square one and work work work.

BUT!!! July, Isidora, and Jesus were sealed this weekend!! They have worked so long and so hard to complete their goal and they did it!!! They are so so sos so so happy. I love this family so much. My dream is that one day you can know them. They are so special. 

So we have transfers this week... it will be really hard if I leave but I have no idea if I am leaving or not. I have so much time here it is like my mission is here. But all you can say at the end of the day is I will go where you want me to go.

Love you all so much.

Hermana Cook

Holo moly!!!

Ya so it was the greatest thing to talk to you guys this week. Really a Christmas treat. But we keep working... busy as usual. Yesterday we saw one of the biggest miracles ever!!! A man came to church... by himself!! His name is Mario and he was born in Colombia but is from the Netherlands. Was a missionary for the Jehovahs witness but left and is willing to leave his job to join the church!!! Ya my companion and I were in shock to say the least. He stayed for all the meetings and after we taught him lesson 3 about the gospel of Jesus Christ. And he accepted a baptism date for the 11th of January!!! We were really fasting that we could find someone and low and behold God sends us gold!!! I am still in shock. We hope that he isn't "too good to be true" But we will see what happens.

Karen didn't come to church yesterday... boooooo!!!! She leaves for Santiago this week so we will have to see when she comes back.

Vianco came to church yesterday... in his new suit!!! He is such a miracle. He also came to the ward Christmas activity and brought a chocolate bar for everyone!!! 

I love this area so much. We have transfers this week... on my birthday and I am so hoping that we don't get transferred. I have felt so much love this week from the members. Yesterday the hermanas were fighting over who would feed me lunch on my birthday and so they had a ward draw at the Christmas party!!! This ward is just incredible. We have seen so many improvements and changes and now it is a completely different ward!!! So don't worry mommy I will be well taken care of for my birthday.

As far as Christmas traditions in Chilie..... there aren't really any. Like I said before they really wish they were the US so they put lights up on their houses and have trees and santa clause. They do do something different than we do. They all wait until the 24th at midnight and open all their presents then. And they eat a lot of a a Christmas bread... that for some reason they all like. I do not like it not one little bit... so my companion eats mine for me when the members aren't looking. We also had a ward Christmas party this week but we were fasting so we weren't able to eat anything. BUT we recieved tons of blessings and helped us not to get fat :)

Well that's all from me. Thank you so much for your birthday cards... I cant wait to open them tomorrow!!!!

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

Maura baptism, working through illness, forgot it was Thanksgiving

Hola familia!!!

So this week for sure was a week of miricles. MAURA WAS BAPTIZED!!!! Oh that sweet girl... I just love her so much!! Her father not only changed his mind completley and but tried to come to the service. Unfortunatley he was an hour late and missed the baptism but its the thought that counts right?? Maura was so happy and it really was just a great day!! There was a lot of people there in the ward to support her and she is so excited to start progressing. It was a miricle to see the full progression of someone. From the first day we contacted maura... her mom was outside smoking. To the day of her baptism they both we up, awake, and ready for church. Mauras mom (yolanda) even bought a new dress and high heals!!! WHAT!!! They are such a special family for me. THE CHURCH IS SO TRUE!!!

So this week I was really sick. On monday after p day I got the flu really bad. I ended up throwing up 3 times... in the street. It was still my first week with my companion and she thought I was crazy. She kept asking me if I wanted to go home... hahaha we couldnt go back until 930!!!! That is just crazy talk. so we just kept working. It really made me realize that only if the church was true would there be crazy white girls in the street throwing up and then getting up and contacting the next person they see. Hahaha one old grandpa just looked at me... said teenagers these days... and kept walking. But luckily we were able to teach Vianco. He really wants to get baptized but wants to go to the other chapel that is in our same area. Tonight we have a family home evening with him. Please pray that he can understand that the church is a church of order and he needs to come to our chapel... thanks!!! 

Oh God is just so merciful. This week we have seen so many miricles and so many tender mercies have come to us. Yesterday I felt as Alma or ammon. JUST SO FULL OF JOY!"!!! There are no words to describe how much I love the mission. 

This week was thanksgiving. I didnt realize until everyone in the street started telling me happy day of thanks. I was so confused... then I remembered. hahaha guess what I had for my feast??? hahaha taco shells and beans. It was DELICIOUS!!! hahahhaa definentley writing that one in my journal. 

This week we will travel to viña again for a leadership conference. I am so excited!! I think that is the thing I love most. Learning, hearing the words that our misison needs first. Sitting at the feet of president and just wanting more. Not in a bad way... I just have such a hunger to learn. Then to go and to apply. 

I am so glad to hear that all went well with your family trip to Jamaica. I am so glad the missionaries recieved a tender mercy and someone bought them food. I know that I would be blown out of the water if that happened to me!!! I dont think it will... but you never know!!! 

Thank you so much for your continual prayers. I can feel them so much all day everyday. YOU GUYS ROCK

HERMANA Cook

How Beautiful the Feet...

Hey everyone!!!

I hope that everyone's week was fantastic! This week was awesome! We had zone conference with our mission president this week and IT WAS AWESOME!!!! He talked a lot about work and courage! I loved all the learning that we have had this week!!! General conference was also very good and very cool that people were able to hear some talks in their own languages! So how is midway? Hope that it was awesome for you guys. I noticed a trend of prophets, revelation and the santa cena... what is it in english... its the bread and water in the church. I am sorry I really cant think of the word right now... Oh well. But yes our mission president talked a lot about courage and strength and the gift of work. His talk reminded me a lot of dad. Dad is always such a hard worker and I know that we can learn a lot from him on that. Mom is a great example of courage. She is never afraid to tell what she knows to share the gospel with all the world! 

I loved the general conference talk by Elder Robbins the best. He was the one that came and visited our misison. HE spoke very clearly and I loved it. I would love to tell all my feelings about conference but there is something else I have been thinking about this week that I would love to share with you more.

How beautiful are the feet are those that declare peace. This scripture has stuck my heart this week. Because frankly our feet are the most ugly looking things right now how could they be beautiful! And as I pondered this I became aware of the underlying principle that is being taught here. How beautiful is work... How beautiful is it to see the blisters, the blood, the sweat and tears all mixed together. Dedicating all that we have to the gospel. To declare this peace. To leave our home for 2 years so that others can have theirs for eternity. I love this gospel. I love my mission. I am not even half way done and I will thank my heavenly father forever for it. 

I have realized a difference in missionaries in this aspect. Ones that return home saying that "I have paid my debt to god... my tithing, part of my life. and now I can do what I want to do." Were good missionaries who worked fought and did their best.

But those who come home and feel more in debt to god than ever before allowed god to change them. To make them into something they could not have been without the mission. 

I am so thankful for my mission. I feel more in debt to my heavenly father than ever before. I say that not in pride or in saying that I am an amazing missionary that is good. That is not my objective. My objective is in gratifying my god. I know that I will forever be changed by this experience, the people that I have taught, the people that have taught me. May we all become more indebted to god every day and work harder so be worthy of those changes.

I love you family have an amazing week!!!

Hermana Cook

PS thought I would send a picture of my beautiful feet... proud of these things!!!

Called as a Sister Leader / More lives changed / Dreams

Hey family!!!

SO much to tell you all about this week. So as I told you I have been called to be an hermana leader, and I am so excited about it. I was very sad to part with my companion hermana day after such a short period but she is in the great hands of a new trainer. I am now with hermana page and she is training me how to be a great leader. We have 2 exchanges planned for this week and I am so excited. 

So EVEN BIGGER SURPRISE!!! Paulina ended up getting baptized! Ya we had a meeting with her and the bishop and she completley changed!! She told us she was ready to be baptized and changed her entire life so that she could do it this sunday. She is an AMAZING WOMAN!!! I hope that she can continue to persevear and find a new man who can treat her amazing who she can go to the temple with. 

Another miricle investigator is named alex. We came accross him in the street and he needs a lot of help. He has been an alchoholic most of his life and drinks 10-20 beers a day!!! wow right!!! But we started to teach him. At first I was very hesitant about teaching him because he was just so drunk all the time. We told him to quit drinking and that through that he would be able to feel the spirit... and he accepted!!! He also promised my companion that he would never never buy any more beer!! Yesterday he only drank 2!!! I am so so so proud of him!!! Please pray for him and his body especially with the consequences and side affects of quitting his addiction.

The third and biggest miricle is a new investigator we have named Suge. She is from colombia and hemana page started teaching her and she ended up coming to church yesterday! That in itself is a miricle that a street contact that they met with for the first time came to chuch after a lesson but that isnt the only miricle with her. She told them in her first lesson that she had a dream of going into the church and she said she has had it many many times and it is very vivid. But she walked into a church with big windows by the enterance, she then walked down to a room with a pulpit and people bearing their testimonies... they then walked up the stairs to a baptism... She said she tried to take picutres but couldnt because it was a sacred moment... and that confused her. But then people opened up doors and she saw a font with crystal clear water and then the person walked down stairs to get into the water. 

and after words she met gringas who told her how to make this real...

SHE WAS DESCRIBING OUR CHAPEL!!!! WORD FOR WORD. when she walked into the church for the first time she thought it was just a coincidence but then after sunday school because of paulinas baptism the font was full of water. They opened up the doors to let her see the font and guess what.... She feel to the ground sobbing all she could say was ¨this is my dream¨. it was like something out of the book of mormon. She has a family and we are hoping that all of them can come into the church. She is so amazing. Please pray especially that her huspands heart will be softened and they can be baptized. 

I was so glad to hear that convention went so well and please send my reguards to dr hill. I am so proud of my dad and mom for all that they do. That takes so much courage to stand up and talk to so many people. GO DAD GO!!! 

I love you all and hope you have an amazing week!!!!

Love hermana Cook