La ultima palabra [The last word]

Well, ladies and gentefolks! Seems to me like this is the last email that I will be writing from Honduras! These last few days have flown by and have been full of lots of mixed emotions and lots of great, great experiences. 

This week we:

-Participated in the international day of service! Our stake was assigned to help clean the outside of the nearby hospital, so we went over early Thursday morning with machetes and rakes and house brooms to move rocks and cut grass and make it look nice. It was a fun activity and we got to put on the ¨Mormon Helping Hands¨ jackets so it was worth it. :) 

-Ate garrobo, that big lizard that runs around these parts, it's like an iguana but bigger. It was on my list of have to dos before I end my mission and a cool hermana killed one in her backyard and fixed it up with spaghetti. My companion was sad because she didn't want to eat it (She eats EVERY part of the cow and the chicken and the guinea pig in her home but garrobo? No gracias.) But after begging her to do it and promising her she will have a cool story to tell her kids she finally ate it! And we didn't even get sick!

-We also had an incredible double baptism on Saturday where the elders in our ward also baptized a girl they were teaching. It started an hour and a half late and they almost didn't get the font filled, but it was a success! Angie was so excited and so prepared and will be a super great member from now on. We are so proud of her and felt so lucky to have been a part of this sacred ordinance. Also I got to finish my last weekend on a high note!

-Yesterday we got to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, which was so inspiring and kicked off the Christmas season on a great note. I loved the music and the messages of peace and joy. 

I cannot believe that this will be the last time I write a weekly email and that in a few short days I will be stepping off a plane in Salt Lake City, where they tell me it is really cold these days. Not sure I am ready for that. [Thurs. Dec. 8th] 

My last 18 months have been a whirlwind of my highest and lowest points, where I have seen miracles in my own life and the lives of others. It has not been easy but it sure has been worth it. I don't know how I got through some of the hardest days, only in and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which I have learned to understand so much more. 

I have learned to love the Honduran people. I have learned that happiness can be found in a mud brick house with a barefoot family, learning the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have learned to speak Spanish! I have learned to be patient with myself, with my companions, members, and investigators. I have learned the value of an eternal family and an upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

I know this is the true church, the only church under the direction of Jesus Christ himself. I know Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration and that we have a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, from my own personal study and prayer. I know that God answers prayers and that He is waiting for us to seek His guidance. 

I know that I am going home soon and that it won't be easy, but I will keep doing the small and simple things to keep me on the right path. I feel a lot like Mary when it says she kept these things and pondered them in her heart. I am carrying so many wonderful people and experiences in my heart, enough to last me an eternity. 

I thank you so much for the letters and support, the prayers and thoughts over this past year and a half. 

Have a wonderful week and I'll see you soon!! Have the mariachis ready for me in the airport :)

Lots of love. Signing off for the last time,
-Hermana Amy Caroline White

International Day of Service.

Spaghetti with garrobo (that big lizard that runs around these parts).

Our miracle, Angie.

Hasta luego, Honduras.

Happy Thanksgiving!  We had a great week:

-Went on my last splits ever with Hermana Gomez and Hermana Bernal. It was fun being with Hermana Bernal, because she was my "little sister" when I was a Sister Leader and now she is my Sister Leader. She's an amazing missionary and I learned a lot from her. 

-Had my very last district meeting, since this week is interviews. We gave the class on burying our swords and being converted to the cause of the Lord (Alma 24) and I gave my final testimony with the other missionaries who are leaving. That was weird, and I got emotional sharing my last words with the zone. 

-Also celebrated Thanksgiving in the American way - at Burger King. 

-Today we had a P-day with the zone. We made carne asada [grilled beef] and one of the elders caught an iguana so we took pictures. They wanted to grill the iguana too but we wouldn't let them. 

-And, most importantly! Our miracle, Angie. 

A couple weeks ago we met this super cool girl named Angie in a street contact with her sister who is a member from another ward. Angie said she has been visited by a bajillion missionaries and that, sure, we can drop by. 

So Saturday night (19th of November) we stopped by. She was all, "Yeah, come in!"  We did a "Get to know you" lesson. She explained that she has Christ in her heart and doesn't feel the need to go to a church, but that she will listen to us - not a problem.

We challenged her to baptism and she said, "Well, we'll see." OK - typical response.

We left her a pamphlet for the first lesson ["The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."] We invited her to church and she said, "Yeah, I will go, but can I go in pants?" SURE.

We went by the next Sunday morning after we had stopped for a few others (who wouldn't go) and were honestly thinking Angie would say the same thing, "No, I'm sick, maybe next Sunday." But surprises and miracles happen and there was Angie, ready and waiting for us and in a SKIRT. So cute, with her little bible and everything. She went to church, felt good, but wasn't sold. 

Monday night we went to teach her and she had not only read the pamphlet but had read all the scriptures that are included, had highlighted and filled in the questions in the back, except for the ones that come in the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith's History. We explained the restoration to her and she said, "Really the reason I never got baptized was because I didn't understand the authority and how Joseph Smith got it."

Okay. We explained it and she understood, and committed to pray to know if these things are true. She also said, "But where can I read this Joseph Smith History, I need to know more about this man to know if he was a prophet." OKAY! We had a triple combination at the house, so the next day we dropped it off and came back the day after that. 

She was so excited to meet with us. Turns out she had stayed up late reading and re-reading the Joseph Smith History and the pamphlet we left, and thanks to a 3 AM prayer told us that she knows without a doubt that this is the only true church and that she needs to be baptized.

We asked her, "Would you like to be baptized the 3rd of December?" "Yeah" she said, "why not?"

At this point we were over the moon. I asked her if she has any questions, and she said, "Can I share my testimony with more people? Things like this are what others need to know." Yes, Angie, please share it with others!

She has been so awesome, so ready, and so excited to be a part of the Lord's church. She wants to know everything and has been studying the scriptures and has taught us the majority of the lessons.

I am so grateful for the people God has prepared for us and the part that we get to play in their conversion. We have felt that the Spirit has truly done all the work and we have done very little, and that's how it feels when God works through us. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the next 10 days I have to wear this nametag. I feel incredibly humbled to serve His children here in Honduras. 

Lots of love, 

Hermana White

  

Went on my last splits ever with Hermana Gomez and Hermana Bernal.

Thanksgiving at Burger King.

My companion eats chicken feet.

Christmas!

We love lichas, this curious little fruit. We might have eaten 2 bags in one day.

Our house.

Aaaaaaah, happy18 months to me!

La Iglesia de Jesuscristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias.

Angie and two very happy sister missionaries.

Zone meeting today.

The elders found an iguana.

Another stellar week. We could find lots of new investigators, and yesterday we had TWO of them at church. (Whaaaaat?) That was so great. Hermana Brendy is progressing and even though we changed her baptism date to the 3rd of December she is still excited and her family is as well.

Nisi and Esther, well, not so much. I think their Evangelic family has told them some lies about the Mormons and are preferring to stay in their grandpa´s church.

I love having lessons with people who are prepared to hear the gospel and have golden questions like: "But which is the true church?" or "Where can I get a valid baptism?" or "Does God communicate with men in this day?" We have all the answers. 

In other news, I will miss a lot of things about Honduras, like all the kids in the street lighting fireworks at all hours of the day, when the power goes out on a whim, the tact and respect for privacy (an hermano this week told me, "You're heavy but your spirit is light!" during a plan of salvation lesson), and the HEAT.

It's a great place and I have grown to love it, even though it has its defects and some laughable traits, and it has taught me a lot. I have learned to love the people, cry with them, laugh with them, and take their hand as they come to know this gospel that can bless them and their families for eternity. 

I finished the Book of Mormon again the other day, and am so grateful for its inspired messages. I know that it is the word of God and has been written for us in this day. The promise that comes throughout the Book of Mormon - that it will come to the Lamanites in the last days - is real and is being fulfilled!  

Thanks for the love and support!

Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday!

Hermana White (pronounced "Guiz" "Weetay" or "Blanca")

Helping to make tortillas from corn.

Pizza Hut with the hermanas from the zone.

11/14/16 -

This week was a good one, although I can't remember a lot of what happened and I don't have a lot of time today. 

We are finding more investigators, working more with the members, and are plugging along. It has been really windy lately - somewhat cutting into the heat - which has been glorious. 

Friday we had a missionary activity. We watched "Meet the Mormons" outside in the basketball court. We had a less-active family come and two investigators, Nisi (13) and Esther (9) who are sisters we have been teaching. They really liked it and hopefully we are one step closer to getting permission from their mom to take them to church and baptize them! It was a good turnout. 

Things are going well here in Honduras - "Honduring to the end" (thanks to Scott for that one). We've had our ups and our downs but we are ever grateful to be in the work of the Lord and helping the children of God become closer to Him. 

I have been reflecting a lot about prayer this week, the simplicity and complexity of talking with our Heavenly Father. The fact that He is always listening and wants to hear from us, and is only withholding blessings until we ask for them with faith and sincerity of heart. I am so grateful for this communication and the lifeline I have with One who knows me and loves me eternally. 

Have a wonderful week! Thanks for the prayers and support!

Sincerely, 

Hermana White

Pictures attached:

1. My companion washing the "pila", where our water comes every ten days. We have to wash it so mosquitoes don't grow there, even though they always do.

2. Our ward activity on Friday.

This week has been loads better. We were able to work hard and have seen lots of miracles. My favorite miracle is the Mendieta family, a less-active family that lives RIGHT next to the church, and their daughter who we are teaching for baptism, Brendy, 18 years old. They are going through a hard time as their son was recently put in prison and they have really been turning to God. (It's a normal thing here. If you don't have a family member in Spain or in the U.S. you've got one in prison. Honduras.) 

It's funny how in the hardest times is when we most remember God. I'm sure it's not how He would have things, but sometimes we need a good shakeup to put our life in order. They are a really great family and we have had fun getting to know them and helping them get to know the gospel. 


Other than that, life rolls on as normal. It's still ridiculously hot (due to the wickedness of the Hondurans, they say) and we are still facing the roadblocks with a happy heart. My companion is really great and I am grateful for her example and love for God and His work. 

This morning we celebrated Hermana Farr's birthday with some melted cupcakes I made with my American cake-making skills, and some Wendys. Picture attached. That just about sums things up! 

Have a great week,Hermana White

Amy's letter dated 10/31/16:

Happy Halloween!

This week was pretty swell! 

Wednesday we got up at the crack of dawn to get on the bus to go to Tegucigalpa, where we received our new companions and then headed over to the chapel next to the temple for the meeting with Elder Oaks.

It was a great meeting with the whole Tegucigalpa mission as well as the Comayaguela mission. We also heard from President and Hermana Bowler, President and Hermana Ferman, Elder and Hermana Duncan, and Elder and Hermana Ocampo of the Seventy.

Elder Oaks spoke after all of them and he said he never prepares talks for missionaries, just takes notes from the impressions of the spirit during the talks of the others. His remarks were on a variety of subjects from teaching by the Spirit, being a full-time, full-effort missionary, knowing who we are as true representatives of Jesus Christ, and how to help our investigators get from the first lesson to the second lesson and keep progressing.

As Elder Oaks was talking about being focused on our missions and not worrying about what was going on at home he said, "Forget about the U.S. presidential elections. I wish I could. Worrying about it won't fix anything!" I thought you would appreciate that. 

Everything was really great and we learned a lot. It was also fun to be with all the missionaries and to see so many people that I never get to see.

Back at the farm here in Choluteca things are getting along. My new companion Hermana Arias is from Ecuador, has 7 months in the mission, and is really animated and happy. She is helping me a lot and has taught me a ton. As far as investigators go we are at a low point - finding new investigators and waiting for the prepared few! Aw man, that's just the way it goes sometimes.

This morning we had a Halloween activity with the zone, complete with Pumpkin piñata and brownies. I hope you all eat donuts and Snickers until your blood sugar can't take it anymore!

We are hoping this week will bring more miracles and more great experiences!

That just about sums it up. Hope you have a great week!

Lots of love,
Hermana White

The state of the electric grid in Honduras?

Sister Ashton Powers from Roy, Utah - Amy's only English-speaking companion
(for 3 weeks).

Amy's letter dated 10/24/16:

It's been a great week here in San Luis. It has been raining a ridiculous amount, the government has put a flood warning and the even cancelled school a few days this week. Other parts further out of town have had some serious damage done but our area is mostly okay. With all the rain we have enjoyed some chilly days, mixing up the heat a bit, which has been nice. 

On Saturday the ward had a baptism for the daughter of the family who feeds us, and we were called in to help empty the font from the elders' baptism a few weeks ago. The water was super gross and the drain doesn't work so we were hauling buckets from the font and dumping them down the sinks and the toilets to get rid of it all because someone had the idea that that would be easier than taking it outside. We ended up making a huge mess and having to mop up the bathroom, but we got the job done and pulled off the baptism. 

We are getting along with finding investigators and teaching. We had some excellent spiritual lessons this week and know we are doing our part, even if we won't see the results right now. Missionary work has its ups and downs, our patience is tested, but if we are obedient and diligent in our work, doing everything in our power, I know the Lord will provide. It's a fun process to be a part of and I am so grateful to be here, no matter how hard it is sometimes! 

Also the other night after it had rained super bad we were walking around and felt my shoe kind of different but didn't think much of it. After arriving at the house I looked and noticed that I had a huge hole in the sole of the shoe, that it just didn't have any more life left in it. "Oh how beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the gospel..." Or however the scripture goes. 

Also we found a frog in our house, adding it to the list! Life just keeps getting interesting.

This week we get to have a special conference in Tegucigalpa with Elder Oaks, which should be really neat! We are excited. Also Wednesday is transfers. Hermana Realivazquez is getting transferred to Danli. That doesn't make us too excited, but that's okay!

Also on Thursday Hermana Powers will be finishing the mission and I can't believe how fast the time has gone! So crazy. I'm gonna miss her here in the mission. 

They don't do Halloween here, they think it's a Satanic holiday and can't believe we celebrate it as members of the church - even doing church-sponsored activities for it. I try to explain that it's all innocent. 

Have a wonderful week!

Hermana White 

Amy's holey shoe.