Happy Two Days After Conference!!

Hi Family whom I love so very much! You are so great! Did you know that? Don't forget it, because I do just think you're wonderful. Wow, this week has been so crazy. Where to start? First of all, I haven't gotten the package yet, but we haven't gotten mail in a week and a half, so that's probably why. We'll pick it up today at Transfer Meeting, so hopefully I'll get everything this evening. Thank you again! You're amazing.

So are you wondering about transfers? Well, I'm not going to tell you...Just kidding J Hermana Ruiz is leaving (no surprise there), but it IS surprising that she is going to be whitewash training in English work!! Crazy! (White-washing just means that neither of you have been in the area before.) Yep, there are too many English missionaries so for her two last transfers she will be in English work. Isn't that so sad? She's accepted it though, even though nobody wants to work with gueros, hehe. So she will find out where and with whom tonight at Transfer meeting.

 The other big news? No one is going to be joining us for the ride back! Yep! I will be finishing Hermana Jones' training on my own. Yeah, it's crazy. I still can't really grasp it, but I guess it's happening. So we will be going to transfer meeting just to send Hermana Ruiz off, and also because I will be conducting the music (fun stuff). Hermana Ruiz and I went to the Trainer's meeting on Friday (it was sooooo good! I love President Cook, he is seriously amazing) and Hermana Jones stayed here with Hermana Connors and did some English work. She said she learned a lot, but was also grateful and more appreciative of Hermana Ruiz and I after her experience, and especially the way we work J so I guess that's comforting.

Even though I know that I'm a little under-qualified to train, I think Hermana Jones and I will work well together. We went on splits the other day because we had two appointments at the same time, so Hermana Ruiz went with Hermana Reyes (Branch Missionary) and Hermana Jones and I stayed together. Our lesson ended up canceling so we checked up on some Potentials and did a little bit of finding, but it went well J We tend to speak more Spanish without Hermana Ruiz around (weird, huh?), so hopefully she (and I) will learn it even faster this transfer.

Yes! The baptism! It happened! Man, we had some miracles there. I hope I can type fast enough to get it all in J On Wednesday, we were actually thinking that it wasn't going to happen...again. They had gone to Mexico on Monday and were supposed to be back on Tuesday and we had a cita with them on Wednesday. Well, Wednesday came around and they weren't back yet and we had no way to get ahold of them. Thursday we called and texted, but no response. Well, Thursday was a crazy day. We were going to go on splits again to teach Maria and also Rafael and Nancy and it was going to be great, we were all excited. But we called and called everyone and their dog and we could not find even one member for the evening. Of course, you can't go on splits without a member...so we were a little stressed.

Well, we call to confirm with Maria and she canceled. So that was okay, we figured the reason we couldn't find a member was because we all needed to be with Rafael & Nancy that evening. But then, we couldn't confirm with them either. It was so frustrating! So we get out of our cita with Patricia (I love this lady! Have I told you much about her?), and we had an unplanned half hour because the splits didn't end up happening and other things fell through. So my thought was to check up on some Potentials, but Hermana Ruiz wanted to at least drive by Priscilla's to see if their car was there. Man, I love Hermana Ruiz and how sensitive she is to the Spirit! So we go by, and there was their car! We knock on the door and they were like "How did you know we just got back? We missed you!" It was awesome.

So we talk to them about the baptism and Priscilla says that she's not feeling ready and we should do it the next week. Well, Hermana Ruiz wasn't going to have that. So we sat down with them, talked about their concerns, shared a spiritual lesson, and taught according to their needs. And yes, she changed her mind and we set up for the baptismal interview for the next day so they could get baptized the next! Rafael & Nancy never confirmed and it's a good thing because we needed to be there with Priscilla, Oscar, and Rene. They had their interview, stayed for part of General Conference, and Priscilla and Oscar were baptized the next day. J It was so hectic because everything was so last minute. The program got put together all wrong, but we didn't care, we just went along with it anyway. Afterwards, Oscar gave me a big hug and said, "I was crying because I just felt so happy! I feel great!" Aww, man, melts my heart. I love that kid! We had so much branch support and even President Cook came (which was kind of scary but awesome). It was the first convert baptism in this branch since September, so we had a lot of support and excitement - we even had a brunch afterwards. Their dad chose not to come and Rene is still learning, but he is praying about baptism and we are still working with this awesome family J Oh yes, and they will be confirmed this Sunday in church.

Patricia is a new investigator that we found, and she has a pretty awesome story too, but I don't think I have time. Sorry, I opened my email and had 22 messages in my inbox! Don't worry, I didn't respond to all, but I did some, and that's why I'm almost out of time. I didn't hear from Ariana though. Tell me about her experience, or tell her to write me please. I hope everything goes well with the move! Oh, we invited Maria to baptism again last night, and she says she still doesn't want to pick a date, but she is praying and told Hermana Ruiz before we left that she would be invited back for a baptism "very soon", she said "I have a feeling it will be very soon" - awesome! Man, I love missionary work. Working with members can be frustrating, finding can be scary, and teaching can be exhausting, but I love it all.

Man, I had a great story about a woman named Patty, but I'm out of time and I want to throw up the pictures from the baptism real quick. Sorry I didn't respond as much this time. I love you! You're the best! In every way! Seriously mama, I love you. Oh yes, I LOVE General Conference! Or at least the parts I got to see. I'll tell you more next week.

LOVE YOU!!

Hermana Alyssa Nicole Escalante

Easter and Conference!!

Hola! Te quiero y te extraño mucho!

Thank you so much for the Easter Package. I don't think I had realized or read the part about you having sent me an Easter package and I didn't receive it until after we had written emails last week. Thank you so much! The blouses are beautiful (I'm wearing one of them right now!) and we've already eaten most of the chocolate - we're wicked like that.

I actually got to use the coloring kit with Oscar (our 10 yr. old investigator) and we colored a few eggs, but they didn't have any vinegar, so they didn't turn out all that well, but it was his first time coloring eggs, so it was still exciting. Thank you! I feel so guilty for asking for so much last email, when I didn't realize that you had just sent me so much! I am so spoiled.

Wow! Lots of news! I did know about Kimi's leg (she's written me all about it, but I need to write her back still!), but WOW about the Jon and Jilli news! Congrats! That's so exciting! I still think of her as my sweet, young, 14-yr old Jilli, so it's a little strange that she's engaged, but that's wonderful news! I'm excited to see the invitations soon. June 22nd - wow! That's so soon!

You mentioned that Ariana & Morgan are moving next week, does that include Chris too, or is he moving out later? Oh! Real quick! Before I forget again! I DID in fact remember my brother's birthday, I just forgot to mention it in the email last week. So....FELIZ CUMPLEAñOS MIGUEL! TE QUIERO MUCHO!

The Easter pictures were darling :) What did you end up doing for Easter anyway? I hope you had a fantastic day! Ours was pretty great. We went to church early for the regular Branch Counsel only to find that it was cancelled due to it being Easter. That was fine, except that because we were early, I ended up singing in a musical number during la reunion sacramental. They needed someone to practice with so I sang with them and then the other person I was filling in for didn't show so I just ended up singing with the Branch President and his First Counselor. It was a little awkward for me...but I guess we sounded pretty good J Hermana Jones and I were supposed to teach the combined YM/YWs (for 5th Sunday) with Elder Feinaur and Hermana Ruiz was in with the adults teaching with Elder Pickle and Herrera. We ended up not having much time for anything and it was really awkward, but it turned out ok. J I have to get used to this teaching on the spot thing. It's kind of fun.

After church we had dinner with the Vidals (I love that familia!) and got back to work. We are working hard and trusting in the Lord every day. Priscilla and Oscar will be baptized this Sunday, in between the two sessions of conference. We fasted with Maria about a baptismal date, but the problem is that she has zero support from her family and her husband even tells her that if she's baptized in our church, it will be like they are getting a divorce since they were married in the Catholic Church. Poor thing. We are still working with her and she has great faith. I know she will be baptized some day, but we just hope it's sooner than later so that she can be an example to her family and enjoy the blessing of baptism even sooner.

Transfers are next week and I'm getting a little nervous, as some rumors are going about that I will stay here with Hermana Jones and finish her training - just the two of us. I don't feel ready to train and I don't have the language down as well as I feel I should. I have progressed so much, but I still don't understand everything and still rely on Hermana Ruiz to help me understand everything. I know that President Cook is inspired though, so I'm sure everything will work out for the best.

I know that the Lord loves us and is helping us in the work. I realize how incapable I am, but with His strength, all things are possible.

I'm out of time! I wanted to send pictures but I'll have to next week. I love you and I’m so stoked for conference! Read Mosiah 2:9. You're wonderful!

Love you too Grandma and Grandpa!

Thanks for your letters!

I love you all!

Con Amor,

Hermana Alyssa Nicole Escalante

P.S. D&C 45: 3-5

Ok, I got extended a few minutes - here are the pics!

Priscilla's Birthday dinner! Rene was not present - what a punk. But Her husband Ezekial is really warming up to us! He even ALMOST came to church on Sunday ;) (Do you like my cute blouse?)

Birthday Lunch for Hermana Ruiz con Hermana Benitez (left - RS Pres.) and Hermana Samperio (Right)

Well Hello beautiful people y Feliz Pascua a ustedes tambien J

Sorry, I am short on time...again. I am so excited for General Conference; it's not even funny. I can't believe I've been out for almost 6 months. It's crazy to think about. Especially because I was in China for 6 months and that felt like forever, but I still feel like I just got here. There is still so much to learn out here in the mission field. I feel like by the time I figure out how to be the missionary I want to be, my mission will be over. But I keep pushing forward and trying everyday and I'm sure everything will be wonderful :)

As for the medical thing, there is no mission doctor so please don't send it to me. Try to get it worked out with Dr. Cherrington or my heart doctor (I forget her name). What is it about anyway? I already have my license, don't I? Also, I know I am so needy and you give me way too much stuff, but if you could please order me some black "Kadee Crocs" size 7 and send them to me that would be awesome. I know, Crocs are gross, but Hermana Jones has these and they are pretty much cute, black flats that feel like heaven when you walk on them. My feet are getting sore and I would really love some of those. You can use my account to buy them and just ship them here. Speaking of, how much money do I have in my account, can you check for me please? Thanks! I would love those CDs that Chris made me :) And maybe some summer tops? I realized all the clothes I packed are winter/fall clothes and it is really starting to warm up. I would, but we really don't have much time to shop. If you can find some in my closet, great. If not, you can use my account and buy some for me? I know you're super busy mama, but if you could do that for me I would be so happy. Thank you!! Love you!! :D

Man, I almost out of time. Priscilla, Oscar, and Rene did not come to church this week so they will not be getting baptized this transfer :( Maria did though! First time in 3 months! Woot! She is doing well and will be fasting about a baptismal date this week J

We have been working hard at finding and we've been seeing some results. I've felt some tender mercies from the Lord as we continue to be diligent in the work. Hermana Jones is doing great and really getting more involved. I admire her courage, faith, and willingness to try. We are still working on using our time efficiently and productively all the time and staying focused with her, but over all the companionship is doing well. 

Hermana Ruiz received some hard news yesterday and called her family in Mexico to talk to her Abuelita who has been diagnosed with Cancer that is fatal. I respect and admire Hermana Ruiz so much for how well she is doing and how she keeps working even though she is really upset about her Abuelita. We keep praying for her and know that with faith in the Lord, all will be well.

Sorry I don't have more time. Thank you for updates on the family. How are YOU doing mama? You always forget to update me about you. I love you so very much. You're an amazing example to me and I'm excited to talk to you in a few months! You know what else I'm excited for?

GENERAL CONFERENCE! WOOT! It will be amazing. I love this gospel, that we have the restored church of Christ again on the earth, including revelation and guidance through prophets. This gospel is amazing and I love my Savior.

BYE!

Con amor,

Hermana Alyssa Nicole Escalante

Intercambios

With Rene & Oscar

Hermana Ruiz Birthday!

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Rene & Oscar - I love these kids!