The Language of the Spirit

COLUMBIA, Md. — I keep telling myself that I am going to keep getting better at this whole email thing, but to be honest I don’t think I will ever be good at it because my brain can’t think as fast as I type. This is a stressful hour on the internet ;) I love it because I get to hear from you all.

CONGRATS to Brittany and Sammy for passing the NCLEX! What an accomplishment you smarties. WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Ok my week: What a week. The weather is crazy here! We have had to come in twice this week for storms. One for a tornado warning and one for a hurricane-type thing, which was kind of cool. No damage here, just ridiculous weather mostly. 

I have had a lot of new experiences this week. I played soccer in a skirt with some kids, which was fun. Everyone asks me my nationality, which makes me chuckle. The most common reply I get is, where in South America are you from? hmmm... Try Utah! They can't believe it still.

We get fed a lot here. The branch loves having sisters. There is only one problem; Latinos feed you SO much food. I am afraid I am going to be una gordita when I get home. The food is very tasty but it is the worst when we get fed two dinners. Because you cannot say no to food in the Hispanic culture, they are really offended. I have had several men hit on me this week, which is gross and awkward. 

No thank you, MISSIONARY,  HELLO! ;)

This week was great. Had a lot of ups and downs. Sunday was probably my hardest day. It was my first week in the Spanish Branch. I didn’t understand a thing, but, on a positive note, five of our less active members came to church :)  I also found out that Hermana Brown and I are the new Gospel Principles teachers... yep in Spanish. Pray for me. My Spanish isn’t horrible but it definitely needs some work.

I never cease to be amazed with the Lord and the miracles he gives me every day. Somehow, I am able to teach people and help people daily — in Spanish — and it makes sense. 

I like what President Monson says, something like, "We all have one language in common. The languageof the Spirit." How true that is! I have noticed if I see everyone like Christ does, and love them with Christlike love, they are able to feel the Spirit, and it doesn’t matter how good or bad my Spanish is. God is watching out for the missionaries, for sure. He wants the Gospel to move forward. It is such a great opportunity and an honor to be one of his servants right now. How blessed we are to have the Gospel.

Sorry this is kind of a lame email but we went into Baltimore today, and I don’t have much time to write. I love you all! Keep doing what you are doing. Find people in your area who need the gospel. Missionaries NEED the members! Give them help please

Love you long time

-Hermana Newman