I Still Have One More Transfer, Right?

I'm sure you are all wondering how I am feeling right now. I feel like Ecclesiastes 2:17 sums it up quite nicely,

"Therefore I hated life.."

Hahaha, just kidding. But it really has been really rough, but I am getting ahead of myself.

LAST WEEK OF THE MISSION:

So on Monday we saw a tender miracle. We did a noche de hogar with an active family how has less-active family members. We shared a message about how the gospel has blessed our families and asked them to each bear their testimonies of how they have seen the gospel bless their lives. The less-active son usually NEVER lets missionaries share messages with him so just the fact that he was sitting at the table with us was a miracle in itself. This was his response:

"I know I am not where I need to be right now...but every time I have found myself in a bad situation I never ended up crossing that line. That line was because of the gospel."

He talked for like ten minutes and it was SO POWERFUL. Inspired questions are SO IMPORTANT. It was very interesting, because he talked about how it is one thing to talk about how God has blessed you. That's easy. Everything you have in life is because of Him. But when you answer how the gospel has blessed you, obviously the blessings still come from our Heavenly Father, but they are blessings that are only received through obedience and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday was the "My Plan" interview with President Hammon. At one point in the interview, tears just began to roll down my cheeks and President started tearing up...I seriously have the best mission president and I am so grateful for him.

Thursday was our outgoing temple trip!! Of course it was super emotional. The room was PACKED. We have 27 in our outgoing group PLUS our rides! I think the most tender part was sitting in the celestial room with Ken, my brother's convert. It was evidence of the fruit of missionary work, and I loved being able to have a piece of my brother with me.

We had an appointment that night with Ana, Abelina and Aurora and I lost it...man...I just love that family so much and we have only met with them three times. We read Alma 2 with them since they hadn't read in the Book of Mormon.  When we asked if they had even a small desire to see if this was a good seed and increase their faith and Abelina responded, "I have a LOT of desire!" I knew that was our last lesson, but I also knew there was a chance it was going to be my last lesson as a missionary. I cried all the way just yearning to have two more years or months or even weeks...

Saturday....wow. Hermana Sorensen and I got to go the temple with HERMANA AND HERMANO GA***. Seriously, I could not have asked for a better way to end my mission. Hermano Ga*** was able to be baptized for his son and then Hermana Ga*** was baptized for Hermano Ga***'s mother. I will never forget hugging Hermana Ga*** after she walked out of that font. I talked to her afterwards in the dressing room and one of the things she told me was that she had goosebumps the whole time, but that she wasn't cold. On the way to the temple, they excitingly told me that they have been starting to recognize more and more the promptings and feelings since they received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Another thing we talked about was trials. When we first starting teaching the Ga*** fam, they were going through a rough time. Hermana Ga*** told me that before we started meeting with them, she would always feel angry at God and ask him why. Why is this happening to ME? But everything changed. For once in her life, her first reaction in facing trials was gratitude. She said that if it weren't for that trial they were going through, she would have never converted. It was during that time that she realized she needed help and support, so she gave us a chance. If their family wouldn't have passed through that challenge, she wouldn't have been standing in the temple with me at that moment. It was so powerful, and we were both in tears.

Sunday...WOW. After church, the ward threw us a despedida/pachanga and it was SO AWESOME. There were members from all of the mission to come see us. There was legit a Hemet table, a Corona corner, and a Moreno Valley bench. Abuelita brought some bomb tres leche, Hermana Beru*** brought pupusas, and Hermana Aza*** brought chile relleno. Let's just say that my Two Days 'till Sexy went out the window.

We had a lesson with Guillermo and it was so fantastic. We tried putting him back on date and we had the best baptism rejection ever. He still doesn't understand the need to be baptized again despite multiple attempts trying to explain it. BUT, he was all, "How about I make you a compromiso?" And he said he will go to the Book of Mormon class on Friday, church on Sunday, AND read and pray about the book of Mormon this whole week. DEAL. The trick for the Elders will be to just focus in on him gaining a testimony of the Restoration because that is the only way getting baptized again is going to make sense for him. I have high hopes for him!

So, that lesson ended at like 8:45 and we still had to do personal study and Hna Hernandez was stressed about packing...I got in the truck and started getting emotional because that was it. But Hernandez was like, "Nah, let's go find us a miracle." Man, you should have seen my face. My eyes got really big and they lit up. So we prayed to know where to go. After like a solid three minutes, a random name came to my mind: Roberto. I had no idea who that was, but I found the only Roberto in the area book planner app, and when I showed it to Hernandez, she was all, "I felt something about him too!" So we sped off, but then after a couple of minutes Hernandez was like, "Hey!!!!!!! There was a lady sitting by herself outside of her house and I feel like we should go talk to her!" So I flipped a hard U-y and we went back. It was super dark outside and it was just about to hit 9:00. SHE LET US TEACH HER. We did like a ten minute lesson with her and we testified with everything we had in us. MAN IT WAS AWESOME. We walked away from her house glowing. We got in the truck, drove home, and sat in the truck, and sobbed. We soaked in every bit. We just felt SO GRATEFUL that we were able to end our missions on such a good note. I felt my Father's love for me and I basked in it.

It was a perfect week. A perfect week to end this 18 month journey. I just want to end one last time with my testimony.

I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He is the head of His church here on the earth. I know that Joseph Smith truly saw Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. I know that the priesthood has been restored here on the earth and that President Russell M. Nelson holds the priesthood keys to be God's mouthpiece for His children. I am so grateful for a modern day prophet that receives revelation to help us in these latter days. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I have come to know Him as I have searched and applied the teachings found in that treasure. I know this is the Lord's work here on the earth. I have loved being able to dedicate this time to Him to bring souls unto Christ. I love being a missionary and I love the Savior.

One last time,
Hermana Tonini

Mission Tour - Day 2

I will admit that as we approached the Games’ apartment tonight, I was a little apprehensive. Neither Hmo or Hma Games speak any English and none of us speak any Spanish so we would have to rely on their kids to help with the translating.  But as soon as we walked in the door, all of those feelings were discarded and we could feel the love this family has for Hna Tonini.  I was admiring the picture of the kids’ baptism (on Hna Tonini’s birthday last year) when he showed me another framed picture of his daughter, Diana with Hna Tonini.  The picture was surrounded by a huge mat on which Hna Tonini had written words of encouragement and her testimony.  It is displayed in a prominent position in their home.  He also showed me a Family Home Evening chart that Hna Tonini had given them.  On the back, she and Hna Sorenson had written (in Spanish) that we want you.  Further below, there was another sentence which read we don’t want you, we love you!  Ah, the joy of being speaking another language on your mission.  They thought it was hysterical.

Hno Games then started to tell us about his conversion experience.  He had been born a Catholic and was very happy to be Catholic.  Hno Games told us that they had been through many missionaries but it was Hna Tonini that helped them to be converted.  Because of the language difference, there was a lot of animation as he tried to communicate with us.  I am still not clear if they always knew when Hna Tonini was coming because she was always running to their door or that she simply walked very loudly.  She was persistent and determined to get them to church – even setting “traps” as he called it.  One Sunday, she and her companion came over to cook them breakfast, and then accompanied them to Church.  But the turning point was when he told the Hermanas that he would be baptized when he got a sign from God.  And he got one in the form of his son, Daniel.  Daniel had always been a shy, reserved boy (he is only ten years old).  When he heard his son pray for the first time and felt the Spirit, he knew that he had received his sign.  Now he plays with the neighbor kids and is confident enough to provide translation for us.


Hno Games then treated us to the song that he wrote for Hna Tonini.  He explained there is even a verse for Hna Sorenson whose Spanish wasn’t very good at the time.  He plugged the guitar into the amp and serenaded us.  He would stop, his daughter would translate, and then he would continue.  All of us were in tears.  He is writing another song that he will sing at Hna Tonini’s wedding (they had told her that she needs to marry a Latino).



They then invited us to join them for dinner. While the food was delicious, it was even better because of the sacrifice I am sure this family made to feed twice the normal number of people.

Afterwards, it was time for more pictures.  We took almost every possible combination of pictures with everyone there.  Hno Games even instructed me to grab another guitar and we took a picture of us playing the guitar and of us serenading my wife.  (I think my mom got it right – he didn’t want the evening to end so the more pictures we took, the longer the night lasted).

Familia Games

As it came time to go, I felt like I needed to say something.  I told them that my wife and I both served missions and that we taught and baptized a lot of people.  As we look back now, we realize though, that there were one or two families that we were specifically called to Brasil to teach.  For Hna Tonini, that family is the Games family.  I told them that we had been in the temple that morning and that the spirit that we had felt in their home tonight was just as sacred as what we had felt in the temple and how grateful we were for their hospitality, their generosity, and their love for our daughter.  We committed to see each other again in a year when they are sealed as a family in the temple.  (My sister later told me that if possible, she would like to come to their sealing as well).  It was difficult to say goodnight to our new family who just a few hours earlier, had been complete strangers.

As I reflect on the last two days, 563 miles of driving in the LA area, and countless hours of windshield time, a couple of thoughts come to mind.  First of all, touring your child’s mission WITHOUT them is so much better than doing it with them.  The people you met share their feelings for your missionary without embarrassing them and I think you can more fully see the love that the members and the companions have for your missionary.  Second, if there was a common theme of the review of Hermana Tonini’s mission by long-time members, converts, her companions, and her mission president, it would be this:  she worked.  And because she worked, she loved those around her and they loved her.  By that measure alone, her mission has been a success.

Mission Tour - Day 1

When we found out that my nephew was getting married in the Newport Beach temple, we quickly decided that we would leverage the trip to southern California to visit some of the areas and people where Hermana Tonini has served (while always maintaining to not be in the same place at the same time that she was at).  I told my wife on the flight out that I was glad that she was coming with me because I was worried that after we made introductions, I didn't know how the conversation would go with the complete strangers that we would meet.  Was I ever wrong - there was no shortage of things to talk about as we talked about Hermana Tonini and how she impacted everyone in every location where she served.

Day One started out bright and early - we were staying in Ontario (to be somewhat geographically centered for our events for the weekend) which meant we had an almost two hour drive out to Anza where our first appointment was at 8 am.  Hermana Tonini's grandma and Aunt, who had also traveled for the wedding, had accepted our invitation to come with us.

On the way to Anza, we stopped at this amazing sculpture garden exhibiting the work of Ricardo Breceda.  Here are a few of his pieces:

We had a little difficulty locating our hosts' address but fortunately, Sister Davies and Sister Moffit shortly arrived and we were greeted by Brother and Sister Boyd and the sweet aroma of breakfast.  Helping them in the kitchen was their granddaughter and Brother Moroni (his wife Nancy would join us later).  Soon, Samantha (a frequent subject on this blog) and her boyfriend Daniel joined us as well as Sister Peterson and her daughter Cheyenne.  Brother Moroni even knew of Elder Tonini who, although he never served in Anza, served in this mission a couple of years ago.   

We enjoyed a delightful visit and then went outside for pictures.  When we asked what people did who live in Anza, Brother Boyd replied, "they get away from Los Angeles."  Daniel also pointed out the horticulture projects (marijuana farms) that were in view from the Boyd's patio.  We also talked about Hermana Tonini's driving record.  Apparently she had recorded a number of "harsh incidents" on the in-vehicle monitoring system and her status had been down-graded to "yellow" in the mission office.  (Had she had any more, she would have been "blue" and would not have been able to drive the rest of her mission).  Sister Davies also told us about "the jump" that Hermana Tonini liked to take every time she came to the Boyd's.  Instead of taking the paved road, she always took the dirt road that had a pretty good change in elevation.  She took it so often that Sister Davies didn't realize that there was a paved route to the Boyd's that was much simpler!  After we said our goodbyes, we followed the Sisters and Daniel and Samantha to "the jump" before proceeding to Anza.  One of my ancestors was on the Anza expedition so it was neat to be able to see some of that history.  We were all amazed at the beautiful chapel in Anza - not bad for a small branch.  The return trip was through Idlewild and we were treated to fantastic vistas of the valley below as we descended from an elevation of 4,5000 ft.

As we made our way to Moreno Valley for our next appointment at 1, we realized that we were going to be driving right through Perris, Hermana Tonini's current area!  We decided that we would make a quick detour and go leave a note on her door.  Our quest was foiled because she lives in a gated apartment complex (thankfully!) so we had to settle for a quick selfie to prove to Hermana Tonini that we were there.

Our next appointment was at the home of Hermana Berumen and once again, as we entered the door, we were greeted with the aroma of cooking food.  This time, it was authentic Mexican food - sopas and ranchero beans.  We were joined by Hermana Sorenson (former companion from Corona) and Sister Stanley (they were on exchanges) for a delightful lunch on the back patio under this huge tree.  Next to the shade tree was a fig tree and we all enjoyed our first experience with fresh figs.  It was better than we expected and tasted nothing like fig newtons.  We posed for more pictures and fortunately ran into one more member and her family before we had to leave for our last appointment of the day - President and Sister Hammon.

Familia Berumen 

Familia Tenorio

 As we left, Aunt Sheryl commented at how attentive and polite the young women were.  They helped serve and clear the table and were delightfully engaged in the lunch conversation.

President and Sister Hammon were presiding at a zone conference in the Jurupa Stake Center.  Wow - what a beautiful building!  The building was the same design as the Lubbock Stake Center (for any of you who are familiar with that building) with a full court gym, beautiful artwork, dark hardwood throughout, and security cameras!  We arrived a few minutes after 3 but based on the lack of activity in the parking lot, we could tell the conference was not over.  We sat in the foyer and listened to the soon-to-be-departing missionaries bear their testimonies before Sister and President Hammon spoke. It wasn't hard to imagine that we were listening to Hermana Tonini bear her last testimony.  (In fact, President Hammon later told us it was too bad we had not been at the Zone Conference they had yesterday because we would have been able to hear her do just that.)  We were getting a little anxious because we were supposed to be at a wedding activity by 6:30 and it was now 4 pm.  We discussed just leaving a note but we lingered long enough that we were still there when the conference ended.  Raena and I walked into the chapel and met Hermana Harper (a companion from the Mexico MTC) and then the mission president.  I wish I could remember the exact number but he said there is a huge exodus of members from California due to the high cost of living and demanding regulations.  As a result, wards are being collapsed and even a couple of missions.  Hermana Harper told us that she had begged President Hammon to have her be companions with Hermana Tonini but he said no way.  "If I put two strong missionaries like that together, the rest of the mission would simply sit back and watch them work."  It was a very nice complement.

We walked out to the foyer and took some photos before heading to the big wedding family dinner.  As we got in the car, we agreed that meeting President and Sister Hammon and Hermana Harper in person was far superior to any note we could have written.  Twelve and half hours after we left our hotel, the weekend wedding activities began.  The original plan to visit the Games family on Friday was rescheduled for tomorrow night after the ring ceremony.

Mother of Two

Hey, today is crazy so I don't have time to write. I got a call Saturday that I am leaving Anza for my last transfer! Not only that, but I am doubling in training....again....and I will be a STL for my last transfer. Ha....ha...all of that plus saying bye to my branch that I love was really hard on me. BUT, I told the Lord and President to put me where He needs me so I have to keep my promise and love it. At least I will be busy and stressed out of mind the next six weeks instead of trunky....right? So uh, enjoy these pictures since this email is the dumps. Love y'all!

Buncha Billy Hillies

WHAT A BUSY WEEK. Can you be out of breath from finishing a week? Because that's how I feel.

So we ran into Juan while we were seeking with fe near his house, and he tried using a word that I taught him in English: Hillbillies.

"You know...up here...all of us are a bunch of billy hillies."

I love that guy.

Then Tuesday was a crazy day in Idyllwild...we legit did a home visit at 9:30 in the morning. That was a first for sure.

Wednesday we had the best lesson we have ever had with Juan!! He is now on date for July 1st! He told us he felt dumb when he went to church with the Sisters before us because he couldn't sing the hymns so he wanted us to practice with him...so we spent THIRTY MINUTES of him reading the hymn, then I would read the hymn so we could follow along, and then we would sing a couple of verses for him.....we were willing to do whatever it would take to get him to church and HE DIDN'T COME 💔. But the other thirty minutes were super powerful and the Spirit was super strong!

That same day we also did a home visit, our first Facebook lesson EVER and it was with Hector, and a less active visit. FOUR LESSONS IN ONE DAY. Which is really actually a normal thing but not for Anza. We are lucky if we get one lesson a day here...

Thursday we did our food group service and pony service AND weekly planning so that shot the whole day.

We had interviews and exchanges on Friday. So, it's looking like a 50/50 chance that I am staying or going for my last transfer. One hermana is leaving and none are coming in....so he will either have to take me down or make a trio. But if he takes me out then there is a domino effect and he will have to change a lot of other things. So, transfers are a mystery once again. I know and have faith that the Lord will let me finish my mission where he needs me the most.

Saturday we had zero set appointments besides a home visit late that night so we just walked for three hours and talked to 3 people.

Mother's Day was SO GOOD. We spent it with the Merc*** Family. We do FHE/home visit with them every week becaue they don't have kids and we temporarily don't have parents. So it was nice to spend time with our "mom". Calling home was so good! You know, I told myself I wasn't allowed to freak out about going home until Mother's Day. I freaked out a little after knowing my itinerary but now my freak out day is pushed to July 4th and now I will go back to being in denial.

OH AND HECTOR CAME TO CHURCH. I was so happy!!! He is progressing!

Whew. I think that's it. I love y'all and thanks for your prayers and support!

Hermana Tonini

P.S. we got roses from the branch even though we aren't mothers? #win

Wait, what?

Maybe one day I will get over how perfect Samantha is, but today is not the day. After the lesson, Samantha and Daniel asked us what we do for companionship study. We explained, but then our curiosity was peaked. Why?? Well, since Samantha finished the Book of Mormon, she wants to start the New Testament. So her and Daniel are going to read and study it together!! So precious.

We worked with a TON of less active this week and we are hoping to see fruits from all if the effort, love, and prayers we are sending in their direction.

Honestly though, there isn't much. We had a crazy long week. However, in zone accountability our zone leader's asked what we were going to do this transfer to have fun in the work and we decided we are going to take a picture a day....so hopefully lots of pictures make up for my lack of words.

Until next week?

Hermana Tonini

We celebrated cinco de mayo with polar pops because we're too poor to afford the Mexican food up here. At service with LeDawn, she introduced us to her turkey babies.

Caballitos

It's been a great first week with Sister Davies!! I love that girl so much, it's going to be a good last two transfers with her up here in Anza.

Our recent convert lesson with Samantha was INCREDIBLE. We had given Brother Boyd a list of the things that still needed to be taught so he just straight up asked Samantha which one she wanted hear. You want to know what she chose? Missionary work. Precious. It was really cool because the Boyds are both converts and so they shared their conversion story. Brother Boyd asked me why I am out on a mission. After I responded, he turned to Daniel and said, "Now why aren't YOU on a mission?"

So good.

So we talked about that for awhile. But then they asked them for Samantha's conversion story and Daniel told it from his side....AND HE STARTED CRYING. I have been in COUNTLESS lessons with that guy and I have never seen him cry. Ever. It was such a tender moment. And then Samantha cried when she told her side. It was just so so so good.

Speaking of Samantha, WE WENT TO THE TEMPLE!!! I have never seen someone so excited to go to the temple before. It was so neat to be sitting on the bench with Sis Bryant as tears rolled down our faces watching someone we care SO much about doing temple work. I can't wait to be back in the temple with Samantha in a year!

ALSO, ANOTHER MIRACLE. So we have been trying to stop by this less-active EVERY WEEK for almost all of last transfer. He's super duper nice, but was always busy at the time he told us to stop by. Even too busy for a two minute video, which was one of our tactics. I was determined to get in with him. On Wednesday though, we finally did it!! Poor Sister Davies, I was so flipping excited when he said he'd meet us around the side of the house...I walked over there like floating on cloud nine. Persistence had PAID OFF.

We also found a new investigator this week which was another miracle because I think it had been a couple of weeks without finding anyone...

AND THEN WE FOUND ANOTHER INVESTIGATOR. SO MANY MIRACLES. His name is Hector and he SPEAKS SPANISH. He seems super solid and we are really excited to start working with him!

Love,
Hermana Tonini

My Comp Is Pretty Hot...

....literally. Yeah, she had a fever, amongst other things, for half of the week. Although she wanted me to include figuratively as well. :')  We were commanded to bunker-in Friday-Sunday. Luckily, another Sister was also sick on Saturday so we did sick exchanges. So it has been a very slow week. Her comfort food was definitely a pan of brownies I made.





The holidays were great! It was so good to call home and see their faces and hear their voices! Man, I sure do love those guys. We spent Christmas eve at the Flo***'s where we ate a LOT of tamales. We opened presents at the Ga***'s house which was awesome!

I think the neatest ting that has happened this past week was our appointment with the Familia Ga*** on Saturday. the coolest part of Hno Ga***'s conversion has been watching his prayers develop. When we first met him, he was praying to Jesus. The next lesson we shared some scriptures about prayer and how we pray to Heavenly Father and END in the name of Jesus Christ. And the next time he prayed, he changed!! Well, ever since then he has prayed correctly, but in the beginning he would always say this big elaborate intro. The same one every time. Kind of like,"Dios Padre. Dios en los cielos. Dios tan misericordioso......" Which like, he was addressing Heavenly Father but it was very.....elaborate. He has been doing that for MONTHS. In this lesson we were all kneeling down and he offered the closing prayer and he started with a simple, "Querido Padre Celestial" and continued with his prayer. I WAS SO SHOCKED. We were on sick exchanges, so when Sister Wilson and I got to Prado View's apartments I told Hermana Sorensen what happened and started tearing up! I know it doesn't seem like the biggest news anyone has every heard, but for me it was the world. Nothing brings me more joy than watching the people I  love become more and more converted to living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Love y'all!

Hermana Tonini

A Primary Christmas

Sorry, I have like zero time to write, but know that I love y'all and that we had a great week! We have a fantastic teaching pool right now and we are just trying to get them all to PROGRESS!!! We had our ward Christmas party which was awesome! We sang with Hno Ga*** and then did another with the Elders.


Also, the Primary gave all of us missionaries a HUGE Christmas. Our ward is combined with the English ward for Primary and all of them brought like food or shampoo or soap or gift cards....all of it individually wrapped! I have never opened up so many presents before in my life! Here is the loot we brought home with us, I love those guys! We also stopped by the infamous fruit stand in Corona and of COURSE we had to document the event. Transfer week AND last week of training.....LETS GO.

No se olviden de iluminar el mundo, k?

❤ TEMPLO ❤

So I don't have much of an update because I just emailed on Friday. Just know that I feel the most blessed than I think I have ever felt in my life. I love my companion. I love Moreno Valley. My ward is incredible. We are now working with TWO incredible families plus Destiny and a new investigator Norma who came to church yesterday. I love this work with all of my heart and I learn something new every day. I am nowhere close to the missionary I need to be. I falter every day. Sometimes I feel like I still belong in training. However, I am learning to have patience with myself and just learn and move on. Progression truly is such a beautiful gift. I love being able to grow WITH my investigators. I know I am leaving in three weeks and it breaks my heart. However, I am going to make the best of the next three weeks. I love this Gospel and these precious children of God. How did I ever get so lucky to serve a mission? I loved being able to go to the temple this week. The Spirit is to tangible in the temple and I received revelation like I never have before. Oh how I long to be in the temple again...but I know there will be time for that after my mission. It was beautiful to be reminded of the sacred covenants I have made with my loving Heavenly Father.

Hermana Soto is the love of my life and she took us to not only the temple but CAFE RIO!

Isn't the Redlands Temple just stunning? 

My cutie comp let me steal her dress for the day and it was an honor to go to the temple with her. Not only are we doing work for the people that are living, but dead as well. What an honor to work together on both sides of the veil.

The Myth. The Legend. The Tonini.

Soooooo, I made some slightly bad decisions this week. Actually, just one. I decided to try one of the Teno***'s food challenges. This family does crazy food challenges for the missionaries and one of them is the burger challenge. They make a SIX POUND BURGER.

Plus a pound of fries on the side. Obviously, I am not that dumb, so we all signed up to do the half-burger challenge. So, it's still a three pound burger and half a pound of fries. That burger was my Everest. I brought pride to my family's name and FINISHED THE CHALLENGE. Elder Whiting was the only other person who could finish it with me. AKA, I beat out three other Elders. It was so hard. And I won't even get into what went on an hour later after our lesson with Vicky Teno***, our recent convert, after dinner. Luckily, we had time to make it back to the apartment. My favorite comment was from Elder Dew, "You looked so happy in all of my pictures I took, but you definitely were NOT this happy."
#struggles

Update on the family we are teaching:

So we had two lessons with them this week, and all they have left is diezmo (tithing)! We taught Palabra de Sabiduria (Word of Wisdom) and Ley de Castidad with them. Law of Chastity was definitely tricky because we had three different age groups in the family, but we somehow made it all work! Karly, the mom, is being a champ! Her daughter's third birthday was yesterday and she told us she put BYOB (bring your own beer) because she won't buy beer anymore!! She also said she went to a restaurant the other day and looked at all of her options, remembered what we taught her, and decided to just play it safe and get water!! They read in the kid's Book of Mormon every night as a family and Karly told us one night when they were watching a movie, Penelope, the three-year old, brought the children's Book of Mormon up to her and said, "Mom, can we read the Book of Mormon?" AHHHHH! <333333 Now, we are just trying to get the mom and the fourteen-year old into the actual Book of Mormon because they aren't going to gain a super strong testimony of it by reading the kid one.

We saw a lot of miracles this week, and it was really good. Last night Monserrat had her interview and she was FOUND WORTHY TO BE BAPTIZED. So there will be a baptism this Sunday! Our whole zone almost is baptizing this Sunday. Four companionship are for sure baptizing, and I think there will be a couple more. Let the battle for the font begin!

Our cutie member, Hermana Beru*** surprised us by making us skirts, so of course we wore them to church to show them off! Our members in the Nuevo Ward are INCREDIBLE.

I love y'all, keep working hard out there, k?

Love,
Hermana Tonini the 3 lb Burger Champion

P.S. I gained all of the weight that I lost back this week so don't worry, I am going on a diet for sure.